The Nod with MCN! S2Ep2: Hollywood's Mark Sheppard joins the chat

Last week saw thousands of listeners stream the first episode of a brand-new series of the The Nod podcast, with Ben Bowers, Charley Boorman, Anthony Partridge and special guest Mark Hawwa – the founder of worldwide charity ride sensation, the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride.  

Produced in conjunction with MCN, The Nod is a podcast series that focusses on biking, mental health, the powerful stories that knit our community together, and the positive power of motorcycling.  

Episode two – available to listen to here, now – features musician and actor, Mark Sheppard. Born in England, Sheppard moved to Dublin, Ireland in his teens and was in a bunch of cool bands in the 1980s – which culminated in him playing support on U2’s Joshua Tree tour. Here’s Mark posing for a picture with host Anthony Partridge:

Then he went to Hollywood, ran some bars, and got into acting. He’s been in the X Files, twelve series of Supernatural, Battlestar Galactica, Firefly and Leverage – and has directed, too in a TV and film career that started more than 30 years ago.

But throughout his life, bikes have been a constant since his late teens. He was into Harley-Davidsons for a long time, but he has always loved Ducati. What started as an itch, turned into a rash, and it’s now covering his entire being – he is a head-to-toe Ducatisti, and has owned more Ducatis than is strictly healthy. He currently has a Desmosedici RR, a Foggy Replica 916, a 916SPS, a Pikes Peak Multistrada, and the list goes on…  

In the new podcast episode, Mark and Nod collective get chatting about Marks’ childhood, his acting, and what fame means in his life – but the episode also delves deeply into themes around suicide and the loss of friends, and is exceptionally powerful.  

Previous episodes of season 2

Episode one  Ant, Ben and Charley are joined by none other than the DGR Founder himself, Mark Hawwa. They dive into his bike history and the power of community to open conversations and save lives. It’s a strong start to season two!

The Nod is proudly supported by the British Motorcycle Insurance Community (#BMIC) a new digital insurance platform for riders and manufacturers that makes insurance work for the community. Visit their website at thebmic.co.uk to learn how you and your rider community can benefit with the BMIC. #jointheride #bikerscommunity  

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Listen to season 1 of The Nod with MCN here

• Episode one Ant, Ben and Charley introduce themselves and the podcast – discussing what they’ve been up to and outlining the series.
• Episode two 1996 Formula One world champion Damon Hill joins the boys in the studio to discuss bikes, sporting success and tackling grief.
• Episode three Six-time British Superbike champion Shane ‘Shakey’ Byrne enters the studio to chat BSB wins, injury recovery and much more.
• Episode four World famous street artist D*Face drops by to talk about his love affair with two wheels and the freedom it gave him as he navigated his path to artistic success.
• Episode five British watch making pioneer Nick English speaks to the boys about his journey to success as a co-founder of Bremont watches.
• Episode six TV presenter Grace Webb of Grace’s Amazing Machines talks about her rise to the top and women in the motorcycle industry.
• Episode seven Callum Pryce, founder of DeBolex custom motorcycle house talks through the challenges of making it in his industry, experimenting with project bikes and the freedom of two wheels.
• Episode eight Double Daytona 200 winner, Brandon Paasch meets the guys at Triumph HQ to discuss the journey to becoming a professional motorcycle racer and the mental struggles it can sometimes bring.
• Episode nine Co-Founder of luxury clothing company Malle London, Robert Nightingale, pops in to discuss his passion for bikes and the adventures they bring you.
• Episode ten George Blagden, star of hit show Vikings, and one careful owner of a Triumh Bonneville, pops into the studio to chat witht he boys about the film industry, his bike history, and more…