MAL POPE

James Hook had a dream, a rugby dream that would only come to pass after he hung up his boots. This week that dream came true in a much bigger way than anyone could have imagined.

I know the stories make out that Peter Rabbit and his mates are the good guys, but I have to tell you, and I hope you won’t tell my granddaughter, but these days I tend to side with Mr McGregor!

It was a beautiful September morning in Mumbles, and I was looking forward to recording some bass guitar with my friend Wal for a new album. By the ends of the day we knew the world had changed forever.

I don’t know if you’re the same as me but lately I’ve had trouble working out what day it is. Not any more. Now I know Today is …September.

LIVING WITH THE TALIBAN. This week I managed to track down Sian, the aid worker I almost went to visit in Afghanistan back in 2000. Why did she go, and why did she leave? She also shares the stories she is now hearing from her friends still there. This is her story of life under the Taliban. www.themalandjohnnyshow.com

Saying yes is powerful. It has taken me all around the world. Sometimes we say yes but circumstances say no. That’s what happened to me in 2001 but I still feel Hireath for Herat, Afghanistan and admiration for the woman from Wales who stood her ground in the face of the Taliban

I thought I knew the story about Steve Balsamo’s journey from the pubs of South Wales to the West End but in this week’s Mal & Johnny Show podcast I found myself speechless as the tail unfolded.

Awful weather and it’s all my fault. I know I shouldn’t have tempted fate releasing a new song called ‘Summer’s Gone’.

These Olympic Games might more low key than normal but they can still set the heart racing and the tears streaming.

Press Ups in the mud made a lasting impression. The passing of former Wales Manager Mike Smith this week reminded me of an important lesson learnt on a wet muddy football pitch over 40 years ago.