Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast The Soap Box Podcast
| Titre | Date | Durée | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Why you don’t need big numbers to make big change, with Louis Watkins | 26 Nov 2025 | 00:41:05 | |
Today on The Soap Box, I’m talking to Louis Watkins, the founder of Clear for Men, a skincare brand designed to do more than clean your face — it’s a daily reminder to take five minutes for yourself. It sounds simple, but Louis is genuinely an inspiration (and I don’t say that lightly). Louis is on a mission to normalise mental health conversations among men. He’s a huge advocate for men’s mental health, and after personally struggling with his own challenges around 2020, he became determined to break the stigma that so often keeps men silent out of fear of being judged. His flagship product, the Take Five® Facial Cleanser, is intentionally designed to be that physical cue each morning — a simple pause to reflect and care for your mental and physical wellbeing. His story is incredible. His vision is powerful. His passion, enthusiasm, and empathy are all off the charts. And since launching Clear for Men, Louis has raised hundreds of pounds for mental health charities, sparked hundreds of meaningful conversations, and helped hundreds of men simply take five. In this episode, we talk about the journey he’s been on, the courage it takes to speak openly about men’s mental health, and the surprising ways a business can hold multiple purposes at once. Louis is a brilliant example of how you can measure impact in more than one way, how your KPIs can be human as well as financial, and how the path to building something meaningful is anything but linear. So sit back, get ready to be inspired whether you’re sipping your coffee or folding your laundry, and listen to Louis get on his soapbox. Louis' Links: Buy Take Five® Invigorating Facial Cleanser at clearformen.co.uk Carefully formulated to deeply boost hydration and support the skin's natural barrier, Louis' Take Five® cleanser also serves as a daily reminder for men to "Take Five" for themselves. 15% of profits are donated to CALM and Mind. Instagram: @weareclear_ / @louiswxtkins Looking for more? | |||
| I am a disappointing social activist | 05 Nov 2025 | 00:13:41 | |
Thoughts on where I'm falling short, why that's ok, and what to do instead. Looking for more? | |||
| Why sex ed isn’t just for teens, with Tristin Agtarap | 09 Jul 2025 | 00:51:17 | |
Take my dulcet tones off speaker and pop in your earbuds because today, we’re talking about sex. This episode is a deep dive into what it really means to talk about sex, health, and education in ways that actually land. And a lot of it might surprise you. My guest is Dr Tristin Agtarap, a psychologist, researcher, and all-round brilliant human, who specialises in sexual and reproductive health, gender equality, and the cultural factors that shape our well-being. Tris works at Brook, one of the UK’s leading sexual health charities, but her work goes far beyond the sex ed you might remember from school. She brings together academic research and applied practice to create culturally responsive, person-centred approaches to health education. We talk about why sex education is never one size fits all, what cross-cultural psychology can teach us about stigma, and how platform policies and censorship are making it harder to share essential health messages. Tris also shares why sex education is something we should be revisiting across our lives – not just in Year 9 PSHE, or you know, whatever the American equivalent is. It’s a conversation centred around nuance, human behaviour, and the real challenges of helping people make informed decisions in a world full of shame, silence, and misinformation. So if you’re a parent, an educator, a health professional, or just a curious person who enjoys unpacking interesting topics, then this one’s for you. Dig in through your earbuds, and listen to Tris get on her soapbox. Tristin's Links: Email Tris at tagtarap@icloud.com Published Papers:
Looking for more? | |||
| Unravelling the time industry, with Vikki Yaffe | 01 Jul 2025 | 00:38:45 | |
If you finally work out how to time block, then you’ll get everything done on that giant to-do list of yours, right? And once Amazon delivers that tomato-shaped Pomodoro timer, you’ll finally reach those big goals. You’ll get that offer written, create the thing, write the book. Well… not necessarily, according to this week’s guest. Vikki Yaffe says we’ve created systems and norms that don’t work for 95% of the population. And instead of desperately trying to find the right tool to squeeze ourselves into the right shape, maybe we should be changing the game completely. Vikki is the founder and CEO of Time Hackers, and host of the Hack Your Time podcast (which you should absolutely check out after this episode). After going through three burnouts, she’s focused on unravelling the time industry altogether, and helping people rethink how they relate to productivity, anxiety, procrastination and time itself. We talk about ambitious overachievers, people who complain about time as part of their personality (hi, yes, guilty), and the fact that our work week was developed by Henry Ford – and how we’re still organising our lives around something created a hundred years ago. Vikki shares stories from her clients, tools that didn’t work, and what she’s doing differently now. There’s loads in here that’s practical and helpful – for your business, your life, your mindset, your household, and all the life admin that comes with it. So even if you’re doing the washing or cooking the dinner, grab a notebook, open up your notes app, as well as your coffee, and listen to Vikki get on her soapbox. Vikki's Links: Create your Most Productive Week Looking for more? | |||
| What do you REALLY need to do to market your business, with Danielle Thompson | 05 Jun 2025 | 00:46:59 | |
We think we know what it takes to market a business online. A bit of Instagram wizardry here, a five-step LinkedIn funnel there, a sprinkle of referral strategy and maybe a course by someone who talks like Alex Hormozi but wears a skirt suit – and boom, marketing sorted. Right? Wrong. This isn’t technically a marketing podcast, but let’s be honest, if you’re a business owner with a social conscience, you need a way to market that actually works without selling your soul. You want to reach people, make money, and further your mission, but the idea of 24/7 content, manipulative tactics, and “girlboss” style strategies just doesn’t sit right. So what do you actually do? That’s exactly why I wanted to chat to today’s guest, Danielle Thompson. Danielle is the founder of Goldspun Support, a company that provides operational foundations for Fractional Directors, so they can focus on high-value strategic work, increase their revenue, and reclaim their work-life balance. With 16 years of experience spanning corporate, small and micro enterprises, she knows what it takes to run a business without burning out. Supporting people to avoid burnout is actually one of Danielle’s biggest soapboxes – though not the one she’s jumping on today. Instead, we’re talking about one of her other passions: demystifying marketing for every single business owner out there. In this episode, Danielle gets into the real essentials of what you actually need to do to market your business (and what you absolutely don’t). We talk about values-led marketing, ethical growth, and how to cut through the noise of overcomplicated, overhyped advice. No thousand-pound courses, no terrifying sales funnels, and definitely no dancing on TikTok required. If you’ve ever felt like you're failing at marketing simply because you’re not glued to your phone, this one’s for you. Danielle is brilliant, honest, and a joy to talk to. We chatted long before we hit record and probably could’ve kept going for hours after we stopped. I’m so excited for you to hear what she has to say. You’re going to love this one. So grab a coffee, probably a notebook, and listen to Danielle get on her soapbox. Danielle's Links: Follow Danielle on Instagram Looking for more? | |||
| How your website could save the planet, with Teresa Ferreira | 15 May 2025 | 00:43:16 | |
Sustainability is on all of our minds right now. Whether it’s arguments about bin collections, fast fashion waste, or what the hell AI is doing to the planet, it’s everywhere. And let’s be honest, sustainability has also become big business. If people care about it in their daily lives, they’re definitely thinking about it when they make decisions about who to buy from and work with. Which is all well and good if you’re a product-based business with compostable packaging and tree-planting perks, but what if you don’t make anything tangible? How do you show that sustainability matters to you when your business is mostly digital? That’s exactly why I wanted to chat to today’s guest, Teresa Ferreira. Teresa is a Creative and Brand Consultant and the founder of Farrgood Studio. She helps businesses build timeless brands™ and impactful designs – ones that don’t just look great, but also align with the things you care about. With 16 years of experience across media, health, luxury, and fashion (and a stint as Head of Design at the Financial Times, no less), she blends strategy and creativity in a way that’s seriously impressive. Her studio partners with businesses that are all about positive change, whether through social impact, sustainability, or purpose-led missions—and she’s worked with the likes of Adobe, Somerset House, BBC, and Allbright. In this episode, we dive into what digital sustainability actually means, how your website might be leaving a bigger carbon footprint than you think, and how small design choices, like your images or hosting, can make a difference. We talk about using your brand and storytelling to carry sustainability through everything you do, not just your marketing blurb. There’s a load in here that might surprise you, and plenty of ideas you can actually apply – whether you’re deep in the eco-space already, or just starting to think about how your business fits into the bigger picture. So grab a coffee, get comfy, and listen to Teresa get on her soapbox. Teresa's Links: Book a call – Ferrgood Studio Tech Hub Enterprise Nation X Google + Sage webinar: Branding, storytelling, and tools for growth Looking for more? | |||
| How to build a business by swearing on the internet, with Lauren Howard | 17 Apr 2025 | 00:52:45 | |
You know that feeling when you stumble across someone on social media and immediately think, yep – they’re one of my people? That’s exactly what happened when I found Lauren, aka L2, on Threads. While most of the coaching world was busy copy-pasting their Instagram strategies onto this new platform (and wondering why it wasn’t working), Lauren stood out by doing the opposite: saying what she actually thought. Thankfully, she’s not just insightful – she’s also scathingly funny, allergic to bullshit, and one hell of a communicator. Lauren is the founder of LBee Health, a neuro-affirming mental health clinic in the U.S. that’s committed to making care genuinely accessible for people of every identity. With over a decade of experience in clinical operations and digital health strategy, she’s on a mission to foster open conversations about mental health and create resources that actually meet people where they are. Through LBee Health, Lauren empowers others to prioritise their mental well-being and access the support they need. I first came across her content when she was talking openly about her own autism assessment journey. As the parent of an autistic child, this hit home – especially knowing just how stressful and inaccessible the diagnostic process can be. In a world where American healthcare is… let’s say less than straightforward, Lauren is doing radical, meaningful work. And she’s doing it in a way that centres integrity, transparency, and humanity, while also building a business that supports her bottom line. Because yes, you can do both. You’ll also get a behind-the-scenes peek at how she runs LBee Health, why she believes in swearing on the internet (spoiler: it’s liberating), and how she infuses her values into every part of her communication. Grab a notebook, pour your coffee, and settle in, because Lauren’s getting on her soapbox, and you won’t want to miss a word. Lauren's Links: Follow Lauren on Threads LBee Health Website Looking for more? | |||
| Why it’s not your fault, with Pippa Parfait | 20 Feb 2025 | 00:49:57 | |
What if the way you’ve been told to run your business isn’t working for you—not because you’re doing it wrong, but because it was never designed for you in the first place? In this episode, we sit down with Pippa Parfait, co-founder of the Disobedient Business® Co., to unpack why traditional business rules often fail us and how to build a business that truly works for you. We dive into the patriarchal origins of business norms, the pressure to follow so-called "best practices," and the guilt that comes when they don’t fit. Pippa shares her insights on commerce vs. capitalism, the myth of meritocracy, and why embracing your unique way of working is the key to success. As the founder and one half of Disobedient Business® Co., alongside her eldest sproglet and biz partner, Lucy, Pippa is on a mission to help anti-status quo business owners figure out their shit, chuck the business BS rulebook, and actually create businesses they love—without burning out or compromising their values. A proudly neurodivergent business coach (sometimes a mess, often awesome), she works with rebellious, often spicy-brained entrepreneurs to craft integrity-packed plans that are simple, sustainable, and achievable. For Pippa, success and integrity aren’t an either/or situation—they’re both a big fat 100. She’s also a brilliant human, full of wisdom, humour, and a healthy dose of swearing—so, you might want to grab your earbuds for this one. We also touch on:
This is an eye-opening, laugh-out-loud conversation that will leave you feeling empowered to do business on your terms. So grab a coffee, get comfy, and listen to Pippa get on her soap box! Pippa's Links: Disobedient Business® Mastermind Looking for more? | |||
| How to live your company values when the rubber hits the road, with Lisa-Maree Blumenfeld | 05 Feb 2025 | 00:46:12 | |
What happens to your values as leaders and business owners when the rubber really hits the road? In this timely and critical episode, we explore what it truly means for businesses to live their values—not just when things are easy, but when it really counts. Recorded just a week after Donald Trump’s 2025 inauguration, this conversation comes at a pivotal moment as businesses across the U.S. face unprecedented challenges. With new executive orders and shifting workplace dynamics, how can leaders ensure they’re supporting and protecting their teams in meaningful ways? Our guest, Lisa-Maree Blumenfeld, is the founder of Retain, a HR consulting firm that has been helping startups and mid-sized companies build strong, compliant, and values-driven cultures for years. With over 25 years of experience across fast-growing startups and established corporations, she brings a rare blend of expertise, empathy, and real-world insight into how businesses can uphold their principles when it matters most. Currently, she’s also the co-founder and COO of Eleven, a communication platform designed to help empower leaders to up level conversations with their teams. Lisa-Marie joins us to share her expertise and practical insights on how businesses can navigate these turbulent times while staying true to their core values. This isn’t your typical HR conversation about policies and procedures. We talk about:
If you’re a business leader or founder navigating these difficult decisions and striving to build a purpose-driven company, this conversation will challenge you to think about how your values show up in the real, everyday experiences of your employees. Grab a coffee, settle in, and listen as Lisa-Marie gets on her soap box about leadership, integrity, and the real-world implications of living your company’s values. Resources & Links: Email Lisa-Maree at lisa@retainhr.com Looking for more? | |||
| Why you feel the need to belong, with Amena Chaudhry | 23 Jan 2025 | 00:57:56 | |
What does it mean to belong, and why is it so important to us? Amena on LinkedIn Looking for more? | |||
| Exercise is political, with Donna Noble | 09 Jan 2025 | 00:51:19 | |
In this episode, we explore the intersection of politics, exercise, and social justice with Donna Noble, the inspiring Founder of CurvesomeYoga and a leading advocate for body positivity and inclusivity in wellness. Instagram: @donnanobleyoga / @curvesomeyoga Looking for more? | |||
| How would you lead? with Sarae Pratt | 28 Nov 2024 | 00:51:44 | |
What comes to mind when you picture a leader? For many, it’s the same old stereotype: a white man in a suit, speaking and acting in a particular, "traditional" way. This narrow vision of leadership shapes how we see ourselves, particularly if we're women, and whether we even see ourselves as leaders at all. But what if there’s a different way? It’s an inspiring conversation about breaking cycles and reshaping leadership to reflect who we truly are. Grab your coffee and tune in—you won’t want to miss Sarae get on her soap box! Looking for more? | |||
| Why you can’t outsource your values, with Crystal Whiteaker | 20 Oct 2025 | 00:34:33 | |
Today's guest is Crystal Whiteaker, founder of Crystal Lily Creative, an inclusive leadership and brand development consultancy. Crystal is also the author of Brave Leadership is a Choice: An Inclusive Guide to Creating Belonging, and she works with mission-driven founders over meaningful stretches of time – starting with who you are as a leader, then aligning your messaging and your backend systems so the experience you promise is the one people actually get. With 20 years of experience across creative and process-driven industries, Crystal brings a unique blend of strategy, empathy, and creativity to her work. She helps leaders make aligned, human-focused decisions and build environments rooted in diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. In our conversation, we dig into values as more than very snazzy wall art (you know the type I mean). Crystal frames them as a working compass that helps you choose, especially when the choice is hard. She shares her Aligned Values Framework®, the way she helps her clients anchor their decisions in what they stand for before they go hunting for bias and gaps in their operations. We also talk about the difference between supporting diversity and practising inclusion, and the different ways inclusion shows up day to day. And because none of this is tidy, Crystal offers simple ways for leaders to build tolerance for discomfort, so the work continues even when the climate makes it tempting to step back. If you care about leading with your values, both in what you say and how you run things, this one will feel like a deep breath and a nudge forward. So, as always, grab your notebook and a cup of coffee, and listen to Crystal get on her soapbox. Crystal's Links: Brave Leadership Roundtable: A community gathering for socially conscious leaders to discuss values-aligned leadership and how we show up in consideration of ourselves, our communities, the people we serve, our messaging, and how we talk about the things that matter to us and our work. Email Crystal at YouBelong@crystallily.co Looking for more? | |||
| Why taxes are awesome | 31 Oct 2024 | 00:18:39 | |
With rumours circulating, often planted by right-wing media, suggesting that everyone's taxes are going up and that Labour had lied in their campaigning, there's a notion that we’re heading back to the 1970s in some vague way. In light of this, I thought it best to hop on my soapbox and share my thoughts on the matter: taxes are awesome. Yes, I said it. As we approach the budget announcement where the chancellor will set various tax levels, there’s another frustrating semantic debate about what “working people” actually means. We shouldn’t be arguing over whose class qualifies as working people just to rejoice in not having our taxes raised. Instead, we should be using clear examples on a giant whiteboards to explain why paying taxes is great. Every time you pay your tax bill, you're not just funding government services; you're investing in future entrepreneurs, schools, hospitals, and the next generation of innovative thinkers. If we want a society where people can be happy, successful, safe, and supported, we need to recognise that, until we overthrow capitalism, we're going to have to pay for it. This is perhaps the simplest way we can contribute to building the kind of society we want to see. And I really believe we should start rethinking how we view our role in society. In this episode, I share three reasons why taxes are, in fact, awesome, and why we should want to pay them. Looking for more? | |||
| Enthusiastically waving goodbye to White Feminism, with Lucy Lucraft | 24 Oct 2024 | 00:43:11 | |
What does your bookshelf look like? Is it a towering stack of paperbacks you bought with the best intentions, or are you more of a digital reader with a Kindle full of interesting titles? One side of my house is pretty much completely covered in books, and while I’ve read a lot of them, a good chunk are there just waiting to be cracked open. And amongst those books are a lot on allyship and anti-racism, some of which were bought around the Black Lives Matter protests. In this episode, I talk to Lucy Lucraft, a passionate podcast producer and former award-nominated journalist who helps creative women grow their own podcasts. Lucy is committed to amplifying voices that often go unheard, and as an intersectional feminist, she focuses on working with those who genuinely care about making a difference in the world. We dig into the idea that simply buying or reading more books isn’t enough. What really matters is how we use that information to make real change in the lives and communities around us. Lucy shares her experience running an online business as a marginalised person and explores the need to deconstruct our thinking shaped by the patriarchy and white supremacy. We also discuss the significant damage caused by white feminism and its connections to broader societal issues. This conversation is packed with thought-provoking questions and insights, leaving me, and hopefully you, with a greater understanding of how to move forward as an ally—beyond just adding another book to your shelf. So, brace yourself, get your notebook ready, and listen to Lucy get on her soapbox! Looking for more? | |||
| It’s time to redefine wealth, with Stella Gold | 17 Oct 2024 | 00:45:29 | |
Sometimes, it's the most unlikely personal circumstances that push us into the careers we end up in. I never thought I would go into business and marketing, but a pandemic and a blog about being widowed set me on this path—right here in your earbuds, discussing how you can champion the causes you care about in your messaging. In today’s episode, our guest’s journey toward their current career also began with grief. Stella Gold is a rebirth and wealth coach for changemakers, coming from a lineage of activists. They are the founder of My Gold Standard, a strong advocate for wealth activism, liberation from oppressive systems, and collective care. My Gold Standard's work blends wealth and business coaching, and yes, we're back on the money today—exploring grief, death, and spirituality. Stella believes in using business as an ecosystem for financial solidarity, focusing on resourcing both ourselves and the collective to create a more just and liberating world. Their personal experience with grief led them to dive into the world of money and finance, and we share a similar story about navigating the “death admin” that follows losing a loved one—handling that at exactly the wrong time. We discuss the profound impact money has on our interactions with the world, the scarcity mindset many entrepreneurs face, and how Stella helps clients overcome that mindset while reframing their views on wealth. We're looking at these themes from a more spiritual standpoint and from the other side of the Atlantic compared to our conversation with Jess a few weeks ago. It’s an eye-opening and fascinating discussion, and I’m immensely grateful to Stella for their vulnerability and honesty. I can't wait for you to share in this experience with us! Wealth Expansion for Entrepreneurs Looking for more? | |||
| How I stopped nodding and smiling, with Siobhan Strode | 10 Oct 2024 | 00:38:35 | |
How comfortable are you telling your story? I talk with a lot of creatives, copywriters, messaging strategists, and coaches—people who are really comfortable sharing stories about others as part of their work. They're comfortable at helping others tell their own stories, and are really happy to be advocates for them too. In my circles, there are a lot of individuals for whom advocacy and being other people's voices is a huge part of their personality and their passion. But how comfortable are you telling your own story? Today, I'm speaking to Siobhan Strode, an incredibly wonderful and fabulous human being who is also a dear friend of mine. Siobhan is a word witch, a copy coach, and a mentor based in Devon, UK. With a background in education, activism, and politics, social justice is truly in her veins. She helps individuals raise their voices and lead the change they want to see in the world. We talk about her impressive political background (far more so than mine), the hidden stories of women throughout history, and the importance of sharing them. We also explore how, as cishet white women, we have a responsibility to address issues from our place of relative privilege. And she wraps up our conversation by sharing three tips for anyone feeling nervous about telling their own story. Siobhan is obsessed with women sharing their magic, whether that’s through their small biz or their next campaigns. When she’s not writing or shouting through a megaphone, you can usually find her on the beach with her kids and Strike, the family hound. Looking for more? | |||
| Are we ignoring the non-parents? with Lisa Kissane | 03 Oct 2024 | 00:45:36 | |
In today’s episode, I got the chance to geek out with a fellow youth professional, Lisa Kissane. Lisa is a website and sales page copywriter for service-based businesses that are dedicated to doing good for others. With her background as a social worker, we bonded over the importance of having a sense of purpose in our work. Lisa shared her experiences of feeling unrepresented as a woman without children—in literature, community, and even in language. She took us through her inspiring journey of developing a book club for non-mothers and the wider community she’s building. She’s the founder of Flow: The Non-Parent Network, a business networking group for people who don't have kids. Join us as we dive into an exploration of roles, nuance, and the significance of community! Looking for more? | |||
| Why we need to talk about money, with Jessamy Walker | 30 Sep 2024 | 00:47:22 | |
How do you feel about money? In this episode, we dive deep into the emotional aspects of money and financial literacy with Jess Walker, a financial advisor and the founder of Bare Naked Money. Jess has been featured in The Times as one of the top 100 advisers to watch out for and is the author of Get Financially Fearless, a book that gives people the practical steps to harness their subconscious and grow their wealth. But, what truly excites Jess isn’t all those awards or recognition—it’s seeing that "light bulb moment" when people realize they can take control of their finances and make money work for them. She says that if she can help one more person understand their finances every single day that she’s on this planet, then she’ll die a happy lady. Jess joins us to discuss the importance of understanding your money personality, the impact of financial education (or the lack thereof), and how to develop a healthier relationship with money. She also shares her mission to help people get a better grasp on their finances and explains why financial literacy is so crucial, especially for business owners. Tune in to hear Jess’s story, her insights, and practical advice on making money work for you. Looking for more? | |||
| What's it like being a woman in politics, with Lorena Banda | 21 Aug 2024 | 00:34:58 | |
Lorena Banda is a Latina leader in sex positivity, a speaker and an advocate. Lorena and I also talk about the importance of being authentic in politics. And how hard this is for women especially to navigate. And how opening up positions on campaigns to people from new generations and diverse backgrounds can build more excitement around politics.
Looking for more? | |||
| Emergency podcast - the UK Riots | 05 Aug 2024 | 00:15:28 | |
As I record this, a series of violent riots are spreading across the UK. Last week, a 17 year old boy attacked children and adults at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport, killing 3 young girls, and injuring many others. Misinformation quickly spread on social media, claiming the attacker was Muslim, and had arrived in the UK on a small boat. (The police later confirmed that he was a UK citizen, born in Cardiff). And a large group of people gathered in the town, throwing bricks at police and the local mosque, setting fires and throwing bottles. The riots have spread to London, Rotherham, Middlesbrough, and other places across the UK. And the government and police are trying to stamp them out. It’s not going well. Black, Asian, Muslim people are being harassed and attacked. And a lot of the people in my circles are dismayed at the state of their country right now. That this sort of thing could happen. This short episode unpacks some of the reasons we're here - and how we can change direction. Looking for more? | |||
| Would you even know if you were in burnout? with Carole Jean Whittington | 12 Jun 2024 | 00:51:36 | |
What's the difference between being a little bit frazzled and needing just five minutes without anybody asking you questions to get back to equilibrium, and being in burnout? My guest today is Carole Jean Whittington. She's a wellness trailblazer, and she specializes in burnout research and restoration for neurodivergent and disabled adults. Her three-year global research led to the Whittington Burnout Inventory, offering insight into burnout. Her acclaimed talk show "Beyond Chronic Burnout" reaches 96 countries with over 550,000 listeners. And she's the author of "Unleashing Sustainable Energy". Carole Jean is a master storyteller, and today you'll get to hear her story of how she discovered that she had autism and ADHD, her instinct to put others' needs before her own until her body wouldn't let her anymore. And how she went from feeling completely useless, to approaching her body like a science experiment and taking the time to rediscover who she was. Carole Jean is passionate about helping people make their way out of burnout. Looking for more? | |||
| Why it's time to shake off the "cool kid disdain" and embrace enthusiasm with Ellie Kime | 05 Jun 2024 | 00:46:50 | |
Does being enthusiastic feel a little bit cringe? I don't know about you, but I grew up in a culture where being enthusiastic or passionate about anything was considered to be a little bit weird. It was not cool to be keen. It was cool to be jaded, To not get excited about anything, Which is one of the reasons why talking to my guest today was so refreshing. Ellie Kime is a messaging mentor, helping small businesses explain who they are, what they do, and why they're so good at it. She also founded the Enthusiast and Co. A platform to encourage people to be more unashamedly, unabashedly, enthusiastic, and to believe that caring is cool. So she's the perfect person to talk about passion and enthusiasm with. And as Ellie says in the podcast, enthusiasm is one of those things that really makes life worth living. We talked about a whole bunch of stuff on the podcast, including digging into Ellie's dissertation on fangirls and how they were treated by the media, and my dissertation too. We discussed how enthusiasm could feel very frivolous but that, actually, it's an essential part of an activist's toolkit - one of the ways that we stay connected. We talked about how working in the wedding business gave Ellie insight into the psychology behind consumer behaviour. We talked about how we see women's hobbies and enthusiasms or their pastimes as having less value. And how this bleeds into the way we regard different people's businesses or their skills. And we talked about how we reach for the big issues when people ask us what we care about. But that actually those seemingly niche causes - not only do they matter to you, but also they're a lot easier to get our teeth into and try and do something about. Oh, and Ellie introduces me to the patriarchy! (lolz) I had a lot of fun diving into Ellie's understanding of fangirls, into sexism, misogyny, football games, and academic sugar daddies. So, yeah, strap in, grab a cup of tea, and listen to Ellie get on her soapbox.
Looking for more? | |||
| How to do good and do well, with Sarah Fox | 24 Sep 2025 | 00:45:20 | |
Today’s Soapbox is for anyone who’s ever tried to make things better, but found themselves wondering if it’s really making a dent. (I know that’s been me at times.) My guest, Sarah Fox, has spent years at the messy human end of change – community arts, small charities, and now coaching and supervision for leaders. She’s an accredited coach, coach supervisor, trainer, and action learning facilitator, supporting socially minded leaders, founders, freelancers, and organisations to clarify their vision and lead with impact so that they and the people around them can thrive. She also hosts the Do Good and Do Well podcast. Together, we talk about what it really means to do good and do well without wearing the martyr badge. We dig into questions like: what does “good” even mean? How can we swap heroics for collaboration? And how can people with resources turn that quiet pull in their chest into real action – whether that’s through money, time, boards, policy, or the way they lead and coach. If you’re tired, a bit cross, and still wildly hopeful about what this world could be, then this one’s for you. So sit back, get ready to be fired up, and listen to Sarah get on her soapbox. Sarah's Links: Email Sarah at andsarah@sarahfox.co.uk Looking for more? | |||
| Could coaching help us navigate this polycrisis? with Keri Jarvis | 29 May 2024 | 00:48:13 | |
Is coaching just another navel-gazing pastime for middle-class women? Keri is also possibly one of the smartest people I've talked to in a really long time. And the whole entire conversation blew my mind. Amongst a plethora of other things, Keri talks to me about how coaching promises to be an antidote to the corporate world, but really just ends up reinforcing those systems, with a little bit of woo sprinkle on top. We chat about how to navigate the discomfort that often comes with spending time on self development when the world is falling apart. And we explore living in the system whilst trying to break it apart. If you've spent any time around the coaching industry, then a lot of the questions and the conundrums that we unpick in this podcast will be extremely relevant to you. And I'm hoping, and so is Keri, that this episode will give you a more positive perspective on the potential that coaching has to, be a rehearsal space for creating better relationships, , better movements and ultimately a better world. I'm convinced that you will love this episode, so I'm not even going to say that I hope you like it! So grab a cup of coffee, probably a notebook and sit back and enjoy Keri getting on her soapbox. Find Keri on Instagram Looking for more? | |||
| How marketing co-opted authenticity, with Lauren Esmay | 23 May 2024 | 00:41:13 | |
I'm calling an amnesty today. I'm talking today to Lauren Esmay. Lauren is a copywriter who specializes in helping clients create a holistic framework to serve their clients and consumers better. She's a PhD candidate in health psychology, and she's completed extensive research in self connection. And today, she's talking to me about how Webster's 2023 Word of the Year - Authenticity - is her personal soapbox. So as someone who is about to go away and rewrite their website, and find more creative ways of demonstrating that I run a business that is a true representation of myself and my values. I want to encourage you to think about how often you reach for this easy shorthand of words like authenticity or authentic and how we might be contributing to the co opting of a really important concept by those who are just trying to sell more stuff. Lauren's got a lot of interesting things to say and her background in health psychology makes this a really valuable conversation. So sit back, grab a cup of tea and listen to Lauren get on her soapbox. Looking for more? | |||
| Hip Hop can save the world, with Evante Daniels | 20 Mar 2024 | 00:41:11 | |
Power. Who’s got it? Who’s trying to get it? And who’s trying to keep it from you? It's the age old question. And that's what I'm talking about on the podcast today with my guest Evante Daniels. Evante is a content strategist and the author of “Power, Beats and Rhymes”. A book that we discussed in our chat. He's got over 16 years of experience in content production, and he's consulted for brands like Adidas, Jordan, and Apple. And he believes that hip-hop can save the world. In our chat, we talk about how this decentralized movement is something that we could learn from to turn the tables on those in power. And it's a wide-ranging conversation, that starts in Rome, and moves through manifest destiny, all the way to televised presidential debates, and how we can think critically when we engage with content online. Evante brings this lens of hip-hop to lay over all of the things that we talk about.
Evante’s book, “Power, Beats, and Rhymes” guides our conversation. And once you've listened to this episode, I implore you to go and pre-order his book. Read it. And grab one of the tips that he gathers to transform your community and the way that you act within our culture. I can't wait for you to hear this chat with Evante. I think you'll really enjoy it. So sit back. Get comfortable. And listen to Evante, jump on his soap box.
Looking for more? | |||
| Our bodies are political, with Clio Wood | 13 Mar 2024 | 00:42:12 | |
In all my soapbox content, I really tried to get the message across that politics isn't all votes, caucuses, ideologies, and arguments. It's not all climate change, economics, and big business. Politics is in the everyday structures, systems, and barriers that we face. It's what gets funded. It's childcare. It's how we access healthcare. It's mental health support and how this helps us work. It's caring responsibilities and the rules and guidelines on the internet. It's food safety and who looks after playgrounds. It's families and who's protected. It's everything. And that's why today I'm talking to Clio Wood. Clio is a women's health and sex positivity advocate, a journalist, and the author of “Get your mojo back: sex pleasure and intimacy after birth”. As well as the founder of &breathe: an award-winning well-being retreat company for motherhood and menopause. Because politics is also - sex. We talk about the marginalization of women's health. We talk about how normal medical words are considered swear words or inappropriate across social media and in our own conversations. So that we feel uncomfortable talking about our own bodies. Which then has implications for how we can advocate for our own health and safety, and communicate in our relationships. The way that society treats mothers, and women at all stages of their lives is political. And we do use words in this week's episode, like vagina and vulva. We use words like sex, childbirth, periods, we talk about episiotomies, internal scarring and ultrasounds. If you're at all uncomfortable about those kinds of things, then there are plenty of other episodes that you can dive into. But I really hope you won’t. Because these are not issues that should be unspoken taboos. These are the everyday experiences of over 50% of the world's population. We owe it to ourselves. We owe it to those around us. We owe it to our children to be comfortable talking about them. And to be comfortable dealing with the way that society is marginalizing the lived experience of half the planet.
Looking for more? | |||
| Breaking out of The Truman Show with Kira Hug | 06 Mar 2024 | 00:51:31 | |
This week on the soap box, I get to talk to. Kira Hug. A personality-driven copywriter and co-founder of The Copywriter Club: the home of everything you need to be a successful, growing, supported, and curious copywriter. And also someone who I'm proud to call a friend. Kira is a thoughtful, curious, empathetic, and fascinating human being, and we covered so much in our conversation. We talked about how you find a balance between caring about the things that are going on in the world and just, you know, doing your job on a daily basis. And how we make the transition between the two. We talk about the impact that the iPhone has had on our ability to consume information, on how connected we feel, and the way that we communicate with other people. And we talk about how Kira deals with the elephant in the room: this unrelenting tide of hardships and crises going on around the world. And how it often feels like we're not meant to talk about them in our businesses or in our lives. So, if you're interested in trying to work out how people who do care can use their problem-solving skills to positively impact these elephant-in-the-room issues. Or Kira’s journey from iPhone to flip phone and how it's affected her life and relationships. Why I turned off my breaking news notifications, and why I'm rediscovering a weekend newspaper habit. Then listen up. Wherever you are in your life or business right now. Whatever issues you're grappling with. Whatever point you are at in trying to weave your business and your social conscience. There's something in this episode for you.
Top client-finding tips curated from ~400 The Copywriter Club podcast episodes...all in your proverbial back pocket. Looking for more? | |||
| Why passion is the problem, with Tracy Johnson | 01 Feb 2024 | 00:45:03 | |
"We need people who are able to navigate their own emotions. To be compassionate to the emotion of others. So that they can get up day in and day out and keep fighting the good fight. Because it's hard, and they need to know that they can fight and help their cause without having to sacrifice their mental and emotional well-being." Looking for more? | |||
| How to sell without selling your soul, with Abi Pendergst | 13 Dec 2023 | 00:34:07 | |
So, you've sat through CopySchool. Binged Breakthrough Advertising (after taking out a mortgage to afford a copy). Watched a few too many webinars for someone who has an actual job. Listened to all the social media gurus. And you have a whole quiver of sales tactics at the ready. Urgency, scarcity, all the Cialdini tricks, agitation of pain points. But, when you come to write for your clients (or your own business), it's starting to feel a bit icky. Do you really need that countdown timer on your upsell page? Should you really be diving into how awful your customer's life will be if they don't buy from you? Have you become one of those bro marketers, lounging over your Lamborghini in your ray bans? Sales is icky and manipulative, right? Well, not always. And that's what I'm talking about with Abi Pendergast in this week's pod episode. Abi is a conversion copywriter and funnel strategist for course creators. She uses her evergreen frameworks so that passionate and talented people reach those they can help. How can you use effective sales and marketing frameworks, without feeling like a used car salesperson? Abi spills all, including:
If you're searching for ways to sell your stuff, without selling your soul, then this is the episode for you. Sit back, and enjoy Abi getting on her soap box.
Looking for more? | |||
| Why you have more power than you can possibly imagine, with Liana Fricker | 06 Dec 2023 | 00:52:41 | |
As I record this, the UK Advertising Standards Agency is cracking down on how businesses use terms like biodegradable recyclable, and compostable. So they don't mislead consumers. Looking for more? | |||
| How is your messaging driving people to action? | 29 Nov 2023 | 00:46:50 | |
Should we be terrified or hopeful about the future? My guest today believes we face huge challenges with climate, technology, and inequality, but he also sees routes to tackle them. I can’t wait to introduce you to Brandon Burton. Brandon’s a Brand voice Strategist who helps businesses scale their communication in a way that means they still sound like themselves. He’s also a futurist - with a long-term perspective that puts me to shame. Something that we sorely need in a world obsessed with the next news cycle. In today’s episode we cover a LOT of ground, from
If you’re looking at your newsfeed right now with a mix of confusion, hopelessness, and an inability to take Elon Musk seriously, then you need to listen in. Keep a notepad handy - you’re gonna need it! Let’s welcome Brandon to The Soap Box.
Looking for more? | |||
| Why conversion isn't always king, with Ellen Bryant | 16 Nov 2023 | 00:42:50 | |
What's your focus when you are crafting the messaging for your brand. Is it clarity? Conversion. Consistency. Comedy? Looking for more? | |||
| Why you should follow your gut, with Tarrah Nhari | 02 Sep 2025 | 00:44:50 | |
Today on the Soap Box, I’m joined by Tarrah Nhari, CEO and co-founder of Tammwe, a platform that connects African and displaced freelancers with global opportunities. Through Tammwe’s enterprise services, Tarrah also partners with tech teams across the African continent, helping them land bigger projects while championing fair pay, skills development, and economic growth. But as is often the case with my guests, that’s just one part of her story. Tarrah is fiercely driven by equity – whether she’s tackling stereotypes in the freelance market, building spaces for Black and non-binary founders, or writing about authenticity and neurodivergence on LinkedIn. At the heart of it all is her belief in empathetic leadership, fairness, and creating opportunities where others see barriers. In our conversation, we dig into what equity really looks like in practice, and why sometimes your gut instinct is the best strategy you’ve got. Tarrah also talks about how she accidentally found herself running a tech company, and why responsibility isn't something that you should fear – it's something that can anchor you. If you’ve ever felt paralysed by over-planning or held back from acting on an idea because you weren’t sure it was “ready”, Tarrah’s story is a powerful reminder of what can happen when you follow the call that just won’t leave you alone. So grab your headphones and listen to Tarrah get on her soapbox. Tarrah's Links: Tarrah is proving that Africa’s top talent is shaping the future of business, from AI & Data to Tech Modernisation. Scalable solutions. Real impact. Built with fairness and excellence at the centre. Through Tammwe, she’s leading a movement that connects global enterprises with Africa’s brightest teams to deliver end-to-end solutions that scale. The focus is on matching world-class expertise with forward-thinking companies to modernise, innovate, and grow. Connect with Tarrah on LinkedIn Looking for more? | |||
| Conflict, conversation, and being uncomfortable, with Amena Chaudhry | 02 Nov 2023 | 01:09:47 | |
I didn't get into this to piss people off. I didn't get into this to build barriers or to make divisions. In fact, the very opposite. I got into this world of politics, marketing - I developed my membership and I developed this podcast to help people have better conversations, even if they disagreed with each other. Looking for more? | |||
| Values-driven marketing: authentic or manipulative, with The Copywriter Club | 30 Oct 2023 | 00:34:44 | |
Want to eavesdrop on a room full of genius marketers (and me!) as they thrash out their thoughts on politics and messaging? Sure you do! While I was at The Copywriter Club's mastermind retreat in London this week, I invited (strongarmed) a whole bunch of the attendees to join me in a round table for The Soap Box podcast. You'll get to hear from:
And me! Do all brands need to make advocacy a part of their messaging? How can smaller brands take advantage of this space to build their audience? What do you think about when you eat chicken? Listen in and find out! Looking for more? | |||
| Episode 15: What not to do as a business owner when tragedy strikes | 12 Oct 2023 | 00:13:19 | |
I’m recording this in the week that Hamas terrorists launched a horrendous attack on Israeli civilians. And then the Israeli government retaliated against civilians in Gaza. But, as the horrendous situation unfolds on the ground, a familiar story is playing out online. Statements, condemnations, calls to support, arguments, confusion, hate, prejudice. I am not a geo-political expert. I have a rudimentary understanding of the history and context of the Israeli-Palestinian situation. I have many half-formed thoughts on oppression, terrorism, and global powers. But I also have a deep empathy for the humans stuck in the middle of all this. Whichever side of the border they sit. We still don’t know how to address issues that blend political ideologies with human suffering. And, as business owners, that’s a problem. Because we’re all expected to have something to say. So, either we copy and paste something that someone else has said because we feel it aligns with our values (hey, no shade if that’s what you want to do). Or we completely ignore the issue because we’re scared of getting cancelled or of getting something wrong and hurting someone. So, because this is really why The Soap Box exists, today I’m going to talk about what not to do as a business owner when a sensitive political issue, a tragedy, or a conflict flashes up on your phone screen… and what to try instead. My wish today is that you take something from me that helps you make more human connections in the midst of confusion.
Looking for more? | |||
| Episode 14 - Tapping into the world of Gen Z with Carolyn McMurray | 05 Oct 2023 | 00:36:58 | |
Today on the podcast. We're talking to Carolyn McMurry. How Gen Z are prioritizing a work-life balance from the beginning. And, you know, maybe a sign that hustle culture really is dying out. And how principles can sometimes be a privilege. And we also have a little reminder that Gen Z isn't some huge monolith. That the value of generational definitions has its limits. Just as my millennial generation isn't all sitting, eating, smashed avocados and not being able to afford houses. I hope you enjoy my conversation with Carolyn today. And the insight into a Gen Z perspective. So you sit back. Grab a cup of coffee. And listen to Carolyn jump on her soapbox.
Looking for more? | |||
| Episode 13 - stop the angriest voices in the room from taking up all the oxygen, with Jo Wiebe | 28 Sep 2023 | 00:34:57 | |
Today, I'm talking to the original conversion copywriter. Joanna Wiebe. I chat with Jo about: How we as a planet solved the ozone layer problem. Looking for more? | |||
| Episode 12 - What if it turns out you don't really hate marketing? | 20 Sep 2023 | 00:46:46 | |
What is the bigger purpose behind your marketing? This is something that my guest this week has spent a lot of time thinking about. And it’s what she helps her clients uncover. Olivia Luper is the founder and Chief Strategist at Lexicon Advisor Marketing, a full-service digital marketing agency for financial professionals who want to align their values with their marketing to build a roster of ideal clients and feel good about what they do again. She is also a professional bodybuilder in the IFBB Pro League, a poet, and mother of three. And she’s one of my favourite people to chat to. Olivia’s approach to marketing is such a perfect mix of rock solid strategy, athlete-level consistency, and really caring about her clients. And today’s episode is, amongst other things, a masterclass in marketing strategy. You’ll also hear about: The importance of aligning your messaging and communicating your values with who you actually want to work with The freedom and confidence to be you - and all that means, and trust that the right people will be drawn to you How I helped her rediscover aligned business messaging. How we all want to spend money with people who feel like our kind of people. And how to showcase the markers that help our audience figure out whether or not they feel safe with us. The differences in selling online and selling in person - and how the increased options make it even more important to make your messaging unique by using you - your values Why aligned messaging can save you money And why outsourcing your own marketing can result in the kind of aha moments that transform your business. Oh, and how many planets are actually in retrograde right now! Find Olivia on Instagram Looking for more? | |||
| Episode 11 - Why politeness doesn't work, with Amena Chaudhry | 14 Sep 2023 | 00:53:41 | |
Buckle up - we're going on a journey today! Looking for more? | |||
| Episode 10 - Deconstructing privilege with Nora DiNuzzo | 06 Sep 2023 | 00:58:43 | |
Today's episode is a masterclass in stepping outside of your own experience, challenging how you see the world, and then doing something about it. I'm speaking to brand and business growth strategist Nora DiNuzzo. Oh, and how she accidentally started an activist book club, why you should never ask people from marginalized communities to speak for free, and even reparations and how we can make a start on them without waiting for the government. Today's episode is a call to explore, encounter, and educate yourself. And if you want to do that in a community of curious people, trying to work it all out then why not consider joining The Soap Box? You can find out more about my community below. Looking for more? | |||
| Episode 9 - How to embrace slow productivity as activism, with Louise Miller | 30 Aug 2023 | 00:36:46 | |
Have you ever thought - If you just work that little bit harder. Stay up that little bit later. Put in those few more or many more hours. If you can just do more. Then you'll get to the end of your, to do list. You'll finish all the admin jobs that you need getting done. You'll. Bag those clients, you'll ACE, your LinkedIn analytics. You will finally beat the algorithm. If so today's episode is for you. I'm talking to Louise Miller. Louise is the genie for your genius. She partners with coaches, consultants and community builders who have a big, exciting vision. Helping them land their ideas in reality, reach more people and make a bigger impact. Whilst taking care of everything they're juggling day to day. And being kind to themselves along the way. Louise's clients describe her as a soothing balm and a magician. And her experience of work-related stress and anxiety led her to develop a slower, more mindful approach to getting things done. In the episode, we talk about how hustle culture is based in patriarchal capitalism and how we can embrace slow productivity as activism. We talk about how Louise realized that there will never be an end point when everything is finished. And you can keep back on the beach with a pina colada. We discussed how she reframes productivity for her clients. And how asking for help. Is a revolutionary act. There's so much to dig into you. And I really, really hope that you find a sense of peace in doing less.
It'll help you to… - get out of overwhelm
Looking for more? | |||
| Episode 8 - How to build a healthy workplace that also heals the world, with Lu Castello | 16 Aug 2023 | 00:43:06 | |
Calling all founders! Looking for more? | |||
| Why the words you choose really matter, with Ettie Bailey-King | 20 Aug 2025 | 00:40:42 | |
Today’s guest, Ettie Bailey-King, is an inclusive and accessible communication educator who’s on a mission to change the way we think about language. And you know me, I love a good ramble down a rabbit hole into the words we use every day. Ettie teaches people to understand and use inclusive language (how to talk more accurately and inclusively about age, class, disability, gender, race, sexuality and more) and to communicate accessibly in ways that work better for everybody, whether they’re ADHD, autistic, blind, d/Deaf, dyslexic, tired or just distracted. In our conversation, she explains how even the tiniest word choices can shape how we see someone’s intelligence, authority, or right to be taken seriously. She also challenges the myth that accessibility is some technical, expensive add-on, when in reality many of the most powerful changes are simple, free, and available to everyone. We dig into:
If you’ve ever worried about saying the wrong thing, or wondered what inclusive and accessible communication really looks like in practice, especially when you’re running your own business, this one’s for you. Expect plenty of practical tools and a healthy rant along the way too. So find your notebook, get ready to work on the way that you communicate, and listen to Ettie get on her soapbox. Ettie's Links: Bold Type will be running again in September. It's a 12-week programme that dives deep into all things inclusive language and accessible communication. Subscribe to Fighting Talk on Substack Looking for more? | |||
| Episode 7 - How to build your political pillars | 10 Aug 2023 | 00:15:27 | |
You’ve listened to our previous episodes. You’ve realised that you CAN talk about politics (your values, your ethics, the things you care about) in your business messaging. You’ve had a glimpse of how 3 stellar business owners work this out in their own businesses. But how do you actually get started? In this episode I want to help you take the first step onto your soapbox (and give you a glimpse of what it’s like inside The Soap Box Community). We’re going to talk about uncovering your political pillars - the causes that matter to you - amongst the sea of options out there so that you don’t overwhelm your audience with 56 different campaigns every week. I’m going to show you how to tap into the conversation that is already happening (and make space for lived experience), rather than starting from scratch. And you’ll walk away with simple, actionable steps to get you started aligning your business with your values. Looking for more? | |||
| Episode 6 - How to call people in, rather than call them out - with Ro Janeway | 07 Aug 2023 | 00:44:04 | |
In this episode I talk to Ro Janeway - The Copy Stylist. Looking for more? | |||
| Nuance - and the fact we don't have it with Brittany McBean | 03 Aug 2023 | 00:49:33 | |
Brittany McBean is a launch strategist and conversion copywriter. She specializes in anti sleazy audience-focused high converting copy for online entrepreneurs and educators. She believes that black lives matter now - and always, marketing needs to help not harm, and that it's our responsibility to use our voice to build up, magnify and support historically and systemically marginalized people. Looking for more? | |||
| When to talk about politics...and when to shut up | 03 Aug 2023 | 00:24:02 | |
So, you've decided you want to weave politics into your messaging. Looking for more? | |||