Bestie & The Boss – Details, episodes & analysis
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Bestie & The Boss
Shannon Martin
Frequency: 1 episode/26d. Total Eps: 21

This is the place where bridal meets banter, business, and a whole lot of fun, with no room for fluff.
Join hosts Shannon Martin – entrepreneur, owner of Dotty Bridal, and former Apprentice star – and Emma Pollard, the lively hostess and comedy queen who brings the laughs. Emma’s often the first face brides see at Dotty Bridal (also often in the starring role on Instagram posts). Her infectious humour (and flair for drama!) make her the heart of the boutique.
Together, Shannon and Emma serve up a weekly dose of bridal gossip, no-nonsense advice, and plenty of cheeky stories. Whether you’re navigating wedding planning or just here for the giggles, they’ve got you covered with real talk, relatable tips, and a touch of sass.
It’s the perfect blend of bridal insights and best mate banter – with Emma’s comedic flair and Shannon’s straight-talking business sense, you'll be laughing and learning all the way to the aisle (you may have already had a sneak preview 'chuckle' from of our regular Instagram posts!)
Tune in each week for your backstage pass into the bridal world with your favourite bridal besties.
Follow us on Instagram: @bestieandtheboss
Quick note: Our episodes are manually transcribed by real humans (no robots here!), so if something sounds a bit wonky, blame it on human error – or maybe just Emma’s accent!
Recent rankings
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Apple Podcasts
🇬🇧 Great Britain - entrepreneurship
01/11/2025#91🇬🇧 Great Britain - entrepreneurship
15/10/2025#73🇬🇧 Great Britain - entrepreneurship
14/10/2025#44🇬🇧 Great Britain - entrepreneurship
12/10/2025#82🇬🇧 Great Britain - entrepreneurship
11/10/2025#82
Spotify
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See allScore global : 73%
Publication history
Monthly episode publishing history over the past years.
S2, Ep 9: How can you be friends with your competition?!
Season 2 · Episode 7
dimanche 17 novembre 2024 • Duration 01:10:38
Join Emma and Shannon as they chat to fellow bridal shop owner Emily.
Emily owns Emily Bridal in Sheffield, and let's us behind the curtain in how she met Shannon, and how Emily Bridal and Dotty are healthy competition!
Find Emily here:
Instagram: emilybridalwear
Web: www.emilybridalwear.co.uk
Website and Social Links:
- Website: Dotty Bridal
- Instagram: @DottyBridal
- Facebook: Dotty Bridal Facebook
- Twitter: @Dotty_Bridal
- YouTube: Dotty Bridal YouTube
- TikTok: @DottyBridal
- Shop the Collection: Dotty Bridal Online Store
S2, Ep 8: Jamie Doddy, the social wedding content creator
Season 2 · Episode 7
dimanche 10 novembre 2024 • Duration 41:46
Join Emma and Shannon as they chat with Social wedding content creator, Jamie Doddy.
They dive into what a social content creator can do at your wedding, why it's better than having your bridesmaid do it, and what Jamie loves most about her job.
Find Jamie here:
Instagram: @thesocialweddinguk
Web: www.thesocialwedding.co.uk
Website and Social Links:
- Website: Dotty Bridal
- Instagram: @DottyBridal
- Facebook: Dotty Bridal Facebook
- Twitter: @Dotty_Bridal
- YouTube: Dotty Bridal YouTube
- TikTok: @DottyBridal
- Shop the Collection: Dotty Bridal Online Store
S1, Ep 9: Let's talk business - Ask Shannon anything?
Season 1 · Episode 9
dimanche 21 juillet 2024 • Duration 37:16
In this weeks episode Shannon answers all your burning questions about business! How it all began? Whats been our biggest challenge? How does she juggle being a mum and running her own business? And so many more questions …../
Find Dotty Bridal here:
Instagram: @dottybridal
Web: www.dottybridal.co.uk
Hosts and Guests:
- Shannon: Co-host and advocate of "Off the Peg" wedding dresses.
- Emma: Co-host with insights and big personality.
Timecodes:
00:00 - 01:00: Introduction to the podcast episode and discussion of the guest's background.
01:00 - 10:00: Discussion of the guest's early business experiences, including funding and early challenges.
10:00 - 20:00: Insights into business growth, challenges with cash flow, and key turning points.
20:00 - 30:00: Reflections on business partnerships, regrets, and personal insights.
30:00 - 40:00: Advice for new entrepreneurs, including staffing and financial management.
40:00 - 50:00: Discussion on personal interests, potential alternative career paths, and future plans.
50:00 - 55:00: Closing thoughts and wrap-up.
Mentions and Links:
- Business Enterprise Fund: Based in Bradford
- Joe Slocum: Mentioned in the context of purchasing dresses.
- Julie Micklethwaite: Provided initial funding.
- Yorkshire Bank: Provided finance for the building.
- Barclays Bank: Initially approached for finance.
- Penny: Growth expert from a course.
- Sam: Life coach mentioned.
Website and Social Links:
- Website: Dotty Bridal
- Instagram: @DottyBridal
- Facebook: Dotty Bridal Facebook
- Twitter: @Dotty_Bridal
- YouTube: Dotty Bridal YouTube
- TikTok: @DottyBridal
- Shop the Collection: Dotty Bridal Online Store
S1, Ep8: Chantelle, Let's chat boobs!
Season 1 · Episode 8
dimanche 14 juillet 2024 • Duration 41:03
How big are your tits?! This week’s episode is all about boobs!!! Big ones, small ones and how to make them look good in any outfit and even a wedding dress!
This week we had the priveledge of chatting to the amazing Chantelle who is an expert in all things boobs!!
Find Dotty Bridal here:
Instagram: @dottybridal
Web: www.dottybridal.co.uk
Hosts and Guests:
Host:
- Shannon: Co-host and advocate of "Off the Peg" wedding dresses.
- Emma: Co-host with insights and big personality.
Guest:
- Chantelle - Lovely boutique friend, Chantelle, AKA the Brow-Espera.
Timecodes:
00:00 - 04:00: Introduction to Proper Fit and Comfort
04:00 - 08:30: Fashion Trends and Personal Choices
08:30 - 13:00: Size and Fit Challenges
13:00 - 16:00: Cost and Investment in Proper Fit
16:00 - 21:00: Underwire and Alternative Solutions
21:00 - 22:00: Conclusion and Wrap-Up
Mentions and Links:
- Victoria's Secret: Mentioned as a training background for one of the hosts.
- Sugar Candy: Mentioned as an Australian brand for bras with a patented fabric-based underwire.
- Bra: Mentioned multiple times in the context of bra fitting and sizing.
Website and Social Links:
- Website: Dotty Bridal
- Instagram: @DottyBridal
- Facebook: Dotty Bridal Facebook
- Twitter: @Dotty_Bridal
- YouTube: Dotty Bridal YouTube
- TikTok: @DottyBridal
- Shop the Collection: Dotty Bridal Online Store
S1, Ep7: Me and my adult acne
Season 1 · Episode 7
dimanche 7 juillet 2024 • Duration 20:12
It's only now looking back that I realise why I developed adult acne and I can't believe I never fully understood why this happened to me?
I knew at the time that my acne was bad as I suffered so much with lack of confidence but I tried my best to mask it with make up and pretend like nothing was wrong. I now look back and don't recognise that person and I have this amazing skin care to thank for giving me my confidence back!
Find Dotty Bridal here:
Instagram: @dottybridal
Web: www.dottybridal.co.uk
Hosts and Guests:
- Shannon: Co-host and advocate of "Off the Peg" wedding dresses.
- Emma: Co-host with insights and big personality.
Timecodes:
00:00 - 00:16: Introduction of the hosts and theme of the podcast.
00:16 - 01:05: Discussion about spending time together, Love Island, and work schedules.
01:05 - 02:40: Talking about work adjustments and spending time with family.
02:40 - 03:40: Mention of videos from The Apprentice.
03:40 - 06:30: Discussion about skin issues, stress, and the impact of appearing on The Apprentice.
06:30 - 09:20: Background in skincare and the relationship between stress and skin health.
09:20 - 13:00: Talking about adult acne, the process of joining the show, and personal concerns about representation.
13:00 - 17:15: Challenges faced during and after the show, dealing with stress, and skin problems.
17:15 - 22:30: Dealing with acne and medical consultations, including the lack of support from the healthcare system.
22:30 - 29:00: Treatments undertaken, such as laser therapy, and the impact of these treatments on skin health.
29:00 - 33:20: Discussion about persistent skin issues and the connection between acne and hormonal changes.
33:20 - 35:00: Mention of treatments like Roacquitane and experiences of others with similar issues.
Mentions:
- The Apprentice: References to the show and Emma’s experiences on it.
- Lord Sugar: Mentioned in context with The Apprentice.
- Julia Jekyll: Makeup artist who taught Emma.
- Cosmetico and Kim: Mentioned as the place and person Emma went to for skin treatments.
- Obagi Medical: Skincare products Emma used for treating her skin issues.
- Roacquitane: A medication for acne treatment discussed by the hosts.
- Love Island: TV show mentioned in the context of hosts' communication habits.
- Kirsty (from Cosmetico): Performed Emma's laser therapy.
Website and Social Links:
- Website: Dotty Bridal
- Instagram: @DottyBridal
- Facebook: Dotty Bridal Facebook
- Twitter: @Dotty_Bridal
- YouTube: Dotty Bridal YouTube
- TikTok: @DottyBridal
- Shop the Collection: Dotty Bridal Online Store
S1, Ep6: The Undercover Waiters
Season 1 · Episode 5
dimanche 30 juin 2024 • Duration 48:13
This weeks episode sees us chatting to our first ever podcast guest and boy have we started on a high!! With quite possibly the best guest EVER!!
Welcome Michael from The Undercover Waiters. Michael talks to the girls all about who The Undercover Waiters are? Brit school, Take That and not forgetting, our mutual love for the Yorkshire legend that is Jane McDonald!!
Michael walked in the room fairly unknown to us and it's safe to say he left as a friend! We got on like a house on fire and we're now contemplating giving up bridal and going undercover as wedding crashers!!
Hosts and Guests:
- Shannon: Co-host and advocate of "Off the Peg" wedding dresses.
- Emma: Co-host with insights and big personality.
Timecode:
00:00 - 00:56: Introduction and discussion on serendipity.
00:57 - 01:38: Meeting Hailey James and the small world concept.
01:39 - 03:23: Cruise discussion and personal travel experiences.
03:24 - 04:59: Thoughts on food safety on cruises.
05:00 - 07:21: Conversation about cruises and travel.
07:22 - 09:20: Discussion on the Stacey and Joe Swaff wedding.
09:21 - 11:41: The impact of high-profile events and credibility.
11:42 - 14:09: Comparison with The Apprentice and business trust.
14:10 - 16:44: Future plans for The Undercover Waiters.
16:45 - 19:17: Insights into trends and business longevity.
19:18 - 21:59: Personal experiences and preferences in wedding planning.
22:00 - 24:33: Adapting and innovating in the entertainment industry.
24:34 - 27:02: Fun anecdotes and character impressions.
27:03 - 29:09: Accent and dialect discussion.
29:10 - 29:59: Wrap-up and closing remarks.
Mentions:
- Hailey James: Met one of the brides in an airport.
- Stacey and Joe Swash: Wedding story, performed at their wedding.
- Gemma: Stacey’s sister who initiated the wedding.
- Mrs. Hinch: Celebrity guest at the wedding.
- Linda Robson: Celebrity guest at the wedding.
- Virgin Voyages: Mentioned as a cruise line.
- The Apprentice: Mentioned in comparison to industry experiences.
Website and Social Links:
- Website: Dotty Bridal
- Instagram: @DottyBridal
- Facebook: Dotty Bridal Facebook
- Twitter: @Dotty_Bridal
- YouTube: Dotty Bridal YouTube
- TikTok: @DottyBridal
- Shop the Collection: Dotty Bridal Online Store
S1, Ep 5: You're getting married, the top 5 things you need to know!
Season 1 · Episode 6
dimanche 23 juin 2024 • Duration 27:17
Are you getting married? Ready to start planning? Here’s the top 5 questions that you need answering?!
Hosts and Guests:
- Shannon: Co-host and advocate of "Off the Peg" wedding dresses.
- Emma: Co-host with insights and big personality.
Timecodes:
00:00 - 00:08: Introduction and background on Dotty Bridal's growth.
00:09 - 00:19: Emma's role at Dotty and her early days.
00:20 - 00:26: Discussion about Boomy's nickname and origins.
00:27 - 00:32: Shannon’s vow renewal and her husband.
00:33 - 00:40: Emma’s thoughts on future wedding plans and dating.
00:41 - 00:51: How Emma supports nervous brides at Dotty.
00:52 - 01:00: Relationships and team dynamics at Dotty Bridal.
01:01 - 01:08: Continuation of team and work culture discussion.
01:09 - 01:17: Shannon’s experience and Emma’s contribution.
01:18 - 01:25: Emma’s advice for brides and their experience.
01:26 - 01:35: Future plans and Emma’s involvement in Dotty Bridal.
01:36 - 01:44: Emma’s personal preferences and opinions on bridal styles.
01:45 - 01:53: Discussion on challenges faced by brides.
01:54 - 02:00: Encouragement to share feedback and episode topics.
Mentions:
- Amy - Mentioned in the context of discussing clothing and fashion needs.
- Mikado - Repeated mention as a recommended fabric.
- Pronovias Dresses - Mentioned multiple times as a brand of dresses, including a specific new dress.
- Aloka - Referenced in the context of a specific dress style.
- Liz - Mentioned in relation to a response about the podcast and a recommendation for Bumble.
- Naomi Campbell - Mentioned in the context of discussing fashion styles.
- Hayley - Mentioned alongside Naomi Campbell.
- ASOS - Mentioned as a fashion brand related to the discussion.
Website and Social Links:
- Website: Dotty Bridal
- Instagram: @DottyBridal
- Facebook: Dotty Bridal Facebook
- Twitter: @Dotty_Bridal
- YouTube: Dotty Bridal YouTube
- TikTok: @DottyBridal
- Shop the Collection: Dotty Bridal Online Store
S1, Ep4: Shannon, how did this all happen?
Season 1 · Episode 4
dimanche 16 juin 2024 • Duration 27:13
Listen to Shannon chat about how she got into the bridal industry and why bridal? She talks about the reasons for the success of Dotty Bridal the brand and of course the elephant in the room! The Apprentice, find out the real reasons why she left.
Find Dotty Bridal here:
Instagram: @dottybridal
Web: www.dottybridal.co.uk
Hosts and Guests:
- Emma (the Boss): Founder and Owner of Dotty Bridal.
- Shannon (the Bestie): Co-host and team member of Dotty Bridal.
Timecodes:
00:00 - 01:30: Introduction & Episode Overview
01:31 - 05:00: Early Business Challenges
05:01 - 10:00: Setting Up Saturday Shop
10:01 - 15:00: Team Dynamics & Roles
15:01 - 20:00: Business Growth Amid COVID-19
20:01 - 25:00: Post-COVID Business Recovery
25:01 - 30:00: The Apprentice Experience
30:01 - 35:00: | Closing Thoughts & Future Plans
Mentions:
- The Wedding Industry Awards (TWIA): twia.co.uk
- Dotty Bridal at The Wedding Industry Awards: TWIA Dotty Bridal
- Lawrence Welland Bowen: Not directly linked, but referenced as the speaker's idol in interior design.
- The Apprentice: Not directly linked, but mentioned as a significant experience and passion of the speaker.
- The Hive Website: thehive.live
- Instagram for The Hive: @thehive.live
- Facebook for The Hive: The Hive
Website and Social Links:
- Website: Dotty Bridal
- Instagram: @DottyBridal
- Facebook: Dotty Bridal Facebook
- Twitter: @Dotty_Bridal
- YouTube: Dotty Bridal YouTube
- TikTok: @DottyBridal
- Shop the Collection: Dotty Bridal Online Store
S1, Ep3: Emma: I don’t need a man!!!!!!
Season 1 · Episode 3
dimanche 9 juin 2024 • Duration 24:46
Join me to interrogate Emma on what she’s looking for in a man even though she’s not really looking for a man!!
Join hosts Shannon and Emma, as they chat about the love of all things bridal, besties, business and no bullshit.
Find Dotty Bridal here:
Instagram: @dottybridal
Web: www.dottybridal.co.uk
Hosts and Guests:
- Emma (the Boss): Founder and Owner of Dotty Bridal.
- Shannon (the Bestie): Co-host and team member of Dotty Bridal.
Timecodes:
0:00 - 0:20: Introduction and greeting
0:21 - 1:10: Discussion about Emma's relationship status and independence
1:11 - 2:00: Conversation about societal expectations of being in a relationship
2:01 - 2:40: Criteria for an ideal partner
2:41 - 4:00: Discussion on the ideal partner's physical and personality traits
4:01 - 5:00: Conversation on tradesmen and Emma’s preferences
5:01 - 6:30: Discussion about Emma's brother and similarities with her ideal partner
6:31 - 7:30: Comment on why Emma is single and expectations in relationships
7:31 - 8:40: Thoughts on online dating and challenges in finding a partner
8:41 - 9:50: Discussion on how meeting people has changed and a delivery man anecdote
9:51 - 11:00: Talking about personality being more important than looks
11:01 - 12:20: Story about Emma's past bad dates and dating experiences
12:21 - 13:30: Emma’s encounter with a dog during a date
13:31 - 14:30: Conversation about confidence and attraction in dating
14:31 - 15:30: How Emma ended the bad date early
15:31 - 16:05: Wrapping up the story and ending the date narrative
Mentions:
- Emma's Ideal Partner: Characteristics and traits discussed.
- Tradesmen: Mentioned in relation to Emma's preferences.
- Emma's Brother: Discussed in terms of personality similarities with her ideal partner.
- Delivery Man: An anecdote involving Emma’s experience.
Website and Social Links:
- Website: Dotty Bridal
- Instagram: @DottyBridal
- Facebook: Dotty Bridal Facebook
- Twitter: @Dotty_Bridal
- YouTube: Dotty Bridal YouTube
- TikTok: @DottyBridal
- Shop the Collection: Dotty Bridal Online Store
S1, Ep 2: Weight loss and Weddings
Season 1 · Episode 2
dimanche 2 juin 2024 • Duration 25:38
The one where we talk about the stigma around getting married and being expected to diet!
Find Dotty Bridal here:
Instagram: @dottybridal
Web: www.dottybridal.co.uk
Hosts and Guests:
- Emma (the Boss): Founder and Owner of Dotty Bridal.
- Shannon (the Bestie): Co-host and team member of Dotty Bridal.
Timecodes:
00:00 - 02:30 - Introduction and Event Recap
02:31 - 06:00 - Bridal Fashion Challenges and Realities
06:01 - 09:30 - Practical Advice on Dress Selection
09:31 - 13:00 - Impact of Unrealistic Size Expectations
13:01 - 17:00 - Managing Expectations and Finding the Right Fit
17:01 - 21:30 - Alterations and Adjustments
21:31 - 25:00 - Closing Thoughts and Encouragement
25:01 - 27:00 - Outro and Teaser for Next Episode
Mentions
- Celebrities: Kim Kardashian, Kylie Jenner (Met Gala influence)
- Food: Peanam Soup (notable wedding dish)
- Bridal Dress Sizes: Size 12, Size 18 (concerns about sizing)
- Fitness: Running (bride’s approach to fitting into her dress)
- Beyoncé: Song reference (confidence and self-image)
- Advice: Importance of sizing charts and accurate measurements
- Personal Experiences: Hosts’ thoughts on clothing sizes and fitting
Website and Social Links:
- Website: Dotty Bridal
- Instagram: @DottyBridal
- Facebook: Dotty Bridal Facebook
- Twitter: @Dotty_Bridal
- YouTube: Dotty Bridal YouTube
- TikTok: @DottyBridal
- Shop the Collection: Dotty Bridal Online Store




