The Business Babble

In this episode of Business Babble, we’re joined by stand-up comedian Connor Burns, who shares the real behind-the-scenes graft that most people never see. From ditching a steady job three weeks before lockdown to playing sold-out shows across the UK, Connor talks about what it’s really like to build a career in comedy from the ground up.

We talk about the realities of self-employment, chasing gigs that lose money but open doors, and learning to trust your gut even when everyone else thinks you’re daft. Connor gets honest about social media, agents, fame, the grind...

In this episode, we sit down with Craig and Ross from Dofos, a third-generation pet business with a story that’s anything but ordinary. From painting shop walls in -4°C to rebuilding from bankruptcy, these brothers share how they transformed a struggling family store into a thriving brand with four locations, their own product lines, and a booming e-commerce arm.

They open up about tough beginnings, surviving COVID, building a strong team culture, and launching a data-driven empire—plus how surviving personal adversity reshaped their business outlook. This is a raw, honest, and inspiring look at resil...

In this moving and essential episode of Business Babble, we sit down with Kenny, a passionate advocate and facilitator from Andy’s Man Club—the grassroots movement changing the landscape of men’s mental health across the UK.

From suicidal thoughts to social connection, Kenny shares his personal journey of struggle, sobriety, and transformation. With over 300 clubs and nearly 6,000 men attending weekly, Andy’s Man Club is proof that talking saves lives.

💬 In this episode:

In this no-filter episode of Business Babble, Johnny and Mike are back from their mini break in Munich and diving headfirst into the brutal truths facing businesses today.

They unpack the fall of high-street giant River Island, discuss the bold moves of Pure Spa’s Becky Lumsden—who turned her 200-strong team into empowered self-employed mini-franchisees—and explore how brands like Next and Screwfix are thriving by thinking way outside the box.

From rent hikes and minimum wage pressures to consumer apathy and the Amazon effect, this episode is packed with lessons on:

DescriptionWelcome to a compelling episode of the Business Babble Podcast, proudly brought to you in collaboration with The Mind Management Mentors Podcast. we will Uncover how to Manage Stress in the workplace with a simple change in how to manage you will become a less stressed manager, You'll have more time for yourself to get your job done and be more present daily, In this enlightening session, we're excited to once again host Cuddy Cudworth, a trailblazing leader in the realm of Mind Management Coaching in the UK.

In today’s dynamic and often turbulent business environment, st...

In this brutally honest episode of Business Babble, we’re joined by Linda Nelson from Dains Accountants (formerly Condies), who breaks down the biggest mistakes she sees business owners make – and how to avoid them.

We cover everything from the difference between being a sole trader vs. limited, how and when to take dividends, why directors’ loans can land you in hot water, and what really happens when a company goes into liquidation.

You’ll also hear:

In this milestone 53rd episode, the team reflects on a year of podcasting, growth, and learning. From early tech hiccups to meaningful conversations, Johnny, Mike, and Wicus celebrate how far they’ve come—and dive deep into what it really means to lead, grow, and thrive in business and life.

💬 Topics include:

In this powerful and deeply relatable episode of Business Babble, we sit down with Melanie Greenwood, co-founder of Moo Holdings Ltd, who opens up about the raw realities of navigating perimenopause and menopause—while running a business.

From brain fog, rage, and night sweats to the impact on career confidence, workplace leadership, and mental health, Melanie shares how menopause rocked her world but ultimately reshaped her as a more empathetic, open and effective business owner.

💬 Key topics include:

In this inspiring episode, Johnny, Mike, and Wicus are joined by entrepreneur and ex-military man Jay Turner—who shares everything from walking Renée Zellweger onto a Hollywood set, to walking the entrepreneurial path with purpose. They explore the gritty reality behind starting and scaling businesses, the true meaning of legacy, and how to keep your cool (and your customers) in a high-speed, hyper-connected world. Expect golden nuggets on networking, mindset, customer experience, and the everyday habits that separate the good from the great.

🔥 Featuring:

In this brutally honest and laugh-out-loud episode, Johnny, Mike, and Wicus strip back the glossy façade of entrepreneurship to talk real business. From power naps and bad breath at networking events, to emotional burnout, team culture, and taking ownership when things go wrong—this episode is full of raw insights and no-holds-barred advice. They unpack what it really means to lead, how to avoid becoming the bad boss, and why self-awareness and structure might just save your sanity. Expect unfiltered truth, sharp banter, and practical tips you can actually use.

In this episode of Business Babble, the lads dive deep into the messy reality of acquisitions—from overvalued businesses and risky staff transfers to culture clashes and clawback clauses.

Whether you’re dreaming of buying your first company or gearing up to sell your own, this episode is pure gold. Wicus breaks down the real numbers that matter, Johnny digs into the drama of staff culture, and Mike shares lessons from his own acquisitions.

You’ll learn:

Built it. Sold it. Watched them wreck it. Iain Stewart on the brutal truths of business and why relationships matter more than revenue.

In this no-holds-barred episode of Business Babble, Iain Stewart joins the crew to share his powerful journey—from Army life to building a hygiene empire that ran like clockwork… only to see it unravel after selling to the wrong buyers.

Expect banter, brutal truths, and business gold as Iain opens up about:

Five years since lockdown changed the world, what’s really stuck—and what’s still in flux? In this reflective and wide-ranging episode of Business Babble, the team is joined once again by HR expert Ali to explore the profound and lasting impact of the pandemic on work, culture, and society.

From hybrid working and generational gaps to leadership, mental health, and the hidden cost of lost social skills, this candid conversation dives deep into how the last half-decade has shifted our expectations—and the challenges businesses face as a result.

They explore:

In this unforgettable episode of Business Babble, we sit down with the fierce and fabulous Jade Wood—founder of Thrive Marketing—for a candid conversation about life, business, and bouncing back when everything changes.

Jade shares how a life-altering accident left her unable to walk and speak, and how she fought her way back—step by literal step—to build a thriving business on her own terms. We dive into what marketing really means, why honesty beats hype, and how not every entrepreneur wants (or needs) a million-pound agency.

She unpacks her three biggest marketing mistakes...

In this energising episode of Business Babble, we’re joined by Fraser from Business Gateway—a man with 20 years of experience guiding businesses from idea to execution. He shares real talk on why he does what he does, what it means to be a “critical friend,” and how Business Gateway supports entrepreneurs across Scotland.

We’re also joined by young entrepreneur Murren, one half of the team behind Stand, a bold new clothing brand born from our Queen Anne High School mentorship programme. Murren talks through the brand’s vision, the nerves and wins of pitching at a BNI event...

In this powerful episode, we sit down with executive and business coach John Drysdale, whose journey from average student to transformational leader is as relatable as it is inspiring.

John shares stories from his early career, explains how he helps organisations—from universities to SMEs—navigate leadership, build confidence, and create cultures that actually mean something. We dive deep into what makes a great leader, the importance of purpose and storytelling, and why the C-word (confidence!) matters more than you think.

Expect practical wisdom on building team relationships, avoiding burnout, having tough conv...

In this episode, we sit down with the fascinating and well-travelled James Barker—a man whose life has taken more twists than a Guy Ritchie film. From brushing shoulders with dangerous figures in North Manchester to navigating the business world, property development, and even the world of politics and broadcasting, James shares stories that are as unexpected as they are inspiring.

We dive into the power of people, the role of psychology in both sport and business, and how early life experiences—like being chauffeured around Switzerland as a kid—shaped his ability to thrive in any room...

In this episode of The Business Babble Podcast, we dive into the power of networking, the importance of confidence, and how to overcome fear when building connections. 🤝💡

Hosts Johnny, Mike, and Wicus reflect on their experiences at a recent networking event at Tynecastle, discussing the dos and don’ts of making lasting connections. From first impressions to the art of asking the right questions, they break down how networking can open doors, create opportunities, and build credibility in business.

🔥 What you’ll learn in this episode:

✅ How to make a strong first impression at networking e...

This episode of The Business Babble Podcast takes you inside the journey of four ambitious students as they embark on an entrepreneurial challenge like no other! 💡🔥

Hosts Johnny and Mike sit down with the final four students from Queen Anne High School—Mya, Danni, Murren, and Alex—who have been selected for an exclusive business mentorship programme. These students are about to take on a real-world startup challenge, launching their own clothing brand while learning essential business skills like market validation, networking, pricing, and sales.

👀 What you'll discover in this episode:

✅ How these...

In this no-holds-barred episode, we dive into the realities of business—where money is wasted, clients test your patience, and hard lessons are learned.

We cover:

💸 Biggest Wastes of Money—From overpriced marketing agencies to clunky software, we break down the worst financial mistakes we’ve made in business.

😤 Clients from Hell—How to identify the ones who will drain your time and energy—and the best ways to deal with them (or fire them).

🔄 Back to Basics—Why ditching the fluff and returning to old...

In this inspiring episode, Billy George shares his remarkable journey—from dockyard apprentice to successful financial entrepreneur and now the driving force behind Visit Dunfermline and the Bruce Festival. 🌟

We discuss:

🏗️ Risk, resilience, and rewards—Billy’s leap from employment to self-employment and the lessons learned.

🎸 Dunfermline’s rich cultural legacy—from Nazareth to Moonlight Zoo, and how music shapes community identity.

🏛️ Reviving Dunfermline—the role of civic pride, tourism, and Billy’s vision for turning Dunfermline into a cultural hub.

🌱 Inspiring the next generation—how tough love, hard work, and entrepreneurship build la...

From Terminator nostalgia to real-world AI advancements—is Skynet closer than we think? In this thought-provoking episode, we dive into the explosive growth of AI like ChatGPT and DeepSeek, the future of robotics, and whether we're heading towards convenience at the cost of critical thinking.

We explore:

🤖 AI’s role in business—game-changer or creativity killer?

🧠 The danger of switching off your brain in the age of instant answers

💬 Real talk about digital reliance, cashless societies, and losing life skills

⚡ Generational shifts—are future generations too comfortable for their own good?

💡 C...

The phone’s not ringing, emails are dry, and you’re starting to panic—sound familiar? In this episode, we dive deep into the real struggles of getting sales, especially when business slows down. We’re cutting through the fluff and tackling the hard questions:

✅ What do you do when your usual clients say, "Not right now"?

✅ How do you reach new customers without wasting time or money?

✅ Why do most businesses fail at sales—and how can you avoid it?

✅ Should you collaborate with competitors, or is that a bad move?

✅ How...

Ever wondered how successful people really find their path? This episode dives into the raw, unfiltered journeys of entrepreneurs who went from school hustlers to business leaders—and the unexpected twists along the way.

We unpack:

🔥 The side hustles that sparked million-dollar mindsets

🤯 Why some people thrive in business while others get stuck

💡 How mentorship, risk-taking, and thinking differently open doors

🎭 The psychology of standing out, resilience, and making your own luck

This is the real talk they don’t teach in school. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a ca...

In this special episode of The Business Babble Podcast, we welcome Craig Masson from Queen Anne High School to dive into an exciting mentorship programme that's empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs! 💡

Join hosts Johnny, Mike, and Wicus as they reveal how Queen Anne students took on a unique business challenge, submitted game-changing video applications, and participated in a dynamic workshop that tested their creativity, teamwork, and entrepreneurial mindset. The competition was fierce, and after intense interviews, we finally announce the FOUR winners who will receive exclusive mentorship! 🏆🎤

👀 In this episode, we discuss:

✅ The power of r...

Christmas parties are meant to be fun, but what happens when things go too far? From office brawls to HR nightmares, we dive into the unexpected consequences of workplace celebrations. Are these events the reason behind the infamous January divorce season? And with new UK workplace harassment laws in place, could your Christmas party land you in trouble?

In this episode, we’re joined by a special guest from The HR Booth to break down the rising costs of running a business in 2025, how National Insurance increases are affecting employers, and why workplace culture and employee retention ma...

In this thought-provoking episode, we dive into the big questions—faith, business, and the meaning of life. From personal experiences with religion to the realities of entrepreneurship, we explore:

📢 What You’ll Discover:

Whether you're seeking clarity on faith, success, or just life in general—this conversation is packed with insights that challenge your thinking...

Dealing with customer complaints can be tough, but it’s a crucial part of running a successful business. In this episode, we dive deep into the dirty truth about complaints—why they happen, how to handle them professionally, and what you can do to turn negative feedback into positive growth.

📢 What You’ll Learn:

In this episode of The Business Babble, we dive into the transformative journey from founder to CEO with Wicus, Johnny, and Mike. Discover why founders often struggle to lead their businesses to scale and why adopting a CEO mindset is critical for long-term success. We explore key topics like understanding business stages, creating processes, and aligning personal goals with business visions. Hear real-world insights, from strategic planning to the importance of mentors, advisors, and sponsors. Whether you're navigating the early "brick walls" or aiming to future-proof your business, this episode is packed with actionable advice for entrepreneurs ready to...

In this heartfelt episode of The Business Babble, Wicus, Johnny, and Mike delve into the profound connection between personal fulfilment and business success. Through candid conversations, they discuss overcoming fears, embracing challenges, and the importance of creating meaningful moments. From identifying your greatest achievements to finding inner peace, this episode explores the delicate balance between ambition and contentment. Packed with wisdom on relationships, resilience, and recognising the value of time, this is a must-listen for anyone seeking clarity and purpose in their entrepreneurial journey. Take a step back, reflect, and reconnect with what truly matters.

In this reflective and lively episode of The Business Babble, Johnny, Wicus, and Mike dive into the highs and lows of 2024, sharing valuable lessons learned along the way. From mastering sales funnels to handling cash flow challenges, they discuss the importance of resilience, gratitude, and adapting to adversity.

They also explore key strategies for 2025, including understanding client journeys, improving customer experience, and building sustainable business models. Plus, hear their thoughts on mentorship, the future of retail, and why now might be the best time to start your business.

Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just...

In this episode of The Business Babble, we dive into the entrepreneurial journey with Stephen, the founder of Greenlake Architecture. From leaving a stable job to starting his own business, Stephen opens up about his challenges, triumphs, and the delicate balancing act between professional growth and family life.

Join Johnny, Wicus, and Mike as they mentor Stephen through critical topics, including setting actionable goals, mastering work-life boundaries, embracing leadership over boss mentality, and preparing for that pivotal moment of hiring the first employee. Packed with practical advice, humorous anecdotes, and candid insights, this episode is a must-listen...

In this episode of The Business Babble, we sit down with Ross MacArthur, a seasoned entrepreneur and former football club leader, to explore the pivotal lessons from his career. Ross shares his journey from financial services to building and selling a business with a clear endgame in mind, all while navigating challenges like private investigators, market shifts, and tough decisions.

We discuss:

In this inspiring episode of The Business Babble, we welcome Nicola Walker, founder of King Street Nutrition. Nicola shares her journey from an unfulfilling corporate job to building a thriving international nutrition business. Dive into her candid insights on overcoming challenges, the power of community, and why habits and mindset are the foundations of success. Nicola discusses how she’s empowering others—especially women—to embrace their health, build businesses, and find balance. Whether you're an entrepreneur, a health enthusiast, or seeking motivation, this episode is packed with actionable wisdom and heartfelt inspiration.

In this insightful episode of The Business Babble Podcast, Mike and Johnny explore the critical steps for growing a business that doesn’t rely solely on you. They tackle the journey from startup survival to creating a self-sustaining enterprise, diving into topics like systemising processes, planning holidays without the panic, and setting actionable goals. Discover the importance of documenting workflows, building a culture of accountability, and embracing technology to streamline operations. Whether you're a one-person operation or expanding a team, this episode is packed with real talk, practical tips, and encouragement for taking that well-deserved break without your business sk...

In this episode, we dive into the journey of facing business overwhelm and turning it into growth and resilience. Our hosts discuss navigating challenging times, the importance of training your mindset, and simple strategies to bring calm in the chaos. From learning to "eat the elephant" one bite at a time, to shifting perspectives by recognising you're "planted, not buried," they share relatable tips on how to keep moving forward. With humour, personal stories, and practical advice, this episode will inspire you to embrace the grind, evaluate risks, and create a mindset that not only survives but thrives through...

In this eye-opening episode, we welcome Cuddy Cudworth, the UK's leading Mind Management Coach, to explore how mastering your mindset can transform both personal and professional life. From understanding belief systems to managing emotions, Cuddy dives into the power of language and mindset to shape success and resilience. We discuss cold water therapy, navigating the impact of social media on mental health, and ways to align team values to drive productivity. Tune in for a deep dive into practical strategies for business leaders to create a motivated, emotionally healthy workplace.

In this episode of Business Babble, we tackle the turbulent waters of cash flow management, especially during times of economic uncertainty. With rising National Insurance costs, complex regulations, and an increasingly challenging marketplace, what does it take for businesses to thrive in the UK? Our hosts discuss how to overcome the all-too-common pitfalls of cash flow struggles, from navigating red tape to seeking short-term funding without getting trapped in a debt spiral. Tune in to learn essential strategies for business owners on how to stay proactive, plan effectively, and ensure that cash flow issues don’t derail growth ambitions.

In this episode of The Business Babble, we sit down with Alistair Booth from The HR Booth to dive deep into the complexities of running a business in today's climate. From navigating political shifts and economic pressures to managing employees under new employment laws, we explore the real-world challenges business owners face. Alistair shares his expert insights on handling recruitment, staff performance, and adapting to flexible working rights. Tune in for a compelling conversation full of actionable advice on how to keep your business on track, no matter the obstacles.

In this lively episode of The Business Babble, Johnny, Mike, and Wicus dive into the often-unseen reality of entrepreneurship. From the simple joys of early mornings to the challenges of cash flow and finding the right people, the trio share their personal insights on what it takes to build a thriving business. Expect humour, hard truths, and practical advice as they explore mentorship, navigating failures, and why every business owner should stop pretending they have it all together. Listen in for honest conversation and a few laughs along the way!