My Local Marketer Podcast

This podcast aims to shine a light on the successes, key learnings and insights from Reading’s people and businesses. In the present and the past.

We explore their recipes for success, the mistakes they’ve made and how you can avoid them, as well as inspirational stories that will give you a feel-good boost.

Ep.25 60 Years of the Caversham Bridge

With Phil Chatfield

In this episode, Phil Chatfield, a local resident and chair of the Caversham Bridge, discusses the history, evolution, and impact of this community newspaper. He shares insights into the challenges and rewards….

Ep.24 Lessons from Fourbears | Reading’s Independent Bookshop

With Alex Forbes

In this episode, Alex Forbes, the owner of Fourbears Bookshop shares the story of how he transformed a dream into reality, opening a bookstore during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. We delve into…

Ep.23 Behind the Curtain at Progress Theatre

With Emily Goode

In this episode, Emily Goode shares the rich history of Progress Theatre. Discover how Progress has adapted to changing times, its commitment to new writing, and the importance of volunteering and

Ep.22 Small Business Success : Accounting & Other Essentials

With Rachel Eden

In this episode, Rachel, a local accountant and Reading Borough Councillor, shares her insights on running a successful small business. She discusses the importance of understanding your costs, pricing your services…

Ep.21 The Enduring Appeal of Hickies: A 160 Year Legacy

With Lara Mackim

In this episode, Lara, Former Hickies MD, explores the challenges and triumphs of running an independent music store in the digital age. She also discusses the importance of adapting to…

Ep.20 Combining Local and Global Influences at the Dew Drop Inn

With Marius Pretorius

In this episode, Marius, landlord of the Dew Drop Inn, recounts how he and his wife, Sarah, came to own this charming pub nestled in the woods. We delve into Marius’ passion for cooking and his unique approach to blending

Ep.19 Reading Biscuit Factory | Independent Cinema

With James Ireland

In this episode, James opens up about Reading Biscuit Factory, a unique cinema and community space in the heart of Reading. He discusses the challenges and triumphs of running an independent cinema and the importance of

Ep. 18 Walk Works: Building Community Connections

With Caroline Gratrix & Liz Bradbury

In this episode, Mark Thwaites, the Managing Director of Thames and Bristol Lidos, reveals the secrets behind their success. Mark shares the inspiring journey of transforming a historic building into a thriving wellness destination. From the challenges of …

Ep. 17 Thames Lido’s Unique Customer Experience

With Mark Thwaites

In this episode, Mark Thwaites, the Managing Director of Thames and Bristol Lidos, reveals the secrets behind their success. Mark shares the inspiring journey of transforming a historic building into a thriving wellness destination. From the challenges of …

Ep. 16 How Nicolette Transformed Her Book into a Theatre Production

With Nicolette Carter

In this episode, Nicolette, a professional artist and author based in Reading, shares her fascinating journey of transforming her illustrated children’s book, The Pink Peacock, into a fully-fledged theatre production. Nicolette discusses…

Ep. 15 Building a Community through Music and Marketing

With Pete Doyle

In this episode, we speak with Pete Doyle, a Reading-based musician and former business owner. Pete delves into his creative projects, including his collaboration with Reading Museum, where he composed a piece of music inspired by…

Ep 14 The Importance of Listening in Relationships & Business

With Mila Smith

In this episode we chat with Mila Smith, a certified relationship and dating coach. Mila shares her personal journey of overcoming challenges in her own relationships and how it led her to become a coach. She discusses the importance of…

Ep 13 Behind the Scenes of Pop Classics

With Damian Jones

In this episode, Damian shares the story of how Pop Classics started as an online business 20 years ago and eventually expanded into a physical store. We discuss the challenges and rewards of running a record shop, including the importance of…

Ep. 12 Jelly’s Journey: 30 Years of Lessons and Insights

With Suzanne Stallard

In this episode, we delve into the fascinating story of Jelly, a beloved art studio and community hub in Reading. Suzanne, the founder of Jelly, shares her journey of starting the studio over 30 years ago and…

Ep.11 From CIA to CEO | Building Success with Lessons from the CIA

With Rupal Patel

 In this episode, we interview former CIA agent turned CEO, Rupal Patel. Rupal has taken lessons from her fascinating background and experiences and turned them into her first book ‘From CIA to CEO’. We explore…

Ep.10 Dress to Reflect Your Brand

With Sarah van Dort

In this episode, Sarah explains how dressing with intention can boost your confidence and align your personal style with your brand. Sarah shares her 10 years’ experience helping clients discover the colours and styles that make them feel empowered. We also discuss…

Ep.9 How to Incorporate Videos into Your Business

With Hugo Tickler

This week, Hugo shares his advice on how you can incorporate and measure the effectiveness of video in your business. Listen to things that have worked for Hugo, pitfalls to watch out for, and video ideas for you to try.

Ep.8 Brand & Lifestyle Photography | What is it & how to do it

With Gabriele Swift

This week Gabriele Swift shares her advice on the subject of brand and lifestyle photography. If you own a business, or are looking to develop your personal brand, then don’t miss this episode as we look at how you can develop your own photo library and think about developing your own brand style.

Ep.7 Caversham Writers | Improve your writing

With Adrian Raffill

This week, Adrian Raffill shares his thoughts on the common challenges that writers face and how to overcome them, some top ways to promote a local community group, and much more.

Ep.6 The Reading Music Scene

With Mike Bostock

In this week’s episode we talk to Mike Bostock, lead vocals and rhythm guitar in Dream Sellers, and founder of Raze the Roof, a charity that raises money for Royal Berkshire Hospital through it’s charity arm.

Ep.5 How the Reading BID is transforming the town centre

With Alexa Volker

In this episode, Alexa explains the role of the Business Improvement District (BID), how it helps busineses and the public in Reading centre, and the exciting events that it organises. 

Ep.4 How to promote a local group

With Richard Stephenson

In this episode we speak to Richard Stephenson, leader of Dreading Slam Poets. We discuss what it takes to promote a local group and the importance of embracing a hobby.

Ep.3 Networking | Effective networking

With Debbie Atkins

In this episode, we discuss networking with Debbie Atkins, regional director of several Reading and Henley groups in The Athena Network. 

Ep.2 Podcast introduction

With MLM Host Maria Lloyd

This quick podcast series introduction will help share the aims of this podcast, and briefly outline what local marketing is and its importance for Reading, UK.

Ep.1 Digital Communication

With Louisa Guise

Join us as we discuss Louisa’s first non-fiction book How to leave a group chat, and explore how to can use different types of communication for maximum efficiency and peace of mind. This episode will give you a whole new appreciation and insight into how you communicate.