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.82 Why Your Team Resists Change (and How to Fix It)
With Paul Cook
This episode features Paul Cook, the founder of The Transformation Guide. Paul has 30 years of experience in change management, and discusses the human side of...
Ep.81 A Business Owner’s Guide to Cybersecurity
With Peter Andrijeczko
This episode features Peter Andrijeczko, a Reading-based cyber security expert and Information Security Manager. The conversation delves into the human side...
Ep.80 Choosing the Right Growth Model for Your Business
With Maria Lloyd
This episode focuses on the importance of customer funnels and how they provide the systems and processes necessary to serve customers effectively. We delve into...
Ep.79 Escaping the Loneliness of Business Leadership
With Julie Williams
This episode features Julie Williams, an executive coach and founder of Coaching Reading, who discusses her transition from corporate marketing to coaching...
Ep.78 Securing Reading’s Creative Infrastructure
With Susanne Clausen
This episode features Susanne Clausen, Chair of Open Hand Open Space (OHOS) and Professor of Fine Art at the University of Reading. The conversation delves into...
Ep.77 4 Simple (But Overlooked) Shifts for Business Growth
With Maria Lloyd
In the final My Local Marketer episode of 2025, Maria shares four key takeaways from local business interviews to help Reading-based entrepreneurs succeed in 2026...
Ep.76 Bridging Cultures and Building Brand in Reading
With Tomson Chauke
This episode features Tomson Chauke, a musician, community leader, and founder of World Groove, discussing his mission to build bridges across the diverse communities of...
Ep.75 Why Authenticity is Your Biggest USP
With Will Carver
In this episode, Will Carver, a successful writer, podcaster, and fitness business owner, shares his philosophies on work and creativity. The conversation delves into ...
Ep.74 The Mirror Test: How Do you Reflect Your Target Market?
With Brendan Carr
This episode features Brendan Carr, Community Engagement Curator at Reading Museum, discusses his role, the museum’s vast collections, and strategies for engaging audiences...
Ep.73 Scaling a Successful Reading Eatery
With Alex Langlais
This episode features Alex Langlais, the owner of Café Yolk, discussing her background, the development of Café Yolk, and her philosophy on running a successful hospitality venture...
Ep.72 How to build an impactful & scalable community model
With Tony Cowling & Tricia Marcousé
This episode features Tony Cowling and Tricia Marcousé of Draughtbusters, a community group dedicated to draught proofing the homes of people in energy poverty. Originating from a…
Ep.71 Networking and Community Building that Drives Growth
With Tara Deane
This episode features Tara Deane, founder of the Inside the Music Scene podcast, Inside the Music Scene. Tara is a former radio presenter, promoter, and musician who manages…
Ep.70 Train Your Brain to Think Differently for Growth
With Phil Newcombe
This episode features Philip Newcombe, an artist and educator based in Reading. The discussion centres on his artistic journey, his minimal and concept-driven work, the challenges facing the…
Ep.69 Essential Brand Lessons to Grow Your Business
With David Lloyd
In this episode husband and wife, Maria and David Lloyd, discuss brand. Maria chats with her husband, David Lloyd, a graphic designer and all-round creative. They combine…
Ep.68 Unlocking the Secrets of Bees
With Jenny Morgan
This episode features Jenny Morgan of Jenny’s Bees, a qualified master beekeeper who took up the hobby upon retirement. Jenny now manages 35 hives. The discussion…
Ep.67 Overcoming Self Doubt & Why You Need to Start Now
With Sherrie Allum
In this episode Sherrie Allam, a singer from Theale, shares her journey into music, her life as a carer, and the stories behind her recent songs. The episode focuses on…
Ep.66 How to Future-Proof Your Traditional Niche
With Liz Felix
In this episode, Liz Felix of Liz Felix Hats talks about her journey into millinery, the importance of a physical store for her business, and….
Ep.65 The VOP Framework
With Maria Lloyd
In this episode, Maria discusses her strategy for growing local groups, which is based on the framework of Value (V), Operations (O), and Promotion (P)….
Ep.64 The Solopreneur’s Guide to a Strong Start
With Zoe Dudding
This episode focuses on Zoe Dudding, the founder of Mind Body Baby, a company specialising in hypnobirthing. The discussion initially covers…
Ep.63 How Creativity Drives Impact and Growth
With Jamie Read
In this episode Jamie Read, the partnership and inclusion manager at Berkshire Music Trust, gives an insight into the charity’s activities and a look at what goes on behind the scenes. The discussion initially covers...
Ep.62 The Power of Giving Back
With Richard Nicholson
In this episode, Richard Nicholson talks about the Maiden Erlegh Rotary Club; a group of like-minded people who want to do things in the community and have a friendship group. The discussion covers...
Ep.61 The Secret to What’s On Reading’s Success
With Damien Passmore
Damien Passmore, Marketing Officer and Web Editor for What’s On Reading, shares his journey with the organisation and how it has become the “ultimate guide” for...
Ep.60 Building a Brand that Lasts with Blue Collar
With Glen Dinning
In this episode, Glen Dinning, the director of Blue Collar Group, shares his journey building a permanent street food venue in Reading. Glen shares...
Ep.59 Inside the Reading Library of Things
With Tony Cowling & Stuart Ward
In this episode, Tony Cowling and Stuart Ward shine a light on the Reading Library of Things. The two founders discuss how the Library of Things adds...
Ep.58 Adapting a National Brand to Local Needs
With Hashin Hirani, Randeep Bal, and Suneeta Khanna.
In this episode, three directors from the Specsavers Reading branch discuss how they operate as a locally-owned and operated business within a well-known brand...
Ep.57 Reading’s Ukrainian Community Centre
With Iryna Bakaliar and Peter Andrijeczko
In this episode, Iryna Bakaliar, Head Librarian, and Peter Andrijeczko, Chair, of the Reading Ukrainian Community Centre. They discuss...
Ep.56 Building Bridges Between Reading University and the Community
With Molli Cleaver
In this episode, Molli Cleaver, Community Engagement Manager at Reading University discusses how Reading University adds value to...
Ep.55 How to Build Influence and Market Yourself
With Louisa Guise
In this episode, I catch up with Louisa Guise who was the first guest on the My Local Marketer podcast, launched in 2024. This is the one-year anniversary of Louisa’s book, which explores...
Ep.54 Terry’s Reading Walkabouts | Exploring Reading
With Terry Dixon
Terry Dixon, founder of “Terry’s Reading Walkabouts,” started his walking tours in 2016. He has since raised over £26,000 for more than 30 local charities. Terry offers 22...
Ep.53 Navigating Business Growth & Challenges
With Steve Bulley
This episode features Steve Bulley from Berkshire Growth Hub. Steve discusses his background, and Berkshire Growth Hub. He explains ...
Ep.52 Be Efficient & Stand Out with Shed Cafe
With Pete Hefferan
This episode features Pete Hefferan, co-founder of Shed Cafe. Pete shares the fascinating journey of how he brought Shed Cafe to life, from a casual job opportunity to taking over...
Ep.51 Cryptic DJ | The Creation of a Daily Music Quiz App
With Dave Jenkins
This episode features Dave Jenkins, the founder of Cryptic DJ. Discover how Dave transitioned from his e-commerce ventures to pursue a passion project that’s now captivating a growing audience. Learn the strategic decisions behind...
Ep.50 Building a Thriving Arts Business: CultureMix Arts
With Mary Genis
In this episode, Mary Genis, Artistic Director and founder of CultureMix Arts, discusses her journey into music and how her career has evolved. Mary highlights the importance of music accessibility and the benefits of...
Ep.49 Lessons from an Award-Winning Composer
With Chris Mitchell
In this episode, Chris Mitchell, a composer, producer, and performer, discusses his journey into music and how his career has evolved. Chris highlights the importance of music education for brain development and social skills. He also...
Ep.48 Brewing Bigger Business | Double-Barrelled Brewery
With Becky Nallon
In this episode, Becky Nallon, Taproom Supervisor at Double-Barrelled, discusses their role at the brewery, which they joined almost three years ago. Becky explains their responsibilities as...
Ep.47 Behind-the-Scenes at Double-Barrelled Brewery
With Cassie Greenman
In this episode, Cassie Greenman, Taproom Shift Manager and Brewery and Warehouse Assistant at Double-Barrelled Brewery, shares the fascinating journey of the brewery and her diverse roles within it. Cassie discusses...
Ep.46 Boosting Business with a Culture of Care
With Sarah Browning
In this episode, Sarah Browning, a Kindness Cheerleader and Communications Consultant, discussing the importance of kindness in business and effective communication strategies. The discussion covers...
Ep.45 How Connect Reading Empowers Local Growth
With Lorraine Briffitt
In this episode, Lorraine Briffitt, CEO of Connect Reading, illustrates the charity’s mission to unite organisations in different sectors across Reading for mutual benefit. Lorraine discusses how Connect Reading acts as a vital virtual hub for collaboration, bringing together…
Ep.44 The Green Park Wind Turbine | How to Introduce Change
With Ian Gough
In this episode, Ian Gough from Reduce Energy, discusses the Green Park wind turbine, an iconic feature of Reading. Ian shares the turbine’s history, from its 2005 erection to its energy output and…
Ep.43 Inside Reading Pride: Growth, Community, & the Keys to Success
With Tom Price
In this episode, Tom Price, Chief Engagement Officer at Reading Pride, shares the story behind one of Reading’s most vibrant community events. Tom discusses how Reading Pride has grown into a 15,000-person celebration of…
Ep.42 Lessons from Caversham AFC: The Value of Local Action
With Jeroen Verheggen
In this episode, Jeroen Verheggen, Chair of Caversham AFC, shares how the club has grown into the largest grassroots football organisation in Reading, supporting over 800 players across all age groups. Jeroen talks about…
Ep.41 It’s Ok To Not Be Ok: No. 5’s Support for Young People
With Abbie Trussler
In this episode, Abbie Trussler, the Communications Officer at No. 5 Young People, discusses this local charity in Reading that provides free counselling and support services to young people. Abbie shares her personal…
Ep.40 A Hug in a Bag: Make a Difference in Your Local Area
With Lynne Shipton
In this episode, Lynne Shipton, founder of the charity Chemogiftbags, shares her personal story of being diagnosed with breast cancer and how it led her to establish the charity. Chemogiftbags provides comfort and support to…
Ep.39 Grants, Growth, and Gigs: The Future of Purple Turtle
With Neil Goulding
In this episode, Neil discusses his role at the Purple Turtle, which includes managing event bookings, promotion, and social media marketing. He provides insights into how…
Ep.38 Build a Thriving Community (and Business) with This
With Simon Morris
In this episode, Simon Morris, speaks about his experience organising the Reading Geek and Science in Reading groups, and offers advice that can be applied to businesses. He discusses…
Ep. 37 Exploring Your Passion
With Martin Butler
In this episode, Martin Butler, Community and Events Fundraising Manager at the Royal Berks Charity and passionate singer based in Reading. Martin shares his journey of balancing responsibilities with his love for…
Ep.36 Yoga, Circles, & Meaningful Connection
With Tessa venuti Sanderson
In this episode Tessa, a yoga teacher, circle facilitator, and author based in Caversham, Reading. Tessa shares her journey of building a diverse business rooted in community and connection over the past 15 years. This…
Ep.35 Building an Ethical Reading
With Gurprit, Brad, and Graham
This episode introduces Ethical Reading and explores its three core offerings: Gurprit introduces Ethical Reading and its purpose, before expanding on one of the programmes that they offer: health and wellbeing in the workplace. Brad discusses…
Ep.34 Empowering Patients: My Cancer My Choices
With Claire Rhodes
In this episode, Claire Rhodes, CEO of My Cancer My Choices, shares insights into the challenges and rewards of running a small charity. This 10-year-old Berkshire-based organisation provides complementary therapies like…
Ep.33 Developing an Interior Design Business
With Holly Scott
In this episode, Holly Scott, an award-winning interior designer, shares her journey from window dressing at iconic London department stores to building her own successful interior design business...
Ep.32 Launchpad: Supporting Those at Risk of Homelessness
With Kirsti Wilson
In this episode, Kirsti Wilson, Head of Marketing and Fundraising at Launchpad, shares Launchpad’s holistic approach to supporting individuals at risk of homelessness, including prevention services…
Ep.31 Jacobs the Jewellers | Putting Customers First
With Adam Jacobs
In this episode, we delve into the world of Jacobs the Jewellers, a family-run jewellery store with a rich history in Reading, UK. We speak with Adam Jacobs, the third-generation owner, about the challenges and successes of…
Ep.30 Powering the Future: Engaging Young Audiences
With Leanne and Josh
In this episode, we delve into the world of UnderTwoK, a Reading-based business dedicated to promoting sustainable living through the use of portable solar power. Leanne and Josh share…
Ep.29 “Fun in Boxes” at Eclectic Games
With Becky Ottery
In this episode, we speak with Becky Ottery, co-owner of Eclectic Games, a specialist board game retailer in Reading. Driven by a shared passion for gaming and a desire to provide a welcoming space for…
Ep.28 How CADRA Makes A Difference In Your Community
With Helen Lambert
In this episode we delve into the world of community engagement with members of Caversham and District Residents’ Association (CADRA). We learn how CADRA plays a vital role in shaping…
Ep.27 Spreading Your Wings: Freedom & Creativity in Business
With Meena Arch
In this episode with Meena Arch, she emphasises the importance of flexibility and creativity in running a successful business. This includes the value of collaborating with local artists, like the artist who…
Ep.26 Boogie Days: Reviving Disco for the Over 40s
With Colette Ashby &
Louise Wingrove
In this episode, Louise and Colette, founders of Boogie Days, share their journey of bringing disco back to life. Driven by a shared frustration with the lack of…
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.