Best Makers Unplugged Podcasts (2025)

1
Letting Go of the Guilt: Strategies for Sustainable Leadership and Personal Growth | Episode 25 52:53

8h ago52:53

52:53

In today’s episode, podcast founders Simon Ursell and Rusty Earnshaw revisit some of the key themes explored throughout the podcast - examining what they mean in today’s world of leadership, resilience, and bouncebackability. This is an open and honest conversation about the pressures leaders face, and what can happen when we don’t prioritise rest …

1
Investment Insights: Gold, Silver, and Real Estate with Greg Osborne Pt. 2 20:11

12d ago20:11

20:11

In this episode of 'At the Kitchen Table,' Amanda DiVito Parle welcomes Greg Osborne from Bridge Capital Resources. --- They discuss the complexities of the current economic landscape. They delve into the ongoing debate about whether the economy is in recession, dissect the reliability of employment and inflation data, and explore how these economi…

1
Understanding Bridge Loans and Market Dynamics with Greg Osborne 27:37

28d ago27:37

27:37

In this episode of 'At the Kitchen Table,' Amanda DiVito Parle welcomes Greg Osborne from Bridge Capital Resources. --- They discuss the intricacies of private lending, specifically short-term bridge loans for real estate investors. Greg explains the high-risk, high-reward nature of these loans, emphasizing their role in quick property transactions…

1
From the Shankill to the Shop Floor: Eileen Weir on Peace, Poverty and Power 29:53

1M ago29:53

29:53

In this powerful episode of Policy 360 Unplugged, Ellen Finlay sits down with Eileen Weir—peacebuilder, trade unionist, and proud voice from the Shankill Road. With honesty, humour, and deep insight, Eileen reflects on her journey from joining the UDA welfare arm as a teenager to becoming a champion for women’s rights and cross-community dialogue. …

1
Tyler Grange Unplugged: Building Resilience and Embracing New Organisational Ideas | Episode 24 59:09

1M ago59:09

59:09

In today’s episode, Rusty and Simon, co-founder of Tyler Grange, sit down with four key members of the TG family to dive deep into what makes this forward-thinking organisation tick. Covering key themes such as embracing change, cultural innovation, and building resilience - including bold moves like implementing the four-day workweek - the discuss…

1
Insurance, Innovation, and Insight: A Chat with Jeremy McCallum 21:08

1M ago21:08

21:08

In this episode of 'At the Kitchen Table', Amanda DiVito Parle interviews her long-time friend and colleague, Jeremy McCallum, discussing the evolving insurance industry. --- Jeremy shares his journey from a golf professional to a seasoned insurance agent, explaining the appeal of residual income and market demand. They delve deep into the insuranc…

1
Giving a Voice to Rathcoole: Rosemary Bell McCracken on Grassroots Activism 15:31

2M ago15:31

15:31

In this episode of Policy 360 Unplugged, host Ellen Finlay speaks with Rosemary Bell McCracken, a dedicated community activist from Rathcoole, about the realities of grassroots activism and political advocacy. Rosemary shares her journey from social media engagement to hands-on community work, highlighting the pressing issues facing the Rathcoole c…

1
Building Bridges: Kathy Wolff on Community Relations and Peacebuilding 34:00

2M ago34:00

34:00

Kathy Wolff is a dedicated community worker from a loyalist background who has been leading the Community Relations Forum (CRF) since 2003. Under her leadership, CRF has played a key role in fostering dialogue, understanding, and respect among diverse communities in Northern Ireland. Based in Barron Hall, the only shared space venue in Newtownabbey…

1
Mortgage Mavericks: Navigating Loans and Living Dreams with Michele Beeson 30:21

2M ago30:21

30:21

In this episode of 'At the Kitchen Table,' Amanda DiVito Parle from ReMax Alliance sits down with mortgage lender Michele Beeson to discuss major shifts in the mortgage industry. --- They dive into Michele's journey from interior design to mortgage lending, overcoming challenges during the 2010 market, and her focus on relationship-building. Michel…

1
The Critical Role of Values in Resilient Leadership with Elicia Robinson | Episode 23 52:03

2M ago52:03

52:03

In this episode, we dissect the critical role of values in resilient leadership with high-profile leadership expert, Elicia Robinson. Elicia is on a mission to help leaders strengthen their relationships, think more strategically, and approach challenges with a fresh perspective - whether through coaching, tailored development programs, or guiding …

1
Real Estate Unplugged: From Kitchen Table to Commercial Kingpin 43:40

2M ago43:40

43:40

In this episode of 'At The Kitchen Table,' Amanda DiVito Parle welcomes guest Kyle Malnati. This conversation delves into Kyle's journey in the real estate industry, spanning from his start in brokerage to owning his firm. They discuss the personal influence of Kyle's upbringing, especially the impact of his brother Billy's health challenges, and h…

1
Entrepreneurial Journeys: Wisdom from Seasoned Business Leaders 39:40

3M ago39:40

39:40

In this episode of 'At The Kitchen Table,' host Amanda DiVito Parle is joined by her father, Joe DiVito, and his longtime business partner, Jerry Golden. --- They discuss their entrepreneurial journeys, the inception of their podcast, and the significance of statistics in business. Joe and Jerry share their paths into business, emphasize the import…

1
Highlights of 2024 with Simon and Rusty | Episode 22 50:17

3M ago50:17

50:17

In today’s episode, Simon and Rusty take a heartfelt look back at the incredible interviews of 2024, highlighting the key takeaways, lightbulb moments, and powerful stories that moved and motivated them and the listeners. Together, they review the 10 transformative conversations that have challenged their perspectives on resilience and redefined wh…

1
Chart Your Own Course: Courageous Business Planning 25:18

3M ago25:18

25:18

In this episode of 'At the Kitchen Table' podcast, Amanda DiVito Parle offers an in-depth discussion on the essential aspects of goal setting and strategic planning for entrepreneurs. --- Amanda begins by discussing the importance of looking ahead and the difficulty entrepreneurs face in planning beyond six months. She introduces 'The Gap and the G…

1
Building Success from Farm to the Table of Real Estate: A Conversation with Chuck Ochsner 39:27

4M ago39:27

39:27

In this episode of 'At The Kitchen Table,' Amanda DiVito Parle sits down with Chuck Ochsner, the broker-owner of REMAX Alliance, to discuss his extensive career in real estate. --- Amanda shares her inspiration for creating the podcast to connect, guide, and inspire others by interviewing influential mentors and smart people she knows. --- Chuck re…

1
Elevating Property Management: A Conversation with Nathan Beck 39:12

4M ago39:12

39:12

Amanda DiVito Parle chats about career transitions and property management with Nathan Beck. Hear about Nathan's diverse career journey that has seen him wear many hats, from changing careers multiple times to braving the challenges of the real estate and hotel industries. Nathan opens up about navigating the 2008 financial crisis, his transition i…

1
Mindset Transformation: Karim Rushdy on Overcoming Adversity and Embracing a Beginner's Mindset | Episode 21 1:22:57

4M ago1:22:57

1:22:57

On today’s episode, we have the pleasure of exploring resilience and mindfulness with our special guest, Karim Rushdy. Our conversation centres around his inspiring journey of transformation through challenges, including years of chronic back pain and a significant financial loss. We talk about the profound impact of cultivating a beginner’s mindse…

1
Phillip Brett MLA: Championing Inclusive Growth and Community Engagement 16:01

5M ago16:01

16:01

In this episode of Policy360: Unplugged, Phillip Brett, DUP MLA for North Belfast, shares his journey from a non-political upbringing to becoming a representative for a community with significant socio-economic challenges. Phillip reflects on his role in the Economy Committee and his commitment to creating opportunities for his constituents through…

1
From Rentals to Nest Eggs: Real Estate Insights with Tracey Wilson 38:09

5M ago38:09

38:09

In this episode of 'At the Kitchen Table,' Amanda DiVito Parle welcomes Tracey Wilson from IPX 1031 Exchange Services. The discussion begins with an introduction to the basics of 1031 exchanges, a tax-deferral strategy for real estate investors. --- RENTALS & REVERSE EXCHANGES: Tracey explains how these exchanges allow property owners to sell inves…

1
Steve Aiken MLA: Unlocking Northern Ireland’s Potential Through Collaboration and Vision 24:00

5M ago24:00

24:00

In this episode of Policy360: Unplugged, Steve Aiken, MLA for the Ulster Unionist Party, shares his journey into politics and his vision for Northern Ireland’s future. From his military background to his political career, Steve reflects on the challenges and achievements of serving as an MLA, including navigating periods when the Assembly was inact…

1
Linda Dillon MLA: Standing Up for Communities and Driving Change 18:08

5M ago18:08

18:08

In this episode of Policy360: Unplugged, Linda Dillon, Sinn Féin MLA for Mid Ulster and a member of the health committee, shares her inspiring journey into politics, driven by a passion for standing up for the underdog. Linda reflects on her growth in politics, the lessons she’s learned, and the importance of collaboration to achieve meaningful cha…

1
From Journalism to Politics: Deborah Erskine on Advocacy, Legislation, and Community Impact 21:32

5M ago21:32

21:32

In this insightful episode of Policy360: Unplugged, Deborah Erskine, MLA for Fermanagh and South Tyrone, shares her inspiring journey from journalism to politics. Encouraged by Arlene Foster and driven by a passion for community service, Deborah reflects on the challenges and rewards of her role as a legislator. She highlights her work on the Autis…

1
Telling Authentic Stories: Niamh Campbell on Journalism, Trust, and Charity Engagement 23:59

5M ago23:59

23:59

In this episode of Policy360: Unplugged, journalist Niamh Campbell from the Belfast Telegraph shares her journey into journalism and her passion for storytelling. Niamh delves into the challenges of building trust in the media, particularly in Northern Ireland, and the impact of social media on public perception. She offers invaluable advice to cha…

1
The Velocity of Wealth Creation Through Real Estate: A Conversation with Duane Duggan 40:45

5M ago40:45

40:45

In this episode of At the Kitchen Table, Amanda DiVito Parle sits down with Duane Duggan, a veteran real estate broker and author of the book 'The Velocity of Wealth.' They discuss Duane's career in Boulder, Colorado real estate, his transition from accounting to real estate, and his journey from door-to-door sales to becoming a successful investor…

1
The Power of Media: Amanda Ferguson on Representation, Storytelling, and Influencing Policy 22:08

5M ago22:08

22:08

In this episode of Policy360: Unplugged, journalist and commentator Amanda Ferguson joins me to discuss the powerful role of media in shaping policy, public perceptions, and representation in Northern Ireland. We explore the importance of fair and balanced media coverage, the need to amplify women’s voices in decision-making spaces, and how storyte…

1
Triumph Over Trauma: Dave Coleman’s Journey from Marine Commando to Motivational Speaker | Episode 20 1:18:05

5M ago1:18:05

1:18:05

WARNING: This episode contains strong language and discussions of sensitive topics, including mental health and suicide. These discussions may be distressing for some listeners. If you or someone you know is struggling, we encourage you to seek help. You can reach out to the Samaritans on 116 123 or https://samaritans.org/. Please listen with care …

1
Breaking Barriers: Danielle Roberts on Representation, Resilience, and the Fight to End Violence Against Women 30:53

5M ago30:53

30:53

In this powerful episode of Policy360: Unplugged, Danielle Roberts joins me to explore the critical issues impacting women across Northern Ireland. From the challenges of underrepresentation in policy and decision-making to the urgent need for action on gender-based violence, Danielle shares her insights and experiences as a passionate advocate for…

1
More than Mortgages: Building Winning Teams with Jessica Uphoff 40:58

6M ago40:58

40:58

In this episode of 'At the Kitchen Table,' Amanda DiVito Parle sits down with Jessica Uphoff, a seasoned mortgage professional, as they explore her unexpected journey from dentistry to the mortgage industry. --- TEAM BUILDING: The conversation highlights the critical aspects of the mortgage business, the dynamics of team building, and the importanc…

1
Table Talks: Real Estate and Life with Amanda DiVito Parle 19:33

6M ago19:33

19:33

In the first episode of 'At the Kitchen Table,' Amanda DiVito Parle steps up as both a second-generation real estate agent and the creator of the DiVito Dream Makers team, a legacy of her father. She dives into her reasons for launching the podcast, mainly to distribute her wealth of knowledge and real estate experiences. Her goal is to illuminate …

1
Inside ESports: Enhancing Longevity and Life Beyond Professional Gaming with Caleb Cousens | Episode 19 59:48

6M ago59:48

59:48

In today's episode we talk in depth with ESports coach, Caleb Cousens. With 13 years of experience as an organisational leader, Caleb has built a team of world-class coaches dedicated to enhancing the skills of professional gamers and Esports athletes worldwide. Transforming team dynamics, fighting burnout and creating supportive, high-performance …

1
The King of Kent Mike Haynes Discusses Broking, Coaching, and Resilience | Episode 18 54:56

7M ago54:56

54:56

In today's episode we dive deep into the world of high-pressure careers with our special guest, Mike Haynes. Affectionately known as "the king of Kent", Mike is a former oil market broker who now coaches other brokers on improving their performance and finding resilience within this challenging industry. He shares the ups and downs of his career an…

1
Powering Change: John O'Doherty on Advocacy, Collaboration, and Community Impact 30:35

8M ago30:35

30:35

In this episode of Policy 360: Unplugged I sit down with John O'Doherty, a seasoned advocate to explore the transformative power of advocacy and collaboration. John shares his journey from grassroots activism to leading impactful initiatives that drive real change in the community. We dive into the challenges and successes of his work, discussing t…

1
The Creative Shift: Building Communities and Embracing New Educational Settings with Kirsty Hunter | Episode 17 1:07:35

8M ago1:07:35

1:07:35

In today's episode, we are joined by former BRIT School Deputy Head - turned Entrepreneur and Founder of The Creativity Clinic, Kirsty Hunter. Kirsty’s mission is huge – to destroy social and financial barriers to the arts and education, and to disrupt co-working and leisure spaces through the integration of the arts. Her aim is to provide a much-n…

1
Voices from the Community: Sarah Bunting on Advocating for Belfast’s Working-Class Neighbourhoods 19:07

8M ago19:07

19:07

In this episode, I speak with Sarah Bunting, a Belfast City Councillor for the DUP, about her journey into politics and the importance of community advocacy. Sarah shares her experiences growing up in a working-class estate and the challenges faced by her community, including educational underachievement, unemployment, and hidden poverty. She discu…

1
Independent Voices and Public Service Priorities: Claire Sugden on Navigating Northern Ireland’s Political Landscape 21:58

8M ago21:58

21:58

In this episode of *Policy360: Unplugged*, Northern Ireland MLA Claire Sugden discusses her decision to remain an independent politician and the challenges of navigating a political landscape often dominated by party interests. She reflects on the limitations of the Good Friday Agreement, the importance of prioritising public services, and her advo…

1
From Youth Work to Politics: Colin McGrath on Community, Accountability, and the Role of Opposition in Northern Ireland 25:26

9M ago25:26

25:26

In this episode of **Policy360: Unplugged**, I sit down with Colin McGrath, MLA for the SDLP, to explore his journey from youth work to a significant role in Northern Ireland's government. Colin discusses the importance of staying grounded in the community, his commitment to helping others, and the challenges and responsibilities of serving as part…

1
UUP Councillor Andrew Wilson's Political Journey: From Grassroots Advocacy to Community Champion 30:25

9M ago30:25

30:25

In this episode, we delve into the political journey of Councillor Andrew Wilson, a dedicated Ulster Unionist Party representative. Andrew shares his inspiring story, from his early days in community involvement to becoming a Councillor in local government. We explore the significance of understanding and addressing constituents' concerns, the valu…

1
Brexit, Accountability, and the Future of Northern Ireland: A Conversation with Matthew O'Toole, SDLP MLA and Leader of the Opposition 36:56

9M ago36:56

36:56

In this compelling episode, I sit down with Matthew O'Toole, SDLP MLA and Leader of the Opposition, to explore the personal and professional experiences that inspired his political journey, particularly in light of Brexit. We discuss the critical need for a focus on delivery and improving public services, emphasising the importance of opposition in…

1
The Unseen Effort: Heather Fisher on Resilience, Authenticity, and Finding Purpose | Episode 16 1:11:02

9M ago1:11:02

1:11:02

In today's episode we are joined by Birmingham-based Olympic rugby player and former GB bobsledder, Heather Fisher. Heather is an accomplished elite athlete, motivational speaker, LGBT advocate and media personality with her own BBC radio podcast. After a difficult start in life, Heather quickly found she excelled in the sports arena. Breaking her …

1
Engaging with Policy Makers: Insights from UUP Deputy Leader Robbie Butler 34:44

9M ago34:44

34:44

In this episode, I sit down with Robbie Butler, Deputy Leader of the Ulster Unionist Party and MLA, to explore effective strategies for engaging with policy makers. Robbie shares his experiences and provides an insider’s perspective on what it’s like to work alongside a Minister in the Executive. Tune in for valuable insights and practical advice o…

1
#55 All-In-One For Founders Ft. Heidi Roizen, Threshold Ventures (Part 2) 59:53

10M ago59:53

59:53

Heidi is a venture capitalist, a corporate director, a Stanford lecturer, and at heart, always an entrepreneur. She co-founded the software company T/Maker and served as its CEO for over a decade until its acquisition by Deluxe Corporation. After a stint as VP of Worldwide Developer Relations at Apple, She entered the VC industry with Softbank, and…

1
Embracing Playfulness: Unlocking the Power of Social Interaction and Connection with Dr Maarten Koeners & Adam Lusby | Episode 14 58:51

11M ago58:51

58:51

“Play is more than an activity; it is a feeling.” In today's episode we are joined by special guests Adam Lusby and Dr Maarten Koeners. Both experts and advocates of the transformative power of play, the conversation illustrates how playfulness can be used to create ‘prosocial environments’, be that in classrooms, competitive sports or the workplac…

1
Inside the World of Professional Rugby: Rich Bryan on Transition and Resilience | Episode 13 1:03:57

1y ago1:03:57

1:03:57

Today we speak to former professional rugby player, Rich Bryan. Having experienced the highs and lows of professional rugby (including having Rusty as a teammate at Bath), Rich’s playing career was ended by a difficult knee injury at the age of 30, resulting in a challenging career change that would test his resilience and mental well-being. In 201…

1
Charity Connection: Engaging with the EU Post-Brexit With Katy Hayward 26:49

1y ago26:49

26:49

Welcome to “Policy 360: Unplugged,” where we peel back the layers of policy intricacies with insightful conversations. I’m your host, Ellen Finlay, and today, we have a special guest joining us, Katy Hayward from Queen’s University Belfast. Together, we’ll delve into the realm of charity engagement with the European Union post-Brexit. As the UK cha…

1
Rethinking Mindfulness: Strategies for Success in Sports and Business with Luke Doherty of Mindful Peak Performance | Episode 12 56:51

1y ago56:51

56:51

Today we speak to Luke Doherty, Managing Director at Mindful Peak Performance. Having trained as an elite rugby player and capped for England under-18s, Luke’s passion for marrying elite performance and mindfulness has now developed into the wellness space with mind-blowing results. Achieving advanced-level mindfulness training qualifications from …

1
Influencing MPs: Strategies for Charities with SDLP MP Claire Hanna 24:58

1y ago24:58

24:58

Welcome to “Policy 369 Unplugged,” hosted by Ellen Finlay. In this podcast, we explore the art of influencing policies at Westminster, featuring an exclusive interview with MP Claire Hanna. Join us as we delve into the significance of establishing connections with politicians and unravel the strategies behind effective advocacy. Get ready for an en…

1
Empowering Democracy: Conversations with Rebekah McCabe from Involve 39:30

1y ago39:30

39:30

I’m thrilled to invite you to listen to this enlightening podcast where I had the pleasure of conversing with Rebekah McCabe from Involve. Together, we explore the fascinating realm of participatory democracy and community empowerment, shedding light on the transformative work being done in Northern Ireland. Join us for an engaging discussion as we…

1
Empowering Voices: A Conversation with Shannon O'Connell on Political Leadership and Advocacy 25:45

1y ago25:45

25:45

In this episode, I sit down with Shannon O'Connell, Director of Policy and Programmes at Westminster Foundation for Democracy, to discuss her extensive experience in politics, policy advocacy, and elections. From her work with women candidates to her global engagements, Shannon shares insights on fostering inclusive political environments, advancin…

1
Nurturing Human Connections: Lessons in Resilience and Community from James Rutter of COOK | Episode 11 54:13

1y ago54:13

54:13

Today on the Bouncebackability Podcast we speak to James Rutter, Chief Creative Officer at a pioneering frozen food company COOK. James joined COOK in 2010 after 15 years as a financial journalist and editor. He now oversees internal and external branding and communications across the organisation. COOK is a founding UK B Corp, committed to using i…

1
Westminster Influence: A Conversation with Michelle Gildernew Sinn Fein MP 32:54

1y ago32:54

32:54

Join me for an insightful episode of as I sit down with Michelle Gildernew, Sinn Fein Member of Parliament, to delve into the strategies and tactics behind effectively influencing decisions at Westminster. As a seasoned politician and advocate, Michelle shares her firsthand experiences and expertise on navigating the complex political landscape, ch…

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Makers Unplugged Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen