What does it really mean to have a bias toward action and how do you build that into your culture without skipping strategy? Boris Gloger joins Brian Milner for a deep dive on experimentation, leadership, and the difference between tactical work and true strategic thinking. Overview In this conversation, Brian welcomes longtime Scrum pioneer, consu…

The lads regroup following the greatest live podcast show since records began. Spirits are high, but sadly it doesn’t take long before it descends into finger pointing. James wants us to clarify that he doesn’t write the introductions, Sunil unleashes the full force of his networking prowess and Chris is just relieved that it wasn’t his fault. Also…

Can you lead meaningful change without burning people out—or yourself? Sherri Robbins thinks so, and she’s sharing how she’s done it in high-stakes, high-complexity environments (with her sanity intact). Overview In this episode, Sherri Robbins joins Scott Dunn to talk about what it actually takes to lead large-scale change across teams, department…

This live episode was recorded at the 2025 London Podcast Show! Chris desires justice, Sunil conducts Satan’s taste test and James anoints himself King of the Pizzas! Also, why can’t all tech be wireless? Thank you to everyone who attended this live show! Chris is performing his Edinburgh Comedy Award nominated show for the final time on 14th June …

How do you lead change when you’re not the boss? Casey Sinnema shares what it takes to build trust, influence outcomes, and make Monday feel a little less dreadful. Overview What happens when you give a self-proclaimed utility player the freedom to poke holes in broken systems and lead cross-functional change without official authority? In this epi…

The lads reveal a secret the Masons don't want you to know! James is doing his bi-annual clean, Chris eyes up a new hobby and Sunil has become romantically entangled with a robot. Also, can we just give a shout out to all the lovely ladies? Want to see the lads live? Rural Concerns is coming to the London Podcast Show TONIGHT! You can watch Chris’ …

What does it look like to lead a 300-person software org inside a 1,000-person company—and still stay focused on people first? Brendan Wovchko shares what he's learned about leadership, agility, and building a culture that actually works. Overview Brendan Wovchko, CTO at Ramsey Solutions, joins Scott Dunn to talk about what it really takes to lead …

Post-Conclave, the lads celebrate the appointment of Pope Leo XIV. Chris wants to put pictures up in peoples’ houses without consent, James mistakenly believes he has taste and Sunil has never seen a horse working. Want to see the lads live? Rural Concerns is coming to the London Podcast Show on 20th May (i.e. next Tuesday!) You can watch Chris’ Ed…

How do you grow a remote-first team from 30 to over 100 while still being voted a "great place to work"? Ginger Boyll says it’s part Agile mindset, part trust, and part Dungeons & Dragons—and we’re not arguing. Overview In this episode of the Agile Mentors Podcast, guest host Scott Dunn sits down with Ginger Boyll, Director of Client Experience at …

The lads convene on the eve of their second live show. Chris has bitten off more than he can chew, Sunil must drive through the night and James wants you to know he's a ‘quite good at it person’. Want to see the lads live? Rural Concerns is coming to the London Podcast Show on 20th May. We’re also playing Manchester’s Fairfield Social Club on 22nd …

Real Agile forecasting runs on math, not magic. Brian and Lance dive into Monte Carlo methods, DORA metrics, and how AI is shifting the future of project management. All with a human-first approach that builds better teams, not bigger spreadsheets. Overview In this episode of the Agile Mentors Podcast, Brian Milner and Lance Dacy unpack why Agile t…

Sunil learns he has a deadly look-alike, James reveals the trick to getting a heavily discounted Italian teacake and Chris reveals a dark secret about his leek trench. The lads also hit upon an ingenious marketing campaign, the only thing they’re missing is a duelling pistol… Want to see the lads live? Rural Concerns is coming to the London Podcast…

What does soccer, soda, and software have in common? According to Jim York—everything. In this episode, he and Brian Milner break down what great teamwork really means, why shared goals matter more than job titles, and how understanding your team’s unique contribution can unlock better flow and results. Overview In this episode of the Agile Mentors…

Chris is thrilled to have completed his first ever 10,000 kilometer race only to have the legs cut out from underneath him. Sunil can hold his breath for ages and James thinks he’s great for cycling all the time. Also, can we please stop having a go at the Victorians? Want to see the lads live? Rural Concerns is coming to the London Podcast Show on…

If your team keeps revisiting the same issues over and over again, Groundhog Day-style, this episode is for you. Leadership coach Marsha Acker shares why it happens, how to recognize hidden conversational patterns, and what to do when you feel stuck. Overview In this episode, Brian Milner sits down with executive team coach and author Marsha Acker …

Chris is fresh from a dinner party, Sunil tries to engage with geo-politics and Producer James gears up for a VIP event. The lads also read a letter from the wife of a gamer turned first-time gardener. Want to see the lads live? Rural Concerns is coming to Manchester’s Fairfield Social Club on 22nd November. Tickets are already selling fast so grab…

Tired of “What went well?” and “What didn’t”? Brian Milner is here to help you cook up retrospectives that actually get your team thinking, collaborating, and improving. From creative themes to actionable frameworks, this is your behind-the-scenes guide to better retros. Overview Do your retrospectives feel more “check-the-box” than game-changing? …

Spring has come to Rural Concerns! Leek Club properly kicks off for Chris, whilst Producer James is besieged by a garden pest. Meanwhile, Sunil learns that a new bedroom brings new problems. Heavy is the crown and all that. Rural Concerns Live is coming to Manchester’s Fairfield Social Club on 22nd November. Tickets are already selling fast so grab…

What do Spotify, Google Meet, and your expense report tool have in common? They could all delight your users—if you design for more than just function. In this episode, Dr. Nesrine Changuel breaks down the emotional motivators that transform average products into unforgettable ones. Overview What separates a good product from a great one? According…

Can we all agree that the concept of community is disappearing?! In this episode Chris is persecuted for his political beliefs, Sunil is harassed by a former housemate and Producer James is locked into a rant. If you haven’t listened before it’s just three lovely chaps dealing in van humour. Rural Concerns Live is coming to Manchester’s Fairfield S…

Retrospectives shouldn’t suck the energy out of your team—or get skipped entirely. In this episode, Brian and Cort share how to fix the most common retro fails and announce two brand-new tools to help you run retros that actually work. Overview In this episode of the Agile Mentors Podcast, Brian Milner and Cort Sharp break down why retrospectives a…

Grab a Radler and dive in as Chris, Sunil and Producer James look back over their first year of the pod! You can see the lads live in Manchester on 11th November for their last live show of 2025. Grab your tickets, here! Big thanks to Phil Ellis, Amy Gledhill, Mark Silcox, Nicola Redman, Alisdair Beckett-King, Helen Bauer, Farmer Buggerton, Poppy H…

Ever left a meeting feeling more drained than before it started? That’s the dreaded meeting hangover. Brian Milner and Julie Chickering dive into why bad meetings have lasting effects—and what facilitators AND participants can do to make them better. Overview Bad meetings don’t just waste time, they drain energy, morale, and engagement long after t…

Producer James visits a creche for 40 something men, Chris has finally done something for Leek Club and Sunil got to ride in a tow truck. The lads also consider what it takes to become a master archer. Chris still has a couple of tour dates! He's off to Barnard Castle (22nd March) and Chorley (17th May) Grab your tickets, here! Got a Rural Concern?…

In this episode, Kate Megaw joins Brian Milner to share simple but powerful techniques that can turn those soul-sucking meetings into dynamic, action-driven conversations. If you're ready to make meetings worth attending, this one’s for you! Overview Brian Milner and Kate Megaw uncover the secrets to running highly effective and engaging meetings. …

The lads ditch church for an emergency broadcast when Sunil's beloved Lexus is stolen! You can literally hear the testosterone flowing as he recounts this genuinely thrilling tale of vigilantism in action. Meanwhile, James’ wallet is about to take a big hit and Chris has stood in something viscous. Also, keep an eye on the sky if you’re knocking ab…

What’s next for Agile coaching? Brian Milner and Andreas Schliep dive into the shifting landscape of Agile coaching, the differences between Scrum Masters and Agile Coaches, and how to carve out a sustainable career in a changing industry. Overview In this episode of the Agile Mentors Podcast, Brian Milner and Andreas Schliep explore the evolving r…

James has been watching some films, Chris wants the bullies to hear and Sunil has eyes like a 12 year old. The lads also catch up on some letters including an update from their favourite wreck head… Chris still has a couple of tour dates! He's off to Barnard Castle (22nd March) and Chorley (17th May) Grab your tickets, here! Got a Rural Concern? Dr…

In this episode, Brian Milner and Pete Behrens explore the difference between managing and leading, the critical role of middle management in transformation, and how anyone—at any level—can drive real change in their organization. Overview In this episode of the Agile Mentors Podcast, Brian Milner sits down with leadership expert Pete Behrens to un…

In this incredibly puerile episode Sunil enjoys a cream cake, James just wanted some eggs and Chris apparently sends too many messages! The lads also issue a new challenge that’s set to become an obsession for the middle aged. Do you have a Rural Concern? Drop us an email at [email protected]. You can now listen to the second half of ou…

The Children of Matthews return! This week James is getting bombarded on WhatsApp, Sunil dreams of a drive-in parking space and Chris? Well, he just wants to be heard. This episode also contains a highly anticipated Leek Club update. Chris' tour starts this week! He's off to Leeds, Manchester, Bristol and Leicester! Grab your tickets, here! Got a R…

Is workplace stress just about long hours? Not quite. Brian and Marcus Lagré unpack the real equation behind stress—how pressure, complexity, and security interact—and why your team’s performance depends on getting the balance right. Overview In this episode of the Agile Mentors Podcast, Brian Milner sits down with Marcus Lagré, product organizatio…

Sunil, Chris and James unite in London to record their first ever live show! Expect academic thought experiments, tech mishaps and loads of slander. Thanks to all the legends who came down! This episode also features a sneak peek of Sunil's BBC Radio 4 series 'An idiot's guide to bagging an Heiress' which is on this week, every day, at 11.45am. Chr…

The Agile Alliance partners with PMI—what does it mean for Agile’s future? Plus, how AI is reshaping Scrum Master roles and why honesty (even when it stings) is the key to career growth. Brian Milner and Cort Sharp tackle these hot topics in a no-holds-barred discussion. Overview In this episode of the Agile Mentors Podcast, Brian Milner and Cort S…

Tensions are running high in the build up to the first ever live show. Chris regrets joining Leek Club, James has no spatial awareness and Sunil just wants it all to end. Listen up, nerds! Chris is heading on a tour of the UK with his Edinburgh Comedy Award nominated show, Easily Swayed. He’s off to Gilsland, Edinburgh, Manchester (sold out), Leeds…

Can being "nice" at work actually hold you back? Join Brian and Scott Dunn as they unravel the myths around workplace "niceness," explore the balance between kindness and assertiveness, and reveal how honest communication can earn you respect—and maybe even that long-overdue promotion. Overview In this episode of the Agile Mentors Podcast, Brian an…

Sunil’s spending his birthday studying conflict, James is showing off about his kitchen skills and Chris poses an impossible question which leaves the lads reeling. Please let us know if you think this actually is like an episode of the Twilight Zone! Hey, yo! Chris is heading on a tour of the UK with his Edinburgh Comedy Award nominated show, Easi…

Is Agile still relevant in today’s fast-paced world? Brian and Joshua Kerievsky reveal the four game-changing principles of Modern Agile that prioritize safety, empowerment, and continuous value delivery. Overview In this episode, Brian Milner sits down with Joshua Kerievsky, a pioneer in the Agile community and the creator of Modern Agile. They di…

The boys are torn apart by success. James yearns to hold the trophy, Chris anoints the new Dune and Sunil isn't putting the seat down. Listen up, dweebs! Chris is heading on a tour of the UK with his Edinburgh Comedy Award nominated show, Easily Swayed. He’s off to Gilsland, Edinburgh, Manchester (SOLD OUT), Leeds (SOLD OUT), Leicester, Bristol (SE…

Ready to spark real change in your organization? In this episode, Brian Milner sits down with April K. Mills, founder of Engine for Change, to reveal how anyone can become a powerful change agent—without waiting for permission. Learn how to drive meaningful change, navigate resistance, and reignite Agile practices with strategies that actually work…

Sunil’s been gorging on another decadent dessert and Chris has an embarrassing confession which sends Producer James into a censorious frenzy. The lads also read a letter from a lazy engineer. The lads will be back to shielding their vulnerabilities next week. Listen up, nerds! Chris is heading on a tour of the UK with his Edinburgh Comedy Award no…

Curious about the future of Agile in 2025? Join Brian and Lance Dacy as they dive into the rise of AI, hyper-personalization, and how teams can balance innovation with customer focus. Plus, discover actionable insights to navigate a rapidly evolving landscape—don’t miss this forward-looking discussion! Overview In this episode of the Agile Mentors …

Welcome back to the first Rural Concerns of 2025! Sunil’s scared of the dark, Chris is a slave to his criminal impulses and Producer James wants to kick off the new year by dredging up the past. Sunil also gets very excited about a garden centre grotto and Chris gives us a rendition of Cicero’s thong song. You can email the lads your Rural Concerns…

Chris and Producer James catch-up in the festive gap between proper episodes to discuss being dads. Normal service resumes next week!By A Lovely Time Productions

The lads are joined by a very special guest for this merry festive episode! James is having a snowball, Chris ponders intergalactic travel and is it too late for Sunil to learn the true meaning of Christmas? Chris is going on tour in February. Get your tickets, here! Do you have a Rural Concern? Email it to the lads: [email protected]. …

Missed some episodes this year? Don’t worry—Brian’s got you covered with a highlight reel of 2024’s most memorable moments, featuring game-changing insights from Agile thought leaders and innovators. Tune in to catch up, reflect, and set your sights on a stellar 2025! Overview In this special year-end episode of the Agile Mentors Podcast, Brian tak…

Chris has made a new friend, Sunil doesn’t understand car insurance and James gets a telling off. Plus, the boys also discuss what tattoos they’ll get. Chris’ debut tour kicks off in February. Get your tickets, here! Drop us an email at [email protected] if you have a Rural Concern you’d like discussed! The best way to support this educ…

How do you navigate a bumpy job market with an agile mindset? Join Brian and leadership coach Mark Kilby as they explore practical strategies for staying prepared, leveraging your network, and taking ownership of your career during uncertain times. Overview In this episode of the Agile Mentors podcast, Brian Milner and Mark Kilby explore how to app…

Sunil promotes a new cable, a film and basically anything that isn't his own podcast. Meanwhile, Chris is getting some new carpet and James has a bone to pick. Also, we did an Internet Speed Test but forgot to actually say Chris' new stats. It was a mistake, but it does add a bit of dramatic tension for the next episode! Get your tickets to Chris’ …

What does it take to be an effective Scrum Master? In this episode, Brian Milner and Gary K. Evans, author of The Effective Scrum Master, explore the nuanced role of Scrum Masters, the importance of people skills, and the shift from efficiency to effectiveness. Overview Join Brian Milner as he chats with Agile coach and author Gary K. Evans about t…