What if hypnosis isn’t as mysterious as the films make it look? 🕰️👀

In this episode of The Engaging Marketeer, Darren chats with Turan Mirza from Feelgood Hypnosis about how hypnosis really works, why so many fears and phobias are learned behaviours and how changing the way we think can completely change the way we feel.

From spiders and public speaking to smoking, nail biting, flying, roller coasters and even a remarkable story of trauma recovery after a parachuting accident, Turan explains how hypnosis can help people break old patterns, challenge deep-rooted beliefs and take back control of their own responses.

Darren and Turan also explore the surprising link between hypnosis, language and sales, including how suggestion, framing and the words we use every day can influence the way people think, feel and act. It’s a fascinating, funny and thought-provoking conversation that shows hypnosis isn’t about swinging watches or mind control - it’s about communication, focus and helping people create real change from within.

If you’ve ever wondered whether you can be hypnotised, whether anyone can become a hypnotist or why your brain does things on autopilot without you even noticing, this episode is well worth a listen.

More about Turan:

Turan Mirza is a hypnotist and hypnotic change work practitioner at Feelgood Hypnosis. He helps people change unwanted thoughts, feelings and behaviours, including fears, phobias, smoking, nail biting, anxiety and confidence issues. With experience dating back to 2010, Turan uses hypnosis to help clients understand and change learned responses, with a focus on practical, positive change rather than labels or disorders.

You can connect with Turan here:

Website: https://www.feel-good.today/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/feelgoodhypnosis

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/turan-mirza/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FeelGoodHypnosis

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/feelgoodhypnosis/

X: https://x.com/FeelHypnosis

About your host:

Darren has worked within digital marketing since the last century, and was the first in-house web designer for video games retailer GAME in the UK, known as Electronics Boutique in the States. After co-founding his own agency, Engage Web, in 2009, Darren has worked with clients around the world, including Australia, Canada and the USA.

iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/engaging-marketeer/id1612454837

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrenjamieson/

Engaging Marketeer: https://engagingmarketeer.com

Engage Web: https://www.engageweb.co.uk

Support the show: https://engageweb.club

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ever wondered what it’s really like behind the scenes of a legendary ad campaign?

In this episode of The Engaging Marketeer, Darren Jamieson sits down with Kevin Chesters, the mastermind behind the iconic Moonwalking Shetland Pony for Three.

Kevin uncovers his journey from rejection letters to top strategy roles at agencies like Saatchi & Saatchi and Ogilvy. He reveals the secrets of how creativity really works in advertising, and why it's not about being "clever," but being useful and persistent. It’s a candid conversation about the ups and downs of the advertising world and the importance of teamwork.

We also dive into some fascinating behind-the-scenes stories, like how the Moonwalking Pony ad came to life, and a surprising twist...

Get ready for a high-energy episode packed with insights, laughs and some serious biscuit debates. Whether you’re in the ad industry or just curious about what it really takes to make a memorable campaign, you won’t want to miss this one!

More about Kevin:

Kevin Chesters is a highly experienced advertising strategist, author and trainer, having held senior strategy roles at major agencies including Saatchi & Saatchi, Wieden+Kennedy, Dentsu and Ogilvy. He was part of the team behind Three’s famous Moonwalking Shetland Pony campaign and now works directly with clients and agencies on brand strategy, creative thinking and training. He is also the co-author of The Creative Nudge.

You can connect with Kevin here:

Website: https://kevinchesters.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinchesters/

Amazon Store: https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/author/B095HPMRMN/about

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kevinchesters/

X: https://x.com/hairychesters?

About your host:

Darren has worked within digital marketing since the last century, and was the first in-house web designer for video games retailer GAME in the UK, known as Electronics Boutique in the States. After co-founding his own agency, Engage Web, in 2009, Darren has worked with clients around the world, including Australia, Canada and the USA.

iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/engaging-marketeer/id1612454837

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrenjamieson/

Engaging Marketeer: https://engagingmarketeer.com

Engage Web: https://www.engageweb.co.uk

Support the show: https://engageweb.club

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What if doing nothing is costing you money? 🤯

In this week’s episode of The Engaging Marketeer, Darren sits down with Tristan Hartey of Hartey Wealth Management to break down how money really works in the real world… and it isn't the way most people think.

It starts with something simple. One pound. One year. One small gain. Then another. And another. Before you even realise it, those small increases are stacking, building, compounding into something far bigger than most people ever expect... 📈

This isn't about chasing quick wins or trying to double your money overnight. It's about understanding how consistent, steady growth works over time, and why the biggest mistake most people make is either waiting too long or stopping too early. This is the kind of conversation that changes how you look at money, business and even your own progress 🔥

More about Tristan:

Tristan Hartey is a UK-based financial adviser and co-founder of Hartey Wealth Management, a firm focused on helping individuals and families build, protect, and manage their wealth. Known for his ability to simplify complex financial concepts, Tristan works closely with clients to create clear, practical plans around investments, pensions, and long-term financial security. His approach combines technical expertise with a strong emphasis on understanding each client’s personal goals and their emotional relationship with money.

Alongside his advisory work, Tristan is an accomplished public speaker who has delivered talks to audiences of thousands across the UK and internationally, including events in the United States and China. He is passionate about improving financial education, particularly in the UK, and regularly speaks on topics such as compound interest, financial mindset, and long-term wealth building, with a focus on making financial advice more accessible and easier to understand.

You can connect with Tristan here:

Website: https://www.harteywm.co.uk/about/tristan-hartey/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tristan-hartey-71238752/

BNI: https://bni.co.uk/en-GB/memberdetails?encryptedMemberId=tdRGKxnfhrvqfJNgqBL4jg%3D%3D&name=Tristan+Hartey

Business Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/HarteyWealthManagement

Business Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harteywealthmanagement/

Business X: https://x.com/HarteyWM

About your host:

Darren has worked within digital marketing since the last century, and was the first in-house web designer for video games retailer GAME in the UK, known as Electronics Boutique in the States. After co-founding his own agency, Engage Web, in 2009, Darren has worked with clients around the world, including Australia, Canada and the USA.

iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/engaging-marketeer/id1612454837

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrenjamieson/

Engaging Marketeer: https://engagingmarketeer.com

Engage Web: https://www.engageweb.co.uk

Support the show: https://engageweb.club

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on The Engaging Marketeer, Darren chats with Joanne Finnerty of JF Recruitment about what it really takes to hire the right people and stand out when you’re looking for a new role.

Jo shares how she got started in recruitment, why she still loves it more than 30 years later and what businesses so often get wrong when hiring. They also get into practical advice for candidates, from writing a stronger CV and preparing properly for interviews to making a better impression both online and in person.

It’s a lively conversation packed with real experience, honest advice and plenty of insight for both employers and job seekers alike. Full episode available now.

More about Joanne:

Joanne Finnerty is the founder of JF Recruitment, a recruitment agency with a passion for matching businesses with the right talent. With over 30 years of experience in the recruitment industry, Jo has built a reputation for her consultative approach and commitment to helping people find the right roles and businesses find the best-fit employees. Starting her career in temping, she worked her way up to running her own recruitment business, offering expertise in permanent recruitment and a strong focus on cultural fit. Jo is driven by a desire to make a difference, having helped numerous individuals transition to new careers and businesses thrive through effective staffing solutions.

You can connect with Joanne here:

Website: https://jfrecruitment.co.uk/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joannefinnerty/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JoanneFinnertyRecruitment/?locale=en_GB

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joannefinnertyrecruitment/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@joannefinnerty0

About your host:

Darren has worked within digital marketing since the last century, and was the first in-house web designer for video games retailer GAME in the UK, known as Electronics Boutique in the States. After co-founding his own agency, Engage Web, in 2009, Darren has worked with clients around the world, including Australia, Canada and the USA.

iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/engaging-marketeer/id1612454837

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrenjamieson/

Engaging Marketeer: https://engagingmarketeer.com

Engage Web: https://www.engageweb.co.uk

Support the show: https://engageweb.club

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Be honest…

When was the last time you properly researched a company before buying from them?

Not a big brand like Amazon or Apple - a business you'd never heard of before.

Did you read every page? Go through all the reviews? Check their terms, their history, their team? Or did you just skim it… and go with your gut?

That split-second decision is exactly what this episode of The Engaging Marketeer dives into. Darren breaks down what really drives buying decisions online, why most websites lose people without ever knowing it and what needs to change if you want more enquiries without just throwing more money at ads.

If your traffic looks fine but your leads are not where they should be, this episode will hit home.

About your host:

Darren has worked within digital marketing since the last century, and was the first in-house web designer for video games retailer GAME in the UK, known as Electronics Boutique in the States. After co-founding his own agency, Engage Web, in 2009, Darren has worked with clients around the world, including Australia, Canada and the USA.

iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/engaging-marketeer/id1612454837

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrenjamieson/

Engaging Marketeer: https://engagingmarketeer.com

Engage Web: https://www.engageweb.co.uk

Support the show: https://engageweb.club

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"From the age of 13, I believed I was unworthy, undeserving of respect and that I had to accept the violence I was enduring."

In today’s episode of The Engaging Marketeer, Larissa Astara Gray shares her powerful story of survival, strength and how she reclaimed her power in the wake of her deeply traumatic experiences - including breaking free from toxic cycles and recovering from a drug addiction. As the founder of Better Boundaries, Larissa now helps others heal and set healthier boundaries.

Her journey offers valuable insights on the importance of self-love and healing from past experiences. If you've ever struggled with toxic relationships or finding your true worth, this episode will speak to you.

About Larissa:

Larissa Astara Gray is a passionate speaker, educator, and advocate for positive sex education, with a focus on empowering young people to navigate the challenges of modern relationships and sexuality. She is a leading voice on the impact of pornography on young minds and works tirelessly to raise awareness about the dangers of toxic sexual experiences. Larissa’s mission is to help young people understand healthy boundaries, consent, and self-worth, ensuring they are equipped to make informed choices about their sexual health and relationships.

Having experienced and overcome her own difficult and toxic relationships, Larissa now uses her personal journey to guide and educate others. She has created Better Boundaries Online, an educational platform that provides resources for young people, parents, and educators to address the harmful effects of pornography and promote healthy sexual relationships.

With over a decade of speaking experience, Larissa is a sought-after speaker, sharing her expertise in schools, universities, and various youth-focused settings. Her work is grounded in her belief that education is key to breaking cycles of trauma and ensuring that future generations can experience healthy, consensual, and fulfilling relationships.

You can connect with Larissa here:

Website: https://larissaastaragray.co.uk/

Better Boundaries Website: https://betterboundaries.co.uk/about/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larissa-astara-gray-a98374202/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/larissaastaragray/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/larissa_astara_gray/

About your host:

Darren has worked within digital marketing since the last century, and was the first in-house web designer for video games retailer GAME in the UK, known as Electronics Boutique in the States. After co-founding his own agency, Engage Web, in 2009, Darren has worked with clients around the world, including Australia, Canada and the USA.

iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/engaging-marketeer/id1612454837

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrenjamieson/

Engaging Marketeer: https://engagingmarketeer.com

Engage Web: https://www.engageweb.co.uk

Support the show: https://engageweb.club

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What if one of the fastest ways to build real wealth isn’t starting from scratch… but stepping into something that already works?

In this episode, Casey Ridley claims that, done right, franchising can be one of the greatest creators of wealth in the world. When you hear how it actually works behind the scenes, it starts to make a lot of sense...

He and Darren get into what most people never see - that it's not just about systems and contracts. Successful franchising is about people, relationships and building something together that is bigger than you could ever do alone.

From choosing the right franchise owners to creating a business that genuinely supports them, this is how franchises truly scale and succeed.

If you've ever thought about running your own business, but felt stuck on where to start, or you want to grow faster without going it alone, this episode will open your eyes to what's possible.

More about Casey:

Casey Ridley is an entrepreneur and franchise leader based in Georgia, USA, and the driving force behind The Designery, a rapidly growing kitchen, bath, and closet franchise brand. He began his career by acquiring and transforming a small surplus construction business before scaling it into a multi-location operation and then franchising it nationally.

A strong advocate of franchising as a pathway to entrepreneurship, Casey focuses on helping individuals build successful businesses through structured systems, training, and support. Under his leadership, The Designery has expanded to dozens of locations across the United States, with a model centred on scalable growth, strong franchisee relationships, and a blend of national branding with local marketing.

He is also a franchisee himself, giving him a dual perspective on both sides of the model, and is known for his emphasis on execution, culture, and long-term business development.

You can connect with Casey here:

Website: https://thedesignery.com/about/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/casey-ridley/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/caseyridley22/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/casey_ridley_/

About your host:

Darren has worked within digital marketing since the last century, and was the first in-house web designer for video games retailer GAME in the UK, known as Electronics Boutique in the States. After co-founding his own agency, Engage Web, in 2009, Darren has worked with clients around the world, including Australia, Canada and the USA.

iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/engaging-marketeer/id1612454837

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrenjamieson/

Engaging Marketeer: https://engagingmarketeer.com

Engage Web: https://www.engageweb.co.uk

Support the show: https://engageweb.club

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Most people don’t think about dementia care… until they have to.

In this episode of The Engaging Marketeer, Paul Chambers shares how he went from a career in sales into the world of dementia care, and what that journey has taught him along the way.

This is an eye-opening conversation about what really happens when dementia enters a family’s life. From recognising the early signs, to getting a diagnosis, to navigating care options and the reality of costs, the episode covers it all. It also breaks down what to look for in a care home, the mistakes people make when choosing one and the questions more families should be asking before it’s too late.

More about Paul

Paul Chambers is the Dementia and Wellbeing Lead at Willow Bank Residential Dementia Care Home in Pershore. After more than 30 years working in sales and business development, a serious car accident in 2019 prompted him to reassess his career and move into the care sector. He began working in domiciliary and live-in care before moving into a customer relations role within a care home, where he developed a strong interest in supporting families navigating dementia.

Today, Paul focuses on improving the quality of life for people living with dementia, helping residents remain engaged, stimulated and supported while also guiding families through the challenges of diagnosis, care decisions and long-term support. He is particularly passionate about dementia awareness, cognitive stimulation approaches and ensuring residents continue to live with dignity and purpose throughout their care journey.

You can connect with Paul here:

Website: https://www.willowbankhadfield.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulchambers2009/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PaulyCFC

About your host:

Darren has worked within digital marketing since the last century, and was the first in-house web designer for video games retailer GAME in the UK, known as Electronics Boutique in the States. After co-founding his own agency, Engage Web, in 2009, Darren has worked with clients around the world, including Australia, Canada and the USA.

iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/engaging-marketeer/id1612454837

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrenjamieson/

Engaging Marketeer: https://engagingmarketeer.com

Engage Web: https://www.engageweb.co.uk

Support the show: https://engageweb.club

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.