From policing the streets to policing social media, James Armstrong has seen the best and worst of online behaviour!

In this episode of The Engaging Marketeer, Darren Jamieson speaks to the co-founder of Social Firefly about his journey from Sussex Police to running a social media agency.

James shares what it was like managing social media for the police, dealing with trolls, using platforms like Snapchat to reach young people and helping communities through sensitive situations. He also explains what businesses can learn from public sector comms, why followers aren’t the metric to obsess over and how to create content people actually want to engage with.

If your social media feels like shouting into the void, this episode is packed with honest stories, practical advice and plenty of laughs.

More About James

James Armstrong is the co-founder of Social Firefly, a social media agency that helps organisations build stronger relationships with their audiences through meaningful, human-focused content. Before launching the business, James spent ten years with Sussex Police, where he progressed from Police Community Support Officer to digital communications manager, leading social media and public engagement across the force.

His background in policing gave him first-hand experience of community management, reputational risk, public sector communications and high-pressure messaging. He worked on campaigns covering issues such as child sexual exploitation, public safety and emergency response, including social media communications around the Shoreham air crash.

Today, James brings that experience into his work with businesses, charities and public sector organisations, helping them use social media as a genuine conversation tool rather than a broadcast channel. Through Social Firefly, he has worked with a wide range of clients, including local authorities, charities, cultural organisations and commercial brands. He has also spoken at events including BrightonSEO and CharityComms, sharing his expertise on social media strategy, paid social and audience engagement.

You can connect with James here:

Website: https://socialfirefly.co.uk/

LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/jjfarmstrong

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

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

X: https://x.com/So_Firefly

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 you couldn’t read or write until you were 30... then went on to become a published author, speaker and trainer working with names like Tony Robbins?

In this episode of The Engaging Marketeer, Darren chats with Brian Mayne, author, speaker and creator of Goal Mapping.

Brian grew up in a travelling funfair family, left school unable to read or write, lost everything after his nightclub business collapsed, then rebuilt his life through sales, personal development and goal setting.

He talks about learning to read at 30, working with names like Tony Robbins, getting published by Penguin Random House, being ripped off during the self-publishing process and why trusting your gut can sometimes save you from a very expensive mistake.

It’s a brilliant conversation about resilience, writing, confidence, sales, public speaking and what it really takes to keep going when life knocks you flat.

More about Brian:

Brian Mayne is a speaker, trainer and multiple published author best known as the creator of Goal Mapping. After growing up in a travelling funfair family and leaving school unable to read or write, Brian transformed his life through personal development and went on to work with global names including Tony Robbins. His books have been translated into multiple languages, and his Goal Mapping system is now used by coaches, trainers and organisations around the world.

You can connect with Brian here:

Website: https://goalmapping.com/

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

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

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

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

X: https://x.com/Brian_Mayne

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 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.