

TRAP: The Real Adviser Podcast
Alan Smith; Andy Hart; Carl Widger; Nick Lincoln
Four business-owning entrepreneurial knuckleheads chew the fat on the sometimes murky, always quirky, world of UK and Irish personal finance.
Episodes
Mentioned books

14 snips
Dec 4, 2025 • 1h 43min
85 - What Real Advisers Actually Say
The hosts dive into the chaotic UK budget, dissecting political fallout and advising on new tax implications. They compare the financial landscapes of the UK and Ireland, touching on crypto regulation sparked by Coinbase's hefty fine. Recruitment opportunities arise in Dorset, while discussions on client management cover sensitive topics like dealing with client deaths. They also explore effective communication techniques for advisers, including impactful phrases and storytelling strategies. Tune in for culture recommendations that inspire!

18 snips
Nov 20, 2025 • 1h 34min
84 - Mr Marmite!
Paul Armson, known as 'Mr. Marmite' and founder of Inspiring Advisors, dives into the nuances of lifestyle financial planning. He criticizes superficial financial strategies and emphasizes the importance of year-on-year cash flow modeling. Armson introduces his innovative 'bucket' framework for managing assets and discusses the challenges of defining a 'financial planner' in today's landscape. Plus, he shares a special TRAPist discount for his courses and insights from his book 'Enough' aimed at enhancing client engagement.

Nov 6, 2025 • 1h 35min
83 - The Future of TRAP
The hosts dive into the future of financial advising, discussing Standard Life's move to include private assets and the associated risks for average clients. They also critique Deloitte's AI report, cautioning against over-reliance on technology. A survey reveals the impact of trust on client retention, sparking dialogue on check-in strategies. Plans for expanding the community include a Trap Academy and intensive learning retreats. Finally, they touch on cryptocurrency trends and recommend compelling podcast picks.

4 snips
Oct 23, 2025 • 1h 26min
82 - (Less) Lonely Money
Join financial psychologist Meghaan Lurtz, an expert in personal financial planning, as she dives into the nuances of financial psychology. She explains its importance for advisers and highlights common communication gaps with clients. Discover how to effectively engage couples in financial discussions and build trust quickly through follow-up questions. Meghaan also emphasizes the need for structured conversations about values, urging advisers to practice their communication skills for better client relationships.

14 snips
Oct 9, 2025 • 1h 36min
81 - First World Problems
The hosts dive into the intriguing world of first-world problems, discussing the nuances of advisory practices and client complacency. They debate whether platforms should offer cryptocurrency options and reflect on the implications of Nutmeg's financial struggles post-acquisition. Insightful conversations on educating clients' children about investing lead to valuable tips. Cultural recommendations range from gripping podcasts to classic literature, ensuring listeners leave entertained and informed.

Sep 25, 2025 • 1h 33min
80 - The Girl's Got Verve
Cathy Harrison, the Founder and CEO of Verve, shares her inspiring journey in the finance world. She explains how the Verve incubator supports new advisers in launching independent firms, highlighting its cohort model and Royal London sponsorship. Cathy discusses the Verve Foundation's initiatives aimed at increasing access to finance careers, especially for women. She also touches on her multiple brand-building experiences and the future vision for Verve's integrated tech solutions. A must-listen for those interested in innovation in financial advice!

11 snips
Sep 11, 2025 • 1h 39min
79 - Consolidator Conflicts
Unpack the tension in financial advising as hosts dive into the ethical dilemmas and rivalries among advisers, especially on platforms like LinkedIn. Discover how recent shifts in investor behavior are steering them from equities to safer funds. From financial pitfalls of athletes to evolving fee structures, the conversation is lively and relatable. Explore how transparency and innovative practices among advisors can reshape client experiences. The mix of personal stories and industry insights keeps the discussion both heartfelt and informative.

Aug 28, 2025 • 1h 34min
78 - Summer Reset: Drift or Design?
The podcast dives into the balance between drifting and designing your summer reset, mixing humor with insightful investment strategies. It explores the transformative role of AI in financial advisory and maximizing Microsoft tools for productivity. The hosts discuss the intricacies of business exits and the essential data needed for success. Community engagement and personal reflections on work-life balance are highlighted, with intriguing discussions on Bitcoin investment and vacation adventures adding a relatable touch.

Aug 14, 2025 • 1h 37min
77 - Creating Winning Habits - with elite coach Joe O’Connor
In this engaging discussion, elite coach Joe O’Connor shares insights from his extensive experience in athletics and performance nutrition. He emphasizes the importance of creating winning habits, drawing empowering parallels between elite athletes and business leaders. Joe also talks about the necessity of planning and preparation in achieving success, while addressing the value of stress management and networking. Lastly, he advocates for personalized health strategies, linking consistent wellness practices to long-term financial vitality.

Jul 31, 2025 • 1h 31min
76 - Drawdown Decisions
The discussion kicks off with a light-hearted look at community engagement. Key topics include the rising FCA levies impacting advisors and the ethical dilemmas tied to financial consolidators. The podcast critiques the ongoing issues of greenwashing in ESG investing, examining its repercussions. Listeners are encouraged to explore innovative funding solutions for independent firms. Finally, it highlights the importance of personalized financial planning over traditional risk profiling, advocating for transparency and a client-centered approach.


