Business Without Bullsh-t

EP 409 - What happens when you strip away phones, comfort and pretence? Therapist Jerry Hyde - often called “the most dangerous therapist in the world” - and filmmaker Mai Hua explore the raw truths of mental health, vulnerability and masculinity.Released for World Mental Health Day, the conversation dives into why modern life keeps us disconnected, how radical retreats (no phones, no showers, no distractions) transform people, and why real healing means breaking the rules.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Why Jerry Hyde is called “the most dangerous therapist”How radical retreats challenge comfort, technology and egoThe link between phones, distraction and mental health declineWhy vulnerability is strength in therapy and relationshipsHow group therapy transforms masculinity and human connectionIf you’re interested in mental health awareness, therapy, and breaking free from modern distractions, this episode offers unfiltered insights and challenges conventional thinking.*For Apple Podcast chapters, access them from the menu in the bottom right corner of your player*Spotify Video Chapters:00:00 BWB with Jerry Hyde and Mai Hua00:40 Introducing Jerry and Mai01:52 Exploring Masculinity and Vulnerability04:03 The Power of Retreats05:44 The Impact of Technology on Mental Health06:27 The Importance of Human Connection08:50 Challenges of Modern Parenting18:53 Understanding ADHD and Trauma32:24 Gender Dynamics and Therapy45:25 Therapy as a Lifestyle Choice45:52 Challenges of Couples Therapy47:02 The Art of Self-Inquiry47:41 Collaborative Conflicts48:09 Gender Differences in Therapy57:44 Cultural Perspectives on Therapy01:03:02 Making a Man: The Documentary01:05:42 The Importance of Vulnerability01:23:12 Therapy and Group Dynamics01:25:17 Wrap UpWatch and subscribe to us on YouTubeFollow us:InstagramTikTokLinkedinTwitterFacebookIf you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

EP 408 - What happens when British charm collides with German order in the workplace? In part 3 of our Business Without Baggage series, we speak to professor and senior partner at GTK Germany - Manfred Klein - who breaks down the surprising differences - and hidden similarities - between the UK and Germany’s business cultures.From awkward handshakes and endless small talk to rigid agendas and direct feedback, discover why British and German colleagues often clash in meetings, negotiations and everyday work.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Why German efficiency and precision frustrates British colleaguesHow British politeness and vagueness confuses German teamsThe truth about work - life boundaries in Germany vs the UKWhy Germans trust process while Brits trust personalityHow cultural differences can make or break international business dealsIf you’re doing business with Germany, managing international teams, or just curious about cross-cultural communication, this conversation is packed with real-world insights and a few laughs.*For Apple Podcast chapters, access them from the menu in the bottom right corner of your player*Spotify Video Chapters:00:00 Business Without Baggage part 3 - Germany00:43 Meet Manfred - A Legal Heavyweight01:16 The Importance of Formality and Punctuality02:20 Setting and Following an Agenda04:53 Work-Life Boundaries in Germany17:05 Direct Communication and Feedback29:14 The Role of Hierarchy and Family Businesses39:25 Social Security and Employee Expectations40:54 Understanding German Employee Benefits41:25 Work-Life Balance in Germany42:05 Challenges in the German Health and Pension Systems42:54 Maternity and Parental Leave Policies44:01 Declining Birth Rates and Social Security46:26 Immigration and Cultural Integration48:05 German Cultural Traits and Business Etiquette49:15 Economic Challenges and Quantitative Easing50:25 Direct Communication and Efficiency in Germany57:00 Business Collaboration Between Germany and UK59:16 Ease of Doing Business in Germany01:09:00 Common Mistakes When Doing Business in Germany01:11:03 Visa and Property Ownership in Germany01:13:50 Andy Wears German Carnival Outfit01:15:19 Business or Bullshit quiz!01:18:04 Wrap UpWatch and subscribe to us on YouTubeFollow us:InstagramTikTokLinkedinTwitterFacebookIf you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

EP 407 - What does it really take to build a food empire from scratch? We're giving our chat with John B Stapleton - serial entrepreneur, investor, and co-founder of the New Covent Garden Soup Company and Little Dish a re-run to remind us about the hard-won lessons behind his multi-million-pound successes.From inventing the UK’s fresh soup category to mentoring today’s challenger brands, John shares his insights on:Why resilience beats a “genius idea” every timeHow to raise investment when the market is stacked against youThe truth about failure - and why it’s the best teacher for entrepreneursBootstrapping until you “know what you’re doing”The entrepreneurial ego: small “e” vs big “E”Whether you’re launching your first startup or scaling towards exit, this episode is packed with real-world advice on how entrepreneurs really win - and why sometimes failure is the very thing that sets you up for millions.Perfect for founders, investors, and anyone navigating today’s uncertain business landscape.*For Apple Podcast chapters, access them from the menu in the bottom right corner of your player*Spotify Video Chapters:00:00 BWB with John Stapleton 00:40 John's Background and Achievements01:19 Current Business Climate and Challenges04:22 Investment Strategies and Advice12:45 Mentoring and Advising Startups14:25 Mission Ventures and Investment Platforms18:17 Entrepreneurial Traits and Success24:43 The Birth of Lamborghini25:22 The Cult of Entrepreneurial Personality26:29 The Value of Failure28:51 Consumer Insight and Resilience30:05 The Fresh Soup Revolution34:21 Quickfire - Get To Know John41:26 Wrap UpWatch and subscribe to us on YouTubeFollow us:InstagramTikTokLinkedinTwitterFacebookIf you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

EP 406 - Economist and tax strategist Oriana Morrison pulls doesn't hold back in our chat about the UK economy, HMRC, tax avoidance, and inequality.Founder and CEO of ECNMX and trusted advisor to world champion athletes and entertainers, Oriana Morrison explains why HMRC is “shameful,” how tax is used as social engineering, and why Britain risks losing its top talent to fairer systems abroad.From the realities of sportswashing in Saudi boxing to the politics of envy driving the UK’s broken tax system, Oriana shares blunt insights you won’t hear from politicians, even or accountants.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Why Oriana Morrison calls HMRC “shameful”The hidden truth about tax, fairness and inequalityHow sportswashing in Saudi boxing really worksWhy Britain risks a Latin American-style economic collapseHow tax myths are driving talent and wealth out of the UKIf you want to hear about the future of Britain’s economy, the truth about tax and HMRC, and what it really means for athletes, creatives, and entrepreneurs, pull up a chair and press play.*For Apple Podcast chapters, access them from the menu in the bottom right corner of your player*Spotify Video Chapters:00:00 BWB with Oriana Morrison01:30 Sportswashing in Saudi?04:09 Economic Realities of Sports Consumption09:33 Oriana's Role and Expertise14:01 Tax and Economic Policies16:57 HMRC: Challenges and Criticisms 26:50 Global Economic Perspectives42:28 Insider Trading and Ethical Dilemmas42:54 Navigating Client Relationships and Global Networks43:37 Oriana's Story: The Band Fallout46:32 Legal Battles and Partnership Laws53:11 Lessons Learned and Client Challenges59:42 Social Media vs. Tax Advice01:04:48 Quickfire - Get To Know Oriana01:08:49 !Business or Bullshit Quiz!01:17:10 Wrap UpWatch and subscribe to us on YouTubeFollow us:InstagramTikTokLinkedinTwitterFacebookIf you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

EP 405 - Is Italy an entrepreneur’s dream or a business nightmare compared to the UK? In part 3 of our Business Without Baggage series, Andy speaks with corporate lawyer Marco Pistis about the cultural and legal contrasts between doing business in Italy and the UK.From relationship-driven deals to bureaucracy that stifles scale, Marco explains why British companies often struggle in Italy - and what they can learn from its unique, trust-first culture.What you’ll learn:Why relationships and trust matter more than rules in ItalyThe North-South divide: how culture, punctuality, and payments differHow family-run businesses dominate the market - and what that means for outsidersWhy bureaucracy and employee protection laws slow scalingHow UK businesses can avoid costly mistakes when entering ItalyWhere the real opportunities lie: Milan, the mid-market, and creative industriesPerfect for entrepreneurs, investors, and advisors looking to navigate UK - Italy business differences.*For Apple Podcast chapters, access them from the menu in the bottom right corner of your player*Spotify Video Chapters:00:00 Business Without Baggage #3 Italy00:41 Meet Marco Pistis: The Insider's Perspective01:38 The Emotional Approach to Business03:50 Friendship and Business in Italy10:25 The Importance of Punctuality and Flexibility16:10 Hierarchy and Family Businesses23:20 Employee Expectations and Labour Laws26:07 Cultural Cues and Misunderstandings29:15 Cultural Taboos: Money and Religion29:54 Negotiating Business Deals in Italy31:56 The Importance of Food in Italian Business33:34 Challenges and Stereotypes in Italian Business34:34 Setting Up Business in Italy: Banking and Bureaucracy37:50 Tax Benefits and Wealthy Expats in Italy48:36 AI and Cultural Communication49:58 !Business or Bullshit Quiz!50:22 Wrap UpWatch and subscribe to us on YouTubeFollow us:InstagramTikTokLinkedinTwitterFacebookIf you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

EP 404 - Can improv and humour make you a better leader - and even grow your bottom line? Neil Mullarkey (Comedy Store Players co-founder with Mike Myers, seen on Whose Line Is It Anyway and Austin Powers) shows how improv’s “Yes, And” mindset, listening with intent, and affiliative humour boost leadership, sales, creativity, and team culture.We unpack practical tools Neil teaches at London Business School and in boardrooms across 25+ countries: running better meetings and Zooms, building psychological safety, using Pixar-style “plussing,” navigating change, and why funny people make better leaders.What you’ll learn:How improv drives creativity, collaboration, and faster decisionsThe difference between affiliative vs. dis-affiliative humour (and why banter can backfire)Listening with intent: the leadership meta-skill that wins deals and trustRunning high-energy meetings (in-person & remote): chat prompts, quick polls, and participation hacksWhy “Yes, And” beats rigid scripts for sales, client work, and stakeholder buy-in*For Apple Podcast chapters, access them from the menu in the bottom right corner of your player*Spotify Video Chapters:00:00 BWB with Neil Mullarkey01:20 Neil's Journey in Comedy and Improv05:42 The Birth of Comedy Store Players08:12 Improv Techniques and Their Applications19:13 Improv in Business and Leadership24:05 Effective Meeting Strategies32:31 Innovative Meeting Strategies33:35 The Role of Improv in Leadership36:07 Handling Resistance and Transformation41:45 Humour in the Workplace47:32 Improv Skills for Personal Growth56:27 Quickfire - Get To Know Neil57:54 !Business or Bullshit Quiz!businesswithoutbullshit.meWatch and subscribe to us on YouTubeFollow us:InstagramTikTokLinkedinTwitterFacebookIf you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

EP 403 - AI is being sold as a miracle productivity tool​, but is it actually killing our ability to think? We revisit our conversation with AI expert, author​ and speaker​ David Birss who explores the hidden dangers of generative AI - from outsourcing imagination to the slow erosion of human originality.We explore the myth of AI productivity​, unpacking why most companies are implementing AI the wrong way, why “adequacy” is replacing excellence, and how the obsession with productivity is leading to burnout rather than breakthroughs. David explains his Sensible AI Manifesto, showing why businesses must use AI to augment skills, not automate talent.From ChatGPT in the workplace to the risk of Gen Z losing brain power, this episode covers the biggest questions around AI:Is generative AI replacing excellence with adequacy?How can AI increase output without destroying originality?What are the real risks of AI for business, education, and society?Could AI be weaponised - and are governments already falling behind?Essential listening​ if you’re searching for the truth about AI in business, creativity, and the future of work. *For Apple Podcast chapters, access them from the menu in the bottom right corner of your player*Spotify Video Chapters:00:00 BWB with David Birss00:43 Meet David - AI Expert and Innovator01:41 The Sensible AI Manifesto: Origins and Purpose03:24 AI in Business: Misconceptions and Realities04:16 The Impact of AI on Productivity and Workload10:17 The Future of AI: Risks and Ethical Considerations17:29 AI in Warfare and Global Security25:41 Training and Education: The UK vs. The US34:10 The Importance of Effective AI Prompting37:30 David's Multifaceted Career: Music, Comedy, and AI43:11 Spotting Opportunities in Technology44:03 Embracing AI and Art44:47 Developing Effective AI Prompts46:59 Challenges and Misconceptions in AI49:05 Dealing with Change and Innovation50:55 The Importance of Human Potential59:04 Quickfire - Get To Know David01:07:12 !Business or Bullshit Quiz!businesswithoutbullshit.meWatch and subscribe to us on YouTubeFollow us:InstagramTikTokLinkedinTwitterFacebookIf you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.meBWB is powered by Oury Clark

EP 402 - Is the UK stock market dying or is it the biggest bargain in global investing? This week we welcome back investor and author Andrew Craig who argues that British equities are deeply undervalued and overlooked by international investors. From political uncertainty to structural challenges, Craig explains why the UK is seen as “on sale” - and why that could be a once-in-a-generation opportunity. We pack market misperceptions, long-term risks, and where savvy investors should be looking now. Essential listening for entrepreneurs, business leaders, and anyone questioning the future of the UK economy.*For Apple Podcast chapters, access them from the menu in the bottom right corner of your player*Spotify Video Chapters:00:00 BWB with Andrew Craig01:29 The Decline of the UK Stock Market06:08 Impact of Passive Investing on the Economy11:07 IPO Market Challenges13:01 The Role of Equity Markets in Innovation and Growth17:31 The Vicious Cycle of Economic Policies22:38 Global Comparisons and UK Economy Future34:45 The Importance of Entrepreneurial Wealth Creation38:03 The Impact of Amazon on Society39:30 The Role of Wealthy Individuals in Society41:33 Government vs. Private Sector Efficiency44:39 The Future of Technology and Innovation50:00 Challenges in the UK Infrastructure and Economy58:54 QUICKFIRE - Get To Know Andrew01:02:22 !BUSINESS or BULLSHIT QUIZ! 01:11:16 Wrap Upbusinesswithoutbullshit.meWatch and subscribe to us on YouTubeFollow us:InstagramTikTokLinkedinTwitterFacebookIf you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.meBWB is powered by Oury Clark

EP 401 - Recent UK government changes to trust law could have major implications for wealth protection, estate planning, and business ownership. In Tax Without Bullshit pt. 2, Andy sits down with Oury Clark tax experts Jeremy Coker and Emma FlorentinLee to break down what the new rules mean, who they affect, and how to decide if a trust is still worth it. From common myths to practical strategies, this episode explains how trusts work in the UK, why they’re not just for billionaires, and how changing legislation could reshape their future. Essential listening for business owners, financial advisors, and families looking to safeguard assets.*For Apple Podcast chapters, access them from the menu in the bottom right corner of your player*00:00 Tax Without Bullshit pt.2 - UK Trusts02:49 History of Trusts03:41 Structure of Trusts04:14 Types of Trusts and Their Uses09:03 Tax Implications and Misconceptions21:34 Global Perspectives on Trusts24:51 Trustees and Beneficiaries25:13 The Role of Trusts in UK Tax Residency26:36 Offshore Trusts: Myths and Realities28:53 Excluded Property Trusts Explained31:09 Complexities of Foreign Trusts41:58 Living Trusts and Their Implications45:57 Trusts in Business and Family Planning51:15 Wrap Upbusinesswithoutbullshit.meWatch and subscribe to us on YouTubeFollow us:InstagramTikTokLinkedinTwitterFacebookIf you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.meBWB is powered by Oury Clark

EP 400 - Is confidence the real reason men succeed more in business - or are women holding themselves back? Entrepreneur and Dragons’ Den success story Rachel Watkyn OBE joins us to share her unfiltered take on gender, ego, and the hidden dynamics behind success. From male “peacocking” and the confidence gap to the barriers facing female founders, she challenges what we think we know about business, identity, and leadership.Rachel opens up about her personal journey through childhood trauma, serious illness, and tackles big cultural questions - from the rise of modern gender ideology to the impact of dating apps, hookup culture, and why loneliness is becoming a silent epidemic among Gen Z.*For Apple Podcast chapters, access them from the menu in the bottom right corner of your player*Spotify Video Chapters:00:00 BWB with Rachel Watkyn OBE01:34 Meet Rachel: A Journey of Resilience02:43 Quickfire - Get to Know Rachel05:16 Rachel's New Venture: Tackling Loneliness00:00 The Reality of Loneliness in Modern Society12:44 Personal Stories and Overcoming Adversity17:06 Gender Bias in Venture Capital Funding29:18 Changing Gender Roles and Societal Norms31:42 A Family's Complex History32:16 Unraveling Relationships and Secrets33:33 Impact of Social Shame34:37 Cultural Differences in Expression35:29 A Troubling Incident36:29 Childhood Challenges and Resilience37:03 Managing Stress and Wellbeing39:18 The Importance of Conversations43:18 Navigating Modern Challenges46:36 Business Insights and Advice49:40 Business OR Bullshit Quiz!58:49 Wrap Upbusinesswithoutbullshit.meWatch and subscribe to us on YouTubeFollow us:InstagramTikTokLinkedinTwitterFacebookIf you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.meBWB is powered by Oury Clark