The Soap Box Podcast

We think we know what it takes to market a business online. A bit of Instagram wizardry here, a five-step LinkedIn funnel there, a sprinkle of referral strategy and maybe a course by someone who talks like Alex Hormozi but wears a skirt suit – and boom, marketing sorted. Right?Wrong.This isn’t technically a marketing podcast, but let’s be honest, if you’re a business owner with a social conscience, you need a way to market that actually works without selling your soul. You want to reach people, make money, and further your mission, but the idea of 24/7 content, manipulative tactics, and “girlboss” style strategies just doesn’t sit right. So what do you actually do?That’s exactly why I wanted to chat to today’s guest, Danielle Thompson.Danielle is the founder of Goldspun Support, a company that provides operational foundations for Fractional Directors, so they can focus on high-value strategic work, increase their revenue, and reclaim their work-life balance. With 16 years of experience spanning corporate, small and micro enterprises, she knows what it takes to run a business without burning out. Supporting people to avoid burnout is actually one of Danielle’s biggest soapboxes – though not the one she’s jumping on today.Instead, we’re talking about one of her other passions: demystifying marketing for every single business owner out there. In this episode, Danielle gets into the real essentials of what you actually need to do to market your business (and what you absolutely don’t). We talk about values-led marketing, ethical growth, and how to cut through the noise of overcomplicated, overhyped advice. No thousand-pound courses, no terrifying sales funnels, and definitely no dancing on TikTok required. If you’ve ever felt like you're failing at marketing simply because you’re not glued to your phone, this one’s for you.Danielle is brilliant, honest, and a joy to talk to. We chatted long before we hit record and probably could’ve kept going for hours after we stopped. I’m so excited for you to hear what she has to say. You’re going to love this one.So grab a coffee, probably a notebook, and listen to Danielle get on her soapbox.Danielle's Links:Follow Danielle on InstagramFollow Danielle on LinkedInContact Danielle via Goldspun Support Looking for more? Join The Soap Box Community - Peta's membership for businesses with a social conscience is now FREE! Come and join us to survive the current torrid political context! Follow Peta on InstagramFind Peta on LinkedInHire Peta to work on your copywriting and brand messaging

Sustainability is on all of our minds right now. Whether it’s arguments about bin collections, fast fashion waste, or what the hell AI is doing to the planet, it’s everywhere. And let’s be honest, sustainability has also become big business. If people care about it in their daily lives, they’re definitely thinking about it when they make decisions about who to buy from and work with.Which is all well and good if you’re a product-based business with compostable packaging and tree-planting perks, but what if you don’t make anything tangible? How do you show that sustainability matters to you when your business is mostly digital? That’s exactly why I wanted to chat to today’s guest, Teresa Ferreira.Teresa is a Creative and Brand Consultant and the founder of Farrgood Studio. She helps businesses build timeless brands™ and impactful designs – ones that don’t just look great, but also align with the things you care about. With 16 years of experience across media, health, luxury, and fashion (and a stint as Head of Design at the Financial Times, no less), she blends strategy and creativity in a way that’s seriously impressive. Her studio partners with businesses that are all about positive change, whether through social impact, sustainability, or purpose-led missions—and she’s worked with the likes of Adobe, Somerset House, BBC, and Allbright.In this episode, we dive into what digital sustainability actually means, how your website might be leaving a bigger carbon footprint than you think, and how small design choices, like your images or hosting, can make a difference. We talk about using your brand and storytelling to carry sustainability through everything you do, not just your marketing blurb.There’s a load in here that might surprise you, and plenty of ideas you can actually apply – whether you’re deep in the eco-space already, or just starting to think about how your business fits into the bigger picture.So grab a coffee, get comfy, and listen to Teresa get on her soapbox.Teresa's Links:Book a call – Ferrgood StudioFollow Teresa on InstagramSubscribe to Ferrgood Studio on SubstackTech Hub Enterprise Nation X Google + Sage webinar: Branding, storytelling, and tools for growth Looking for more? Join The Soap Box Community - Peta's membership for businesses with a social conscience is now FREE! Come and join us to survive the current torrid political context! Follow Peta on InstagramFind Peta on LinkedInHire Peta to work on your copywriting and brand messaging

You know that feeling when you stumble across someone on social media and immediately think, yep – they’re one of my people? That’s exactly what happened when I found Lauren, aka L2, on Threads.While most of the coaching world was busy copy-pasting their Instagram strategies onto this new platform (and wondering why it wasn’t working), Lauren stood out by doing the opposite: saying what she actually thought. Thankfully, she’s not just insightful – she’s also scathingly funny, allergic to bullshit, and one hell of a communicator.Lauren is the founder of LBee Health, a neuro-affirming mental health clinic in the U.S. that’s committed to making care genuinely accessible for people of every identity. With over a decade of experience in clinical operations and digital health strategy, she’s on a mission to foster open conversations about mental health and create resources that actually meet people where they are. Through LBee Health, Lauren empowers others to prioritise their mental well-being and access the support they need.I first came across her content when she was talking openly about her own autism assessment journey. As the parent of an autistic child, this hit home – especially knowing just how stressful and inaccessible the diagnostic process can be.In a world where American healthcare is… let’s say less than straightforward, Lauren is doing radical, meaningful work. And she’s doing it in a way that centres integrity, transparency, and humanity, while also building a business that supports her bottom line. Because yes, you can do both.You’ll also get a behind-the-scenes peek at how she runs LBee Health, why she believes in swearing on the internet (spoiler: it’s liberating), and how she infuses her values into every part of her communication.Grab a notebook, pour your coffee, and settle in, because Lauren’s getting on her soapbox, and you won’t want to miss a word.Lauren's Links:Follow Lauren on ThreadsConnect with Lauren on LinkedInFollow Lauren on InstagramLBee Health WebsiteSign up for updates and to learn more Looking for more? Join The Soap Box Community - Peta's membership for businesses with a social conscience is now FREE! Come and join us to survive the current torrid political context! Follow Peta on InstagramFind Peta on LinkedInHire Peta to work on your copywriting and brand messaging

What if the way you’ve been told to run your business isn’t working for you—not because you’re doing it wrong, but because it was never designed for you in the first place?In this episode, we sit down with Pippa Parfait, co-founder of the Disobedient Business® Co., to unpack why traditional business rules often fail us and how to build a business that truly works for you.We dive into the patriarchal origins of business norms, the pressure to follow so-called "best practices," and the guilt that comes when they don’t fit. Pippa shares her insights on commerce vs. capitalism, the myth of meritocracy, and why embracing your unique way of working is the key to success.As the founder and one half of Disobedient Business® Co., alongside her eldest sproglet and biz partner, Lucy, Pippa is on a mission to help anti-status quo business owners figure out their shit, chuck the business BS rulebook, and actually create businesses they love—without burning out or compromising their values. A proudly neurodivergent business coach (sometimes a mess, often awesome), she works with rebellious, often spicy-brained entrepreneurs to craft integrity-packed plans that are simple, sustainable, and achievable. For Pippa, success and integrity aren’t an either/or situation—they’re both a big fat 100.She’s also a brilliant human, full of wisdom, humour, and a healthy dose of swearing—so, you might want to grab your earbuds for this one.We also touch on:How outdated business advice makes us feel like we’re failingThe power of self-trust, mindset, and courage in entrepreneurshipWhy the business BS rulebook needs to be thrown outThe ways we can redefine success to fit us, not the other way aroundThis is an eye-opening, laugh-out-loud conversation that will leave you feeling empowered to do business on your terms. So grab a coffee, get comfy, and listen to Pippa get on her soap box!Pippa's Links:Disobedient Business® MastermindConnect with Pippa on LinkedInFollow Disobedient Business® Co. on Instagram Looking for more? Join The Soap Box Community - Peta's membership for businesses with a social conscience is now FREE! Come and join us to survive the current torrid political context! Follow Peta on InstagramFind Peta on LinkedInHire Peta to work on your copywriting and brand messaging

What happens to your values as leaders and business owners when the rubber really hits the road?In this timely and critical episode, we explore what it truly means for businesses to live their values—not just when things are easy, but when it really counts. Recorded just a week after Donald Trump’s 2025 inauguration, this conversation comes at a pivotal moment as businesses across the U.S. face unprecedented challenges. With new executive orders and shifting workplace dynamics, how can leaders ensure they’re supporting and protecting their teams in meaningful ways?Our guest, Lisa-Maree Blumenfeld, is the founder of Retain, a HR consulting firm that has been helping startups and mid-sized companies build strong, compliant, and values-driven cultures for years. With over 25 years of experience across fast-growing startups and established corporations, she brings a rare blend of expertise, empathy, and real-world insight into how businesses can uphold their principles when it matters most. Currently, she’s also the co-founder and COO of Eleven, a communication platform designed to help empower leaders to up level conversations with their teams. Lisa-Marie joins us to share her expertise and practical insights on how businesses can navigate these turbulent times while staying true to their core values.This isn’t your typical HR conversation about policies and procedures. We talk about:The executive orders Trump signed upon taking office and their impact on businesses and employees.How companies can move beyond messaging to take meaningful action in supporting their people.The challenges of speaking out against injustice while maintaining professional boundaries.The delicate balance between responding to emotion and panic versus focusing on facts.Strategies for leaders to create a supportive, purpose-driven workplace during politically charged times.If you’re a business leader or founder navigating these difficult decisions and striving to build a purpose-driven company, this conversation will challenge you to think about how your values show up in the real, everyday experiences of your employees.Grab a coffee, settle in, and listen as Lisa-Marie gets on her soap box about leadership, integrity, and the real-world implications of living your company’s values.Resources & Links:Email Lisa-Maree at lisa@retainhr.comConnect with Lisa-Maree on LinkedInLearn more about RetainExplore Eleven Looking for more? Join The Soap Box Community - Peta's membership for businesses with a social conscience is now FREE! Come and join us to survive the current torrid political context! Follow Peta on InstagramFind Peta on LinkedInHire Peta to work on your copywriting and brand messaging

What does it mean to belong, and why is it so important to us?In this episode, we dive deep into the profound concept of belonging with Amena, a Belonging & Emotional Resilience Strategist and Coach, who helps high-impact, high-integrity leaders master the skills to foster cultures of belonging.Together, we explore why belonging is so vital to our survival and well-being, the shifts in DEI language, and the challenges and complexities of creating inclusive environments. Amena shares her personal and professional journey, highlighting how the physical and emotional impacts of non-belonging can often be detrimental.She also talks to us about her new venture into sourdough baking, and how it intertwines community, resilience, and systemic change. An enlightening conversation that promises to reshape your understanding of belonging.You're going to need your notebooks for this one; so grab your coffee, and listen to Amena get on her soap box!Amena on LinkedInHannoun Sourdough Kickstarter CampaignAmena’s website Looking for more? Join The Soap Box Community - Peta's membership for businesses with a social conscience is now FREE! Come and join us to survive the current torrid political context! Follow Peta on InstagramFind Peta on LinkedInHire Peta to work on your copywriting and brand messaging

In this episode, we explore the intersection of politics, exercise, and social justice with Donna Noble, the inspiring Founder of CurvesomeYoga and a leading advocate for body positivity and inclusivity in wellness.Donna has been a yoga teacher since 2011, teaching all over the UK, India, and the US, and is known for her immersive yoga experiences that prove everyBODY is a yoga body. She’s also the author of Teaching Body Positive Yoga, a Wellbeing Coach, and a public speaker with over 20 years of corporate experience, bringing a unique perspective to wellness for high-achievers. Her work has been featured in Dazed Magazine, The Guardian, Women’s Health Online, and more. And it is Donna’s mission is to make yoga and wellbeing accessible, diverse, and meaningful for everyone.Donna discusses how exercise is inherently political, addressing the barriers women and minority groups face in accessing wellness due to societal pressures, racial identity, and capitalism. We delve into the disparities in exercise participation and how these inequalities affect women's health. Donna shares her journey in making yoga inclusive and accessible for all body types and advocates for body positivity. She also provides insights into creating safe, judgment-free spaces in yoga and emphasises the importance of nonviolence and compassion in both personal and social contexts.Tune in for a transformative conversation about the political dimensions of exercise and the power of slow movement and self-acceptance in a fast-paced world.Body Positive Weekend Yoga Retreat (6th - 8th June)Instagram: @donnanobleyoga / @curvesomeyogaFacebook: @donnanobleyoga / @curvesomeyoga Donna's Website Looking for more? Join The Soap Box Community - Peta's membership for businesses with a social conscience is now FREE! Come and join us to survive the current torrid political context! Follow Peta on InstagramFind Peta on LinkedInHire Peta to work on your copywriting and brand messaging

What comes to mind when you picture a leader? For many, it’s the same old stereotype: a white man in a suit, speaking and acting in a particular, "traditional" way. This narrow vision of leadership shapes how we see ourselves, particularly if we're women, and whether we even see ourselves as leaders at all. But what if there’s a different way?In this episode, I’m joined by Sarae Pratt, a coach and trainer for women in traditional male or male-dominated roles and industries. She helps them thrive with joy and confidence, free from self-doubt and burnout, by refining their authentic, sustainable leadership style.We dive into the social pressures and stereotypes that hold women back, the "good girl" expectations ingrained in us, and how these patterns impact leadership and workplace culture. Sarae also shares how she helps individuals and teams unlock their unique leadership style, creating more effective and inclusive organisations.It’s an inspiring conversation about breaking cycles and reshaping leadership to reflect who we truly are. Grab your coffee and tune in—you won’t want to miss Sarae get on her soap box!Follow Sarae on InstagramFind Sarae on FacebookFollow Sarae on LinkedInSarae's WebsiteEmail Sarae Looking for more? Join The Soap Box Community - Peta's membership for businesses with a social conscience is now FREE! Come and join us to survive the current torrid political context! Follow Peta on InstagramFind Peta on LinkedInHire Peta to work on your copywriting and brand messaging

With rumours circulating, often planted by right-wing media, suggesting that everyone's taxes are going up and that Labour had lied in their campaigning, there's a notion that we’re heading back to the 1970s in some vague way. In light of this, I thought it best to hop on my soapbox and share my thoughts on the matter: taxes are awesome. Yes, I said it.As we approach the budget announcement where the chancellor will set various tax levels, there’s another frustrating semantic debate about what “working people” actually means. We shouldn’t be arguing over whose class qualifies as working people just to rejoice in not having our taxes raised. Instead, we should be using clear examples on a giant whiteboards to explain why paying taxes is great.Every time you pay your tax bill, you're not just funding government services; you're investing in future entrepreneurs, schools, hospitals, and the next generation of innovative thinkers. If we want a society where people can be happy, successful, safe, and supported, we need to recognise that, until we overthrow capitalism, we're going to have to pay for it.This is perhaps the simplest way we can contribute to building the kind of society we want to see. And I really believe we should start rethinking how we view our role in society.In this episode, I share three reasons why taxes are, in fact, awesome, and why we should want to pay them. Looking for more? Join The Soap Box Community - Peta's membership for businesses with a social conscience is now FREE! Come and join us to survive the current torrid political context! Follow Peta on InstagramFind Peta on LinkedInHire Peta to work on your copywriting and brand messaging

What does your bookshelf look like? Is it a towering stack of paperbacks you bought with the best intentions, or are you more of a digital reader with a Kindle full of interesting titles? One side of my house is pretty much completely covered in books, and while I’ve read a lot of them, a good chunk are there just waiting to be cracked open. And amongst those books are a lot on allyship and anti-racism, some of which were bought around the Black Lives Matter protests.In this episode, I talk to Lucy Lucraft, a passionate podcast producer and former award-nominated journalist who helps creative women grow their own podcasts. Lucy is committed to amplifying voices that often go unheard, and as an intersectional feminist, she focuses on working with those who genuinely care about making a difference in the world.We dig into the idea that simply buying or reading more books isn’t enough. What really matters is how we use that information to make real change in the lives and communities around us. Lucy shares her experience running an online business as a marginalised person and explores the need to deconstruct our thinking shaped by the patriarchy and white supremacy. We also discuss the significant damage caused by white feminism and its connections to broader societal issues.This conversation is packed with thought-provoking questions and insights, leaving me, and hopefully you, with a greater understanding of how to move forward as an ally—beyond just adding another book to your shelf. So, brace yourself, get your notebook ready, and listen to Lucy get on her soapbox!Follow Lucy on InstagramFollow Lucy on TikTokLucy's Website Looking for more? Join The Soap Box Community - Peta's membership for businesses with a social conscience is now FREE! Come and join us to survive the current torrid political context! Follow Peta on InstagramFind Peta on LinkedInHire Peta to work on your copywriting and brand messaging