Melanie Harrison is the founder of The Harrison Chambers of Distinction, award winning and one of Belfast’s most distinctive 30-room boutique hospitality experiences.

Melanie shares her remarkable journey from “accidental hotelier” to creator of a destination brand rooted in storytelling, culture and creativity. 

She opens up about the realities of building a business from the ground up: from transforming a single Airbnb room into an immersive hospitality concept, to navigating funding with WhiteRock and the British Business Bank, to learning when to trust her instincts rather than follow traditional industry rules. 

Melanie reveals how she uses storytelling to differentiate her brand, how collaboration with local creatives has shaped her unique spaces, and why playfulness, disruption and authenticity are essential for modern entrepreneurs. 

Her candid insights into scaling, risk-taking, customer experience, and staying connected to the heart of her brand make this episode a must listen for any founder or business owner looking to grow with purpose and originality. 

Plus, listeners can enjoy an exclusive 15% discount at The Harrison Chambers of Distinction using the code DIGG15 up until July 30th 2026.

We loved recording there over the three days.

Links from Episode

The Harrison Chambers of Distinction

https://www.chambersofdistinction.com/ 

Brought to you in Partnership with:

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Timely Careers

Website: https://timelycareers.com/ 

Place a FREE advert for your business by emailing [email protected] before the end of December 2025

Rory McShane is one of Northern Ireland’s most respected solicitors, a man whose 50 year legal career, civil rights activism and deep roots in Newry have shaped generations of families, businesses and communities.

Rory talks about building a law practice from nothing, navigating the challenges of Northern Ireland’s past, and the resilience that defines both his life and his hometown of Newry.

From securing justice in court cases, to surviving personal threats and the bombing of his business, to becoming President of the Law Society, Rory reflects on the moments that shaped him,  and the values that guided him: courage, community, fairness and hard work.

He also shares lighter stories, the humour that carried him through difficult times, his passion for golf, and the generational loyalty that has kept McShane & Co at the heart of Newry for five decades.

This is a story about resilience, leadership, legacy and hope for the future of Northern Ireland,  told by a man who lived every chapter of it.

Links from Episode

McShane & Co Solicitors, Newry

Website - https://www.mcshaneandco.com/ 

Brought to you in Partnership with:

Linwoods Health Foods.

For 20% off use code Digg20 on link below. (Not available in conjunction with any other discount codes. Excludes sales items & reduced price bundles. Expires 31.12.25)

https://bit.ly/4nBUl1r 

Location Partner

The Harrison Chambers of Distinction

https://www.chambersofdistinction.com/ 

For 15% off use code Digg15 up until 30th July 2026

Linda Stinson is the CEO and founder of Bellamianta and Iconic Bronze, two of Ireland’s leading tanning and beauty brands. 

Linda shares the raw, unfiltered story of building a multimillion-pound global business from her garage, navigating partnership challenges, surviving a wedding-day tanning disaster that sparked an idea, and creating products that disrupted a saturated market.

She shares how influencer marketing changed everything, the truth about TikTok Shop margins, the power of rebranding, and what it really takes to scale a beauty empire while raising a family. Linda also reveals the next big move for the brand, including the first ever Bellamianta store and her mission to elevate other female-founded Irish businesses.

This episode is packed with business strategy, brand-building insights, resilience, and straight-talking advice for entrepreneurs at any stage of their journey.

Links from Episode

Bellamianta

Website - https://bellamianta.com/ 

Linda Stinson

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lindastinson/?hl=en 

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Timely Careers

Website: https://timelycareers.com/ 

Place a FREE advert for your business by emailing [email protected] before the end of December 2025

Location Partner

The Harrison Chambers of Distinction

https://www.chambersofdistinction.com/ 

For 15% off use code Digg15 up until 30th July 2026

Dr Julie-Ann Walkden courageously shares her domestic abuse survivor story for the very first time in this special episode.

Julie-Ann recounts the night her partner violently attacked her, the red flags she missed, how coercive control escalated, and the impact the trauma had on her and her children. Her honest conversation shines a vital light on how abuse happens behind closed doors, even in families who seem “normal” from the outside.

Noelle Collins, Project Manager at Women’s Aid, explains how domestic violence develops, why women often cannot “just leave,” how refuge support works, and the essential role charities play in keeping women and children safe in Northern Ireland.

This special episode is produced in partnership with Digg Deep for Kids, a charity founded by Caroline that provides emergency essentials, Christmas support, and year-round help to organisations including Women’s Aid NI, Cash for Kids, Simon Community and Little Heroes NI.

If you need support, please don't hesitate to reach out. Help is available.

If you’d like to support this year’s Digg Deep for Kids Christmas Appeal, please donate or buy a raffle ticket at https://diggdeepforkids.com/  

Every share, every ticket, every donation makes a real difference.

Sarah Keogh is one of Ireland’s leading dietitians, with more than 20 years’ experience helping families, workplaces and communities understand food, protect their long-term health and build a better relationship with what’s on their plate. She’s the founder of Eatwell, a consultant dietitian with the Coeliac Society of Ireland, and a trusted voice when it comes to cutting through nutrition noise.

Sarah breaks down some of the biggest food and health questions people are struggling with right now. From portion sizes and fibre to children’s eating habits and the truth about ultra-processed foods, Sarah explains it all in a calm, practical way that genuinely changes how you think about food.

She opens up a powerful conversation about alcohol, heart health, and the symptoms women cannot afford to ignore, revealing why so many women miss the signs of a heart attack and what we should all be watching for.

Sarah talks about the documentary myths that have convinced millions to avoid dairy, the reality about E-numbers, and the small, easy changes that make the biggest difference to long-term health.

Her approach is refreshingly human. There’s no fear-mongering, no perfectionism and no judgment, just real, evidence-based advice delivered in a way that feels manageable for busy families. 

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by nutrition content online, this episode will leave you clearer, calmer and far better informed.

Links from Episode

Sarah Keogh

Website - https://www.eatwell.ie/ 

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sarahkeoghrd/?hl=en 

Brought to you in Partnership with:

Linwoods Health Foods.

For 20% off use code Digg20 on link below. (Not available in conjunction with any other discount codes. Excludes sales items & reduced price bundles. Expires 31.12.25)

https://bit.ly/4nBUl1r 

Location Partner

The Harrison Chambers of Distinction

https://www.chambersofdistinction.com/ 

For 15% off use code Digg15 up until 30th July 2026

Louise Brogan is a LinkedIn marketing expert who helps B2B firms, coaches, and founders raise their profile, attract leads, and convert followers into clients using LinkedIn. 

Louise explains what actually works on LinkedIn today. She talks through the essentials of a strong profile, how to write a headline that gets people clicking, why your company page still matters, and the simple changes that instantly make you more discoverable. 

Louise also talks about the power of video on LinkedIn, how to create content people watch, and why only a tiny percentage of users post at all, a gap that creates a huge opportunity for anyone willing to show up consistently.

She explains how to build a meaningful network, how engagement affects reach, and the mindset shifts that help business owners use LinkedIn with confidence. Louise shares her own journey, the coaching that transformed her business, and the systems she now teaches her clients to help them convert followers into customers.

If you want to understand how LinkedIn really works, how to stand out in a crowded feed, and how to use the platform to strengthen your personal brand or grow your business, this conversation is full of practical, easy-to-apply guidance.

Links from Episode

Louise Brogan

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/louisebrogan/ 

Raise Your Visibility Online Podcast by Louise Brogan

Spotify -  https://open.spotify.com/show/4XJ5aDJloPF7VdP9UnPy4N?si=o1duS5EWRJ2cnWMks6yRIg

Brought to you in Partnership with:

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Use link below to take the FREE ChatGPT Training Course

https://futurebusinessacademy.com/courses/chatgpt-course/ 

Timely Careers

Website: https://timelycareers.com/ 

Place a FREE advert for your business by emailing [email protected] before the end of December 2025

Location Partner

The Harrison Chambers of Distinction

https://www.chambersofdistinction.com/ 

For 15% off use code Digg15 up until 30th July 2026

Linda Ervine is a community leader from East Belfast and one of Northern Ireland’s best known advocates for the Irish language.

Linda shares her extraordinary journey, from a turbulent childhood and teenage motherhood to finding faith, purpose, and a voice that’s uniting communities across divides.

Growing up in a loyalist area, Linda never imagined she’d one day become a champion for the Irish language, a language once seen as “off-limits” in her community. Through honesty, courage and compassion, she has built bridges where barriers once stood, and her work with Turas in East Belfast is changing perceptions, opening hearts, and proving that language can be a true medium of reconciliation.

Linda opens up about her mental health struggles, overcoming fear, the power of education, and the moments that shaped her life. Her story is one of hope, faith, and sheer determination. 

If you’re looking for inspiration, courage, and a new perspective on what it means to heal and connect across difference, this episode will stay with you long after you listen.

Links from Episode

Lind Ervine

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/linda_ervine/?hl=en 

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/linda-ervine-65a3155b/ 

Turas - https://turasbelfast.com/ 

Brought to you in Partnership with:

Linwoods Health Foods.

For 20% off use code Digg20 on link below. (Not available in conjunction with any other discount codes. Excludes sales items & reduced price bundles. Expires 31.12.25)

https://bit.ly/4nBUl1r 

Timely Careers

Website: https://timelycareers.com/ 

Place a FREE advert for your business by emailing [email protected] before the end of December 2025

Location Partner

The Harrison Chambers of Distinction

https://www.chambersofdistinction.com/ 

For 15% off use code Digg15 up until 30th July 2026

Kevin Traynor is the founder of eComm Live, Ireland’s largest e-commerce conference, and the creator of 353, a premium Irish streetwear brand rooted in culture, community, and sustainability. 

Kevin shares his journey from business failure to building one of the most respected e-commerce networks in Ireland and the UK.

He shares open insights on margins, profitability, scaling challenges, and why community is the foundation of every successful brand. He also reveals how 353 was born, an Irish brand with global ambition, built on purpose, storytelling, and premium quality.

Real, practical insight for anyone running or growing an online business. From understanding the numbers that drive success to creating a loyal audience around your brand, Kevin’s experience and straight-talking advice make this essential listening for founders, digital marketers, and business leaders who want to build something that lasts.

Links from Episode

Kevin Traynor

LinkedIn - https://uk.linkedin.com/in/kevtraynor  

Club 353 (Clothing) 

Instagram -  https://www.instagram.com/353clo/ 

Website - https://threefivethree.com 

Brands mentioned by Kevin:

Walk in Wardrobe - https://walkinwardrobeonline.com/ 

Sculpted by Amie - https://www.sculptedbyaimee.com/ 

Gym + Coffee - https://gympluscoffee.com/ 

Kukoon Rugs - https://www.kukoonrugs.com/ 

Platforms to help with e-commerce:

Shopify

https://www.shopify.com/uk?country=gb&lang=en 

Store Hero

https://storehero.ai/ 

Brought to you in Partnership with:

Profile Tree

Use link below to take the FREE ChatGPT Training Course

https://futurebusinessacademy.com/courses/chatgpt-course/ 

Timely Careers

Website: https://timelycareers.com/ 

Place a FREE advert for your business by emailing [email protected] before the end of December 2025

Location Partner

The Harrison Chambers of Distinction

https://www.chambersofdistinction.com/ 

For 15% off use code Digg15 up until 30th July 2026

Anne Flanagan, from Belfast, had a chance street interview on Model Strangers that turned her into a viral sensation and a late-blooming model in her seventies. 

She reveals how photographer Chris Ward’s video (seen by over 43 million) led to photoshoots and runway work with ACA Modelling Agency, an on-stage role with Northern Ireland Opera, and even a Zoom chat with Drew Barrymore. 

Straight talking and down to earth, Anne talks about shyness versus confidence, why preparation beats “just believe in yourself,” embracing grey hair and personal style, and the family values behind her private book “Heart to Heart.”

Expect honest lessons on ageing well, confidence at any age, and taking opportunities when they appear. 

Links from Episode

Anne Flanagan

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/aflanagan2018?igsh=cDRvOHpibjdpMGJj 

Model Strangers - Viral Reel from Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/reel/C1uIrGmIIw-/?igsh=dGY3bzRndHBmOHk3 

Brought to you in Partnership with:

Linwoods Health Foods.

For 20% off use code Digg20 on link below. (Not available in conjunction with any other discount codes. Excludes sales items & reduced price bundles. Expires 31.12.25)

https://bit.ly/4nBUl1r 

Location Partner

The Harrison Chambers of Distinction

https://www.chambersofdistinction.com/ 

For 15% off use code Digg15 up until 30th July 2026

Laura Bonner is the founder and CEO of The Muff Liquor Company, an award-winning Irish spirits brand born in Donegal and backed by global investors including Russell Crowe, Ed Sheeran, Jimmy Carr and Ronan Keating.

Laura talks openly about the pressure of running an international brand, the impact of rising tariffs and costs, and what it really takes to keep a business alive in uncertain times.

She opens up about losing her dad, the man who inspired her drive, and how his final words, keep her going through one of the toughest periods yet.

From surviving near-bankruptcy during COVID to attracting investors like Russell Crowe and Ed Sheeran, Laura’s story is one of resilience, vision, and fierce belief in where she comes from.

She also shares why she once brought her competitors’ bottles into investor meetings, the mindset that’s kept her standing, and why she still believes every setback happens “for the better.”

For anyone building something from nothing, this episode shows what resilience in business really looks like.

Links from Episode

Laura Bonner

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/laura.m.bonner/?hl=en 

Muff Liquor Company 

Website - https://themuffliquorcompany.com/ 

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/muffliquorco/ 

Brand Home

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/visitmuffliquor/?hl=en 

Brought to you in Partnership with:

Profile Tree

Use link below to take the FREE ChatGPT Training Course

https://futurebusinessacademy.com/courses/chatgpt-course/ 

Timely Careers

Website: https://timelycareers.com/ 

Place a FREE advert for your business by emailing [email protected] before the end of December 2025

Location Partner

The Harrison Chambers of Distinction

https://www.chambersofdistinction.com/ 

For 15% off use code Digg15 up until 30th July 2026