Engaging Marketeer

What does it really mean to "engage" someone, and are most businesses getting it completely wrong? 

In this episode of *The Engaging Marketeer*, Darren Jamieson speaks to engagement consultant and keynote speaker Scott Gould about the power of genuine engagement, why it matters so much in business, and how companies can move beyond shouting “me, me, me” at their audience and start creating a real sense of “we”.

Scott breaks down engagement in a brilliantly simple way: it’s when “you and me” becomes “we”. From there, the conversation dives into websites, customer journeys, community building, employee involvement, social proof, personalisation, and why businesses often struggle to see what their customers actually need because they’re too close to their own world.

Darren and Scott also explore what churches, networking groups, Apple adverts, Henry Cavill’s love of Warhammer, slow websites, phone addiction, and even sabre-tooth tigers can teach us about human behaviour, marketing, and connection. 

You’ll hear why giving people a role helps them feel ownership, why greeting someone by name can make a huge difference, why three people in a conversation can be more powerful than two, and why the best marketing often comes down to making someone feel like they’re in the right place.

It’s lively, funny, practical, and packed with ideas for anyone who wants to build stronger relationships with customers, employees, communities, or audiences.

If you’ve ever wondered how to attract, engage, convert and retain people more effectively, this episode is absolutely one to listen to. 🎧

About your guest:

Scott Gould is an author, keynote speaker and consultant specialising in engagement. A former church minister, Scott works with organisations to help them engage employees, customers and communities, and is the author of The Shape of Engagement, a book exploring how people engage with ideas, products, organisations and each other. His work focuses on turning engagement from a vague buzzword into something practical, human and actionable for businesses and teams. You can connect with Scott here: 

Website: https://scottgould.com/

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

Instagram: https://scottgould.com/

X: https://x.com/scottgould/

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 makes a Welsh cake truly great? Joe Granville has very strong opinions on this, and honestly, you’ll be hungry within minutes!

In this episode of The Engaging Marketeer, Darren Jamieson chats with Joe Granville from Rogue Welsh Cakes about turning a lockdown idea into a thriving Newport business, swapping healthcare for baking and building a brand around proper quality, personality and passion.

Joe shares how Rogue Welsh Cakes landed corporate clients, Welsh Government orders, wedding work, market success and even dreams of getting Ryan Reynolds and Wrexham AFC involved. There’s also plenty on BNI, word-of-mouth marketing, social media honesty, imposter syndrome and why Joe has absolutely no plans to see his Welsh cakes sitting on a supermarket shelf.

Fun, honest and full of cake - what’s not to love? Grab a cuppa and tune in. 

About your guest:

Joe Granville is the co-founder and owner of Rogue Welsh Cakes, a family-run Welsh cake business he created with his mum, Maria, in 2020. After working in healthcare, Joe turned his love of food, flavour and Welsh culture into a business built around handmade Welsh cakes with a twist, selling from Newport Market, online, at events and through corporate gifting. Rogue Welsh Cakes is known for creative flavour combinations, Welsh cake masterclasses and a strong focus on quality ingredients and personality-led customer experience. You can find out more about Joe and Rogue Welsh Cakes here:

Website: https://roguewelshcakes.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-granville-8994662a1/

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

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

X: https://x.com/roguewelshcakes/

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 happens when a country goes from fear, rationing and silence to freedom of speech, open borders and employee rights?

In this episode of The Engaging Marketeer, Darren Jamieson chats with Elda Bajraktari, an HR consultant, trainer and public speaker based in Tirana, Albania, about growing up during one of the biggest turning points in her country’s history. Elda shares what it was like to live through Albania’s regime change in the early 1990s, from being kept almost completely in the dark about the outside world to suddenly seeing freedom, choice and opportunity begin to open up.

The conversation then moves into Elda’s work in HR, where she helps businesses and employees better understand workplace rights, fair treatment, communication and labour law. She explains why firing without proper grounds can be such a costly mistake for employers, why employees don’t always act on the rights they know they have, and how Albania is still dealing with challenges such as brain drain and a changing workforce.

From human rights under a harsh regime to employee rights in modern workplaces, this is a fascinating, warm and eye-opening conversation about change, resilience, fairness and what freedom really looks like in everyday life.

About the guest:

Elda Bajraktari is an HR consultant, trainer and public speaker based in Tirana, Albania. Having worked in human resources since 2006, Elda supports businesses, public organisations and employees with employment rights, fair treatment, workplace communication and labour law compliance. Her experience spans sectors including retail, pharmaceuticals, marketing, advertising and public sector advisory work.

Originally graduating in English teaching, Elda began her career working with international humanitarian organisations during the Kosovo crisis, before moving into HR. Today, she delivers training sessions, workshops and seminars designed to help organisations create fairer, more legally compliant workplaces while helping employees better understand their rights. You can connect with Elda here:

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elda.bajraktari.1/

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

Email address: [email protected]

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 video game music to trance anthems, IT support and near legal trouble, Adam Pracy’s career has taken some unexpected turns.

In this episode of The Engaging Marketeer, Nick Arkell chats with Adam, best known as part of Conductor & Cowboy, about the story behind the trance classic Feeling This Way, his early work in video game music, and the unofficial Sonique remix that almost got him into serious trouble before opening the door to Serious Records and Judge Jules.

They also talk about running an IT business, being self-taught in tech, the power of genuine enthusiasm in sales, and why Adam believes quality beats quantity every time, whether you’re making music, marketing yourself, or posting on social media.

Expect trance nostalgia, retro computers, honest marketing advice, and the story behind the name Conductor & Cowboy.

More about Adam

Adam Pracy is a music producer best known as part of Conductor & Cowboy, whose trance track Feeling This Way became a defining release of its era. Before moving into dance music, Adam worked in the video game industry, creating music for titles on systems including the Commodore Amiga and PC. He has also run his own IT support business, worked in retail technology, and now helps support new talent through his role with a music label’s A&R team.

More about The Conductor & The Cowboy / Adam:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/adampracy/

https://www.facebook.com/AdamPracyDJ/

https://www.instagram.com/adampracy/

https://x.com/AdamPracy

https://linktr.ee/conductorandcowboy/

https://www.conductorandcowboy.uk/

Listen to or buy his music:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/33N9EYlv06HF26gpMMFGZk

https://conductorandcowboy.bandcamp.com/

Computer game music by Adam Pracy:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6kgUzQ8abWI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=waR7uLMGHWE

Trance FC record label:

https://www.facebook.com/TranceFCOfficial

More about Nick

Nick Arkell is a web developer at Engage Web and the guest host of this special episode of The Engaging Marketeer. With a background in radio, online streaming and technology, Nick brings a mix of technical knowledge, broadcasting experience and a long-standing passion for trance music to his conversation with Adam Pracy.

You can connect with Nick here: 

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

Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/nickarkell

TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@nickarkelluk

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/NickArkell

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

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

X: https://x.com/nickarkell

Website: https://nickarkell.net/

Support the show: https://engageweb.club

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Can AI replace human connection? What actually makes a great leader? And why do so many founders struggle when their business starts to grow?

In this episode of The Engaging Marketeer, Darren Jamieson sits down with business coach, therapist and Pivot Points Podcast host André Radmall for a fascinating conversation about leadership, workplace psychology, creativity, communication and the future of business in the age of AI.

They dive into why money alone doesn’t motivate employees, how conflict can actually make teams stronger and why the best businesses are the ones where people genuinely feel heard, valued and included. André also shares how he transitioned from therapy into business coaching during the pandemic, what inspired his podcast, and why understanding human behaviour gives leaders a huge advantage in business.

The conversation also explores the dangers of AI echo chambers, the importance of emotional intelligence in leadership, and practical marketing advice for coaches, consultants and founders looking to grow their audience online.

If you’re interested in leadership, psychology, business growth, team dynamics, content marketing or the future impact of AI on the workplace, this episode is packed with insights you’ll definitely want to hear.

More About André

André Radmall is a business coach, therapist, speaker and podcast host who specialises in helping individuals, founders and organisations navigate change, leadership and personal growth. With a background in therapy and systemic coaching, André works with businesses to improve communication, psychological safety and team dynamics, helping leaders build healthier and more effective workplaces.

He is also the host of the Pivot Points Podcast, where he interviews guests about major turning points in their lives and careers, and the author of Get Unstuck, a book exploring how changing the stories we tell ourselves can transform the way we live and work.

You can connect with André here:

Website: https://www.andreradmall.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andr%C3%A9-radmall-12373544/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/andre.radmall

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

Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/author/B09B2GHK7B/

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 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.