Flat Whites & Insights

Trigger Warning: Suicide

In this episode of Flat Whites & Insights, Hans is joined by Martin in one of the most vulnerable and powerful conversations to be held on the podcast with an insight into suicidality and first hand experience of being sectioned and subsequent recovery.

Martin and Hans are both like minded in that they have tried to use their own experiences and mental health journeys to raise awareness and provide support to others who may be going through similar struggles. In this episode they touch on what drives them and their passions in this space.

Martin then explains how he hosts a peer support group 'Blokes. Brews. Biscuits' in Oxfordshire, with the aim of providing men with a safe and non-judgmental space to discuss their mental health on a regular basis. 

So grab a coffee for yourself and take some time to enjoy this latest conversation.

Artwork: Rhiannon Bradley-Ralph (@rhiwire)
Music: Lofi Chill - FASSounds

In this episode of Flat Whites & Insights, Hans is joined by Dan Draper to discuss his career as a freelance presenter across radio, podcasts and much more. They dive into Dan's recent experiences on BBC Radio 1, where he went live to the nation in December 2025 from Greg James' studio, before returning to cover early morning breakfast in February 2025.

Dan is also the host of his 'Wrapping My Head Around It' podcast which has a running theme of mental health wrapped into a new engaging format for this guests and listeners. In sharing the story of what inspired the podcast, the conversation takes a deeper turn when Dan opens up about some of his hardest moments, tackling grief and using the experience to look to inspire and support others.

So grab a coffee for yourself and take some time to enjoy this latest conversation.

Artwork: Rhiannon Bradley-Ralph (@rhiwire)
Music: Lofi Chill - FASSounds

In this episode of Flat Whites & Insights, Hans is joined by E, manager of the Tree Artisan Cafe in Oxford for a conversation whilst enjoying a cup of one of the cafe's delicious own blends.

They chat about the importance of connection, community and service within the hospitality industry and the joy and energy that they are proud to create. The conversation also reflects on E's career and the confidence they have gained within the speciality coffee environment.

Mentors, and the power and inspiration they can provide is a key theme as E gives insights into how feeling seen, trusted and valued has shifted their mindset and how they now aim to carry this forward within the team.

The episode ends with a discussion around the first Oxford Coffee Festival, which was held recently, and where Tree Artisan Cafe and E played their part.

So grab a coffee for yourself and take some time to enjoy this latest conversation.

Artwork: Rhiannon Bradley-Ralph (@rhiwire)
Music: Lofi Chill - FASSounds

In this episode of Flat Whites & Insights, Hans is joined by Andrew, founder of The Cupping Directives, a business that posts and hosts events within the coffee community. 

Andrew reflects on his personal journey within the coffee industry, from barista within a chain store in Loughborough, to speciality cafe manager in London. They also touch on how The Cupping Directives grew from an idea to a thriving business founded upon Andrew's desire to help others, a theme that is consistent across his life and career.

The conversation also goes beyond coffee with Hans and Andrew touching on Business & People management, communication, the power of saying 'YES' and overcoming a fear of failure.

So grab a coffee for yourself and take some time to enjoy this latest conversation.

Artwork: Rhiannon Bradley-Ralph (@rhiwire)
Music: Lofi Chill - FASSounds

In this episode of Flat Whites & Insights, Hans is joined by Ashleigh, to discuss AS Football Academy which was established in 2022 and has now grown to 13 teams, based out of Didcot, Oxfordshire.

The conversation touches on the rewarding nature of coaching, the importance of pursuing a passion once discovering it and moves on to a deeper dive into men's mental health with Ashleigh an Hans reflecting on the national picture as well as sharing personal experiences.

So grab a coffee for yourself and take some time to enjoy this latest conversation.

Artwork: Rhiannon Bradley-Ralph (@rhiwire)
Music: Lofi Chill - FASSounds

In the first episode of Series 4 of Flat Whites & Insights, Hans is joined by Lara, to discuss her 'That Park Bench Girl' initiative which creates a space for conversations with members of the public focussed on mental health.

Lara and Hans discuss how their own lived experiences have shaped a want to break down the stigma of mental health and facilitate open, honest and vulnerable conversations.

They touch on some of the most powerful learnings and experiences Lara has had since starting 'That Park Bench Girl', with a focus on the different experiences men and women may face when it comes to talking.

So grab a coffee for yourself and take some time to enjoy this latest conversation.

Artwork: Rhiannon Bradley-Ralph (@rhiwire)
Music: Lofi Chill - FASSounds

In this episode of Flat Whites & Insights, filmed at Brewed in North London and immersed in a thriving cafe environment, Hans is joined by Sam Reed, co-founder of Brewed Online.

Sam shares an insight into how Brewed Online was born, with the intention of creating an online marketplace and community for speciality coffee roasters, and customers. They touch on championing community over competition, and perspectives on what constitutes success and happiness.

So grab a coffee for yourself and take some time to enjoy this latest conversation.

Artwork: Rhiannon Bradley-Ralph (@rhiwire)
Music: Lofi Chill - FASSounds

In this episode of Flat Whites & Insights, filmed at Brewed in North London and immersed in a thriving cafe environment, Hans is joined by Sofia Buttarazzi, co-founder of Spill Tea.

Sofia has 16 years experience within the tea industry, so speaks about the pressure and experience of launching Spill Tea in August 2024 along with her co-founder Lou, after their success with Teapigs. 

The conversation also touches on how the industry has changed dramatically over this time, with greater variety and quality, as well as a drive to be more connected to the source and farmers who grow the tea we all enjoy.

So grab a coffee for yourself and take some time to enjoy this latest conversation.

Artwork: Rhiannon Bradley-Ralph (@rhiwire)
Music: Lofi Chill - FASSounds

In this episode of Flat Whites & Insights, filmed at Brewed in North London and immersed in a thriving cafe environment, Hans is joined by Ryan Moore, Founder of Blendsmiths.

Ryan shares an insight into what led him to create the Blendsmiths business 8 years ago, with a focus on values, purpose and making a difference, sharing how this helped him to overcome some of his darker days. 

They also touch on Ryan's experience within a professional football environment, and the challenge that came with being released at a young age and questions over identity, similar to what Hans experienced when leaving his PhD.

So grab a coffee for yourself and take some time to enjoy this latest conversation.

Artwork: Rhiannon Bradley-Ralph (@rhiwire)
Music: Lofi Chill - FASSounds

In this episode of Flat Whites & Insights, Hans is joined by Taylor Bedwell, to discuss his career to date within football. This covers coaching at Procision Oxford, Playing at Step 4 Didcot Town and a frustrating couple of years dealing with injury.

Taylor opens up on some of the darkest days, and the mental battles of not being able to play the game he loves, as well as reflecting on highlights and the friendships and community that football has offered.

So grab a coffee for yourself and take some time to enjoy this latest conversation.

Artwork: Rhiannon Bradley-Ralph (@rhiwire)
Music: Lofi Chill - FASSounds