In this episode of the Honest Property Podcast, Becky and Ruth sit down with Rosalia Lazzara, CEO & Founder of Manuka Media, to talk all things branding, finance, and making an impact.

Rosalia shares how losing her job during the pandemic led to building her own successful digital agency, and why financial literacy needs to be for everyone—not just the wealthy. She breaks down how social media is shaping the finance world, the three pillars of life, and why personal branding is a must for anyone looking to build trust and authority in property or finance.

Plus, Rosalia reveals insights from her book written for mortgage brokers, her future plans, and how giving back has played a key role in her success.

If you’re looking to grow your brand, level up your financial knowledge, and build a business that truly makes an impact, this episode is for you!

You can also watch the episode on Youtube

Connect with Rosalia on socials:

Instagram @manukamedia @rosalialazzara

TikTok: themoneyhoneypodcast

Linkedin: manukamedia

Website: https://manukamedia.co.uk/

Youtube and Podcast: @themoneyhoneypodcast

📚 Social Media Guide For Mortgage Brokers: How to Grow Your Brand on Social Media by  Rosalia Lazzara-Tilley 

Chapters

00:00- Introduction to Roz and Her Mission

02:40 - The Importance of Financial Literacy

05:47 - Navigating the Financial Landscape

08:18 - The Journey of Roz: From Redundancy to Entrepreneurship

11:28 - The Three Pillars of Life: Wealth, Love, and Health

14:05 - The Reality of Social Media and Success

17:03- Making an Impact Beyond Social Media

20:10 - The Value of Hard Work and Commitment

22:58 - Lessons from Service Jobs

25:54 - The Double-Edged Sword of Social Media

28:57 - The Entrepreneurial Spirit and Work Ethic

35:19 - The Journey of Entrepreneurship

37:32 - Lessons from Multi-Level Marketing

41:17 - The Importance of Personal Branding

46:55 - Creating a Niche in Social Media

52:34 - Future Aspirations and Community Building

Follow us on Instagram:

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📝 FREE Entrepreneurs Guide to Wealth Building

🤝 FREE Honest Property Community

🏡 Beginner’s Road Map : BTL Portfolio Building!

📊 Deal Analyser

👩🏻‍💻 How we manage our Portfolio

Honest disclosure Some links may be affiliated

All enquiries please email 💌 [email protected]

www.honestpropertysisters.com

Interested in starting your own Podcast? 🎙️

Keywordsproperty, finance, personal branding, social media, entrepreneurship, financial literacy, women empowerment, marketing, business growth, community

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Honest Property Podcast, Becky and Ruth sit down with Michelle Cairns, a former teacher turned property investor, who has mastered lease options and other creative strategies to build her portfolio. Michelle shares how she transitioned into property, the power of education and networking, and why asking the right questions in negotiations can be a total game-changer.

She also breaks down a real-life lease option deal, explaining how this strategy allows investors to secure properties with minimal upfront costs while maximizing returns. Plus, we dive into the importance of trust in joint ventures, balancing risk with family life, and why the right mentorship can fast-track success in the property game.

Whether you're a new investor looking for low-risk strategies or an experienced landlord wanting to expand creatively, this episode is packed with insights, mindset shifts, and practical tips to help you on your journey.

You can also watch this episode on YouTube

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

05:35 The Importance of Education and Masterminds

11:12 Exploring Purchase Lease Options

16:55 The Future of Property Investment Strategies

26:33 Exploring Property Investment Strategies

32:41 The Importance of Trust in Investments

39:10 Balancing Risk and Family Life

45:14 Resources for Aspiring Investors

You can connect with Michelle on instagram @michellecarins01

Michelle's Strategy Quiz

YPN membership

Grab your ticket to the Property and Entrepreneur Summit 24th of June

See you at the Property and Entrepreneur Summit Saturday 14th June 2025 at Milton Keynes!

Grab your ticket 🎟️

You can listen to our episode with Michelle on the YPN Podcast here:

Don’t forget to Like, share with a friend or family member and subscribe to be updated with each weekly episode.

Follow us on Instagram:

@honestpropertysisters

@honestproperteapod

📝 FREE Entrepreneurs Guide to Wealth Building

🤝 FREE Honest Property Community

🏡 Beginner’s Road Map : BTL Portfolio Building!

📊 Deal Analyser

👩🏻‍💻 How we manage our Portfolio

Honest disclosure Some links may be affiliated

All enquiries please email 💌 [email protected]

www.honestpropertysisters.com

Interested in starting your own Podcast? 🎙️

Keywords:

property investment, networking, masterminds, education, lease options, joint ventures, mindset, YPN, Michelle Cairns, property strategies

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Honest Property Podcast, we sit down with Laura Ackers from Haus Property. A property investor who’s built a thriving portfolio while keeping her priorities in check. She shares her journey into HMOs and supported living, why mentorship is a game-changer, and how she transitioned from self-management to hiring a portfolio manager.

We also dive into:

🏡 The power of aesthetics in attracting tenants

🤝 Why networking & mentorship are key to success

📊 How diversification can future-proof your portfolio

⚖️ The secret to balancing property investment & family life

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to level up your strategy, Laura’s insights are packed with value.

🎧 Listen now on your favourite podcast platform!

You can also watch this episode on Youtube

PS: Heads up! We’re aware of a slight video and audio syncing issue on our side—apologies for the technical hiccup! Unfortunately, we weren’t able to fix it, but we didn’t want you to miss out on the absolute gems in this episode. Thanks for bearing with us, and we hope you enjoy the conversation!

Laura offers a 1-2-1 mentoring service for anyone who wants to invest in BTL or HMO properties. She has experience with both professional and Supported Living HMOs so she can support in both areas and work with people based all across the UK.

You can connect with Laura:

On instagram: @haus_property_

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to HMO and Aesthetic Appeal

02:58 Journey into HMO Investment

05:53 Self-Management vs. Portfolio Management

08:58 Balancing Work and Family Life

12:11 The Importance of Mentorship in Property Investment

17:59 Navigating Supported Living Properties

24:01 Identifying the Right Mentorship Fit

26:08 Navigating New Revenue Streams in Property Investment

30:10 The Importance of Networking and Mentorship

38:23 Exploring Supported Living as a Strategy

43:06 Future Plans and Diversification in Property Investment

Don’t forget to Like, share with a friend or family member and subscribe to be updated with each weekly episode.

Follow us on Instagram:

@honestpropertysisters

@honestproperteapod

📝 FREE Entrepreneurs Guide to Wealth Building

🤝 FREE Honest Property Community

🏡 Beginner’s Road Map : BTL Portfolio Building!

📊 Deal Analyser

👩🏻‍💻 How we manage our Portfolio

Honest disclosure Some links may be affiliated

All enquiries please email 💌 [email protected]

www.honestpropertysisters.com

Interested in starting your own Podcast? 🎙️

Key Words: HMO, property investment, self-management, portfolio management, mentorship, supported living, family life, property aesthetics, investment strategies, landlord tips, property investment, revenue streams, networking, mentorship, supported living, diversification, HMOs, property management, investment strategies, real estate

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Honest Property Podcast, Becky and Ruth sit down with Imogen, the dynamic founder of Freedom Geeks. Imogen shares her inspiring journey from corporate life to building a business that helps overwhelmed entrepreneurs replace themselves with smart virtual assistants from the Philippines 🇵🇭

Discover:

✔️ Why VAs are game-changers for property investors and business owners.

✔️ The incredible benefits of hiring Filipino VAs.

✔️ Practical tips for effective delegation and team management.

✔️ How to embrace your weaknesses and build a scalable, sustainable business.

Whether you’re a landlord or entrepreneur, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you grow, streamline, and succeed. Tune in now! 🎙️

📚 Book Mention: The 4-Hour Work Week: Escape the 9-5, Live Anywhere and Join the New Rich by Tim Ferriss: https://amzn.to/3CA6mCs

You can contact Imogen (or her VA!) at Freedom Geeks here:

https://www.instagram.com/thefreedomgeek_rebellion/ ||

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

Freedom Geek Offerings 👩🏽‍💻👩🏽‍💻

1. Grab our FREE Mini Essential Delegation Guide here: https://www.thefreedomgeek.com/mini-guide

2. Get a Virtual Assistant – book a call here! https://bit.ly/talktotfg

3. Editing service: https://www.thefreedomgeek.com/editing/taster-uk

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Freedom Geeks and Virtual Assistance

01:00 Imogen's Journey from Corporate to Entrepreneurship

04:28 Discovering the Need for Virtual Assistants

09:01 The Value of Filipino Virtual Assistants

12:13 Why the Philippines for Outsourcing?

18:28 Balancing Nomadic Lifestyle with Business

26:12 Starting with Delegation and Virtual Assistance

32:55 Embracing Remote Management and Delegation

39:31 Understanding Team Dynamics and Profiles

43:01 The Importance of Self-Awareness in Business

46:57 Building a Resilient Business Structure

52:46 Measuring Performance and Trust in Delegation

56:49 Resources for Effective Delegation and Management

You can also watch this episode on Youtube

Don’t forget to Like, share with a friend or family member and subscribe to be updated with each weekly episode.

Follow us on Instagram:

@honestpropertysisters

@honestproperteapod

📝 FREE Entrepreneurs Guide to Wealth Building

🤝 Honest Property Community

💌 Honest Community Newsletter

🏡 Beginner’s Road Map : BTL Portfolio Building!

📊 Deal Analyser

👩🏻‍💻 How we manage our Portfolio

Honest disclosure Some links may be affiliated

All enquiries please email 💌 [email protected]

Interested in starting your own Podcast? Try Riverside fm🎙️

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Honest Property Podcast, Becky and Ruth sit down with Emilie Heinonen, founder of People and Spaces, to explore the beautiful intersection of interior design and architecture. Emilie shares her passion for creating spaces that prioritize people, sustainability, and well-being.

From biophilic design (bringing nature indoors) to the environmental impact of materials like artificial grass, Emilie explains why mindful consumption is the future of interior spaces. They discuss how urban design influences community living, why antiques and heirlooms often trump mass-produced items, and how future homes will need to adapt to our ever-changing lifestyles.

Whether you're a property investor, a tenant, or just design-curious, this episode will inspire you to think differently about the spaces we live in.

🎧 Tune in for:

🌿 How biophilic design benefits mental health.

🏡 Why sustainability matters in property investments.

📐 Tips for balancing functionality and aesthetics.

Don’t miss this conversation about reimagining homes for the better—listen now!

You can connect with Emilie here:

[email protected]

instagram @people_andspaces

https://www.peopleandspaces.co.uk/about

Don’t forget to Like, share with a friend or family member and subscribe to be updated with each weekly episode.

Follow us on Instagram:

@honestpropertysisters

@honestproperteapod

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Interior Design and Its Impact

01:04 Emily's Journey to Becoming an Interior Architect

04:47 The Concept of People and Spaces

06:20 The Rise of DIY and Home Decor During COVID

09:00 Sustainability in Interior Design

17:01 Advice for Property Developers and Investors

20:45 Transforming Houses into Homes

24:05 Environmental Impact and Clean Air in Design

27:31 The Dangers of Artificial Grass

30:45 The Impact of Urban Design on Community Spaces

33:45 Mindful Consumption in Interior Design

36:49 Navigating Overwhelm in Design Choices

39:50 Connecting Indoor Spaces with Nature

44:40 The Future of Home Design and Sustainability

51:45 Creating Wholesome Living Environments

You can also watch this episode on Youtube

📝 FREE Entrepreneurs Guide to Wealth Building

🤝 Honest Property Community

💌 Honest Community Newsletter

🏡 Beginner’s Road Map : BTL Portfolio Building!

📊 Deal Analyser

👩🏻‍💻 How we manage our Portfolio

Honest disclosure Some links may be affiliated

All enquiries please email 💌 [email protected]

Interested in starting your own Podcast? Try Riverside fm🎙️

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Honest Property Podcast, Becky and Ruth sit down with Ben Giles, the founder of Balloon Lettings in Bristol. Ben shares his inspiring journey from overcoming challenges in traditional education to running a successful people-focused lettings agency.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

Why a people-first approach benefits landlords and tenants alike.

The changing expectations of tenants in a post-pandemic rental market.

How clear communication builds trust and improves property care

The importance of setting boundaries to avoid burnout as an entrepreneur

Ben also reflects on the rise of ‘new school’ landlords treating property as a business and shares his insights on creating a welcoming brand that prioritizes tenant care. Whether you’re a landlord, property manager, or aspiring entrepreneur, this episode is packed with actionable advice and inspiration. 🎧✨

You can connect with Ben and Balloon Lettings here:

https://www.balloonlets.co.uk

Instagram: @balloonlettingco

Linked in

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Honest Property Podcast

03:07 The Impact of Traditional Education on Entrepreneurs

06:08 The Evolution of Apprenticeships and Career Paths

08:48 The Birth of Balloon Lettings

12:00 Understanding the New School of Landlords

14:05 Defining the Role of a Letting Agent

18:01 Challenges in Property Management

20:56 Creating a People-Centric Business Model

24:04 Building a Positive Reputation in the Industry

26:22 The Importance of First Impressions

28:27 Building Trust with Landlords and Tenants

30:03 Managing Expectations in Property Management

32:10 Shifts in the Rental Market

34:51 The Evolution of Tenant Expectations

37:14 Future Growth and Business Vision

40:38 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Don’t forget to Like, share with a friend or family member and subscribe to be updated with each weekly episode.

Follow us on Instagram:

@honestpropertysisters

@honestproperteapod

You can also watch this episode on Youtube

📝 FREE Entrepreneurs Guide to Wealth Building

🤝 Honest Property Community

💌 Honest Community Newsletter

🏡 Beginner’s Road Map : BTL Portfolio Building!

Honest disclosure Some links may be affiliated

All enquiries please email 💌 [email protected]

Interested in starting your own Podcast? Try Riverside fm🎙️

Keywords

property investing, HMO, couple entrepreneurs, property management, investment strategies, Article 4, tenant relationships, property portfolio, community support, exit strategies

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Honest Property Podcast, Rebecca and Ruth chat with Sam and Alex, the power couple behind SOProperties. In just a year, they’ve built a thriving HMO portfolio, proving that smart strategies and teamwork can lead to rapid success.

Tune in to hear about:

Their journey into property and why cash flexibility is a game-changer

The secrets to thriving as a couple in both business and life

Navigating Article 4 regulations and the impact on investment strategies

Why building relationships with investors and the community is key to growth

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to scale your property investments, Sam and Alex share practical insights and motivation to keep you moving forward. 🎧✨

You can connect with Sam & Alex on instagram @sam_alex_property

www.soproperties.uk

The are offering 'Learn & Earn' opportunities for investors interested in learning more about property. Knowledge Sharing & Best Practice with fellow property investors!

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Property Investing Journey

03:10 Creative Financing Strategies for Property Acquisition

06:08 Choosing HMOs: A Strategic Decision

08:29 The Shift from Accidental Landlords to Intentional Investors

12:45 Managing Properties: The Balance of Self-Management vs. Outsourcing

15:43 Leveraging Technology and Social Media in Property Investment

18:45 Reflecting on Progress and Authenticity

20:27 Working Together as a Couple

24:35 Communication and Shared Goals

27:24 Navigating Social Expectations

31:30 Building a Supportive Community

33:48 Understanding Article 4 Areas

38:32 Exit Strategies in Property Investment

41:58 Engaging with Investors and Community

Don’t forget to Like, share with a friend or family member and subscribe to be updated with each weekly episode.

Follow us on Instagram:

@honestpropertysisters

@honestproperteapod

📝 FREE Entrepreneurs Guide to Wealth Building

🤝 Honest Property Community

💌 Honest Community Newsletter

🏡 Beginner’s Road Map : BTL Portfolio Building!

Honest disclosure Some links may be affiliated

All enquiries please email 💌 [email protected]

Interested in starting your own Podcast? Try Riverside fm🎙️

Keywords

property investing, HMO, couple entrepreneurs, property management, investment strategies, Article 4, tenant relationships, property portfolio, community support, exit strategies

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Honest Proper-tea Podcast, Rebecca and Ruth sit down with Sam Cooke, the brains behind Blue Bricks Magazine and a passionate advocate for ethical property investment.

Sam shares his journey in property, from growing his portfolio to venturing into commercial investments, while also running a magazine that champions honesty and transparency in the industry. Topics include:

The vision behind Blue Bricks and the Blue Bricks Awards

Networking tips and spotting genuine connections online

How diversification is key in the evolving property market

Redefining success and finding fulfillment in doing work your way

The conversation also highlights the challenges of the cost of living crisis in the UK and the importance of adapting to shifting housing needs.

Tune in for a refreshing and insightful chat that’ll inspire you to think differently about property investment and business. 🎧 Don’t miss it!

You can connect with Sam on instagram @bluebricksmagazine @samcooke

Free month trial to Blue Bricks Magazine (and get a free magazine in the post)

Annual Subscription to Blue Bricks Magazine

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Blue Bricks Magazine

03:02 Sam Cooke's Journey in Property and Business

06:11 The Vision Behind Blue Bricks Magazine

09:03 Honesty in Property Investment

12:06 The Blue Bricks Awards: Celebrating Ethical Practices

15:00 Personal Experiences in Property Investment

18:04 Building a Business and Delegating Tasks

22:45 Investing in Property and Business Synergy

24:20 The Power of Networking

25:40 Identifying Authenticity in the Online World

29:52 Redefining Success Beyond Retirement

31:36 Finding Fulfillment in Business

34:16 The Importance of Giving Back

35:54 Navigating the Cost of Living Crisis

38:12 Adapting to Changing Housing Needs

40:38 Diversification in Property Investment

42:16 Future Plans and Innovations

Don’t forget to Like, share with a friend or family member and subscribe to be updated with each weekly episode.

Follow us on Instagram:

@honestpropertysisters

@honestproperteapod

📝 FREE Entrepreneurs Guide to Wealth Building

🤝 Honest Property Community

💌 Honest Community Newsletter

🏡 Beginner’s Road Map : BTL Portfolio Building!

Honest disclosure Some links may be affiliated

All enquiries please email 💌 [email protected]

Interested in starting your own Podcast? Try Riverside fm🎙️

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Honest Property Podcast, Becky and Ruth sit down with Julie Talbot—a property investor who’s proving that you can build a thriving portfolio while traveling the globe.

Julie shares her journey of balancing family life, work, and adventure, diving into:

Remote property investing: tips for viewings, sourcing, and building a process

Lessons learned from past mistakes and how they shaped her approach

Why time and location freedom matter more than financial numbers

How world schooling her daughters has redefined their education

She also busts myths about nomadic investing, showing that success is all about systems, routines, and adaptability—not being tied to a desk or location.

Tune in for a fresh perspective on property investing, family life, and creating a life on your terms. 🎧 This episode is packed with practical tips and inspiration!

You can also watch the full episode on : Youtube

You can find Julie on instagram: @julierosetalbot

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/julie.talbot.359

Viewing properties from overseas with ease

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Julie Talbot and Her Journey

01:10 Nomadic Lifestyle and World Schooling

02:44 Challenges in Property Investment

04:41 Lessons Learned from Past Mistakes

06:54 The Importance of Time and Location Freedom

09:17 Redefining Success in Business and Life

12:09 Cultural Insights from a Nomadic Life

14:45 Cost-Effective Living as a Nomad

16:34 Diverse Property Investment Strategies

18:07 Creating a Lifestyle that Fits Your Goals

19:22 Innovative Approaches to Education

22:12 Real-Life Skills and Family Involvement

23:33 Balancing Work and Family Life

25:08 Seasons of Life and Prioritizing Family

28:04 Mastering Remote Property Viewings

37:04 The Importance of Focus in Property Sourcing

41:14 Debunking Myths of Nomadic Investing

50:56 Creating Your Virtual Property Machine

Don’t forget to Like, share with a friend or family member and subscribe to be updated with each weekly episode.

Follow us on Instagram:

@honestpropertysisters

@honestproperteapod

📝 FREE Entrepreneurs Guide to Wealth Building

🤝 Honest Property Community

💌 Honest Community Newsletter

🏡 Beginner’s Road Map : BTL Portfolio Building!

Honest disclosure Some links may be affiliated

All enquiries please email 💌 [email protected]

Interested in starting your own Podcast? Try Riverside fm🎙️

Keywords

property investing, nomadic lifestyle, world schooling, financial freedom, location freedom, success, cultural insights, family involvement, education, real estate, property investing, remote viewings, location freedom, nomadic investing, property sourcing, process management, virtual property machine, financial freedom, coaching, mentoring

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"You can start with a pound!"

In this episode of The Honest Property Podcast, Becky and Ruth sit down with Sophie Foote, an investing mentor who’s on a mission to empower women to take control of their financial futures.

Sophie’s journey is anything but ordinary—from teaching English in Southeast Asia to running a dive resort in Indonesia, she’s built a life that blends adventure with smart investing. In this conversation, Sophie shares her wisdom on:

• The importance of diversifying investments (property, stocks, pensions—she’s got it all covered!)
• Financial literacy and why we need to talk more openly about money
• How automation, savings, and compound interest are the ultimate power moves
• Overcoming the fear of investing and building confidence step by step

This episode is packed with practical advice, fresh perspectives, and loads of inspiration for anyone looking to create financial security and live a life they truly love. 🎧 Tune in now for a chat that might just change the way you think about your money. Let’s make it work for you!

You can also Watch this Episode on Youtube

📚 Book Mentioned

I Will Teach You To Be Rich (2nd Edition): No guilt, no excuses - just a 6-week programme that works by Ramit Sethi

Connect with Sophie on instagram: sophie_invests

Sophie's Money Mastery Programme: https://shorturl.at/tJVgO

Don’t forget to Like, share with a friend or family member and subscribe to be updated with each weekly episode.

Follow us on Instagram:

@honestpropertysisters

@honestproperteapod

📝 FREE Entrepreneurs Guide to Wealth Building

🤝 Honest Property Community

💌 Honest Community Newsletter

🏡 Beginner’s Road Map : BTL Portfolio Building!

Honest disclosure Some links may be affiliated

All enquiries please email 💌 [email protected]

Interested in starting your own Podcast? 🎙️

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Sophie Foote and Her Journey

02:59 Sophie’s Adventures in Southeast Asia

06:00 Building a Dive Resort in Indonesia

09:01 Transitioning Back to the UK and Starting a Property Business

12:11 Diversifying Investments: Beyond Property

14:58 Understanding Stock Market Investments

18:01 The Importance of Pensions and Financial Literacy

20:45 Explaining Index Funds and Investment Strategies

23:58 Overcoming Fear in Investing

27:05 Financial Literacy and Emergency Funds

28:17 Building Financial Security with Savings

30:46 Automating Your Finances for Ease

32:45 Breaking the Taboo: Women and Money Conversations

34:51 Personalizing Your Investment Strategy

37:32 The Power of Compound Interest

40:52 Creating Habits for Financial Success

43:40 Resources for Financial Literacy and Investing

46:44 Future Plans and Living a Happy Life

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.