No More Waffle - Podcast

In this week’s No More Waffle, host Ben Madden sits down with Jackie Quinn, owner of Jackie Quinn Estates in Surrey, and Regional Executive for Propertymark, to tackle one of the biggest frustrations in UK property - why the home-moving process takes so long.

From the average five-month transaction time to conveyancers bogged down in ID checks and onboarding delays, Jackie explains how a system that once took 10weeks has become painfully slow and complex.

Together they ask whether the entire process needs re-engineering and if technology or AI could finally speedthings up.

The conversation quickly widens: how artificial intelligence is already changing the way agents work, whether automation will ever replace the human touch, and how remote working is reshaping the next generation of estate agents.

They explore the links between culture, resilience and mental health in a post-COVID industry, and what it all means for consumers buying, selling or letting homes.

Honest, grounded and forward-looking, this is a must-listen for anyone who wants to understand the real forces shaping modern estate agency.

In this episode of No More Waffle, Ben Madden is joined by career estate agent Jackie Quinn, owner of Quinn Estates in Surrey and Regional Executive for Propertymark.

With over 30 years in the industry, Jackie brings hard truths and first-hand insight into why estate agents have one of the worst reputations with the public.

From overvaluing homes to win instructions, to corporate cultures that reward listing over completions, the discussion exposes the systemic issues that fuel consumer mistrust.

But it’s not all bad news. Jackie argues that great agency is still alive, built on honesty, preparation, local knowledge and genuine care for clients.

Together, Ben and Jackie explore why good service needs to be communicated more loudly, how regulation and training could raise standards, and why estate agency must be recognised as a people business, not just a numbers game.

For both agents and consumers, this is an unfiltered look at the truth behind the For Sale board.

In her third and final appearance, Dani Nash joins Ben Madden on No More Waffle to tackle some of the industry’s biggest challenges - from why most agents still operate with a “scarcity mentality” to how AI is reshaping the future of estate agency.

Together, they debate whether copying ideas is theft or progress, and why the industry needs to move from guarding “secret sauce” to embracing collaboration and abundance.

The episode also digs into the opportunities AI brings - from speeding up transactions to eliminating repetitive admin - and what it means for the human side of agency.

Ben and Dani discuss whether agents risk being replaced, or whether this shift will free them up to focus on reputation, authenticity, and being more present in their communities.

They wrap up by unpacking the difference between “personal branding” and simply building a reputation - and why agents need to understand the nuance if they want to stay relevant in a changing world.

In her second appearance on No More Waffle, Dani Nash joins Ben Madden to dive deeper into the hard truths about estate agency.

This episode focuses on the one thing Dani says could transform the consumer experience overnight: communication.

They discuss why honesty between agents and clients so often breaks down, whether consumers sometimes “get the service they deserve,” and how trust is damaged when buyers fudge budgets, timelines, or positions.

The conversation then shifts to the rise of acquisitions, the corporate vs. independent debate, and what happens when the industry consolidates.

Dani and Ben also tackle generational differences in the workplace, whether younger agents are really less committed, and how smart recruitment, psychological safety, and culture could shape the next decade of agency.

It’s a candid, challenging episode that speaks directly to both property professionals and the consumers they serve.

In the very first episode of No More Waffle, Ben Madden sits down with industry veteran Dani Nash to ask the questions estate agency usually avoids.

They dive into the uncomfortable truth about why the public still doesn’t trust estate agents and how much of that reputation is deserved. From overvaluing to win instructions, to poor communication, to the 1% fee race-to-the-bottom, Dani shares both her insider perspective and her recent painful experience as a consumer selling her dad’s home.

This is a raw conversation about broken trust, missed expectations, and why consumers so often end up with the rough end of the stick. Ben and Dani also explore how training, culture, and the rise of the self-employed model could make or break the industry in the years ahead. It’s honest, challenging, and necessary listening for both property professionals and anyone buying, selling, or renting a home.

Ben Madden returns alongside co-host Ellis Malizi for another chaotic, sharply judged round of property industry bluffing, banter, and bizarre dream teams. From co-founding Zoopla top itching MJ’s mum as your agency MVP, this episode rings major silliness with just enough truth to hurt.

What’s Inside

• The biggest bluffs guests have pulled in their careers
• Cornwall coastal bungalow guessing game (1980 prices, anyone?)
• Dream estate agency teams featuring celebrities, AI prodigies, and actual children
• Final hot take: Will Arsenal win the Champions league?
• Bonus: Someone pretends to have a law degree...and actually does.

This Episode’s Guests

• Ellis Malizi (Co-host): Studio Manager, Digital Sparks

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elisard-malizi-465709181/

• Mark Hinkins: Commercial Director at Rex Software

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

• Sharron Kaur: Director, Golden Acre Estates

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharron-kaur-b746b6120/

• Mal McCallion: Co-Founder, ModelProp

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

• Joe Parker: Partner, Fine & Country Surrey Hills

LinkedIn️: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jo-parker-ba442214/

Hit That Button

If you’ve ever fibbed your way into a job, guessed a house price wildly wrong, or believe toddlers should be on the sales floor, give us a like, a follow, and share the syrup

This episode is total carnage (in the best way). We’re back with the brilliant Angie Cooney and a cast of industry legendsfor a fast-paced, slightly unhinged tour through property, marketing, and everything in between.

We cover…👉 Dodgy Facebook Lives
👉Leaflet drops turned Strava challenges
👉 Dream agency teams (feat. Zac Efron & vodka)
👉Burglars, broken bones & baby food scandals
…and still manage to squeeze in some genuine estate agency gold.

What’s Inside
💥 Angie’s alarm goes off mid-recording
💥 The Facebook Live you definitely shouldn’t copy
💥 Why we all secretly miss the Romans days
💥 What we learned from £75K flats in 2005
💥Leaflet drops rebranded as cardio
💥 Hot takes on what actually makes a good agency team
💥 Cold pancakes and strawberry baby mush 🍓

This Week’s Line-Up
🎤 Angie Cooney – Former Owner, C Residential & full-time disruptor
🎤 Neil Robinson – Founder of Neil Robinson EA, funny even when he’s being serious
🎤 Ian White – Industry heavyweight, ex-Romans, part-time myth-buster
🎤 Gemma Young – Co-founder of Moverly, formerly Google (so she’s smart)
🎤 Cindy Slaughter – Marketing Director at Avocado property & pro hype woman

Why Listen?
Because sometimes the best insight comes wrapped in chaos.
If you've ever blagged your way through a Live, questioned a leaflet budget, or just love smart chat with a side of syrup — this one’s for you.

👇 Hit the button, share it with your team, and get ready for a ride.

🥞 Pass the Syrup — where estate agency doesn’t take itself too seriously.

This week, Ben Madden and co-host Harry Truman return with three brilliant guests, a whole lot of chaotic quiz energy, and some very hot takes (and cold pancakes).

From £700 hairdryers to imaginary estate agency dreamteams, it's estate industry banter at its best, with just enough real talk to keep you grounded.

What’s Inside

• Five-star reviews for weird and wonderful reasons
• How much was a council flat in Birmingham worth in 1960?
• Estate Agency dream teams ( Featuring Zac Efron, naturally)
• Renter Reform Bill: should landlords be worried?
• Pets for all! (but not at Ben's house)
• Chasing over kettlebells, couches and compliance

This Episodes Guests

Sarah EvansPartner at Charles David Casson (Oxfordshire)LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahlevans/

Ross McKenzieFounder of Isla Alexander and Open MooveLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ross-alexander-mckenzie-b832b47b/

Megan EighteenPresident-Elect of ARLA Propertymark & Director at Swindon Home FindersLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meganeighteen/

Harry Truman (Co-host)President of ARLA Propertymark & Group Lettings Director at Andrews Property GroupLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angharad-trueman-marla/

👇 Hit That Button

If you've ever moved furniture just for the Rightmove pics (or spent £700on a hairdryer), this one’s for you. Like, share, subscribe, and don't forget to tell your dog we say hi.

In this episode, Ben Madden and co-host Harry Truman are joined by a superstar cast from the property world and beyond for another round of wild stories, suspect trivia, and high-stakes nonsense. From a client haunting to a fake funeral, firewalking instructors, and a showdown over dream teams, it's a gloriously chaotic ride.

🔑 Key Topics Covered:

• "The clients that haunts me..."- real (and) fake horror stories from property pros
• The great Surrey property price guessing game (1990 edition)
• Dream team draft: estate agents and marketers pick their fantasy agency crew
• Nightlife secrets and firewalking side hustles
• A spicy "hot take or cold pancake" on gender diversity in the industry

👥 Guest Breakdown:

🚀 Kirsty Franks

• Founder of Frank Marketing & Group Marketing Director at TPFG
• Women in Estate Agency Committee member
• LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirsty-franks-ab977423/

🎯 Rowan Waller

• Founder of The Property Pen (Content creator, ex -agent)
• 📍Oxford
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rowan-waller/

🔥 Sarka Wilde

• Owner of independent estate agency (plus firewalking instructor!)
• 📍Oxfordshire

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sswilde/

📊 Chris Watkins

• Property content creator & long -time agent-basher of Rightmove pie charts.
• 📍Lincoln
• LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopherwatkin/

Enjoyed the chaos? Drop us a like, leave a brutally honest comment, and subscribe for more industry chat with a side of syrup. Share it with your weirdest client, your coolest colleague, or your most annoying group chat.

In this wonderfully weird and refreshingly honest episode, Ben Madden and co-host Harry Truman wrangle four property pros through three rounds of games, gripes, and glorious nonsense.

From Hackney house prices in the '70s toAttenborough-themed saunas, this episode has it all. Yes, even gay dinosaurs.

This Episode’s Guests

 Harry TruemanPresident of ARLA Propertymark & Group LettingsDirector at Andrews

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angharad-trueman-marla/

Tania CannonOwner, Canon & Co. Sales & Lettings (Whittlesey)LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taniacannon/ Simon Leadbetter

Founder, UnchainedLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonleadbetter/

Michael Day

Managing Director, Integra Property ServicesLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-stephen-day-mba-frics-fnaea-farla-%F0%9F%8E%B8-a623988/

Mia EvansSelf-Employed Agent under TAUK, based in LiverpoolLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mia-evans-7a69691a4/

👇 Hit That Button

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