Chatterjack Podcast

Paul Agnew never planned a career in fish. As a student in the '90s, he hitchhiked from Carlisle to Maryport to see a girl, got picked up by a fish wagon, and was offered a summer job packing salmon on the spot. He was, by his own admission, pretty rubbish at it. But 34 years later he's back as Managing Director of Grant's Oak Smoked, the high-end smoked salmon company where it all sta...

Miranda Kirschel MBE never planned a career in nuclear. She wanted to be a dancer. After studying politics and French almost by accident, she temped her way into what's now the Nuclear Industry Association, and ended up spending the next few decades in an industry she'd barely heard of growing up in Cyprus. In this episode she sits down with us to talk about how she fell into nuclear, why...

In this episode of the Chatterjack Podcast, we're joined by Kurt Canfield — CEO of Delkia and chairman and owner of Jennings Brewery in Cockermouth. Kurt tells us how he took Delkia, a systems integration company for the nuclear and defence sector, from half a million in turnover and loss-making to a projected £20 million this year, employing around 130 people across two sites. He breaks down...

In this episode of the Chatterjack Podcast, we're joined by Carlos Reina — a photographer based right here in Cumbria, who swapped the sunny beaches of Spain for the (very wet) streets of Manchester. Carlos shares the story of landing in England 14 years ago with barely any English and no one to pick him up, and how he built a career and a name for himself behind the camera. We chat about what...

This week we sat down with Dr. Jess Hayton, Associate Professor at UCL, to talk about something a lot of people wonder but never really get a straight answer on. Is university actually worth it? Jess got her worst A-level grade in psychology. She's now been part of the world's top ranked education university for over a decade. We get into how that happened, what a PhD is really like, and w...

In today's episode, we're joined by Lee Grears, CEO of a welding and inspection business he built during the pandemic. Lee shares his journey from the ground up, the challenges of growing a company in uncertain times, and his experiences using AI chatbots, including some of the frustrations and pitfalls he's run into along the way. Follow the Chatterjack Podcast on socials! Instagram -...

Ever looked at a rebrand and thought... what were they thinking? (Yes, we're talking about Jaguar.) In this episode, we sit down with Vicky Hutchinson and Carol Wallace, founders of Creative Hutch, a brand and marketing agency based in Carlisle, to talk all things brand and design. We get into what actually makes a good brand, whether you even need a rebrand, how design has changed and where i...

Ever wondered what actually goes on behind the scenes of tourism in one of the UK's most visited destinations? In this episode, we sit down with Gill Haigh, Managing Director of Cumbria Tourism, to get the full picture. From how the industry really works, to the hotly debated tourist tax, the challenges facing the region, and how Gill climbed to the top of her field. Whether you're a Lake...

In this episode of the Chatterjack Podcast, we're joined by the fantastic Joel Pennington, Restaurant Manager at Cottage in the Woods and winner of the highly regarded Gold Service Scholarship 2026!Joel opens up about how he worked his way to the upper levels of hospitality, the frustrating misconception that it isn't a "real" career, and the juicy behind-the-scenes on how fine d...

In this episode of the Chatterjack Podcast, Clyne talks through the five mindset shifts that moved him from employee to business owner. What had to change in his thinking before anything else could follow, why so many skilled people stay in jobs they have outgrown, and what the leap actually looks like when you stop waiting for the right moment. If you work in engineering, trade, or any skilled pr...

Gina Goulding never planned to build a company. She just baked to clear her head after work. Then people started asking for more. Then she unexpectedly sold out a market stall. Then the orders kept coming, and she had to decide whether this was a hobby or a real business. In this conversation, Gina talks openly about what it actually took to grow from a home kitchen to a bakery, two bakehouses and...

In this episode of Chatterjack, we’re joined by Liam Salkeld, Director of Riverside Recruitment, to talk about his journey into the recruitment industry and what it’s like running a business in a fast-moving job market. Liam shares how he got started, the lessons he’s picked up along the way, and what businesses often get wrong when it comes to hiring the right people. We also chat about how recru...

What does it actually take to start a business - and make it work? In this episode of Chatterjack, we sit down with Colin Bell, who brings over 20 years of experience designing and deliveringbusiness support and economic development programmes across the UK. He’s worked with mayoral combined authorities, national growth initiatives, universities, and local partnerships, helping turn big ideas into...

In this episode of Chatterjack, we sit down with Susan Blakemore, CEO of Cumbria Health, to talk about her journey from frontline nurse to healthcare leader. Susan shares how her career began in nursing, including time working abroad and delivering care in local communities across the UK, meeting patients in all kinds of settings. We explore how those early, hands-on experiences shaped her leaders...

This week on Chatterjack we’re joined by Oliver Hodgson, the founder of Platinum Live, who started the business at 16 years old and went on to work with celebrities before most of us had figured out how to write a CV. We get into what it’s actually like building a business that young, how he worked his way into rooms most people never get near, and what really goes on behind the scenes in the worl...

This week we’re joined by the Leader of Cumberland Councilfor a proper chat about politics — how he got into it, what keeps him going, and what it’s really like trying to run a council in the middle of everything that’s going on right now.   We talk about devolution and what it actually means forpeople living here, the plans for Workington Port, and how that famous West Cumbrian mentality plays in...

We’ve got a truly special episode lined up for you today. The tables have turned, the mics are spinning, and we’re shining the spotlight on our very own Queen of Natter 🎙️If you're into marketing, curious about the world of business, or just love a compelling career journey, this episode is packed with insight, inspiration and plenty of personality. You won’t want to miss it. Follow the Chatte...

Ever wondered what HR is really like behind the scenes? 🤔In this episode of the Chatterjack Podcast, Lindsay sits down with Claire McLean, CEO of Realise HR, to dive into the world of Human Resources. From common misconceptions to the highs and lows of the job, Claire shares what it’s really like to work in HR – and answers the big question: can we actually be friends with HR?Claire also takes us...

On this episode of the Chatterjack Podcast, LG sits down with Alan Prince, Head of Operations at Sellafield. They get down into the nitty-gritty of what it means to be a leader and the path that Alan took to get there. If you're interested in leadership, the nuclear industry or just want to hear a cracking career story – this one’s for you! Follow the Chatterjack Podcast on socials! Instagram...

Do you work in web design? Are you interested in web design, or looking to grow your web design business? If you’ve answered “yes” to any of these questions, this episode is for you! In this episode, Lindsay chats with Andrew Armitage, founder of A Digital — a web design, development, and digital marketing agency based right here in Cumbria. They cover a wide range of topics from Andrew’s career j...

In today's podcast episode, Lindsay is joined by James Harrison, a man with many hats! From working in the Nuclear Industry, to sheep farming, to appearing in a documentary, being a board member AND drilling a hole in the Olympic torch... He's done a lot! If you're interested in how to progress your career, working in nuclear or just wanting to hear a smashing career story - this one&#...

In this episode, LG sits down with Gemma Leadbetter, COO of BEC, to discuss her career journey in the finance industry. They explore how Gemma has navigated the highs and lows of working in finance and leadership roles. The conversation also covers her views on the education system—spoiler: exams might not be the best measure of success 😬—funny interview stories, and much more. If you’re interest...

In this episode LG sits down with Andy Golpys, co-founder of Manchester-based web design agency MadeByShape. They chat about Andy’s journey into web design, starting the agency, and what it’s really like balancing creativity, clients and running a business. Listen in for a down-to-earth take on agency life and creative careers.🎧 Also available on YouTube & all major platforms.📍 Find out more...

In this episode, we’re joined by Josh MacAlister – a name you might recognise from his work in social care, and now from the ballot paper. Josh recently made the leap into politics, becoming an MP after years of working behind the scenes on big national issues. We chat about the shift, what it’s like starting out in public office, and how it feels to step into something totally new.

What happens when your exam results don’t go to plan? For Dianne Richardson, it was just the beginning. In this episode, we talk about the twists and turns of education, the different routes people take to find their footing, and why traditional paths aren’t the only option. Dianne shares how she built a successful career after failing her exams, what she’s learned along the way, and the value of...