A Quick Brew

Dave and James 'Gasket' Sharples take a moment to re-rewind and reflect on the journey of A Quick Brew, celebrating the guests who've made the podcast what it is today. From Craig Kelly's milestone first appearance to Joe Emery's record-breaking appearance, they revisit the episodes that resonated most. What they discuss: 🎙️ Why guest episodes get the highest viewership 📚 The power of varied pers...

What happens when progress feels like it's moving backwards? Dave and James 'Fresh Wheels' S harples tackle some frustrations in this raw conversation. From the backlash against DEI initiatives to the troubling rise of the manosphere, they explore why anger and division seem to be bubbling to the surface. What they discuss:🌍 Why DEI isn't "nonsense"📺 Louis Theroux's Manosphere documentary and to...

When was the last time you waited six months to get paid for work you'd already delivered? Dave and James 'Finance' Sharples welcome Kat Edwards from 1Finance to discuss the cash flow crisis facing small and medium businesses, the reality of payment terms that can cripple growth, and why personal branding matters more than ever. What they explore:💰 Why cash is still king⏰ The shocking truth abou...

Are you getting your workplace wellbeing advice from credible experts or TikTok trends? Dave and James 'Change Maker' Sharples tackle the growing problem of misinformation in the wellbeing space, exploring why cheapest isn't always best when it comes to training, and how AI is making it easier than ever to sound like an expert without the credentials to back it up. What they discuss:🎯 Why 83% of...

What's the difference between learning martial arts and learning to survive real violence? Dave and James ' MMA ' Sharples welcome Reece Reeve from SOS Combatives CIC for a raw conversation about reality-based self-defence. From the physiological effects of adrenaline to why the people who need training most are least likely to seek it, Reece breaks down the 'reality gap' between sport fighting an...

EP28. What does it take to create meaningful change in workplace wellbeing? Dave and James 'Awards' Sharples reflect on the Great British Workplace Wellbeing Awards, an evening that celebrates the people and organisations genuinely transforming work cultures. From post-traumatic growth to the power of recognition, this conversation explores why celebrating changemakers matters more than ever. What...

When is grunting acceptable at the gym? (Spoiler: It's not 😂) Dave and James ' Grunt-Power ' Sharples welcome personal trainer and employee wellbeing coach Martyn Pace for a conversation that moves from gym etiquette pet peeves to the connection between physical and mental health. What they explore: 💪 Why grunting actually makes you weaker (the science might surprise you) 🧠 The mental health cr...

Is your email strategy building relationships or burning bridges? Dave and James 'Workflow' Sharples pull back the curtain on automated workflows, revealing why they think many businesses are getting it so wrong. If you've ever wondered whether you're staying top of mind or becoming that annoying contact people actively avoid, this episode is your wake-up call. What they tackle: 📧 The reason your...

To mark our 'Silver Anniversary' episode, we're joined by copywriter and LinkedIn voice Joe Emery , a man who knows better than most just how brutal the current job market really is. Joe brings raw honesty and perspective to the conversation, and shares details of how one of his early LinkedIn posts received 11 MILLION impressions! Highlights include:💼 Navigating a market that feels stacked again...

David and James 'On Tour' Sharples are back, and they've got some big news. Wellity Global is hitting the road across Essex this April for Stress Awareness Month, and they want to train 3,300 people... completely FREE of charge! Highlights from the episode this week:🗺️ The Be The Change Essex Tour: what it is, who it's for, and how to get involved (no catches, no credit cards, no freemium nonsense...

You asked, and we've delivered! Are you ready to crack the code on LinkedIn? In this episode, hosts David Bancroft and James 'Algorithm' Sharples sit down with LinkedIn adviser Alina Kovalchuk to demystify the platform's ever-changing landscape and reveal what really works in 2026 🚀What you'll discover:📊 Why your follower count matters less than you think👀 How "lurkers" might be your most valua...

EP22. In this AQB episode, hosts Dave and James "DAARTARR" Sharples tackle subscription fatigue, email management, and (most importantly) James's rant about the modern pronunciation of "data" as "daartarr."Subscription Overload 💸We dive into the reality of subscription creep. Inspired by a viral video where people couldn't accurately list their own subscriptions, James shares his journey of disco...

In this episode of A Quick Brew, hosts James 'Time2Talk' Sharples and Dave welcome Sadie Restorick , a prominent figure in workplace wellbeing. They discuss the critical role of managers in supporting their employees, the importance of mental health initiatives, and the ever-changing post-pandemic landscape of workplace wellbeing. Sadie shares insights on global trends, the concept of wellbeing wa...

In this episode of A Quick Brew, hosts David Bancroft and James 'Andre' Sharples discuss topics ranging from James' new hobby (can you guess what it is from his name and episode image), to the importance of in-person meetings in a digital age. They touch on the challenges of workplace communication, including ghosting and the role of technology in meetings. 🚨BIG NEWS🚨 The episode also features a...

In this episode of A Quick Brew, hosts James 'T-1000' Sharples and David Bancroft engage in a thought-provoking discussion with cyber security expert Sasha Roshan about the darker side of artificial intelligence (AI). The conversation begins with an introduction to Sasha's role at Huntress, a managed security platform. As the discussion unfolds, Sasha highlights the alarming ways in which AI can b...

In this episode, James 'Cold Call' Sharples and Dave discuss the evolving landscape of sales, underlining the importance of resilience, accountability, and the shift from traditional sales methods to modern strategies. They explore the attributes of successful salespeople, the challenges of cold calling, and the role of platforms like LinkedIn in building trust and credibility. The conversation hi...

In this episode, Dave and James 'Superman' Sharples engage in a lively discussion with guest Danny Macklin (Head of Partnerships for The Ideal Home Show 🏡).They talk about the importance of human connection at events and the balance between live and virtual environments to create immersive experiences, and how this provides unique opportunities for brands to connect with consumers. They also rece...

Happy New Year 🎉 In this episode, Dave and James 'HNY' Sharples reflect on the New Year, discussing their approach towards resolutions, the importance of quality time with loved ones, and setting realistic goals. They share personal experiences of winter blues and weight-loss journeys, emphasising gradual changes and manageable targets. The conversation also touches on the challenges of engaging...

In this Christmas Special episode of A Quick Brew, hosts David Bancroft and James 'Crimbo' Sharples welcome special guest David Bell onto the pod. The conversation flows from festive reflections to the impact of AI on business, and reinforces the importance of balancing technology with human interaction. They discuss the significance of building meaningful customer relationships, the evolving natu...

In this episode, David and James 'Connection' Sharples discuss the implications of remote work for early-career professionals. They explore the importance of in-person learning, the challenges of burnout in remote settings, and the necessity of human connections in the workplace. The conversation emphasises the value of being physically present in an office environment for professional development...

In this episode, Dave and James 'Driven' Sharples welcome Toyin Akinyemi , a leadership development consultant, to discuss the importance of communication styles, stress management, and the need for training in leadership roles. They explore the concept of personality types using the Insights Discovery model, the role of healthy stress in personal and professional growth, and the significance of c...

In this episode, Dave and James 'Bookclub' Sharples discuss various topics ranging from book recommendations to the impact of dumbing down media content. They explore the importance of maintaining attention spans in a world filled with distractions, the significance of engaging content, and even the challenges of parenting. The conversation also touches on the future of work, particularly the tren...

In this AQB episode, hosts Dave and James 'Sharp Lez' Sharples welcome Abby Anderson, a career bookkeeper and now tech strategist, software provider and author. They discuss the importance of mindset in implementing smart systems, the role of AI in enhancing efficiency, and the need for continuous adaptation in business practices. Abby shares her insights on how to reclaim time through technology...

In this episode, Dave and James 'Whats The Point' Sharples discuss the challenges and frustrations surrounding LinkedIn's algorithm and its impact on content engagement. They explore the disparity between meaningful content and trivial posts, the changing nature of the platform, and the importance of building trust through valuable content. The conversation highlights the need for a shift in how L...

In A Quick Brew first, we continue our engaging conversation with Lisa Ansell . Dave and James 'Unpredictable' Sharples delve into the nuances of sales, highlighting the importance of relationship building, understanding customer needs, and the pitfalls of 'pitch slapping'. They discuss strategies for overcoming ghosting, learning from rejections, and the psychological aspects of sales. The conver...