Blighty Talks Bricks

In this episode of Blighty Talks Bricks , we sit down with Alison Dowsett, Managing Director of Planning and Policy at Berkeley Group. With over 20 years of experience at Berkeley, Alison has held key leadership roles, including Managing Director of St William, where she played a pivotal role in transforming former gasworks sites into much-needed housing. Alison shares her insights on the importan...

This week, we sit down with an extraordinary guest, Sarah Furness. A former RAF helicopter pilot, combat and operational commander, best-selling author, mindfulness coach, and mother, Sarah spent over 20 years flying into war zones and mastering resilience under extreme pressure. In this episode, she shares her journey as a female pilot in the RAF, the challenges she faced in training—including ho...

In this insightful episode, host Blighty sits down with Neil Jefferson, Chief Executive of the Home Builders Federation and a leader in housing innovation, to tackle the challenges facing the UK housing market. They delve into housing affordability for young people, with a focus on Help to Buy, and discuss how the industry has, at times, hindered its own progress. Neil shares his vision for a more...

In this hilariously insightful episode of Blighty Talks Bricks , we sit down with the legendary Raju Watts, an accountant with a not-so-typical CV. Raj has crunched numbers for some of the biggest names in music as CFO at Decca Records, Ministry of Sound Group, and Island Records. This week, he spills the beans on his rollercoaster career in the music biz, working with top artists, and what it’s l...

In this compelling episode of Blighty Talks Bricks , host Steve Blight welcomes Stewart Baseley , Chairman of the Home Builders Federation (HBF), for a wide-ranging discussion on the housing industry, leadership, and navigating change. Stewart provides a seasoned perspective on the current state of the property market, unpacking key challenges like government regulations, housing supply, and marke...

This week on Blighty Talks Bricks , we’re joined by Danny Gray, founder and CEO of Zump, to explore the crossroads of technology and property. Danny shares how his journey from professional rugby to entrepreneurship shaped his mission-driven approach, his insights on industry tech shifts, and how Zump is revolutionising the property market. Tune in for a conversation packed with vision, resilience...

Kicking off Season 5 of Blighty Talks Bricks , host Blighty welcomes golf legend Trish Johnson to the podcast. From her early days conquering the amateur golf scene in England to her record-breaking career on the Ladies European Tour and beyond, this episode is a deep dive into the remarkable journey of one of golf’s most decorated players. With her latest major victory at the 2023 US Senior Women...

In the season 4 finale, Blighty Talks Bricks welcomes none other than Jason Leonard, one of the most-capped England rugby players and a true legend of the sport. Join us as Jason takes us on a riveting journey through his career, sharing the incredible highs of World Cup victories and the unmatched pride of representing the British and Irish Lions. Beyond the pitch, Jason sheds light on his impact...

This week on Blighty Talks Bricks , we’re joined by the legendary Ian Stone, ranked among Britain’s top ten stand-ups by The Independent and a true master of the UK comedy circuit. Known for his edgy humour and easygoing, self-deprecating style, Ian brought plenty of banter to his chat with your host, Steve Blight. From how he broke into comedy to top tips on making it in such a competitive indust...

In this unfiltered episode of Blighty Talks Bricks , we sit down with industry heavyweight Steve Morris , Founder and Managing Director of Linfield Construction , to unpack 30+ years of his experience in house building. From working with major names to forging his own path, Steve shares the highs, the hard truths, and the personal moments that changed everything. We dig deep into self-care in the...

In Episode 37 of Blighty Talks Bricks , we’re thrilled to introduce Julia Wójtowicz , a vibrant young entrepreneur and inspiring interior designer who’s redefining the industry. Julia shares the story of a powerful physical challenge that reshaped her perspective and propelled her toward starting her own business in her mid-twenties. We delve into the passion and resilience that fuelled her journe...

In this riveting episode of Blighty Talks Bricks, we sit down with Muna Ebongalame, Senior Vice President of Customer Success, ex-professional rugby player, and passionate advocate for diversity and equality. Muna opens up about his journey from a private school upbringing to navigating the complexities of societal expectations and racism. Hear how he defied his family's hopes for a more tradition...

In this week's episode of Blighty Talks Bricks , we’re joined by Steve Smith, a true legend both in the construction and football worlds. Steve is not only the first bricklayer to appear on the show, but he's also the majority shareholder of Bishops Stortford Football Club. A former East Ham footballer and last season’s manager for Bishops Stortford, Steve shares his incredible story—from laying t...

In this heart-pounding episode of Blighty Talks Bricks , we sit down with a true hero, Staff Sergeant Douglas Leak, who risked everything to defuse a 250kg German bomb that threatened to obliterate part of the East End. Honoured by the Queen herself, Dougie takes us on a gripping journey, from his early days in the army to the unforgettable moment he found himself face-to-face with a ticking time...

In this inspiring episode of Blighty Talks Bricks, we sit down with Bee Janaye, the visionary behind Atelier Janaye—a boutique interior design studio in South London that’s reshaping the meaning of luxury and exclusivity. Known for her anti-trend approach, Bee shares how she crafts bespoke spaces that elevate both style and wellbeing. But this episode goes beyond design. Bee opens up about her jou...

In this episode of Blighty Talks Bricks , we’re joined by the multi-talented Ortis Deley , best known as the face of Live & Kicking and The Gadget Show. Ortis gets real about the highs and lows of his career, including the shocking moment he was dropped from world athletics coverage—a move that nearly left him bankrupt and battling to rebuild his confidence. From whisky-fuelled reflections to...

Season 4 of Blighty Talks Bricks kicks off with an inspiring and heartfelt conversation with Adam Lind, a mindset coach and content creator who’s embraced life on the waterways of the UK. Adam, along with his wife Lauren and their dog Shanti, lives full-time on a 59ft narrowboat, continuously cruising through picturesque canals. In this episode, Adam shares his remarkable journey—from hitchhiking...

In the exciting final episode of Season 3, Blighty is joined by Harry and Finn for an in-depth and personal conversation. The trio discusses what's on the horizon for Blighty Talks Bricks , with teasers for the upcoming Season 4. They also dive into what's happening in Steve's personal and golf life, offering updates that listeners won't want to miss. Harry and Finn share candid stories from their...

In this episode of Blighty Talks Bricks , host Steve sits down with Graham and Richard Cherry, the visionaries behind Stonebond. With decades of experience leading Countryside, the brothers share insights into their journey to Stonebond, their commitment to setting industry standards, and the importance of quality in new home construction. They also explore the current property market, the ongoing...

In this captivating episode of Blighty Talks Bricks , host Blighty is joined by the talented Daisy-May Parsons, a rising star and critics' choice award winner from The Royal Birmingham Conservatoire. Daisy, known for her "cool, current, and husky" voice, shares her journey from the stage to becoming a sought-after voiceover artist. Tune in as Blighty and Daisy dive into their personal experiences...

In this heartfelt episode, host Steve sits down with child psychologist Ricardo Solario Estee-Wale, a Senior Educational Psychologist. Fostered at just six months old, Ricardo shares his deeply personal journey and the critical importance of providing a stable home for children. With 30 years of experience, dual PhDs, and two Master’s Degrees, Ricardo has dedicated his career to supporting childre...

In this electrifying episode of Blighty Talks Bricks , host Blighty welcomes the dynamic Neil Vas, Co-Founder of Brim Chargers and Owner of VVS UK. Tune in as Neil shares his exhilarating journey from a childhood passion for cars to becoming the mastermind behind Europe's leading independent Lamborghini dealerships. Discover the secrets behind his success in the high-stakes world of high-performan...

In Episode 5 of Season 3 of "Blighty Talks Bricks," Blighty sits down with Gary Logan, a boxer turned renowned trainer. Gary delves into his fascinating journey, starting from his challenging childhood to his illustrious career in the boxing ring. He shares insightful stories about the transition from being a boxer to becoming a trainer, highlighting the importance of a strong mind and unwavering...

In Episode 4 of Season 3 of Blighty Talks Bricks , we sit down with the remarkable LauraWatson, a trailblazer in the male-dominated building industry. Laura shares her unique journey, starting from her early days as an event rider—a passion she pursued after leaving home at 16. Despite the challenges and injuries that led her to switch careers, Laura found her niche in selling bricks, becoming an...

In this compelling episode of Blighty Talks Bricks, host Steve sits down with Shaun Weston, Managing Director at British Offsite Limited. Together, they delve into a wide array of topics, from Shaun's impressive career in the property sector and his insights on career development, detailing how various opportunities and doors have opened for him throughout his professional journey. The conversatio...