Flat Whites & Insights

Trigger Warning: Suicide In this episode of Flat Whites & Insights, Hans is joined by Martin in one of the most vulnerable and powerful conversations to be held on the podcast with an insight into suicidality and first hand experience of being sectioned and subsequent recovery. Martin and Hans are both like minded in that they have tried to use their own experiences and mental health journeys...

In this episode of Flat Whites & Insights, Hans is joined by Dan Draper to discuss his career as a freelance presenter across radio, podcasts and much more. They dive into Dan's recent experiences on BBC Radio 1, where he went live to the nation in December 2025 from Greg James' studio, before returning to cover early morning breakfast in February 2025. Dan is also the host of his &a...

In this episode of Flat Whites & Insights, Hans is joined by E, manager of the Tree Artisan Cafe in Oxford for a conversation whilst enjoying a cup of one of the cafe's delicious own blends. They chat about the importance of connection, community and service within the hospitality industry and the joy and energy that they are proud to create. The conversation also reflects on E's car...

In this episode of Flat Whites & Insights, Hans is joined by Andrew, founder of The Cupping Directives , a business that posts and hosts events within the coffee community.  Andrew reflects on his personal journey within the coffee industry, from barista within a chain store in Loughborough, to speciality cafe manager in London. They also touch on how The Cupping Directives grew from an idea t...

In this episode of Flat Whites & Insights, Hans is joined by Ashleigh, to discuss  AS Football Academy  which was established in 2022 and has now grown to 13 teams, based out of Didcot, Oxfordshire. The conversation touches on the rewarding nature of coaching, the importance of pursuing a passion once discovering it and moves on to a deeper dive into men's mental health with Ashleigh an H...

In the first episode of Series 4 of Flat Whites & Insights, Hans is joined by Lara, to discuss her 'That Park Bench Girl' initiative which creates a space for conversations with members of the public focussed on mental health. Lara and Hans discuss how their own lived experiences have shaped a want to break down the stigma of mental health and facilitate open, honest and vulnerable c...

In this episode of Flat Whites & Insights, filmed at Brewed in North London and immersed in a thriving cafe environment, Hans is joined by Ryan Moore, Founder of Blendsmiths . Ryan shares an insight into what led him to create the Blendsmiths business 8 years ago, with a focus on values, purpose and making a difference, sharing how this helped him to overcome some of his darker days.  They als...

In this episode of Flat Whites & Insights, filmed at Brewed in North London and immersed in a thriving cafe environment, Hans is joined by Sofia Buttarazzi, co-founder of Spill Tea . Sofia has 16 years experience within the tea industry, so speaks about the pressure and experience of launching Spill Tea in August 2024 along with her co-founder Lou, after their success with Teapigs.  The conver...

In this episode of Flat Whites & Insights, filmed at Brewed in North London and immersed in a thriving cafe environment, Hans is joined by Sam Reed, co-founder of Brewed Online . Sam shares an insight into how Brewed Online was born, with the intention of creating an online marketplace and community for speciality coffee roasters, and customers. They touch on championing community over competi...

In this episode of Flat Whites & Insights, Hans is joined by Taylor Bedwell, to discuss his career to date within football. This covers coaching at Procision Oxford, Playing at Step 4 Didcot Town and a frustrating couple of years dealing with injury. Taylor opens up on some of the darkest days, and the mental battles of not being able to play the game he loves, as well as reflecting on highlig...

In this episode of Flat Whites & Insights, Hans is joined by Cathy, who is the founder of 'Wellbeing With Cathy' in which she teaches Yoga and is also a Health Coach, with a focus on nutrition and hormones for her clients. https://wellbeingwithcathy.com Cathy and Hans discuss what this health coaching consists of, with Cathy sharing how rewarding it can be to see people through the j...

In this episode of Flat Whites & Insights, Hans is joined by Lucy, who works for Restore - the mental health recovery charity based in Oxfordshire which Cap'N'Chino has supported since 2019. Lucy provides a summary of the 'WHY' behind Restore, as they support 500+ people a year with increasing confidence and skills to return to community off the back of mental ill health. T...

In this episode of Flat Whites & Insights, Hans is joined by George, who recently took on The Lotus Cafe in Faringdon alongside his partner Rebecca, having decided to leave a career as a professional chef due to burnout. The Lotus Cafe opened in September 2024 and although it was a risk for George and his family to leave a career to start the cafe, this conversation delves into the reward that...

In this episode of Flat Whites & Insights, Hans is joined by Jack, who heads up a service for Swindon & Gloucestershire Mind. They delve into Jack's career path and what led him to work in the field of mental health, as well as reflecting on the challenge of looking after his team and himself, to protect their own wellbeing and allow them to provide the best support possible. Hans &am...

In this episode of Flat Whites & Insights, Hans is joined by Roz French, who works as an Authorized SCA Trainer (AST) and Account Manager at Climpson & Sons in London. In this conversation, Roz shares an insight into her journey within the coffee industry, from a barista at a train station in Gloucester to AST in London. They also touch on listening to our bodies and the importance of not...

In this episode of Flat Whites & Insights, Hans is joined by Rianna Tobin, who works as an Account Manager for Stokes Tea & Coffee in Lincolnshire. Rianna's journey in coffee began as a Barista, but looking for a new challenge she looked to move away from the cafe floor. This led to a new role, but within 2 weeks staff redundancies hit. Reflecting on her story, Rianna explains how gra...

In this episode of Flat Whites & Insights, Hans is joined by Ayaz Saboor, who is a coach for aspiring lawyers. Ayaz is a former practicing lawyer, who now follows his passion and purpose of coaching graduates into the profession. He is able to build on his own experiences of overcoming self-doubt and rejection to landing a contract and earning a career. This conversation touches on the rewardi...

In this episode of Flat Whites & Insights, Hans is joined by Robbie who is a Sports Journalist and correspondent for Hartlepool United, the club he has supported his whole life. Robbie has recently relocated up north to take on this role, and they discuss the challenge of so much change, professionally & personally as well as the prospect of working for the club you support. Growing up as...

In this episode of Flat Whites & Insights, Hans is joined by Ryan, who is the founder of 'His Mind', an organisation created to offer safe spaces for men and children experiencing mental health challenges. https://www.hismind.org/what-we-do They speak about Ryan's lived experiences and the adversity he has overcome, including a brain injury and the loss of his grandad to suicide...

In this episode of Flat Whites & Insights, Hans is joined by Jessie Sloper (@jessiescoffeetruck) to share a conversation on work-life balance and running a Coffee Truck Business. Jessie, who is based in Woodcote, set up the Coffee Truck off the back of the pandemic, and shares how it has helped her grow in confidence, as well as the community it has introduced her to. So grab a coffee for your...

In this episode of Flat Whites & Insights, Hans is joined by James 'Oggy' Organ, a non league footballer who most recently played at Milton United. They speak about James' 23 year career playing football across Oxfordshire, as well as his lived experiences of a near career ending injury, as well as overcoming a gambling addiction. So grab a coffee for yourself and take some time...

In this episode of Flat Whites & Insights, Hans is joined by Francesca , a music artist who has featured on BBC Introducing Oxford to speak about the creative process and expression of feeling through songwriting. Francesca was recently diagnosed with ADHD and uses this space to share that experience, as well as encouraging anyone who is unsure to read into it, without shame or judgement. So g...

In this episode of Flat Whites & Insights, Hans is joined by Josh Shirtcliffe, who is in the process of opening up Cafe Fifty Five, a coffee and community space in the Leicester area, of which he will manage. In addition to this, they touch on faith, childhood and self care, as well as diving into 'The Working Genius' as a tool for productivity within the workplace. So grab a coffee...

In this episode of Flat Whites & Insights, Hans is joined by Wealdstone FC midfielder Max Kretzschmar ( @maxtalksfootball ) to discuss the challenges of a career as a professional footballer, and how he has had to overcome injury and anxiety over the years. Alongside his playing career which started at Wycombe Wanderers - this conversation delves into his experience within coaching and the med...

In this episode of Flat Whites & Insights, Hans is joined by Wilfred Webster , who is a BAFTA & NTA winning traitor and finalist from the first series of 'The Traitors UK' in 2022. The conversation covers Wilf's experience on the show, dealing with the anxiety and guilt of the role, as well as an insight into how his childhood challenges and losses have helped shape the man...