The Maison Gent Podcast

Discover how Richard Salkeld, communications and partnerships director at Lumo Travel, is reshaping rail travel to be more sustainable, affordable, and community-focused. From innovative partnerships to promoting regional pride, this episode delves into the positive power of responsible travel and its future. Main Topics Covered: The evolution and social impact of Lumo Travel’s low-cost, electric...

In this episode, Martin Wardle shares his inspiring journey from a council estate in the North East to establishing his own tax advisory business. We explore the importance of resilience, strategic thinking in property investment, and building a trusted team to achieve business and personal goals. Key topics: Martin's background growing up on a council estate and influences from family role models...

Insights with Will Duffield. Join us in this engaging episode with Will Duffield, a UK-based house flipper who shares his journey from early investments to building a remote property business. His transparency and practical advice offer valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs and property investors alike. In this episode: Will’s backstory: from recruitment to property investing in the UK How r...

Discover how Natalie Black has been transforming homes into high-performance, sustainable spaces since 2014, blending natural materials with innovative building strategies. We delve into common retrofit mistakes, the future of sustainable housing, and practical tips for homeowners and developers alike. Key topics covered: Natalie's journey from childhood fascination to architectural innovation The...

Discover the realities behind entrepreneurship from Mike Konrad, founder of Aquarius Technologies and host of The Reluctant Entrepreneur podcast. In this episode, Mike shares decades of insights on resilience, scaling, and developing the mindset needed for lasting success. Main Topics Covered: Why many people avoid entrepreneurship due to perceived risk and uncertainty The importance of control ve...

Discover how Lucy, founder of Lumin Architects, combines sustainable design, light optimization, and a holistic approach to create spaces that truly enhance wellbeing. In this episode, she shares her journey from Slovenia to London, the challenges of entrepreneurship, and her vision for the future of residential architecture. In this episode, you will learn: How growing up in Slovenia influenced L...

Dr. Jacopo Iasiello shares his journey from a football dream to becoming a successful entrepreneur, emphasizing resilience, real estate investing, problem-solving, overcoming fear, and the importance of profit, impact, and purpose. He also discusses transcendental meditation and his vision for a legacy of impactful entrepreneurship. Takeaways Resilience and adaptability are key to navigating the e...

The Art of Understated Elegance with Christian Lawlor of Kempt Discover how Christian Lawlor built a menswear brand rooted in timeless style, quality, and patience. Learn why doing less often means achieving more and how to craft a brand that stands the test of time. In this episode, we discuss: Christian’s background and childhood influences The emergence of Kempt during the COVID pandemic Buildi...

Join us as Victoria Ramez, an innovative Newcastle-based architect, shares her journey from university to founding her own practice. Discover her design philosophy, her insights on working with historic listed properties her approach to transforming everyday spaces. Key topics: Victoria’s background and inspiration from Northumbria University and her early influences The evolution from university...

In this episode, Craig Conway shares his inspiring journey from regional roots to creating vibrant creative hubs that support filmmakers, actors, and artists beyond traditional industry centers. Learn how he's fostering community, sustainability, and opportunity in the Northeast of England. Craig Conway’s early life and how regional upbringing shaped his approach to creativity The importance of be...

Summary In this engaging conversation, award-winning film director Steve Ramsden shares insights into his life, career, and creative aspirations. From his unique upbringing, which involved moving around the world, to his current projects in filmmaking, Steve discusses the importance of home, family, and the influence of creativity in his life. He also imagines his dream home and reflects on the fu...

The Maison Gent Podcast is a long-form conversation series about the places that shape us — and the people we become inside them. In this opening episode, I set the tone for what’s to come: honest, unpolished conversations about homes, work, ambition, identity, family, and the quiet decisions that build a life over time. This isn’t a podcast about property alone. It’s about why certain spaces feel...