Best James Brooker Podcasts (2024)

1
Mathias Jensen, Creative Director at Les Deux / Scandinavian Premium Menswear 33:14

14m ago33:14

33:14

The story of Les Deux began in Copenhagen in 2011 when two seemingly opposite worlds collided. A law student from the suburbs crossed paths with a creative soul with international roots at a city bar. Their conversation sparked over a T-shirt: a plain white piece, adorned with military patches sewn by hand. Despite their contrasting backgrounds - p…

1
BANDIT COUNTRY & THE SOUTH ARMAGH IRA | Toby Harnden (Author Of "Bandit Country") 2:42:48

1h ago2:42:48

2:42:48

Toby Harnden is the author of one of the best-selling and well regarded books on the IRA and the troubles, “Bandit Country”. Toby’s book lifted the lid on the area where is was most dangerous to be a British soldier in during the conflict and the IRA brigade that made it that way. One of my most requested guests and an author that I’ve been dying t…

1
14 - The Bloggers Guide to the Galaxy - Mini Marketing November Edition with Abi Jacks 12:00

1h ago12:00

12:00

Send us a text Join Abi Jacks on this week’s Mini Marketing Podcast where she unlocks the secrets of effective blogging for children’s activity organisations. As LoveAdmin’s Director of Marketing and Growth, Abi discusses how blogging can be a powerful, strategic tool to amplify your online presence, showcase your expertise, and engage your communi…

1
DEEP DIVE: The Britishness of Skyfall - My Favourite Daniel Craig 007 Film 59:18

1h ago59:18

59:18

Don't be shy, send me a message! What makes the 007 films so uniquely British? In this episode, I take a deep (1-hour) dive into 2012's 'Skyfall' starring Daniel Craig. If you haven’t seen the film ‘Skyfall’ since it came out in 2012, don’t worry, there is plenty for you. In fact, if you’ve never seen this film, I hope you’ll still enjoy this podca…

1
13 - How To Drive Growth When You're Not For Profit - with Abbi Thompson from Diamondz Dance 35:56

1d ago35:56

35:56

Send us a text In this episode, James welcomes Abbi Thompson, founder of Diamondz Dance, to explore innovative strategies for nonprofit organizations looking to enhance their income and impact. Starting her dance school at just 16, Abbi has transformed her passion into a thriving, community-focused nonprofit. She shares her journey from a small vil…

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NORTHERN IRELAND - "WHAT A BLOODY AWFUL COUNTRY" | How The Troubles Could Have Been Prevented 1:19:36

8d ago1:19:36

1:19:36

Kevin Meagher's book "What A Bloody Awful Country" examines the creation of the state we know as Northern Ireland and how the 100 plus years of existence as gone. We discuss the reasons for partition in the first place, the sectarian violence during the state's early years, the anti-catholic discrimination built into Northern Ireland's governing sy…

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12 - Build a Communications Calendar - Mini Marketing October Edition with Abi Jacks 9:01

25d ago9:01

9:01

Send us a text It's the October Mini Marketing special, and today, Abi guides activity providers through the essential steps of creating a communications calendar. Perfect for those managing local sports clubs, dance schools, or gymnastics clubs who feel overwhelmed by their marketing needs. Discover how to effectively plan your content, ensuring i…

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REISSUE: Celebrating Trafalgar Night (21st October) 27:31

28d ago27:31

27:31

Don't be shy, send me a message! Every year, on October 21st, the Royal Navy celebrates Admiral Nelson’s most famous victory, near Trafalgar in 1805 when 27 British Royal Naval ships defeated a combined French and Spanish fleet of 33 warships. But, what if Nelson had lost? And how can we celebrate this night? I draw upon three books: ‘The Rise and …

1
A Brit Abroad... in China - Celebrating a 'British Day' in Guangzhou 35:10

1M ago35:10

35:10

Don't be shy, send me a message! What is it like to be a Brit in China, before, during, and after the pandemic? Today's special guest, Max James Joy, shed some light on how being a Brit in China has changed over the last few years (since I left). He also talks about the different cultures found *within* China, and even within the same city. Max is …

1
IRA B*MBS, BOOBY-TRAPS & LOYALIST LEADERS | Violence In 1990s Belfast | Rob Millington 1:25:39

1M ago1:25:39

1:25:39

Rob Millington, ex-british army trooper, spent 6 months in Belfast during the final decade of the conflict that gripped the lives of anyone in the 6 counties. Rob talks to us almost getting caught in an IRA b*mb which was set up to blow up security forces responding to sh*oting, the impact that first seeing dead bodies had on him and aftermath of t…

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INSIDE THE 1980 IRA/INLA HUNGER STRIKE | Long Kesh Prisoner & Hunger Striker, John Nixon 2:28:56

1M ago2:28:56

2:28:56

John Nixon, ex-Offical IRA and INLA member begins this episode at the start of his second prison term in Long Kesh during which he would volunteer for the IRA/INLA Hunger Strike of 1980, led by Brendan “The Dark” Hughes. John speaks about the horrors and trauma of years in prison, beatings and torture from the guards and his account of the hunger s…

1
11 - Lee Read - Swim School UK 35:54

2M ago35:54

35:54

Send us a text We're back in the studio with Lee Read! Join James Brooker of LoveAdmin in a strategic session with Lee, founder of Swim School UK, on this episode of the Steps2Success Podcast. Discover the transformative power of structured administration as Lee shares his journey of scaling his business from a concept to a 600-member swim school. …

1
Adam White-Johnson, Founder of BeardGang Members / Hemp Beard Care 25:11

2M ago25:11

25:11

BeardGang Members (BGM) formulate premium products that are class-leading and healthy for their customers. Their goal is to work with the body's natural chemistry to ensure your hair and skin maintain balanced and healthy. BGM products gently cleanse, condition and nourish hair and skin. They avoid sulfates, silicones and other artificial ingredien…

1
Rory Bennett and Billy Sims-Hilditch, Co-Founder of Sims Wear / British Made Clothing 35:14

2M ago35:14

35:14

Sims Wear is a British menswear brand delivering elevated wardrobe essentials produced from the best wool and textiles in the British Isles. Dedicated to quality, and to creating timeless luxury that will stand the test of time, Sims Wear is built on three pillars; the best grade fibre, the best yarn spinner, and the best knitter. The materials use…

1
PATROLLING BANDIT COUNTRY | South Armagh & Fermanagh IRA, Mortar Attacks & Mines | Ralph Brooker 1:54:14

1M ago1:54:14

1:54:14

Ralph Brooker served in the British army touring Fermanagh, Derry and the infamous South Armagh, better known as "Bandit Country". Having spent the majority of his time in rural, border areas Ralph recounts the British army's constant attempts to counteract the IRA's ever evolving methods and tactics. Ralph speaks to us about being on the receiving…

1
BONUS: My First Time Living Overseas - A Brit in Turkish Cyprus (2001-2008) 35:11

2M ago35:11

35:11

Don't be shy, send me a message! Have you ever wondered what it's like to live overseas? In this episode, I share a selection of clips from my audio diary, recorded on cassette tape in 2006. At that time, I had been living in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus for 5 years, the first experience of 'expat living' that I remember. I had lived in …

1
10 - The 3 Trick Pony - Hit All Your Pillars In One - Mini Marketing September Edition 10:39

2M ago10:39

10:39

Send us a text In this episode of the Mini Marketing Podcast, Abi Jacks unveils a powerful strategy to optimise your marketing efforts across multiple objectives without spreading yourself too thin. Dubbed the "Three Trick Pony," this approach is a game-changer for anyone juggling various marketing goals in the competitive world of children's activ…

1
Mi6 SPY In Irish Dept. of Justice Offices- How High Up Did The Corruption Go ? | David Burke 51:03

2M ago51:03

51:03

****Q&A COMING SOON SO PLEASE SUBMIT ANY QUESTIONS YOU'D LIKE ANSWERED IN THE COMMENTS**** In a recent episode David Burke re-joined us to talk about the mysterious case of Garda Patrick Crinnion, a spy within the Garda Special Branch (Intel dept) who passed information to the British intel network. The release of David's book on the subject has pr…

1
Mi6 SPY In Garda Special Branch | Patrick Crinnion & How Mi6 nearly Brought Down The Irish Govt. 1:00:22

2M ago1:00:22

1:00:22

David Burke’s most recent book “Puppet Masters” shines a light on mysterious case of Patrick Crinnion, the garda (Irish police officer) who was passing information to Mi6 while he was in the Gardai’s secretive intel department. David, joining me for the third time, tells us about the state of the Republican movement in the years prior to the outbre…

1
09 - In Tune with Expansion: Doug Watts' Journey with Show Choir 42:52

3M ago42:52

42:52

Send us a text In this episode, James is in the studio with Doug Watts, the visionary behind Show Choir. Starting with a single choir in Bristol, Doug and his team have harmonised their way to nine choirs and counting. Join us as Doug shares his journey, the challenges of 'scaling' a community-centric business, and his strategic chorus for future g…

1
INLA BLANKETMAN Tells The Inside Story of "BLANKET" & "NO-WASH" Protest | John Nixon - Part 2 1:06:06

3M ago1:06:06

1:06:06

In part 2 of my interviews with ex-official IRA & INLA member, John Nixon. In this episode we discussed some of the INLA’s most prolific operations as well as some of the organizations most well known members including Seamus Costello and Dessie O’ Hare. (Part 1 - https://youtu.be/9YOpiW1jU6c?si=81DqiPlwIAz4HOHQ) I asked John about second prison te…

1
Evren Ozka, Co-Founder of Mallet London / Luxury Footwear 28:43

3M ago28:43

28:43

Disciplined, Dedicated and a Rationalist. Evren Ozka has long had a strategic eye for business, starting his professional career in textiles and manufacturing. At age 18, he ran his division at his family's textile companies for seven years before beginning Mallet London in partnership with Tommy Mallet. They realized a gap in the market - quality-…

1
IRA's GREATEST JAILBREAKS | The Troubles, War Of Independence & more | James Durney, Author 52:57

3M ago52:57

52:57

My guest for this week is James Durney, historian and author of “Jailbreak” which details the various “great escapes” perpetrated by Irish Republican prisoners from 1865 onwards into the 1980s. James tells us about the most daring and dangerous prison escapes, both successful and otherwise, of the troubles-era including the story of the Crumlin Kan…

1
08 - Get Your Content On - 6 W's of Content Mini Marketing August Edition with Abi Jacks 11:01

3M ago11:01

11:01

Send us a text Welcome back to another episode of the Mini Marketing Podcast with Abi Jacks! In this power-packed session, we explore the lifeblood of effective marketing: Content Creation. Abi breaks down the essentials of crafting engaging, purpose-driven content that resonates deeply with your audience. Whether you're wrestling with what to say,…

1
Policing The Troubles | East Tyrone, Belfast, Riots & Near-Death Experiences | Hilton McCabe, Ex-RUC 2:40:51

3M ago2:40:51

2:40:51

Hilton McCabe served in the RUC in both East Tyrone and Belfast during the second half of the conflict we know as “the troubles”. Hilton tells us about policing rural East Tyrone and the horror of cleaning up body-parts after the one of the IRA’s most deadly roadside b*mb attacks, the Ballygawley Bus Ambush. Hilton shares with us his stories of rio…

1
SOUTH ARMAGH AGENT HANDLER | Recruiting & Running Informants In BANDIT COUNTRY| Ex-FRU Handler 2:34:26

4M ago2:34:26

2:34:26

Ex-FRU agent handler "Will Britten" (alias) actively ran and recruited agents in South Armagh, one of the most dangerous places to be a British soldier during the conflict, in the 80s and is the author of "The Deadly Game". We speak in depth about the recruitment methods of the FRU, how to successfully run an agent in such a dangerous area, the leg…

1
07 - How you can make the most of back to school with Cerys Keneally 28:11

4M ago28:11

28:11

Send us a text Get ready to kick off the school year with a bang! In this episode of the Guided Growth Podcast, James is in conversation with Cerys Keneally. James and Cerys discuss the bustling back-to-school season, a crucial time for children’s activity providers looking to expand their reach into schools and nurseries. Discover strategic insigh…

1
Witnessing His Father's IRA M*rder | Alan Miles' Story, Son of H-Blocks Deputy Governor Albert Miles 55:43

4M ago55:43

55:43

In a recent episode I interviewed author Dan Lawton about his book focusing on the fallout from the murder of dept Governor, Albert Miles, of the infamous Maze Prison in November 1978 in which an innocent man was convicted. Alan Miles witnessed his father’s brutal murder as a young man at the hands of the IRA but almost immediately got to a place i…

1
IRA's K*LLING FIELDS - The Story Of The EAST TYRONE IRA | Jon Trigg, Ex-British Army & Author 1:48:13

4M ago1:48:13

1:48:13

Jonathan Trigg’s book “Death In The Fields” examines, in great detail, the infamous East-Tyrone IRA and how this rural group complied some of the republican’s biggest wins and conversely, their most devastating losses. We examine the early days of the unit and how they were formed, the autonomy they enjoyed, the Jim Lynagh “A-Team” era and their de…

1
06 - Build your B.R.A.N.D - Mini Marketing July Edition with Abi Jacks 9:42

4M ago9:42

9:42

Send us a text Today, our marketing leader Abi Jacks discusses the critical elements of branding for children’s activity organisations. Discover the five key areas of effective branding—Build it, Repeat it, Align it, Niche it, and Deliver it. Abi explains how to construct a robust brand foundation, ensuring consistency and distinctiveness in a crow…

1
Jonathan Bordell, Co-Founder of The Helicon Watch Company / British Watchmaker 29:06

4M ago29:06

29:06

With over two decades of combined experience in the world of watches, Danielle and Jonathan (a husband and wife team) share a deep passion for curating, creating, and connecting collectors and enthusiasts with timepieces from renowned watchmakers. Helicon is a new dial name, launched this year by two industry veterans with more than twenty years ex…

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EX-RUC SPECIAL BRANCH HANDLER Tells His Story | Informers, IRA & M*rder | William Matchett 1:59:14

4M ago1:59:14

1:59:14

William Matchett is an ex-RUC officer who spent years working in the secretive and murky world of informants and agents during his time in Special Branch while “the troubles” raged on. William shares with us his motivations for joining the RUC during such dangerous times, the techniques they utilized to recruit informants, death threats he’s receiv…

1
Miguel Soares, Founder of BYMS / Sports Fashion 21:45

5M ago21:45

21:45

Miguel was a professional soccer player but sadly suffered an injury which led to him starting a new career. Drawing inspiration from soccer, he embarked on a new journey. BYMS is a brand that stands out in the world of sports fashion, known for its commitment to quality, innovation, and the celebration of the sporting spirit. With each creation, B…

1
05 - Running Holiday Activities with Emma Sheriff of Europa Gym Centre 31:28

5M ago31:28

31:28

Send us a text It's another Guide Growth Session with our strategic business manager, James Brooker and today, James is in conversation with Emma Sheriff from Europa Gym Centre discussing strategies for making the most of the summer holidays within a children's activity organisation. Discover key insights on overcoming seasonal challenges, optimisi…

1
CATHOLIC PRIEST on Capitol Hill Fighting For IRISH FREEDOM | Fr. Sean McManus 1:48:14

5M ago1:48:14

1:48:14

**Sorry for the late upload my good people.. feel free to follow on YouTube where I'm a bit more on top of things** Fr Sean McManus hails from Co. Fermanagh but was sent, by his superiors in the Catholic, to America early in his career where he continued his fight for Irish freedom. Fr McManus’ tells us about his early life, his older brother who w…

1
Meeting the Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak 7:02

5M ago7:02

7:02

Don't be shy, send me a message! Today, I met the Prime Minister of the UK. I give my very quick impressions of the event, from out in a field Support the showBy Thomas Felix Creighton

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BATTLING THE IRA & LOYALISTS IN TROUBLES-ERA BELFAST | SAS & DET. SURVEILLANCE OPERATOR Mick Hawkes 2:09:28

5M ago2:09:28

2:09:28

Mick Hawkes is an ex-SAS soldier and 14th intel company (the Det.) operator who worked against the IRA and Loyalist paramilitaries in Northern Ireland as part of his military career. Mick tells us about the daily ins and outs of carrying out surveillance on dangerous insurgents, the differences between republican and loyalist paramilitaries, how he…

1
04 - Know Your Audience - Mini Marketing June Edition with Abi Jacks 9:06

5M ago9:06

9:06

Send us a text It's the June edition of the Mini Marketing series with Abi Jacks. Today, Abi dives deep into one of the most crucial aspects of marketing—knowing your target audience. Understanding who you are speaking to is foundational, whether you’re engaging parents, participants, or partners within your children’s activity organisation. Abi di…

1
Being IRISH in Birmingham during IRA ENGLAND B*mbing Campaign | Dr. Michael Flavin 1:05:13

5M ago1:05:13

1:05:13

My guest this week is Dr Michael Flavin, child to Irish parents who grew up in Birmingham, England during the IRA’s bombing campaign in England during the troubles. Michael speaks to us about being a part of the Irish diaspora in England, anti-Irish discrimination at the time as well Michael’s writings on IRA leadership and INLA splits. 00:00 “NO B…

1
Peter Jüriado, Creative Director at Stenströms / Premium Shirts 28:22

6M ago28:22

28:22

Style, quality and comfort in every detail. This philosophy has made Stenströms one of Sweden's most well-known and respected brands. The classic Stenströms shirt carries 125 years of tradition, craftsmanship and quality. Jackets, knitwear, accessories and ties are now also included in their business concept. They can now look back on their 125 yea…

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03 - Growing Income by Reaching New Audiences with Gabi Maddocks of The Playing Space 33:14

6M ago33:14

33:14

Send us a text Join us for another awesome Guided Growth episode of the Step2Success podcast as we explore effective strategies for expanding your children's activity organisation. In this episode, James sits down with Gabi Maddocks, founder of The Playing Space and a seasoned expert in the drama education field. With over two decades of experience…

1
INNOCENT MAN FRAMED for IRA M*RDER | How Kevin Barry Artt was falsely convicted & Escaped LONG KESH 50:52

6M ago50:52

50:52

Dan Lawton’s thrilling new book “The Hunted” explores the story of Kevin Barry Artt and how he was false-convicted of the IRA murder of deputy Maze prison governor, Albert Miles. We speak about the so-called “confession factory” Castlereagh, Long Kesh’s Maze prison, the horrors of the “blanket”/“no-wash” protests and how Kevin Barry Artt took part …

1
UK's INTEL WAR against the IRA | Derry IRA, Rural Units & Peace Talks | Thomas Leahy 59:38

6M ago59:38

59:38

For this episode I’m joined by author and lecturer, Thomas Leahy, whose book “The Intelligence War against the IRA” gives a through and detailed account of Britain’s attempts to disrupt and defeat the IRA by way of intel gathering. We discuss the various methods of intel collection, what “intel” is and can be used for in this context, the various t…

1
TROUBLES-ERA PARA & SAS man tells his story | Belfast RIOTS, South Armagh & more | Harry McCallion 2:09:49

6M ago2:09:49

2:09:49

Harry McCallion is an ex-paratrooper and SAS solider who served in the north during some of the troubles’ most violent years. Harry tells us about the brutal training regime they underwent before deployment, his thoughts on the mistakes that the British army made, his views on the “Ballymurphy Massacre”, his emotional state while policing violent r…

1
1974 DUBLIN/MONAGHAN B*MBING | Robin Jackson, British Army Involvement & more| David Burke, Author 1:09:40

6M ago1:09:40

1:09:40

Author, lawyer and past guest of the show, David Burke reveals a previously unreleased statement from ex-Tara member and close-friend of Robin 'the jackal" Jackson, Charlie Simpson uncovering Jackson and the British Army's involvement in one of the trouble's most heinous attacks. We talk through the events of the tragic day, the logistics of the UV…

1
Will Verona, Founder of PURIFIED / Biodegradable Durable Sneakers 22:49

6M ago22:49

22:49

On a factory trip to Sri Lanka, shoe designer Will Verona was confronted with a shocking sight: a 50-meter high mountain of plastic waste. 'Trash mountain' would later collapse, with tragic consequences. Reflecting on his industry’s role in the environmental crisis, Will knew that something had to change. Determined to be a part of the solution, he…

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02 - Meet the 3 Essential Marketing Pillars with Abi Jacks 7:11

7M ago7:11

7:11

Send us a text Join Abi Jacks, Director of Marketing and Growth at LoveAdmin, for a focused Mini Marketing episode. Today, Abi outlines the three crucial pillars of marketing: getting known, attracting new customers, and keeping current customers engaged and happy. This episode provides clear, actionable strategies to help children’s activity organ…

1
Giuliano Dore, Co-Founder of Get Groomed / Mobile Barbers 22:49

7M ago22:49

22:49

Get Groomed are not your average barbers, they're your personal professional hair artists that cater to you in your preferred time, place, and style. They aim to revolutionise your grooming experience. Imagine not having to deal with stressful commutes, long lineups, or disturbing the peace and quiet of your much-loved home or cherished space like …

1
IRA HELICOPTER ESCAPE Mastermind & Portlaoise Jail Break| Brendan Hughes (Tyrone) IRA COMMANDER 1:50:51

7M ago1:50:51

1:50:51

Brendan Hughes (not to be confused with the deceased Brendan ‘The Dark” Hughes) shares his truly extraordinary life story, a life shaped by his membership of the East-Tyrone PIRA in the early days of the conflict in the North. Brendan tells us about his time ambushing British soldiers in the countryside and robbing banks to fund raise for the IRA a…

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TROUBLES-ERA BMB DISPOSAL EXPERT | Taking on Belfast's IRA BMB-MAKERS | Steve Smith, British Army 1:09:27

6M ago1:09:27

1:09:27

My guest this week is ex-b*mb disposal man, Steve Smith. Steve worked as a EOD officer in Belfast during the early 80s and worked to rid the city of IRA & Loyalist b*mbs. Steve gives us his insight into the various types of explosives used throughout the conflict, the differences between IRA & Loyalist b*mb-makers, how it feels to put on the b*mb-s…

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