David Spencer - known across the industry as The Media Mentor - joins me for the first episode of ChatterBeans Season 3. From a childhood obsession with radio to a career spanning journalism, teaching, and mentoring, David shares how curiosity and community shaped his path. We dive into the changing world of radio and podcasting, the emotional pull of music, and how coffee culture reflects who we are. Expect inspiring life lessons on personal growth, creativity, and the importance of giving back.

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction to David Spencer and His Journey

05:46 - The Evolution from Radio to Journalism

11:47 - Becoming the Media Mentor

17:52 - The Importance of Emotional Intelligence in Mentoring

23:56 - Passions Beyond Media: Music and Sports

29:55 - The Impact of Music on Personal Identity

36:02 - Advice on Initiative and Passion Projects

41:54 - Reflections on Vulnerability and Personal Growth

Connect with David Spencer and his work as The Media Mentor and on Instagram

Did you enjoy this episode? Follow ChatterBeans on ⁠Instagram⁠, ⁠YouTube⁠ and ⁠TikTok⁠ for even more from ChatterBeans. And, subscribe to be the first to hear about new episodes, as soon as they're released! Want to be on the podcast? Get in touch at ⁠www.chatter-beans.com⁠.

Fifteen extraordinary guests. Countless unforgettable stories.

In this special trailer, host Isaac Kong offers a first sip of ChatterBeans Reserve - a season carefully brewed with remarkable conversations and the unique flavour of every personality.

Meet a brilliant psychotherapist exploring the human mind and AI, a Forbes-recognised social innovator, a record-breaking adaptive HYROX & CrossFit athlete, a quick-witted comedian and TV producer, a seasoned radio and podcast mentor, a classical musician, a podcast host and radio presenter, visionary business owners, fearless founders, and many more.

New episodes pour out every Wednesday starting 1 October 2025 on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and everywhere you listen.

Grab your favourite coffee and savour the stories - this is ChatterBeans Reserve.

Did you enjoy this episode? Follow ChatterBeans on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠, ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠ for even more from ChatterBeans. And, subscribe to be the first to hear about new episodes, as soon as they're released! Want to be on the podcast? Get in touch at ⁠⁠www.chatter-beans.com⁠⁠.

Want to be on the podcast? Get in touch at ⁠⁠www.chatter-beans.com⁠⁠.

Gareth Davies is the CEO of The Presenter Studio, the UK's leading presenter coaching business, offering presentation skills training and more. Gareth has spent three decades behind the scenes of some of the UK’s biggest television shows - and now, he’s on a mission to give back. As co-founder of The Presenter Studio, Gareth coaches emerging on-screen talent, blending his love of storytelling with a deep passion for creativity, learning, and personal growth.

In this episode of ChatterBeans, Gareth opens up about his journey from child actor to producer and mentor. We talk about how the TV industry has changed, what it really takes to stand out, and why rejection can sometimes be your biggest teacher.

We also dive into the realities of freelance life, the rituals that keep him grounded (including a serious love of coffee), and what he’s learned about success, authenticity, and finding joy beyond the job title.

Expect honest reflections, great advice for creatives, and a few unexpected gems — including a dream coffee date with Bette Midler.

Chapters

00:00 - The Journey of Gareth Davies in TV Production

02:53 - The Evolution of Television and New Talent

05:37 - The Presenter Studio: Nurturing New Talent

08:52 - Business Training and Presentation Skills

11:32 - From Child Actor to TV Producer

14:43 - Creative Background and Personal Growth

17:32 - Life Beyond TV: Hobbies and Interests

20:29 - Meeting New People as a Freelancer

23:26 - Future Aspirations for The Presenter Studio

26:16 - Coffee Rituals and Dream Coffee Dates

29:18 - Life Lessons and Advice from Experience

32:13 - Quick Fire Round: Insights and Fun Facts

Connect with Gareth at The Presenter Studio on Instagram, LinkedIn or visit their website.

Did you enjoy this episode? Follow ChatterBeans on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠, ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠ for even more from ChatterBeans. And, subscribe to be the first to hear about new episodes, as soon as they're released! Want to be on the podcast? Get in touch at ⁠⁠www.chatter-beans.com⁠⁠.

Want to be on the podcast? Get in touch at ⁠⁠www.chatter-beans.com⁠⁠.