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.

In this episode of ChatterBeans, Zoe Park joins me to share her deeply personal journey into motherhood, identity transformation, and finding her voice as a twin parent and content creator.

Zoe opens up about the emotional shifts that come with parenting, why building a supportive community matters, and how she's learning to trust herself again - all while navigating the chaos of daily life with twins.

From authenticity and self-worth to content creation and change, this episode is a warm reminder that it’s okay to evolve, let go of perfection, and rewrite your story on your own terms.

Whether you’re a parent, creative, or just figuring life out – Zoe’s story is full of honesty, wisdom, and heart.

Topics we chat about:

• Embracing identity shifts through motherhood
• Content creation as a path to self-expression
• Building support systems as a twin parent
• Navigating authenticity in a world of expectations
• Finding joy in everyday life
• Letting go of who you ‘should’ be to become who you are

Chapters

00:00 - The Journey of Motherhood and Identity Transformation

09:01 - Embracing Change and Reinvention

17:54 - Building Community and Supporting Twin Parents

25:52 - Navigating Life as a Content Creator

34:24 - Finding Joy in Everyday Moments

42:37 - Lessons on Authenticity and Self-Worth

Connect with Zoe and all things 'It's a Twin Thing' 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.

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

In this episode of ChatterBeans, we sit down with designer Carolyn Chan to explore how living in Hong Kong, Japan, and Canada has influenced her creative journey.

Carolyn shares insights on transitioning to freelancing, battling imposter syndrome, and embracing the evolving intersection of design and technology. Discover how cultural experiences can redefine personal and professional identity.

Key Topics:

• Cultural influences on creativity
• Navigating the freelance landscape
• Overcoming imposter syndrome
• The future of design and technology
• Personal growth and redefining success

Chapters

00:00 - Exploring Identity and Creativity

06:32 - The Journey to Freelancing

12:13 - Cultural Influences and Personal Identity

18:22 - The Future of Design and Technology

25:37 - Life Lessons and Personal Growth

Connect with Carolyn on Instagram and visit her website https://www.designedbycarolyn.co/

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.

This week on ChatterBeans, I sit down with the vibrant and totally unapologetic Talia Knoble-Gershon to talk all things neurodivergence, identity, queer joy, and social housing.

We chat about growing up with ADHD, mixing friendship groups like it’s a social experiment, dating (or not dating), and why Bridget Jones feels like a personal icon. Talia shares her passion for public service, how she brings her full self to work, and why living truthfully - chaos and all - is the only way forward.

Expect big laughs, honest reflections, and a reminder that being your authentic self is more than enough.

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction to Talia Knoble-Gershon

02:19 - Understanding ADHD and Personal Challenges

09:05 - Living Authentically and Social Connections

13:10 - Passion for Social Housing

17:09 - Navigating University Life and Identity

22:20 - The Dating Landscape and Personal Experiences

26:54 - Creative Outlets and Future Aspirations

31:17 - Coffee Culture and Daily Routines

34:06 - Life Lessons and Unlearning

36:52 - Embracing Authenticity and Humour

38:52 - Writing as a Form of Expression

43:36 - Quick-fire round and Final Thoughts

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.

This week, I’m joined by HYROX athlete, coach, and all-round inspiring human Dean Jackson, for an honest and heartfelt conversation about life, fitness, and what happens when you stop pretending everything’s okay.

We chat about Dean’s journey into the HYROX world - what started as a personal challenge became a community and a new sense of purpose. Dean opens up about the struggles he’s faced, how coaching others has helped him grow, and why he believes we need to talk more - especially men.

We also cover:

• Finding confidence and clarity through coaching
• Men’s mental health and breaking the stigma
• What makes HYROX different from other fitness events
• Parenting, purpose and learning from your past
• Why social media can be both inspiring and exhausting
• Growing through tough times – and helping others do the same

Dean shares powerful reflections on childhood, parenting, and why being vulnerable is actually a strength.

Whether you're into fitness, mental health, parenting, or just love a good story about personal growth - this one’s for you.

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction to Dean Jackson and His Journey

01:07 - The Impact of the HYROX Community

05:11 - Coaching and Personal Growth

07:42 - Mental Health and Masculinity

11:43 - Breaking the Stigma of Men's Mental Health

12:32 - The Role of Social Media in Mental Health

15:10 - Fatherhood as Motivation

16:34 - The Future of HYROX and Youth Involvement

21:07 - Growing Up in an Army Family

24:24 - Sports and Personal Development

25:25 - Overcoming Early Life Challenges

28:13 - Parenting Perspectives and Challenges

30:28 - Future Goals and Aspirations

32:13 - Life Lessons and Mental Health Awareness

34:57 - The Importance of Community and Support

36:57 - Coffee Conversations and Inspirations

39:13 - Finding Joy in Helping Others

40:13 - Quick-fire Round: Fun Insights

Connect with Dean Jackson 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.

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

In this heartfelt and inspiring episode, Isaac chats with Mimi Thompson about her journey from growing up in Thailand to forging a new life in London. Mimi opens up about navigating cultural differences, adjusting to a new social scene, and the emotional ups and downs of post-college life. Together, they dive into deep and meaningful topics - feminism, emotional vulnerability, women’s health, and the power of creative expression through writing and poetry.

Expect insights on patriarchy, girl’s education, Taylor Swift, unlearning old beliefs, and the underrated importance of having fun. Whether you're into cultural conversations, creative musings, or thoughtful reflections on relationships and growth—this one’s for you.

We talk about:

• Growing up in Thailand and adjusting to London

• Feminism, patriarchy, and women’s health

• Writing, creativity, and finding your voice

• Friendship, relationships, and emotional growth

• The power of unlearning and pursuing joy

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction to Mimi Thompson

03:02 - Cultural Contrasts: Thailand vs. London

06:02 - Creative Beginnings: Growing Up in Bangkok

08:55 - The Influence of Thai Buddhism

12:01 - Transitioning to American Life

15:13 - Navigating Friendships in London

18:02 - Creative Aspirations and Writing Journey

20:55 - Exploring Women's Health and Feminism

28:07 - Exploring Feminism Through Bell Hooks

31:54 - The Impact of Patriarchy on Gender Dynamics

34:14 - Volunteering and Advocacy for Education

38:02 - Cultural Reflections on Identity and Preferences

39:10 - The Joy of Writing and Creative Expression

42:27 - Unlearning and Letting Go

47:02 - Pursuing Fun Over Happiness

49:16 - Quick-fire Round: Personal Insights

Connect with Mimi on Instagram to see her writing and poetry.

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.