What started as a quirky idea, renting out an air mattress to make a bit of extra cash, has exploded into a $31 billion giant that now rivals the world’s biggest hotel chains. Airbnb has changed the way we travel, offering everything from treehouses to penthouses in over 200 countries. But has this so-called travel revolution come at too high a cost?

We’re unpacking the impact Airbnb has had on cities, communities, and housing markets worldwide. From New York to Barcelona to Paris, local governments are cracking down on short-term rentals, arguing that Airbnb has fuelled housing shortages, skyrocketing rents, and even pushed residents out of their own neighbourhoods. Then there’s the guest experience, last-minute cancellations, misleading listings, and privacy concerns, including the very real issue of hidden cameras (which, as of 2024, are finally banned indoors).

While Airbnb has made travel more flexible and accessible, it’s also raised serious ethical and economic questions. Is it still a great way to see the world, or has it become a corporate juggernaut that prioritises profits over people? We’re getting into the good, the bad, and the seriously problematic side of the platform that changed the hospitality industry forever.

About Simon and Danielle:

Simon and Danielle are both business owners, based in the East Midlands, who met through mutual business contacts and who share a love of all things business.

Simon runs Skylight Media – Award-winning experts in Website Design, E-commerce & Marketing running since 2003.

Danielle runs Goldspun Support – a multi-faceted support service for fractional directors and small business owners across the globe, running since 2009.

Since they first met Simon and Danielle have spent a ridiculous amount of time talking about the subjects that interest them – usually over a drink in the pub – and they decided that now was the time to bring these conversations to a wider audience and invite them to join the chat.

Both Simon and Danielle are successful business owners in their own rights with big plans for the future but will never lose their love of talking all things business… and the pub.

Football, the beautiful game, the world’s sport, the great unifier. But beneath the passion, the rivalries, and the stadium anthems, there’s a side to the sport that’s far from wholesome.

We’re talking about corruption at the highest levels, the kind that turns a game of skill and dedication into a multi-billion-dollar power play. Since 2015, FIFA has been rocked by scandal after scandal, with $150 million in bribes, the arrests of top officials, and World Cup hosting rights awarded under deeply questionable circumstances.

It doesn’t stop at the boardroom. The monopolisation of sponsorships, the exclusive grip on broadcasting rights, and the increasing commercialisation of football all raise the question, who really owns the game? And more importantly, at what cost? Grassroots football, national programs, and local clubs feel the ripple effects, while fans are left with dwindling trust in the institutions meant to protect the sport they love.

But can FIFA ever be truly reformed? Is football too big, too global, and too entangled with money and politics to ever be cleaned up? Or are fans so emotionally invested in their clubs that they’re willing to turn a blind eye? We’re getting into all of it, the good, the bad, and the downright corrupt.

About Simon and Danielle:

Simon and Danielle are both business owners, based in the East Midlands, who met through mutual business contacts and who share a love of all things business.

Simon runs Skylight Media – Award-winning experts in Website Design, E-commerce & Marketing running since 2003.

Danielle runs Goldspun Support – a multi-faceted support service for fractional directors and small business owners across the globe, running since 2009.

Since they first met Simon and Danielle have spent a ridiculous amount of time talking about the subjects that interest them – usually over a drink in the pub – and they decided that now was the time to bring these conversations to a wider audience and invite them to join the chat.

Both Simon and Danielle are successful business owners in their own rights with big plans for the future but will never lose their love of talking all things business… and the pub.

Sustainability sells, but how much of it is real, and how much is just clever marketing? Patagonia has built its entire brand on environmental advocacy, championing recycled materials, fair trade, and transparency. From their Worn Wear program, which encourages customers to repair rather than replace, to their outspoken stance against destructive policies, they’ve positioned themselves as the gold standard for ethical business. But is it all as green as it seems?

We’re diving into the reality of Patagonia’s sustainability claims, the challenges of maintaining true ethical supply chains, and the inevitable controversies that come with being a leader in the space, including forced labour allegations that they’ve had to address. At the same time, we can’t ignore the irony of Donald Trump’s repeated attacks on environmental efforts while actively embracing corporate greenwashing for political gain.

This conversation isn’t about taking everything at face value, it’s about cutting through the noise, questioning what real sustainability looks like, and calling out hypocrisy where we see it. Whether it’s Patagonia’s impact or Trump’s obsession with performative environmentalism, we’re unpacking what’s actually happening behind the scenes.

About Simon and Danielle:

Simon and Danielle are both business owners, based in the East Midlands, who met through mutual business contacts and who share a love of all things business.

Simon runs Skylight Media – Award-winning experts in Website Design, E-commerce & Marketing running since 2003.

Danielle runs Goldspun Support – a multi-faceted support service for fractional directors and small business owners across the globe, running since 2009.

Since they first met Simon and Danielle have spent a ridiculous amount of time talking about the subjects that interest them – usually over a drink in the pub – and they decided that now was the time to bring these conversations to a wider audience and invite them to join the chat.

Both Simon and Danielle are successful business owners in their own rights with big plans for the future but will never lose their love of talking all things business… and the pub.

Once upon a time, if you wanted professional-looking graphics, you either had to pay a designer or battle with the complicated world of Adobe. Enter Canva, the platform that flipped the industry on its head. What started as a simple idea from Melanie Perkins in 2000 has grown into a global design powerhouse with 190 million users across 190 countries. And the craziest part? It was rejected by 100 investors before finally taking off.

But behind the sleek templates and drag-and-drop ease, there’s a bigger conversation to be had. Canva’s AI integration, including Leonardo AI for image generation, has stirred up controversy, especially with concerns over AI-generated racist imagery and non-consensual deepfake porn. Add to that a steep price increase and growing frustration from long-time users, and the once-beloved design tool is starting to feel a little less like the hero of the underdog and more like just another corporate giant.

So, is Canva still the go-to for small businesses and non-designers? Or has it outgrown its original mission in pursuit of profit? We’re breaking down the rise, the hype, the AI drama, and whether Canva still deserves its spot as the king of accessible design.

About Simon and Danielle:

Simon and Danielle are both business owners, based in the East Midlands, who met through mutual business contacts and who share a love of all things business.

Simon runs Skylight Media – Award-winning experts in Website Design, E-commerce & Marketing running since 2003.

Danielle runs Goldspun Support – a multi-faceted support service for fractional directors and small business owners across the globe, running since 2009.

Since they first met Simon and Danielle have spent a ridiculous amount of time talking about the subjects that interest them – usually over a drink in the pub – and they decided that now was the time to bring these conversations to a wider audience and invite them to join the chat.

Both Simon and Danielle are successful business owners in their own rights with big plans for the future but will never lose their love of talking all things business… and the pub.

The stats don’t lie.

We’re digging into the hard-hitting reality of workplace fatalities, and the numbers might just make you rethink everything. In the UK alone, 137 people lost their lives at work in 2023/24. Falls from height and being struck by moving vehicles accounted for a staggering 70% of those deaths. The majority, 95% were men, and over a third were aged 60 or over. Construction and agriculture remain the deadliest industries.

Health and safety might feel like a box-ticking exercise, but when you see these figures, it’s clear why it exists. We’re breaking down the reality of these risks, why some industries see more fatalities than others, and whether the ‘just get on with it’ mentality is putting lives at risk.

Warning: this one might just make you want to quit your job immediately. Grab a brew, and let’s get into it.

About Simon and Danielle:

Simon and Danielle are both business owners, based in the East Midlands, who met through mutual business contacts and who share a love of all things business.

Simon runs Skylight Media – Award-winning experts in Website Design, E-commerce & Marketing running since 2003.

Danielle runs Goldspun Support – a multi-faceted support service for fractional directors and small business owners across the globe, running since 2009.

Since they first met Simon and Danielle have spent a ridiculous amount of time talking about the subjects that interest them – usually over a drink in the pub – and they decided that now was the time to bring these conversations to a wider audience and invite them to join the chat.

Both Simon and Danielle are successful business owners in their own rights with big plans for the future but will never lose their love of talking all things business… and the pub.

Why do we keep buying Starbucks, even when we know the controversies? In this episode, we dig into the story of the coffee giant that has become both a symbol of convenience and a lightning rod for criticism. Founded in 1971, Starbucks is often celebrated for its values and branding, but its practices tell a more complicated story.

We explore the company’s public image versus its reality, touching on issues like human rights concerns, environmental impact, and supply chain challenges. From accusations of low wages for coffee farmers to union-busting and even reports of child labour, Starbucks faces ongoing scrutiny despite its efforts to improve. With 38,000 stores worldwide and a massive footprint in North America and Asia, the question remains: can a corporation this size truly balance profit with ethical responsibility?

As we unpack the concept of the "triple bottom line" - people, planet, and profit - we discuss the challenges big companies face in aligning their business practices with their public commitments. It’s a conversation about the tension between doing good and delivering shareholder value and what it means for us as consumers. So, grab your brew (maybe not Starbucks this time) and join us for an honest look at the coffee culture we love - and love to question.

About Simon and Danielle:

Simon and Danielle are both business owners, based in the East Midlands, who met through mutual business contacts and who share a love of all things business.

Simon runs Skylight Media – Award-winning experts in Website Design, E-commerce & Marketing running since 2003.

Danielle runs Goldspun Support – a multi-faceted support service for fractional directors and small business owners across the globe, running since 2009.

Since they first met Simon and Danielle have spent a ridiculous amount of time talking about the subjects that interest them – usually over a drink in the pub – and they decided that now was the time to bring these conversations to a wider audience and invite them to join the chat.

Both Simon and Danielle are successful business owners in their own rights with big plans for the future but will never lose their love of talking all things business… and the pub.

What if Wilson wasn’t sent by FedEx? We take a deep dive into the fascinating story of how this logistics giant reshaped overnight delivery. Together, we explore Fred Smith’s bold vision to create a reliable service for time-sensitive shipments, from critical business documents to life-saving medical transplants.

We talk about the company’s strategic moves in the 1980s, its innovative investments in technology, and the uphill battle of convincing people why fast delivery mattered. FedEx’s journey shows us how resilience, adaptability, and even failure can lead to game-changing success.

Join us as we unpack the lessons, surprises, and “what ifs” behind one of the most iconic logistics companies in the world. Let’s explore how FedEx has shaped the way we send, receive, and think about time-sensitive deliveries. Tune in for an episode full of inspiration and insight!

About Simon and Danielle:

Simon and Danielle are both business owners, based in the East Midlands, who met through mutual business contacts and who share a love of all things business.

Simon runs Skylight Media – Award-winning experts in Website Design, E-commerce & Marketing running since 2003.

Danielle runs Goldspun Support – a multi-faceted support service for fractional directors and small business owners across the globe, running since 2009.

Since they first met Simon and Danielle have spent a ridiculous amount of time talking about the subjects that interest them – usually over a drink in the pub – and they decided that now was the time to bring these conversations to a wider audience and invite them to join the chat.

Both Simon and Danielle are successful business owners in their own rights with big plans for the future but will never lose their love of talking all things business… and the pub.

The Dalkon Shield IUD was introduced in the 1970s with the promise of revolutionising contraception, but its story serves as a sobering reminder of what can happen when innovation outpaces responsibility. Designed by Dr. Hugh Davis and marketed by A.H. Robbins, the device’s peculiar shape, resembling a beetle might have seemed like a stroke of medical ingenuity, but the reality was far from reassuring.

This tragic chapter in medical history teaches us some hard lessons. First, the absolute necessity of rigorous clinical testing before any product hits the market. The consequences of cutting corners in the development and testing phases can have lifelong repercussions for patients. Second, the critical role of corporate responsibility in safeguarding public health - profit cannot come before safety. And finally, the importance of informed consent. Patients must be given a complete and honest picture of potential risks to make truly informed decisions about their health.

The Dalkon Shield story isn’t just about a faulty product; it’s a cautionary tale about trust, ethics, and the impact of decisions made in boardrooms on real lives. It reminds us to question, to demand accountability, and to advocate for transparency in every aspect of healthcare and beyond.

About Simon and Danielle:

Simon and Danielle are both business owners, based in the East Midlands, who met through mutual business contacts and who share a love of all things business.

Simon runs Skylight Media – Award-winning experts in Website Design, E-commerce & Marketing running since 2003.

Danielle runs Goldspun Support – a multi-faceted support service for fractional directors and small business owners across the globe, running since 2009.

Since they first met Simon and Danielle have spent a ridiculous amount of time talking about the subjects that interest them – usually over a drink in the pub – and they decided that now was the time to bring these conversations to a wider audience and invite them to join the chat.

Both Simon and Danielle are successful business owners in their own rights with big plans for the future but will never lose their love of talking all things business… and the pub.