In this episode, Mark McC sits down with Richard Harpham, CEO of XP Factory and former Pret strategist. They chat about Richard's career trajectory, including his strategic roles at Pret and Constellation Wines, and his current ventures, Boom Battle Bars and Escape Hunt. The discussion covers the growth and challenges of XP Factory during COVID, th…

In this episode, Mark McC chats with Simon Mitchell, CEO of KERB and Seven Dials Market, about his path from DJing at 16 to leading a key organisation in London's food scene. They explore KERB's evolution, including its catering business, food hall ventures, and social impact projects, along with its future expansion plans. They discuss London's vi…

In this episode, Mark McC hosts Shamil Thakrar, co-founder of Dishoom and Permit Room, to delve into the vibrant journey of Permit Room and its homage to Bombay's drinking culture. Shamil discusses the expansion into cities like Oxford, Brighton, and Cambridge, alongside Dishoom's new menu launch and a strategic focus on community-driven marketing,…

In this episode, Mark McC chats with Ann Elliott, Hospitality Marketing Guru and NED. The conversation covers Ann's insights into customer experience and hospitality operations, and a dive into the evolving role of marketing. They also discuss Ann's career journey, her advocacy for young people and women in business, as well as her role as a chair …

In this episode, Mark McC visits Brewdog in Waterloo to have an in-depth conversation with Michel Roux, legendary chef, restaurateur, author, and broadcaster. They discuss Michel's storied career, including his time at Le Gavroche, why he decided to close it, and what's next for him. The episode covers various aspects of the hospitality industry, i…

In this episode, Mark McC welcomes Tom Sheppard, Chef Patron of the Michelin-starred restaurant Upstairs. They delve into Tom's journey in fine dining, from early career milestones to his renowned restaurant's philosophy. Topics include the culinary industry's evolving landscape, Michelin inspections, TV appearances, and the influence of prominent …

In this episode, Mark McC visits Soho Radio Podcast Studio to chat with Ollie Smith, renowned wine expert known for his roles on BBC’s Saturday Kitchen. They cover an array of topics including the intricacies of orange and canned wine, the rise of non-alcoholic options, and the best ways hospitality operators can connect with customers. Ollie share…

Welcome to the Supersonic Podcast Series 10! Today, Mark introduces the headline sponsor, NFS hospitality, and outlines the stellar guest lineup for a supercharged series, including Olly Smith, Tom Shepherd, Michel Roux, Richard Harpham, and more! Tune in weekly from October 2nd for expert tips, industry news, and inspiring stories. This podcast is…

In this episode of the Supersonic Marketing Podcast, Mark McC talks with Martin Williams, CEO of Rare Restaurants, which includes Gaucho and M Restaurants. They talk about Martin's journey in hospitality, leadership insights, and the transformation of Gaucho. The discussion covers important topics such as strong team engagement, innovative marketin…

In this episode, Mark McC interviews two-Michelin-starred chef Akhtar Islam from Opheem. They discuss Akhtar's career, dedication to continuous improvement, and the evolving landscape of Indian cuisine and social media in the culinary world. Insights are shared on the challenges faced by the hospitality industry, the importance of authenticity, and…

In this episode, Mark McC welcomes Shereen Ritchie, CEO of Buns From Home. Reflecting on her dynamic career across notable venues like Leon, TGI Fridays, and the London Underground, Shereen shares her journey on mentorship, gender equality, and innovation within the hospitality industry. Highlights include her memorable viral moment at the Women's …

In this episode, Mark McC sits down at Brewdog Waterloo with Robin Rowland OBE, partner at TriSpan. They discuss Robin's significant impact on Yo Sushi as CEO, where he grew the brand through innovative strategies, Robin's investment insights at TriSpan, the importance of emotional intelligence in leadership, and successful investments in hospitali…

In this episode, Mark McC invites Matt Ovington, Director of Research at Salience Plus, to talk about the power of research in hospitality marketing. They explore cost-effective techniques, understanding customer behaviour, and leveraging System 1 and System 2 thinking to boost business performance. The discussion also covers qualitative and quanti…

In this episode, Mark McSee chats with Patrick McGuigan, a renowned cheese journalist, teacher, and judge. They delve into Patrick's journey from food writer to cheese expert, his role in judging world-class cheeses, and the nuances of different cheese types globally. Patrick also shares insights on cheese's growing popularity in restaurants and th…

In this special episode, Mark McC sits down with Nick Popovici, CEO and co-founder of Vita Mojo to explore the journey and innovations behind Vita Mojo's restaurant management platform. They talk about Nick's transition from finance to restaurant management, the creation of Vita Mojo inspired by personal dietary changes, and their evolution from a …

In this episode, Mark McC sits down with Daryl Connell and Lizzie Ryan from Imbiba to explore their private equity firm's unique approach to investing in the hospitality sector. They talk about support strategies for brands, key trends in health and wellness, casual dining, and technology. The discussion also highlights recent investments, such as …

In this episode, Mark McC catches up with Kris Hall, founder of The Burnt Chef Project, to discuss mental health within the hospitality industry. They explore Kris's personal journey, the start of the project through a photography campaign, and its growth into a global initiative offering support and training. The conversation looks at mental healt…

In this bumper Very Special Episode ahead of this week’s UK General Election, we take it in turns to examine whether “the media” can “sway” election results. First, Ben examines the always-silly and sometimes-sinister British tabloid press and their (in)famous claim that it was “The Sun Wot Won It” for John Major in 1992. Rich then looks at Cambrid…

In this episode, Mark McC visits Soho to meet with David McDowell, former COO and President of Brewdog and current CEO of Stonegate, the UK's largest pub group. The conversation covers David's journey since joining Stonegate, the challenges he's faced, and the strategic changes he's implemented. They also discuss the importance of pub culture, shif…

In the 1960s, parents, the press, psychologists, and many others were confronted with a large, terrifying, global problem: Beatlemania. In this episode, Ben talks Rich through how the world tried to make sense of the screaming, potentially hysterical, pop fan. We encounter theories of red goddesses (what were shrinks taking in the 60s?), anti-commu…

In this episode, we sit down with rock legend Roger Daltrey and his son Jamie Daltrey, the founders of Lakedown Brewing Co. Roger and Jamie discuss their journey of building the brewery on their estate, which also includes trout farming and carp farming. We talk about the highs, the lows, and the importance they place on sustainability and communit…

Can media representations of suicide really be “contagious”, driving vulnerable audiences to end their own lives? Rich introduces Ben to a frustratingly large field of psychologists, counsellors and youth charities who made this argument about the Netflix series 13 Reasons Why. We dive head-first into both the controversy and the research behind it…

Explore the fascinating world of culinary arts and entrepreneurship with one of the UK’s finest chefs, Ashley Palmer Watts. Ashley shares his extensive experience in the restaurant scene, notably his time with Heston Blumenthal at The Fat Duck. He offers an insider's view into the intricate process of creating innovative dishes and the importance o…

After a defence lawyer blamed the killing of a six-year-old on pro wrestling, the Parents Television Council went to war with the World Wrestling Federation. Lifelong pro wrestling fan, Ben, talks Rich through this bad blood feud: in one corner “family values” and in the other corner the sex and violence of “attitude era” pro wrestling. We explore …

David Campbell is a luminary in the hospitality industry with experience leading iconic brands like Pizza Express and The Ivy to his current ventures in the bakery scene with Ole & Steen. David shares insightful stories from navigating corporate challenges, mastering branding, and spearheading innovative marketing strategies. Together with Mark McC…

What makes a pub stand out from the rest and what is the secret behind a good pint of Guinness? Devonshire co-founder and Guinness aficionado Oisín Rogers answers these questions and more in this week’s episode. Mark McC delves into Oisín’s extensive career in hospitality, exploring his unique path from bypassing university to dominating the pub sc…

In 2020, a French indie movie called Cuties somehow found itself at the epicentre of the US culture wars. Outraged conservatives accused the filmmakers and Netflix of encouraging paedophilia and stoking the fires of global child sex trafficking trade. But were they right? Rich’s deep dive into the controversy takes Ben on a journey through “sexuali…

In this episode, Mark McC delves into a candid conversation with Liam O'Keefe, brand director at Bleecker Burger, offering an in-depth exploration of their shared experiences in the realm of branding and hospitality. They discuss the landmark achievements of Bleecker Burger, emphasising the significance of becoming a London Living Wage company and …

CEO of Crerar Hotels, the AA Small Hotel Group of the Year 2023/24, Chris Wayne-Wills joins Mark McC on this week’s episode to discuss his career, his experience in the hospitality industry and the unique culture and approach of Crerar Hotels. Chris emphasises the importance of personalised guest experiences and attention to detail and highlights t…

From Death Race to Grand Theft Auto, driving games have long fuelled claims that players might be inspired to start mowing down pedestrians outside of the game. Starting with a story about a Toronto police officer linking a hit and run to a copy of Need for Speed found on the offender’s passenger seat, Ben talks Rich through the surprisingly longst…

Gemma Barter, the Senior Digital Marketing Manager at Honest Burgers discusses the importance of approaching digital marketing from a customer's perspective and emphasises the need for continuous learning and adaptation in the fast-paced digital landscape. She highlights the success of a campaign at Honest Burgers that focused on introducing a new …

It’s bubble tea but for grown ups. In this episode, Mark McC has a chat with Paul Tanner, the Managing Director of CUPP, a bubble tea brand. Paul shares his journey from being a barista to becoming an MD. He discusses some learnings from his career, emphasising the importance of training and development for the team. Paul and Mark chat about the un…

Before “deep focus” and “study beats” playlists came muzak—one of the most widespread (and widely hated) forms of music of the 20th Century. But does background music really have the power to improve worker productivity? To dictate our wine preferences? Or, God forbid, even affect how long we spend in our favourite brothel?!? Rich shows Ben that th…

From operation to marketing, employee to freelancer Alan Armstrong has a variety of experience in the hospitality sector, giving him a very holistic perspective on things. He discusses his experience working with celebrities and managing venues at a young age and what he learned from this experience. Alan talks about his freelance journey, offering…

Is beer and curry a match made in heaven? Combining Indian street food and craft beer Marko Husak and Mayur Patel founded Bundobust, a casual restaurant and microbrewery chain. In this episode, they discuss their journey in the hospitality industry with host Mark McC. They share insights into their background in the industry, detailing how they com…

Ben takes Rich back to the landmark case study of a book that was accused of changing the world forever by containing descriptions of sex and swearwords. Join us for a 150-year history of obscenity laws, the power of literature to corrupt, swinging 60s, explicit fan fiction, and whether you’d want YOUR wife or servant reading this filth. Show Notes…

Hospitality entrepreneur and podcaster Mark Wogan shares his valuable insights on the hospitality industry including the challenges faced during the past four years, the impact of COVID-19 on the industry, and the need for government support. Along with host Mark McC they highlight the essence of kindness, generosity, and a welcoming spirit in the …

Mark McC interviews Paulo de Tarso, a renowned figure in the hospitality industry with a rich background working in top restaurants worldwide. Paulo shares his journey from working in New York to opening his own restaurant, Margot, in London. He emphasises the importance of hospitality, service, and creating a positive atmosphere for guests. Paulo …

Can the YouTube algorithm really turn you into a Flat Earther, or some other kind of radical conspiracy theorist? Rich takes Ben on a journey through terrible poetry, evangelical newsletters and 9/11 Truther videos. It turns out the “filter bubble” is an idea that might need bursting. Show Notes: Sources and links: Blount, Lady Elizabeth (1898) “Th…

Paul Dickinson, Head Coach of the England National Culinary Team, First Employee of DSP Authentic and Global member of Forever Oceans Culinary Board talks to Mark McC about the importance of passion, creativity and inclusivity in the culinary world. Paul shares his experiences working with renowned chefs like Marco Pierre White and the England culi…

Robbie Bargh, founder of the Gorgeous Group joins Mark McC, sharing insights into just why his restaurants are so gorgeous. They discuss the importance of creating memorable and transformative experiences for guests, emphasising the significance of attention to detail in menu creation and storytelling. The discussion delves into the success story o…

Barbie has been accused of a lot over the last 7 decades, but her most enduring criticism is that she sets unrealistic beauty standards for young girls. Ben talks Rich through the curious history of Barbie as a toy and a “role model”, the sometimes-warped world of body image research, and a creepy life-size doll that walks on all fours. Show Notes:…

When two children murdered toddler James Bulger in 1993, the British media lost their damn minds and tried to blame a horror video. Rich tells Ben that this argument really started a decade earlier with the “video nasties” panic. Join us as we unravel a tangled web of sensationalism, fraudulent research, and some truly bizarre claims about dogs. Sh…

In this podcast episode, Dan Brookman, CEO, and Sam Brown, CCO, of Airship and Toggle, discuss their journey in the hospitality industry and the evolution of their companies. They emphasise the importance of effective B2B marketing and how they approach it as a way to bring life and excitement to events and spur the industry forward. They also high…

Welcome to ILL EFFECTS - the good podcast about bad media influences. Can a horror film turn kids into killers? Can music make you more productive? Can a video game cause dangerous driving? Dr Rich McCulloch and Dr Ben Litherland investigate the bad faith arguments, dodgy data, and moral panics behind claims that the media influence our behaviour a…

Jack Edge is a digital rock star and founder of Cuttin Edge Digital. Jack shares his journey in the hospitality industry, starting from his bartending job at a student nightclub to his role as a sales and marketing manager for a group of bars and clubs. He emphasises the importance of understanding the guest and utilising digital tools to drive sal…

Want to achieve more in business and get that competitive edge? Executive Hospitality Coach Sarah Clark joins Mark McC to talk about how coaching can help hospitality leaders to achieve more from their business. She discusses her journey from being a managing director in the hospitality industry to starting her own coaching business. Sarah emphasis…

Mark McC interviews Philip Turner, founder and owner of Chestnut Group. Philip shares insights into the company's values and culture, emphasising the importance of passion, genuine interactions, and fun. They discuss the significance of community engagement and how Chestnut strives to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for both guests and…

Ian Edward, an industry mentor, investor, and hospitality entrepreneur, discusses his experiences and insights in the hospitality sector. He emphasises the importance of mentoring and providing support to entrepreneurs and business owners, particularly in areas such as strategy, property, people, funding, finance, and exit. Ian also shares his thou…

In this podcast episode, social media expert and founder of Avocado Social Alison Battisby joins Mark McC to discuss social media trends for 2024 and how to use them for your business. She highlights the rise of LinkedIn as a popular and engaging platform, with a focus on lifestyle content and networking. They also discuss the potential growth of T…