No More Waffle - Podcast

This episode is total carnage (in the best way). We’re back with the brilliant Angie Cooney and a cast of industry legendsfor a fast-paced, slightly unhinged tour through property, marketing, and everything in between.We cover…👉 Dodgy Facebook Lives👉Leaflet drops turned Strava challenges👉 Dream agency teams (feat. Zac Efron & vodka)👉Burglars, broken bones & baby food scandals…and still manage to squeeze in some genuine estate agency gold.What’s Inside💥 Angie’s alarm goes off mid-recording💥 The Facebook Live you definitely shouldn’t copy💥 Why we all secretly miss the Romans days💥 What we learned from £75K flats in 2005💥Leaflet drops rebranded as cardio💥 Hot takes on what actually makes a good agency team💥 Cold pancakes and strawberry baby mush 🍓This Week’s Line-Up🎤 Angie Cooney – Former Owner, C Residential & full-time disruptor🎤 Neil Robinson – Founder of Neil Robinson EA, funny even when he’s being serious🎤 Ian White – Industry heavyweight, ex-Romans, part-time myth-buster🎤 Gemma Young – Co-founder of Moverly, formerly Google (so she’s smart)🎤 Cindy Slaughter – Marketing Director at Avocado property & pro hype womanWhy Listen?Because sometimes the best insight comes wrapped in chaos.If you've ever blagged your way through a Live, questioned a leaflet budget, or just love smart chat with a side of syrup — this one’s for you.👇 Hit the button, share it with your team, and get ready for a ride.🥞 Pass the Syrup — where estate agency doesn’t take itself too seriously.

This week, Ben Madden and co-host Harry Truman return with three brilliant guests, a whole lot of chaotic quiz energy, and some very hot takes (and cold pancakes). From £700 hairdryers to imaginary estate agency dreamteams, it's estate industry banter at its best, with just enough real talk to keep you grounded.What’s InsideFive-star reviews for weird and wonderful reasonsHow much was a council flat in Birmingham worth in 1960?Estate Agency dream teams ( Featuring Zac Efron, naturally)Renter Reform Bill: should landlords be worried?Pets for all! (but not at Ben's house)Chasing over kettlebells, couches and complianceThis Episodes GuestsSarah EvansPartner at Charles David Casson (Oxfordshire)LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahlevans/ Ross McKenzieFounder of Isla Alexander and Open MooveLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ross-alexander-mckenzie-b832b47b/ Megan EighteenPresident-Elect of ARLA Propertymark & Director at Swindon Home FindersLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meganeighteen/ Harry Truman (Co-host)President of ARLA Propertymark & Group Lettings Director at Andrews Property GroupLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angharad-trueman-marla/👇 Hit That ButtonIf you've ever moved furniture just for the Rightmove pics (or spent £700on a hairdryer), this one’s for you. Like, share, subscribe, and don't forget to tell your dog we say hi.

In this episode, Ben Madden and co-host Harry Truman are joined by a superstar cast from the property world and beyond for another round of wild stories, suspect trivia, and high-stakes nonsense. From a client haunting to a fake funeral, firewalking instructors, and a showdown over dream teams, it's a gloriously chaotic ride.🔑 Key Topics Covered:"The clients that haunts me..."- real (and) fake horror stories from property prosThe great Surrey property price guessing game (1990 edition)Dream team draft: estate agents and marketers pick their fantasy agency crewNightlife secrets and firewalking side hustlesA spicy "hot take or cold pancake" on gender diversity in the industry👥 Guest Breakdown:🚀 Kirsty FranksFounder of Frank Marketing & Group Marketing Director at TPFGWomen in Estate Agency Committee memberLinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirsty-franks-ab977423/ 🎯 Rowan WallerFounder of The Property Pen (Content creator, ex -agent)📍OxfordLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rowan-waller/ 🔥 Sarka WildeOwner of independent estate agency (plus firewalking instructor!)📍OxfordshireLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sswilde/ 📊 Chris WatkinsProperty content creator & long -time agent-basher of Rightmove pie charts.📍LincolnLinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopherwatkin/ Enjoyed the chaos? Drop us a like, leave a brutally honest comment, and subscribe for more industry chat with a side of syrup. Share it with your weirdest client, your coolest colleague, or your most annoying group chat.

In this wonderfully weird and refreshingly honest episode, Ben Madden and co-host Harry Truman wrangle four property pros through three rounds of games, gripes, and glorious nonsense. From Hackney house prices in the '70s toAttenborough-themed saunas, this episode has it all. Yes, even gay dinosaurs.  This Episode’s Guests Harry TruemanPresident of ARLA Propertymark & Group LettingsDirector at AndrewsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angharad-trueman-marla/ Tania CannonOwner, Canon & Co. Sales & Lettings (Whittlesey)LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taniacannon/ Simon LeadbetterFounder, UnchainedLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonleadbetter/ Michael DayManaging Director, Integra Property ServicesLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-stephen-day-mba-frics-fnaea-farla-%F0%9F%8E%B8-a623988/ Mia EvansSelf-Employed Agent under TAUK, based in LiverpoolLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mia-evans-7a69691a4/👇 Hit That ButtonEnjoyed the chaos? Want more industry chatter, rogue opinions, and possibly another story about rodent-related car theft? Like, follow, or subscribe so you never miss an episode of Pass the Syrup.

In this chaotic and laugh-out-loud episode of Pass the Syrup, host Ben Madden kicks off a new four-part co-hosting arc with Harry Truman. Joined by a cracking panel of property legends, the gang dives into everything from embarrassing first dates to dodgy stag dos, all while battling it out in estate agency-themed games. It’s part chat show, part game show, part total madness, andit’s glorious.🥞 Key Topics Discussed: Wild holiday returns and sleep-deprived podcasting  .   "I pretended I knew what I was doing when..." game stories.Property pricing in 1983 (aka: Guess That House Price!).Dream estate agency team picks (and shameless flattery).Hot take: Minimum wage, PR spin, and the truth behind cut hours🎧 Guests Breakdown:Harry Draper-Truman (Co-host)Role: President of ARLA Propertymark & Group Lettings Director at AndrewsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angharad-trueman-marla/  Wendy PetermanBusiness: Petermans Estate Agents, Herne Hill LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendy-peterman-mnaea-marla-b4291411/Sarah HoodRole: Belvoir Sales and Lettings Manager, CamberleyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-hood-ba-marla-4546a692/Chris BucklerRole: CCO at TAUK’sLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-buckler-15263619/   Amy ShieldsRole: Compliance expert at Smart ComplianceLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-shields-03b430a7/

🚀 Welcome back to Pass the Syrup! Today, we’re breaking down a huge shift happening in estate agency—agents arerealising they don’t have to just be agents. 🎙️ Host: Ben Madden – Estate agency expert& industry commentator🎤 Guests:✅ Megan Eighteen – Senior Management at Swindon Home Finders,Consultant & President-Elect at ARLA Propertymark✅ Rowan Waller – Former estate agent turned full-time content& copywriting specialist (The Property Pen) This episode is all about thinking beyond the 9-5 estate agency model and unlocking new career paths withinthe property sector. 🎯 What We Cover in This Episode: ⏰ Timestamps – Find What You Need Quickly:0:00 – Welcome to Episode Three!3:15 – Megan’s journey into consultancy & balancing multiple property roles10:45 – Rowan’s transition from estate agent to full-time content creator18:30 – Why estate agents should think beyond just selling houses25:15 – Is self-employment the answer to agent burnout?32:00 – How personal brand builds opportunities beyond agency40:00 – Advice for estate agents looking to transition into new career paths 🏆 Agents & Industry Experts Shouted Out in ThisEpisode:🚀 Sophie Lang – Independent Estate Agent (Cornwall)→ https://www.linkedin.com/in/cornwall-property-professional/📢 Suzanne Smith – The Independent Landlord Blog →https://www.linkedin.com/in/suzannesmithblogger/🔥 David Pratt – The Avenue (Wallingford) → https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-pratt-b6866755/Know someone making waves in theindustry? Drop their name in the comments! 👇 🎟️ Thinking About a Career Shift? Don’t Miss ThisEpisode!✅ If you’re an estate agent wondering what’s next, this episode is amust-listen.✅ Whether you want more flexibility, higher income, or just a newchallenge—there are options beyond the high street. 📌 Want More No-Nonsense Industry Talk?📺 Watch now & subscribe for more insider insights!💬 What’s YOUR take?Drop your thoughts below & let’sdiscuss! 👇#EstateAgency #PassTheSyrup#SelfEmployedAgents #PropertyCareers #EstateAgents #PropertyConsultancy#DigitalMarketing

🚀 Welcome back to Pass the Syrup!Today, we’re diving deep into the reality of being a woman in estate agency todaywith an all-star lineup: 🎙️ Host:Ben Madden – Estate agency disruptor & industrycommentator🎤 Guests:Liana Loporto-Brown (Founder, Woman in Estate Agency & Loporto Brown Residential)Verona Frankish (CEP, YPOA-One of the UK's leading hybrid agencies)Kirsty Franks (Director, Frank Marketing - Specialist in property & estate agency branding)✅ What We Cover in This Episode:Why Woman in Estate Agency Exists - The real person behind it CreationThe Confidence Gap - Why female agents hesitate to push promotionsIndustry Bias & Barriers - The challengers that still hold women back in estate agencyHow Men in Agency Can Support Equality - Without making it an 'us vs. them' debateWhy the Woman in Estate Agency conference is Unmissable - What makes it different from other industry events⏰ Timestamps – Find What You Need Quickly:0:00 – Welcome to Episode Two!2:30 – Why Women in Estate Agency was founded6:45 – What challenges do female agents still face?12:10 – How the Facebook group supports agents with real challenges18:45 – Why confidence is still a major barrier for women in agency25:20 – The role of men in supporting equality in estate agency32:30 – Why every agent should attend the Women in Estate Agency Conference40:00 – Our top advice for launching an estate agency today🔥 Standout Agents & Industry Leaders Mentioned inThis Episode🚀 Gillian Fleming – YOPA (Dundee & Angus)📢 Holly Price – eXp (York) 🔥 Alistair Trivett – Heywoods (Newcastle-Under-Lyme)🌟 Vicki Bibiris – Location Location 🏡 Ann Dekkers – Lettings SpecialistKnow someone who deserves a shoutout?Drop their name in the comments! 👇🎟️ Women in Estate Agency Conference – 6th March📍 The must-attend event for agents who care aboutdiversity, leadership, and industry change.✔ Inspiring speakers from across the property world.✔ Real talk, no corporate fluff—just valuable insights anddiscussions.✔ For men and women—because this affects the whole industry. 📌 Want More Real Industry Talk?📺 Watch now & subscribe for more insider insights!💬 Your Turn – Let’s Discuss: What's YOUR take on Women in Estate Agency?Do you think estate agency is finally changing, or is there still along way to go?Do you think estate agency is finally changing, or is there a long way to go?Drop a comment below & let's get the conversation started#EstateAgency #PassTheSyrup#WomenInEstateAgency #UKProperty #RealEstateMarketing #EstateAgents#IndustryTrends

In her third and final appearance, Dani Nash joins Ben Madden on No More Waffle to tackle some of the industry’s biggest challenges - from why most agents still operate with a “scarcity mentality” to how AI is reshaping the future of estate agency. Together, they debate whether copying ideas is theft or progress, and why the industry needs to move from guarding “secret sauce” to embracing collaboration and abundance. The episode also digs into the opportunities AI brings - from speeding up transactions to eliminating repetitive admin - and what it means for the human side of agency. Ben and Dani discuss whether agents risk being replaced, or whether this shift will free them up to focus on reputation, authenticity, and being more present in their communities. They wrap up by unpacking the difference between “personal branding” and simply building a reputation - and why agents need to understand the nuance if they want to stay relevant in a changing world.

In her second appearance on No More Waffle, Dani Nash joins Ben Madden to dive deeper into the hard truths about estate agency. This episode focuses on the one thing Dani says could transform the consumer experience overnight: communication. They discuss why honesty between agents and clients so often breaks down, whether consumers sometimes “get the service they deserve,” and how trust is damaged when buyers fudge budgets, timelines, or positions. The conversation then shifts to the rise of acquisitions, the corporate vs. independent debate, and what happens when the industry consolidates. Dani and Ben also tackle generational differences in the workplace, whether younger agents are really less committed, and how smart recruitment, psychological safety, and culture could shape the next decade of agency. It’s a candid, challenging episode that speaks directly to both property professionals and the consumers they serve.

In the very first episode of No More Waffle, Ben Madden sits down with industry veteran Dani Nash to ask the questions estate agency usually avoids. They dive into the uncomfortable truth about why the public still doesn’t trust estate agents and how much of that reputation is deserved. From overvaluing to win instructions, to poor communication, to the 1% fee race-to-the-bottom, Dani shares both her insider perspective and her recent painful experience as a consumer selling her dad’s home. This is a raw conversation about broken trust, missed expectations, and why consumers so often end up with the rough end of the stick. Ben and Dani also explore how training, culture, and the rise of the self-employed model could make or break the industry in the years ahead. It’s honest, challenging, and necessary listening for both property professionals and anyone buying, selling, or renting a home.

In today’s episode the guests discuss Strike purchasing Purplebricks for £1, whether the Renters Reform Bill is something to be worried about, and 100% mortgages making a comeback. Ben is joined by Matt Baldock, Steph Walker and Vishaal Kher, who also talk about great agents they’ve worked with, some fantastic digital marketing, and what agents should be doing in the current market.   Follow Agents MVMT on Instagram  - https://www.instagram.com/agentsmvmt/   Hook up with the guys on socials: Ben Madden Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/thatbenmadden/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-madden-9a8a0417/   Guests: Matt Baldock Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mbaldock/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-baldock-751b9469/   Steph Walker Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/stephmoonwalker/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanietheestateagent/   Vishaal Kher Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/vish_does_fulham/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/vishaal-kher-b6a22464/   Special mentions Reg Bhanot Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/fineandcountrywesthampstead/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ranjeevbhanot/

In the final part of our three-episode run with Matt Baldock, we tackle one of the property industry’s biggest frustrations, the painfully slow sales process.From outdated data to never-ending conveyancing, Matt and Ben break down why the system keeps failing the people who rely on it, and what needs to change to make moving home faster, fairer and far less stressful.In this episode:Why slow conveyancing kills deals and confidence.The case for faster data and full transparency on prices.What England can learn from how Scotland sells homes.Can AI and digitalisation finally fix conveyancing?How rental reform could reshape lettings, and why agents must adapt.Guest:Matt Baldock - estate agency leader, mentor and long-time champion of people-first property.

In this second episode with Matt Baldock, we dig into one of the property industry’s biggest failings - overvaluing. From unrealistic pricing to pressure-driven targets, Matt explains how chasing numbers over people can cause chaos for buyers, sellers and agents alike, and what needs to change to fix it. In this episode: Why overpricing property damages real lives, not just sales figures.How short-term targets and incentives fuel bad behaviour.The case for honest advice and transparent communication.Could 28-day contracts stop chronic overvaluing?Why positive leadership and shared standards matter more than regulation. Guest:Matt Baldock - estate agency leader, mentor and long-time champion ofpeople-first property.

Estate agency veteran Matt Baldock joins Ben to kick off a three-part run by challenging one of the biggest myths in the industry: that this business is about property. It’s not, it’s about people. Matt shares 24 years of perspective on why empathy, honesty and integrity matter more than square footage, and how emotions, training and trust define the client experience. In this episode: Why great agents focus on people, notproperty.The power of empathy, integrity and straighttalking.How weak training and poor communication damagetrust.The blurred line between working for buyers vs sellers.What questions every seller should ask before choosing an agent.Guest:Matt Baldock - estate agency leader, mentor and long-time champion of people-first property.

In this fiery final episode with Rowan Waller, Ben Madden tackles one of the most uncomfortable questions in UKestate agency: what if agents weren’t paid like businesses at all? Rowan suggests that the industry’s biggest conflicts of interest come from its commercial nature, the constant pressure to list, sell, and profit, often at the consumer’s expense. Together they unpack how over-valuing, long contracts,and conditional selling all stem from agents chasing targets rather than serving clients. It’s a rare, honest look at how commercial realities shapebehaviour, pricing, and trust.The pair debate whether removing long-term contracts or even separating valuations from marketing could finally restore transparency and rebuild public confidence in estate agency. From Purplebricks’ flawed upfront model to Scotland’s more regulated system, they explore what would really happen if agents had to tell the truth about pricing, and risklosing clients within a week. Unfiltered, thoughtful, and properly provocative,this episode is essential listening for anyone serious about raising standards in the property industry.

In this explosive episode of No More Waffle, Ben Madden is joined again by Rowan Waller (The Property Pen) to tackle one of the most divisive topics in the UK property industry - regulation. With talk of ROPA (Regulation of Property Agents)resurfacing again, Rowan argues that it’s a red herring: estate agents are already regulated by law, and the real issue isn’t the lack of rules, but the lack of enforcement. Together, they explore whether new licensing schemes would genuinely raise standards, or simply raise fees, create bureaucracy, and line the pockets of those who profit from the system.The conversation digs deep into what “professionalism” actually means in property, why public perception lagsbehind, and how true change starts with agents taking ownership of their standards, not waiting for regulation to force their hand. Expect blunt honesty, sharp humour, and plenty of uncomfortable truths as Ben and Rowan unpack whether ROPA would clean up the industry or just add another tax todoing business. A must-listen for agents who’ve ever rolled their eyes at the word “licensing.”

In this episode of No More Waffle, Ben Madden sits down with Rowan Waller, also known as The Property Pen, a former estate agent turned property copywriter with 20 years’ experience in the industry. Rowan brings a completely fresh perspective to one of the property world’s biggest identity crises: what exactly is anestate agent? Are they marketers, salespeople, or project managers helpingpeople move from A to B? Together, Ben and Rowan challenge the industry’s obsession with marketing, portals, and pricing, and reveal why so many agents and consumers misunderstand what great agency really looks like.From the myth that Rightmove “sells houses” to the growing trend of agents becoming content creators, this episode explores the blurred lines between advertising, service, and sales in modern estate agency. Rowan explains why the true value of a good agent isn’t in glossy photos or fancy videos, it’s in managing the process, the people, and the pressure points that come with moving home. A sharp, honest conversation for anyone in property who’s ever asked: what’s our job really about?

In the third and final part of her No More Waffle series, Jackie Quinn, owner of Jackie Quinn Estates & Lettings in Surrey, and Regional Executive for Propertymark, joins Ben Madden to talk about transparency, trust and value in estate agency. Jackie argues that consumers still don’t understand what agents actually do, and that better communication, clearer education and more honest conversations are the key to fixing the industry’s reputation. From how her team manages clien WhatsApp groups to why she believes face-to-face contact still matters, this episode lifts the lid on how great service really works.The discussion digs into the commercial realities too: why so many agents race to the bottom on fees, how that impactsservice standards, and what needs to change if the industry wants to rebuild consumer confidence. Ben and Jackie explore whether the public simply “gets theagent it deserves”, why the best agents must learn to justify their value, and how professionalism, regulation and transparency could finally shiftperceptions. Straight-talking, practical and packed with experience, this episode is a blueprint for doing estate agency properly.

In this week’s No More Waffle, host Ben Madden sits down with Jackie Quinn, owner of Jackie Quinn Estates in Surrey, and Regional Executive for Propertymark, to tackle one of the biggest frustrations in UK property - why the home-moving process takes so long.From the average five-month transaction time to conveyancers bogged down in ID checks and onboarding delays, Jackie explains how a system that once took 10weeks has become painfully slow and complex. Together they ask whether the entire process needs re-engineering and if technology or AI could finally speedthings up.The conversation quickly widens: how artificial intelligence is already changing the way agents work, whether automation will ever replace the human touch, and how remote working is reshaping the next generation of estate agents. They explore the links between culture, resilience and mental health in a post-COVID industry, and what it all means for consumers buying, selling or letting homes. Honest, grounded and forward-looking, this is a must-listen for anyone who wants to understand the real forces shaping modern estate agency.

In this episode of No More Waffle, Ben Madden is joined by career estate agent Jackie Quinn, owner of Quinn Estates in Surrey and Regional Executive for Propertymark. With over 30 years in the industry, Jackie brings hard truths and first-hand insight into why estate agents have one of the worst reputations with the public. From overvaluing homes to win instructions, to corporate cultures that reward listing over completions, the discussion exposes the systemic issues that fuel consumer mistrust.But it’s not all bad news. Jackie argues that great agency is still alive, built on honesty, preparation, local knowledge and genuine care for clients. Together, Ben and Jackie explore why good service needs to be communicated more loudly, how regulation and training could raise standards, and why estate agency must be recognised as a people business, not just a numbers game. For both agents and consumers, this is an unfiltered look at the truth behind the For Sale board.