Ask Bigger Podcast

John and James, the identical twins behind the viral cleaning sensation Maka Twins, join Simon Hood to share their extraordinary journey from starting a commercial cleaning company to becoming social media stars with over 500,000 followers and videos reaching 5-10 million views monthly.In this honest and inspiring conversation, the twins reveal:• How they built their viral presence by "cleaning places nobody asks you to clean"• The moment they almost gave up (1st February 2024) – just weeks before their breakthrough• Why they focus on people's reactions over view counts• How being themselves transformed their content and business• Their unique approach to commercial cleaning that values team members as individuals, not just "cleaners"• The philosophy that "somebody always has it worse" that keeps them grounded• Their vision for the "Unsung Heroes" series – giving back to overlooked workers across industriesFrom playground equipment to bin lorries, the Maka Twins have redefined what cleaning content can be. But beyond the viral videos lies a story of resilience, brotherhood, and a mission to change how society views the cleaning industry.The twins share practical wisdom for content creators and entrepreneurs: why they value engagement over vanity metrics, how variety keeps cleaning interesting, and why the hardest moments often come just before breakthrough.Their goals? Become the number one office cleaning company in London, then the UK, then the world – whilst championing their team and highlighting unsung heroes everywhere through experiences they'll never forget.If you're one bad month away from giving up on your dream, this conversation might just be what you need to hear.

Remember the bright colors, the go-karts, the gunge, and that theme song that still lives rent-free in everyone's head? Join us for an in-depth conversation with Melanie and Martina, the legendary Funhouse Twins who co-hosted one of the biggest children's TV shows of the 90s.In this extended interview, the twins take us behind the scenes of Funhouse, sharing untold stories about what it was really like to be young women hosting a major TV show for a decade. From their early beginnings performing in West End shows at age seven, to their time as the cheerleading twins that defined a generation's Saturday mornings, to their lives beyond the cameras.We explore their childhood in Kent, their journey into performing, the intense filming schedules, memorable moments from the show (including some that went hilariously wrong), their music career in Japan, and what life is like as mothers navigating the challenges of raising children in today's social media age.This is more than just nostalgia - it's an honest, raw conversation about fame, family, bullying, resilience, and the reality behind being icons of 90s children's television.

Today on Ask Bigger with Simon Hood, we sit down with the legendary Dave Benson Phillips, the man who shaped an entire generation of children’s TV.From Playdays to Get Your Own Back, magic tricks to panto, and the banned teddy-bear episode the BBC never re-aired. This is the most honest, funny and emotional interview Dave has ever done.If you grew up in the 90s, this episode is pure time travel.Dave reveals:• His upbringing, family story and early challenges• Learning magic, performing and children’s entertainment from scratch• The truth about TV in the 90s - what viewers never saw• The creation of Get Your Own Back and how it broke the rules• The SECRET recipe for the gunge (…almost)• What actually happened in the episode the BBC banned• Fame, fatherhood and how kids still recognise him today

Our first ever international episode takes us to the heart of New York City for a conversation you’ll never forget.In this special Ask Bigger edition, Simon Hood sits down with one of the most recognisable street performers on the planet - The Naked Cowboy. From how he first picked up the guitar in his underwear to why he’s spent decades performing in Times Square, this chat goes beyond the cowboy hat and boots.They talk about fame, freedom, politics, and the strange magic of becoming a global icon, including his outspoken views on Trump, Obama, Oasis, and the New York mayoral race.It’s funny, fiery, and completely unfiltered, exactly what Ask Bigger is all about.