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 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.

Ben Madden returns alongside co-host Ellis Malizi for another chaotic, sharply judged round of property industry bluffing, banter, and bizarre dream teams. From co-founding Zoopla top itching MJ’s mum as your agency MVP, this episode rings major silliness with just enough truth to hurt.What’s InsideThe biggest bluffs guests have pulled in their careersCornwall coastal bungalow guessing game (1980 prices, anyone?)Dream estate agency teams featuring celebrities, AI prodigies, and actual childrenFinal hot take: Will Arsenal win the Champions league?Bonus: Someone pretends to have a law degree...and actually does.This Episode’s GuestsEllis Malizi (Co-host): Studio Manager, Digital SparksLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elisard-malizi-465709181/ Mark Hinkins: Commercial Director at Rex SoftwareLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markhinkins/Sharron Kaur: Director, Golden Acre EstatesLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharron-kaur-b746b6120/Mal McCallion: Co-Founder, ModelPropLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/malmccallion/Joe Parker: Partner, Fine & Country Surrey HillsLinkedIn️: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jo-parker-ba442214/Hit That ButtonIf you’ve ever fibbed your way into a job, guessed a house price wildly wrong, or believe toddlers should be on the sales floor, give us a like, a follow, and share the syrup

🚀 Welcome to Series Two of Pass the Syrup! In this episode, we break down:✅ The TRUTH about Rightmove’s 2024 predictions✅ Why Boxing Day property launches might be a scam✅ The state of conveyancing & why it’s failing estate agents✅ How estate agents should actually be using social media⏰ **Timestamps:**0:00 – Welcome to Series Two!2:30 – Is Rightmove’s data reliable?4:15 – The Boxing Day Listings Scam8:30 – Conveyancing: Why It’s Broken12:50 – Self-Employed Agents: The Harsh Truth14:45 – Why Estate Agents Need Social Media20:00 – Best Advice If You’re Starting Out 💡 **SUBSCRIBE for more estate agency insights!**👉 [Your Subscription Link]🎙 **Listen to Pass the Syrup on Spotify & Apple Podcasts:** 🔗 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2xyNfK5pK2GzSJbulmFqfQ?si=cVpL4IqsRsWRWfoEVFwXxg📲 **Follow on Social Media:**Instagram: @ThatBenMaddenLinkedIn: Ben Madden | LinkedInAgentsMentioned in the Episode:🚀 James White – Belong Estate Agents → @BelongEstateAgents📢 Steve Green – Simply Green Estate Agents → @SimplyGreenEstateAgents🔥 Mia Evans – The Agency UK → @mia.evans.estate.agency

In today’s episode guests discuss the number of agents that still have no issue overvaluing homes, letting properties sit on the market for extended periods of time, and apparently, outright refusing to educate their clients on where correct pricing sits.     Guests also discuss the pressure being felt by landlords affected by higher interest rates, as well as the leasehold costs doubling scandal, which is forcing many to sell. Digging deeper into this issue, guests discuss who is the buyer of a property that offers such poor terms, with Ben sighting one case of a leasehold property in Middlesex, West London, charging £1,000 per month as a service charge with very little offered in return.     Finally, guests have a decent rant about would be buyers and their practices, and how most would be better served walking their local high street and registering with the best agents in town, dressed, of course, in their Sunday best.     Ben is joined by Adam Mackay of Mackay Property Group, Sharron Kaur of Golden Acre Estates & Enzo Giardina of Via Properties    Link to watch the video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/kYIeq2sHX_0    Follow Agents MVMT on Instagram  - https://www.instagram.com/agentsmvmt/ 

In today’s episode guests discuss the obscene terms asset managers are trying to force on agents via their contracts, with Neil Robinson questioning why any agent in their right mind would agree to such terms.  Guests also discuss a recent social post that had caused some confusion within the world of agency, specifically about where the law comes in, where the Ombudsman sits, and everything in between.  Finally, this episode sees a decent dose of current market ‘chat’ as well as some predictions about the Spring Budget, due to it having been filmed last week - in true agency style, nobody anticipated the underwhelming performance from Mr Hunt.  Ben is joined by Rowan Waller of College and County, Ed Taylor of Fine and Country & Neil Robinson of Neil Robinson Estate Agents    Link to watch the video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ZYnY-HDVTH0    Follow Agents MVMT on Instagram  - https://www.instagram.com/agentsmvmt/ 

In today’s episode guests discuss the extreme measures some people will go to gain a reduction on the price of the property they want to buy, with Jonathan Handford telling the story of a buyer that doctored a survey to the tune of £150,000, in a bid to gain a reduction on the purchase price.     Steph Walker raises questions over the future direction of agency fees in the UK, pointing to the recent lawsuit in the USA, relating to fees and buyer representation. What could the UK learn from the American model of operation, and where could we increase our fees.     Finally, Wendy Peterman discusses the lack of gratitude and respect, not just sweeping through agency, but it would seem society. The guests talk about their own experiences, and how best to handle, or perhaps how they would like to handle, some of the circumstances they have found themselves in.     Ben is joined by Jonathan Handford of Fine & Country, Wendy Peterman of Petermans & Steph Walker of The Agency UK    Link to watch the video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ZYnY-HDVTH0    Follow Agents MVMT on Instagram  - https://www.instagram.com/agentsmvmt/ 

In today’s episode guests discuss the varying degrees in quality of estate agency across the UK, compared with North America and Australia, as part of a wider conversation about coaching and training. The group has differing opinions on who agents could and should be listening to in order to learn, with some preferring home-grown talent and hearing from their peers, whilst others lean towards internationally recognised coaches such as Tom Ferry or Josh Phegan for their inspiration.     Guests also talk about the apparent relentless selling and pitching they experience on LinkedIn and just how poor the delivery is, and finally, the R word, which made its first appearance in the media for some time, last week. Does the recession, in its current form and at such a low level, bear worrying about?     Ben is joined by SJ Taylor from Preston Baker, Angi Cooney of C-Residential & Chris Buckler of The Estate Agency    Follow Agents MVMT on Instagram  - https://www.instagram.com/agentsmvmt/ 

In today’s episode guests discuss The Boys Club, a new men’s mental health initiative launching on Wednesday 21st February. It’s widely agreed that men struggle to discuss their own mental health, and this is very likely a key reason that over three quarters of all suicides are male, as well as being biggest killer of men under the age of 50 in the UK.   The Boys Club will meet online once a month, via zoom, allowing attendees to mask their identity, should they wish to, or present themselves in any way they would prefer. During the first meeting attendees will hear from Reece Maddick, an award-winning agent from West Yorkshire who suffered with his own mental health in 2023, and has agreed to discuss his journey, in a bid to help others.  Should you wish to take part in the inaugural meeting, please contact Ben directly and he will provide all details for attending. The meeting will take place at 7pm on 21st February, and is anticipated to last an hour.   The guests also discuss the importance of a quality recruitment process to attract the right candidate for your business, as well as understanding your existing team, in order to best support them and ensure their success.   Finally, the subject of digital media, and in particular, social media, are raised as areas with huge opportunity to win more business, as well as providing a fantastic platform learn the best agency practices in an ever-changing industry.   As always, stories are shared, and Chris Watkins make his regular appearance.  Ben is joined by Sophie Lang of Lang Llewellyn & Co and Alex Tan of Andrews