In this powerful episode, I chat with Sam Flynn—digital wellbeing specialist and social media trainer—about how to use social media without it taking over your life.

We’re talking phone addiction, digital burnout, and what it really takes to create a healthier relationship with your devices (without throwing your phone in the sea).

If you’re always “on,” struggling to switch off, or just want more focus and calm in your day—this one's for you.

We Dive Into:

Why most of us spend over 4 hours a day on our phones

How apps are designed to keep you hooked

Easy wins for building healthier digital habits

Creating boundaries that protect your time and energy

Why workplace culture needs a digital detox too

Sam Flynn has spent nearly 16 years teaching people how to use social media effectively. These days, her work goes deeper—helping businesses and individuals build better digital boundaries and reduce the stress that comes with being always on. Her approach is practical, empowering, and just what we need in today’s tech-heavy world.

Key Discussion Points:

The real cost of our screen time (spoiler: it’s months of your life)

Dopamine, addiction, and the science behind app design

Digital presenteeism: why so many of us feel pressure to “check in” on holiday

Simple ways to reduce digital overwhelm

The one setting you can change today that will improve your focus instantly

Why conscious use of LinkedIn matters more than ever

Tips for setting boundaries clients actually respect

Key Takeaways:

Awareness is the first step—track your phone use and how it makes you feel

Boundaries are powerful—but only if you communicate them

Turning off notifications can reduce phone pickups by a third

You don’t need the LinkedIn app (or any app) to run a successful business

Use timers, app blockers, or Sam’s favourite tool Forest to stay off your phone

Replacing habits with something creative (like crochet!) works wonders

It’s not about rejecting tech—it’s about using it with intention

Guest Details:

Name: Sam Flynn

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samflynn/

Free Resource: 10 Steps to Reduce Your Phone Use

http://www.samflynn.co.uk

About the Guest:

Sam Flynn is a digital wellbeing advocate and seasoned social media trainer. She helps people rethink their relationship with technology—so they can work better, live more mindfully, and avoid digital burnout. Whether she’s running workshops or speaking on stages, Sam’s practical advice is helping individuals and businesses thrive in a tech-heavy world.

Watch the show on YouTube

Connect with Ashley on⁠ LinkedIn ⁠

My Website ⁠https://just.15mins.day

Connect with the show The Live & Linking Hub

Episode Title: Training That Hits Different – with Gill Brabner

Description What if workplace training didn’t just tell you what to do—but showed you what it looks like in real life?

In this episode, I’m joined by Gill Brabner, founder of Resound Training, forum theatre specialist, and passionate advocate for bringing more empathy, care, and action into the workplace.

Gill flips the script (literally) on leadership development—using real actors, real stories, and real conversations to help teams connect, grow, and lead better.

We dive into:

• How forum theatre works—and why it’s so powerful for business learning
  

• Why ‘talking about it’ isn’t enough (and what to do instead)
  

• How leaders can move from theory to action with compassion at the core
  

• Gill’s ECA model and how it’s reshaping workplace cultures
  

• The unexpected reactions she’s had from sceptical audiences
  

• Why drama can be a tool for clarity, not just performance
  

Why You Should Listen

• Discover a bold, creative way to train and develop your team
  

• Learn how empathy can be a practical leadership tool
  

• Get inspired to rethink how your business learns, grows, and leads
  

Connect with Gill 🔗 LinkedIn – linkedin.com/in/gillbrabner 🌐 Website – www.resoundtraining.co.uk 📥 Download the ECA model – resoundtraining.co.uk/eca

Connect with Ashley on LinkedIn

My Website ⁠https://just.15mins.day

Connect with the show The Live & Linking Hub

Free LinkedIn™️ Profile Review

I offer a free LinkedIn™️ profile review

It will give you some pointers to make your profile POP and more importantly help you stand out.

How it works

1 Sign up for my Monday Nudge

2 I'll do the review and send it to you as a short video

3 Every Monday you will get a nudge with 5 ideas for Content Creation

Why I do this

1 Help more people stand out on LinkedIn™️

2 It showcases my expertise

3 It helps me learn even more and gain more experience with creating video

Here's the link

https://just.15mins.day/f/free-profile-review

The Podcasting Advantage – with Deborah Blackman

Are you thinking about starting a podcast but don’t know where to begin?

Worried you need expensive gear or a big audience to make it work? Think again.

In this episode, I’m joined by Deborah Blackman—podcasting mentor, business strategist, and the woman some are calling “the Oprah of Podcasting.” We talk about how podcasting can grow your confidence, elevate your authority, and unlock real sales conversations—even if you’ve never hit record before.

We dive into:

• Why podcasting is the most human, trust-building form of marketing
  

• How Deborah turned trauma and introversion into her superpower on air
  

• What to do if you’re worried about tech, time, or talking on camera
  

• The smart way to use your podcast as a sales funnel (without being salesy)
  

• Why video podcasts are exploding—and how to get started today
  

• How one of Deborah’s students landed 30 guest appearances… at 80 years old!
  

Why You Should Listen Learn how to start a podcast with zero budget and maximum impact Discover how podcasting can help you stand out—even if you hate selling Get inspired to find your voice, tell your story, and grow your business with purpose

Connect with Debra

LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborah-blackman/ Email – db@v-sensually.com Website – v-sensually.com (coming soon)

Resources & Links Mentioned Book your free 30-minute podcast strategy session with Deborah – just email db@v-sensually.com and mention Live & Linking

You can view the full YouTube episode HERE

Connect with Ashley on LinkedIn

My Website ⁠https://just.15mins.day

Connect with the show The Live & Linking Hub

Free LinkedIn™️ Profile Review

I offer a free LinkedIn™️ profile review

It will give you some pointers to make your profile POP and more importantly help you stand out.

How it works

1 Sign up for my Monday Nudge

2 I'll do the review and send it to you as a short video

3 Every Monday you will get a nudge with 5 ideas for Content Creation

Why I do this

1 Help more people stand out on LinkedIn™️

2 It showcases my expertise

3 It helps me learn even more and gain more experience with creating video

Here's the link

https://just.15mins.day/f/free-profile-review

Wills, Bucket Lists and Big Conversations – Why Life Is Too Short to Wait

In this revealing live episode of Live and Linking, Ashley is joined by Jay-Anne Vogan, CEO of Life is Too Short, for a conversation that cuts through the noise.

They explore why we put off important decisions, how bucket lists can shake us out of autopilot, and what it really means to leave a legacy. It’s raw, real, and refreshingly honest.

Ashley and Jay-Anne first met at a BizFestSW networking event. Jay-Anne was in a skydive jumpsuit asking business owners one powerful question: “What’s number one on your bucket list?”

That spark led to this conversation about purpose, protection, and how to build a business that truly means something.

Jay-Anne Vogan – CEO and Founder of Life is Too Short, a purpose-driven legacy business helping people create meaningful plans around wills, trusts, and LPAs. With personal experience and high energy, Jay-Anne brings clarity to a topic most people avoid.

• Why so many people avoid writing a will
  

• The real-life stories that shaped Jay-Anne’s drive for legacy work
  

• Misconceptions about who needs a will or LPA
  

• The importance of planning for business owners
  

• How a will and LPA can be empowering, not depressing
  

• Creating a people-first, values-led business from scratch
  

• The community model behind Life is Too Short and how others can get involved

• Most people don’t have a will—not because they don’t need one, but because they don’t know how
  

• You don’t need to be rich, old, or a parent to need protection
  

• LPAs are critical for anyone running a business
  

• Legacy isn’t about death, it’s about intention
  

• There are new, more human ways to work in this space—and build a business doing it
  

Name: Jay-Anne Vogan

Email: jjdingwall@gmail.com

Phone: 07815 957348

Website: life-is-too-short.co.uk

LinkedIn: Jay-Anne Vogan

Instagram: @life_is_too_short_limited

Opportunities Webinar: life-is-too-short.co.uk/opportunities-webinar

Jay-Anne is the CEO and founder of Life is Too Short, a dynamic business created to shake up the outdated world of Wills, Trusts, and Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPA). A true multipreneur, she wears several hats—but her mission is clear: to empower people, especially women, to protect their futures, families, and legacies.

After years in male-dominated industries and facing serious personal and professional challenges, Jay-Anne turned a breaking point into a launchpad for something bigger. Now she’s simplifying complex legal planning and helping others become Will Writers—no legal experience required.

Jay-Anne believes most people think they’re the only ones without a Will. In truth, most people don’t have one. Why? Because it feels complicated, heavy, or something to sort “one day.” She and her team are changing that—making legacy planning a conversation of clarity, empowerment, and peace of mind.

Watch the show on YouTube

Connect with Ashley on⁠ LinkedIn ⁠

My Website ⁠https://just.15mins.day

Live & Linking #63 with Caroline Hobden

Accountex 2025: Why This Year’s Event is Bigger, Bolder, and Built for You

This week on Live and Linking, I’m joined by Caroline Hobden, Portfolio Director for Accountex, the world's biggest accountancy and finance exhibition. With just 16 days to go until Accountex London 2025, we explore what’s new, what’s exciting, and why this year’s event is set to be more valuable, vibrant, and visitor-focused than ever before.

From bucket-list-worthy prizes to a new way to experience seminars, Caroline shares why stepping away from your desk for a day (or two) might just be the best thing you do for your career this year.

No updates were shared from Jamie and Gavin about BizFestSW during this episode.

Caroline Hobden – Portfolio Director for Accountex, overseeing events in London, Manchester, Spain, and Toronto. Caroline is passionate about creating unforgettable experiences where finance professionals can learn, grow, and connect.

• Accountex London 2025 Highlights: What’s new, including headset-based seminar audio, a solo traveller lounge, masterclass stages, and a bigger wellness retreat.
  

• Golden Ticket Competition: Stay until the end of the day for a chance to win a trip to Toronto for Accountex Canada, including flights and hotel accommodation.
  

• Recordings Available: Every seminar will be recorded and shared exclusively with attendees after the event.
  

• Networking Opportunities: Why casual conversations can be the most powerful part of your visit.
  

• Exhibitor Tips: How to make the most of exhibiting, including preparation, engagement, and follow-up strategies.
  

• AccountEx Culture: Why the show feels different, with an incredible team and an infectious positive energy.
  

• Sustainability Efforts: New initiatives like tree planting for each attendee and a dedicated sustainability zone.
  

• Download the Accountex app and plan your visit in advance.
  

• Bring your own headphones to connect to live seminar audio.
  

• Stay until the end for a chance to win a trip to Canada!
  

• Step out of your comfort zone and speak to people you meet — unexpected opportunities are everywhere.
  

• Don't miss the social networking hubs like the LinkedIn Lounge (Stand 396) and Content Creation Clinic with Rachel Harris.
  

• Prioritise follow-up after the event if you are exhibiting or networking.
  

• Accountex is designed for you – come for fresh ideas, meaningful connections, and some fun along the way.
  

Accountex London 2025 is happening at the ExCeL Centre on 14–15 May – and it’s completely free to attend! Register for your free ticket now, download the app, bring your headphones, and get ready to experience the biggest and best accountancy event yet. See you there — and don’t forget to visit me at Stand 396!

Email: chobden@divcom.co.uk

LinkedIn:⁠ linkedin.com/in/caroline-hobden-62888519⁠

Website:⁠ accountex.co.uk

Watch the show on YouTube

Connect with Ashley on⁠ LinkedIn ⁠

My Website ⁠https://just.15mins.day

Live & Linking #61 with Stephen Solademi

KGB for SEO: The Simple Strategy to Boost Your Website”

In this episode of Live and Linking, Ashley is joined by SEO expert Stephen Solademi—aka Mr SOS—for a masterclass in online visibility. From SEO myths to platform pitfalls, Stephen breaks down the essentials every business owner needs to know to get found online.

Whether you're a DIY website warrior or ready to outsource, this one’s packed with practical advice, relatable analogies, and a 3-step strategy you won’t forget.

Ashley kicked off with highlights from his recent keynote at a brand-new show in Exeter, which was a hit! He teased more to come and gave a shoutout to Richard Edwards, next week’s guest, who’ll be diving into R&D tax for business owners.

Stephen Solademi (Mr SOS) – Founder of SOS Creativity and a true specialist in SEO and digital marketing. Known for helping brands become more visible, convert better, and grow through smart, strategic online presence.

• Why 96% of websites get zero traffic—and how to fix that
  

• The “BUILD” framework for SEO success
  

• Whether you really need a website if LinkedIn is your main platform
  

• The limits of DIY platforms like Wix and Squarespace
  

• Branding + SEO: why design and performance go hand in hand
  

• Paid ads: when they work and why they shouldn’t replace good foundations
  

• What most business websites are missing (hint: it’s CTAs)
  

• SEO starts with the basics—most people skip them.
  

• Use the KGB strategy:
  

• • K: Keywords – Know what your audience is searching for.
    

  • G: Great content – Create content that beats the top 3 search results.
    

  • B: Backlinks – Build authority by getting others to link to you.
    

• Your website platform matters—WordPress, Shopify, or Adobe Commerce are solid options for performance.
  

• A good call to action is essential on every page—especially “above the fold.”
  

• Focus your efforts where your audience spends their time, but don’t neglect the power of Google search.
  

Missed it live? Catch the full replay now to get clarity on SEO and what your website might be missing.

Join us next week for a chat with R&D tax specialist Richard Edwards—he’ll share how to keep more money in your business.

Connect with Stephen and take his FREE brand visibility assessment!

• Website: soscreativity.co.uk
  

• LinkedIn: Stephen Solademi
  

• Instagram: @stephensolademi
  

• Free Assessment: DM Stephen for “How Visible is Your Brand?”

Watch the show on YouTube

Connect with Ashley on⁠ LinkedIn ⁠

My Website ⁠https://just.15mins.day

Connect with the show The Live & Linking Hub