Shows
Beyond the Bar PodcastS4 E12: How a Divorce Lawyer Found Peace After Loss & 150+ Dave Matthews ConcertsWhat does it really take to hold it all together—career, motherhood, grief, and everything in between?In this powerful episode, Alison Leigh Epilone, partner at Mantel McDonough Riso, LLP, reveals the full story behind her legal success. From competitive horseback rider to trusted attorney in high-net-worth divorces, Alison shares how she found purpose after personal loss and strength in unexpected places.💼 Her transition from private practice to principal law clerk👩👧 The reality of raising twins while commuting between NYC and Long Island💔 Losing her brother to addiction and navigating grief as the “strong one”🎶 A lifelong obsession with Dave Matthews Band (150...2025-05-1437 min
philly has heARTJane Gallery feat. Alison MustokoffOn this week's episode, we have Alison Mustokoff, noted Philadelphia-based gallerist and artist.www.phillyhasheart.comwww.instagram.com/phillyhasheart// Show Notes:Boom: Art and Design in 1940s: https://philamuseum.org/calendar/exhibition/boom-art-design-1940sPhiladelphia Ballet Spring Festival at Red Rose Farm: https://philadelphiaballet.org/red-rose-farm/The Jane Gallery: https://www.instagram.com/thejanegallery/The Jane Gallery Schedule:Spring Awakening: Friday, April 25thJo Gamel Deep Pink : Friday, May 2ndQueer Night at the Batcave: Friday, June 6thAlex Spalding: https://www.aspaldingart.com/2025-04-2434 min
The More the Merrier with donna gtmtm 26 Jan 25 Guests: Director, Alison Duke, Oscar-nominated director Nebojša Slijepčević and a Review of Mike Leigh's Hard TruthIn this episode, I'm joined by director Alison Duke of Oya Media, who shares insights into her work on the documentary Bam Bam: The Sister Nancy Story. The film explores the life of reggae legend Sister Nancy and dives into the story behind her breakout hit, Bam Bam, the most-sampled reggae song in history.I’ll also talk about the powerful film Hard Truths, written and directed by Mike Leigh and starring Marianne Jean-Baptiste (Secrets and Lies) and Michelle Austin. The story follows two sisters living completely different lives, and I’ll explain why this one really reso...2025-01-281h 00
The Next Step Podcast with Alison SimmonsBuild It Anyway: Reflections of my 2024 Business & LifeWhat would you say to your "January 2024" self if you could go back in time? In this deeply personal episode, I share my reflections on the past year, both my triumphs and challenges, and why “Build It Anyway” is my mantra for 2025. You’ll hear about my journey from barely scraping by with two clients to achieving my dream of consistent $10K months, and why I ultimately decided to dismantle that business to pursue something even more aligned with my values and vision. Get ready to feel inspired, reflective, and motivated to tackle your own goals...2025-01-1420 minThe Next Step Podcast with Alison SimmonsThe Secret Sauce of Market Research: Listen, Learn, ActIn this episode, I explore the power of market research for business growth and connection. From a story about losing a magnetic eye lash on a Zoom call to a surprising call with the founder of the company, and a few eye-opening lessons in between, I show how understanding your audience on a deeper level can turn customers into raving fans. Curious about how the smallest frustrations can lead to the biggest opportunities? You won’t want to miss the actionable insights packed into this episode! Topics I Cover: Start with Understanding: Market re...2024-12-2119 min
Market Like a BossHow Alison Went From 2,500/month to 10K Months...in Just 6 Months with Alison SimmonsOn this week's episode, I’m joined by my client Alison Simmons to talk about how she went from $2,500/month to $10K months in less than six months. This isn’t your typical “overnight success” story—it’s about the intentional steps Alison took to create a thriving, profitable business. When Alison and I started working together, she knew she wanted more: higher-paying clients, work that truly lights her up, and the ability to serve at a higher level. What I love about Alison’s story is how she fully embraced the coaching process, leaning into her challe...2024-12-1746 min
Inspiring Women LeadersAlison Hutchinson CBE on Leadership, Purpose, and the Pennies Movement"Alison Hutchinson CBE is the CEO of Pennies, an award-winning fintech charity making digital giving easy and affordable for everyone who chooses to give as part of everyday life. Pennies could unlock £1Bn of incremental donations if every UK adult gave around 30p/week. She is also a Senior Independent Director at DFS plc, Yorkshire Building Society and Foresight Group Holdings Ltd. Alison was previously a Trustee of the Charities Aid Foundation, Non-Executive Director of Aviva Life Holdings UK and AIL (General & Health Insurance), subsidiary boards of Aviva Group plc, LV=, and of LMAX Exchange. In 2016, she was awarded a...2024-12-051h 01
Get JaschedEp 150 - How to navigate menopause with Alison AcerraSend us a textAlison Acerra is a registered dietician, nutrition coach, and menopause specialist, so she knows a little something about supporting yourself WITH help through the journey to menopause - which can take a decade with symptoms lasting for years beyond reaching menopause.This is an insightful, relatable, educational conversation where Alison shares so much of her wisdom, making it relevant for anyone who might be on their journey to menopause, as well as anyone who might be supporting someone on their journey!A listen for all, not just those who...2024-11-1741 minThe Next Step Podcast with Alison SimmonsUsing ChatGPT to Solve Real Business Problems and Save HoursToday, I'm introducing you to my new biz bestie - ChatGPT!! Now, if you’re like most entrepreneurs, you might think of ChatGPT as just another content tool. But let me tell you, friend, it’s so much more than that! In this episode, I share how I transformed ChatGPT from a little content-creation helper into a full-on business partner, making it my go-to for productivity, strategic planning, and even system building. Stick around, because by the end, you’ll see how ChatGPT could be your next team member in scaling your business. ...2024-11-1216 minThe Next Step Podcast with Alison SimmonsCreating a Business That Lasts: The Power of Stability with Michelle VroomShow Notes for Episode 34: Building Stability and Sustainable Success with Michelle Vroom In this episode of The Next Step Podcast, I chat with my business coach, Michelle Vroom, who opens up about her journey from corporate to entrepreneurship and what it truly takes to build a sustainable business. Michelle shares her experiences navigating financial pressures, balancing family dynamics, and achieving long-term stability without compromising her values. Her transparency in discussing her business model shifts, the importance of sustainable offers, and the lessons she learned about stability will resonate deeply with anyone who’s felt overwhelmed by the re...2024-10-2941 minThe Next Step Podcast with Alison SimmonsReigniting Your Passion: How the Right Business Manager Can Transform Your BusinessIn this episode of The Next Step Podcast, I’m reflecting on my recent conversation with Kris and Rebecca from C&D Tools. If you remember, in Ep 32: Beyond the Bottom Line: Unexpected Benefits of Hiring a Business Manager, they shared how hiring me as their business manager brought unexpected benefits. Today, I’m pulling back the curtain on why those results were so surprising, yet incredibly impactful. What I Cover: Faster-than-expected ROI: By tightening up their operations and tying off loose ends, Kris and Rebecca saw an immediate impact on their bottom line.2024-10-2209 minThe Next Step Podcast with Alison SimmonsBeyond the Bottom Line: Unexpected Benefits of Hiring a Business ManagerIn today’s special episode, we’re pulling back the curtain to give you an inside look at what it’s like to work with a business manager — from the perspective of my amazing clients, Kris and Rebecca of C&D Tools. You’ll get to hear their unfiltered take on how working with me has impacted their business, from navigating chaotic beginnings to achieving record-breaking growth. They’re sharing the good, the better, and the surprising benefits that made all the difference. One key moment? When Kris casually referred to me as their "boss," sparking a tra...2024-10-1522 min
Access Unmissable Full Audiobooks in Biography & Memoir, Arts & EntertainmentOut of Character: From Abigail’s Party to Gavin and Stacey, and everything in between by Alison SteadmanPlease visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/1/audiobook/728626 to listen full audiobooks. Title: Out of Character: From Abigail’s Party to Gavin and Stacey, and everything in between Author: Alison Steadman Narrator: Alison Steadman Format: Unabridged Audiobook Length: 10 hours 40 minutes Release date: October 10, 2024 Genres: Arts & Entertainment Publisher's Summary: A Waterstones Best Book of 2024 'Marriage to Mike Leigh, the minutiae of working on Gavin and Stacey: it's a tribute to her range that there's something here to interest everybody' Telegraph The first memoir from the national treasure, critically acclaimed actress and much-loved Gavin and Stacey star. Candice Marie in Nuts in May. Be...2024-10-1005 minThe Next Step Podcast with Alison Simmons4 Stages of a Healthy Successful BizHey guys! In this episode, I’m walking you through the four phases that are absolutely essential to building not just a successful business, but a healthy successful business that you can sustain long-term. I’m sharing insights from a personal story about a family road trip and how hiking the Grand Canyon revealed some truths about the entrepreneurial journey. If you’re finding that the excitement of growth has turned into exhaustion, this episode is a must-listen. Let’s talk about where you might be getting stuck and what needs to happen next! Topics...2024-10-0825 min
Ancestral Kitchen#93 - How to Make Confit, Rilettes and TerrinesToday we got to sit down again with Meredith Leigh, a butcher and author of The Ethical Meat Handbook, and ask her a lot of questions about Confit, Rilette and Terrines. Meredith has a course on these three items - including headcheese, by the way - a course which Alison and I both took, and made use of in our own kitchens, and we loved the tasty results so much we wanted to ask Meredith more and get her on the air so you could hear her talk about these incredible versatile and thrifty preparation and preservation methods of...2024-10-0851 min
Front RowAlison Moyet, Leigh Bowery exhibition, Adrian SuttonAlison Moyet joins us in the studio to talk about her career, from Yazoo to going solo and a new album.Fashion renegades of the 1980s via Leigh Bowery, Taboo and the Blitz nightclub, we take a look at a new exhibition with Pam Hogg and Sue Tilley.War Horse composer Adrian Sutton on going back to his classical roots with his latest composition, a violin concerto.Presenter: Samira Ahmed
Producer: Corinna Jones2024-10-0742 minThe Next Step Podcast with Alison SimmonsTurn Profit Into a Habit: Why You Need the Profit First System with Shannon SimmonsTurn Profit Into a Habit: Why You Need the Profit First System with Shannon Simmons In this episode of The Next Step Podcast, host Alison Leigh Simmons sits down with Shannon Simmons, a certified Profit First professional, to discuss a game-changing approach to managing business finances. Shannon shares her own journey with money mindset and dives into the practical steps of implementing the Profit First system. This interview offers a fresh perspective on paying yourself first as a business owner and setting up your business for long-term profitability. You won’t want to miss...2024-10-0133 min
Octothorpe119: Only One of Them Is My Bludgeoning Hand, JohnJohn is not assigning blame, Alison is someone, and Liz is bludgeoning.
An uncorrected transcript of this episode is available here. Please email your letters of comment to comment@octothorpecast.uk, join our Facebook group, and tag @OctothorpeCast (on X or on Mastodon or on Bluesky or on Instagram) when you post about the show on social media.
Content warnings this episode: Sexual assault (Neil Gaiman allegations, at 39:28 to 42:02).
Letters of comment
Niall Harrison
On our Hugo win/recusing
Andy on Mastodon
Chris Garcia
Meg MacDonald
Perianne Lurie
Renay
Sandra Bond’s poem
On in...2024-09-261h 02The Next Step Podcast with Alison SimmonsHow I Got to My First $10K Month (LIVE with my Coach)Welcome to another powerful episode of The Next Step Podcast! This week, I'm sharing an intimate and inspiring live interview I did with my business coach, Michelle Vroom, inside her Facebook group, Market Like a Boss. In this conversation, you'll hear how I went from making $2,500 per month to hitting $10,000 months, all while running my business on the road with my family. If you’re feeling stuck and frustrated, listen in to hear how I worked through those challenges and learned to create a sustainable, thriving business. Trust me, there's a pivotal moment where everything clicked for me—and it c...2024-09-2447 minThe Next Step Podcast with Alison SimmonsBe Your Own Boss BETTERHey friends! Welcome to Season 3 of The Next Step Podcast! I’m so excited to kick off this season with a topic that’s been on my heart: How can we be our own boss better? In this episode, I get real about the four key actions I took that helped me go from $2,500 a month to $10K without adding more clients. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed by the day-to-day grind in your business, trust me, you’ll want to tune in to hear how I made this shift. Plus, there’s a moment when I realized I’ve actually...2024-09-1717 minThe Next Step Podcast with Alison SimmonsSimplify and Thrive: Business Fundamentals for Lasting Success with Christine Campbell RapinIn this episode of The Next Step Podcast, I’m excited to introduce Christine Campbell Rapin, a business mentor, consultant, and owner of Clear Acceleration Incorporated. Christine believes that scalable growth doesn’t have to be complicated or require you to work 24/7. It’s all about having a clear business strategy and understanding the three non-negotiable foundations that fuel new client growth. Christine shares her journey from entrepreneur to mentor, revealing the secrets behind her success and the powerful strategies she uses to help businesses thrive. Topics We Cover: Simplifying Business Success...2024-09-0627 minThe Next Step Podcast with Alison SimmonsThe Power of Saying No: Unlocking Personal Freedom and JoyIn this episode of The Next Step Podcast, I sit down with Aarti Achar, also known as the Happiness Ninja. Aarti is a powerhouse in personal development and mindfulness, guiding ambitious, creative professionals toward sustainable happiness. This episode is packed with insights on how saying “no” can be a powerful tool for reclaiming your time and energy. Listen in to discover Aarti's unique approach to balancing the demands of life and work with personal happiness. Trust me, you won't want to miss the moment when Aarti shares her transformational “happiness game” it's a real eyeopener! 2024-07-1633 minThe Next Step Podcast with Alison SimmonsThe Power of Effective Messaging with Susan PrattIn this week’s episode, we have a fantastic conversation with Susan Pratt, a copywriter and messaging strategist. Susan shares her journey from writing newsletters for her local Girl Scout Council to becoming an expert in crafting messages that resonate deeply with target audiences. You won't want to miss Susan's insights on the critical role of messaging in business success and her valuable tips on how to create compelling content that attracts and converts clients. Topics We Cover: From Cookies to Copywriting: Susan Pratt shares her unique journey from working on the Girl Sco...2024-07-0935 min
Sentientism"Marx for Cats" - Leigh Claire La Berge - Sentientism 204Leigh Claire La Berge is Professor in City University of New York's English Department. Her work focuses on aesthetics and political economy. Her first book, "Scandals and Abstraction: Financial Fiction of the Long 1980s", tracked the convergences of finance, realism and postmodernism in literature and culture throughout the 1980s in the United States. Her second book, "Wages Against Artwork: Decommodified Labor and the Claims of Socially Engaged Art" explored the twin rise of new forms of socially engaged art alongside what she called "decommodified labor," or labor that is not recompensed. Along with Alison Shonkwiler, Leigh Claire is the c...2024-07-081h 16The Next Step Podcast with Alison SimmonsSelling the Truth with Humor and Humanity: A Conversation with Hersh RephunWelcome to another episode of The Next Step Podcast! Today, we have a special guest, Hersh Rephun, the "Message Therapist," who brings a unique blend of humor and humanity to branding and communication. In this episode, Hersh shares his mantra of "selling the truth with humor and humanity" and talks about the profound impact this approach has on personal branding. Hersh's shares how his background in comedy and advertising has shaped his career, and discover a significant moment where he discusses the myth of authenticity in branding—a truth bomb you won't want to miss. 2024-06-2526 minThe Next Step Podcast with Alison SimmonsMaking It Happen: Transform Your To-Do List with Jennie Mustafa-JulockIn this episode of The Next Step Podcast, I'm so excited to sit down with Jennie Mustafa-Julock, a powerhouse in the business coaching world. Alongside her partner Meredyth, Jennie has crafted a revolutionary approach to productivity that empowers entrepreneurs to zero in on what truly matters. Join us as Jennie shares her incredible journey from running a solo coaching practice to forming a dynamic partnership that perfectly aligns with her RV lifestyle and business goals. This episode is packed with actionable strategies to transform your overwhelming to-do lists into manageable, meaningful tasks that propel your success. 2024-06-1830 minThe Next Step Podcast with Alison SimmonsNavigating Your Brand with Monica ReynoldsIn this episode of The Next Step Podcast, I am thrilled to introduce Monica Reynolds, the creative mind behind Vox Pop Marketing and the architect of the Magnetic Marketing Roadmap. With 19 years of expertise, Monica isn’t just a brand strategist; she’s a brand navigator. Discover how she helps businesses create meaningful messaging and positioning that guarantees an authentic online presence. This episode is packed with insights that will help you transform your brand into a strategic compass for lasting success and scalability. Topics We Cover: Authenti...2024-06-0427 min
Talking D&TBalancing Theory and Practice: Exploring the Differences Between D&T and 3D Design at GCSE Level with Holly and HarkitSend me a message.In this episode of Talking D&T, I spoke with Holly Maxwell, a curriculum advisor for the Leigh Academy Trust, and Harkit Janagel, head of design and food at Strood Academy, about the differences between GCSE Design & Technology and GCSE 3D Design. We delved into the challenges teachers face when choosing between these qualifications and the reasons why some schools opt for 3D Design over D&T.Holly and Harkit shared their experiences and insights, discussing the emphasis on theoretical knowledge in the current D&T GCSE and how 3D Design...2024-06-0450 min