Best Diane Walters Podcasts (2025)

1
What trends are shaping trust and safety programs in 2025? (feat. Peter Ryan and Ljubiša Velikić) 32:24

2d ago32:24

32:24

On this episode, we discuss trust and safety trends — including emerging challenges and opportunities — and how the evolution of technology is shaping CX leaders' priorities in 2025. Fraudulent activity, cyber attacks, data breaches and harmful user-generated content are on the rise. To combat these threats, robust trust and safety programs have be…

1
Dannii Minogue - ‘I hit low points where I thought: “I just can’t take this any more.” 58:33

4d ago58:33

58:33

In her most revealing interview to date, Dannii Minogue talks openly about the pressures of fame, the relentless comparisons with her sister, Kylie, and navigating a divorce that left her broke. It’s an extraordinary conversation with a woman who found fame as a 10-year-old in her native Australia. As a teenager Dannii, signed a record deal and act…

1
Julia Stiles - ‘I ran in the other direction from fame’ 55:26

11d ago55:26

55:26

For many of us who grew up in the the 90s, Julia Stiles was an integral part of our coming of age. Her portrayal of the clever, acerbic Kat in 10 Things I Hate About You was a radical reinvention of the blonde teenage female rom-com lead. Her roles in Save The Last Dance and Mona Lisa Smile spoke to our adolescent feminist awakenings and catapulted…

1
Embracing Change, AI, and Strategic Acquisitions in Finance With David Wood 50:16

12d ago50:16

50:16

David Wood is a seasoned financial services professional with nearly four decades of industry experience. He began his career in 1986, navigating early challenges like the 1987 market crash, which shaped his resilient approach to financial advising. Together with his firm, David has been empowering independent financial advisors through strategic s…

1
John Bishop - ‘I’ve always wanted someone to say: you’re good enough’ 56:44

18d ago56:44

56:44

John Bishop has been a hugely successful stand-up comedian for 25 years. Yet that wasn’t his first dream, which was to play football. We discuss his failure to do so professionally, his challenges at school, the working-class upbringing that shaped him and how comedy saved his marriage when he and his wife were at the ‘decree nisi stage’ of divorce…

1
Navigating Uncertainty With Life Insurance With Bobby Johnson and Joel Tabin 48:24

19d ago48:24

48:24

Bobby Johnson is an experienced general agent and sales and distribution executive in the financial services industry. He leads life insurance distribution strategies, focusing on expanding agent partnerships and enhancing customer experiences. Bobby's commitment to collaboration and innovation is evident in his active involvement in initiatives th…

1
Simon Cowell - ‘I often think: what gives me the right to judge people?’ 1:01:58

25d ago1:01:58

1:01:58

Simon Cowell has built an entertainment empire on his ability to say exactly what he thinks and an uncanny ability to judge the public mood. From launching Pop Idol in 2001, The X Factor in 2004 and the cultural behemoth Britain’s Got Talent in 2007, he has been at the helm of primetime around the world for over a quarter of a century. His TV shows…

1
State Policy, Privacy Laws, and Insurance Industry Wins With Leah Walters 46:46

26d ago46:46

46:46

Leah Walters is a state relations expert who leads legislative and regulatory advocacy efforts across all levels of state government. With over two decades of experience in state insurance advocacy, she has been instrumental in shaping policies that support the life insurance industry's mission to provide financial security to American families. Le…

1
Celeste Barber: the FUNNIEST woman on the internet 53:37

1M ago53:37

53:37

My guest today has been an integral part of my feminist awakening. Celeste Barber’s instagram posts - which parody the unattainable standards of the fashion and beauty industry - are both hilarious and revolutionary. Her work has helped a generation of women to feel better about their bodies - and made her a star in the process. (Plus she’s been bl…

1
How can crypto and fintech brands prevent fraud and maintain customer trust? (feat. Amanda Wick) 34:20

1M ago34:20

34:20

On this episode, we explore the threat landscape in crypto and fintech — and how companies can go beyond maintaining customer trust to turn confidence into a competitive advantage. With the advent of fintech and crypto platforms, financial services have become more accessible, efficient and transparent for customers. However, the combination of soc…

1
Empowering Women in Finance With Lindsey Lewis 53:39

1M ago53:39

53:39

Lindsey Lewis is a Chartered Financial Consultant and a Certified Financial Planner who champions the advancement of women in the financial industry through research, education, and advocacy. She leads various initiatives, encompassing podcasts, social media, and events fostering community and professional growth for women advisors. Recognized for …

1
Empowering Financial Voices With Erica McQuade 53:22

1M ago53:22

53:22

Erica McQuade is a government relations expert specializing in federal lobbying and advocacy. With a strong background in political advocacy, she actively engages in legislative initiatives that impact the financial services industry. Erica is a featured speaker at events like the NAIFA Women’s Financial Security Fly-In, where she empowers women fi…

1
Emma Dabiri - ‘We are still so obsessed with how we look’ 45:00

1M ago45:00

45:00

This episode of How To Fail was recorded in front of a live audience at Dublin’s Bord Gáis Energy theatre. Emma Dabiri is a broadcaster, historian, and bestselling author whose work delves into the complexities of identity, culture, and race through art history and current affairs. She's now written a number of books - culture shifting works which …

1
Sally Phillips - ‘I saw Colin Firth and thought - he’s mine!’ 52:20

2M ago52:20

52:20

This episode of How To Fail was recorded in front of a live audience at London’s Barbican Theatre. Sally Phillips has appeared in a string of the most influential and hilarious comedy series of all time - from Smack The Pony, Miranda, The Thick of It and Veep. Not forgetting, of course, her star turn as Bridget Jones’s best friend, Shazza, in the h…

1
Mae Martin - 'Everything I do is about proving those high school bullies wrong.' 53:01

2M ago53:01

53:01

Over on Failing with Friends this week, Mae Martin talks about self-care, how to stop pushing people away and we tackle a listener’s failure to be messy in their twenties. To hear Mae Martin's brilliant advice, join our community of subscribers: https://howtofail.supportingcast.fm/#content Canadian comedian, writer, producer and singer/songwriter M…

1
Jonathan Van Ness - 'I was one wrong thing away from losing everything' 50:13

2M ago50:13

50:13

Over on Failing with Friends this week, JVN and I get into relationship therapy and the perfect length of shorts on a man. To hear JVN tackling your failures, join our community of subscribers here: https://howtofail.supportingcast.fm/#content Jonathan Van Ness, one fifth of Netflix’s hit show Queer Eye, three-times New York Times bestseller, podca…

1
How To Date: BONUS EPISODE - Your dating questions answered… 41:49

2M ago41:49

41:49

For this bonus episode, Elizabeth and Mel open up the post bag to answer the burning questions YOU have when it comes to dating… And, let’s just say, we cover A LOT of ground. After you’ve listened, you can get all the resources and worksheets discussed at www.thepodclass.co.uk Mel and Elizabeth are on a mission to revolutionise the world of dating…

1
Sam Ryder - ‘Fame is like giving a dog a treat every single day. You get used to it.’ 56:13

2M ago56:13

56:13

Over on Failing with Friends - Sam Ryder talks about panic attacks, how to forgive, and (in a How To Fail first) why he likes to cut his toenails outdoors. To hear Sam tackling your failures join our community of subscribers here: https://howtofail.supportingcast.fm/#content Sam Ryder is a British singer-songwriter who started posting covers on Tik…

1
How To Date: The most important relationship you’ll ever have 59:48

2M ago59:48

59:48

For the final episode of How To Date (sob!) Mel and Elizabeth look at the most important relationships any of us can have in our lives: the one with ourselves. We unpack what this means in practical terms. How do we nurture a healthy sense of self-respect - and why can this sometimes feel so challenging? How can we ensure interdependence rather tha…

1
Is automation the key to more human, personalized experiences? (feat. Bal Mahal and David Wachs) 26:51

2M ago26:51

26:51

On this episode, we explore practical strategies for maintaining authentic customer connections and how, paradoxically, automation can make your experiences more human — not less. As brands scale, creating personalized customer experiences becomes increasingly challenging. Automation, when thoughtfully implemented, can create space for human team m…

1
Olivia Attwood - ‘It’s either vodka and a gay club until 5am, or hyperbaric oxygen’ 51:48

2M ago51:48

51:48

Olivia Attwood first appeared on our TV screens in 2017 as a contestant in the third series of Love Island, and instantly became a star due to her dry humour and gobby relatability. You might also know her as a regular panellist on Loose Women or from her hit documentaries for ITV. Last year, she launched her podcast, Olivia Attwood’s So Wrong It’s…

1
The Power of Grassroots Advocacy With Bianca Alonso Weiss 52:23

3M ago52:23

52:23

Bianca Alonso Weiss is the State Government Relations Director at NAIFA, overseeing advocacy efforts across all 50 state chapters. She specializes in bill tracking, analysis, and legislative outreach, ensuring that NAIFA members remain informed and engaged in shaping financial policies. Bianca also represents NAIFA at the National Council of Insura…

1
How To Date: How to cope with heartbreak and rejection 46:43

3M ago46:43

46:43

Elizabeth and Mel face one of the most challenging parts of dating: heartbreak and rejection. We are joined by life coach and author Michelle Elman who went through a devastating, public break-up after being notified via an Instagram DM that her fiance of 24-hours had been cheating on her. Michelle, Mel and Elizabeth explore the impact an experienc…

1
Elevate Your Insurance Practice With Stacy Norton and Jeremy Vidmar 49:32

3M ago49:32

49:32

Stacy Norton is a seasoned financial advisor specializing in retirement planning, insurance solutions, and wealth protection. With over 17 years of experience in the industry, she has built a strong reputation for helping clients navigate complex financial decisions with a personal, hands-on approach. Stacy is deeply involved in NAIFA, serving as N…

1
Erin Doherty - ‘Lean Into Your Truth’ 48:41

3M ago48:41

48:41

To hear more of Erin offering advice on listener failures, join our community of subscribers here: https://howtofail.supportingcast.fm/#content Erin Doherty’s big break came playing Princess Anne in The Crown. She’s now back on our screens as Mary Carr, the leader of a real-life Victorian female crime gang, in A Thousand Blows (written by Peaky Bli…

1
How To Date: Taking it to the next level 51:15

3M ago51:15

51:15

Things are going well… So Elizabeth and Mel are taking it to the next level where they are getting just that little bit more serious. In this episode, Mel and Elizabeth look at exclusivity and commitment and what it takes to build a strong foundation for a lasting relationship. Plus: how a partner’s past plays into your future together. After you’v…

1
Gugu Mbatha-Raw - ‘Have I ever worked with an awful co-star? Maybe one or two’ 49:02

3M ago49:02

49:02

Friendship advice: ‘Are you a radiator or a drain?’ To hear more from Gugu tackling your failures join our community of subscribers here: https://howtofail.supportingcast.fm/#content Gugu Mbatha-Raw is an actor who firmly resists typecasting: her West End debut was as Ophelia in Hamlet; while on-screen she has tackled everything from Belle, to a vi…

1
How To Date: Red and Green Flags 59:04

3M ago59:04

59:04

Mel and Elizabeth look at the subtle (and not-so-subtle) signs that can help us understand whether a potential partner is right for us. That’s right, we’re exploring the red flags that should have us running for the hills, the green flags that signpost a healthy relationship and the amber or pink ones that lie somewhere in-between. We are joined by…

1
Kate Hudson - ‘Fame is a tumultuous machine’ 1:01:10

3M ago1:01:10

1:01:10

Kate Hudson’s comedic turn in How To Lose A Guy in 10 Days made that movie one of the greatest romantic comedies of the noughties, and her performances in everything from Bride Wars to Glass Onion have each been totally scene-stealing. This month, she stars in Running Point, a new Netflix comedy from Mindy Kaling, and she has just released her firs…

1
Is experience management the new customer experience? (feat. Ian Golding and Diane Magers) 37:14

3M ago37:14

37:14

On this episode, we explore whether it’s time for leaders to reframe their thinking from traditional customer experience to experience management. Although brands may understand that customer experience is essential to success, they often overlook the importance of other stakeholders. The term “experience management” goes beyond that interaction be…

1
How To Date: Communication - dating dos and don’ts 55:25

3M ago55:25

55:25

The first date has gone well for Elizabeth and Mel (the chemistry was sizzling, quite frankly) so now we turn our attention to the murky waters of early-stage communication in dating. Psychotherapist, author and podcaster Emma Reed-Turrell joins Elizabeth and Mel this week to break down how to communicate with clarity and kindness, without ever los…

1
Simon Callow: ‘Scottish reeling almost killed me.’ 44:12

3M ago44:12

44:12

Simon Callow is a critically acclaimed actor, director, author and star of classic movies such as Room with a View, Shakespeare in Love and Howards End. However, it’s his part as Gareth in Four Weddings and a Funeral that many took to their hearts. Callow’s failures include a childhood rejection that still haunts him, a play he directed which was s…

1
Navigating Political Issues in Finance With Diane Boyle 52:36

3M ago52:36

52:36

For over 30 years, Diane Boyle has been the Senior Vice President of Government Relations for NAIFA. Diane advocates for state, interstate, and federal laws that benefit the good of the people. She graduated from Louisiana State University with a degree in political science and government. In this episode… In a world where political dynamics consta…

1
How To Date: The first date 54:22

3M ago54:22

54:22

Mel and Elizabeth continue their dating journey and today, we’ve reached one of the most nerve-wracking, yet potentially thrilling, milestones: the first date. Our guest is the fabulous Ryan Lanji, cultural producer, winner of Netflix’s Big Flower Fight and all-round icon. Ryan joins us to break down everything from the lead-up to the date, how to …

1
Jessel Taank - ‘Real Housewives? It’s like Game of Thrones’ 53:58

4M ago53:58

53:58

Jessel Taank is the first South Asian housewife and the breakout star of her debut season of The Real Housewives of New York in 2023. In this episode we speak openly about the challenges of conceiving her twin sons through IVF and the misplaced shame she felt at not being able to have children naturally. Her failures include failing to overcome Ind…

1
Elevating Professional Growth in Financial Services With Doug Massey and Karen Easterling 46:50

4M ago46:50

46:50

Doug Massey has 40 years of experience in the financial industry, specializing in retirement planning and life insurance. A dedicated NAIFA member since 1987, he has served as president of his local association and NAIFA Texas. Doug actively participated in the IFAPAC committee and recently played a crucial role in NAIFA's stand against the Departm…

1
How To Date: How to meet someone 53:56

4M ago53:56

53:56

Elizabeth and Mel get into the exciting, terrifying and sometimes overwhelming world of how on earth to meet someone. We discuss online dating and IRL encounters and how to navigate it all without losing our self-esteem. Our guest this week is the brilliant Sharmaine Lovegrove, whom many of you might already know as one of the hosts of our previous…

1
Nick Grimshaw - 'I told The Guardian I was gay before I told my parents' 52:56

4M ago52:56

52:56

Broadcaster and author Nick Grimshaw joins Elizabeth to talk about failing his maths GCSE, failing his business and communications degree, his failure to be present, and failing at New Year’s resolutions. Have something to share of your own? I'd love to hear from you! Click here to get in touch: howtofailpod.com Production & Post Production Coordin…

1
Navigating Politics and Financial Services With Adam Solano 47:58

4M ago47:58

47:58

Adam Solano is a seasoned financial advisor with 32 years of industry experience. A member of NAIFA, he has served in numerous roles in NAIFA — including serving as President of NAIFA Chicago and Illinois — and is a recognized leader and mentor within the financial services community. Adam previously ran for public office, imparting a richer unders…

1
Introducing How To Date: Am I ready to date? 52:01

4M ago52:01

52:01

Elizabeth and Mel look at one of the most important yet daunting questions: “Am I ready to date?” Whether you’re returning to the dating world after divorce, heartbreak, loss or simply wondering if it’s the right time to put yourself out there, this episode explores what it really means to be ‘date ready’. After you’ve listened, you can get all the…

1
Dame Harriet Walter - ‘I wish I’d had all this attention when I was 40’ 55:42

4M ago55:42

55:42

Olivier and Emmy-award-winning Dame Harriet Walter must have acting in her blood: her uncle is the legendary horror star Christopher Lee, she turned down a place at Oxford in favour of drama school, and began her career at the Royal Shakespeare Company. On screen you’ll know her from Killing Eve, Ted Lasso, The Crown or as Lady Caroline in Successi…

1
The era of AI-driven personalization is here. What now? (feat. Mark Abraham and David Caudle) 31:47

4M ago31:47

31:47

On this episode, we discuss the evolution of personalization in the customer experience — and how brands can leverage AI to create personalized experiences at scale. According to TELUS Digital research, 62% of consumers would choose a more personalized experience over a faster experience. But despite the demand, the BCG Personalization Index indica…

1
The Reboot and Rebrand of Advisor Today 31:47

4M ago31:47

31:47

John D. Richardson is a financial planner who has been providing sound financial advice to his clients since 2005. His primary focus is to help people align their financial decisions with their values and truths to live enriching lives. As a Retirement Income Certified Professional and a Life and Annuities Certified Professional, John advises clien…

1
Sharon Horgan - ‘My marriage failed but it had such a positive impact on my life’ 48:43

4M ago48:43

48:43

Sharon Horgan is a writer, actor and director. She has an uncanny ability to craft complex, compelling and heartfelt characters who find comedy even in the darkest of situations: just like in her hit series Bad Sisters - which has won a Peabody Award and four Emmy nominations. You’ll also know her from the BAFTA-nominated show Pulling, plus starrin…

1
Stephen Merchant: ‘Most famous people are f**cked up’ 50:33

5M ago50:33

50:33

Actor, writer and director Stephen Merchant joins How To Fail this week and is reflective, fascinating and - yes - even funny. We talk about what he learned from Ricky Gervais when co-writing The Office, on feeling rattled turning 50 and how it’s hard to fail as a stand-up comedian (but he got over it). Have something to share of your own? I'd love…

1
Failure Throwback: Geena Davis 1:01:46

5M ago1:01:46

1:01:46

The final episode in our run of throwback episodes is the one and only Geena Davis - this one went out on 9th November 2022. This is what I wrote at the time: I am obsessed with today's guest and I'm not even going to pretend otherwise. Geena Davis, the star of such seminal movies as Tootsie, Beetlejuice, Thelma & Louise, A League of Their Own and …

1
Failure Throwback: Jamie Dornan 1:10:19

5M ago1:10:19

1:10:19

I’m revisiting some of my favourite episodes this Christmas. This week it’s Jamie Dornan, whose episode went out when we were in deepest, darkest lockdown, on 24th November 2020. This is what I wrote at the time: You’ll know Jamie from starring on our screens in The Fall, Fifty Shades of Grey, and more recently The Tourist. He joins me to talk abou…

1
Failure Throwback: Phoebe Waller-Bridge 1:01:57

5M ago1:01:57

1:01:57

I’ve hand-picked some of my favourite episodes of all time to revisit this Christmas, so today’s a very special one. Phoebe Waller-Bridge was my first EVER guest on this podcast when I launched in July 2018. A year after that, almost to the day, I welcomed her back to talk about how her life had changed in the interim [spoiler alert: she’d become a…

1
Navigating Financial Services in a Digital World With Ryan Pinney 42:45

5M ago42:45

42:45

Ryan Pinney is an insurance and financial services professional known for his innovative approach to leveraging technology to enhance client experiences. A past National Trustee and a respected figure in the industry, he is renowned for his contributions to tech integration within financial services and his dedication to serving his clients and the…

1
Sir Chris Hoy - ‘There’s no cure but I still find hope’ 57:32

5M ago57:32

57:32

It was an honour to record this episode. We overuse words such as ‘hero’ and ‘inspiration’ but Sir Chris Hoy is both. Not only is he one of Great Britain’s most successful Olympic athletes (during a record-breaking career as a sprint cyclist, he won six gold medals, one silver medal, and 11 world championships) but he’s currently living with a Stag…

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