► Tell us about you and your podcast
"The Small Business Cyber Security Guy Podcast," a UK-based cybersecurity show targeting small business owners. Our co-hosts bring exceptional credentials: Noel Bradford, with 40+ years in IT/cybersecurity including enterprise roles at Intel, Disney, and BBC, now serves as CIO for a boutique security-first MSP. His co-host Mauven MacLeod is an ex-government cybersecurity experience analyst who transitioned to private sector implementation.
What the podcast is about: We deliver practical, actionable cybersecurity advice specifically tailored for small businesses (5-50 employees) who need protection but lack dedicated IT resources or enterprise budgets.
Our approach combines enterprise-level knowledge with SMB budget constraints, offering realistic solutions rather than theoretical advice.
Our listeners: Primarily UK small and medium businesses across all sectors, plus international SMBs and security-conscious home users. Our audience needs cybersecurity guidance but faces limited budgets, time, and technical expertise. We also attract enterprise professionals who appreciate our hosts' background insights and practical implementation focus.
► Why & how did you start this podcast?
Why podcast: Both hosts recognized a massive gap in the market. Despite their elite backgrounds, they chose to focus on the underserved SMB market. Most cybersecurity content targets either complete beginners or enterprise environments, leaving a void for practical small business guidance that acknowledges real-world constraints. The Podcast is a logical extension of the established Blog that they have been running since mid 2024.
Personal listening habits: Both hosts are active podcast consumers themselves, particularly enjoying shows that combine expertise with accessibility. They were frustrated by the lack of quality content addressing the specific challenges of implementing enterprise-grade security concepts within SMB budgets.
Initial goals: Our primary motivation was helping small businesses survive and thrive digitally without breaking their budgets. We wanted to bridge the gap between threat reality and available resources, translating national security-level threat intelligence and enterprise-scale solutions into practical SMB implementations.
Timeline: The podcast launched in 2025, building on the hosts' growing recognition that their combined expertise uniquely positioned them to serve this underserved market. The preparation phase took approximately 3 months, developing the character guide, format structure, and content approach.
First episode production: It took about 2 weeks from initial concept to releasing the first episode. This included developing the host dynamic, and ensuring our content approach properly balanced entertainment with education. We continue to evolve the format and have added extra specialist hosts from the Host's network of professional contacts - some of which appear under "stage names" for contractual reasons. As for that matter, so does Mauven.
► How'd you find the time and funding to do this podcast?
Episode frequency: We release episodes weekly, with each taking approximately 4-6 hours to produce including preparation, recording, and post-production editing.
Balancing with day jobs: Both hosts maintain their primary professional roles. Noel's CIO position at a boutique security-first MSP actually enhances the podcast content, as he's actively implementing the solutions we discuss. Mauven's private sector cybersecurity work provides current threat intelligence and real-world implementation experience. We schedule recordings around their professional commitments and often record content in batches.
Funding approach: Currently self-funded through the hosts' professional income. Production costs are kept minimal: approximately £200-300 monthly covering hosting, basic editing software subscriptions, and occasional equipment upgrades. We prioritize content quality over expensive production values, focusing our budget on reliable audio equipment and hosting infrastructure.
Future monetization: We're exploring sponsorship opportunities with security vendors whose products we genuinely recommend and have tested in SMB environments, ensuring alignment with our audience's needs and budgets.
► What do you gain from podcasting?
Current revenue status: Not yet monetized through sponsorships, though we're receiving inquiries from security vendors interested in reaching our growing SMB audience. We have a strict quality gate and are not in a rush to shill for everyone that approaches us.
Target sponsorship approach: We're selective about potential sponsors, only considering products and services we've actually implemented or would recommend to our own clients. Our focus is on solutions that work within SMB budget constraints rather than enterprise-only offerings. Any sponsor or advertiser will not get any editorial input and the host refuses to do sponsor ad reads.
Professional benefits: The podcast significantly enhances both hosts' professional reputations, leading to consulting opportunities and speaking engagements. For Noel, it reinforces his MSP's thought leadership position. For Mauven, it provides a platform to share government-level threat intelligence with the business community.
Personal fulfilment: Both hosts genuinely enjoy helping small businesses navigate cybersecurity challenges. The podcast allows them to impact hundreds of businesses monthly rather than just their direct clients.
► How does your podcasting process look like?
Technical setup: We use professional-grade audio equipment including individual microphones for each host, audio interfaces, and dedicated recording space. Post-production involves standard editing software for noise reduction, level balancing, and seamless content flow.
Guest identification: Guests are selected based on their ability to provide practical value to SMB audiences. We prioritize implementers over theorists, focusing on professionals who understand budget constraints and can offer realistic solutions. Many guests come from our professional networks or audience recommendations.
Episode preparation: Our mystery envelope format requires minimal preparation for the receiving host, creating authentic reactions. The presenting host prepares thoroughly, ensuring topics are relevant, actionable, and suitable for our time constraints. We maintain detailed show notes and follow-up resources for listeners.
Recording method: All recording is done remotely via high-quality audio conferencing, allowing flexibility around the hosts' professional schedules. This approach has proven effective for maintaining consistent audio quality while accommodating geographic and schedule differences. We routinely record several episodes at the same time.
Content structure: Episodes follow a consistent format with clear introductions, detailed topic exploration, practical discussion, and actionable takeaways plus standard calls-to-action (subscribe, review, comment, visit blog).
► How do you market your show?
Listener acquisition sources: Primary discovery channels include Apple Podcasts, Spotify, direct website traffic, and social media referrals. We're seeing growing organic discovery through cybersecurity professional networks and small business communities.
Most effective marketing channels: LinkedIn professional networking has proven most valuable, leveraging both hosts' industry connections. We also maintain an active blog providing extended content and resources referenced in episodes. Professional speaking engagements and industry event participation drive significant listenership growth.
Content marketing: We repurpose podcast content into blog articles, social media posts, and professional articles for industry publications. This approach extends our reach while providing multiple content formats for different audience preferences.
Community building: Engaging directly with listeners through comments, email, and social media has created a growing community of small business owners who share our content and recommend us to peers.
► What advice would you share with aspiring (new) podcasters?
Content authenticity: Focus on genuine expertise and passion rather than trying to cover everything. Our success comes from addressing a specific underserved audience with authentic knowledge rather than attempting broad appeal.
Format innovation: Don't be afraid to experiment with unique formats. Our mystery envelope approach creates genuine spontaneity that audiences appreciate, differentiating us from standard interview-style shows.
Quality over quantity: Invest in good audio quality from the start, but don't let perfectionism prevent launching. We continuously improve our production values while maintaining consistent content delivery.
Audience understanding: Deeply understand your target audience's constraints and needs. Our success comes from acknowledging SMB budget realities while providing enterprise-quality solutions.
Consistency matters: Regular scheduling builds audience expectations and improves discoverability. Batch recording can help maintain consistency despite busy professional schedules.
► Where can we learn more about you & your podcasts?
Primary platforms:
Apple Podcasts & Youtube & Spotify: "The Small Business Cyber Security Guy"
Website: www.thesmallbusinesscybersecurityguy.co.uk
LinkedIn: Both hosts maintain active professional profiles sharing cybersecurity insights
Additional content:
Extended blog articles expanding on podcast topics
Downloadable resources for implementing discussed solutions
Email newsletter for subscribers wanting deeper engagement
Professional contacts:
Noel Bradford: Via LinkedIn
Mauven MacLeod: Via LinkedIn
Community engagement:
Active response to listener questions and comments
Regular updates on current cybersecurity threats relevant to small businesses
Speaking availability for industry events and professional organizations