A Big Thank You 🙌

Hey everyone!
I hope you’re all doing well and making the most of this absolutely roasting weather we’ve been having here in the UK. It’s been a bit of a scorcher, hasn’t it? Hopefully, you’ve had a cracking weekend to recharge and get set for the week ahead.

Today, I just want to give a massive SHOUT OUT to two legends who have been a huge help to me over the last few years—especially with my creative work on blogs, podcasts, and all my slightly wacky online ideas. Not to mention, they’ve saved my bacon more than once with tech issues (bless ’em!).

So here’s me saying a big, heartfelt THANK YOU—and introducing you (again!) to Louis and David.

First up: Louis 🔴⚪

Now, I’ve mentioned Louis before in a blog, but let me just say—this guy is a star. A proper behind-the-scenes wizard who’s always there when I hit a tech wall.

Louis is, apparently, an Arsenal fan… or at least that’s what I like to tease him about. He’ll probably kill me for saying this, but deep down, I think he’s secretly proud of the red and white! 😄

We’ve never actually met in person, but we chat like modern-day pen pals—random messages, dodgy jokes, and a lot of laughs. Just the other day, he was helping me sort out something online and kept dropping some truly terrible dad jokes. Classic Louis.

Whenever I’ve needed help creating podcast thumbnails or doing some graphic bits and bobs, he’s there. Sometimes it all clicks perfectly, and other times… well, let’s just say we’ve had more tech chaos than we bargained for. The other night, for example, we were working on a new image for the Walk and Talk Suffolk group—nothing was going right, and at one point, I couldn’t even hear him! Turned out it was my speakers, not his mic. Typical, eh?

On top of that, there’s going to be an AI image of Louis and his dog coming soon. When I was struggling with anxiety a while back, Louis would send me pictures of his dog sleeping in the daftest positions—and honestly, they made me laugh when I really needed it. Even my partner now asks, “How’s Louis’ dog?” every time I mention him!

Next: The Legend, David 🎩✨

I call David a magician—and for good reason.

We first crossed paths either just before or during COVID, when we did a talk at a local centre in Bungay. We didn’t chat loads at first, but we kept in touch. Then one day, I asked if he could help redesign my website. I didn’t quite realise what an amazing job he would do!

David didn’t just make my website look sleek and professional—he also introduced me to some fantastic people, like Maho in Seattle (yes, that Seattle), who works at Microsoft and is building a social media scheduling tool called VocalCat. Thanks to David, I got to be part of the beta launch and I now use VocalCat to plan blogs, social posts, and podcasts. It’s been a game-changer.

He also helps me with my weekly newsletter (sign up if you haven’t already—there’s a pop-up!) and supports me over on Buy Me a Coffee. When I don’t understand something techy, he doesn’t just fix it—he explains it in a way that actually makes sense. That’s a rare skill, and I’m truly grateful for it.

Oh—and watch this space: David and I are co-writing a blog post soon. It’s about donuts, of all things. It’s going to be brilliant and probably hilarious, so keep an eye out.

Wrapping Up ❤️

So yeah, this blog is really just a massive thank you to Louis and David. You’ve both been incredible—through all the tech hiccups, creative chaos, and the random ideas I come up with. Your support has meant the world to me.

Also, a quick nod to Maho from VocalCat—thank you for letting me be part of something exciting and new.

David, I really hope our weekly calls and creative collabs continue—because I genuinely enjoy working with you.

And to everyone reading: if you’ve enjoyed this, don’t forget you can sign up to my newsletter. There’s a little pop-up on my website. It’s private, secure, and you can unsubscribe anytime—no stress.

Thanks so much for reading.
Have an amazing week ahead, and don’t forget to look after yourselves!

— John