What The Pluck?

Jamie Long & Harriet Thacker

This is What The Pluck? The podcast where we discuss life in the beauty industry, the highs, the lows and everything in between. So pour yourself a drink and get ready to have a giggle with us.

  1. THE 100th EPISODE  Ft: The Mamma Pluckers

    08/12/2025

    THE 100th EPISODE Ft: The Mamma Pluckers

    Send us a message It’s finally here, Pluckers… EPISODE 100. One hundred episodes of chaos, belly laughs, over-sharing, trauma dumps, beauty industry gossip, and you lot riding every wave with us, so for this milestone, we had to bring back the only guests iconic enough to handle it. The Mamma Pluckers are BACK. And this time… they’re in charge. We kick things off with The Mamma Plucker Hot Seat™, where our mums get full permission to grill us with zero rules, zero filter, and absolutely no mercy. Expect childhood chaos, embarrassing eras, beauty career confessions, and a few truths we probably weren’t ready to hear on record. Then we resurrect The Fashion Files, letting the mums react, roast and review our most “memorable” looks from industry events, award nights, and every outfit we’d hoped the internet had forgotten. And finally a wholesome moment (don’t get used to it) as the mums share what What The Pluck means to them & their favourite memories. This is pure celebration  full of love, laughter, draggings, nostalgia, and the most What The Pluck energy possible. Thank you for 100 episodes. Here’s to 100 more. 💖 Support the show As always if your loving our podcast please give us a 5-star rating and leave us a cheeky review. Also, be sure to give us a follow: 🎧Listen Here: https://linktr.ee/whatthepluck 👀 Watch Here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWZMNfVq2-YqUBAnB6t0_fA 📱Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@whatthepluck_ 📸 Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatthepluck_/ You can now also support & sponsor the podcast here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2064840/support Hosted by Jamie Long: https://www.instagram.com/_jamielong_/ Harriet Thacker: https://www.instagram.com/harriet__thacker/

    55 min
  2. Gatekeeping vs Oversharing: Is It Ruining Creativity?

    01/12/2025

    Gatekeeping vs Oversharing: Is It Ruining Creativity?

    Send us a message The beauty industry used to keep EVERYTHING a secret… Now it feels like everyone is sharing EVERY trick, technique, and treatment online - and the whole industry is starting to look the same. In today’s episode, we’re diving into one of the most controversial topics in beauty right now: Gatekeeping vs Oversharing. Is oversharing killing creativity? Is gatekeeping selfish or smart? Are clients and competitors expecting too much access to your work? And where’s the line between educating… and giving away the craft you worked so hard to build? We’re breaking down: ✨ How gatekeeping has evolved ✨ The pressure to constantly give free value ✨ Copying, competitors, and “same-service syndrome” ✨ The impact of TikTok tutorials on originality ✨ Why oversharing is exhausting — especially for educators ✨ When gatekeeping is actually GOOD for your business ✨ How to protect your creativity and keep your boundaries strong If you’ve ever felt guilty for not sharing everything… or frustrated because everyone is copying everything… this episode is going to HIT. Share what helps. Protect what’s yours. Your creativity deserves boundaries. See you next week for another episode of What The Pluck! 💖 Support the show As always if your loving our podcast please give us a 5-star rating and leave us a cheeky review. Also, be sure to give us a follow: 🎧Listen Here: https://linktr.ee/whatthepluck 👀 Watch Here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWZMNfVq2-YqUBAnB6t0_fA 📱Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@whatthepluck_ 📸 Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatthepluck_/ You can now also support & sponsor the podcast here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2064840/support Hosted by Jamie Long: https://www.instagram.com/_jamielong_/ Harriet Thacker: https://www.instagram.com/harriet__thacker/

    47 min
  3. New Year, New Treatments?

    24/11/2025

    New Year, New Treatments?

    Send us a message January hits the beauty industry different. The clients are broke, the treatments are broken, and everyone suddenly wants a “new year, new me” transformation… on a budget. In this episode, we’re diving into the truth about January in beauty — the trends that ALWAYS pop off, the red flags to avoid, and how to glide through the slow season without losing your mind (or slashing your prices). We’re talking: ✨ The January trend forecast — what clients will actually book ✨ Whether you should add new treatments or new boundaries ✨ How to attract the “new year, new me” crowd without selling your soul ✨ What to avoid in the quiet months ✨ Why slow season isn’t scary — it’s strategic If you want to start 2026 smarter, calmer, and with a January plan that actually works, this is the episode you need in your ears. New year, new energy. Same iconic Pluckers. Support the show As always if your loving our podcast please give us a 5-star rating and leave us a cheeky review. Also, be sure to give us a follow: 🎧Listen Here: https://linktr.ee/whatthepluck 👀 Watch Here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWZMNfVq2-YqUBAnB6t0_fA 📱Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@whatthepluck_ 📸 Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatthepluck_/ You can now also support & sponsor the podcast here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2064840/support Hosted by Jamie Long: https://www.instagram.com/_jamielong_/ Harriet Thacker: https://www.instagram.com/harriet__thacker/

    31 min
  4. When Passion Becomes Pressure

    17/11/2025

    When Passion Becomes Pressure

    Send us a message You started in beauty because you loved it — the creativity, the clients, the transformations, the buzz. But somewhere between the back-to-back appointments, the DMs, the perfection pressure, and the comparison trap… the joy got quieter. And the pressure got louder. In this episode, Jamie & Harriet dive into the moment your passion starts to feel like a problem — and what to do when the thing you once adored is now draining you. From burnout red flags, client pressure, social-media-fuelled expectations, and that guilt of “I should love this more”… we’re unpacking the very real emotional load behind working in beauty. Most importantly, we’re talking about how to get your spark back. How to reconnect with your why. How to evolve with your career instead of being crushed by it. And how to fall back in love with your craft — without losing your mind or your magic. If you’ve ever felt burnt out, overwhelmed, or guilty for not loving your job every second — this one’s for you. The industry needs you happy, not just busy. ❤️ 👇 Tell us your story: DM us or comment your own burnout moment or rediscovery. Support the show As always if your loving our podcast please give us a 5-star rating and leave us a cheeky review. Also, be sure to give us a follow: 🎧Listen Here: https://linktr.ee/whatthepluck 👀 Watch Here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWZMNfVq2-YqUBAnB6t0_fA 📱Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@whatthepluck_ 📸 Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatthepluck_/ You can now also support & sponsor the podcast here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2064840/support Hosted by Jamie Long: https://www.instagram.com/_jamielong_/ Harriet Thacker: https://www.instagram.com/harriet__thacker/

    49 min
  5. The Beauty Industry’s Villain Era

    10/11/2025

    The Beauty Industry’s Villain Era

    Send us a message It’s official, we’ve entered our villain era 💅 In this episode, Jamie and Harriet are unpacking the phrase that’s taken over the beauty world what does it actually mean to embrace your villain era as a salon owner, educator, or beauty pro? Is it about finally saying “no” to clients who drain your energy? Is it calling out industry nonsense without being branded “difficult”? Or are we just… done being people-pleasers? Expect honesty, humour, and a few spicy confessions as the WTP duo talk about: ✨ Setting boundaries without guilt ✨ Why confidence is often mistaken for arrogance ✨ How social media loves a villain story ✨ And why a little chaos might just be the key to your glow-up So grab your coffee (or cocktail), put on your metaphorical sunglasses, and step into your villain era with us, unapologetically. 🎟️ Grab your Plucker’s Christmas Do tickets – now 40% gone! → https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-pluckers-christmas-do-hosted-by-what-the-pluck-podcast-tickets-1777659660899?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl Support the show As always if your loving our podcast please give us a 5-star rating and leave us a cheeky review. Also, be sure to give us a follow: 🎧Listen Here: https://linktr.ee/whatthepluck 👀 Watch Here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWZMNfVq2-YqUBAnB6t0_fA 📱Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@whatthepluck_ 📸 Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatthepluck_/ You can now also support & sponsor the podcast here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2064840/support Hosted by Jamie Long: https://www.instagram.com/_jamielong_/ Harriet Thacker: https://www.instagram.com/harriet__thacker/

    38 min
  6. Level Up Your  Brow Game

    03/11/2025

    Level Up Your Brow Game

    Send us a message This week, we’re joined by the incredible Fiona, founder of Brow Game UK - the brow queen behind one of the UK’s most in-demand brands (and the artist trusted by celebs 👀). We dive into everything from building a beauty brand from scratch, staying confident in a competitive industry, and what it really takes to turn passion into a powerhouse business. Expect honesty, laughs, and a few “oh my god same” moments that every beauty pro will relate to. 💬 In this episode: •Fiona’s journey from brow artist to brand founder •Working with celebrity clients & staying grounded •The business side of beauty - what they don’t teach you •Balancing confidence, creativity, and chaos •Advice for anyone ready to grow their own beauty brand 🎧 Listen if you’re: A beauty pro, salon owner, or dreamer ready to level up - this one’s for you. 👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share - and follow us on Instagram for more beauty biz chaos: Support the show As always if your loving our podcast please give us a 5-star rating and leave us a cheeky review. Also, be sure to give us a follow: 🎧Listen Here: https://linktr.ee/whatthepluck 👀 Watch Here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWZMNfVq2-YqUBAnB6t0_fA 📱Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@whatthepluck_ 📸 Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatthepluck_/ You can now also support & sponsor the podcast here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2064840/support Hosted by Jamie Long: https://www.instagram.com/_jamielong_/ Harriet Thacker: https://www.instagram.com/harriet__thacker/

    39 min
  7. Christmas Chaos: Salon Survival Guide

    27/10/2025

    Christmas Chaos: Salon Survival Guide

    Send us a message It’s the most wonderful (and let’s be honest… chaotic) time of the year! In this festive episode, Jamie and Harriet dive into everything you need to survive and thrive during the Christmas rush. From prepping your salon and managing client madness to boosting retail sales, keeping team morale high, and making the most of Black Friday deals  we’re sharing all the tips to help you glide through December with your sanity (and profit margins) intact. Expect laughter, chaos, and some classic What The Pluck storytelling  including our best (and worst) festive salon moments. 🎁 In this episode: How to prep your salon and team for Christmas successTime management and burnout preventionMaximising profits with gift vouchers and retailBoosting morale when the mince pies start running lowThe truth about festive disasters (and how to avoid them next time)💬 Join the conversation: Tag us in your festive salon snaps and tell us your funniest Christmas chaos stories  we might just share them on the pod! 🎉 PLUS — We’re throwing a party! We’re celebrating What The Pluck’s 100th episode with our Pluckers Christmas Do  the ultimate festive night out for beauty pros and solo artists. 🎟️ https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-pluckers-christmas-do-hosted-by-what-the-pluck-podcast-tickets-1777659660899?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl Support the show As always if your loving our podcast please give us a 5-star rating and leave us a cheeky review. Also, be sure to give us a follow: 🎧Listen Here: https://linktr.ee/whatthepluck 👀 Watch Here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWZMNfVq2-YqUBAnB6t0_fA 📱Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@whatthepluck_ 📸 Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatthepluck_/ You can now also support & sponsor the podcast here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2064840/support Hosted by Jamie Long: https://www.instagram.com/_jamielong_/ Harriet Thacker: https://www.instagram.com/harriet__thacker/

    48 min
  8. The Power of a Good Booking System, with Booksy’s Elliot

    20/10/2025

    The Power of a Good Booking System, with Booksy’s Elliot

    Send us a message Let’s be honest - no one got into the beauty industry because they love admin 😅 But if you’re still juggling DMs, missed calls, and paper diaries, this episode might just change your life (and your stress levels). This week, Jamie and Harriet sit down with Elliot from Booksy to talk all things booking systems - and why getting organised behind the scenes can be the game-changer your business didn’t know it needed. From freeing up hours in your week to levelling up your client experience, we’re diving into how tech can actually give you your time back. Expect laughs, honesty, and real talk about the not-so-glam side of running a beauty business - plus Jamie’s top tips as a Booksy Ambassador for anyone thinking about switching or signing up. 💻 Wanna try Booksy? Get your first two months at a discount with Jamie’s link: https://tr.ee/gW15zYjPT1 🎄 Join us IRL! We’re celebrating our 100th episode with The Pluckers Christmas Do — a free festive night out for all the lone workers, salon stars, and beauty bosses who deserve a Christmas party of their own. Grab your ticket here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-pluckers-christmas-do-hosted-by-what-the-pluck-podcast-tickets-1777659660899?aff=oddtdtcreator 🎧 Listen now for the perfect mix of education, entertainment, and What The Pluck sass. Support the show As always if your loving our podcast please give us a 5-star rating and leave us a cheeky review. Also, be sure to give us a follow: 🎧Listen Here: https://linktr.ee/whatthepluck 👀 Watch Here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWZMNfVq2-YqUBAnB6t0_fA 📱Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@whatthepluck_ 📸 Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatthepluck_/ You can now also support & sponsor the podcast here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2064840/support Hosted by Jamie Long: https://www.instagram.com/_jamielong_/ Harriet Thacker: https://www.instagram.com/harriet__thacker/

    35 min

About

This is What The Pluck? The podcast where we discuss life in the beauty industry, the highs, the lows and everything in between. So pour yourself a drink and get ready to have a giggle with us.

You Might Also Like