The James Briefel Podcast

Sam Cornforth is one of the funniest and most innovative creators on social media, often pulling tens of millions of views with his comedy videos. We got into everything from his approach to comedy, to what actually makes a great ad, to the moment he walked away from the 9 to 5 world and bet on himself.This one is packed with insight for anyone interested in monetising social media, including the mistakes he made when he almost sold all his image rights to a condom brand! Sam has mastered the art of being a fully grown man child on the internet, and is also one of the nicest creators in the space. 

This week I’m joined by actor and comedian Matt Bentley.Matt’s success online goes completely against what most people say you need to do to get views, yet his viral comedy videos prove to be the exception.We talked about his journey through drama school and acting, the dangers of chasing fame too young, and how success online has shaped his perspective.Matt’s take on authenticity in social media was genuinely refreshing. He creates for himself first, and if others enjoy it, that’s just a bonus. If you’ve ever felt stuck trying to follow trends or unsure how to stand out online, this episode will give you a fresh way to think about content and creativity.

How dropping out of uni led me to build a career in TV and the media industry.Welcome back to the pod! Thanks for bearing with me, I’m so so excited to get things up and running again. I’ve got some amazing guests lined up for the next few episodes, and I can’t wait to share them with you.In this episode, I’m giving some background on my career in media. From dropping out of uni to finding my way into TV, I’ll share the key moments that shaped my journey and led me to where I am today.

This week, I sat down with food creator Seema Pankhania, best known as @seemagetsbaked, with over 2 million followers on social media. She shares her journey from training at Gordon Ramsay’s Lucky Cat to becoming a presenter and writing her debut cookbook, Craveable.We talk about her rise as a food personality, her experience appearing on live TV, and the terrifying moment that nearly ended it all—when she fell off a literal cliff.If you're dreaming of a career in food, this is a must-listen. Seema offers honest insights, valuable lessons, and plenty of inspiration.I’m so proud of this episode and had the best time talking all things food with Seema.00:00:00 - Intro00:02:47 - Seema nearly died?!00:14:01 - Early food journey00:18:10 - Lucky Cat - Gordon Ramsey00:26:15 - Mob Kitchen00:30:25 - First content00:34:44 - Hitting 1M followers00:38:39 - Diversify00:39:30 - How long to get 1M followers00:42:07 - Making media your career00:43:28 - How to stand out00:45:33 - Tips to make better content00:47:26 - Doing Saturday Kitchen Live00:51:30 - Craveable01:01:03 - Fun Food Questions

In this first solo episode, I take a moment to step back and share the bigger picture behind this podcast—where it's headed, what you can expect, and why now feels like the right time for something new. I discuss the lessons I've learned from podcasting, building something from the ground up, and how those experiences have shaped my creative direction.I also dive into the reasons behind launching a brand-new interview series—what inspired the shift, what kinds of conversations I'm excited to have, and how this next chapter will expand on the work I want to do next. Whether you’re a fan of Pulp Kitchen or just finding this now, this episode sets the tone for what’s to come.Thank you for being here—your support means everything as this show continues to grow and take shape.

Singer Zak Abel joins the podcast to talk about his new music, getting signed to a record label at 17, and what it was like performing for King Charles. He shares his journey overcoming hearing loss, which nearly ended his music career, and gives practical tips for aspiring artists on how to stand out on social media, build a fanbase, and succeed in today’s music industry.Zak's latest single 'My Way' is out now!Instagram - @jamesbriefel @zakabel