Episodes
We're kickstarting series 4 with a resident take-over! In this opening episode Russ Morris meets Brett, a Radio Presenter at Gaydio and a Havenswood resident to hear his story of moving to Manchester from Shropshire, finding himself in the big city, and what eventually brought him to Simple Life. We chat about it all - from dogs, to arguments over wooden spoons and why Brett is a comfortable renter and doesn’t feel pressure to buy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit...
Published 04/05/24
Published 04/05/24
For our final episode of the series, we’re going to be tackling the important issue of homelesss-ness with partners Sid & Em from the incredible charity; Embassy. Manchester ranks third highest in the country for people experiencing homelessness, with one in 74 people experiencing being homeless during their lives. Together we will learn about how this charity is creating Embassy Village, offering vital support, and how Coldplay’s tour bus played a pivotal part in that journey. With...
Published 11/22/23
Decluttering can have life changing effects on your mental health and wellbeing, and there’s never been a better time to start your home organisation journey. In today’s episode Simple Life Chat host Russ Morris is going to show you not only get organized but STAY organised!  We’re recording on locatiopn in the Simple Life London show apartment at Elements, and we’re joined by Katie, the inspirational founder at dot. Together we explore the power of home organisation with our...
Published 11/07/23
Russ Morris is joined by Ben & Katrina for a special episode of the Simple Life Chat and our first resident takeover of Series 3. As we get to know our Simple Life newly-weds at the start of their new life together, we’re focusing on new ventures and adventures, and the challenges and opportunities that come with them. If you’re on the cusp of a life-change this is the episode for you, join us as we learn together how to turn the page to the Next Chapter.
Published 09/15/23
Interior design is a key ingredient in making house a home – it’s a lot more than following seasonal trends and popular colour schemes, our home environments have a serious impact on our productivity and all round wellbeing. For this episode, Simple Life Chat host Russ Morris is joined by our partners at LOFT interiors, who are specialists in creating homes that people truly want to live in and create aspirational living environments across all sectors, including of course, Build To Rent. We...
Published 07/31/23
At Simple Life, we’re on a mission to improve educational facilities for our communities and we believe there are a million ways to reach pupils. In today’s society, with a higher demand for self-awareness, developing outside of the classroom is of increasing importance. When it comes to delivering interactive and authentic experiences to young people, we know first- hand that opportunities provided by Non-profit organisations can have life-altering results. In this episode we hear from ESG...
Published 12/20/22
This week, we’re delving into the rental market around the capital, as we are joined on-location by some of the Simple Life London team. Recording within one of the showhomes at Beam Park, we discuss how renting has – and is – changing in London, as the needs of those living in the city fluctuate to new ways of working. From changing priorities, to the increase of Build to Rent as a viable renting option, London living isn’t just about the bright lights and high rises any more.
Published 09/23/22
The conversation around renting is – slowly – starting to shift, with people coming to see it as a viable alternative lifestyle option, not second class to owning a home. How Build to Rent providers speak to their customers is vital, showcasing not just the homes they provide, but everything that comes with having those four walls to surround you and your family. Today’s episode looks at Simple Life’s new strategy for communicating these key messages, developed with agency Mindfield, to...
Published 08/22/22
For those looking to rent – whether by choice or in response to the housing market – finding a home you can feel secure in, from a landlord you can trust, can feel impossible. But with the rise in Build to Rent providers giving more choice, there are businesses out there who are trying to make the search for a new home even easier, with verified views and one-stop-shops for quality listings. We speak with two such companies – HomeViews and Love To Rent – to hear how they are using their...
Published 08/17/22
Finding peace of mind at home comes from more than the lock on your door or the neighbourhood that surrounds you. Having the confidence of what to do in an emergency situation can be the difference in someone surviving – from knowing how to spot a heart attack, to quick actions to deal with choking. We’re honoured that this episode is led by representatives from St John Ambulance and the British Heart Foundation, who share their expertise so you’re armed to handle whatever may happen in your...
Published 05/24/22
A day in the life of the property team. We’re revealing the tips and tricks to help renters get the best out of their tenancy, right up until the end. From how to ensure you get your deposit back, to our team’s insights into the best rental property makeovers they’ve seen so far. Joined by Simple Life Build to Rent Team Leader James Hardern, and Property Inspector James Wren, these two have the insights into all things maintenance, keeping properties in good shape for residents, and how...
Published 03/18/22
It’s been a buzzword for many years now but sustainability remains fundamental and of real significance to the survival of the planet and human race, not to mention the businesses and lives we lead. But what does it mean in reality? What actions are we taking to actively create a lasting impact on the earth’s future? In this double-length episode, we’re joined by four key partners, discussing how collaboration, ambition, and bravery are all part of the journey towards ensuring the tomorrows...
Published 12/16/21
In 2020, Simple Life conducted an important piece of market research, the first of its kind, to delve into the rental market and find out who renters really are. From demographics, ages and lifestyles, to motivations to rent and aspirations for their homes, this research uncovered some of the hidden truths and misconceptions about the market. In this episode of The Simple Life Chat, hear from the Simple Life team and the research company about what this report has uncovered, and how it’s...
Published 10/19/21
It’s the little things that can make a real difference to bringing residents peace of mind when they rent a home. But it’s about more than just practical processes – giving back to customers is a key to Simple Life’s success, and in this episode hear from both a team member and a resident as also discuss the annual Peace of Mind Month competition, and how it makes a real difference to those who get involved.  
Published 09/01/21
Life throws up all sorts of challenges along the way, from the stresses of finding a new home, to anxiety around global issues. The way we approach, deal with, and accept these stresses can help turn every situation into a positive experience. This episode sees us chat with two experts in mindset and mental resilience – one of which rents from Simple Life - who walk us through tips and trips to cope with everything life brings.
Published 07/13/21
Hear from real Simple Life residents as we’re joined by Brittany, a 21-year-old renter from the Midlands, and Amber & Dan, a newly engaged couple renting a 3 bedroom home in Merseyside. There is no such thing as a typical renter, and every situation and circumstance is different that leads customers to choose Simple Life homes. From moving in together for the first time, professionals exploring a new location due to work, or families looking to put down roots, there’s a place to call home.
Published 06/16/21
The first episode speaks with three members of the Simple Life team, introducing listeners to who we are as a brand from the perspective of marketing, lettings and ongoing maintenance and management. When you hear the word ‘renting’, do you instantly think of dodgy landlords, mouldy walls and money down the drain? The market is changing, and through professional landlords like Simple Life customers can find dream homes with flexibility, security, and consistency.
Published 06/03/21