And we’re still telling men not to feel.

Something isn’t working.

And we need to talk about it.

In this solo episode of The Different Hats Podcast, I reflect on watching the manosphere and the growing influence of voices like Andrew Tate.

But this isn’t about calling anyone out.

It’s about asking a deeper question:

Are we helping men… or hurting them?

Because behind the “alpha” messaging…

there’s something else:

Pressure.

Disconnection.

And a version of success that looks strong on the outside…

but often feels empty within.

From my own experience, and hundreds of conversations through the podcast, I’ve seen a different truth:

The strongest men don’t do life alone.

They feel.

They speak.

They connect.

And maybe that’s where we need to start.

💭 KEY THEMES

⏱️ 00:00 – The rise of the manosphere & its impact on young men

⏱️ 01:15 – Toxic masculinity vs healthy masculinity

⏱️ 02:30 – Emotional suppression, loneliness & male suicide

⏱️ 04:00 – The illusion of “alpha” success

⏱️ 05:30 – Identity, belonging & fear

⏱️ 07:00 – Redefining success: connection, authenticity & relationships

⏱️ 08:30 – Why emotional literacy needs to start in schools

💡 A QUESTION FOR YOU

How do you define success?

Not what you’ve been told.

Not what you’ve seen online.

Take a moment. Write it down.

Then share it with someone… or drop it in the comments below.

Let’s start the conversation.

🎧 LISTEN TO MORE DIFFERENT HATS EPISODES:

👉 https://www.different-hats.co.uk/podcast

💡 If this episode resonated with you…

Please like, comment, and share.

Your support helps us change the narrative around success and mental health.

SPONSORED BY:

Rivervale – https://www.rivervale.co.uk

Brown Bear Studios – https://www.brownbearstudio.co.uk

Carpenter Box – https://www.carpenterbox.com

🎬 PRODUCED BY:

H2 Productions – https://h2productions.co.uk/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this powerful return conversation, Marc Convey joins me for part two of his Different Hats journey, and this one goes even deeper.

After our first conversation explored Marc’s extraordinary story of surviving a life-changing accident at 14, this episode focuses on what came next: leaving business behind, travelling in his van, writing his book, redefining success, and asking the deeper questions about identity, values, adversity, education, and what it really means to live from the inside out.

Marc shares why success now means being decent to himself and decent to others, how discovering his core values of connection and freedom changed everything, and why so many of us are living from the outside in. We explore what young people really need, why the education system is failing to prepare them for life, the role of community and mentorship, and how adversity can become a gift when we learn how to reframe our story.

This is a deeply thoughtful, human conversation about healing, self-awareness, purpose, burnout, contentment, and the power of connection.

If you’ve ever felt disconnected from yourself, questioned the path you’re on, or wondered what real success actually looks like, this episode is for you.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 – Introduction

02:20 – “Are you alright mate?” and the zone of contentment

03:38 – Marc’s definition of success now

07:17 – Leaving business, core values, and the power of freedom + connection

18:54 – Uncertainty, discomfort, and what young people really need

26:21 – Where to start when you’re in a dark place

36:34 – Isolation, mindset, and taking responsibility for your wellbeing

53:08 – The biggest lessons Marc has learned in recent years

58:06 – AI, community, and dropping pebbles in your own pond

1:16:04 – Are people living consciously or just drifting into life?

1:24:03 – The manosphere, role models, and what young men need most

1:32:40 – What Marc would change about education if he were Prime Minister

1:36:17 – What Marc would say to his 14-year-old self

1:38:15 – How to start reconnecting with yourself

1:39:47 – How Marc knows when he’s nearing burnout

Marc brings such wisdom, depth and honesty to this conversation, and I honestly think this is one of those episodes that will stay with people for a long time.

🎧 LISTEN TO MORE DIFFERENT HATS EPISODES:

👉 https://www.different-hats.co.uk/podcast

🔗 Connect with Marc Convey

Website: https://www.marcconvey.com/

Substack: https://substack.com/@makingamarc

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marc-convey/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_conv

💡 If this episode resonated with you, please like, share, and comment below. Your support helps us spread this important message and change the narrative around success and mental health.

SPONSORED BY:

Rivervale – https://www.rivervale.co.uk

Brown Bear Studios – https://www.brownbearstudio.co.uk

Carpenter Box – https://www.carpenterbox.com

🎬 PRODUCED BY:

H2 Productions – https://h2productions.co.uk/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this powerful episode of the Different Hats Podcast, I sit down with the brilliant Simon David Eden for a deeply moving conversation about childhood trauma, creativity, suicide, emotional expression, education, and the healing power of storytelling.

Simon shares his extraordinary journey growing up in Moulsecoomb, being expelled from school at 12, finding refuge in writing, drawing and music, and navigating the devastating loss of his brother to suicide. We also explore his upcoming exhibition Shadow Light: Songs My Brother Taught Me, a profoundly personal body of work exploring grief, brotherhood, masculinity, and emotional inheritance between men.

This conversation goes far beyond Simon’s creative career. It’s about what happens when boys and men are never given the language to express what they feel. It’s about the mentors who change our lives. It’s about why creativity matters. And it’s about the urgent need to create spaces where men feel safe enough to ask for help.

A truly honest, heartfelt and important conversation.

In this episode, we explore:

• How Simon defines success through love, integrity and hope
• Growing up in Moulsecoomb and the trauma that shaped him
• Being expelled from school and feeling failed by education
• How creativity became a lifeline
• The loss of Simon’s brother to suicide
• Why men often struggle to express what they feel
• How art and storytelling can help us process pain
• Why schools must nurture creativity and emotional literacy
• The hope behind Simon’s exhibition Shadow Light: Songs My Brother Taught Me

If this episode resonates with you, please share it with someone who might need it.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction

00:40 Reflecting on the You Alright Mate? gathering

02:09 What this conversation explores

04:20 “You alright, mate?” check-in

05:22 Simon’s definition of success

07:26 Success, integrity and living true to yourself

12:39 Why external success can feel hollow

13:33 Poverty, pain and choosing a different path

18:36 Growing up in Moulsecoomb

25:24 Abandonment, trauma and survival

31:23 Being expelled from school

37:48 Creativity as escape and expression

42:13 Why education often stifles creativity

49:14 The power of mentors and being truly seen

01:00:55 The purpose behind the exhibition

01:03:59 Can creativity help prevent suicide?

01:08:19 The gift of helping others

01:09:53 Processing grief then and now

01:13:59 Will the pain ever leave?

01:15:33 The message Simon hopes the exhibition leaves behind

01:19:50 Holding space, hope and the next hour

01:21:23 Depression, demons and getting through dark moments

01:26:10 Integrity, self-doubt and staying true

01:30:44 Following dreams despite the voices that doubt you

01::34 Final reflections on hope, suicide prevention and legacy

01:41:37 Storytelling card: legacy beyond career

01:43:19 Closing thoughts

🎧 LISTEN TO MORE DIFFERENT HATS EPISODES:

👉 https://www.different-hats.co.uk/podcast

🔗 Connect with Simon David Eden

Exhibition details: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/shadow-light-songs-my-brother-taught-me-tickets-1983767367598?aff=ebdsoporgprofile

Website: https://simondavideden.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-david-eden-83168817/

💡 If this episode resonated with you, please like, share, and comment below. Your support helps us spread this important message and change the narrative around success and mental health.

⚠️ Support note (please read)

This episode includes discussion of suicidal ideation, domestic abuse, addiction, and mental health crises.

If you’re in the UK & Ireland and you need someone right now:

• Samaritans (24/7): 116 123
• Text SHOUT to 85258 (UK, 24/7):
• If you or someone is in immediate danger, call 999.
• NHS guidance on urgent mental health help: CLICK HERE

SPONSORED BY:

Rivervale – https://www.rivervale.co.uk

Brown Bear Studios – https://www.brownbearstudio.co.uk

Carpenter Box – https://www.carpenterbox.com

🎬 PRODUCED BY:

H2 Productions – https://h2productions.co.uk/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this powerful episode of the Different Hats Podcast, I sit down with former headteacher, educator and English Channel swimmer Dr Hildi Mitchell to explore a big question:

If we could redesign the education system from scratch, what would it look like?

Drawing on decades of experience inside schools, Hildi shares why emotional literacy, safety, belonging and play are just as important as academic achievement, and why many children are currently being asked to fit into a system that wasn’t built for them.

We talk about SATs, neurodiversity, mental health, leadership in schools, and why true success should be measured by the impact we have on others, not just grades or results.

Hildi also shares the deeply personal story of supporting her daughter through school anxiety, and what swimming the English Channel taught her about resilience, humility and asking for help.

This is an important conversation for parents, teachers, school leaders and anyone who believes education needs to evolve.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction

02:15 What does success mean in education?

10:57 Are we starting formal education too early?

19:33 The mental health cost of the current school system

39:24 Supporting children who struggle with school

56:15 If we redesigned education from scratch

1:09:22 Teaching children they are enough

1:25:04 Advice for parents

1:36:02 Lessons from swimming the English Channel

🎧 LISTEN TO MORE DIFFERENT HATS EPISODES:

👉 https://www.different-hats.co.uk/podcast

🔗 Connect with Dr Hildi Mitchell

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmitchellswimsthechannel/

💡 If this episode resonated with you, please like, share, and comment below. Your support helps us spread this important message and change the narrative around success and mental health.

SPONSORED BY:

Rivervale – https://www.rivervale.co.uk

Brown Bear Studios – https://www.brownbearstudio.co.uk

Carpenter Box – https://www.carpenterbox.com

🎬 PRODUCED BY:

H2 Productions – https://h2productions.co.uk/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when strong men finally answer that question honestly?

In this game-changing episode, I sit down with Paul Jukes, leader of The Outta Puff Daddies, to explore masculinity, mental health, joy, community… and the power of simply asking:

You Alright Mate?

Paul shares his deeply personal story of living through a mental health crisis in 2018, despite a loving upbringing, strong friendships, and a seemingly “successful” life on the outside.

Daily physical pain.

Emotional isolation.

Breaking point on a family holiday.

And the moment that changed everything.

From that darkness came something extraordinary:

A brotherhood of men.

A dance crew that went viral.

A movement built on joy, humour, and emotional honesty.

And lives being saved through community.

We explore the big question:

Can movement, humour and community unlock conversations that traditional mental health messaging struggles to reach?

This is a conversation about redefining masculinity, not replacing strength, but widening it.

Not revolution.

Evolution.

And if you care about men’s mental health, fatherhood, purpose, identity or redefining success, this episode will stay with you.

⏱️ Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction

03:00 – Financial pressure, identity & letting go

07:30 – Modern masculinity: Evolution, not revolution

12:20 – Teaching emotional literacy to the next generation

15:10 – What is success (and does it change over time?)

21:30 – Identity, purpose & empty nest transitions

29:45 – Who was Paul before Outta Puff Daddies?

36:00 – The shoulder injury & silent mental decline

42:50 – Breaking point on holiday

45:50 – The power of finally talking

50:30 – The “glass of water” analogy (powerful moment)

55:00 – Why community is the real toolkit

1:02:00 – The man who said, “You saved my life.”

1:07:30 – Why joy is essential in men’s mental health

1:11:00 – The Outta Puff Daddies story & viral growth

1:20:00 – 40 million views… but what really matters

1:27:00 – Self-care, glimmers & finding joy

1:41:30 – If Paul were Prime Minister tomorrow…

1:45:30 – Final reflection: Can joy unlock the conversation?

🔥 Key Themes

• Masculinity redefined
• Vulnerability as strength
• Community as protection
• Emotional literacy in boys
• The danger of silent suffering
• Why “just talk” isn’t enough without safe spaces
• Movement as medicine
• Joy as a gateway to healing
• Purpose beyond performance

🎧 LISTEN TO MORE DIFFERENT HATS EPISODES:

👉 https://www.different-hats.co.uk/podcast

🔗 Connect with Paul Jukes

Website: https://www.outtapuffdaddys.co.uk/

Instagram: @outtapuffdaddies

TikTok: @outtapuffdaddies

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pauljukes/

💡 If this episode resonated with you, please like, share, and comment below.

Your support helps us spread this important message and change the narrative around success and mental health.

SPONSORED BY:

Rivervale – https://www.rivervale.co.uk

Brown Bear Studios – https://www.brownbearstudio.co.uk

Carpenter Box – https://www.carpenterbox.com

🎬 PRODUCED BY:

H2 Productions – https://h2productions.co.uk/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Different Hats Podcast, I sit down with founder and HERstory creator Stephanie Prior at a pivotal moment in her life, 33 weeks pregnant, scaling her business, and learning to let go of control.

But this isn’t just a conversation about pregnancy or entrepreneurship.

It’s about identity.

It’s about leadership.

It’s about redefining success beyond performance, perfection and proving yourself.

Stephanie opens up about:

• Growing up navigating identity, belonging and racism
• The turning point at 16 that reshaped her path
• From pageantry to public life, and what representation really means
• Building HERstory into one of Sussex’s leading women-in-business platforms
• The fear of losing control as a founder
• Delegation, leadership and commercialising her business
• Why success isn’t just money, it’s self-belief, gratitude and legacy

As Stephanie prepares for motherhood, she reflects on ambition, vulnerability and what it means to build something that doesn’t depend entirely on you.

This is a powerful case study in redefining success in real time.

⏱️ Chapters

00:00 – Introduction

02:24 – Delegation, leadership and commercialising the business

07:41 – Early career, mentorship and full-circle moments

14:09 – What does success really mean?

18:34 – Identity, school, and finding perspective

21:10 – The Gambia trip that changed everything

29:00 – Belonging, racism and confidence

36:45 – Pageantry and representation

44:22 – The origin of HERstory

49:48 – Creating space in business

1:03:29 – Entrepreneurship wasn’t the plan

1:13:19 – Pregnancy, control and fear

1:25:22 – Ambition, motherhood and the next chapter

1:30:36 – What she’d tell her younger self

🎧 LISTEN TO MORE DIFFERENT HATS EPISODES:

👉 https://www.different-hats.co.uk/podcast

🔗 Connect with Stephanie Prior

Website: https://prior-media.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/missstephanieprior/

LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-prior-67903b84

💡 If this episode resonated with you, please like, share, and comment below. Your support helps us spread this important message and change the narrative around success and mental health.

SPONSORED BY:

Rivervale – https://www.rivervale.co.uk

Brown Bear Studios – https://www.brownbearstudio.co.uk

Carpenter Box – https://www.carpenterbox.com

🎬 PRODUCED BY:

H2 Productions – https://h2productions.co.uk/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Laura shares her journey from a chaotic childhood, people-pleasing and toxic relationships, to homelessness and standing on the edge… and the tiny glimmers that helped her choose life, rebuild her identity, and create real freedom, not just money and “nice things,” but freedom of mind, presence, and self-worth.

This is a conversation about mental health, addiction, boundaries, self-love, emotional literacy, parenting, and hope, and why the most powerful success is the one you feel on the inside.

If you’re struggling right now, please hear this: nothing is permanent, and you don’t have to carry it alone.

⏱️ Chapters

00:00 – Introduction

02:16 – Check-in: Year of the Snake, shedding what no longer serves you

05:19 – Why we avoid silence (and how emotions move through the body)

07:40 – Therapy, stigma, and the generational shift around emotions

09:20 – School, control, and teaching kids emotional literacy

15:10 – Laura’s definition of success: freedom of mind & freedom of choice

19:30 – Choosing change (without needing to hit rock bottom)

28:50 – Laura’s childhood, adoption, “the naughty girl” identity & ADHD

34:57 – Breaking cycles: responsibility, boundaries, and saying “no”

39:08 – Presence, anxiety vs depression, and catching the old story returning

47:38 – Practical tools: mindfulness, journaling, EFT tapping

53:15 – Laura’s rock bottom: coercive control, debt, homelessness

01:01:07 – The moment that snapped: “This is your wake-up call”

01:05:52 – Hope, glimmers, and not knowing what beautiful future you might miss

01:15:43 – Patterns, addiction, compassion, and choosing better inputs

01:35:03 – Vulnerability vs oversharing (and asking permission)

01:41:23 – People-pleasing, self-abandonment, and new standards

01:44:10 – Storytelling card: staying emotionally present with loved ones

01:45:35 – Closing reflections + Laura’s free gift

🧠 Key themes you’ll take away

• “Uncomfortable emotions” don’t last forever — but avoidance keeps them alive
• Confidence isn’t loud… it’s self-trust
• Boundaries aren’t selfish — they’re self-respect
• Addiction often masks pain; healing requires compassion and accountability
• The future can hold what you can’t imagine — if you stay

🎁 Laura’s free gift

“The 9 Reasons Why You’re Not Getting Paid To Speak” (free download)

➡️ Email: hello@laurabeddoe.com

🔗 Connect with Laura Beddeo

Laura references her work through Soul Speaks, and supports clients with visibility, public speaking, mindset and transformation.

➡️ Add links here:

• Website: https://www.laurabeddoe.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laura_beddoe_coach.mentor/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-beddoe-collins/

🎧 LISTEN TO MORE DIFFERENT HATS EPISODES:

👉 https://www.different-hats.co.uk/podcast

💡 If this episode resonated with you, please like, share, and comment below. Your support helps us spread this important message and change the narrative around success and mental health.

⚠️ Support note (please read)

This episode includes discussion of suicidal ideation, domestic abuse, addiction, and mental health crises.

If you’re in the UK & Ireland and you need someone right now:

• Samaritans (24/7): 116 123
• Text SHOUT to 85258 (UK, 24/7):
• If you or someone is in immediate danger, call 999.
• NHS guidance on urgent mental health help: CLICK HERE

SPONSORED BY:

Rivervale – https://www.rivervale.co.uk

Brown Bear Studios – https://www.brownbearstudio.co.uk

Carpenter Box – https://www.carpenterbox.com

🎬 PRODUCED BY:

H2 Productions – https://h2productions.co.uk/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode goes far beyond high performance.

Charlotte shares candidly about:

• navigating burnout, anxiety, and periods of depression
• changing her relationship with alcohol
• learning to sit with discomfort rather than mask it
• balancing ambition, motherhood, identity, and self-worth
• and why choosing connection over being right can transform relationships

This is an honest conversation about:

✨ mental health

✨ parenting

✨ redefining success

✨ suicide prevention

✨ emotional resilience

✨ values, purpose, and presence

If you’ve ever felt pressure to “hold it together”, to perform, or to keep going when things feel heavy — this episode will land.

⏱️ CHAPTERS

00:00 – Introduction

02:30 – “Are you alright… really?” and showing up authentically

07:00 – Finding glimmers: joy, nature, sea swimming & presence

11:00 – Alcohol, identity & changing coping mechanisms

18:30 – Masking discomfort vs sitting with emotions

22:30 – Why confidence follows action (not the other way around)

27:00 – Anxiety, fear & reframing pressure as privilege

32:00 – Emotional literacy, parenting & allowing children to feel

39:00 – Guilt, self-care & choosing yourself without shame

45:00 – Identity beyond roles: parent, athlete, professional

52:00 – Success, money & redefining what “enough” really means

59:00 – Career pivots, purpose & living without regret

1:05:00 – Overwhelm, burnout & taking one small step at a time

1:12:00 – Depression, hope & why feelings always pass

1:18:00 – Suicide prevention: asking the hard questions

1:26:00 – Teaching kids emotional regulation & resilience

1:34:00 – Intrinsic vs extrinsic motivation

1:41:00 – Living in alignment with your values

1:56:00 – Advice to younger self

2:04:00 – Final question: choosing connection over being right

🎧 KEY TAKEAWAY

You don’t need to fix everything.

You don’t need to feel “on” all the time.

Sometimes, staying alive, staying present, and taking one small step is success.

🎧 LISTEN TO MORE DIFFERENT HATS EPISODES:

👉 https://www.different-hats.co.uk/podcast

🔗 Connect with Charlotte Ricca

Website: https://kindabrilliant.co.uk/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charlottericca/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlotte-ricca/

💡 If this episode resonated with you, please like, share, and comment below. Your support helps us spread this important message and change the narrative around success and mental health.

SPONSORED BY:

Rivervale – https://www.rivervale.co.uk

Brown Bear Studios – https://www.brownbearstudio.co.uk

Carpenter Box – https://www.carpenterbox.com

🎬 PRODUCED BY:

H2 Productions – https://h2productions.co.uk/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I didn’t realise it would change everything.

Recorded the day after my 47th birthday, this 18-minute solo episode reflects on the most transformative year of my life, not the easiest, not the most “successful,” but the most honest.

A year of silence.

Sobriety.

Relationships changing shape.

Asking for help.

And finally facing the question I’d spent years avoiding:

Why am I not enough?

In this episode, I share the lessons I learnt, the breakdowns, and the moments that rebuilt me.

We explore:

• Redefining success beyond money and status
• The Five Pillars of Success as lived experience
• Male mental health, vulnerability, and asking for help
• Sobriety, self-worth, and sitting with discomfort
• Why connection, not achievement, saved me

This episode marks a shift.

From building businesses to building a movement.

From push motivation to pull motivation.

From wearing many hats… to finally choosing the right one.

If you’re navigating change, feeling lost, or quietly struggling, this episode isn’t here to give you answers.

It’s here to give you permission.

Because sometimes the bravest thing you can say is:

"Help"

⏱️ CHAPTERS

00:00 – Introduction

01:45 – Stripping Life Back: Silence & Sobriety

03:20 – The Five Pillars of Success

05:40 – When Relationships Change Shape

07:50 – “Why Am I Not Enough?”

10:20 – When It Got Dark

12:40 – Asking for Help

14:30 – Clarity, Purpose & Letting Go

15:50 – From Business to Movement

17:00 – I Am Enough

🎧 MORE EPISODES:

👉 https://www.different-hats.co.uk/podcast

💡 If this resonated, please like, share, and comment, it helps spread this message and challenge how we define success.

SPONSORED BY:

Carpenter Box | Brown Bear Studios | Rivervale | Plus X

SPECIAL EPISODE PRODUCED BY:

Matt Cheney - Brown Bear Studios

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Neil has spent years questioning the systems we’re told to follow in education, work, entrepreneurship and culture, and asking a more human question instead:

“What am I uniquely designed to do?”

Together, Neil and I explore:

• Why success has become overly defined by money, status and productivity
• The hidden cost of ignoring curiosity, play and soft skills
• Why many people wait for crisis before changing their lives
• The role parents, schools and culture play in shaping identity
• Why self-awareness may be the most important skill of the future

This is not a conversation about hacks or shortcuts.

It’s about listening to your gut, working on yourself, and choosing alignment over approval.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re climbing the wrong ladder…

If you’ve questioned the systems you’ve inherited…

Or if you’re quietly asking “Is this really it?” .. this episode is for you.

⏱️ CHAPTERS

00:00 – Introduction

03:30 – Why we struggle to talk honestly (especially men)

10:45 – How culture hijacked our definition of success

18:40 – Purpose, play & being wired for something

30:15 – Education, neurodiversity & one-size-fits-all systems

42:10 – Soft skills, hiring & the future of work

55:30 – Childhood, curiosity & learning outside the system

1:10:45 – Entrepreneurship, risk & waiting for permission

1:28:20 – Parenting, autonomy & enabling potential

1:45:10 – Creating your own catalysts for change

2:02:30 – Letting go, evolution & redefining your role

2:18:40 – Final reflections: living true to yourself

🎧 LISTEN TO MORE DIFFERENT HATS EPISODES:

👉 https://www.different-hats.co.uk/podcast

🔗 Connect with Neil Witten

Website: https://www.pigsinflight.co.uk/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neilwitten/

💡 If this episode resonated with you, please like, share, and comment below.

Your support helps us change the narrative around success and mental health.

SPONSORED BY

Rivervale – https://www.rivervale.co.uk

Brown Bear Studios – https://www.brownbearstudio.co.uk

Carpenter Box – https://www.carpenterbox.com

🎙️ PRODUCED BY:

H2 Productions – https://h2productions.co.uk

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this deeply honest and moving episode of the Different Hats Podcast, I sit down with Matt Cheney, creative producer, storyteller, and someone who has quietly fought one of the hardest battles of all: the one inside his own head.

Matt opens up about late ADHD diagnosis, imposter syndrome, self-worth, burnout, grief, suicide attempts, and the masks many men wear just to survive. He shares how losing his father, his relationship, his career structure, his identity, and his sense of belonging brought him to rock bottom, and how a single moment, a run, and one unexpected email helped him choose to keep going.

This is not a story about “fixing yourself.”

It’s about learning how to live with yourself.

If you’ve ever:

• Felt like you weren’t enough

• Lived with a relentless inner critic

• Been successful on the outside but empty inside

• Struggled to accept love, compliments, or rest

• Wondered if it’s possible to keep going

This conversation will stay with you.

⏱️ Episode Chapters

00:00 – Introduction

01:21 – “You Alright Mate?” check-in

02:54 – Shiny objects vs investing in yourself

07:35 – Redefining success beyond money

12:30 – Loving your work… but hating yourself

16:13 – Creativity, kids & permission to try

22:14 – Childhood, belonging & emotional safety

28:51 – Rugby, leadership & fear of failure

32:58 – ADHD, masking & self-worth

40:20 – Parents, caregiving & inherited patterns

49:05 – Imposter syndrome & burnout

56:00 – Relationships, vulnerability & being seen

1:06:51 – Injury, grief & losing everything

1:18:42 – Suicide attempts & the pain beneath them

1:19:34 – The email that changed everything

1:28:56 – “You are the sky, everything else is weather”

1:35:50 – Learning to live with the inner critic

1:46:29 – Giving without needing anything back

1:53:29 – Silence, endurance & the meaning of “keep going”

2:08:20 – Advice for anyone feeling lost

2:12:27 – A life well lived

💬 Key Themes Explored

• ADHD & late diagnosis

• Imposter syndrome

• Masculinity & emotional literacy

• Suicide, grief & recovery

• Self-worth vs external success

• Receiving love & compliments

• Identity beyond achievement

• Why “keeping going” matters

🎧 LISTEN TO MORE DIFFERENT HATS EPISODES:

👉 https://www.different-hats.co.uk/podcast

🔗 Connect with Matt Cheney

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattcheney1/

💡 If this episode resonated with you, please like, share, and comment. Your support helps us change the narrative around success and mental health.

SPONSORED BY

Rivervale – https://www.rivervale.co.uk

Brown Bear Studios – https://www.brownbearstudio.co.uk

Carpenter Box – https://www.carpenterbox.com

🎙️ PRODUCED BY:

H2 Productions – https://h2productions.co.uk

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this deeply honest and moving episode, I sit down with Gavin O’Donoghue, who shares his journey living with stage 4 metastatic melanoma, the reality of a terminal diagnosis, and the mindset shifts that have helped him keep showing up with hope, humour and heart.

This is a powerful conversation about presence, fatherhood, friendship, legacy, and what success really means when the “big stuff” is stripped away.

If you or someone you love is navigating illness, grief, anxiety, or simply feeling overwhelmed by life, this episode is a reminder that connection, love, and meaning are the real measures of a life well lived.

Chapters

00:00:02 Introduction

00:00:47 Gavin’s honest answer: “Life is pretty tough right now”

00:08:12 Hope as a lifeline in dark moments

00:08:47 The power of presence + “the greatest Christmas ever”

00:09:58 Was Gavin always present, or did cancer change that?

00:10:36 Work, busyness, and the struggle to switch off

00:13:50 Society’s pressure, productivity, and the “success” trap

00:15:03 Gavin’s old definition of success vs. what it became

00:24:26 Leadership lessons: helping others win

00:26:34 Giving, reciprocity, and building a “personal board of directors”

00:36:07 Teaching kids success before crisis forces the lesson

00:37:56 What really matters at the end of life

00:44:35 Curiosity, learning, and taking control where you can

00:45:13 Mindset tools: breathwork, gratitude, and community support

00:54:38 Why vulnerability is strength (and isolation makes it harder)

00:57:04 “That’s what makes you rich” — relationships as real wealth

00:59:17 Men, friendship, banter, and why community matters

01:01:02 Creating legacy: recording stories for his boys

01:05:49 The balance between hope and realism

01:07:33 Why we avoid talking about death (and what we miss)

01:09:52 Gavin’s diagnosis story: from stage 2 to stage 4

01:25:16 How Gavin keeps going after setbacks

01:25:39 Purpose, therapy, goals, and finding reasons to keep moving

01:35:32 The Open qualifier: “my biggest f*** you to cancer”

01:39:13 The example he’s setting for his children

01:42:22 The “A-grade letter” exercise + “Go brave”

01:55:19 Paying it forward: Wolo, awareness, and impact

01:57:57 Biggest life lessons: love, honesty, vulnerability, meaning

02:13:14 Closing words + “Go brave”

🧠 Key themes in this episode

• Living with terminal cancer and staying human in it
• Hope vs. realism: holding both at the same time
• Presence, gratitude, and the small moments that become everything
• Friendship, banter, love, and why men need community
• Legacy: creating memories for your children while you still can
• Redefining success beyond money, status and achievement
• Gavin’s life tools: curiosity, journaling, breathwork, therapy, humour

👤 About Gavin O’Donoghue

Gavin is an executive search consultant with 20 years’ experience in financial markets. Since 2019 he has been living with melanoma, and following a stage 4 diagnosis, he has endured multiple treatments while continuing to show up for his family, his friends, and his purpose with honesty, humour and heart.

💬 Quote to sit with

“Success now is hugging my boys… being present… love… connection… the simple stuff.”

✅ If this episode resonated…

Please like, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs a bit of hope today.

And if you’re going through something right now send the text. Ask the question.

Those three words can matter more than we realise.

🎧 LISTEN TO MORE DIFFERENT HATS EPISODES:

👉 https://www.different-hats.co.uk/podcast

🔗 Connect with Gavin O’Donoghue

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/odonoghue.gavin/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gavin-o-donoghue-12ba5312/

💡 If this episode resonated with you, please like, share, and comment below. Your support helps us spread this important message and change the narrative around success and mental health.

SPONSORED BY:

Rivervale

Brown Bear Studios

Carpenter Box

PRODUCED BY: H2 Productions: https://h2productions.co.uk/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this powerful, reflective conversation, I sit down with culture-change consultant and “buddish” thinker Jon Barnes (Pala) to talk about rewilding organisations, autonomy, depression, silent retreats, parenting, Buddhism, phones, presence and what it really means to be human.

We explore how to move from command-and-control to self-managing, autonomous teams, how tiny experiments can transform culture, and why CEOs often save two days a week when they stop making every decision.

Jon also shares openly about his dangerous depression, how a 10-day silent retreat changed his relationship with his thoughts, the difference between having anger vs being angry, and why he now calls himself “buddish”.

This episode weaves perfectly into the You Alright Mate? mission and my Five Pillars of Success, especially Presence, Balance, Authenticity and Relationships and asks how we can equip both adults and kids to sit with their emotions in a world designed to distract us.

🔍 In this episode we explore:

• How Jon went from hierarchy to rewilding organisations and self-managed teams
• Why autonomy at work can save leaders days each week (and create happier teams)
• Simple culture shifts: meetings, decisions & information sharing as leverage points
• Parenting, failure and letting our kids do what lights them up
• Jon’s story of clinical depression, SSRIs and finding mindfulness
• What really happens on a 10-day silent meditation retreat
• Thoughts vs emotions – and learning to notice rather than be owned by them
• Phones, tech, attention & why boredom might be a superpower
• Being “buddish”: Buddhist psychology, compassion & reducing suffering
• “This too shall pass” as a life toolkit – for the highs and the lows

⏱️ CHAPTERS / TIMESTAMPS

00:00 – “You alright mate?” check-in & intro to Jon Barnes

06:15 – From traditional schooling to autonomy & a Costa Rica jungle school

15:30 – Discovering self-managed teams & a new kind of leadership

26:40 – What autonomy really looks like at work (and why CEOs gain 2 days a week)

36:20 – Culture change as small experiments & the power of atomic habits

45:05 – Rewilding organisations: the Knepp Estate metaphor & letting go of control

55:40 – Parenting, autonomy for kids & reframing failure as learning

1:05:30 – Meetings, decisions & information sharing as the heart of culture

1:15:00 – Hitting the wall: depression, burnout and calling in sick to life

1:27:30 – Inside a 10-day silent retreat: thoughts, emotions & the noisy mind

1:40:10 – Tech Monopolies, smartphones & the attention economy

1:50:20 – Teaching presence & emotional literacy to children

2:00:00 – Peak experiences, the lake moment & “this too shall pass”

2:10:10 – Being “buddish”: compassion, suffering & altered traits

2:22:50 – Top Table card question on boundaries & closing reflections

🎙️ ABOUT JON BARNES

Jon Barnes is a culture-change consultant, facilitator and co-founder of Pala, helping organisations move from rigid hierarchies to more autonomous, human-centred ways of working. His work draws on ideas from rewilding, permaculture, mindfulness and Buddhist psychology, and he’s the author of books including Tech Monopolies. Jon describes himself as “buddish” not religious, but deeply influenced by Buddhist thought and the practice of mindfulness.

🎧 LISTEN TO MORE DIFFERENT HATS EPISODES:

👉 https://www.different-hats.co.uk/podcast

🔗 Connect with Jon Barnes

Website: https://teampala.co.uk/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonbarnesdotme/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonbarnesdotme/

💡 If this episode resonated with you, please like, share, and comment below. Your support helps us spread this important message and change the narrative around success and mental health.

🤝 SPONSORED BY:

Rivervale – www.rivervale.co.uk

Brown Bear Studios – https://brownbearstudios.co.uk/

Carpenter Box – https://www.carpenterbox.com/

PRODUCED BY: H2 Productions – https://h2productions.co.uk/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bruce opens up about growing up between private school and state school, navigating complex family dynamics, searching for male role models, and the challenges young boys face today in a world of algorithms, screens and identity confusion. He explores how social media shapes validation, why kids are outsourcing self-worth to strangers online, and what parents must do to help them reconnect to real life, real people, and real values.

He also shares how a 3-month period of radical change, running ultramarathons, rowing the Channel, and transforming his nutrition, completely shifted his mindset and taught him how to back himself when everything felt impossible.

We dive into:

• Success: health, wealth, wisdom
• Masculinity: raising boys, male role models & blended families
• Mental health: resilience, identity & future self thinking
• Leadership: calm in crisis, inspiring change, seeing opportunity
• Risk: starting Evolve during Covid, hitting £70 in the bank, rebuilding
• Childhood: class, trauma, intuition, grounding and learning
• Technology: AI, humanity & why people will always matter
• Personal growth: redefining how you want your story to go

Bruce’s story is emotional, practical, honest and incredibly useful for anyone navigating business, fatherhood, mental health or big life transitions.

⏱️ CHAPTERS

00:00 – Introduction

03:17 – “You alright mate?” Bruce checks in

04:46 – Lessons from a tough year

06:54 – Success = health, wealth & wisdom

09:44 – Lifelong learning & curiosity

10:44 – Teenage Bruce: success, football & business

17:00 – Class, identity & bridging different worlds

20:42 – Male role models & blended families

24:32 – Masculinity & the Lost Boys

25:41 – Teens, rebellion & identity

31:31 – Social media & outsourcing validation

36:30 – Intrinsic vs extrinsic self-worth

41:04 – Early business exposure

46:04 – Sales, rejection & resilience

54:51 – Crisis, clarity & leadership

57:54 – What makes a true leader?

1:02:15 – Work Up & endurance challenges

1:07:51 – Nutrition & trusting his body

1:19:36 – Risk, money & resilience

1:23:03 – “There’s always another way”

1:31:03 – Building Evolve

1:35:49 – How we respond to life

1:47:00 – Future self vs current behaviour

2:00:40 – Advice to 16-year-old Bruce

🔗 CONNECT WITH BRUCE

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brucebignell

🎧 LISTEN TO MORE EPISODES:

👉 https://www.different-hats.co.uk/podcast

SPONSORED BY:

Brown Bear Audio 👉 https://brownbearstudios.co.uk/

Carpenter Box 👉 https://www.carpenterbox.com/

Rivervale 👉 rivervale.co.uk

Produced by: H2 Productions  www.h2productions.co.uk

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this powerful conversation, I sit down with entrepreneur and former RocketMill CEO Sam Garrity for a deep and emotional exploration of ambition, success, fear, leadership, culture, mental health and reinvention.

Sam shares how RocketMill grew from a Yellow Pages idea to a high-growth agency, built on people-first culture and relentless belief. He opens up about anxiety, panic attacks, childhood trauma and the fear of embarrassment that silently shaped his drive.

He reveals the benefits and the cost of being “all in”: the emotional load, the mental space it consumed, the presence he lost at home, and why selling the company brought grief and joy.

This episode dives into:

• Panic attacks, anxiety and the roots of self-belief

• The fierce drive behind RocketMill, and the application behind “All in” mentality

• Culture, leadership and why behaviours matter more than values on a wall

• The emotional reality of selling a company, the euphoria and the grief

• Rebuilding identity, relationships and purpose after the exit

• Breathwork, emotional release and healing old wounds

• Why pride, integrity and community now matter more than ever

It’s raw, human, inspiring and full of lessons for anyone chasing big goals, navigating change, or trying to understand what success really means.

🕒 CHAPTERS

0:00 – Introduction

5:13 – “You alright mate?” — honest check-in

7:28 – Redefining success through purpose

9:04 – Success evolving through childhood → adulthood

17:27 – Ambition vs purpose

19:09 – What really drives Sam

21:11 – Upbringing, instability & resilience

27:05 – Fear of failure & self-belief

31:12 – Embarrassment, failure & reframing it

42:26 – Early career: Express, Daily Mail & culture

55:36 – The birth of RocketMill

1:00:00 – Betting the farm & starting from nothing

1:02:07 – “Are we all in?” — the RocketMill mentality

1:07:32 – Sacrifice: being there but not present

1:12:32 – Advice to founders: be braver

1:13:59 – Pushing the boulder uphill

1:26:17 – COVID: guaranteeing 200 jobs

1:28:50 – People-first culture in action

1:30:17 – Selling the company — everyone wins

1:39:31 – Euphoria & grief after the sale

1:50:00 – Breathwork, emotion & healing

1:51:26 – Community, Samaritans & purpose

2:00:45 – Seek pride in everything you do

2:02:34 – Storytelling card

2:05:26 – Closing reflections

A profound conversation for founders, leaders, parents, creators, anyone striving to succeed while staying grounded, healthy and human.

🔗 SPONSORS

Brown Bear Audio – Elite podcast studio. 👉 https://brownbearstudios.co.uk/

Carpenter Box – Accountancy & advisory specialists. 👉 https://www.carpenterbox.com/

Rivervale – Making motoring manageable. 👉 rivervale.co.uk

Produced by: H2 Productions – h2productions.co.uk

🎧 LISTEN TO MORE DIFFERENT HATS EPISODES

👉 https://www.different-hats.co.uk/podcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when the “good guy” from Big Brother – the man who seemed confident, calm, and collected – finally removes the mask?

In the opening episode of Series 9, filmed at our incredible new home Brown Bear Studios, Jason Burrill sits down for his first ever deep mental-health interview, and it’s one of the most powerful conversations we’ve ever had.

Jason reveals the truth behind the success, the fame, the acting career, the public persona… and the hidden mental health battles he’s carried since childhood bullying at age 11.

For decades he lived behind an act, Batman on stage, Bond on film sets, Big Brother winner on TV, while secretly battling anxiety, PTSD, emotional shutdown, fear, avoidance, and a near-fatal mental health crash that left him planning to end his life.

In this raw, vulnerable conversation, Jason shares:

• How bullying shaped every part of his adult life
• Why he couldn’t walk into Tesco, but could walk into the Big Brother house
• How success became a mask, not a feeling
• His darkest moment… and the phone call that saved him
• Why men struggle to open up
• How we can change the narrative for our sons, friends, fathers and future generations

This episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in men’s mental health, resilience, trauma, identity, and redefining success beyond money, fame or status.

🎧 LISTEN TO MORE DIFFERENT HATS EPISODES:

👉 https://www.different-hats.co.uk/podcast

🔗 Connect with Jason Burrill

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasonburrill/

SPONSORED BY:

Brown Bear Studios - https://brownbearstudios.co.uk/

Carpenter Box - https://www.carpenterbox.com/

Rivervale – www.rivervale.co.uk

PRODUCED BY:

H2 Productions – https://h2productions.co.uk/

*If you’ve been affected by any of the topics in today’s episode, please reach out to local support services or find resources via Samaritans (UK) or equivalent helplines in your country.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From suicidal ideation to self-acceptance, childhood loss to creative rebirth, OCD to bipolar, miscarriage to motherhood, each story redefined success not as wealth or status, but as presence, purpose, and the courage to ask for help.

This finale brings together the highlights and trailers from Series 8 (Episodes 115–130).

💡 Key Lessons from Series 8

• Success is a feeling of alignment, not a finish line
• Asking for help is a gift, to yourself and others
• Autonomy, Mastery, and Purpose are the real drivers of fulfilment
• Emotional education matters as much as academic achievement
• From darkness can come light, connection, and meaning
• The real measure of success? Presence over perfection

🕒 CHAPTERS & GUESTS

00:00 — Daniel Wilsher (E115) 

01:24 — Joel Lawton (E116) 

02:43 — Simon Chuter (E117) 

04:27 — Sam Adams  (E118)

05:55 — Asis Patel (E119) 

07:13 — Howie McConnell (E120) 

09:04 — Ashley Usiskin (E121) 

11:14 — Abi Mellor (E122) 

12:36 — David Eakins (E123) 

14:25 — Oly Newton (E124)

15:07 — Jon Kennett (E125) 

16:53 — Max Marshall (E126) 

19:17 — Dr Carlos Saba (E127) 

21:59 — Sarah Willingham (E128) 

23:21 — Jonathan Lea (E129) 

25:03 — Matthew White (E130) 

🌱 Closing Reflection

From the depths of despair to the light of discovery, Series 8 reminded us that success isn’t measured by wealth or fame, but by how deeply we live and love. Every story, every voice, every moment shared helps shift the narrative, one honest conversation at a time.

If this series moved you, share this episode with someone who needs it.

And if you’re struggling, remember: asking for help is strength, not weakness.

🎧 LISTEN TO MORE DIFFERENT HATS EPISODES:

👉 www.different-hats.co.uk/podcast

🔗 SPONSORED BY:

Search Seven — www.searchseven.co.uk

Nostos Hove — www.nostos-hove.co.uk

Rivervale — www.rivervale.co.uk

Plus X — https://www.plusxinnovation.com/

🎬 PRODUCED BY: H2 Productions

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

He opens up about the physical and emotional battles of brain surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, and the profound lessons he’s learned along the way, about time, presence, gratitude, love, vulnerability, and what it really means to live.

Through his writing and advocacy, Matthew has become a voice for resilience and change, challenging stereotypes about masculinity, illness, and success. His words are raw, real, and profoundly moving.

“I’ve learned to disregard time. It doesn’t matter how long or short it is, it’s what you do with it that matters.” — Matthew White

Join Matthew and I was we explore themes of identity, perspective, vulnerability, fatherhood, curiosity, emotional literacy, and the courage to keep learning, no matter what life brings.

⏱️ CHAPTERS

00:00 – Introduction

05:30 – Redefining success and identity after illness

10:00 – Living authentically vs. living society’s narrative

15:00 – The importance of curiosity, learning, and participation

20:00 – Finding joy in the small things

25:30 – The seizure, the scan, and hearing the words “It’s cancer”

33:00 – Family resilience and being home for Christmas

39:00 – Controlling the controllables

42:30 – Balancing hope and realism

45:00 – Documenting his journey to help others

49:00 – Processing trauma and finding control through learning

56:00 – “Don’t give up — it will get better”

1:03:00 – Building emotional intelligence through psychotherapy

1:10:00 – Finding his voice again

1:17:00 – The power of asking for help

1:23:00 – Creating a cocoon of support and redefining vulnerability

1:30:00 – Lessons from his children

1:38:00 – Rethinking time and what really matters

1:45:00 – The evolved version of Matthew White

1:48:00 – Perspective: what really matters each day

1:50:00 – The biggest lesson of all: never stop learning

1:52:00 – Messages for his wife and children

1:55:00 – Living in hope and staying one step ahead

🎧 LISTEN TO MORE DIFFERENT HATS EPISODES

👉 https://www.different-hats.co.uk/podcast

🔗 Connect with Matthew White

Instagram: @livingwithabraintumour

💡 If this episode resonated with you, please like, share, and comment below.

Your support helps us spread this important message and change the narrative around success and mental health.

🎙️ SPONSORED BY

Search Seven – www.searchseven.co.uk

Nostos Hove – www.nostos-hove.co.uk

Rivervale – www.rivervale.co.uk

Plus X – https://www.plusxinnovation.com/

🎥 PRODUCED BY: H2 Productions – https://h2productions.co.uk/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this powerful episode, I sit down with Jonathan Lea solicitor, entrepreneur, and founder of The Jonathan Lea Network, for an honest conversation about courage, conviction, and authenticity.

Jonathan opens up about growing his law firm, navigating controversy, and standing firm on his beliefs during one of the most polarising times in modern history. We talk about free speech, the fear of speaking out, and why honest debate, even when uncomfortable, is essential for personal and societal growth.

From lessons in leadership and fatherhood to the rise of AI in law, this episode is a masterclass in integrity, presence, and redefining success.

🎯 Key Themes

• Redefining success through courage and authenticity
• Free speech, emotional intelligence & healthy debate
• The impact of COVID, censorship & social media
• Leadership, balance & presence in fatherhood
• The future of law and AI’s role in human creativity

⏱️ Chapters

00:00 Introduction

03:21 “How do you define success?” – career, family, campaigning

10:16 Success as a feeling vs. milestones; surviving a tough market

25:50 Should debate be taught in schools?

27:00 Pandemic years: campaigning, reputation, and staying civil online

33:48 Values vs. opinions: can relationships survive big differences?

38:13 “Freedom movement,” Tommy Robinson, and division

41:38 Immigration, patriotism, compassion & policy

50:41 Who benefits? Foreign policy, media narratives, and nuance

1:07:31 Why Jonathan spoke out during COVID

1:10:05 Censorship, protests, platform bans & media framing

1:20:36 Did speaking out hurt business? (what actually happened)

1:26:38 Leadership vs. being anodyne; standing for something

1:28:35 Lockdowns, collateral harms & vaccine passports

1:31:41 Can opposing truths coexist?

1:36:02 How to speak up safely (regulators, sources, IHRA, AI checks)

1:43:35 How his firm uses AI (ChatGPT & Gemini) across legal work

1:55:23 Will AI replace lawyers? Where humans still add value

1:59:48 The next 5 years: tech, team, and growth mindset

2:06:02 New fatherhood, balance & presence

“If you truly believe in what you’re saying, you have to be willing to stand by it — even when it’s uncomfortable. Authenticity isn’t about being loud, it’s about being honest.”

🎧 LISTEN TO MORE DIFFERENT HATS EPISODES:

👉 https://www.different-hats.co.uk/podcast

🔗 CONNECT WITH JONATHAN LEA:

Website: https://www.jonathanlea.net

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanlea/

🙌 SPONSORED BY:

Search Seven – www.searchseven.co.uk

Nostos Hove – www.nostos-hove.co.uk

Rivervale – www.rivervale.co.uk

Plus X – https://www.plusxinnovation.com

🎥 PRODUCED BY: H2 Productions

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sarah opens up about:

✨ Why she believes success is freedom, the ability to meander through life on your own terms.

✨ The heartbreaking loss of her soulmate during Covid and what he taught her about presence, happiness, and living fully.

✨ Her bold decision to take her four children out of school for three years to travel the world and why she calls it the best decision of her life.

✨ The challenges of entrepreneurship in hospitality, surviving Covid, and leading through tough times.

✨ Why she doesn’t believe in a career path but instead a life path building businesses and choices around lifestyle, values, and family.

✨ The lessons she’d tell her 20-year-old self (and why polishing basil leaves became her metaphor for life).

This raw and honest conversation shines a light on redefining success away from money, fame, or status, and instead towards balance, freedom, and presence.

If you’ve ever felt trapped by society’s blueprint for life, Sarah’s story will inspire you to carve your own path and embrace the beauty of just being.

⏱️ Chapters:

00:00 Defining success: freedom & presence

06:00 Curiosity, chaos & why Sarah loves variety

13:30 The flawed dictionary definition of success

17:00 Walking, nature & recalibrating from adrenaline

26:00 Diarising “nothing” & finding presence

28:30 Taking kids out of school to travel the world

39:00 Challenging the education system

53:00 Finding her “thing” in business

1:01:00 Entrepreneurship, resilience & the WHY

1:07:30 Surviving hospitality during Covid

1:10:30 Balance, chaos & polishing basil leaves

1:14:20 Advice to her 20-year-old self

1:17:00 What does a life well lived look like?

🎧 LISTEN TO MORE DIFFERENT HATS EPISODES:

👉 https://www.different-hats.co.uk/podcast

🔗 Connect with Sarah Willingham

Website: https://sarahwilligham.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahwillingham/

💡 If this episode resonated with you, please like, share, and comment below. Your support helps us spread this important message and change the narrative around success and mental health.

SPONSORED BY:

Preston Insurance: https://prestoninsurancebrokers.co.uk/ - Episode Sponsor

Search Seven www.searchseven.co.uk

Nostos Hove  www.nostos-hove.co.uk

Rivervale  www.rivervale.co.uk

Plus X https://www.plusxinnovation.com/

PRODUCED BY: H2 Productions: https://h2productions.co.uk/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this powerful episode of the Different Hats Podcast, I sit down with my good friend Dr. Carlos Saba, co-founder of The Happy Startup School. Carlos shares his journey from chasing external markers of success to redefining it as a feeling of alignment, acceptance, and agency.

We dive into:

• The evolving definition of success beyond money and milestones
• Emotional intelligence and why schools must nurture curiosity, not just grades
• Why shame, comparison, and old money stories hold us back
• The idea of “Happy Money” and how our stories around money shape our lives
• Midlife transitions, the “second mountain,” and asking Who am I becoming?
• How to create your own blueprint for life and stop living by outdated societal narratives

This conversation is packed with wisdom on presence, purpose, and emotional awareness, reminding us all that success is not about having more, but about being more.

⏱️ CHAPTERS

00:00 – Intro What is Happy Money?

06:02 – Redefining success as a feeling of alignment

07:31 – From black belts to diaries: chasing early success goals

12:45 – Why being still is so hard in today’s society

17:56 – Childhood, conditioning & the stories we inherit

21:27 – Is the school system broken? Emotional literacy & curiosity

26:27 – Parents, teachers & environments shaping emotional awareness

29:08 – Rage, shame & teaching children emotional intelligence

32:43 – Can we measure emotional intelligence like grades?

37:48 – The “Second Mountain” of purpose & contribution

42:45 – Finding your values and purpose vs. chasing titles

48:21 – Questioning the life blueprint: marriage, career & curiosity

53:14 – Compassion, forgiveness & letting go of “the one way”

55:41 – Feeling stuck? Where to start with transition

59:10 – The First Mountain vs. the Second Mountain

1:01:43 – Redefining money: Happy Money & financial stories

1:09:51 – Scarcity, shame & abundance

1:13:29 – What is happiness? Acceptance & agency

1:15:35 – Responsibility, awareness & self-compassion

1:18:31 – Life as an adventure, not a scoreboard

1:20:29 – Chaos, stories & infinite games

1:25:24 – Death, joy & making the game better

1:29:13 – Agency, acceptance & connection

1:30:13 – Summer camp, friendship & fulfillment

1:33:30 – The key midlife question: Who am I becoming?

1:36:02 – Closing tradition: Storytelling card reflection

🎧 LISTEN TO MORE DIFFERENT HATS EPISODES:

👉 https://www.different-hats.co.uk/podcast

🔗 Connect with Dr. Carlos Saba

Website: https://www.happystartupschool.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlossaba

💡 If this episode resonated with you, please like, share, and comment below. Your support helps us spread this important message and change the narrative around success and mental health.

SPONSORED BY:

Search Seven – www.searchseven.co.uk

Nostos Hove – www.nostos-hove.co.uk

Rivervale – www.rivervale.co.uk

Plus X – https://www.plusxinnovation.com/

PRODUCED BY: H2 Productions – https://h2productions.co.uk/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this inspiring conversation, I sit down with Max Marshall, a former teacher who left the classroom after 10 years to disrupt an outdated education system. Max now champions a vision for schools that prioritise emotional intelligence, resilience, and self-confidence over rote learning.

Together, we explore how redefining success for children could transform not just education, but the future mental health of our society. From Habits for Happiness to emotional tolerance, Max shares practical ideas for parents, teachers, and leaders and why teaching children to manage their emotions could ultimately save lives.

This is one of the most important and game-changing conversations I’ve had on the podcast to date.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Introduction – Fixing what schools miss

02:30 Max defines success: from popularity to fulfilment

07:00 The danger of external validation & social media

10:20 Teaching intrinsic success to children

15:00 Rethinking competition, failure & resilience

23:00 Why schools must change: outdated curriculum

27:30 The problem with SATs and measuring success

32:40 Emotional intelligence vs academic intelligence

40:00 What children really need to thrive in life

47:30 Pushback from schools & systemic barriers

55:00 Habits for Happiness – practical daily routines

1:05:00 Preparing children for secondary school & life

1:20:00 Choosing who you want to become

1:40:00 What success looks like for the next generation

1:52:00 Closing reflections & the Different Hats card

🎧 LISTEN TO MORE DIFFERENT HATS EPISODES:

👉 https://www.different-hats.co.uk/podcast

🔗 Connect with Max Marshall

Website: https://lifeeducationcoaching.co.uk/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifeeducationwithmax/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/max-marshall-life-education/

Follow Max here 👉 https://linktr.ee/maxmarshall.life.education

💡 If this episode resonated with you, please like, share, and comment below. Your support helps us spread this important message and change the narrative around success and mental health.

SPONSORED BY:

Search Seven: www.searchseven.co.uk

Nostos Hove:  www.nostos-hove.co.uk

Rivervale: www.rivervale.co.uk

Plus X https://www.plusxinnovation.com/

PRODUCED BY: H2 Productions: https://h2productions.co.uk/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this powerful episode, I sit down with Jon Kennett, agency director, family man, and someone who’s lived through the highs of ambition and the lows of loss.

Jon opens up about how his definition of success has shifted over the years from chasing houses, cars, and financial milestones, to focusing on happiness, health, and the relationships that matter most.

We dive deep into themes of presence, fulfilment, balance, and relationships from practical business lessons around leadership and networking, to raw, emotional conversations about mental health and suicide. Jon shares the heartbreaking stories of close friends he’s lost, the ripple effects on everyone left behind, and why breaking the stigma around these conversations is so important.

This episode is both deeply human and practical with lessons on leadership, resilience, and the everyday sparks of meaning that keep us going.

🔑 Key Themes

• Redefining what success really means
• Why fulfilment is about the journey, not the destination
• Building genuine relationships over transactions
• Lessons from Jon’s father and a childhood immersed in music & performance
• Mental health, suicide, and the ripple effect of loss
• Leadership, trust, and putting the right people in the right seats
• Family, presence, and the everyday sparks of meaning

⏱️ Chapters

00:00 – Opening & introductions

03:20 – Redefining success: from cars and houses to health, happiness, and family

12:15 – The pursuit vs. the destination: presence and fulfilment

20:40 – Networking done right: building relationships, not selling

31:00 – Growing up in music, confidence through performance, and lessons from his father

42:30 – Validation, highs & lows of the music industry

54:10 – Mental health, suicide, and losing a close friend

1:06:00 – The ripple effect: multiple friends lost to suicide and how it changed Jon’s outlook

1:24:00 – What needs to change: stigma, emotional education, and starting young

1:38:00 – Leadership lessons: building trust and putting the right people in the right seats

1:46:00 – Advice to a younger self

1:47:00 – Staying present as a father and leader

1:55:00 – Closing reflections: what sparks meaning in everyday life

🎧 LISTEN TO MORE DIFFERENT HATS EPISODES:

👉 https://www.different-hats.co.uk/podcast

🔗 Connect with Jon Kennett

LinkedIn: Jon Kennett

💡 If this episode resonated with you, please like, share, and comment below. Your support helps us spread this important message and change the narrative around success and mental health.

SPONSORED BY:

Search Seven – www.searchseven.co.uk

Nostos Hove – www.nostos-hove.co.uk

Rivervale – www.rivervale.co.uk

Plus X – https://www.plusxinnovation.com/

PRODUCED BY:

H2 Productions – https://h2productions.co.uk/

*If you’ve been affected by any of the topics in today’s episode, please reach out to local support services or find resources via Samaritans (UK) or equivalent helplines in your country.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this powerful conversation, Oly opens up about how OCD has shaped his life, how he learned to manage it, and why it doesn’t define him. We dive into his journey from rock bottom to leading meaningful change, the importance of being truly present, and why human connection remains the most powerful tool for wellbeing in the workplace.

This is an open, honest, and deeply human exploration of recovery, hope, resilience, and the courage to keep showing up, even when the lights feel off.

Chapters

00:00 —  Introduction

04:12 — Oly’s early years and the experiences that shaped him

10:05 — Hitting rock bottom: a turning point in his mental health journey

17:46 — The power of speaking out and breaking stigma

23:30 — Founding LightsOnXP: building a wellbeing platform shaped by lived experience

31:18 — Redefining success: from surviving to thriving

37:54 — Why human connection is the cornerstone of mental health in the workplace

45:22 — Navigating balance and avoiding burnout

52:16 — Authenticity and showing up as your whole self

58:04 — The role of presence in recovery and leadership

1:05:48 — Finding fulfilment in purpose-led work

1:12:09 — Relationships, trust, and creating a support network

1:19:33 — Practical steps for organisations to support mental health

1:27:15 — Living with OCD: challenges and coping strategies

1:35:42 — Lessons learned from lived experience

1:43:58 — Advice for anyone struggling with mental health right now

1:51:25 — Future plans for LightsOnXP and personal growth

1:59:50 — Closing reflections & Oly’s definition of success today

🎧 LISTEN TO MORE DIFFERENT HATS EPISODES:

👉 https://www.different-hats.co.uk/podcast

🔗 Connect with Oly Newton

Website: https://www.lightsonxp.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olynewton/

💡 If this episode resonated with you, please like, share, and comment below. Your support helps us spread this important message and change the narrative around success and mental health.

SPONSORED BY:

Search Seven — www.searchseven.co.uk

Nostos Hove — www.nostos-hove.co.uk

Rivervale — www.rivervale.co.uk

Plus X — https://www.plusxinnovation.com/

PRODUCED BY: H2 Productions — https://h2productions.co.uk/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

At 38, David Eakins was moments away from ending his life on a railway bridge. On the outside, everything looked perfect, a great career, loving family, and strong friendships. But inside, David was silently drowning.

In this deeply moving and honest conversation, David opens up about suicidal ideation, masculinity, shame, and his journey to healing. He reveals how a single question, “How are you, out of 10?” became the turning point that led him to therapy, vulnerability, and a new life of presence and purpose.

Now leading Talk Club Brighton & Hove, David is helping other men open up and find hope through connection and conversation.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone struggling with trauma, grief or depression, or anyone supporting someone who is, or anyone ready to redefine what strength really means.

⏱️ CHAPTERS

00:00 – “I climbed the railings of a bridge…” – David’s darkest moment

03:05 – The weight of suicidal ideation: “I didn’t want to end my life… I wanted to end the pain”

07:42 – The silent battle at work and feeling lost in plain sight

13:18 – Early life, childhood masking, and belief systems about manhood

19:50 – Marriage, family dynamics, and fear of being ‘found out’

27:05 – The life-changing impact of being asked: “How are you out of 10?”

34:40 – First steps into therapy and confronting buried trauma

41:12 – Creating safe spaces: the birth of Talk Club Brighton & Hove

48:30 – The power of community and emotional accountability

56:50 – Shame, masks, and the myth of the 'strong man'

1:05:15 – Male friendship, trust, and the art of showing up

1:13:42 – Parenting, presence, and breaking generational cycles

1:22:18 – When laughter is medicine: humour, humanity and healing

1:31:40 – Business, burnout and redefining leadership through empathy

1:40:55 – Mental health at work: what employers get wrong

1:49:30 – Living with intention and building a new definition of success

1:56:50 – David answers the 5 Pillars: Balance, Authenticity, Presence, Fulfilment, Relationships

2:04:00 – Final reflections: “Be brave enough to speak before it's too late”

🔗 Connect with David Eakins

Instagram: @davideakins

LinkedIn: David Eakins

Website: https://happysapien.co.uk/

🎧 LISTEN TO MORE DIFFERENT HATS EPISODES:

👉 https://www.different-hats.co.uk/podcast

💬 If this episode resonated, please like, share, and leave a comment. Your support helps spread this vital message and change the narrative around success and mental health.

SPONSORED BY:

Search Seven – www.searchseven.co.uk

Nostos Hove – www.nostos-hove.co.uk

Rivervale – www.rivervale.co.uk

Plus X – https://www.plusxinnovation.com

🎥 PRODUCED BY:

H2 Productions – https://h2productions.co.uk

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Abi opens up about her journey through motherhood, miscarriage, burnout, and business, sharing how she navigates these deeply personal experiences while leading impactful storytelling campaigns for global changemakers. We explore how her childhood shaped her, what she believes is broken in our education system, and how success for her is measured by love, presence, and purpose, not just performance.

We also talk about creating emotionally literate families, leadership with vulnerability, the importance of slowing down, and why honest storytelling matters more than ever in a distracted, digital world.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re failing at the impossible juggle, or wondered how to hold purpose and pressure at the same time, this one’s for you.

⏱️ CHAPTERS & TIME STAMPS

00:00 – Intro

02:48 – What does success mean to Abi today?

05:51 – Childhood, co-parenting & shaping values

11:30 – Creating MOREVER & purpose-led storytelling

18:44 – Miscarriage, motherhood & the emotional cost of ambition

26:20 – Vulnerability in leadership & business burnout

35:10 – Reframing failure & making space for slowness

40:22 – Phone addiction, presence & parenting in a digital world

47:38 – Changing the education system & raising emotionally intelligent kids

53:52 – Honest storytelling, holding space & creative leadership

58:46 – Being a working mum: guilt, balance & emotional weight

1:05:18 – Abi’s partner dynamic & redistributing roles at home

1:09:14 – The cost of burnout: body signals & seeking help

1:16:10 – Finding strength in slowing down & saying no

1:19:42 – Letting go of perfection & embracing emotional truth

1:24:00 – Navigating phone addiction and presence in parenting

1:29:32 – On grief, miscarriage and language that heals

1:35:20 – Changing the story: why emotional literacy matters

1:40:48 – Final thoughts on success, love, and the legacy we leave

🎧 LISTEN TO MORE DIFFERENT HATS EPISODES:

👉 https://www.different-hats.co.uk/podcast

🔗 Connect with Abi Mellor

Website: https://www.morever.co.uk/

Instagram: @moreverfilms

LinkedIn: Abi Mellor

💡 If this episode resonated with you, please like, share, and comment below. Your support helps us spread this important message and change the narrative around success and mental health.

SPONSORED BY:

Search Seven – www.searchseven.co.uk

Nostos Hove – www.nostos-hove.co.uk

Rivervale – www.rivervale.co.uk

Plus X – https://www.plusxinnovation.com/

🎬 PRODUCED BY: H2 Productions – https://h2productions.co.uk/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ashley opens up about losing his mum at age five and how that loss hardwired him to become emotionally self-sufficient. But when a life-threatening cancer diagnosis forced him to accept support, he had to completely reframe what it meant to ask for help, and more importantly, receive it.

This episode is an invitation to rewrite outdated scripts around masculinity, vulnerability, and success. Ashley speaks openly about childhood grief, emotional suppression, the school system, and the profound impact of mentorship. Together, he and Sam reflect on the resilience of children, the need for emotional intelligence in education, and why helping others starts with giving them the chance to help you.

This isn’t just about healing. It’s about legacy. It’s about rewriting the rules so that future generations don’t have to unlearn them.

🎧 CHAPTERS & TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 | What Is Success?

00:39 | Childhood Trauma & Early Loss

01:16 | Cancer Diagnosis & The Gift of Help

04:33 | Redefining Success Through Connection

10:29 | Challenging Cultural Narratives

17:12 | Emotional Intelligence in Education

33:22 | Vulnerability and Masculinity

47:42 | Learning to Ask for Help

54:03 | Receiving Support with Gratitude

58:17 | Brotherhood and Shared Grief

1:05:03 | Facing Mortality: What Truly Matters

1:15:03 | Final Reflection: What Would You Tell Little You?

🎧 LISTEN TO MORE DIFFERENT HATS EPISODES:

👉 https://www.different-hats.co.uk/podcast

🔗 Connect with Ashley Usiskin

Website: https://thegiftofhelp.org/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gift_of_accepting_help_podcast

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyusiskin/

💡 If this episode resonated with you, please like, share, and comment below. Your support helps us spread this important message and change the narrative around success and mental health.

SPONSORED BY:

Search Seven www.searchseven.co.uk

Nostos Hove www.nostos-hove.co.uk

Rivervale www.rivervale.co.uk

Plus X https://www.plusxinnovation.com/

PRODUCED BY:

H2 Productions: https://h2productions.co.uk/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

⚠️ Warning ⚠️ This episode contains content that may be alarming to some listeners. We do talk about suicide which we know can be distressing.

In this deeply honest and inspiring conversation, Howie opens up about his late ADHD diagnosis, his journey through a divorce, redundancy during COVID, and the moment he nearly took his life. But it's also a story of resilience, reinvention, and creativity. From running iconic Brighton clubs to founding 28th Street Media, Howie shares how creativity saved his life, how fatherhood fuels his purpose, and what it means to live authentically, with “peace in the chaos.”

Together we explore themes of masculinity, neurodiversity, emotional intelligence, and the power of being seen. This one’s not just for creatives or entrepreneurs, it’s for anyone navigating change, looking to heal, or wondering how to turn pain into purpose.

⏱️ CHAPTERS

00:00 – From Darkness to Light: Howie’s rock bottom moment

03:04 – Defining Success: A triple-header view on peace, presence & parenthood

06:34 – Early Hustles, Millionaire Dreams & Fur-Covered Lighters

07:31 – School, Dyslexia & Creativity Suppressed

10:00 – What’s Broken in the Education System?

14:18 – Work Ethic, Essex Roots & Family Influence

16:20 – DJing, Honey Club & The Creative Scene

24:12 – The Origin of 28th Street Media

25:34 – Juggling Jobs, Redundancy & Survival

27:39 – COVID: The Worst and Best Time

31:24 – Health Wake-Up Call: From 20 Stone to Ultra-Marathons

33:05 – Midlife Awakening or ADHD Clarity?

39:46 – The Gift of Listening (Not Fixing)

43:52 – Late ADHD Diagnosis at 45

50:00 – Advice for Newly Diagnosed Adults

56:43 – Mental Health, Food Banks & The Knife Moment

58:48 – The Camera That Saved My Life

1:10:21 – Goal-Setting, Self-Motivation & Creative Grit

1:17:17 – Launching a Neurodivergent Clothing Line

1:21:15 – Being at Peace: Redefining Success through Contentment

🔗 CONNECT WITH HOWIE MCCONNELL

Website: https://www.28thstreetmedia.co.uk

Instagram: @28thstreetmedia

LinkedIn: Howie McConnell

🎧 LISTEN TO MORE DIFFERENT HATS EPISODES:

👉 https://www.different-hats.co.uk/podcast

💡 If this episode resonated with you, please like, share, and comment below.

Your support helps us spread this important message and change the narrative around success and mental health.

SPONSORED BY:

Search Seven – www.searchseven.co.uk

Nostos Hove – www.nostos-hove.co.uk

Rivervale – www.rivervale.co.uk

Plus X – https://www.plusxinnovation.com

PRODUCED BY:

H2 Productions – https://h2productions.co.uk

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In one of the most vulnerable, profound, and creatively powerful episodes of Different Hats to date, Sam sits down with illustrator, storyteller, and creative genius Asis Patel.

Asis opens up about his journey growing up without his biological father, the bold decision his mother made to leave an arranged marriage, and how that shaped his identity, masculinity, and artistic expression.

In a raw and heartfelt conversation, Asis shares the first time publicly about standing on the edge, literally and emotionally, contemplating suicide, and how that moment became a portal to transformation. We dive into themes of presence, purpose, emotional honesty, creativity, and how self-awareness, community, and storytelling saved his life.

This episode is a reminder that creativity isn’t just about art, it’s about survival, identity, and expression. Asis is living proof that our stories can be our salvation.

KEY CHAPTERS

00:00 – The Spider-Man Within: A powerful definition of success

03:06 – Introducing Asis: Creative genius and storyteller

05:29 – Taking the Mask Off: Living in alignment with your truth

10:04 – Fulfilment through curiosity, creativity, and sensory living

13:28 – Childhood, creativity & searching for alternatives

17:36 – Asis opens up: Growing up without his biological father

25:17 – Shame, identity & the language we lack as children

28:46 – What Does It Mean to Be a Man?

30:04 – Dancing with the Feminine: Redefining masculinity

41:34 – The masculine and feminine in harmony

45:49 – Asis' stammer, bullying, and finding his voice

53:47 – From Stammering to Stand-up Comedy

1:03:40 – Finding peace with his biological father’s absence

1:17:34 – Creating a life beyond pain: Turning adversity into purpose

1:24:44 – Asis’ Mental Health Struggles: The moment everything changed

1:37:55 – Suicide did happen that day… but so did rebirth

1:47:32 – The Inner Child & Walt Disney dreams

1:48:52 – Final reflections & the gift of storytelling

🎧 LISTEN TO MORE DIFFERENT HATS EPISODES:

👉 https://www.different-hats.co.uk/podcast

🔗 Connect with Asis Patel

Website: https://www.asispatel.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asispatel

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/asispatel

💡 If this episode resonated with you, please like, share, and comment below. Your support helps us spread this important message and change the narrative around success and mental health.

SPONSORED BY:

Search Seven www.searchseven.co.uk

Nostos Hove  www.nostos-hove.co.uk

Rivervale  www.rivervale.co.uk

Plus X https://www.plusxinnovation.com/

PRODUCED BY: H2 Productions: https://h2productions.co.uk/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

⚠️ Warning ⚠️ This episode contains content that may be alarming to some listeners. We do talk about suicide which we know can be distressing.

In this powerful episode, I sit down with transformational life coach and breathwork practitioner Sam Adams, whose remarkable journey from trauma to truth will leave you deeply moved and inspired.

Sam shares her raw, unfiltered story, growing up in a white, working-class area where being Black, gay, and female meant hiding her truth. From surviving childhood abuse, to the heartbreak of family rejection, a brain tumour diagnosis, and mental health struggles. Sam hit rock bottom and had planned to take her own life.

From a place of darkness, Sam turned to breathwork, discovering not just a tool for healing, but a lifeline. She now helps others shift from performance to presence, guiding them through deep emotional work that reconnects them with their truth.

This episode dives into the heart of what it means to redefine success, beyond status, wealth, or validation, and instead measure it through authenticity, emotional intelligence, and connection.

Whether you’ve felt lost, out of place, or like you’ve had to wear a mask just to survive, this conversation is for you.

🎧 LISTEN TO DIFFERENT HATS EPISODES:

👉 https://www.different-hats.co.uk/podcast

🔗 CONNECT WITH SAM ADAMS

Website: https://sam-adams.com

Instagram: @sam_adams_coach

LinkedIn: Sam Adams

💡 If this episode resonated with you, please like, share, and comment below. Your support helps us spread this important message and change the narrative around success and mental health.

SPONSORED BY:

Search Seven – www.searchseven.co.uk

Nostos Hove – www.nostos-hove.co.uk

Rivervale – www.rivervale.co.uk

Plus X – https://www.plusxinnovation.com

PRODUCED BY:

🎧 H2 Productions – https://h2productions.co.uk

*If you have been affected by any of the content during this interview you can reach out to any of the below:

Samaritans - https://www.samaritans.org

My Black Dog - https://www.myblackdog.co/mental-health-charity

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this deeply moving episode of the Different Hats Podcast, I sit down with purpose-led mentor and scale-up strategist Simon Chuter for an unfiltered conversation about mental health, masculinity, and meaning.

Simon shares his journey through the extremes, what he describes as his personal Mariana Trench and Everest moments. From being diagnosed with bipolar disorder and surviving a suicide attempt, to mentoring startups and parenting with emotional presence, this is a conversation that doesn’t just inspire, it transforms.

This episode is a masterclass in emotional intelligence, the power of giving, and why redefining success is vital for our personal and collective wellbeing. Whether you're a founder, parent, educator, or simply a human navigating life's highs and lows, this one will stay with you.

🎧 Listen in for insights on:

• The danger of emotional suppression in boys
• Why autonomy, mastery & purpose matter more than money
• Healing fractured relationships
• Mentorship as a mental health lifeline
• How cricket, cuddles, and conversations keep us grounded

🎧 LISTEN TO MORE DIFFERENT HATS EPISODES:

👉 https://www.different-hats.co.uk/podcast

🔗 Connect with Simon Chuter

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonchuter/

💡 If this episode resonated with you, please like, share, and comment below. Your support helps us spread this important message and change the narrative around success and mental health.

SPONSORED BY:

Search Seven www.searchseven.co.uk

Nostos Hove  www.nostos-hove.co.uk

Rivervale  www.rivervale.co.uk

Plus X https://www.plusxinnovation.com/

PRODUCED BY: H2 Productions: https://h2productions.co.uk/

*If you have been affected by any of the content during this interview you can reach out to any of the below:

Samaritans - https://www.samaritans.org

My Black Dog - https://www.myblackdog.co/mental-health-charity

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How do you retain great people without breaking the bank?

Amid soaring employment costs and rising redundancies, smart business leaders are exploring creative solutions. One powerful tool? Salary sacrifice car schemes. But what are they really, and how can they help both your people and your bottom line?

Joined by three expert guests, Sarah May (HR strategist), Chris Barnard (finance guru), and Warren Keech (salary sacrifice specialist at RiverVale), this episode breaks down how salary sacrifice works, who it benefits, and how it can help build a purpose-driven culture that attracts and keeps top talent.

Packed with practical insights, real-world examples, and financial clarity, this conversation is a must-listen for business owners, HR leaders, and anyone navigating recruitment and retention in today’s challenging climate.

✅ Reduce payroll costs

✅ Support employee wellbeing

✅ Retain talent

✅ Promote sustainability

✅ Save money for your business

📌 KEY CHAPTERS

00:00 - Introduction

02:20 - Why Employees Feel Undervalued Today

04:00 - Wellbeing Beyond Wages: Gen Z Expectations

06:45 - Creating a Competitive Benefits Package

09:30 - The Hidden Cost of Losing a Team Member

11:00 - Culture, Trust & Retention

15:35 - What is Salary Sacrifice?

17:00 - Employer & Employee Tax Savings Explained

21:10 - Who Can Benefit from Salary Exchange?

23:00 - Pitfalls & Credit Considerations for Employers

25:20 - Electric vs Hybrid Cars: Tax & Sustainability

29:40 - Why Offering an EV Scheme Increases Retention

32:45 - The ESG & CSR Advantage

36:00 - Hire Purchase vs Business Lease Explained

41:00 - How to Introduce a Salary Exchange Scheme

44:20 - Answering Employee Concerns with Clarity

48:15 - Benefits Beyond Cars: Pensions, Health, and More

51:30 - Solo Directors & Tax-Efficient EV Strategies

53:05 - Final Takeaways: Pick n’ Mix Benefits That Work

🎧 LISTEN IF YOU WANT TO LEARN:

• How to save money through smart employee benefits
• The power of values-led retention strategies
• What salary sacrifice schemes actually mean
• How to offer EV car benefits without the risk
• The importance of wellbeing, trust & financial literacy in today’s job market

🔗 Brought to you in partnership with RiverVale

Find out more: https://www.rivervale.co.uk/

Connect with out experts:

Sarah May - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-maydayhr/

https://www.maydayhr.com/

Chris Barnard - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-barnard-b4642968/

https://www.collectiveconceptsaccounting.com/

🎬 Produced by H2 Productions

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joel shares his powerful personal journey: building a multi-million-pound business, navigating burnout, and ultimately making the courageous decision to walk away and rebuild life and work on his own terms. Together, we dive into the emotional narratives men carry, the importance of self-worth beyond doing and providing, and how true presence can be one of the most underrated measures of success.

This conversation also touches on fatherhood, mental health, the challenges of hustle culture, emotional intelligence, men's groups, workplace culture, the education system, and how we can better equip younger generations to process emotions.

Expect raw honesty, actionable insights, and an inspiring message for anyone questioning their own version of success.

KEY CHAPTERS

00:00 — The Illusion of Success

03:00 — Joel’s Definition of Success

06:30 — Presence & Busyness

11:50 — Hustle Culture Pressure

17:40 — What Is Enough?

21:20 — Joel’s Early Life & Upbringing

25:00 — Self-Worth & Identity

32:00 — Emotional Intelligence & Holding Space

39:00 — Safe Spaces for Men

43:40 — Supporting the Next Generation

53:40 — Rethinking Education & Life Skills

58:30 — The Power of Human Connection

1:10:00 — Business Burnout & Transition

1:25:00 — Full-Body Yes Decisions

1:30:00 — Taking Responsibility for Change

1:33:00 — Living in Alignment

1:46:30 — Final Invitation: You Can Change It

🎧 LISTEN TO MORE DIFFERENT HATS EPISODES:

👉 https://www.different-hats.co.uk/podcast

🔗 Connect with Joel Lawton

Website: https://www.inyourcorner.co/

Instagram: @_in_your_corner

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joel-lawton-3194aa9/

💡 If this episode resonated with you, please like, share, and comment below. Your support helps us spread this important message and change the narrative around success and mental health.

SPONSORED BY:

Search Seven www.searchseven.co.uk

Nostos Hove  www.nostos-hove.co.uk

Rivervale  www.rivervale.co.uk

Plus X https://www.plusxinnovation.com/

PRODUCED BY: H2 Productions: https://h2productions.co.uk/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🎙️ Welcome to Series 8 of the Different Hats Podcast!

In this deeply powerful and emotional conversation, Daniel Wilsher shares his mission to change the narrative around young men, masculinity, mental health, and the broken education system. Daniel opens up about his personal journey of childhood trauma after losing his father to suicide, his own mental health struggles, and the path that led him to dedicate his life to helping young people unlock their true potential.

From vulnerability, role models, emotional intelligence, to redefining success for young men, this episode is packed with raw honesty, profound insights, and real solutions that can change lives.

Whether you're a parent, teacher, leader, or someone struggling with your own mental health, this conversation is for you. It's about hope, healing, human connection, and taking action.

🌍 About This Episode:

In a world that’s telling young men to be stronger, richer, more dominant, Daniel offers a different path. His work through LivedX is equipping schools, parents, and communities to have brave conversations that empower boys to define their own version of success, rooted in emotional intelligence, connection, service, and self-awareness.

This is a masterclass in empathy, leadership, and the simple yet powerful truth: *sometimes all a young person needs is one adult to believe in them.

🎧 LISTEN TO MORE DIFFERENT HATS EPISODES:

👉 https://www.different-hats.co.uk/podcast

🔗 Connect with Daniel Wilsher & LivedX

Website: https://livedxlearning.com 

Instagram: @danieljameswilsher 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-wilsher-448996168/

💡 If this episode resonated with you, please like, share, and comment below. Your support helps us spread this important message and change the narrative around success and mental health.

SPONSORED BY:

Search Seven www.searchseven.co.uk

Nostos Hove  www.nostos-hove.co.uk

Rivervale  www.rivervale.co.uk

Plus X https://www.plusxinnovation.com/

PRODUCED BY: H2 Productions: https://h2productions.co.uk/

*If you have been affected by any of the content during this interview you can reach out to any of the below:

Samaritans - https://www.samaritans.org

My Black Dog - https://www.myblackdog.co/mental-health-charity

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Across 15 episodes, our guests didn’t just share their highlights, they shared their hearts.

Series 7 also included the very special 100th milestone episode.

Together, we explored themes of:

• 💬 Emotional honesty & vulnerability
• 🧠 Mental health, masculinity & identity
• 👣 Healing from trauma & rewriting your story
• 🧍‍♂️ Presence, purpose & soulful leadership
• ❤️ Redefining success beyond money or titles

What we learned?

Success isn’t what you have. It’s how you feel. It’s showing up fully, healing out loud, and choosing presence over performance.

If you missed an episode, or just want to revisit some of the most inspiring voices we’ve hosted, now’s the time.

👉 Catch up on Series 7 here 👉 https://youtu.be/D83ByTEq8vc

Thank you to every guest for your courage. And to every listener for helping us shape a better story.

Together, we’re helping the world see success differently.

🔔 Subscribe, comment, and join the journey to redefine success through real, human stories.

SPONSORED BY:

Search Seven www.searchseven.co.uk

Nostos Hove  www.nostos-hove.co.uk

Rivervale  www.rivervale.co.uk

Plus X https://www.plusxinnovation.com/

PRODUCED BY: H2 Productions: https://h2productions.co.uk/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this profoundly moving episode of the Different Hats Podcast, I sit down with Andrew Jenkins, mental health advocate, speaker, and breakout voice from BBC’s The Traitors—for a conversation that cuts to the core of masculinity, trauma, and the power of vulnerability.

Andrew shares his harrowing experience of surviving a car accident that changed his life forever, and how he stayed silent about the emotional aftermath for over two decades. Now, he’s using his voice to help others find theirs.

Together, we explore:

💬 The silent crisis facing young men. and why suicide rates are still rising

🏉 The role of sport and father figures in shaping emotional awareness

💔 Andrew’s emotional journey from silence to telling his son "I love you" for the first time at age 22

👂 Why men don’t need fixing, they just need someone to listen

📣 How schools, sports clubs, and parents can create emotionally safe spaces

This is more than a conversation. It’s a call to action, to change how we talk to our boys, how we show up for one another, and how we redefine what strength really means.

If you're a parent, coach, teacher, leader, or someone on your own healing journey, this episode might just change the way you see the world.

Key Chapters

00:00 – Introductions

04:10 – The Crisis in Men’s Mental Health: Where Do We Start?

08:25 – The Pressure of Modern Life and Climbing the Wrong Ladder

11:30 – Redefining Positive Masculinity in Schools and Sports

17:30 – The Power of Vulnerable Role Models

22:50 – Parental Pressure, Generational Trauma & Starting Conversations at Home

29:10 – The Moment Andrew Told His Son “I Love You”

35:20 – Academy Dropouts & Mental Health in Young Athletes

42:00 – How Parents Can Be Better Equipped Emotionally

47:15 – Creating a Culture That Celebrates Emotional Intelligence

55:00 – Breaking the Cycle: Speaking to His Own Parents for the First Time

1:02:30 – The Fear of Regret and Taking Your Own Advice

1:07:20 – Men’s Support Networks & Listening Without Judgement

1:13:50 – The Power of Hope, Safe Spaces & Prevention Over Cure

1:20:00 – Why Andrew Said Yes to The Traitors

1:26:30 – Behind the Fame: Finding Purpose Through Platform

1:38:50 – A Message to Young Andrew: Don’t Be So Hard on Yourself

1:45:00 – Redefining Success and Happiness: Final Reflection

🔔 Subscribe, comment, and join the journey to redefine success through real, human stories.

SPONSORED BY:

Search Seven www.searchseven.co.uk

Nostos Hove  www.nostos-hove.co.uk

Rivervale  www.rivervale.co.uk

Plus X https://www.plusxinnovation.com/

PRODUCED BY: H2 Productions: https://h2productions.co.uk/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

At just 12 years old, Tom George launched his first business with a stack of flyers and a borrowed lawnmower. By 27, he had paid off his parents’ mortgage.

In this raw, inspiring and deeply honest episode of the Different Hats Podcast, Tom shares his journey from a turbulent childhood, through early entrepreneurship, to becoming the director of multiple businesses, all driven by grit, purpose, and the desire to create a better life for those around him.

This is not just a story about money, it’s about mindset, resilience, leadership, legacy, and redefining success on your own terms. If you’ve ever felt stuck, doubted your path, or wondered if it’s too late (or too early) to start something, this conversation is for you.

🧠 You’ll learn:

• How childhood adversity shaped his mindset
• Why he values attitude over education when hiring
• The truth behind hustle culture and burnout
• The importance of emotional presence in leadership
• What really drives long-term fulfilment and success

💥 Hit subscribe for more inspiring conversations that challenge the definition of success. https://www.different-hats.co.uk/podcast

🔑 EPISODE CHAPTERS:

00:00 – Introduction

01:18 – “You can have 1,000 problems… until your health goes”

04:57 – How Tom defines success (and why it’s not about money)

07:49 – Self-awareness, presence, and growing into purpose

13:45 – What Tom looks for when hiring young people

20:14 – Tom’s childhood, family trauma, and gaining weight as an emotional outlet

31:27 – Leaving the Jehovah’s Witness faith and its aftermath

33:19 – How one business card changed Tom’s life

38:26 – The £6k summer at 12 years old that ignited his entrepreneurial fire

47:01 – Taking risks, changing lanes, and choosing your hard

54:53 – From ego-driven choices to purposeful business moves

59:56 – Hustle culture: mindset, mental health, and balance

1:08:04 – Why living in the present matters more than chasing the future

1:10:44 – Money vs Meaning: what truly drives Tom

1:24:05 – Dealing with business volatility and emotional resilience

1:31:09 – Relationships, insecurity, and proving you’re enough

1:41:53 – Tom’s Advice to Young Entrepreneurs

1:56:05 – Final Reflections: Dream Big, Start Now

✨ SPONSORED BY:

🔎 Search Seven – Search marketing with purpose: www.searchseven.co.uk

🇬🇷 Nostos Hove – An authentic Greek experience: www.nostos-hove.co.uk

🚗 Rivervale – Motoring made manageable: www.rivervale.co.uk

Plus X - Empowering bold thinkers at every stage: https://www.plusxinnovation.com/

🔔 Subscribe, comment, and join the journey to redefine success through real, human stories.

✨ PRODUCED BY: H2 Productions: https://h2productions.co.uk/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is a powerful conversation about redefining masculinity, rewriting success, and reconnecting with who we really are. Full of raw insights, practical tips, and hope for the next generation.

If you're a man feeling stuck, isolated, or unsure where to begin, this episode is for you.

If you're raising sons, working with men, or simply care about building a better future, this episode is for you.

👇 Chapters and Timestamps 👇

00:00 - Introduction

01:06 - The power of love stories: Creating a lasting foundation

06:58 - Teaching men how to confidently approach women again

10:00 - Chivalry, respect, and bringing back genuine kindness

18:00 - How fear of rejection and shame are holding men back

27:00 - Building real self-worth without wealth or status

36:00 - Understanding emotions: anger, sadness, joy as gifts

44:00 - The inner critic vs. inner champion: Rewriting your story

53:00 - Why community and connection are the real success metrics

1:02:00 - The loneliness epidemic: Shocking statistics on single men

1:10:00 - Finding purpose, passion, and your authentic self

1:18:00 - Healing masculine and feminine wounds in relationships

1:30:00 - How slowing down actually speeds up your success

1:40:00 - Practical daily habits for building confidence and self-love

1:50:00 - Service, gratitude, and the secret to a fulfilled life

1:55:00 - Final thoughts: Hope for the next generation of men

✅ If you found value in this episode:

• Like 
• Subscribe 
• Share 
• Comment 

📚 Grab Marina Lazaris book https://www.amazon.co.uk/MEN-NEED-LOVE-Too-RELATIONSHIPS/

🌐 Connect with us: https://www.different-hats.co.uk

🎧 Listen to more episodes: https://www.different-hats.co.uk/podcast

Special Thanks to Our Sponsors

• Search Seven: https://www.searchseven.co.uk
• Plus X: https://www.plusxinnovation.com
• Nostos Hove: https://www.nostos-hove.co.uk
• Rivervale: https://www.rivervale.co.uk

Produced By:

H2 Productions Ltd – https://h2productions.co.uk

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this emotional, wise, and deeply human episode, I sit down with Norman Mayhew, entrepreneur, mentor, and founder of The Sussex Sign Company, for a conversation that is as raw as it is inspiring.

From growing up in poverty and dealing with childhood trauma, to building a million-pound business and learning how to define “enough,” Norman’s story is a moving reminder that the most valuable things in life often aren’t things at all.

💬 Norman opens up about:

• Growing up with violence, shame, and the tally man at the door
• His fight to break the cycle for his kids — and the cost that came with it
• Why dignity in work matters more than what’s in the bank
• The lessons learned from 30 years in business and 60+ years in life
• The moment he realised that love is the only thing that really counts

This isn’t a business podcast. This is a conversation about being human.

👉 Whether you’re a founder, leader, parent, or someone just trying to hold it all together, this one will move you, shake you, and maybe even help you breathe a little deeper.

📍 Key Chapters:

00:00 – Introduction

04:34 – Redefining Success After 30 Years

16:19 – Childhood Trauma & the Drive to Break the Cycle

21:26 – The Regrets of Working Too Much

29:29 – The School System is Broken

34:35 – All They Wanted Was Time

43:03 – Dignity in Work: A Brother’s Story

55:38 – Building the Sussex Sign Company From Scratch

1:10:22 – Leadership, Loyalty & Lifelong Lessons

1:47:11 – Final Reflections

📲 Follow, subscribe, and share this episode with someone who needs to hear it.

🎥 WATCH NOW on YouTube:

🎧 LISTEN on Spotify/Apple Podcasts: https://linktr.ee/differenthats

Special Thanks to Our Sponsors

• Search Seven: https://www.searchseven.co.uk
• Plus X: https://www.plusxinnovation.com
• Nostos Hove: https://www.nostos-hove.co.uk
• Rivervale: https://www.rivervale.co.uk

Produced By:

H2 Productions Ltd – https://h2productions.co.uk

#DifferentHatsPodcast #NormanMayhew #RedefiningSuccess #Entrepreneurship #MentalHealthAwareness #Legacy #Love #Storytelling #Leadership #DignityInWork #Purpose #YouAlrightMate #BusinessWithHeart

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Susanna shares her lived experience of sexual trauma, misdiagnosis, and the long road to healing. We talk honestly about what it means to be trauma-informed, in healthcare, education, workplaces, and in our day-to-day lives, and why reframing success starts with emotional safety.

🔍 In this episode, we explore:

• The hidden epidemic of trauma and CPTSD
• How trauma shows up in the body and mind
• Why vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness
• Emotional intelligence and the future of education
• Letting go of old success stories and rewriting new ones
• How healing can begin — even after decades of silence

🎧 Whether you’re a parent, a leader, an educator, or simply someone on your own healing journey, this episode is full of insight, honesty, and, most importantly—hope.

✨ "Healing is possible for everyone." – Dr. Susanna Petche

Key Chapters:

00:00 – Intro

03:52 – What Success Used to Mean (And Why It Changed)

06:26 – The Diagnosis That Changed Everything

11:33 – Why Vulnerability Feels So Hard (Especially in the UK)

15:19 – Is the Education System Emotionally Broken?

22:29 – Ambition After Trauma: Still Striving, But Differently

39:15 – The Body Keeps the Score: Trauma in the Medical System

46:34 – The Need to Teach Boys, Not Just Protect Girls

54:12 – The Corrosive Power of Shame

1:37:33 – Final Message: Healing Is Possible for Everyone

—

🌐 Learn more and listen at https://www.different-hats.co.uk/podcast

#TraumaInformed #MentalHealthAwareness #CPTSD #HealingJourney #IWD2025 #RedefiningSuccess #DifferentHatsPodcast #VulnerabilityIsStrength

About Dr Susanna Petche

Dr. Susanna Petche is a GP, innovator, CPTSD survivor, and samba reggae drummer with over 23 years of clinical experience. She specialises in psychological trauma and its impact on the mind, body, and spirit. Susanna is on a mission to raise awareness of psychological trauma and help create a more compassionate, trauma-informed world.

To contact Dr Susanna Petche or find out more click here - https://www.trauma-sense.com/

Special Thanks to Our Sponsors

• Search Seven: https://www.searchseven.co.uk
• Plus X: https://www.plusxinnovation.com
• Nostos Hove: https://www.nostos-hove.co.uk
• Rivervale: https://www.rivervale.co.uk

Produced By:

H2 Productions Ltd – https://h2productions.co.uk

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Terry isn’t just a storyteller—he’s a soul who has lived through unimaginable loss, and yet radiates empathy, humour, and wisdom. In this raw and emotionally honest exchange, Terry opens up for the first time about the heartbreaking moment he overheard his mum say, “I’m not ready to die.” He shares the pain of losing all six of his siblings and both parents by the age of 50, and how those experiences have shaped the man he is today.

From becoming a master of building relationships in business to learning how to process emotions later in life, Terry’s journey is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.

We talk grief, therapy, emotional expression, legacy, business, and what it truly means to "be more dog"—to wake up with joy, go to bed with peace, and live each day with purpose. Terry’s warmth and wit shine through as he reflects on what he’s learned, how he’s healing, and why true connection is the ultimate success.

Key Topics:

• Redefining success through simplicity and peace of mind
• Processing grief after losing family members
• Emotional resilience and embracing vulnerability
• The power of storytelling in life and business
• Creating safe spaces for honest conversations
• Legacy, love, and learning to let go

This is not just another podcast episode—this is an invitation to feel, reflect, and connect.

🎧 Listen now and be part of the movement to redefine success, one story at a time.

https://www.different-hats.co.uk/podcast

👇 Timestamps & Highlights: 

00:00 – Introduction

04:45 – Losing his sister Jill and the power of grief

10:17 – The COVID epiphany: letting go of control

26:50 – The moment he heard his mother’s final words

40:25 – Therapy, emotional processing & storytelling

50:56 – Grieving all six siblings & what it taught him

1:09:52 – Legacy, gratitude, and choosing joy daily

1:27:57 – The power of human connection in business

💛 If this episode resonates with you, please like, comment, share, and subscribe. Your story matters. Let’s rewrite the narrative together.

#DifferentHatsPodcast #TerryBower #GriefAndLoss #RedefiningSuccess #StorytellingForBusiness #EmotionalWellbeing #MentalHealthAwareness #LifeLessons #Legacy #HumanConnection #PodcastInterview #SuccessRewritten

Special Thanks to Our Sponsors

• Search Seven: https://www.searchseven.co.uk
• Plus X: https://www.plusxinnovation.com
• Nostos Hove: https://www.nostos-hove.co.uk
• Rivervale: https://www.rivervale.co.uk

Produced By:

H2 Productions Ltd – https://h2productions.co.uk

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this raw, powerful episode, Sam sits down with Kevan Smith — storyteller, creative strategist, and co-founder of Brighton United — to explore how grit, resilience, and community can transform how we live, work, and lead.

From growing up on a self-sufficient farm in rural Arkansas to building an award-winning creative business in the UK, Kevan’s story is one of deep reflection, unfiltered truth, and radical self-discovery. But it’s also a story about race, isolation, and what it truly means to belong.

💬 Kevan opens up about:

• The 3 stages of success and why most people get stuck at stage one
• His experiences with racism and exclusion in the UK business world
• Why storytelling is a revolutionary act — and how it helped him find his voice
• The birth of Brighton United and the call to create inclusive, diverse spaces where everyone belongs
• His TEDx journey and mission to help people build connection through shared values

Whether you’re a founder, a leader, a parent, or simply someone trying to find your way in a noisy world — this conversation will stay with you.

👉 Don’t just listen. Feel it. Share it. Let it challenge your perspective.

📍 Timestamps & Chapters available in the description 

📲 Follow, like & subscribe for more stories that redefine success.

🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple & all major platforms.

https://www.different-hats.co.uk/podcast

#DifferentHatsPodcast #RedefiningSuccess #BrightonUnited #StorytellingForChange #YouAlrightMate #MentalHealthAwareness #DiversityAndInclusion #Entrepreneurship #TEDx #Belonging #BlackVoices #Grit #Purpose #Storytelling

KEY CHAPTERS:

00:00 - Intro

05:34 - Community, Belonging & Brighton 

05:47 - Kevan’s Three Stages of Success 

09:05 - Values, Fulfilment & Regret 

11:17 - Rediscovering Grit & Embracing Struggle 

16:03 - Self-Discovery vs. Societal Expectations 

20:34 - Childhood on the Farm in Arkansas 

25:18 - The Power of Reframing Work 

28:54 - From Science to Storytelling 

33:55 - Saying Yes to Opportunity: The NSYNC Story 

38:14 - Film, Creativity & Finding Purpose 

43:52 - The Power of Story to Connect 

49:34 - Brighton United: Where It All Began 

52:09 - Challenging the Status Quo 

01:03:30 - Experiences of Racism & Belonging 

01:17:12 - Building a More Inclusive Future 

01:24:21 - A Blueprint for Change 

01:34:00 - Relationships Over Ego 

01:39:46 - Final Thoughts, Gratitude & Growth 

Special Thanks to Our Sponsors

• Search Seven: https://www.searchseven.co.uk
• Plus X: https://www.plusxinnovation.com
• Nostos Hove: https://www.nostos-hove.co.uk
• Rivervale: https://www.rivervale.co.uk

Produced By:

H2 Productions Ltd – https://h2productions.co.uk

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this powerful and deeply personal episode, I sit down with the incredible Sophie Bryan – workplace culture specialist, TEDx speaker, burlesque performer, sex conversationalist, and unfiltered truth-teller – to unpack a life shaped by trauma, resilience, and radical self-discovery.

From surviving childhood illness and navigating a complex family dynamic to breaking cycles of poverty, Sophie shares how her drive for financial independence led her to question not just what success looks like, but how it feels. We explore why Montessori education shaped her approach to parenting and leadership, and how freedom, curiosity and play have become her personal pillars for living and working.

Sophie opens up about her journey with body dysmorphia, how she transformed shame into self-expression through burlesque, and how her work in sex and soul coaching is helping individuals and couples reconnect with intimacy, desire, and communication.

We also dive into:

• Why workplace culture must change before the education system can
• The crucial link between sexuality, leadership and creative flow
• How to challenge taboos and empower our kids (and ourselves) to talk about sex differently
• The power of forgiveness, legacy, and owning your story

Sophie wears a lot of hats (possibly more than me) – but every one is rooted in authenticity, truth, and a mission to create a world where people feel safe to live in alignment with who they really are.

This episode is honest, inspiring, and full of brave conversations we all need to be having.

Key Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction

05:20 - A Childhood Shaped by Trauma

11:00 - Rewriting the Script: From Survivor to Achiever

14:30 - PTSD, Alcoholism & Compassion for Her Father

19:30 - Healing Through Storytelling and Eulogy

24:00 - Values That Guide Sophie's Life

29:30 - Discovering Montessori & Parenting Differently

35:20 - Raising an Independent Daughter

40:30 - Why Workplaces Are Failing Us

46:30 - Creating Freedom in the Workplace

53:00 - Aligning Work Culture with Human Needs

01:01:00 - Exposing Broken Systems & Flipping Leadership

01:10:00 - From Body Dysmorphia to Burlesque

01:24:00 - Sex, Shame & Communication in Relationships

01:48:00 - Final Reflections on Self-Love and Legacy

🎥 WATCH NOW on YouTube: https://youtu.be/cNRMczhuGm8

🎧 LISTEN on Spotify/Apple Podcasts: https://linktr.ee/differenthats

Hit play. This one will stay with you. 🚀

Special Thanks to Our Sponsors

• Search Seven: https://www.searchseven.co.uk
• Plus X: https://www.plusxinnovation.com
• Nostos Hove: https://www.nostos-hove.co.uk
• Rivervale: https://www.rivervale.co.uk

Produced By:

H2 Productions Ltd – https://h2productions.co.uk

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this powerful and deeply personal conversation, Yaron Engler returns to the Different Hats Podcast for the first time as a two-time guest, and it’s nothing short of transformational.

🔥 We dive deep into:

✅ Defining Success on Your Own Terms – Is it wealth, status, or simply living true to yourself?

✅ Being Fully Present in a Distracted World – The simple yet profound tools to bring yourself back to NOW.

✅ Navigating Life’s Transitions – What do you do when everything is about to change?

✅ Overcoming Fear & Embracing Love – The mindset shift that changes everything.

✅ Masculinity, Purpose & The Power of Honest Conversations – Why men struggle, and how we can redefine strength.

Yaron's raw honesty, wisdom, and energy shine through in every moment. Whether you’re at a crossroads, searching for clarity, or just need an injection of inspiration—this episode WILL hit home.

💡 “Am I guided by fear or am I guided by love?”

This is more than a podcast—it’s a wake-up call.

Key Chapters:

00:00 - Intro

02:25 - Our Mission: Redefining Success  

05:07 - Vulnerability Sparks Transformation  

05:59 - Defining Success: Living Without Regret  

08:18 - The Power of Presence: Body, Breath & Tools  

12:21 - Finding Joy in Simple Moments  

15:22 - Living Your Truth: Authentic Growth 

22:06 - New Beginnings: Following Your Purpose  

29:43 - Fear vs. Love: What Truly Drives You?  

33:03 - The Financial Pressure vs. Passion Dilemma  

40:04 - This Too Shall Pass: Overcoming Struggles  

46:47 - Balancing Passion, Career & Family Life  

52:28 - Showing Our Kids What’s Possible  

58:56 - The Men's Circle: Common Challenges Men Face 

1:06:03 - Finding Purpose: A Journey Within  

1:14:51 - Have Men Lost Their Role in Society?  

1:19:19 - What’s Really Driving You? Ego vs. Truth  

1:23:57 - The Ripple Effect of Living Your Truth  

1:27:09 - Final Advice: Making Life’s Big Decisions 

🎥 WATCH NOW on YouTube: https://youtu.be/cNRMczhuGm8

🎧 LISTEN on Spotify/Apple Podcasts: https://linktr.ee/differenthats

Hit play. This one will stay with you. 🚀

Special Thanks to Our Sponsors

• Search Seven: https://www.searchseven.co.uk
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Produced By:

H2 Productions Ltd – https://h2productions.co.uk

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Michelle shares candid details of growing up with an alcoholic parent, navigating the challenges of single motherhood, and scraping together every opportunity (even famously “blagging” her way into exclusive parties!) to follow her creative passions. She reveals how recognising her own worth, trusting her intuition, and pursuing freedom over perfection led her to a booming online community and a successful YouTube channel with tens of thousands of subscribers.

Along the way, Michelle and Sam discuss the power of small acts of kindness, the importance of asking for help, and how building genuine human connection can transform lives. If you’ve ever wondered how to pivot your career, find value in your gifts, or simply believe in yourself when times get tough—this episode is for you.

Key Chapters:

• 00:00 - “Don’t Give Up” 
• 03:03 - Defining Success 
• 08:15 - Childhood Trauma 
• 14:50 - Independence at 18 
• 20:30 - Early TV & Blagging 
• 28:10 - Single Parenthood 
• 37:45 - Small Acts of Kindness 
• 45:55 - Breaking with TV 
• 52:25 - Transition to YouTube 
• 59:40 - Struggles & Belief 
• 1:08:00 - Asking for Help 
• 1:16:00 - Life Beyond TV 
• 1:24:00 - Early Content Creation 
• 1:32:00 - Tackling Negativity 
• 1:46:45 - Final Reflections

Hit that Subscribe button and join us on this inspiring journey of resilience, hope, and reimagining success. Remember: "don’t give up, because anything is possible"!

Watch Now / Listen on All Podcast Platforms:

https://linktr.ee/differenthats

Subscribe to the Newsletter:

https://www.different-hats.co.uk

Special Thanks to Our Sponsors

• Search Seven: https://www.searchseven.co.uk
• Plus X: https://www.plusxinnovation.com
• Nostos Hove: https://www.nostos-hove.co.uk
• Rivervale: https://www.rivervale.co.uk

Produced By:

H2 Productions Ltd – https://h2productions.co.uk

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tune in to learn why your greatest asset is your own capacity to love, heal, and lead—especially when the world around you is changing fast. Whether you’re a parent, business owner, or just seeking deeper purpose, this episode offers a blueprint to living more fully and leading more powerfully than ever before.

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share for more inspiring conversations on harnessing your inner strength, cultivating empathy, and finding fulfilment in every facet of life. Join us on this journey to unlock a more authentic, compassionate, and truly successful way of being.

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and comment with your definition of success!

About our Guest

Marina Zest for Life

Your Journey Towards Self-Leadership,

Professional Growth & Richer Life Experiences.

Marina  believes that self-awareness is the cornerstone of an enriching life. She guides her clients toward personal fulfilment, professional growth, and richer life experiences.

Check out her website https://marinazestforlife.com/  

Email: marinazestforlife@gmail.com