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What if the stories you've been telling yourself for years... simply aren't true? In this deeply moving and thought-provoking episode of the Different Hats Podcast, I sit down with RTT Hypnotherapist, Coach and Suicide Prevention Advocate Hema Patel for one of the most important conversations we've had on the show.  Together, we explore childhood trauma, emotional literacy, self-worth, people-pleasing, perfectionism, visibility, purpose, and the powerful role our subconscious mind plays in shaping our lives. We also dive into the heartbreaking reality of suicide, the systemic issues contributing to the mental health crisis, and why Hema believes suicide prevention is everyone's business.  Hema shares her own deeply personal story of experiencing suicidal thoughts, losing her cousin to suicide, growing up with racism and feelings of abandonment, and how those experiences ultimately shaped her life's mission. This is a conversation about healing. About hope. About finding possibility when life feels impossible. And about creating a world where people feel safe to be seen, heard, and understood. If you've ever struggled with self-doubt, felt stuck in old patterns, questioned your worth, or wondered if things can truly change, this episode is for you. ⏱️ CHAPTERS00:00 – Powerful Suicide Prevention Messages 02:22 – Introduction & Meet Hema Patel 06:02 – You Alright Mate? Check-In 08:45 – Purpose Bigger Than Fear 12:12 – People Pleasing, Worthiness & Self-Worth 16:51 – Understanding Trauma & Childhood Wounds 22:18 – Emotional Literacy & Why It Matters 30:37 – Teaching Suicide Prevention In Schools 36:30 – How Hema Defines Success 40:22 – Why We Believe Thoughts That Aren't True 45:05 – Education, Purpose & The Future 55:44 – Measuring Kindness Instead of Performance 01:07:16 – Losing Her Cousin To Suicide 01:14:00 – The ABC of Suicide Prevention 01:20:13 – Hope, Possibility & Reaching Out 01:33:06 – Antidepressants, Mental Health & Awareness 01:40:27 – Community, Connection & Finding Joy 01:47:06 – Racism, Abandonment & Healing Childhood Wounds 02:03:12 – Masculinity, Emotional Safety & Modern Manhood 02:06:54 – Finding Your Voice & Sharing Your Message 02:18:12 – What Hema Hopes You Take Away 02:20:40 – Presence, Trust & Living In The Moment 02:31:25 – A World Where Everyone Feels Seen 02:32:08 – Storytelling Cards & Vulnerability 02:35:49 – Hema's Mission To Reduce Suicide 🎧 LISTEN TO MORE DIFFERENT HATS EPISODES:👉 Different Hats Podcast 🔗 Connect with Hema PatelLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hema-p-71ba9819/ Useful Links: https://linktr.ee/ResetandRediscover Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/resetandrediscover/ 💡 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 123Text SHOUT to 85258 (UK, 24/7):If you or someone is in immediate danger, call 999.NHS guidance on urgent mental health help: CLICK HERESPONSORED 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 week’s conversation honestly feels like one of the most important episodes I’ve ever recorded. Being released during Mental Health Awareness Week, I recently sat down with the incredible Rose Rowkins for a raw, honest and deeply powerful conversation about suicide prevention, emotional literacy, masculinity, parenting, modern pressure, hope, and the importance of human connection. Statistics still show that around 6,000–7,000 people die by suicide every year in the UK. Around 75% are men. Many never speak to a mental health professional before they die. That has to change. One of the biggest things I took away from the ASIST training Rose delivers is this: 👉 Suicide prevention does not belong solely to professionals. It belongs to all of us. This conversation explores how we’ve created a world where people often feel safer hiding their pain than speaking about it… and how we can all learn to better show up for each other when it matters most. Rose shares her own lived experience with suicidal thoughts, the devastating loss that shaped her mission, and the life-changing lessons she’s learned through over a decade of suicide prevention work. We talk about: Why people don’t want to die, they want the pain to endThe power of simply listening without trying to fixWhy emotional literacy needs to start in schoolsModern masculinity and the pressure men carry silentlyParenting, kindness and raising emotionally aware childrenThe role community and belonging play in keeping people aliveRedefining success beyond money, status and achievementWhy awkward conversations can genuinely save livesAnd honestly… this episode reminded me again that hope often begins with one conversation. If this episode helps even one person feel less alone, it’s worth it. ⏱️ CHAPTERS 00:00 – Introduction: Why This Conversation Matters 02:13 – “You Alright Mate?” | Rose’s Honest Check-In 06:56 – Why Work Shouldn’t Become Your Identity 09:35 – Parenting, Kindness & Emotional Literacy 14:18 – How Rose Defines Success 16:30 – Leaving Corporate Life & Following Your Heart 25:59 – The Suicide That Changed Rose’s Life Forever 32:40 – What Samaritans Taught Rose About Suicide Prevention 35:45 – “People Don’t Want To Die — They Want The Pain To End” 41:02 – Rose Opens Up About Her Own Suicidal Thoughts 46:57 – Why We Must Stop Waiting For People To Reach Out 50:57 – Why Emotional Literacy Must Start In Schools 57:01 – Why Asking About Suicide Saves Lives 01:03:45 – Community, Belonging & Human Connection 01:11:27 – Are We Teaching Children How To Live? 01:20:01 – The Language That Can Save A Life 01:30:59 – Financial Pressure, Success & Suicide 01:40:48 – Why Talking About Death Helps Us Live 01:50:06 – What Gives Rose Hope 01:53:00 – A Message For Anyone Struggling Right Now 01:54:26 – Closing Reflections & Final Thoughts ⸻ 🎧 LISTEN TO MORE DIFFERENT HATS EPISODES: 👉 https://www.different-hats.co.uk/podcast 🔗 Connect with Rose Rowkins: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roserowkins/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/start_the_conv/ Website: https://www.starttheconversation.uk/ 💡 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, mental health and suicide prevention. 🚨 If you are struggling right now, please speak to someone. UK Samaritans: Call 116 123 (24/7) 👉 Samaritans UK 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.

👉 How much of life is actually a performance… and what does it really mean to be yourself? In this episode, I sit down with my good friend Craig Whiteley, West End performer, drama teacher, and someone who has experienced both the highs of standing ovations and the deeper lessons that come after. We explore the masks we wear, the roles we play, and the question so many of us avoid… 👉 Who am I… really? From performing on the West End to teaching the next generation, Craig shares powerful insights on authenticity, resilience, self-belief, and why success isn’t what we’ve been taught. This is an honest, emotional, and deeply human conversation about identity, kindness, and finding balance in a world full of noise. ⏱️ CHAPTERS 00:00 – Introduction & the BIG question: Is life a performance? 02:30 – “You Alright Mate?” – navigating life, noise & pressure 05:00 – Family, cancer, and finding purpose through challenge 09:30 – Childhood, kindness & where mindset begins 12:30 – Who am I? Identity beyond roles & achievements 18:30 – Teaching kids confidence, play & self-belief 23:00 – What success really means (then vs now) 30:00 – Regret, perspective & redefining priorities 40:00 – Why we struggle with self-worth & accepting compliments 50:00 – The highs of performing vs real life fulfilment 01:00:00 – Ego, validation & being enough 01:10:00 – Social media, performance & authenticity 01:20:00 – Resilience, rejection & staying grounded 01:30:00 – Final reflections: kindness, play & legacy 💭 KEY THEMES Authenticity vs performanceRedefining success beyond status and achievementConfidence, self-worth & validationThe importance of play and joyResilience, rejection & growthTeaching the next generation emotional literacyKindness as a core value 🎧 LISTEN TO MORE DIFFERENT HATS EPISODES: 👉 https://www.different-hats.co.uk/podcast 🔗 Connect with Craig Whiteley https://thetheatreworkshop.com/person/craig-whiteley/ 💡 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 if success isn’t something you achieve… but something you become? In this powerful episode of the Different Hats Podcast, I sit down with Volker Ballueder, coach, therapist, author, and host of Stories of Success, for a deep conversation about what success really means in today’s world. After interviewing high performers and building a successful corporate career, Volker realised that money, status, and external validation were never the full answer. Like many people, he discovered that reaching society’s version of success can still leave you feeling empty. Together, we explore the difference between success and fulfilment, why so many men silently struggle under pressure, and how emotional intelligence may be one of the most important skills we never get taught. We also discuss comparison culture, social media, midlife reflection, mindfulness, education, parenting, and the importance of helping young people define success for themselves, not through grades, job titles, or wealth, but through values, purpose, connection, and inner peace. This episode is for anyone questioning the path they’re on… feeling the pressure to keep achieving… or searching for a more meaningful definition of success. Volker shares honest reflections on chasing money earlier in life, how redundancy pushed him toward coaching and therapy, and why helping others now feels more rewarding than any corporate milestone ever did. We also talk openly about men’s mental health, suicide prevention, vulnerability, and why asking one simple question, You Alright Mate?, can change lives. A thoughtful, honest, and timely conversation about identity, fulfilment, masculinity, and what it means to live a life true to yourself. ⏱️ CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction 02:10 You Alright Mate? 03:10 How Volker Defines Success 04:45 Chasing Money vs Finding Fulfilment 07:45 Lifelong Learning & Education 10:40 School Systems & Different Types of Intelligence 15:30 Emotional Intelligence in Schools 24:00 Creativity, Curiosity & Child-Led Learning 28:40 Comparison Culture & Social Media 31:55 Living True to Yourself 38:50 What High Achievers Taught Volker About Success 45:10 Why Purpose Matters More Than Money 55:30 Being Enough As You Are 59:55 Midlife Crisis or Midlife Awakening? 1:03:10 Why Men Don’t Talk 1:08:20 Vulnerability Is Strength 1:17:40 Preventing Crisis Before It Happens 1:22:40 Mindfulness & Self-Awareness 1:31:15 Habits of Successful People 1:45:15 What To Do If You’re Struggling 1:54:55 Advice to Younger Volker 1:55:34 What Does A Life Well Lived Look Like? 🎧 LISTEN TO MORE DIFFERENT HATS EPISODES: 👉 https://www.different-hats.co.uk/podcast 🔗 Connect with Volker Ballueder LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ballueder/ Website: https://obnat.us/ https://volkerballueder.com/ 💡 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.

We’re losing 84 men a week in the UK… 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.

What changes in someone’s life when they start reconnecting with themselves? 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.

What happens when grief, creativity, masculinity and mental health collide? 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 hopeGrowing up in Moulsecoomb and the trauma that shaped himBeing expelled from school and feeling failed by educationHow creativity became a lifelineThe loss of Simon’s brother to suicideWhy men often struggle to express what they feelHow art and storytelling can help us process painWhy schools must nurture creativity and emotional literacyThe 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 123Text SHOUT to 85258 (UK, 24/7):If you or someone is in immediate danger, call 999.NHS guidance on urgent mental health help: CLICK HERESPONSORED 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 if the education system is failing the very children it’s meant to help? 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.

“I'm okay… but I’m not all right.” 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 ThemesMasculinity redefinedVulnerability as strengthCommunity as protectionEmotional literacy in boysThe danger of silent sufferingWhy “just talk” isn’t enough without safe spacesMovement as medicineJoy as a gateway to healingPurpose 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.

What does success really look like when life forces you to slow down? 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 racismThe turning point at 16 that reshaped her pathFrom pageantry to public life, and what representation really meansBuilding HERstory into one of Sussex’s leading women-in-business platformsThe fear of losing control as a founderDelegation, leadership and commercialising her businessWhy 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.

In this deeply honest episode, I sit down with Laura Beddoe (Soul Speaks) to talk about what happens behind the “successful” exterior, the stories we run in our heads, the pain we hide, and the moment you decide: enough. 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. ⏱️ Chapters00:00 – 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 aliveConfidence isn’t loud… it’s self-trustBoundaries aren’t selfish — they’re self-respectAddiction often masks pain; healing requires compassion and accountabilityThe 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: [email protected] 🔗 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 123Text SHOUT to 85258 (UK, 24/7):If you or someone is in immediate danger, call 999.NHS guidance on urgent mental health help: CLICK HERESPONSORED 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 and deeply human conversation, I sit down with Charlotte Ricca, performance psychologist, former journalist, sea swimmer, horse rider, and passionate advocate for emotional literacy, to explore what success really means when life feels overwhelming. This episode goes far beyond high performance. Charlotte shares candidly about: navigating burnout, anxiety, and periods of depressionchanging her relationship with alcohollearning to sit with discomfort rather than mask itbalancing ambition, motherhood, identity, and self-worthand 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 thought my 100th podcast episode was the start of my journey. 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 statusThe Five Pillars of Success as lived experienceMale mental health, vulnerability, and asking for helpSobriety, self-worth, and sitting with discomfortWhy 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.

In this deep, thoughtful conversation, I am joined by entrepreneur, technologist and systems-thinker Neil Witten to explore what success really means, and why so many of us feel disconnected from the lives we’re building. 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 productivityThe hidden cost of ignoring curiosity, play and soft skillsWhy many people wait for crisis before changing their livesThe role parents, schools and culture play in shaping identityWhy 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.

What happens when you’ve done everything “right”… but still feel worthless, lost, and exhausted by your own mind? 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.