What does it truly mean to be a man today? And how do we raise boys to grow into emotionally intelligent, resilient men?

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.

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:

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

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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.

In this deeply honest and empowering episode with the brilliant Marina Lazaris, we dive into how modern men (and women) can reconnect with authentic love, real confidence, and emotional success, beyond the fake measures of status, wealth, or appearance.

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
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Produced By:

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

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