What if the very definition of success you’ve been chasing isn’t really yours?

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.

What if redefining success starts with showing up for yourself first?

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.

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.

What if you could live a life with no regrets? What if success wasn’t measured by money, fame, or external validation, but by how present you are in each moment?

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
• 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 incredibly raw and uplifting conversation, our guest Michelle Barrett pulls back the curtain on her remarkable journey—from a turbulent childhood marked by trauma and uncertainty to forging a thriving career in TV costume design, and ultimately finding true fulfilment as a personal stylist and YouTube creator.

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"!

https://linktr.ee/differenthats

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

• 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

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

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

Ready to redefine success from the inside out? In this thought-provoking episode, we explore the transformative power of self-love, intuition, and leading with soul—all while navigating an ever-evolving, AI-driven world. Our special guest, author of Balance and Leading with Soul, Marina Fernández Julian shares how losing a dear friend—and nearly losing herself—sparked a profound journey toward inner freedom and authentic living. Discover why true fulfilment isn’t tied to accolades or material wealth, but rather to embracing vulnerability, honouring your intuition, and cultivating genuine connections with those who truly celebrate your growth.

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.

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

Books:

https://marinazestforlife.com/leading-with-soul/

https://marinazestforlife.com/balance-living-a-life-true-to-yourself/

https://linktr.ee/differenthats

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

• 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

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

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

Ready to discover what it really takes to bring a game-changing idea to life—especially one that transforms an entire community’s relationship with the sea? In this episode, I sit down with Ross Gilbert, the visionary behind Brighton’s iconic Sea Lanes. From wrestling with never-ending planning hurdles (hello, storm drains!) to managing the pressure of big builds and bigger budgets, Ross shares an unfiltered look at the resilience and teamwork needed to keep a massive project afloat. We dive into the power of sport and mindset—why his background in golf taught him to embrace failure and stay patient with every twist. If you’ve ever dreamed of carving your own path and building something truly special, Ross’s story is pure inspiration. Grab a coffee, settle in, and let’s dive into one of the most fascinating entrepreneurial journeys on the Brighton coast!

Highlights:

• How Ross juggled planning nightmares and unexpected challenges (like a historic railway running through the site)
• Why embracing “small steps” and daily progress is vital for any long-term project
• The power of having a tight-knit team: when one person’s down, another steps up
• Lessons from golf on dealing with failure and bouncing back fast
• Ross’s unique lifestyle balance—splitting time between Germany and the Brighton seaside

Tune in for a candid, behind-the-scenes chat about creating something truly groundbreaking for the local community. Don’t forget to subscribe, drop a comment, and hit that “like” button if Ross’s journey inspires your next big move!

Key Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction

04:13 – Early Love of Sport & Golf

16:30 – Discovering Property & the Entrepreneurial Bug

31:00 – Pop-Up Bar & Silent Yoga Disco

37:45 – Overcoming Site Logistics: Volks Railway & Storm Drains

45:00 – Lost Days & Squeaky Cash Flow

53:00 – Sea Lanes Grand Opening

1:10:00 – Redefining Success & Final Life Lesson.

https://linktr.ee/differenthats

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

• 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

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

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

Ready to see success in a whole new light? In this episode, I’m joined by the brilliant Gary Salters—founder of “Go Succeed”—whose energy and insights will flip your idea of “making it” on its head. From his early days working at McDonald’s (and loving every moment of it!) to coaching small businesses through powerful processes, Gary proves that success is so much more than money and status. We talk about how growing up in Northern Ireland during the Troubles shaped his open-minded attitude, why authentic values make or break your business, and how time is our most precious commodity. If you’ve ever felt stuck chasing the wrong goals, Gary’s perspective will give you the clarity and motivation to start moving forward. Grab a notepad and let’s redefine success—on your terms.

Highlights:

• Gary’s journey from McDonald’s star to corporate leader, and the leap into entrepreneurship
• Why creating a killer process (yes, even in a tiny startup) can transform your results
• Growing up in Northern Ireland during the Troubles—and how it shaped Gary’s view on acceptance and inclusion
• The real reason time is worth more than any paycheck
• Simple strategies to build client relationships without feeling salesy

Don’t miss this honest, inspiring conversation that’ll help you see business (and life) differently. Hit that “Like” button, subscribe, and drop your thoughts in the comments—let’s keep the conversation going!

Watch Now / Listen on All Podcast Platforms:

https://linktr.ee/differenthats

Subscribe to the Newsletter:

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

• 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.

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

Ready to redefine what “success” really means? In this riveting episode of The Different Hats Podcast, we sit down with entrepreneur Michael Yeoman, who’s built an award-winning distillery from discarded English wine grapes and pioneered a thriving solar energy business—while navigating personal tragedy, financial downturns, and unexpected career twists.

Discover how Michael’s childhood struggles, near-health scares, and a passion ignited by the Burning Man festival led him to embrace sustainability and innovation in everything he does. From turning press waste into premium spirits to installing solar panels that power homes and businesses, Michael shares the highs and lows of entrepreneurship—and how failure can be your greatest teacher.

In This Episode, Learn About:

• Overcoming setbacks (including three redundancies!)
• Building a socially responsible brand—renewable energy to eco-distilling
• Maintaining mental wellbeing through stress and uncertainty
• Striking real work-life balance across multiple ventures

If you’ve ever wondered how to flip adversity into opportunity, don’t miss this conversation. Hit play to hear Michael’s incredible journey and get inspired to redefine success on your own terms!

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and comment with your definition of success!

Watch Now / Listen on All Podcast Platforms:

https://linktr.ee/differenthats

Subscribe to the Newsletter:

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

• 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

*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.