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/

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.

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
• 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 everything you thought success looked like... wasn't the thing at all?

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.

In this powerful and deeply personal episode of the Different Hats Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Susanna Petche, a GP, trauma specialist, and CPTSD survivor, for one of the most open, vulnerable, and important conversations I’ve ever had on the show.

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.

In this profoundly moving episode of the Different Hats Podcast, I sit down with my dear friend and storytelling collaborator, Terry Bower, for a conversation that will stay with you long after the final word is spoken.

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.

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.