Different Hats Podcast

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.⏱️ CHAPTERS00:00 – Introduction: Why This Conversation Matters02:13 – “You Alright Mate?” | Rose’s Honest Check-In06:56 – Why Work Shouldn’t Become Your Identity09:35 – Parenting, Kindness & Emotional Literacy14:18 – How Rose Defines Success16:30 – Leaving Corporate Life & Following Your Heart25:59 – The Suicide That Changed Rose’s Life Forever32:40 – What Samaritans Taught Rose About Suicide Prevention35:45 – “People Don’t Want To Die — They Want The Pain To End”41:02 – Rose Opens Up About Her Own Suicidal Thoughts46:57 – Why We Must Stop Waiting For People To Reach Out50:57 – Why Emotional Literacy Must Start In Schools57:01 – Why Asking About Suicide Saves Lives01:03:45 – Community, Belonging & Human Connection01:11:27 – Are We Teaching Children How To Live?01:20:01 – The Language That Can Save A Life01:30:59 – Financial Pressure, Success & Suicide01:40:48 – Why Talking About Death Helps Us Live01:50:06 – What Gives Rose Hope01:53:00 – A Message For Anyone Struggling Right Now01:54:26 – 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 UKSPONSORED BY:Rivervale – https://www.rivervale.co.ukBrown Bear Studios – https://www.brownbearstudio.co.ukCarpenter Box – https://www.carpenterbox.com🎬 PRODUCED BY:H2 Productions – https://h2productions.co.uk/

👉 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.⏱️ CHAPTERS00:00 – Introduction & the BIG question: Is life a performance?02:30 – “You Alright Mate?” – navigating life, noise & pressure05:00 – Family, cancer, and finding purpose through challenge09:30 – Childhood, kindness & where mindset begins12:30 – Who am I? Identity beyond roles & achievements18:30 – Teaching kids confidence, play & self-belief23:00 – What success really means (then vs now)30:00 – Regret, perspective & redefining priorities40:00 – Why we struggle with self-worth & accepting compliments50:00 – The highs of performing vs real life fulfilment01:00:00 – Ego, validation & being enough01:10:00 – Social media, performance & authenticity01:20:00 – Resilience, rejection & staying grounded01:30:00 – Final reflections: kindness, play & legacy💭 KEY THEMESAuthenticity 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 Whiteleyhttps://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.ukBrown Bear Studios – https://www.brownbearstudio.co.ukCarpenter Box – https://www.carpenterbox.com🎬 PRODUCED BY:H2 Productions – https://h2productions.co.uk/

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.⏱️ CHAPTERS00:00 Introduction 02:10 You Alright Mate?03:10 How Volker Defines Success04:45 Chasing Money vs Finding Fulfilment07:45 Lifelong Learning & Education10:40 School Systems & Different Types of Intelligence15:30 Emotional Intelligence in Schools24:00 Creativity, Curiosity & Child-Led Learning28:40 Comparison Culture & Social Media31:55 Living True to Yourself38:50 What High Achievers Taught Volker About Success45:10 Why Purpose Matters More Than Money55:30 Being Enough As You Are59:55 Midlife Crisis or Midlife Awakening?1:03:10 Why Men Don’t Talk1:08:20 Vulnerability Is Strength1:17:40 Preventing Crisis Before It Happens1:22:40 Mindfulness & Self-Awareness1:31:15 Habits of Successful People1:45:15 What To Do If You’re Struggling1:54:55 Advice to Younger Volker1:55:34 What Does A Life Well Lived Look Like?🎧 LISTEN TO MORE DIFFERENT HATS EPISODES:👉 https://www.different-hats.co.uk/podcast🔗 Connect with Volker BalluederLinkedIn: 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.ukBrown Bear Studios – https://www.brownbearstudio.co.ukCarpenter Box – https://www.carpenterbox.com🎬 PRODUCED BY:H2 Productions – https://h2productions.co.uk/

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 YOUHow 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.ukBrown Bear Studios – https://www.brownbearstudio.co.ukCarpenter Box – https://www.carpenterbox.com🎬 PRODUCED BY:H2 Productions – https://h2productions.co.uk/

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 – Introduction02:20 – “Are you alright mate?” and the zone of contentment03:38 – Marc’s definition of success now07:17 – Leaving business, core values, and the power of freedom + connection18:54 – Uncertainty, discomfort, and what young people really need26:21 – Where to start when you’re in a dark place36:34 – Isolation, mindset, and taking responsibility for your wellbeing53:08 – The biggest lessons Marc has learned in recent years58:06 – AI, community, and dropping pebbles in your own pond1:16:04 – Are people living consciously or just drifting into life?1:24:03 – The manosphere, role models, and what young men need most1:32:40 – What Marc would change about education if he were Prime Minister1:36:17 – What Marc would say to his 14-year-old self1:38:15 – How to start reconnecting with yourself1:39:47 – How Marc knows when he’s nearing burnoutMarc 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 ConveyWebsite: https://www.marcconvey.com/Substack: https://substack.com/@makingamarcLinkedIn: 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.ukBrown Bear Studios – https://www.brownbearstudio.co.ukCarpenter Box – https://www.carpenterbox.com🎬 PRODUCED BY:H2 Productions – https://h2productions.co.uk/

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 MeIf this episode resonates with you, please share it with someone who might need it.CHAPTERS00:00 Introduction00:40 Reflecting on the You Alright Mate? gathering02:09 What this conversation explores04:20 “You alright, mate?” check-in05:22 Simon’s definition of success07:26 Success, integrity and living true to yourself12:39 Why external success can feel hollow13:33 Poverty, pain and choosing a different path18:36 Growing up in Moulsecoomb25:24 Abandonment, trauma and survival31:23 Being expelled from school37:48 Creativity as escape and expression42:13 Why education often stifles creativity49:14 The power of mentors and being truly seen01:00:55 The purpose behind the exhibition01:03:59 Can creativity help prevent suicide?01:08:19 The gift of helping others01:09:53 Processing grief then and now01:13:59 Will the pain ever leave?01:15:33 The message Simon hopes the exhibition leaves behind01:19:50 Holding space, hope and the next hour01:21:23 Depression, demons and getting through dark moments01:26:10 Integrity, self-doubt and staying true01:30:44 Following dreams despite the voices that doubt you01::34 Final reflections on hope, suicide prevention and legacy01:41:37 Storytelling card: legacy beyond career01:43:19 Closing thoughts🎧 LISTEN TO MORE DIFFERENT HATS EPISODES:👉 https://www.different-hats.co.uk/podcast🔗 Connect with Simon David EdenExhibition details: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/shadow-light-songs-my-brother-taught-me-tickets-1983767367598?aff=ebdsoporgprofileWebsite: 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.ukBrown Bear Studios – https://www.brownbearstudio.co.ukCarpenter Box – https://www.carpenterbox.com🎬 PRODUCED BY:H2 Productions – https://h2productions.co.uk/

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.CHAPTERS00:00 Introduction02:15 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 system39:24 Supporting children who struggle with school56:15 If we redesigned education from scratch1:09:22 Teaching children they are enough1:25:04 Advice for parents1:36:02 Lessons from swimming the English Channel🎧 LISTEN TO MORE DIFFERENT HATS EPISODES:👉 https://www.different-hats.co.uk/podcast🔗 Connect with Dr Hildi MitchellInstagram: 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.ukBrown Bear Studios – https://www.brownbearstudio.co.ukCarpenter Box – https://www.carpenterbox.com🎬 PRODUCED BY:H2 Productions – https://h2productions.co.uk/

“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.⏱️ Timestamps00:00 – Introduction03:00 – Financial pressure, identity & letting go07:30 – Modern masculinity: Evolution, not revolution12:20 – Teaching emotional literacy to the next generation15:10 – What is success (and does it change over time?)21:30 – Identity, purpose & empty nest transitions29:45 – Who was Paul before Outta Puff Daddies?36:00 – The shoulder injury & silent mental decline42:50 – Breaking point on holiday45:50 – The power of finally talking50:30 – The “glass of water” analogy (powerful moment)55:00 – Why community is the real toolkit1:02:00 – The man who said, “You saved my life.”1:07:30 – Why joy is essential in men’s mental health1:11:00 – The Outta Puff Daddies story & viral growth1:20:00 – 40 million views… but what really matters1:27:00 – Self-care, glimmers & finding joy1:41:30 – 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 JukesWebsite: https://www.outtapuffdaddys.co.uk/Instagram: @outtapuffdaddiesTikTok: @outtapuffdaddiesLinkedin: 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.ukBrown Bear Studios – https://www.brownbearstudio.co.ukCarpenter Box – https://www.carpenterbox.com🎬 PRODUCED BY:H2 Productions – https://h2productions.co.uk/

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 legacyAs 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.⏱️ Chapters00:00 – Introduction02:24 – Delegation, leadership and commercialising the business07:41 – Early career, mentorship and full-circle moments14:09 – What does success really mean?18:34 – Identity, school, and finding perspective21:10 – The Gambia trip that changed everything29:00 – Belonging, racism and confidence36:45 – Pageantry and representation44:22 – The origin of HERstory49:48 – Creating space in business1:03:29 – Entrepreneurship wasn’t the plan1:13:19 – Pregnancy, control and fear1:25:22 – Ambition, motherhood and the next chapter1:30:36 – What she’d tell her younger self🎧 LISTEN TO MORE DIFFERENT HATS EPISODES:👉 https://www.different-hats.co.uk/podcast🔗 Connect with Stephanie PriorWebsite: 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.ukBrown Bear Studios – https://www.brownbearstudio.co.ukCarpenter Box – https://www.carpenterbox.com🎬 PRODUCED BY:H2 Productions – https://h2productions.co.uk/