Different Hats Podcast

⚠️ Warning ⚠️ This episode contains content that may be alarming to some listeners. We do talk about suicide which we know can be distressing.What happens when the “good guy” from Big Brother – the man who seemed confident, calm, and collected – finally removes the mask?In the opening episode of Series 9, filmed at our incredible new home Brown Bear Studios, Jason Burrill sits down for his first ever deep mental-health interview, and it’s one of the most powerful conversations we’ve ever had.Jason reveals the truth behind the success, the fame, the acting career, the public persona… and the hidden mental health battles he’s carried since childhood bullying at age 11.For decades he lived behind an act, Batman on stage, Bond on film sets, Big Brother winner on TV, while secretly battling anxiety, PTSD, emotional shutdown, fear, avoidance, and a near-fatal mental health crash that left him planning to end his life.In this raw, vulnerable conversation, Jason shares:How bullying shaped every part of his adult lifeWhy he couldn’t walk into Tesco, but could walk into the Big Brother houseHow success became a mask, not a feelingHis darkest moment… and the phone call that saved himWhy men struggle to open upHow we can change the narrative for our sons, friends, fathers and future generationsThis episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in men’s mental health, resilience, trauma, identity, and redefining success beyond money, fame or status.🎧 LISTEN TO MORE DIFFERENT HATS EPISODES:👉 https://www.different-hats.co.uk/podcast🔗 Connect with Jason BurrillInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasonburrill/SPONSORED BY:Brown Bear Studios - https://brownbearstudios.co.uk/Carpenter Box - https://www.carpenterbox.com/Rivervale – www.rivervale.co.ukPRODUCED BY:H2 Productions – https://h2productions.co.uk/*If you’ve been affected by any of the topics in today’s episode, please reach out to local support services or find resources via Samaritans (UK) or equivalent helplines in your country.

Series 8 has been one of the most powerful yet, a season of raw honesty, deep reflection, and inspiring resilience. Across sixteen extraordinary conversations, we’ve explored what it truly means to live, love, and lead with authenticity.From suicidal ideation to self-acceptance, childhood loss to creative rebirth, OCD to bipolar, miscarriage to motherhood, each story redefined success not as wealth or status, but as presence, purpose, and the courage to ask for help.This finale brings together the highlights and trailers from Series 8 (Episodes 115–130).💡 Key Lessons from Series 8Success is a feeling of alignment, not a finish lineAsking for help is a gift, to yourself and othersAutonomy, Mastery, and Purpose are the real drivers of fulfilmentEmotional education matters as much as academic achievementFrom darkness can come light, connection, and meaningThe real measure of success? Presence over perfection🕒 CHAPTERS & GUESTS00:00 — Daniel Wilsher (E115) 01:24 — Joel Lawton (E116) 02:43 — Simon Chuter (E117) 04:27 — Sam Adams  (E118)05:55 — Asis Patel (E119) 07:13 — Howie McConnell (E120) 09:04 — Ashley Usiskin (E121) 11:14 — Abi Mellor (E122) 12:36 — David Eakins (E123) 14:25 — Oly Newton (E124)15:07 — Jon Kennett (E125) 16:53 — Max Marshall (E126) 19:17 — Dr Carlos Saba (E127) 21:59 — Sarah Willingham (E128) 23:21 — Jonathan Lea (E129) 25:03 — Matthew White (E130) 🌱 Closing ReflectionFrom the depths of despair to the light of discovery, Series 8 reminded us that success isn’t measured by wealth or fame, but by how deeply we live and love. Every story, every voice, every moment shared helps shift the narrative, one honest conversation at a time.If this series moved you, share this episode with someone who needs it.And if you’re struggling, remember: asking for help is strength, not weakness.🎧 LISTEN TO MORE DIFFERENT HATS EPISODES:👉 www.different-hats.co.uk/podcast🔗 SPONSORED BY:Search Seven — www.searchseven.co.ukNostos Hove — www.nostos-hove.co.ukRivervale — www.rivervale.co.ukPlus X — https://www.plusxinnovation.com/🎬 PRODUCED BY: H2 Productions

At 39, Matthew White’s world changed overnight. A seizure on the football pitch led to a devastating diagnosis, an extensive, incurable brain tumour. In this deeply emotional Different Hats Series 8 finale, Matthew shares his journey of survival, hope, and redefining success in the face of uncertainty.He opens up about the physical and emotional battles of brain surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, and the profound lessons he’s learned along the way, about time, presence, gratitude, love, vulnerability, and what it really means to live.Through his writing and advocacy, Matthew has become a voice for resilience and change, challenging stereotypes about masculinity, illness, and success. His words are raw, real, and profoundly moving.“I’ve learned to disregard time. It doesn’t matter how long or short it is, it’s what you do with it that matters.” — Matthew WhiteJoin Matthew and I was we explore themes of identity, perspective, vulnerability, fatherhood, curiosity, emotional literacy, and the courage to keep learning, no matter what life brings.⏱️ CHAPTERS00:00 – Introduction05:30 – Redefining success and identity after illness10:00 – Living authentically vs. living society’s narrative15:00 – The importance of curiosity, learning, and participation20:00 – Finding joy in the small things25:30 – The seizure, the scan, and hearing the words “It’s cancer”33:00 – Family resilience and being home for Christmas39:00 – Controlling the controllables42:30 – Balancing hope and realism45:00 – Documenting his journey to help others49:00 – Processing trauma and finding control through learning56:00 – “Don’t give up — it will get better”1:03:00 – Building emotional intelligence through psychotherapy1:10:00 – Finding his voice again1:17:00 – The power of asking for help1:23:00 – Creating a cocoon of support and redefining vulnerability1:30:00 – Lessons from his children1:38:00 – Rethinking time and what really matters1:45:00 – The evolved version of Matthew White1:48:00 – Perspective: what really matters each day1:50:00 – The biggest lesson of all: never stop learning1:52:00 – Messages for his wife and children1:55:00 – Living in hope and staying one step ahead🎧 LISTEN TO MORE DIFFERENT HATS EPISODES👉 https://www.different-hats.co.uk/podcast🔗 Connect with Matthew WhiteInstagram: @livingwithabraintumour💡 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 BYSearch Seven – www.searchseven.co.ukNostos Hove – www.nostos-hove.co.ukRivervale – www.rivervale.co.ukPlus X – https://www.plusxinnovation.com/🎥 PRODUCED BY: H2 Productions – https://h2productions.co.uk/

What does it really mean to speak your truth in a divided world?In this powerful episode, I sit down with Jonathan Lea solicitor, entrepreneur, and founder of The Jonathan Lea Network, for an honest conversation about courage, conviction, and authenticity.Jonathan opens up about growing his law firm, navigating controversy, and standing firm on his beliefs during one of the most polarising times in modern history. We talk about free speech, the fear of speaking out, and why honest debate, even when uncomfortable, is essential for personal and societal growth.From lessons in leadership and fatherhood to the rise of AI in law, this episode is a masterclass in integrity, presence, and redefining success.🎯 Key ThemesRedefining success through courage and authenticityFree speech, emotional intelligence & healthy debateThe impact of COVID, censorship & social mediaLeadership, balance & presence in fatherhoodThe future of law and AI’s role in human creativity⏱️ Chapters00:00 Introduction03:21 “How do you define success?” – career, family, campaigning10:16 Success as a feeling vs. milestones; surviving a tough market25:50 Should debate be taught in schools?27:00 Pandemic years: campaigning, reputation, and staying civil online33:48 Values vs. opinions: can relationships survive big differences?38:13 “Freedom movement,” Tommy Robinson, and division41:38 Immigration, patriotism, compassion & policy50:41 Who benefits? Foreign policy, media narratives, and nuance1:07:31 Why Jonathan spoke out during COVID1:10:05 Censorship, protests, platform bans & media framing1:20:36 Did speaking out hurt business? (what actually happened)1:26:38 Leadership vs. being anodyne; standing for something1:28:35 Lockdowns, collateral harms & vaccine passports1:31:41 Can opposing truths coexist?1:36:02 How to speak up safely (regulators, sources, IHRA, AI checks)1:43:35 How his firm uses AI (ChatGPT & Gemini) across legal work1:55:23 Will AI replace lawyers? Where humans still add value1:59:48 The next 5 years: tech, team, and growth mindset2:06:02 New fatherhood, balance & presence“If you truly believe in what you’re saying, you have to be willing to stand by it — even when it’s uncomfortable. Authenticity isn’t about being loud, it’s about being honest.”🎧 LISTEN TO MORE DIFFERENT HATS EPISODES:👉 https://www.different-hats.co.uk/podcast🔗 CONNECT WITH JONATHAN LEA:Website: https://www.jonathanlea.netLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanlea/🙌 SPONSORED BY:Search Seven – www.searchseven.co.ukNostos Hove – www.nostos-hove.co.ukRivervale – www.rivervale.co.ukPlus X – https://www.plusxinnovation.com🎥 PRODUCED BY: H2 Productions

What does true success really mean? In this inspiring conversation, I sit down with Sarah Willingham, entrepreneur, investor, former Dragon on BBC’s Dragons’ Den, and co-owner of the Brighton i360.Sarah opens up about:✨ Why she believes success is freedom, the ability to meander through life on your own terms.✨ The heartbreaking loss of her soulmate during Covid and what he taught her about presence, happiness, and living fully.✨ Her bold decision to take her four children out of school for three years to travel the world and why she calls it the best decision of her life.✨ The challenges of entrepreneurship in hospitality, surviving Covid, and leading through tough times.✨ Why she doesn’t believe in a career path but instead a life path building businesses and choices around lifestyle, values, and family.✨ The lessons she’d tell her 20-year-old self (and why polishing basil leaves became her metaphor for life).This raw and honest conversation shines a light on redefining success away from money, fame, or status, and instead towards balance, freedom, and presence.If you’ve ever felt trapped by society’s blueprint for life, Sarah’s story will inspire you to carve your own path and embrace the beauty of just being.⏱️ Chapters:00:00 Defining success: freedom & presence06:00 Curiosity, chaos & why Sarah loves variety13:30 The flawed dictionary definition of success17:00 Walking, nature & recalibrating from adrenaline26:00 Diarising “nothing” & finding presence28:30 Taking kids out of school to travel the world39:00 Challenging the education system53:00 Finding her “thing” in business1:01:00 Entrepreneurship, resilience & the WHY1:07:30 Surviving hospitality during Covid1:10:30 Balance, chaos & polishing basil leaves1:14:20 Advice to her 20-year-old self1:17:00 What does a life well lived look like?🎧 LISTEN TO MORE DIFFERENT HATS EPISODES:👉 https://www.different-hats.co.uk/podcast🔗 Connect with Sarah WillinghamWebsite: https://sarahwilligham.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahwillingham/💡 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:Preston Insurance: https://prestoninsurancebrokers.co.uk/ - Episode SponsorSearch Seven www.searchseven.co.ukNostos Hove  www.nostos-hove.co.ukRivervale  www.rivervale.co.ukPlus X https://www.plusxinnovation.com/PRODUCED BY: H2 Productions: https://h2productions.co.uk/

What does it really mean to live a successful life? Is success about achievements, wealth, or status or is it something much deeper?In this powerful episode of the Different Hats Podcast, I sit down with my good friend Dr. Carlos Saba, co-founder of The Happy Startup School. Carlos shares his journey from chasing external markers of success to redefining it as a feeling of alignment, acceptance, and agency.We dive into:The evolving definition of success beyond money and milestonesEmotional intelligence and why schools must nurture curiosity, not just gradesWhy shame, comparison, and old money stories hold us backThe idea of “Happy Money” and how our stories around money shape our livesMidlife transitions, the “second mountain,” and asking Who am I becoming?How to create your own blueprint for life and stop living by outdated societal narrativesThis conversation is packed with wisdom on presence, purpose, and emotional awareness, reminding us all that success is not about having more, but about being more.⏱️ CHAPTERS00:00 – Intro What is Happy Money?06:02 – Redefining success as a feeling of alignment07:31 – From black belts to diaries: chasing early success goals12:45 – Why being still is so hard in today’s society17:56 – Childhood, conditioning & the stories we inherit21:27 – Is the school system broken? Emotional literacy & curiosity26:27 – Parents, teachers & environments shaping emotional awareness29:08 – Rage, shame & teaching children emotional intelligence32:43 – Can we measure emotional intelligence like grades?37:48 – The “Second Mountain” of purpose & contribution42:45 – Finding your values and purpose vs. chasing titles48:21 – Questioning the life blueprint: marriage, career & curiosity53:14 – Compassion, forgiveness & letting go of “the one way”55:41 – Feeling stuck? Where to start with transition59:10 – The First Mountain vs. the Second Mountain1:01:43 – Redefining money: Happy Money & financial stories1:09:51 – Scarcity, shame & abundance1:13:29 – What is happiness? Acceptance & agency1:15:35 – Responsibility, awareness & self-compassion1:18:31 – Life as an adventure, not a scoreboard1:20:29 – Chaos, stories & infinite games1:25:24 – Death, joy & making the game better1:29:13 – Agency, acceptance & connection1:30:13 – Summer camp, friendship & fulfillment1:33:30 – The key midlife question: Who am I becoming?1:36:02 – Closing tradition: Storytelling card reflection🎧 LISTEN TO MORE DIFFERENT HATS EPISODES:👉 https://www.different-hats.co.uk/podcast🔗 Connect with Dr. Carlos SabaWebsite: https://www.happystartupschool.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlossaba💡 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:Search Seven – www.searchseven.co.ukNostos Hove – www.nostos-hove.co.ukRivervale – www.rivervale.co.ukPlus X – https://www.plusxinnovation.com/PRODUCED BY: H2 Productions – https://h2productions.co.uk/

What if schools prepared young people not just to pass exams, but to live fulfilled, resilient, and happy lives?In this inspiring conversation, I sit down with Max Marshall, a former teacher who left the classroom after 10 years to disrupt an outdated education system. Max now champions a vision for schools that prioritise emotional intelligence, resilience, and self-confidence over rote learning.Together, we explore how redefining success for children could transform not just education, but the future mental health of our society. From Habits for Happiness to emotional tolerance, Max shares practical ideas for parents, teachers, and leaders and why teaching children to manage their emotions could ultimately save lives.This is one of the most important and game-changing conversations I’ve had on the podcast to date.CHAPTERS:00:00 Introduction – Fixing what schools miss02:30 Max defines success: from popularity to fulfilment07:00 The danger of external validation & social media10:20 Teaching intrinsic success to children15:00 Rethinking competition, failure & resilience23:00 Why schools must change: outdated curriculum27:30 The problem with SATs and measuring success32:40 Emotional intelligence vs academic intelligence40:00 What children really need to thrive in life47:30 Pushback from schools & systemic barriers55:00 Habits for Happiness – practical daily routines1:05:00 Preparing children for secondary school & life1:20:00 Choosing who you want to become1:40:00 What success looks like for the next generation1:52:00 Closing reflections & the Different Hats card🎧 LISTEN TO MORE DIFFERENT HATS EPISODES:👉 https://www.different-hats.co.uk/podcast🔗 Connect with Max MarshallWebsite: https://lifeeducationcoaching.co.uk/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifeeducationwithmax/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/max-marshall-life-education/Follow Max here 👉 https://linktr.ee/maxmarshall.life.education💡 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:Search Seven: www.searchseven.co.ukNostos Hove:  www.nostos-hove.co.ukRivervale: www.rivervale.co.ukPlus X https://www.plusxinnovation.com/PRODUCED BY: H2 Productions: https://h2productions.co.uk/

⚠️ Warning ⚠️ This episode contains content that may be alarming to some listeners. We do talk about suicide which we know can be distressing.In this powerful episode, I sit down with Jon Kennett, agency director, family man, and someone who’s lived through the highs of ambition and the lows of loss.Jon opens up about how his definition of success has shifted over the years from chasing houses, cars, and financial milestones, to focusing on happiness, health, and the relationships that matter most.We dive deep into themes of presence, fulfilment, balance, and relationships from practical business lessons around leadership and networking, to raw, emotional conversations about mental health and suicide. Jon shares the heartbreaking stories of close friends he’s lost, the ripple effects on everyone left behind, and why breaking the stigma around these conversations is so important.This episode is both deeply human and practical with lessons on leadership, resilience, and the everyday sparks of meaning that keep us going.🔑 Key ThemesRedefining what success really meansWhy fulfilment is about the journey, not the destinationBuilding genuine relationships over transactionsLessons from Jon’s father and a childhood immersed in music & performanceMental health, suicide, and the ripple effect of lossLeadership, trust, and putting the right people in the right seatsFamily, presence, and the everyday sparks of meaning⏱️ Chapters00:00 – Opening & introductions03:20 – Redefining success: from cars and houses to health, happiness, and family12:15 – The pursuit vs. the destination: presence and fulfilment20:40 – Networking done right: building relationships, not selling31:00 – Growing up in music, confidence through performance, and lessons from his father42:30 – Validation, highs & lows of the music industry54:10 – Mental health, suicide, and losing a close friend1:06:00 – The ripple effect: multiple friends lost to suicide and how it changed Jon’s outlook1:24:00 – What needs to change: stigma, emotional education, and starting young1:38:00 – Leadership lessons: building trust and putting the right people in the right seats1:46:00 – Advice to a younger self1:47:00 – Staying present as a father and leader1:55:00 – Closing reflections: what sparks meaning in everyday life🎧 LISTEN TO MORE DIFFERENT HATS EPISODES:👉 https://www.different-hats.co.uk/podcast🔗 Connect with Jon KennettLinkedIn: Jon Kennett💡 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:Search Seven – www.searchseven.co.ukNostos Hove – www.nostos-hove.co.ukRivervale – www.rivervale.co.ukPlus X – https://www.plusxinnovation.com/PRODUCED BY:H2 Productions – https://h2productions.co.uk/*If you’ve been affected by any of the topics in today’s episode, please reach out to local support services or find resources via Samaritans (UK) or equivalent helplines in your country.

At just 21, Oly Newton’s world was turned upside down. After surviving a severe mental health crisis and living for years with the daily challenges of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), he channelled his pain into purpose, becoming a speaker, advocate, and founder of LightsOnXP, a human-centred workplace wellbeing platform shaped by lived experience.In this powerful conversation, Oly opens up about how OCD has shaped his life, how he learned to manage it, and why it doesn’t define him. We dive into his journey from rock bottom to leading meaningful change, the importance of being truly present, and why human connection remains the most powerful tool for wellbeing in the workplace.This is an open, honest, and deeply human exploration of recovery, hope, resilience, and the courage to keep showing up, even when the lights feel off.Chapters 00:00 —  Introduction04:12 — Oly’s early years and the experiences that shaped him10:05 — Hitting rock bottom: a turning point in his mental health journey17:46 — The power of speaking out and breaking stigma23:30 — Founding LightsOnXP: building a wellbeing platform shaped by lived experience31:18 — Redefining success: from surviving to thriving37:54 — Why human connection is the cornerstone of mental health in the workplace45:22 — Navigating balance and avoiding burnout52:16 — Authenticity and showing up as your whole self58:04 — The role of presence in recovery and leadership1:05:48 — Finding fulfilment in purpose-led work1:12:09 — Relationships, trust, and creating a support network1:19:33 — Practical steps for organisations to support mental health1:27:15 — Living with OCD: challenges and coping strategies1:35:42 — Lessons learned from lived experience1:43:58 — Advice for anyone struggling with mental health right now1:51:25 — Future plans for LightsOnXP and personal growth1:59:50 — Closing reflections & Oly’s definition of success today🎧 LISTEN TO MORE DIFFERENT HATS EPISODES:👉 https://www.different-hats.co.uk/podcast🔗 Connect with Oly NewtonWebsite: https://www.lightsonxp.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olynewton/💡 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:Search Seven — www.searchseven.co.ukNostos Hove — www.nostos-hove.co.ukRivervale — www.rivervale.co.ukPlus X — https://www.plusxinnovation.com/PRODUCED BY: H2 Productions — https://h2productions.co.uk/