Different Hats Podcast

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/

⚠️ Warning ⚠️ This episode contains content that may be alarming to some listeners. We do talk about suicide which we know can be distressing.At 38, David Eakins was moments away from ending his life on a railway bridge. On the outside, everything looked perfect, a great career, loving family, and strong friendships. But inside, David was silently drowning.In this deeply moving and honest conversation, David opens up about suicidal ideation, masculinity, shame, and his journey to healing. He reveals how a single question, “How are you, out of 10?” became the turning point that led him to therapy, vulnerability, and a new life of presence and purpose.Now leading Talk Club Brighton & Hove, David is helping other men open up and find hope through connection and conversation.This episode is a must-listen for anyone struggling with trauma, grief or depression, or anyone supporting someone who is, or anyone ready to redefine what strength really means.⏱️ CHAPTERS00:00 – “I climbed the railings of a bridge…” – David’s darkest moment03:05 – The weight of suicidal ideation: “I didn’t want to end my life… I wanted to end the pain”07:42 – The silent battle at work and feeling lost in plain sight13:18 – Early life, childhood masking, and belief systems about manhood19:50 – Marriage, family dynamics, and fear of being ‘found out’27:05 – The life-changing impact of being asked: “How are you out of 10?”34:40 – First steps into therapy and confronting buried trauma41:12 – Creating safe spaces: the birth of Talk Club Brighton & Hove48:30 – The power of community and emotional accountability56:50 – Shame, masks, and the myth of the 'strong man'1:05:15 – Male friendship, trust, and the art of showing up1:13:42 – Parenting, presence, and breaking generational cycles1:22:18 – When laughter is medicine: humour, humanity and healing1:31:40 – Business, burnout and redefining leadership through empathy1:40:55 – Mental health at work: what employers get wrong1:49:30 – Living with intention and building a new definition of success1:56:50 – David answers the 5 Pillars: Balance, Authenticity, Presence, Fulfilment, Relationships2:04:00 – Final reflections: “Be brave enough to speak before it's too late”🔗 Connect with David EakinsInstagram: @davideakinsLinkedIn: David EakinsWebsite: https://happysapien.co.uk/🎧 LISTEN TO MORE DIFFERENT HATS EPISODES:👉 https://www.different-hats.co.uk/podcast💬 If this episode resonated, please like, share, and leave a comment. Your support helps spread this vital 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

In this heartfelt episode, I sit down with Abi Mellor, co-founder of award-winning creative agency MOREVER, for a raw and powerful conversation about success, leadership, loss, and living a values-led life.Abi opens up about her journey through motherhood, miscarriage, burnout, and business, sharing how she navigates these deeply personal experiences while leading impactful storytelling campaigns for global changemakers. We explore how her childhood shaped her, what she believes is broken in our education system, and how success for her is measured by love, presence, and purpose, not just performance.We also talk about creating emotionally literate families, leadership with vulnerability, the importance of slowing down, and why honest storytelling matters more than ever in a distracted, digital world.If you’ve ever felt like you’re failing at the impossible juggle, or wondered how to hold purpose and pressure at the same time, this one’s for you.⏱️ CHAPTERS & TIME STAMPS00:00 – Intro02:48 – What does success mean to Abi today?05:51 – Childhood, co-parenting & shaping values11:30 – Creating MOREVER & purpose-led storytelling18:44 – Miscarriage, motherhood & the emotional cost of ambition26:20 – Vulnerability in leadership & business burnout35:10 – Reframing failure & making space for slowness40:22 – Phone addiction, presence & parenting in a digital world47:38 – Changing the education system & raising emotionally intelligent kids53:52 – Honest storytelling, holding space & creative leadership58:46 – Being a working mum: guilt, balance & emotional weight1:05:18 – Abi’s partner dynamic & redistributing roles at home1:09:14 – The cost of burnout: body signals & seeking help1:16:10 – Finding strength in slowing down & saying no1:19:42 – Letting go of perfection & embracing emotional truth1:24:00 – Navigating phone addiction and presence in parenting1:29:32 – On grief, miscarriage and language that heals1:35:20 – Changing the story: why emotional literacy matters1:40:48 – Final thoughts on success, love, and the legacy we leave 🎧 LISTEN TO MORE DIFFERENT HATS EPISODES:👉 https://www.different-hats.co.uk/podcast🔗 Connect with Abi MellorWebsite: https://www.morever.co.uk/Instagram: @moreverfilmsLinkedIn: Abi Mellor💡 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/

In this powerful and deeply human conversation, Sam sits down with Ashley Usiskin, coach, speaker, and founder of The Gift of Help, to explore what true strength looks like in a world that often rewards silence and independence.Ashley opens up about losing his mum at age five and how that loss hardwired him to become emotionally self-sufficient. But when a life-threatening cancer diagnosis forced him to accept support, he had to completely reframe what it meant to ask for help, and more importantly, receive it.This episode is an invitation to rewrite outdated scripts around masculinity, vulnerability, and success. Ashley speaks openly about childhood grief, emotional suppression, the school system, and the profound impact of mentorship. Together, he and Sam reflect on the resilience of children, the need for emotional intelligence in education, and why helping others starts with giving them the chance to help you.This isn’t just about healing. It’s about legacy. It’s about rewriting the rules so that future generations don’t have to unlearn them.🎧 CHAPTERS & TIMESTAMPS:00:00 | What Is Success?00:39 | Childhood Trauma & Early Loss01:16 | Cancer Diagnosis & The Gift of Help04:33 | Redefining Success Through Connection10:29 | Challenging Cultural Narratives17:12 | Emotional Intelligence in Education33:22 | Vulnerability and Masculinity47:42 | Learning to Ask for Help54:03 | Receiving Support with Gratitude58:17 | Brotherhood and Shared Grief1:05:03 | Facing Mortality: What Truly Matters1:15:03 | Final Reflection: What Would You Tell Little You?🎧 LISTEN TO MORE DIFFERENT HATS EPISODES:👉 https://www.different-hats.co.uk/podcast🔗 Connect with Ashley UsiskinWebsite: https://thegiftofhelp.org/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gift_of_accepting_help_podcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyusiskin/💡 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/

Howie McConnell has lived many lives: club promoter, DJ, designer, car salesman, creative founder, and a man who faced the darkest moment of his life and found the courage to rebuild.⚠️ 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 deeply honest and inspiring conversation, Howie opens up about his late ADHD diagnosis, his journey through a divorce, redundancy during COVID, and the moment he nearly took his life. But it's also a story of resilience, reinvention, and creativity. From running iconic Brighton clubs to founding 28th Street Media, Howie shares how creativity saved his life, how fatherhood fuels his purpose, and what it means to live authentically, with “peace in the chaos.”Together we explore themes of masculinity, neurodiversity, emotional intelligence, and the power of being seen. This one’s not just for creatives or entrepreneurs, it’s for anyone navigating change, looking to heal, or wondering how to turn pain into purpose.⏱️ CHAPTERS00:00 – From Darkness to Light: Howie’s rock bottom moment03:04 – Defining Success: A triple-header view on peace, presence & parenthood06:34 – Early Hustles, Millionaire Dreams & Fur-Covered Lighters07:31 – School, Dyslexia & Creativity Suppressed10:00 – What’s Broken in the Education System?14:18 – Work Ethic, Essex Roots & Family Influence16:20 – DJing, Honey Club & The Creative Scene24:12 – The Origin of 28th Street Media25:34 – Juggling Jobs, Redundancy & Survival27:39 – COVID: The Worst and Best Time31:24 – Health Wake-Up Call: From 20 Stone to Ultra-Marathons33:05 – Midlife Awakening or ADHD Clarity?39:46 – The Gift of Listening (Not Fixing)43:52 – Late ADHD Diagnosis at 4550:00 – Advice for Newly Diagnosed Adults56:43 – Mental Health, Food Banks & The Knife Moment58:48 – The Camera That Saved My Life1:10:21 – Goal-Setting, Self-Motivation & Creative Grit1:17:17 – Launching a Neurodivergent Clothing Line1:21:15 – Being at Peace: Redefining Success through Contentment🔗 CONNECT WITH HOWIE MCCONNELLWebsite: https://www.28thstreetmedia.co.ukInstagram: @28thstreetmediaLinkedIn: Howie McConnell🎧 LISTEN TO MORE DIFFERENT HATS EPISODES:👉 https://www.different-hats.co.uk/podcast💡 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.comPRODUCED BY:H2 Productions – https://h2productions.co.uk

“Success is when you can take the mask off… and be Spider-Man and Peter Parker at the same time.”In one of the most vulnerable, profound, and creatively powerful episodes of Different Hats to date, Sam sits down with illustrator, storyteller, and creative genius Asis Patel.Asis opens up about his journey growing up without his biological father, the bold decision his mother made to leave an arranged marriage, and how that shaped his identity, masculinity, and artistic expression.In a raw and heartfelt conversation, Asis shares the first time publicly about standing on the edge, literally and emotionally, contemplating suicide, and how that moment became a portal to transformation. We dive into themes of presence, purpose, emotional honesty, creativity, and how self-awareness, community, and storytelling saved his life.This episode is a reminder that creativity isn’t just about art, it’s about survival, identity, and expression. Asis is living proof that our stories can be our salvation.KEY CHAPTERS00:00 – The Spider-Man Within: A powerful definition of success03:06 – Introducing Asis: Creative genius and storyteller05:29 – Taking the Mask Off: Living in alignment with your truth10:04 – Fulfilment through curiosity, creativity, and sensory living13:28 – Childhood, creativity & searching for alternatives17:36 – Asis opens up: Growing up without his biological father25:17 – Shame, identity & the language we lack as children28:46 – What Does It Mean to Be a Man?30:04 – Dancing with the Feminine: Redefining masculinity41:34 – The masculine and feminine in harmony45:49 – Asis' stammer, bullying, and finding his voice53:47 – From Stammering to Stand-up Comedy1:03:40 – Finding peace with his biological father’s absence1:17:34 – Creating a life beyond pain: Turning adversity into purpose1:24:44 – Asis’ Mental Health Struggles: The moment everything changed1:37:55 – Suicide did happen that day… but so did rebirth1:47:32 – The Inner Child & Walt Disney dreams1:48:52 – Final reflections & the gift of storytelling🎧 LISTEN TO MORE DIFFERENT HATS EPISODES:👉 https://www.different-hats.co.uk/podcast🔗 Connect with Asis PatelWebsite: https://www.asispatel.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/asispatelLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/asispatel💡 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/

“You can’t breathe through what you’re not willing to feel.”⚠️ 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 transformational life coach and breathwork practitioner Sam Adams, whose remarkable journey from trauma to truth will leave you deeply moved and inspired.Sam shares her raw, unfiltered story, growing up in a white, working-class area where being Black, gay, and female meant hiding her truth. From surviving childhood abuse, to the heartbreak of family rejection, a brain tumour diagnosis, and mental health struggles. Sam hit rock bottom and had planned to take her own life.From a place of darkness, Sam turned to breathwork, discovering not just a tool for healing, but a lifeline. She now helps others shift from performance to presence, guiding them through deep emotional work that reconnects them with their truth.This episode dives into the heart of what it means to redefine success, beyond status, wealth, or validation, and instead measure it through authenticity, emotional intelligence, and connection.Whether you’ve felt lost, out of place, or like you’ve had to wear a mask just to survive, this conversation is for you.🎧 LISTEN TO DIFFERENT HATS EPISODES:👉 https://www.different-hats.co.uk/podcast🔗 CONNECT WITH SAM ADAMSWebsite: https://sam-adams.comInstagram: @sam_adams_coachLinkedIn: Sam Adams💡 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.comPRODUCED BY:🎧 H2 Productions – 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.orgMy Black Dog - https://www.myblackdog.co/mental-health-charity

⚠️ 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 deeply moving episode of the Different Hats Podcast, I sit down with purpose-led mentor and scale-up strategist Simon Chuter for an unfiltered conversation about mental health, masculinity, and meaning.Simon shares his journey through the extremes, what he describes as his personal Mariana Trench and Everest moments. From being diagnosed with bipolar disorder and surviving a suicide attempt, to mentoring startups and parenting with emotional presence, this is a conversation that doesn’t just inspire, it transforms.This episode is a masterclass in emotional intelligence, the power of giving, and why redefining success is vital for our personal and collective wellbeing. Whether you're a founder, parent, educator, or simply a human navigating life's highs and lows, this one will stay with you.🎧 Listen in for insights on:The danger of emotional suppression in boysWhy autonomy, mastery & purpose matter more than moneyHealing fractured relationshipsMentorship as a mental health lifelineHow cricket, cuddles, and conversations keep us grounded🎧 LISTEN TO MORE DIFFERENT HATS EPISODES:👉 https://www.different-hats.co.uk/podcast🔗 Connect with Simon ChuterLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonchuter/💡 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 have been affected by any of the content during this interview you can reach out to any of the below:Samaritans - https://www.samaritans.orgMy Black Dog - https://www.myblackdog.co/mental-health-charity

In this special Unplugged edition of the Different Hats Podcast, I dive into one of the most urgent questions facing UK business owners in 2025: How do you retain great people without breaking the bank?Amid soaring employment costs and rising redundancies, smart business leaders are exploring creative solutions. One powerful tool? Salary sacrifice car schemes. But what are they really, and how can they help both your people and your bottom line?Joined by three expert guests, Sarah May (HR strategist), Chris Barnard (finance guru), and Warren Keech (salary sacrifice specialist at RiverVale), this episode breaks down how salary sacrifice works, who it benefits, and how it can help build a purpose-driven culture that attracts and keeps top talent.Packed with practical insights, real-world examples, and financial clarity, this conversation is a must-listen for business owners, HR leaders, and anyone navigating recruitment and retention in today’s challenging climate.✅ Reduce payroll costs✅ Support employee wellbeing✅ Retain talent✅ Promote sustainability✅ Save money for your business📌 KEY CHAPTERS00:00 - Introduction 02:20 - Why Employees Feel Undervalued Today04:00 - Wellbeing Beyond Wages: Gen Z Expectations06:45 - Creating a Competitive Benefits Package09:30 - The Hidden Cost of Losing a Team Member11:00 - Culture, Trust & Retention15:35 - What is Salary Sacrifice?17:00 - Employer & Employee Tax Savings Explained21:10 - Who Can Benefit from Salary Exchange?23:00 - Pitfalls & Credit Considerations for Employers25:20 - Electric vs Hybrid Cars: Tax & Sustainability29:40 - Why Offering an EV Scheme Increases Retention32:45 - The ESG & CSR Advantage36:00 - Hire Purchase vs Business Lease Explained41:00 - How to Introduce a Salary Exchange Scheme44:20 - Answering Employee Concerns with Clarity48:15 - Benefits Beyond Cars: Pensions, Health, and More51:30 - Solo Directors & Tax-Efficient EV Strategies53:05 - Final Takeaways: Pick n’ Mix Benefits That Work🎧 LISTEN IF YOU WANT TO LEARN:How to save money through smart employee benefitsThe power of values-led retention strategiesWhat salary sacrifice schemes actually meanHow to offer EV car benefits without the riskThe importance of wellbeing, trust & financial literacy in today’s job market🔗 Brought to you in partnership with RiverValeFind out more: https://www.rivervale.co.uk/Connect with out experts:Sarah May - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-maydayhr/https://www.maydayhr.com/ Chris Barnard - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-barnard-b4642968/ https://www.collectiveconceptsaccounting.com/🎬 Produced by H2 Productions