Different Hats Podcast

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/

In this deeply honest episode, I sit down with Laura Beddoe (Soul Speaks) to talk about what happens behind the “successful” exterior, the stories we run in our heads, the pain we hide, and the moment you decide: enough.Laura shares her journey from a chaotic childhood, people-pleasing and toxic relationships, to homelessness and standing on the edge… and the tiny glimmers that helped her choose life, rebuild her identity, and create real freedom, not just money and “nice things,” but freedom of mind, presence, and self-worth.This is a conversation about mental health, addiction, boundaries, self-love, emotional literacy, parenting, and hope, and why the most powerful success is the one you feel on the inside.If you’re struggling right now, please hear this: nothing is permanent, and you don’t have to carry it alone.⏱️ Chapters00:00 – Introduction02:16 – Check-in: Year of the Snake, shedding what no longer serves you05:19 – Why we avoid silence (and how emotions move through the body)07:40 – Therapy, stigma, and the generational shift around emotions09:20 – School, control, and teaching kids emotional literacy15:10 – Laura’s definition of success: freedom of mind & freedom of choice19:30 – Choosing change (without needing to hit rock bottom)28:50 – Laura’s childhood, adoption, “the naughty girl” identity & ADHD34:57 – Breaking cycles: responsibility, boundaries, and saying “no”39:08 – Presence, anxiety vs depression, and catching the old story returning47:38 – Practical tools: mindfulness, journaling, EFT tapping53:15 – Laura’s rock bottom: coercive control, debt, homelessness01:01:07 – The moment that snapped: “This is your wake-up call”01:05:52 – Hope, glimmers, and not knowing what beautiful future you might miss01:15:43 – Patterns, addiction, compassion, and choosing better inputs01:35:03 – Vulnerability vs oversharing (and asking permission)01:41:23 – People-pleasing, self-abandonment, and new standards01:44:10 – Storytelling card: staying emotionally present with loved ones01:45:35 – Closing reflections + Laura’s free gift🧠 Key themes you’ll take away“Uncomfortable emotions” don’t last forever — but avoidance keeps them aliveConfidence isn’t loud… it’s self-trustBoundaries aren’t selfish — they’re self-respectAddiction often masks pain; healing requires compassion and accountabilityThe future can hold what you can’t imagine — if you stay🎁 Laura’s free gift“The 9 Reasons Why You’re Not Getting Paid To Speak” (free download)➡️ Email: hello@laurabeddoe.com🔗 Connect with Laura BeddeoLaura references her work through Soul Speaks, and supports clients with visibility, public speaking, mindset and transformation.➡️ Add links here:Website: https://www.laurabeddoe.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laura_beddoe_coach.mentor/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-beddoe-collins/🎧 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.⚠️ 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/

In this powerful and deeply human conversation, I sit down with Charlotte Ricca, performance psychologist, former journalist, sea swimmer, horse rider, and passionate advocate for emotional literacy, to explore what success really means when life feels overwhelming.This episode goes far beyond high performance.Charlotte shares candidly about:navigating burnout, anxiety, and periods of depressionchanging her relationship with alcohollearning to sit with discomfort rather than mask itbalancing ambition, motherhood, identity, and self-worthand why choosing connection over being right can transform relationshipsThis is an honest conversation about:✨ mental health✨ parenting✨ redefining success✨ suicide prevention✨ emotional resilience✨ values, purpose, and presenceIf you’ve ever felt pressure to “hold it together”, to perform, or to keep going when things feel heavy — this episode will land.⏱️ CHAPTERS00:00 – Introduction02:30 – “Are you alright… really?” and showing up authentically07:00 – Finding glimmers: joy, nature, sea swimming & presence11:00 – Alcohol, identity & changing coping mechanisms18:30 – Masking discomfort vs sitting with emotions22:30 – Why confidence follows action (not the other way around)27:00 – Anxiety, fear & reframing pressure as privilege32:00 – Emotional literacy, parenting & allowing children to feel39:00 – Guilt, self-care & choosing yourself without shame45:00 – Identity beyond roles: parent, athlete, professional52:00 – Success, money & redefining what “enough” really means59:00 – Career pivots, purpose & living without regret1:05:00 – Overwhelm, burnout & taking one small step at a time1:12:00 – Depression, hope & why feelings always pass1:18:00 – Suicide prevention: asking the hard questions1:26:00 – Teaching kids emotional regulation & resilience1:34:00 – Intrinsic vs extrinsic motivation1:41:00 – Living in alignment with your values1:56:00 – Advice to younger self2:04:00 – Final question: choosing connection over being right🎧 KEY TAKEAWAYYou don’t need to fix everything.You don’t need to feel “on” all the time.Sometimes, staying alive, staying present, and taking one small step is success.🎧 LISTEN TO MORE DIFFERENT HATS EPISODES:👉 https://www.different-hats.co.uk/podcast🔗 Connect with Charlotte RiccaWebsite: https://kindabrilliant.co.uk/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charlottericca/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlotte-ricca/💡 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 thought my 100th podcast episode was the start of my journey.I didn’t realise it would change everything.Recorded the day after my 47th birthday, this 18-minute solo episode reflects on the most transformative year of my life, not the easiest, not the most “successful,” but the most honest.A year of silence.Sobriety.Relationships changing shape.Asking for help.And finally facing the question I’d spent years avoiding:Why am I not enough?In this episode, I share the lessons I learnt, the breakdowns, and the moments that rebuilt me.We explore:Redefining success beyond money and statusThe Five Pillars of Success as lived experienceMale mental health, vulnerability, and asking for helpSobriety, self-worth, and sitting with discomfortWhy connection, not achievement, saved meThis episode marks a shift.From building businesses to building a movement.From push motivation to pull motivation.From wearing many hats… to finally choosing the right one.If you’re navigating change, feeling lost, or quietly struggling, this episode isn’t here to give you answers.It’s here to give you permission.Because sometimes the bravest thing you can say is:"Help"⏱️ CHAPTERS00:00 – Introduction01:45 – Stripping Life Back: Silence & Sobriety03:20 – The Five Pillars of Success05:40 – When Relationships Change Shape07:50 – “Why Am I Not Enough?”10:20 – When It Got Dark12:40 – Asking for Help14:30 – Clarity, Purpose & Letting Go15:50 – From Business to Movement17:00 – I Am Enough🎧 MORE EPISODES:👉 https://www.different-hats.co.uk/podcast💡 If this resonated, please like, share, and comment, it helps spread this message and challenge how we define success.SPONSORED BY:Carpenter Box | Brown Bear Studios | Rivervale | Plus XSPECIAL EPISODE PRODUCED BY:Matt Cheney - Brown Bear Studios

In this deep, thoughtful conversation, I am joined by entrepreneur, technologist and systems-thinker Neil Witten to explore what success really means, and why so many of us feel disconnected from the lives we’re building.Neil has spent years questioning the systems we’re told to follow in education, work, entrepreneurship and culture, and asking a more human question instead:“What am I uniquely designed to do?”Together, Neil and I explore:Why success has become overly defined by money, status and productivityThe hidden cost of ignoring curiosity, play and soft skillsWhy many people wait for crisis before changing their livesThe role parents, schools and culture play in shaping identityWhy self-awareness may be the most important skill of the futureThis is not a conversation about hacks or shortcuts.It’s about listening to your gut, working on yourself, and choosing alignment over approval.If you’ve ever felt like you’re climbing the wrong ladder…If you’ve questioned the systems you’ve inherited…Or if you’re quietly asking “Is this really it?” .. this episode is for you.⏱️ CHAPTERS00:00 – Introduction03:30 – Why we struggle to talk honestly (especially men)10:45 – How culture hijacked our definition of success18:40 – Purpose, play & being wired for something30:15 – Education, neurodiversity & one-size-fits-all systems42:10 – Soft skills, hiring & the future of work55:30 – Childhood, curiosity & learning outside the system1:10:45 – Entrepreneurship, risk & waiting for permission1:28:20 – Parenting, autonomy & enabling potential1:45:10 – Creating your own catalysts for change2:02:30 – Letting go, evolution & redefining your role2:18:40 – Final reflections: living true to yourself🎧 LISTEN TO MORE DIFFERENT HATS EPISODES:👉 https://www.different-hats.co.uk/podcast🔗 Connect with Neil WittenWebsite: https://www.pigsinflight.co.uk/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neilwitten/💡 If this episode resonated with you, please like, share, and comment below.Your support helps us change the narrative around success and mental health.SPONSORED BYRivervale – 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 you’ve done everything “right”… but still feel worthless, lost, and exhausted by your own mind?In this deeply honest and moving episode of the Different Hats Podcast, I sit down with Matt Cheney, creative producer, storyteller, and someone who has quietly fought one of the hardest battles of all: the one inside his own head.Matt opens up about late ADHD diagnosis, imposter syndrome, self-worth, burnout, grief, suicide attempts, and the masks many men wear just to survive. He shares how losing his father, his relationship, his career structure, his identity, and his sense of belonging brought him to rock bottom, and how a single moment, a run, and one unexpected email helped him choose to keep going.This is not a story about “fixing yourself.”It’s about learning how to live with yourself.If you’ve ever:• Felt like you weren’t enough• Lived with a relentless inner critic• Been successful on the outside but empty inside• Struggled to accept love, compliments, or rest• Wondered if it’s possible to keep goingThis conversation will stay with you.⏱️ Episode Chapters00:00 – Introduction01:21 – “You Alright Mate?” check-in02:54 – Shiny objects vs investing in yourself07:35 – Redefining success beyond money12:30 – Loving your work… but hating yourself16:13 – Creativity, kids & permission to try22:14 – Childhood, belonging & emotional safety28:51 – Rugby, leadership & fear of failure32:58 – ADHD, masking & self-worth40:20 – Parents, caregiving & inherited patterns49:05 – Imposter syndrome & burnout56:00 – Relationships, vulnerability & being seen1:06:51 – Injury, grief & losing everything1:18:42 – Suicide attempts & the pain beneath them1:19:34 – The email that changed everything1:28:56 – “You are the sky, everything else is weather”1:35:50 – Learning to live with the inner critic1:46:29 – Giving without needing anything back1:53:29 – Silence, endurance & the meaning of “keep going”2:08:20 – Advice for anyone feeling lost2:12:27 – A life well lived💬 Key Themes Explored• ADHD & late diagnosis• Imposter syndrome• Masculinity & emotional literacy• Suicide, grief & recovery• Self-worth vs external success• Receiving love & compliments• Identity beyond achievement• Why “keeping going” matters🎧 LISTEN TO MORE DIFFERENT HATS EPISODES:👉 https://www.different-hats.co.uk/podcast🔗 Connect with Matt Cheneyhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mattcheney1/💡 If this episode resonated with you, please like, share, and comment. Your support helps us change the narrative around success and mental health.SPONSORED BYRivervale – 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