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Different Hats Podcast
Short Story 23: Behind the Scenes with Chris Anderson: How Ideas Can Change Everything
In this special episode, I sit down with the head of TED himself, Chris Anderson, for a rare, behind-the-scenes glimpse into one of the most influential storytelling platforms on the planet. Our time together may have been brief—tucked away at a recent TED and TEDx Brighton pilot event—but the depth and brilliance of Chris’s insights were profound.
Together, we explore what truly ignites a transformative idea, and how the right spark can ripple out to reshape entire communities. After stewarding TED for two decades, Chris shares some key ingredients behind what makes a memorable TED Talk—what it takes to captivate hearts and minds, and why storytelling is at the core of forging real human connections. His reflections on how we find our most powerful narratives align with the mission of this podcast and CBC: to encourage meaningful dialogue and help ideas flourish.
Beyond TED, Chris also shares pivotal moments from his personal journey. From his upbringing in Pakistan to navigating the awkwardness of adolescence, venturing into journalism and entrepreneurship, and eventually assuming the helm of TED—even struggling initially with public speaking himself —Chris’s story is as inspiring as it is relatable.
This is a fantastic insight into the man behind what is the surely the greatest storytelling platform in the world, that inspires, educates and how the ideas that are shared really do change the world.
#DifferentHatsPodcast #IdeasChangeEverything #Stories #RedefiningSuccess #LifeLessons #TED #TedX #TEDTalk #PowerofStorytelling
Watch the Short Story here 🧢 https://youtu.be/wW9Zi10v34M
Listen here or wherever you get your podcasts 🧢 https://linktr.ee/differenthats
Special thanks to our sponsors and producers who make these moments possible as well as a shout out to the TedX Brighton team and Toby Moore for making this happen:
OUR SPONSORS
Rivervale 🧢 https://www.rivervale.co.uk/
Plus X 🧢 https://www.plusxinnovation.com/
Nostos Hove 🧢 https://www.nostos-hove.co.uk/
OUR PRODUCERS
H2 Productions Ltd 🧢 https://h2productions.co.uk/
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Short Story 22: Trust Your Instincts: How Mindset Fuels Entrepreneurial Success
14:56|In this gripping short story episode, we sit down with award-winning entrepreneur Kyriakos Baxevanis—founder of Little Jasmine Day Spas and Therapies, and Nostos Hove—as he reveals how he rose from the depths of depression to redefine his destiny. Kyriakos candidly shares the raw pain of hitting rock bottom and the unwavering resilience he forged in his youth, the very mindset that propelled him from obscurity to success.Through heartfelt honesty, he illustrates the extraordinary power of trusting your instincts and believing in yourself, no matter how daunting the path ahead may seem. He recalls making a pivotal decision to relocate to Brighton and vowing to excel at whatever he did—whether scaling a thriving venture or counting chickens at a grocery counter. His story illuminates the truth that true strength lies not in circumstance, but in the mindset you cultivate.This inspirational journey will resonate deeply with anyone striving to overcome personal barriers, rebuild after setbacks, or embrace a growth mindset. Tune in for a profound, no-holds-barred narrative that underscores one essential truth: "It is the mindset that defines you; it is the mindset you need to make it in this life."#Entrepreneurship #Resilience #OvercomingFailure #SmallBusinessTips #MentalHealthAwareness #PersonalGrowth #VulnerabilityIsStrength #BusinessChallenges #FindingPurpose #MotivationalStories #InspirationForLife #RebuildingAfterSetbacks #SuccessRedefined #LifeLessonsWatch the Short Story here 🧢 https://youtu.be/aj3jUoKHIIYListen here or wherever you get your podcasts 🧢 https://linktr.ee/differenthatsSpecial thanks to our sponsors and producers who make these moments possible.OUR SPONSORSRivervale 🧢 https://www.rivervale.co.uk/Plus X 🧢 https://www.plusxinnovation.com/Nostos Hove 🧢 https://www.nostos-hove.co.uk/OUR PRODUCERSH2 Productions Ltd 🧢 https://h2productions.co.uk/Short Story 21: Fatherhood, Failure, and Finding Purpose: The Inspiring Story of Dad La Soul
16:50|In this compelling short story episode, and just days ahead of is TED Talk at Brighton Dome. I wanted to release this transformative chapter of resilience, reinvention, and the relentless pursuit of purpose with the inspiring Dan Flanagan, founder of Dad La Soul. Dan shares the emotional rollercoaster of leaving behind a safe but unfulfilling career to chase entrepreneurial dreams, only to face crushing setbacks when his first business collapsed.Through moments of profound vulnerability, he takes us into the darkness of failure, revealing the immense pressure of fatherhood and the weight of self-doubt that brought him to the brink. This story isn't just about recovering from failure; it’s about redefining success, which message and mission aligns so much with my own. From learning to ask for help to embracing the power of community and creativity, Dan's journey reminds us that resilience is born from adversity, and true success is measured not by the titles we earn but by the connections we build and the lives we touch.Tune in for a raw and inspiring short story that will resonate with anyone navigating life’s challenges and striving to build something meaningful.#Entrepreneurship #Resilience #OvercomingFailure #FatherhoodJourney #SmallBusinessTips #MentalHealthAwareness #PersonalGrowth #VulnerabilityIsStrength #BusinessChallenges #FindingPurpose #MotivationalStories #InspirationForLife #RebuildingAfterSetbacks #SuccessRedefined #LifeLessonsWatch the Short Story here 🧢 https://youtu.be/4_XyIbLYFPEListen here or wherever you get your podcasts 🧢 https://linktr.ee/differenthatsSpecial thanks to our sponsors and producers who make these moments possible.OUR SPONSORSRivervale 🧢 https://www.rivervale.co.uk/Plus X 🧢 https://www.plusxinnovation.com/Nostos Hove 🧢 https://www.nostos-hove.co.uk/OUR PRODUCERSH2 Productions Ltd 🧢 https://h2productions.co.uk/Short Story 20: Redefining Success with Brazilian Football Legend Gilberto Silva
07:59|In this profound and thought-provoking conversation, I had the privilege of sitting down with Brazilian football icon Gilberto Silva, mere hours before he joined global legends like Roberto Carlos, Stiliyan Petrov, and Jens Lehmann for Strive Aid on Sunday, 17th November. This powerful event aimed to raise awareness and funds for the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM), a cause close to the hearts of many.Gilberto Silva, a World Cup champion and symbol of excellence in the world’s most beloved sport, shared insights that transcend trophies and fame. For him, success is not measured by accolades or social status but by the balance we create in our lives. It’s about being a good person, cherishing moments with loved ones, and leaving a meaningful legacy. Success, according to Gilberto, is found in the quality of your relationships—spending time with your parents, knowing your children want to spend time with you, and contributing positively to the world.This conversation encapsulates the core mission of my podcast: to redefine success. Society often equates success with fame, wealth, or status, even the dictionary definition of success is the attainment of these goals, but my journey and hundreds of conversations with remarkable individuals have taught me otherwise. True success is personal and deeply human. Gilberto Silva embodies this understanding in every sense—a true gentleman and a true legend.I hope this episode challenges you to rethink what success means in your life. Together, we can shift the narrative, make mental health a priority, and inspire a world that values balance, kindness, connection and love above fame, wealth or social status.#DifferentHatsPodcast #MensHealth #CALM #RedefiningSuccess #LifeLessons #FootballLegend #MentalHealthMattersWatch the Short Story here 🧢 https://youtu.be/wGakb06_aa8Listen here or wherever you get your podcasts 🧢 https://linktr.ee/differenthatsSpecial thanks to our sponsors and producers who make these moments possible as well as a shout out to the team from Striver and Ryan Alfonso from Fitness Content Agency for filming on the day:Tim Chase - Striver - https://striver.co.uk/Ryan Alfonso @fitnesscontentagencyOUR SPONSORSRivervale 🧢 https://www.rivervale.co.uk/Plus X 🧢 https://www.plusxinnovation.com/Nostos Hove 🧢 https://www.nostos-hove.co.uk/OUR PRODUCERSH2 Productions Ltd 🧢 https://h2productions.co.uk/Short Story 19: Life, Leukaemia, and Success with Football Legend Stiliyan Petrov
11:19|In this powerful and moving short story episode, I had the honour of speaking with Bulgarian 🇧🇬 football legend Stiliyan Petrov, just days before he joined global icons Roberto Carlos, Gilberto Silva and Jens Lehmann amongst others for Strive Aid on Sunday, 17th November, raising awareness and funds for the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM).Stiliyan opens up about his journey, redefining success not only during his stellar football career but also in the face of his battle with leukaemia. His candid reflections on what success meant to him during those challenging years are nothing short of profound.🔑 “Success during my leukaemia battle was being alive.”Through his words, Stiliyan reminds us that:Life is not perfect, despite what social media might suggest.Vulnerability is not a weakness but a true sign of strength.Asking for help is vital—and can make all the difference.His journey and insights align deeply with my mission to create safe spaces for these conversations and to challenge societal norms. This short yet impactful conversation is a reminder that with role models like Stiliyan, we can continue changing the narrative, breaking stigmas, and championing resilience.💡 Let this episode inspire you to embrace vulnerability, celebrate resilience, and redefine what it means to succeed.We’re all in this together 👊🎙️🧢#DifferentHatsPodcast #MensHealth #CALM #VulnerabilityIsStrength #RedefiningSuccess #LifeLessons #FootballLegend #MentalHealthMattersWatch the Short Story here 🧢 https://youtu.be/7o5mZhzNOUcListen here or wherever you get your podcasts 🧢 https://linktr.ee/differenthatsSpecial thanks to our sponsors and producers who make these moments possible as well as a shout out to the team from Striver and Ryan Alfonso from Fitness Content Agency for filming on the day:Tim Chase - Striver - https://striver.co.uk/Ryan Alfonso @fitnesscontentagencyOUR SPONSORSRivervale 🧢 https://www.rivervale.co.uk/Plus X 🧢 https://www.plusxinnovation.com/Nostos Hove 🧢 https://www.nostos-hove.co.uk/OUR PRODUCERSH2 Productions Ltd 🧢 https://h2productions.co.uk/Three Men & a Doctor: Male Fertility UNPLUGGED
01:33:35|Welcome to the first episode of our Unplugged Series, a raw and deeply moving conversation that stands as one of the most emotional and powerful episodes I've ever recorded. This groundbreaking episode, in collaboration with the incredible Agora Clinic, brings together three men to share their intimate journeys through fertility challenges and IVF—a topic often shrouded in silence among men but one that desperately needs to be brought into the light.Joining me at the table are Tom Webster, Kyriakos Baxevanis, and the remarkable Dr. Carole Gilling-Smith, the founder of Agora Clinic, whose expertise and compassion have been life-changing for each of us. Dr. Carole reveals staggering statistics about male fertility, offering insight into a subject that too often goes unspoken.Together, we dive into the rollercoaster of emotions that define the journey to parenthood—miscarriages, ectopic pregnancies, failed IVF cycles, and unexplained infertility. Each of us speaks openly, honestly, and vulnerably about the highs, the heartbreaks, and the resilience required to keep moving forward.This episode isn’t just about sharing stories—it’s about breaking the silence. It's about creating a safe space for men to confront and discuss one of life’s most challenging and stigmatized issues. Through these conversations, I hope to challenge societal norms, break stigmas, and inspire change.Whether you’ve faced similar struggles, know someone who has, or simply want to understand the depth of this often-overlooked topic, this episode is a must-listen. Together, let’s shine a light on men’s fertility journeys and help rewrite the narrative.This isn’t just a conversation—it’s a movement.#InternationalMensDay #MensHealth #MensMentalHealth #FertilityAwareness #MaleFertility #IVFJourney #FertilitySupport #BreakingTheSilence #ParenthoodJourney #MenAndIVF #PodcastEpisode #UnpluggedSeries #MensFertilityTalk #OpenConversations #MentalHealthPodcast #ItsOkayToTalk#MenTalkingMentalHealth #BreakingStigmas #MensHealthMatters #SupportAndResilience #DifferentHatsWatch the Episode here 🧢 https://youtu.be/hWXhLnkXLggListen here or wherever you get your podcasts 🧢 https://linktr.ee/differenthatsTo find our more about the Agora Clinic CLICK HERE 🧢 https://agoraclinic.co.uk/Special thanks to our sponsors and producers who make these moments possible.OUR SPONSORSRivervale 🧢 https://www.rivervale.co.uk/Plus X 🧢 https://www.plusxinnovation.com/Nostos Hove 🧢 https://www.nostos-hove.co.uk/OUR PRODUCERSH2 Productions Ltd 🧢 https://h2productions.co.uk/Guest Producer - Stephen Gilling Ulph https://www.linkedin.com/in/sebastian-gilling-ulph-a0419b196/Short Story 18: The Drive to Overcome: Jade Goodwin on Resilience, Racing, and Rising Above
14:49|Prepare yourself for an inspirational episode in our Short Story Series, where we delve into the defining moments that have shaped some of the most remarkable journeys from the past six seasons. Today, we spotlight a truly powerful conversation with motor racing sensation Jade Goodwin, whose story is as powerful as it is inspiring.In this compelling Short Story episode, we dive into the incredible resilience and mental toughness of racing driver Jade Goodwin. Jade opens up about the mental challenges she's faced on and off the track, revealing how racing became not just a passion but a lifeline. She shares candidly about the depths of adversity and how she found strength within herself, using racing as both an escape and a training ground for building unwavering mental fortitude.In a sport where split-second decisions make all the difference, Jade talks about what it means to have resilience – not just to persevere in high-stakes competitions, but to endure life's personal battles. She takes us inside her journey to overcoming struggles and finding purpose through her relentless drive. This episode offers a powerful reminder of how resilience can be cultivated through the darkest times and how determination can push us beyond what we ever thought possible.From her first podium win, which she describes as “life-saving,” to her ongoing quest for equality in motorsport, Jade’s story is one of triumph, self-discovery, and unbreakable spirit. For her, success isn’t about trophies but about living authentically and finding joy in what you love.As we explore themes of self-worth, resilience, and breaking through barriers, Jade leaves listeners with invaluable wisdom:“Appreciate how far you’ve come.” Tune in to hear Jade's inspiring story of resilience, grit, and the mental toughness required to keep moving forward against all odds. Whether you're facing challenges or simply looking to strengthen your own mindset, Jade’s story will leave you inspired and motivated to rise above.#MotorRacing #JadeGoodwin #FemaleDrivers #Resilience #MentalHealthAwareness #BreakingBarriers #OvercomingAdversity #SuccessRedefined #RacingInspiration #Motorsport #MentalToughness #SelfCare #Vulnerability #CommunitySupport #SelfWorth #SuccessStory #WomenInMotorsport #MotorsportJourney #RacingChallenges #RacingLife #AuthenticLiving #RedefineSuccess #Empowerment #Inspiration #PersonalGrowth #NeverGiveUp #DriveYourDreamsWatch the Short Story here 🧢 https://youtu.be/Lc87FP_FUCUListen here or wherever you get your podcasts 🧢 https://linktr.ee/differenthatsSpecial thanks to our sponsors and producers who make these moments possible.OUR SPONSORSRivervale 🧢 https://www.rivervale.co.uk/Plus X 🧢 https://www.plusxinnovation.com/Nostos Hove 🧢 https://www.nostos-hove.co.uk/OUR PRODUCERSH2 Productions Ltd 🧢 https://h2productions.co.uk/Short Story 17: The Gift of Naivety: Navigating the Highs and Lows of Entrepreneurship with Gary Peters
13:00|Prepare yourself for an electrifying episode in our Short Story Series, where we delve into the defining moments that have shaped some of the most remarkable journeys from the past six seasons. Today, we spotlight an unforgettable conversation with award-winning entrepreneur Gary Peters.This episode remains one of our most popular for a reason. In this powerful short story, Gary opens up about how naivety can be an entrepreneur's greatest gift and the unexpected edge it can provide. He pulls back the curtain on the true experience of running a business—the daily challenges, the relentless knocks, and the unyielding resilience needed to navigate them.Gary shares the profound lesson that every entrepreneur needs to embrace: we all have good days and bad days, but if we commit to doing our best each day and remember that "this too shall pass," we can endure and thrive.This episode holds a special place in my heart, not just because of its insights, but because Gary has been a mentor, a source of inspiration, and a great friend over the years. Join us for this inspirational short story and discover why it continues to resonate so deeply with listeners.#Entrepreneurship #BusinessJourney #Inspiration #Resilience #StartupLife #EntrepreneurMindset #SuccessStories #Leadership #Motivation #EntrepreneurLife #DailyStruggles #Mentorship #LifeLessons #BusinessInsights #PodcastHighlights #ShortStorySeries #BusinessWisdom #OvercomingChallenges #NaivetyAsStrength #ThisTooShallPass #GrowthMindset #EntrepreneurAdvice #LearnFromTheBest #CreativeLeadership #PowerfulConversations #AwardWinningEntrepreneurWatch the Short Story here 🧢 https://youtu.be/Je7WXI_BTjIListen here or wherever you get your podcasts 🧢 https://linktr.ee/differenthatsSpecial thanks to our sponsors and producers who make these moments possible.OUR SPONSORSRivervale 🧢 https://www.rivervale.co.uk/Plus X 🧢 https://www.plusxinnovation.com/Nostos Hove 🧢 https://www.nostos-hove.co.uk/OUR PRODUCERSH2 Productions Ltd 🧢 https://h2productions.co.uk/Finding Your Passion: Exploring Rob Starr’s Life and His Debut Novel The First Widow
50:26|In this special live episode, we celebrated the launch of The First Widow, the thrilling debut novel by my good friend, author, and accomplished entrepreneur, Rob Starr. Known for his achievements across multiple ventures, including a successful insurance firm and a charitable foundation that has raised over a million pounds for young people, Rob’s story is one of relentless drive and heart.We dove into his journey—from the early days and his father’s profound influence, which led him to establish the Starr Trust, to his impressive athletic feats like swimming the English Channel, conquering Le Mont Ventoux, and his 52×52 Challenge: completing 52 Olympic triathlons in 52 consecutive weeks. Rob’s spirit is truly unstoppable.Rob's novel, The First Widow, introduces us to Kiara Fox, a determined fraud investigator whose life takes a dark turn when a high-profile case crosses her desk. As Kiara uncovers dangerous secrets surrounding a seemingly upstanding businessman’s death, she finds herself pulled into a deadly conspiracy, torn between uncovering the truth and protecting her family. Rob shares the inspiration behind Kiara’s character and the compelling themes of resilience and courage woven into the story.Recorded in front of an amazing live audience, this episode promises a blend of powerful storytelling and inspirational life lessons. Join us as we explore Rob’s remarkable life, his new thriller, and the journey that has shaped him into a powerhouse of passion and purpose.#TheFirstWidow #RobStarr #BookLaunch #Inspiration #Thriller #Entrepreneur #Insurance Watch the Live episode here 🧢 https://youtu.be/nncvoW2xysQListen here or wherever you get your podcasts 🧢 https://linktr.ee/differenthatsSpecial thanks to our sponsors and producers who make these moments possible.OUR SPONSORSRivervale 🧢 https://www.rivervale.co.uk/Plus X 🧢 https://www.plusxinnovation.com/Nostos Hove 🧢 https://www.nostos-hove.co.uk/OUR PRODUCERSH2 Productions Ltd 🧢 https://h2productions.co.uk/