Different Hats Podcast

Hosted by Sam Thomas

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Jun 2026

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About the show

I believe everyone has a story to tell, through seeking true, authentic insights about the entrepreneurial journey, I provide a platform for our peers to share their stories and inspire those that listen. Welcome! I’m Sam Thomas, the host of the "Different Hats Podcast." In a world where entrepreneurs often feel pressured to wear countless hats, I believe in the power of authentic storytelling to redefine what success truly means. My mission is to help the 'World to See Success Differently' so you can achieve happiness, purpose, and fulfilment, by sharing real stories from those who’ve navigated the entrepreneurial landscape. Through engaging conversations with peers and industry leaders like Chris Anderson of TED, I aim to provide you with the insights and inspiration needed to build the business you desire. Unlike other platforms, "Different Hats" focuses on the human side of entrepreneurship, moving beyond the performative aspects to foster genuine connections and meaningful growth. Happy Listening 🎧 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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June 2, 20262 hr 37 min

#148 The Real Reason You Keep Self-Sabotaging | Hema Patel

What if the stories you've been telling yourself for years... simply aren't true? In this deeply moving and thought-provoking episode of the Different Hats Podcast, I sit down with RTT Hypnotherapist, Coach and Suicide Prevention Advocate Hema Patel for one of the most important conversations we've had on the show. Together, we explore childhood trauma, emotional literacy, self-worth, people-pleasing, perfectionism, visibility, purpose, and the powerful role our subconscious mind plays in shaping our lives. We also dive into the heartbreaking reality of suicide, the systemic issues contributing to the mental health crisis, and why Hema believes suicide prevention is everyone's business. Hema shares her own deeply personal story of experiencing suicidal thoughts, losing her cousin to suicide, growing up with racism and feelings of abandonment, and how those experiences ultimately shaped her life's mission. This is a conversation about healing. About hope. About finding possibility when life feels impossible. And about creating a world where people feel safe to be seen, heard, and understood. If you've ever struggled with self-doubt, felt stuck in old patterns, questioned your worth, or wondered if things can truly change, this episode is for you. ⏱️ CHAPTERS 00:00 – Powerful Suicide Prevention Messages 02:22 – Introduction & Meet Hema Patel 06:02 – You Alright Mate? Check-In 08:45 – Purpose Bigger Than Fear 12:12 – People Pleasing, Worthiness & Self-Worth 16:51 – Understanding Trauma & Childhood Wounds 22:18 – Emotional Literacy & Why It Matters 30:37 – Teaching Suicide Prevention In Schools 36:30 – How Hema Defines Success 40:22 – Why We Believe Thoughts That Aren't True 45:05 – Education, Purpose & The Future 55:44 – Measuring Kindness Instead of Performance 01:07:16 – Losing Her Cousin To Suicide 01:14:00 – The ABC of Suicide Prevention 01:20:13 – Hope, Possibility & Reaching Out 01:33:06 – Antidepressants, Mental Health & Awareness 01:40:27 – Community, Connection & Finding Joy 01:47:06 – Racism, Abandonment & Healing Childhood Wounds 02:03:12 – Masculinity, Emotional Safety & Modern Manhood 02:06:54 – Finding Your Voice & Sharing Your Message 02:18:12 – What Hema Hopes You Take Away 02:20:40 – Presence, Trust & Living In The Moment 02:31:25 – A World Where Everyone Feels Seen 02:32:08 – Storytelling Cards & Vulnerability 02:35:49 – Hema's Mission To Reduce Suicide 🎧 LISTEN TO MORE DIFFERENT HATS EPISODES: 👉 Different Hats Podcast 🔗 Connect with Hema Patel LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hema-p-71ba9819/ Useful Links: https://linktr.ee/ResetandRediscover Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/resetandrediscover/ 💡 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): 116 123 Text SHOUT to 85258 (UK, 24/7): If you or someone is in immediate danger, call 999. NHS guidance on urgent mental health help: CLICK HERE SPONSORED BY: Rivervale – https://www.rivervale.co.uk Brown Bear Studios – https://www.brownbearstudio.co.uk Carpenter Box – https://www.carpenterbox.com 🎬 PRODUCED BY: H2 Productions – https://h2productions.co.uk/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 12, 20262 hr 1 min

#147 The Conversation That Could Save A Life | Suicide Prevention Special

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 end The power of simply listening without trying to fix Why emotional literacy needs to start in schools Modern masculinity and the pressure men carry silently Parenting, kindness and raising emotionally aware children The role community and belonging play in keeping people alive Redefining success beyond money, status and achievement Why awkward conversations can genuinely save lives And 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. ⏱️ CHAPTERS 00:00 – Introduction: Why This Conversation Matters 02:13 – “You Alright Mate?” | Rose’s Honest Check-In 06:56 – Why Work Shouldn’t Become Your Identity 09:35 – Parenting, Kindness & Emotional Literacy 14:18 – How Rose Defines Success 16:30 – Leaving Corporate Life & Following Your Heart 25:59 – The Suicide That Changed Rose’s Life Forever 32:40 – What Samaritans Taught Rose About Suicide Prevention 35:45 – “People Don’t Want To Die — They Want The Pain To End” 41:02 – Rose Opens Up About Her Own Suicidal Thoughts 46:57 – Why We Must Stop Waiting For People To Reach Out 50:57 – Why Emotional Literacy Must Start In Schools 57:01 – Why Asking About Suicide Saves Lives 01:03:45 – Community, Belonging & Human Connection 01:11:27 – Are We Teaching Children How To Live? 01:20:01 – The Language That Can Save A Life 01:30:59 – Financial Pressure, Success & Suicide 01:40:48 – Why Talking About Death Helps Us Live 01:50:06 – What Gives Rose Hope 01:53:00 – A Message For Anyone Struggling Right Now 01:54:26 – 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 UK SPONSORED BY: Rivervale – https://www.rivervale.co.uk Brown Bear Studios – https://www.brownbearstudio.co.uk Carpenter Box – https://www.carpenterbox.com 🎬 PRODUCED BY: H2 Productions – https://h2productions.co.uk/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 5, 20261 hr 58 min

#146 How Much of Your Life Is a Performance?

👉 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. ⏱️ CHAPTERS 00:00 – Introduction & the BIG question: Is life a performance? 02:30 – “You Alright Mate?” – navigating life, noise & pressure 05:00 – Family, cancer, and finding purpose through challenge 09:30 – Childhood, kindness & where mindset begins 12:30 – Who am I? Identity beyond roles & achievements 18:30 – Teaching kids confidence, play & self-belief 23:00 – What success really means (then vs now) 30:00 – Regret, perspective & redefining priorities 40:00 – Why we struggle with self-worth & accepting compliments 50:00 – The highs of performing vs real life fulfilment 01:00:00 – Ego, validation & being enough 01:10:00 – Social media, performance & authenticity 01:20:00 – Resilience, rejection & staying grounded 01:30:00 – Final reflections: kindness, play & legacy 💭 KEY THEMES Authenticity vs performance Redefining success beyond status and achievement Confidence, self-worth & validation The importance of play and joy Resilience, rejection & growth Teaching the next generation emotional literacy Kindness as a core value 🎧 LISTEN TO MORE DIFFERENT HATS EPISODES: 👉 https://www.different-hats.co.uk/podcast 🔗 Connect with Craig Whiteley https://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.uk Brown Bear Studios – https://www.brownbearstudio.co.uk Carpenter Box – https://www.carpenterbox.com 🎬 PRODUCED BY: H2 Productions – https://h2productions.co.uk/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

April 28, 20262 hr 1 min

#145 Why So Many Successful Men Feel Empty

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. ⏱️ CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction 02:10 You Alright Mate? 03:10 How Volker Defines Success 04:45 Chasing Money vs Finding Fulfilment 07:45 Lifelong Learning & Education 10:40 School Systems & Different Types of Intelligence 15:30 Emotional Intelligence in Schools 24:00 Creativity, Curiosity & Child-Led Learning 28:40 Comparison Culture & Social Media 31:55 Living True to Yourself 38:50 What High Achievers Taught Volker About Success 45:10 Why Purpose Matters More Than Money 55:30 Being Enough As You Are 59:55 Midlife Crisis or Midlife Awakening? 1:03:10 Why Men Don’t Talk 1:08:20 Vulnerability Is Strength 1:17:40 Preventing Crisis Before It Happens 1:22:40 Mindfulness & Self-Awareness 1:31:15 Habits of Successful People 1:45:15 What To Do If You’re Struggling 1:54:55 Advice to Younger Volker 1:55:34 What Does A Life Well Lived Look Like? 🎧 LISTEN TO MORE DIFFERENT HATS EPISODES: 👉 https://www.different-hats.co.uk/podcast 🔗 Connect with Volker Ballueder LinkedIn: 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.uk Brown Bear Studios – https://www.brownbearstudio.co.uk Carpenter Box – https://www.carpenterbox.com 🎬 PRODUCED BY: H2 Productions – https://h2productions.co.uk/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

March 31, 20269 min

The Manosphere Isn’t Helping Men (Here’s Why)

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 YOU How 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.uk Brown Bear Studios – https://www.brownbearstudio.co.uk Carpenter Box – https://www.carpenterbox.com 🎬 PRODUCED BY: H2 Productions – https://h2productions.co.uk/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

March 24, 20261 hr 47 min

#144 The Real Reason You Feel Disconnected

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 – Introduction 02:20 – “Are you alright mate?” and the zone of contentment 03:38 – Marc’s definition of success now 07:17 – Leaving business, core values, and the power of freedom + connection 18:54 – Uncertainty, discomfort, and what young people really need 26:21 – Where to start when you’re in a dark place 36:34 – Isolation, mindset, and taking responsibility for your wellbeing 53:08 – The biggest lessons Marc has learned in recent years 58:06 – AI, community, and dropping pebbles in your own pond 1:16:04 – Are people living consciously or just drifting into life? 1:24:03 – The manosphere, role models, and what young men need most 1:32:40 – What Marc would change about education if he were Prime Minister 1:36:17 – What Marc would say to his 14-year-old self 1:38:15 – How to start reconnecting with yourself 1:39:47 – How Marc knows when he’s nearing burnout Marc 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 Convey Website: https://www.marcconvey.com/ Substack: https://substack.com/@makingamarc LinkedIn: 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.uk Brown Bear Studios – https://www.brownbearstudio.co.uk Carpenter Box – https://www.carpenterbox.com 🎬 PRODUCED BY: H2 Productions – https://h2productions.co.uk/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

March 17, 20262 hr 1 min

#143 Why Men Suffer in Silence… And How We Change It

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 hope Growing up in Moulsecoomb and the trauma that shaped him Being expelled from school and feeling failed by education How creativity became a lifeline The loss of Simon’s brother to suicide Why men often struggle to express what they feel How art and storytelling can help us process pain Why schools must nurture creativity and emotional literacy The hope behind Simon’s exhibition Shadow Light: Songs My Brother Taught Me If this episode resonates with you, please share it with someone who might need it. CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction 00:40 Reflecting on the You Alright Mate? gathering 02:09 What this conversation explores 04:20 “You alright, mate?” check-in 05:22 Simon’s definition of success 07:26 Success, integrity and living true to yourself 12:39 Why external success can feel hollow 13:33 Poverty, pain and choosing a different path 18:36 Growing up in Moulsecoomb 25:24 Abandonment, trauma and survival 31:23 Being expelled from school 37:48 Creativity as escape and expression 42:13 Why education often stifles creativity 49:14 The power of mentors and being truly seen 01:00:55 The purpose behind the exhibition 01:03:59 Can creativity help prevent suicide? 01:08:19 The gift of helping others 01:09:53 Processing grief then and now 01:13:59 Will the pain ever leave? 01:15:33 The message Simon hopes the exhibition leaves behind 01:19:50 Holding space, hope and the next hour 01:21:23 Depression, demons and getting through dark moments 01:26:10 Integrity, self-doubt and staying true 01:30:44 Following dreams despite the voices that doubt you 01::34 Final reflections on hope, suicide prevention and legacy 01:41:37 Storytelling card: legacy beyond career 01:43:19 Closing thoughts 🎧 LISTEN TO MORE DIFFERENT HATS EPISODES: 👉 https://www.different-hats.co.uk/podcast 🔗 Connect with Simon David Eden Exhibition details: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/shadow-light-songs-my-brother-taught-me-tickets-1983767367598?aff=ebdsoporgprofile Website: 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): 116 123 Text SHOUT to 85258 (UK, 24/7): If you or someone is in immediate danger, call 999. NHS guidance on urgent mental health help: CLICK HERE SPONSORED BY: Rivervale – https://www.rivervale.co.uk Brown Bear Studios – https://www.brownbearstudio.co.uk Carpenter Box – https://www.carpenterbox.com 🎬 PRODUCED BY: H2 Productions – https://h2productions.co.uk/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

March 10, 20261 hr 48 min

#142 Are We Failing Our Kids? | Former Headteacher Dr. Mitchell on What’s Broken in Education

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. CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction 02:15 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 system 39:24 Supporting children who struggle with school 56:15 If we redesigned education from scratch 1:09:22 Teaching children they are enough 1:25:04 Advice for parents 1:36:02 Lessons from swimming the English Channel 🎧 LISTEN TO MORE DIFFERENT HATS EPISODES: 👉 https://www.different-hats.co.uk/podcast 🔗 Connect with Dr Hildi Mitchell Instagram: 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.uk Brown Bear Studios – https://www.brownbearstudio.co.uk Carpenter Box – https://www.carpenterbox.com 🎬 PRODUCED BY: H2 Productions – https://h2productions.co.uk/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

March 3, 20261 hr 54 min

#141 “I’m Okay… But I’m Not All Right” | How Joy & Community Can Save Men’s Lives

“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. ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction 03:00 – Financial pressure, identity & letting go 07:30 – Modern masculinity: Evolution, not revolution 12:20 – Teaching emotional literacy to the next generation 15:10 – What is success (and does it change over time?) 21:30 – Identity, purpose & empty nest transitions 29:45 – Who was Paul before Outta Puff Daddies? 36:00 – The shoulder injury & silent mental decline 42:50 – Breaking point on holiday 45:50 – The power of finally talking 50:30 – The “glass of water” analogy (powerful moment) 55:00 – Why community is the real toolkit 1:02:00 – The man who said, “You saved my life.” 1:07:30 – Why joy is essential in men’s mental health 1:11:00 – The Outta Puff Daddies story & viral growth 1:20:00 – 40 million views… but what really matters 1:27:00 – Self-care, glimmers & finding joy 1:41:30 – If Paul were Prime Minister tomorrow… 1:45:30 – Final reflection: Can joy unlock the conversation? 🔥 Key Themes Masculinity redefined Vulnerability as strength Community as protection Emotional literacy in boys The danger of silent suffering Why “just talk” isn’t enough without safe spaces Movement as medicine Joy as a gateway to healing Purpose beyond performance 🎧 LISTEN TO MORE DIFFERENT HATS EPISODES: 👉 https://www.different-hats.co.uk/podcast 🔗 Connect with Paul Jukes Website: https://www.outtapuffdaddys.co.uk/ Instagram: @outtapuffdaddies TikTok: @outtapuffdaddies Linkedin: 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.uk Brown Bear Studios – https://www.brownbearstudio.co.uk Carpenter Box – https://www.carpenterbox.com 🎬 PRODUCED BY: H2 Productions – https://h2productions.co.uk/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

February 24, 20261 hr 39 min

#140 Redefining Success at 33 Weeks Pregnant | Building HERstory & Letting Go

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 racism The turning point at 16 that reshaped her path From pageantry to public life, and what representation really means Building HERstory into one of Sussex’s leading women-in-business platforms The fear of losing control as a founder Delegation, leadership and commercialising her business Why success isn’t just money, it’s self-belief, gratitude and legacy As 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. ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 – Introduction 02:24 – Delegation, leadership and commercialising the business 07:41 – Early career, mentorship and full-circle moments 14:09 – What does success really mean? 18:34 – Identity, school, and finding perspective 21:10 – The Gambia trip that changed everything 29:00 – Belonging, racism and confidence 36:45 – Pageantry and representation 44:22 – The origin of HERstory 49:48 – Creating space in business 1:03:29 – Entrepreneurship wasn’t the plan 1:13:19 – Pregnancy, control and fear 1:25:22 – Ambition, motherhood and the next chapter 1:30:36 – What she’d tell her younger self 🎧 LISTEN TO MORE DIFFERENT HATS EPISODES: 👉 https://www.different-hats.co.uk/podcast 🔗 Connect with Stephanie Prior Website: 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.uk Brown Bear Studios – https://www.brownbearstudio.co.uk Carpenter Box – https://www.carpenterbox.com 🎬 PRODUCED BY: H2 Productions – https://h2productions.co.uk/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.