Dare to be Different with Craig White
Delve into the stories of sporting champions, corporate visionaries, and everyday parents who redefine leadership. In each episode, I explore the journeys of leaders who have undergone profound transformations, emerging stronger and wiser. From overcoming challenges to embracing change, our guests share insights and lessons learned along their paths to success.Tune in and discover what it takes to lead with authenticity and courage in every aspect of life.
S3E06: Blaire Palmer - Why Leaders Struggle With Fear & Uncertainty
In this episode Craig sits down with Blaire Palmer a former BBC journalist and producer who now has two decades of experience coaching and shaping senior leaders. She is an inspirational speaker, author and expert authority on leadership.
This conversation explores leadership, organisational change, and why many leaders struggle when faced with uncertainty and complexity. The discussion examines how leadership models are evolving and why honest conversations inside organisations are often avoided.
SHOW NOTES:
Why many organisations struggle to adapt to changeHow leaders often avoid difficult conversations inside teamsThe leadership patterns that...S3E05: Kenny Cruz - Why Men Need Men
This conversation explores parts work, men’s groups, and why many men remain stuck in survival patterns from childhood. The discussion focuses on the shift from reactive boyish behaviour to grounded masculine presence.
SHOW NOTES:
Why “men need men so we can be in it together” How many men are still operating as “scared little boys” What happens when the inner protector runs a man’s lifeWhy breathing and embodiment interrupt survival modeHow the shift from “am I” to “I am” changes everythingSeason 3 is proudly sponsored by Lightside Financial Planning - a fiercely independent...
S3E04: Lynsey Chan - Why Breathwork Helps Men Feel Truly Alive
This episode features a discussion with Lynsey Chan, a breathwork expert.
Craig and Lynsey discuss what breathwork is and the power of breathwork in transformation, especially for men.
Together their discussion focuses on how unprocessed experiences can be stored in the body and why integration and behaviour change matter after emotional release.
SHOW NOTES:
Lynsey's experience and backgroundHow overwhelming experiences can become “stored in the body”Why the body moves into fight, flight, or freeze statesHow breathwork could “revolutionize the world of men”The importance of men learning to trust themselve...S3E03: Deborah Henley - Why True Leadership Needs Emotional Safety
This episode follows a leadership coach who has successfully rebuilt her identity after a deeply personal crisis, she reflects on her experiences with men in both family life and the corporate world, exploring how emotional suppression and an inability to hold women’s emotions shaped her childhood, her parents’ marriage, and her relationship with her father.
This conversation connects personal grief, leadership, and emotional intelligence, revealing how these patterns need to be disrupted in order for real leaders to emerge in the workplaces and inter-personal relationships of today.
SHOW NOTES
– Introduction and her...
S3E02: Dave Radley - Rebuilding Identity Through Business and Fatherhood
This episode explores the journey of a former rugby player turned business owner and father of five. Through moments of reflection, he opens up about the pressures of performance, emotional growth, and what truly matters when juggling success and family life.
SHOW NOTES
How rugby and construction shaped his early identityThe role fatherhood plays in his decision-makingWhy people pleasing became a hidden patternHow family teamwork became a central valueSeason 3 is proudly sponsored by Lightside Financial Planning - a fiercely independent, Liverpool-based firm focused on clear, human conversations about money.
F...
S3E01: Ella Mccrystal - Why Men Are Struggling With Shame and Self-Worth in Silence
This episode Craig explores the inner landscape of men’s mental health with a psychotherapist who has spent decades helping her clients heal shame, regulate their nervous systems, and reconnect with their inner strength.
With a deeply personal share, grounded insights and practical tools, this conversation invites men and women to feel again — and heal from the inside out.
In this episode, Ella reveals:
A personal story of trauma and how it shaped perception of menWhy shame and self-criticism often block emotional healingHow trauma can be stored physically and subconsciouslyWhy many men feel...S2E24: Mike Brown - How Anger Fueled A Relentless Rise in World Rugby
Known for his fierce competitiveness and unrelenting drive, Mike Brown opens up in this episode about the emotional fuel behind his rugby career. From growing up with a chip on his shoulder to becoming one of England’s most respected full-backs, Mike shares the untold side of performance — anger, isolation, identity, and transformation.
He now uses everything he learned to help build healthier high-performance cultures.
SHOW NOTES
Why anger and rejection shaped his rugby identityHow his childhood created a need to constantly prove himselfThe emotional cost of elite performanceHow becoming a fat...S2E23: Lawrence Dallaglio - How Tragedy Shaped the Leadership Style of a World Cup Captain
Former England Rugby captain and World Cup winner Lawrence Dallaglio shares the story behind the success — a life marked by personal tragedy, grief, leadership under pressure, and the cost of never pausing to feel. In this grounded and emotionally open conversation, Lawrence reveals how rugby became his escape, how family loss shaped his identity, and why vulnerability has taken him a lifetime to access.
SHOW NOTES
How grief shaped his purpose and drive in rugbyThe emotional cost of never stopping to feelWhy sport gave him identity, validation, and structureHow being a leader me...S2E22: Ben Bidwell - How to Use Breathwork to Heal Emotional Repression
Human potential coach and breathwork guide Ben Bidwell joins the show to share his journey from emotional numbness to embodied presence.
In this deep and vulnerable conversation, Ben explores the nervous system, the healing power of breathwork, and what it truly means to feel.
He also reflects on his past patterns of disconnection, his breakthrough moments, and why men need a different kind of support when it comes to emotional growth.
SHOW NOTES
How breathwork helped him reconnect with emotional safetyWhy the body holds the truth we often av...S2E21: Dr Warren Larkin - How Unresolved Trauma Controls Your Health
Clinical psychologist and trauma specialist Dr. Warren Larkin shares decades of insight into how unresolved childhood trauma and repressed emotional pain continue to shape our adult lives, from nervous system dysregulation to chronic stress and emotional disconnection. He explains the hidden cost of survival, why we break down when we stop staying busy, and how true healing begins with nervous system awareness.
SHOW NOTES:
Why trauma is far more common than most people thinkHow childhood attachment shapes your ability to regulate emotionsWhat happens when high performers stop and finally feelHow grief, stress...S2E20: Dr Darren Stevens - How To Shift Into Elite Level Thinking
What separates elite coaches from good ones? It’s not just technique. It’s not just presence. It’s the ability to think at a much higher level.
In this episode, Craig sits down with developmental psychologist Dr. Darren Stevens for a deep dive on why most coaches unknowingly operate below the level of their clients and what it really takes operate at the next level of human development and performance.
Dr Darren Steven is a University lecturer, researcher, and author, he is the founder of 'Constructed Development Theory'. A breakthrough psychological approach to adult develo...
S2E19: Benjamin Owen - Stop The Self Sabotage And Become A Great Leader
In this episode, Craig White sits down with Leadership coach Benjamin Owen.
Ben opens up about his personal journey and the patterns that have shaped him: father dynamics, self-story and self-sabotage, the role of coaches and teams, and the small practices he uses to steady himself.
In this conversation we discuss:
- Why hiding parts of yourself limits your power as a coach
- The ripple effect of radical transparency in group settings
- How to embody love and openness in professional life
- Men's retreats and the tools that create tr...
S2E18: Clarke Carlisle - From Premier League to Rock Bottom and Back Again
Clarke Carlisle was once known as the “brainiest footballer” — a Premier League defender, PFA chairman, and TV pundit.
But behind the public persona was a man crumbling under the weight of expectation, alcohol dependency, depression, and suicidal thoughts.
In this raw and unfiltered conversation, Clarke sits down with Craig White to talk about the cost of tying your identity to performance, the masks men wear to survive, and the brutal reality of hitting rock bottom.
He also shares the turning point that changed his life in 2017 - discovering cognitive analytical therapy (CAT...
S2E17: Denis Betts - Ego, Regret & Life Beyond Rugby
Denis Betts is a rugby league legend.
But behind the trophies and the Great Britain caps lies a story about ego, endings, and learning what really matters.
In this raw and revealing conversation, Denis and I dive into:
Why he chose to let go of anger in his mid-twentiesThe clash of egos and the regret of stepping away too soonThe role of family and the influence of strong women in his lifeWhat coaching Wigan Women has taught him about leadershipWhy joy and purpose matter more than medalsThis is Denis Betts...
S2E16: James Haskell - Self-Doubt, Pressure & the Real Work Behind Confidence
I first coached James Haskell when he was a teenager - he had big energy, big personality, and was full of potential. But beneath the surface, he was carrying self-doubt, pressure, and a deep need to prove himself.
In this episode, we sit down for a raw and honest conversation about what was really going on behind the image.
We talk about:
The impact of being medicated from age 10 and surviving boarding schoolWhy he spent years performing, without knowing who he really wasWhat therapy helped him uncover about self-worth, confidence, and angerThe moment he...S2E15: Mike Bates - Pain, Performance and Letting Go
Mike Bates grew up in chaos - violence, instability and the deep belief that he wasn’t enough. That belief followed him through the military, into high-stakes leadership, and even across a solo Atlantic row.
In this episode, Mike shares how childhood trauma shaped his mindset, relationships and sense of identity, and what it took to finally let go of performance and prove nothing to no one.
We talk about the rope climb that changed his life, the cost of people-pleasing, and how Brazilian jiu-jitsu helped him discover real emotional strength.
You’ll hear...
S1E14: Kruise Leeming - The Cost of Winning, Regret & Becoming a Better Man
Wigan Warriors rugby league star and former Leeds Rhinos captain Kruise Leeming joins me for an honest, powerful conversation about leadership, loss, identity, and emotional growth.
At just eight years old, Kruise lost his dad and was immediately told he was now “the man of the house.” That moment shaped everything: his drive, his discipline, and his approach to sport and leadership. But as he opens up here, it also left scars.
We explore:
The pressure of early responsibilityThe cost of performance-first leadershipOwning past mistakes and letting go of guiltReconnecting with faith, vulnerability and inne...S2E13 Daniel Granger - From Body Fixers to Breakdown: The Pain Behind the Persona
Daniel Granger looked like he had it all.
A successful hairdresser. A public figure. TV appearances. A big personality. But behind the scenes? He was exhausted. Addicted. Broken.
In this raw and honest episode, Dan sits down with me to share the truth behind the mask. From childhood trauma and addiction to homelessness, suicide attempts and deep-rooted mistrust of men, this is a story about surviving, and eventually healing.
Dan talks about:
Growing up in chaos and losing his dad at 8Finding safety in feminine spaces after being abused by the men...S2E12: Diego Sanchez - From Global Fame to Grounded Healing
Diego Sanchez was one of the top male models in the world — fronting major campaigns and living a life of global travel, status, and success.
But at 29, something cracked.
In this episode, I sit down with Diego to talk about the quiet breakdown that happened behind the success… and the journey that followed.
From the catwalks of the fashion world to the forests of Uruguay, Diego now works as a somatic therapist and retreat leader helping others reconnect with their bodies and nervous systems.
We explore:
Letting go of ego and e...S2E11: Keith McGuinnes - When ‘Healthy’ Is Just Another Mask
The diagnosis that changed everything: Keith McGuinnes on cancer, masculinity, and the power of receiving
What happens when a fit, healthy yoga teacher steeped in Eastern practices, meditation and spiritual growth is suddenly diagnosed with cancer?
In this episode, I sit down with Keith McGuinnes, founder of Awaken Intimacy and co-founder of The Open Institute, to explore how a life-threatening illness forced him to stop pushing, start receiving, and finally open to the deeper lessons of intimacy, vulnerability and connection.
We talk about:
The shock of receiving a cancer diagnosis...S2E10: Emmet Byrne - Why Men's Health is Failing
Why are so many men exhausted, disconnected, and running on empty — even when they look like they’ve got it all together?
In this episode, I sit down with Dr Emmet Byrne - a former Ireland rugby international turned men’s health doctor - to unpack what’s really going wrong with modern masculinity, medicine, and mental health.
We explore:
Why the medical system is failing menThe truth about testosterone decline (and why TRT isn’t a quick fix)The link between movement, strength, and emotional healthWhy we’ve normalised feeling average — and how to bre...S2E9: Shaun Edwards - The Kind Warrior
Fresh off France’s Six Nations win, I sat down with my old mate Shaun Edwards for a rare, wide-ranging conversation.
This isn’t just an interview — it’s two lads from Wigan catching up after decades walking very different, but strangely parallel paths. Both of us came up through rugby, through hard graft and old-school values. But over time, we’ve both had to evolve. As coaches. As leaders. As men.
We talked about it all, from the early days and the systems that changed the game, to fear, fatherhood, grief, and what it means to l...
S2E8: Jeremy Bettle - Why Men Burn Out at the Top
From the outside, Jeremy Bettle had it all — a high-profile career in elite sport, working with some of the world’s most successful athletes and organisations. But behind the scenes, he was running on empty.
In this episode, Jeremy shares the quiet crisis that brought him to a breaking point, and the path he took to rebuild a life rooted in presence, truth, and vitality.
We talk about:
The cost of performing and pushing for too longWhy success without meaning leads to burnoutLetting go of identity and walking into the unknownThe medicine in movement, men’...S2E7: Martin Bone - Why Men Must Learn To Move
Movement is more than just physical. It’s emotional. Energetic. Transformational.
In this episode, I’m joined by my good friend and co-facilitator of the ICONIC program, Martin Bone. We explore the deeper meaning of movement and dance, not as performance, but as a powerful doorway back into the body.
For many men, especially those raised in the UK and Ireland, movement became linear - lifting weights, pushing harder, always doing. But in that, freedom, expression, and spontaneity got lost.
We talk about how reclaiming movement helped us both heal old wounds, reconnect with...
S2E6: Scott Ford - The Secret to Playing in the Zone
Athletes talk about it like it’s magic. That moment when everything slows down, the game feels effortless, and they’re completely in the zone.
But what if flow state wasn’t random? What if you could access it on demand?
I sit down with Scott Ford—author, coach, and a pioneer in non-dual awareness in sport. He’s spent over 40 years teaching athletes how to enter and sustain flow states intentionally, rather than just hoping it happens.
What is Flow State in Sport?
S2E5: Mark Walsh - Why Men Need to Get Out of Their Heads
Most men spend their lives in their heads: overthinking, overanalysing, and second-guessing. But true leadership, confidence, and resilience don’t start in the mind, they start in the body.
In this episode, I sit down with Mark Walsh, one of the world’s leading embodiment coaches, to explore why so many men feel disconnected from their power and how reconnecting with the body can transform how they lead, train, and show up in the world.
This isn’t just theory. Mark has worked with elite professionals, trauma survivors, corporate leaders, and athletes worldwide, helping them develo...
S2E4: Rod Boothroyd - Why Men Struggle to Lead
This episode isn’t just about leadership—it’s about self-awareness, emotional mastery, and the deeper work men need to do to lead with confidence and integrity.
In this conversation, I sit down with Rod Boothroyd, who has spent over two decades working with men, helping them uncover what’s holding them back and step into their full leadership potential.
We dive deep into the reasons why so many men struggle with leadership—whether in their careers, relationships, or personal lives.
Rod shares his insights from psychotherapy, shadow work, and men’s development, unpacking why...
S2E3: Matty Peet - Going Deeper
Matty Peet is back. After a phenomenal few years leading Wigan Rugby League to unprecedented success, I sit down with him to reflect on the highs, the challenges, and what it really takes to lead at the highest level.
From winning every available trophy to managing the relentless demands of elite coaching, Matty shares the lessons he’s learned—not just about rugby, but about leadership, resilience, and personal growth. He opens up about the pressures of expectation, the importance of connection, and why he believes every coach needs a coach.
This episode isn’t just a...
S2E2: Cody Royle - Why Coaches Need Coaches
In this episode, I sit down with Cody Royle, a coach to elite head coaches in professional sports and author of three impactful books, including the Amazon bestseller The Tough Stuff.
Cody shares his journey from coaching Australia’s national Aussie Rules team to mentoring some of the top leaders in soccer, basketball, rugby, and beyond. Together, they explore the emotional toll of leadership, the power of self-awareness, and the profound impact of integrating personal growth into coaching.
Show Notes
Cody’s Journey:
From playing Aussie Rules football to becoming a coac...S2E1: Martin Offiah - Becoming Comfortable with the Uncomfortable
I sit down with Martin Offiah, rugby league legend and cultural icon, to explore his journey from a young boy in Hackney to becoming one of the greatest try-scorers in the history of the sport.
In this deeply personal conversation, Martin reflects on the mentors who shaped his career, the challenges of breaking barriers, and the lessons he’s learned about resilience and self-belief. From his rugby triumphs to his advocacy for sustainability and electric vehicles, Martin shares his powerful story of transformation and greatness.
This is an episode for anyone who wants to learn how...
S1E17: The Best of 2024
In the season finale of Dare to Be Different, I look back at the best moments from 2024 - a collection of powerful stories, raw truths, and deep transformations from the men who joined me this year.
Matty Peet
Matty shares his experience leading Wigan Warriors, redefining leadership, and balancing the demands of professional coaching with authenticity and self-awareness.
Andrew Jenkins
Andrew reflects on completing The Big Trek—1,200km across four nations—raising awareness for brain injury while sharing his powerful story of recovery, grit, and determination.
Mart...
S1E16: Piers Cross - Are Our Leaders Traumatised?
In this episode of Dare to Be Different, I sit down with Piers Cross - author, filmmaker, and leadership coach specialising in trauma and peak performance.
Together, we explore a question that cuts to the heart of leadership today: Are our leaders carrying unresolved trauma, and how does it impact their ability to lead?
Piers shares powerful insights into the emotional wounds many leaders carry, particularly those shaped by environments like boarding schools. This conversation dives deep into how unhealed trauma manifests in leadership, from disconnection to unhealthy power dynamics, and offers tools for cultivating...
S1E15: Traver Boehm - Why Men Need Men
In this episode, I sit down with Traver Boehm, author, speaker, and founder of the Man Uncivilized movement. Traver’s work has been a beacon for men seeking to reclaim their authentic selves in a world that often stifles true masculinity.
Together, we explore why men need men—why male connection and community are essential not just for personal growth but for creating a life of purpose, power, and connection. From redefining vulnerability to tackling shame and isolation head-on, this episode is a raw, honest, and impactful conversation for anyone ready to step into their full potential.
S1E14: Chris Brown - Why Men Must Start Telling the Truth
In this episode the tables turn as guest Chris Brown steps into the interviewer’s seat to ask me the hard-hitting questions about life, purpose, and leadership.
Kicking off with a powerful opener, Chris asks: “How do you stay strong and resilient in today’s world while staying true to yourself?”
From there, we explore what it means to live authentically as men in a world full of expectations. I reveal the pivotal moments in my life, my personal battles, and how redefining my purpose brought me closer to a fulfilling, intentional life.
Introduct...
S1E13: Pat Divilly - Embracing Your Shadow
I sit down with Pat Divilly, an author, speaker, and expert in breathwork and shadow work. Together, we dive deep into what it means to navigate change in today's world and the importance of embracing your shadow self. From personal struggles to professional transformations, Pat shares his journey of moving beyond limiting beliefs, stepping out of societal boxes, and learning to live with authenticity and freedom. We explore themes of fear, vulnerability, and what it takes for men to truly grow.
Show Notes:
Navigating Change:Pat shares his thoughts on the inevitability...S1E12: Robert Masters - Becoming Intimate With All That We Are
I interview Dr. Robert Masters, an acclaimed integral psychotherapist, psycho-spiritual guide, and author. Together, we explore the path to emotional embodiment and what it means to truly embrace all parts of ourselves, including the shadowy aspects we often avoid. Dr. Robert brings decades of experience to a conversation rich with insights about emotional intimacy, shadow work, the role of anger in masculinity, and the journey toward self-acceptance. From the warrior archetype to addiction, intimacy, and spirituality, this episode is a deep dive into becoming fully intimate with all that we are.
Show Notes:
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S1E11: Keith Witt - The Route to a Man's Heart
I sit down with Dr. Keith Witt, a licensed psychologist, teacher, and author with over 75,000 therapy sessions and eight published books. Dr. Witt, an expert in love, relationships, and personal development, unpacks what it means to be a man in today’s world. The discussion delves into self-love, the hero’s journey, and the transformative power of intimate relationships. Dr. Witt weaves together neuroscience, Integral theory, and wisdom from various forms of psychotherapy to offer practical insights and profound truths about the modern man’s path to emotional and psychological fulfillment. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about masculinity, emotio...
S1E10: Sean Long - The Struggle to be Authentic
I sit down with Rugby League icon Sean Long to talk about his incredible journey from signing with Wigan at just 15 years old to becoming one of the most respected players in the game.
But his path wasn't always smooth. Sean opens up about the intense highs of winning championships and the crushing lows of injuries, struggles with mental health, and the challenges he faced post-retirement.
This is a raw and honest conversation about resilience, authenticity, and the power of staying true to oneself, no matter the obstacles.
Season 3 is proudly sponsored by Li...
S1E09: Antonio Vizintín - Surviving the Impossible
In this episode, I sit down with Antonio Vizintin, one of the 16 survivors of the 1972 Andes plane crash.
Antonio, also known as "Tintin," shares his harrowing journey of survival over 72 days in one of the world’s most unforgiving environments. From being a 19-year-old rugby player on a flight to Chile to enduring unimaginable conditions in the Andes, Antonio’s story is one of resilience, transformation, and teamwork.
He discusses the critical role rugby played in his survival, the tough decisions the group had to make, and how the ordeal shaped his life and perspective. Antoni...
S1E08: Dr Liam Hennessy - The Secret Behind Irish Rugby
Episode description
In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Liam Hennessy, a pioneer in sports performance and coach education, and the founder of Setanta College. Liam shares his transformative journey through the highs and lows of life, including his influential role in the development of Irish rugby and his personal battle with cancer. We dive deep into the power of relationships, the art of transformation, and the profound lessons learned from life's challenges.
Show notes
Introduction:
