Kicking off Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, I sat down with a director from Samaritans to better understand what the charity is and does, and talk about how we can all do a better job of looking after ourselves - and each other.
Amanda has spent over a decade volunteering with Samaritans, the charity that answers a call for help every 10 seconds.
Founded 70 years ago by a vicar with a single phone, Samaritans has grown into a 24/7 lifeline for anyone who needs to talk, with more than 20,000 volunteers in the UK.
In this conversation, we talk about how we can be better listeners for friends, family and strangers. We get into what really happens when you call the helpline - 116 123, how volunteers protect their own mental health, why listening can save lives, and the power of simply asking, “Are you OK?”
We also explore loneliness, talk about men’s mental health and suicide, the future of Samaritans, and what hope and possibility look like when life feels impossible.
=====
We all want to be happy, healthy and fulfilled.
The question is: how?
Project Possible, hosted by me, Rich Leigh, explores this question with incredible guests from the world of business, sport, entertainment, health and psychology.
Between the second and third series, I made the decision to go full-time on this show.
I sold my successful 10 year old PR agency after my youngest brother Jordan took his own life. I realised that I needed to run towards passion, purpose and positive impact, and my dream of this being my career.
Possibilists, pull up a pew.
=====
Sign up now to the free weekly newsletter at https://projectpossible.substack.com for behind the scenes, giveaways, ways to get involved and more.
=====
Follow on IG: https://www.instagram.com/richleighpod
Email: hello@projectpossiblepod.com
The Project Possible website: http://www.projectpossiblepod.com
What would you do if you were told you had five years to live?
At just 30 years old, Iain Liam Ward - better known online as The King of Chemo - was diagnosed with stage 3 brain cancer and given a five-year life expectancy. That was five and a half years ago.
Since then, he’s turned his diagnosis into a mission: raising millions for charity, building a community of millions online, and proving what’s possible when you stop waiting to die - and start living.
In this conversation, we talk about everything from gaming and fitness to grief, male friendship, how cancer impacts dating, Iain's choice not to have children and the random moment a medical trial changed his life forever.
It’s raw, real, and deeply human - a reminder that even in the darkest of times, finding purpose is always possible.
=====
We all want to be happy, healthy and fulfilled.
The question is: how?
Project Possible, hosted by me, Rich Leigh, explores this question with incredible guests from the world of business, sport, entertainment, health and psychology.
Between the second and third series, I made the decision to go full-time on this show.
I sold my successful 10 year old PR agency after my youngest brother Jordan took his own life. I realised that I needed to run towards passion, purpose and positive impact, and my dream of this being my career.
Possibilists, pull up a pew.
=====
Sign up now to the free weekly newsletter at https://projectpossible.substack.com for behind the scenes, giveaways, ways to get involved and more.
=====
Follow on IG: https://www.instagram.com/richleighpod
Email: hello@projectpossiblepod.com
The Project Possible website: http://www.projectpossiblepod.com
Is it possible to choose positivity, even through pain and loss?
In this episode, fitness icon Derrick Evans MBE - better known as Mr Motivator - joins me for a deeply human conversation about resilience, faith, health, family and the power of perspective.
From his tough beginnings in Jamaica and early life in Britain, to success in business even prior to his TV fame, Derrick shares the lessons that shaped him: gratitude, kindness, hard work and the belief that happiness is a choice we make.
He also opens up about personal loss, being given up at just 3 months old, parenting, prejudice, and what it really means to keep hope alive.
It’s honest, emotional and uplifting - a reminder that while life can test us, positivity is always possible.
=====
We all want to be happy, healthy and fulfilled.
The question is: how?
Project Possible, hosted by me, Rich Leigh, explores this question with incredible guests from the world of business, sport, entertainment, health and psychology.
Between the second and third series, I made the decision to go full-time on this show.
I sold my successful 10 year old PR agency after a heart-breaking family tragedy made me realise that I should run towards passion, purpose and positive impact, and my dream of this being my career.
Possibilists, pull up a pew.
=====
Sign up now to the free weekly newsletter at https://projectpossible.substack.com for behind the scenes, giveaways, ways to get involved and more.
=====
Follow on IG: https://www.instagram.com/richleighpod
Email: hello@projectpossiblepod.com
The Project Possible website: http://www.projectpossiblepod.com
Is it possible for one moment of accountability to change everything?
At 18, Jon Watts was sentenced to six and a half years in prison - a turning point that would shape the rest of his life.
Today, he’s a Sunday Times best-selling author and chef to the rich and famous, known for his inspiring story of redemption and resilience.
In this conversation, Jon opens up about growing up in a strict religious community, the choices that led him to prison, and the hard work it took to rebuild his life from scratch. We talk about responsibility, forgiveness, and the quiet power of perseverance.
This episode is raw, honest and deeply human - a story of transformation, second chances, and what’s possible when you decide your past doesn’t have to define your future.
=====
We all want to be happy, healthy and fulfilled.
The question is: how?
Project Possible, hosted by me, Rich Leigh, explores this question with incredible guests from the world of business, sport, entertainment, health and psychology.
Between the second and third series, I made the decision to go full-time on this show.
I sold my successful 10 year old PR agency after a heart-breaking family tragedy made me realise that I should run towards passion, purpose and positive impact, and my dream of this being my career.
Possibilists, pull up a pew.
=====
Sign up now to the free weekly newsletter at https://projectpossible.substack.com for behind the scenes, giveaways, ways to get involved and more.
=====
Follow on IG: https://www.instagram.com/richleighpod
Email: hello@projectpossiblepod.com
The Project Possible website: http://www.projectpossiblepod.com
Is it possible to find and hold on to real love in an increasingly confusing dating world, where 42% of marriages end in divorce?
Relationship expert and author Stina Sanders joins me to talk about red flags, healing, and why self-awareness might just be the ultimate relationship skill.
This conversation is raw, funny and full of heart. Expect to come away questioning what “doing the work” really means, and with a new understanding of yourself, your relationships, and what it takes to find and hold onto real love in 2025.
=====
We all want to be happy, healthy and fulfilled.
The question is: how?
Project Possible, hosted by me, Rich Leigh, explores this question with incredible guests from the world of business, sport, entertainment, health and psychology.
Between the second and third series, I made the decision to go full-time on this show.
I sold my successful 10 year old PR agency after a heart-breaking family tragedy made me realise that I should run towards passion, purpose and positive impact, and my dream of this being my career.
Possibilists, pull up a pew.
=====
Sign up now to the free weekly newsletter at https://projectpossible.substack.com for behind the scenes, giveaways, ways to get involved and more.
=====
Follow on IG: https://www.instagram.com/richleighpod
Email: hello@projectpossiblepod.com
The Project Possible website: http://www.projectpossiblepod.com
Essex boy Dean Franklin made history as the first outright male winner of BBC’s The Apprentice in over a decade — but what might surprise you is that he nearly QUIT the show just two weeks before the final.
In this episode, Dean opens up about being rejected at his very first audition, only to come back a year later and beat out 80,000 other hopefuls to land Lord Sugar’s £250,000 investment.
Our conversation is equal parts inspiring, revealing, and downright silly. You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at what it’s really like being watched by six million people every week, and hear Dean reflect on his relationship with Lord Sugar — then and now.
With his winning mindset and trademark cheeky smile, it’s easy to see why Dean became a fan favourite. Expect to leave this episode smiling, inspired, and with a fresh perspective on what it really takes to go from rejection to victory.
=====
We all want to be happy, healthy and fulfilled.
The question is: how?
Project Possible, hosted by me, Rich Leigh, explores this question with incredible guests from the world of business, sport, entertainment, health and psychology.
Between the second and third series, I made the decision to go full-time on this show.
I sold my successful 10 year old PR agency after a heart-breaking family tragedy made me realise that I should run towards passion, purpose and positive impact, and my dream of this being my career.
Possibilists, pull up a pew.
=====
Sign up now to the free weekly newsletter at https://projectpossible.substack.com for behind the scenes, giveaways, ways to get involved and more.
=====
Follow on IG: https://www.instagram.com/richleighpod
Email: hello@projectpossiblepod.com
The Project Possible website: http://www.projectpossiblepod.com
How is it possible to become a full-time podcaster?
A very personal one for my first-ever mid-week upload - and my first ever solo episode.
In this episode, I talk about who I am, why I sold my company to pursue the passion I have for interviewing and creating this show, the impact of grief, what I hope to achieve, how you can get involved and more.
I don’t have plans to do solo episodes regularly, but I wanted to speak outside of the confines of an interview for a moment, directly to you - and I hope you enjoy it!
=====
We all want to be happy, healthy and fulfilled.
The question is: how?
Project Possible, hosted by me, Rich Leigh, explores this question with incredible guests from the world of business, sport, entertainment, health and psychology.
=====
Join our growing posse of Possibilists now by signing up to our free weekly newsletter at https://projectpossible.substack.com
You'll be the first to get interviews, see behind the scenes, be first in line for giveaways, ways to get involved and more.
=====
Follow on Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/richleighpod
Email: hello@projectpossiblepod.com
The Project Possible website: https://www.projectpossiblepod.com
We all want to be happy, healthy and fulfilled.
The question is: how?
Project Possible, hosted by me, Rich Leigh, explores this question with incredible guests from the world of business, sport, entertainment and academia.
Possibilists, pull up a pew.
*Previously known as The Starting Line, before series 3.
=====
My upbringing was one of domestic violence, addiction, debt collectors and prison visits.
At 17, I dropped out of school. At 18, I became a father for the first time and left the chaos of my family council house without a penny to my name, determined to break the cycle.
By 30, I was a successful PR agency owner with a #1 best-selling book, working with some of the UK’s leading brands, entrepreneurs and celebrities.
Using that influence, I’ve helped to raise more than £1m for sick children.
On February 7th 2025, my youngest brother Jordan took his own life. He was just 27. His note to me was addressed ‘to the dad I never had’.
In June 2025, I sold my PR agency to give 100% of myself to this project and my aim to build a community of Possibilists, dedicating myself to positivity and my passion for sharing the stories and lessons of incredible people.
Hosted by me, Rich Leigh, Project Possible is the show that asks the question: what is possible, for you, for me and for all of us?
=====
Sign up now to the free weekly newsletter at https://projectpossible.substack.com for behind the scenes, giveaways, ways to get involved and more.
=====
Follow on Instagram: http://instagram.com/richleighpod
Email: hello@projectpossiblepod.com
The Project Possible website: https://www.projectpossiblepod.com
How is it possible to go from working as a bouncer to starring on the most prestigious comedy show on British TV in just five years?
Join me for this first episode of the new series of Project Possible, as I chat to the hilarious Emmanuel Sonubi about a heart attack he suffered while on stage, amateur rugby antics, his career, parenting, stories from his nights on the door and much more.
Head to emmanuelstandup.com for tickets to his UK tour, Life After Near Death.
=====
We all want to be happy, healthy and fulfilled.
The question is: how?
Project Possible, hosted by me, Rich Leigh, explores this question with incredible guests from the world of business, sport, entertainment, health and psychology.
Between the second and third series, I made the decision to go full-time on this show.
I sold my successful 10 year old PR agency after a heart-breaking family tragedy made me realise that I should run towards passion, purpose and positive impact, and my dream of this being my career.
Possibilists, pull up a pew.
=====
Sign up now to the free weekly newsletter at https://projectpossible.substack.com for behind the scenes, giveaways, ways to get involved and more.
=====
Follow on IG: https://www.instagram.com/richleighpod
Email: hello@projectpossiblepod.com
The Project Possible website: http://www.projectpossiblepod.com
Homelessness is up 14% this last year alone, with more than 300,000 homeless people according to latest figures. But, can we really end homelessness? This charity boss believes so, and says it's a political choice not to. P3 is a charity than improves the lives and communities of tens of thousands of people a year, by delivering services to support people facing social exclusion. Recently awarded an OBE, CEO Mark Simms joins us to talk about his career dedicated to helping people going through tough times. Mark's family was made homeless when he was a teenager, and we talk about how this has impacted his life and work. A surprisingly light conversation for such a topic, this is the last episode of series 2. Subscribe and we'll be back with more incredible interviews after a short break.
Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YP9oow_b0GE
Listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/uk/podcast...
Listen and subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/46Iufel...
Patreon: Support the show by becoming a patron at: / startinglinepod for just £5 a month
Website: https://www.startinglinepod.com
Contact: If you have guest suggestions or would like to talk about sponsorship opportunities, please email hello@startinglinepod.com
About The Starting Line Podcast
The Starting Line Podcast, hosted by award-winning serial entrepreneur, PR expert, and best-selling author Rich Leigh, is all about drive, ambition and curiosity.
Speaking to entrepreneurs, entertainers, athletes, philanthropists and thinkers, guests open up about positivity, success, resilience, perseverance, mistakes and more.
Go back and enjoy series one guests including Levi Roots, James Cracknell OBE and Apprentice winner Marnie Swindells.
About me, Rich Leigh
Your starting line doesn't have to define you.
My upbringing wasn't great.
But I remember thinking - I have to, and I CAN - break the cycle. That single thought changed my life.
At 17, I dropped out of school. At 18, I became a father for the first time, and left the chaos of my family council house without a penny to my name, determined to rewrite my story.
By 30, I was a successful PR agency owner with a #1 best-selling book. We were working with some of the UK’s leading brands, entrepreneurs and celebrities.
Using that influence, I helped to raise more than a million pounds for sick children.
Hosted by me, Rich Leigh, The Starting Line Podcast is your weekly dose of inspiration, featuring powerful conversations with the world's most influential entrepreneurs, entertainers, athletes, philanthropists and thinkers.
Follow The Starting Line on social media:
Instagram: / startinglineshow
Twitter: / startinglinesho
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/startinglineshow
Facebook: / startinglineshow
LinkedIn: / startinglineshow
== Subscribe for new episodes, released every Monday == This week's guest is a true pioneer of mixed martial arts. Mark 'the Wizard' Weir etched his name into the history books with the fastest ever knockout on his UFC debut, the first time the promotion came to the UK in 2002. That night, UFC boss Dana white told Mark: ‘Years from now you remember this, you remember what you've done today. You just don't know what you've done yet'. Born and raised in Gloucester, England in 1967, Mark was a double taekwondo world champion by just 20 years old, becoming the youngest fighter to ever win a World Championship. Also an undefeated kickboxer, Mark was once ranked the number 1 mixed martial artist in the UK. Alongside running his gym Range Martial Arts Academy, Mark is the coach of UFC middleweight rising star Christian Leroy Duncan (you can listen to his interview from series one). Christian will be fighting on the main card of UFC 304 in Manchester this coming Saturday. Listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/uk/podcast/the-starting-line-with-rich-leigh/id1701825108 Listen and subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/46IufelOtcvvBzdidS4oUl Patreon: Support the show by becoming a patron at: https://www.patreon.com/startinglinepod for just £5 a month Website: https://www.startinglinepod.com Contact: If you have guest suggestions or would like to talk about sponsorship opportunities, please email hello@startinglinepod.com *About The Starting Line Podcast* The Starting Line Podcast, hosted by award-winning serial entrepreneur, PR expert, and best-selling author Rich Leigh, is all about drive, ambition and curiosity. Speaking to entrepreneurs, entertainers, athletes, philanthropists and thinkers, guests open up about positivity, success, resilience, perseverance, mistakes and more. Go back and enjoy series one guests including Levi Roots, James Cracknell OBE and Apprentice winner Marnie Swindells. *About me, Rich Leigh* Your starting line doesn't have to define you. My upbringing wasn't great. But I remember thinking - I have to, and I CAN - break the cycle. That single thought changed my life. At 17, I dropped out of school. At 18, I became a father for the first time, and left the chaos of my family council house without a penny to my name, determined to rewrite my story. By 30, I was a successful PR agency owner with a #1 best-selling book. We were working with some of the UK’s leading brands, entrepreneurs and celebrities. Using that influence, I helped to raise more than a million pounds for sick children. Hosted by me, Rich Leigh, The Starting Line Podcast is your weekly dose of inspiration, featuring powerful conversations with the world's most influential entrepreneurs, entertainers, athletes, philanthropists and thinkers. *Follow The Starting Line on social media:* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startinglineshow Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/startinglinesho TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/startinglineshow Facebook: https://facebook.com/startinglineshow LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/startinglineshow *Timestamps:*
== Subscribe for new episodes, released every Monday ==
This week's guest is comedian, poet, performer and one half of BBC Radio 4's The Infinite Monkey Cage, Robin Ince.
We talked about everything from his love of books, comedy and science through to his time on tour with Ricky Gervais, working with Professor Brian Cox, his upbringing, family and neurodivergence.
A fun, sprawling conversation, just hours before Robin spoke at Cheltenham Science Festival.
Patreon: Support the show by becoming a patron at: https://www.patreon.com/startinglinepod for just £5 a month
Website: https://www.startinglinepod.com
Contact: If you have guest suggestions or would like to talk about sponsorship opportunities, please email hello@startinglinepod.com
*About The Starting Line Podcast*
The Starting Line Podcast, hosted by award-winning serial entrepreneur, PR expert, and best-selling author Rich Leigh, is all about drive, ambition and curiosity.
Speaking to entrepreneurs, entertainers, athletes, philanthropists and thinkers, guests open up about positivity, success, resilience, perseverance, mistakes and more. Go back and enjoy series one guests including Levi Roots, James Cracknell OBE and Apprentice winner Marnie Swindells.
*About me, Rich Leigh*
Your starting line doesn't have to define you.
My upbringing wasn't great.
But I remember thinking - I have to, and I CAN - break the cycle. That single thought changed my life.
At 17, I dropped out of school. At 18, I became a father for the first time, and left the chaos of my family council house without a penny to my name, determined to rewrite my story.
By 30, I was a successful PR agency owner with a #1 best-selling book. We were working with some of the UK’s leading brands, entrepreneurs and celebrities.Using that influence, I helped to raise more than a million pounds for sick children.
Hosted by me, Rich Leigh, The Starting Line Podcast is your weekly dose of inspiration, featuring powerful conversations with the world's most influential entrepreneurs, entertainers, athletes, philanthropists and thinkers.
*Follow The Starting Line on social media:*
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startinglineshow
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/startinglinesho
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/startinglineshow
Facebook: https://facebook.com/startinglineshow
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/startinglineshow
== Subscribe for new episodes, released every Monday == This week's guest is super prime estate agent Alex Bourne (joined on and off by his lovely dog, Noodles).
- Oh, and forgive the pesky gremlins and the weird intro glitch, thank you, please - Alex had a starring role in Netflix's Buying London, giving viewers a glimpse at the houses and the property market of the super rich. The Guardian gave it 0 stars out of 5, and said it was 'probably the most hateable TV show ever made'. Despite the critical reception, the show was in the top 10 Netflix shows in more than 50 countries. In this episode, we talk about family life in the public eye, as it was even before the show, social media trolling and unkindness, Alex's path from a young soap opera actor to selling houses to the richest and most famous people in the world and more. Patreon: Support the show by becoming a patron at: https://www.patreon.com/startinglinepod for just £5 a month Website: https://www.startinglinepod.com Contact: If you have guest suggestions or would like to talk about sponsorship opportunities, please email hello@startinglinepod.com *About The Starting Line Podcast* The Starting Line Podcast, hosted by award-winning serial entrepreneur, PR expert, and best-selling author Rich Leigh, is all about drive, ambition and curiosity. Speaking to entrepreneurs, entertainers, athletes, philanthropists and thinkers, guests open up about positivity, success, resilience, perseverance, mistakes and more. Go back and enjoy series one guests including Levi Roots, James Cracknell OBE and Apprentice winner Marnie Swindells. *About me, Rich Leigh* Your starting line doesn't have to define you. My upbringing wasn't great. But I remember thinking - I have to, and I CAN - break the cycle. That single thought changed my life. At 17, I dropped out of school. At 18, I became a father for the first time, and left the chaos of my family council house without a penny to my name, determined to rewrite my story. By 30, I was a successful PR agency owner with a #1 best-selling book. We were working with some of the UK’s leading brands, entrepreneurs and celebrities. Using that influence, I helped to raise more than a million pounds for sick children. Hosted by me, Rich Leigh, The Starting Line Podcast is your weekly dose of inspiration, featuring powerful conversations with the world's most influential entrepreneurs, entertainers, athletes, philanthropists and thinkers. *Follow The Starting Line on social media:* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startinglineshow Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/startinglinesho TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/startinglineshow Facebook: https://facebook.com/startinglineshow LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/startinglineshow
== Subscribe for new episodes, released every Monday ==
Dudley 'Tal' Stokes was the captain and founding member of the Jamaican bobsled team the hit Disney movie Cool Runnings was based on.
He competed at the 1988, 1992, 1994 and the 1998 Winter Olympics, and after his competitive career, became a coach and the president of the Jamaican Bobsleigh Federation.In this conversation, we talk about Tal's upbringing, his time in the army, the true story of Cool Runnings - and whether there could be a sequel - and much more.
Patreon: Support the show by becoming a patron at: https://www.patreon.com/startinglinepod for just £5 a month
Website: https://www.startinglinepod.com
Contact: If you have guest suggestions or would like to talk about sponsorship opportunities, please email hello@startinglinepod.com
*About The Starting Line Podcast*
The Starting Line Podcast, hosted by award-winning serial entrepreneur, PR expert, and best-selling author Rich Leigh, is all about drive, ambition and curiosity.
Speaking to entrepreneurs, entertainers, athletes, philanthropists and thinkers, guests open up about positivity, success, resilience, perseverance, mistakes and more. Go back and enjoy series one guests including Levi Roots, James Cracknell OBE and Apprentice winner Marnie Swindells.
*About me, Rich Leigh*
Your starting line doesn't have to define you.
My upbringing wasn't great.
But I remember thinking - I have to, and I CAN - break the cycle. That single thought changed my life.
At 17, I dropped out of school. At 18, I became a father for the first time, and left the chaos of my family council house without a penny to my name, determined to rewrite my story.
By 30, I was a successful PR agency owner with a #1 best-selling book. We were working with some of the UK’s leading brands, entrepreneurs and celebrities.
Using that influence, I helped to raise more than a million pounds for sick children.
Hosted by me, Rich Leigh, The Starting Line Podcast is your weekly dose of inspiration, featuring powerful conversations with the world's most influential entrepreneurs, entertainers, athletes, philanthropists and thinkers.
*Follow The Starting Line on social media:*
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startinglineshow
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/startinglinesho
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/startinglineshow
Facebook: https://facebook.com/startinglineshow
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/startinglineshow
== Subscribe for new episodes, released every Monday ==
You know he loves a Chinese. You know he loves a bosh.
In this interview, filmed at Chariots fish and chip shop in Romford (NOT ESSEX RICH, you blithering idiot), you'll get to know the real Big John.
He dismisses the idea of being an influencer, and that's one of the reasons I wanted to have this conversation - I'm intrigued by somebody that became well-known as he approached 50, and how it's changed his and his family's lives.
In John's words: 'I'm just a normal bloke who's got a bit of a following, who can resonate with people. There are hundreds of thousands of people just like me."
Enjoy this interview, where we talk about everything from being paid to travel the world, famous friends and fans - including Conor McGregor, what he did before becoming well-known and the most surprising answer to the dinner party question I've ever heard.
Patreon: Support the show by becoming a patron at: patreon.com/startinglinepod for just £5 a month
Website: startinglinepod.com
Contact: If you have guest suggestions or would like to talk about sponsorship opportunities, please email hello@startinglinepod.com
*About The Starting Line Podcast*
The Starting Line Podcast, hosted by award-winning serial entrepreneur, PR expert, and best-selling author Rich Leigh, is all about drive, ambition and curiosity.
Speaking to entrepreneurs, entertainers, athletes, philanthropists and thinkers, guests open up about positivity, success, resilience, perseverance, mistakes and more.
Go back and enjoy series one guests including Levi Roots, James Cracknell OBE and Apprentice winner Marnie Swindells.
*About me, Rich Leigh*
Your starting line doesn't have to define you.
My upbringing wasn't great.
But I remember thinking - I have to, and I CAN - break the cycle. That single thought changed my life.
At 17, I dropped out of school. At 18, I became a father for the first time, and left the chaos of my family council house without a penny to my name, determined to rewrite my story.
By 30, I was a successful PR agency owner with a #1 best-selling book. We were working with some of the UK’s leading brands, entrepreneurs and celebrities.Using that influence, I helped to raise more than a million pounds for sick children.
Hosted by me, Rich Leigh, The Starting Line Podcast is your weekly dose of inspiration, featuring powerful conversations with the world's most influential entrepreneurs, entertainers, athletes, philanthropists and thinkers.
*Follow The Starting Line on social media:*
Instagram: instagram.com/startinglineshow
Twitter: twitter.com/startinglinesho
TikTok: tiktok.com/startinglineshow
Facebook: facebook.com/startinglineshow
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/startinglineshow
== Subscribe for new episodes, released every Monday! ==
This week’s conversation is with American writer, producer, director, voice actor, and radio personality Lazlow.
In a fitting request, I was asked that this episode was audio-only.
Alongside his radio work, Lazlow is perhaps best known for his in-game radio shows and ads across the Grand Theft Auto series, lending his writing and vocal talents across eight games since GTA3 (as well as appearing, motion captured, in GTA5).
Lazlow worked with Rockstar Games for almost 20 years, across 17 games, also writing for the Red Dead Redemption series.
We sat down to talk a few weeks ago, the day after Lazlow had talked at the Podcast Show 2024 in London, where he had been discussing his new audio fiction series, A Better Paradise.
Created and written by former Rockstar colleague Dan Houser and directed by Lazlow, the series is set in the near future and tells the story of the ill-fated development of an ambitious but addictive game-world.
Starring the Walking Dead’s Andrew Lincoln, Paterson Joseph - you’d probably know him as boss Alan Johnson in Peep Show - Rain Spencer and Shamir Anderson, the first two episodes are available wherever you listen to your podcasts at the time of recording this.
Patreon: Support the show by becoming a patron at: https://www.patreon.com/startinglinepod for just £5 a month
Website: https://www.startinglinepod.com
Contact: If you have guest suggestions or would like to talk about sponsorship opportunities, please email hello@startinglinepod.com
*About The Starting Line Podcast*
The Starting Line Podcast, hosted by award-winning serial entrepreneur, PR expert, and best-selling author Rich Leigh, is all about drive, ambition and curiosity.
Speaking to entrepreneurs, entertainers, athletes, philanthropists and thinkers, guests open up about positivity, success, resilience, perseverance, mistakes and more.
Go back and enjoy series one guests including Levi Roots, James Cracknell OBE and Apprentice winner Marnie Swindells.
*About me, Rich Leigh*
Your starting line doesn't have to define you.
My upbringing was rough. I'm sure I'll fill in the blanks sometime.
But I remember thinking - I have to, and I CAN - break the cycle. That single thought changed my life.
At 17, I dropped out of school. At 18, I became a father for the first time, and left the chaos of my family council house without a penny to my name, determined to rewrite my story.
By 30, I was a successful PR agency owner with a #1 best-selling book. We were working with some of the UK’s leading brands, entrepreneurs and celebrities.
Using that influence, I helped to raise more than a million pounds for sick children.
Hosted by me, Rich Leigh, The Starting Line Podcast is your weekly dose of inspiration, featuring powerful conversations with the world's most influential entrepreneurs, entertainers, athletes, philanthropists and thinkers.
*Follow The Starting Line on social media:*
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startinglineshow
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/startinglinesho
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/startinglineshow
Facebook: https://facebook.com/startinglineshow
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/startinglineshow
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
== Subscribe for new episodes, released every Monday! ==
Today's episode is with one of the most exciting and unorthodox talents rugby has ever seen, Gloucester and England backrower James Forrester.
James is now the CEO of Gloucester-Hartpury - reigning Premier 15s champions.
Having burst onto the scene for Gloucester, in 2002, at just 21, Forrester made his England debut against the Barbarians, scoring a 65m wonder-try, skimming none other than the great Jonah Lomu.
James’ rugby career was to come to an eventual end, with a ‘blood curdling’ scream and an injury the operating surgeon said was the worst sporting he’d ever seen, comparing it to someone who’d been in a car crash.
Olympic gold medal winning Fijian coach, Ben Ryan - who'd coached James at school - said of his retirement: "The tragedy is we never saw the best of him – he could do things on the field that defied belief. The game is losing a great talent".
Enjoy this interview with a true Gloucester and rugby legend, as we talk about his life and career.
Listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/uk/podcast/the-starting-line-with-rich-leigh/id1701825108
Listen and subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/46IufelOtcvvBzdidS4oUl
Patreon: Support the show by becoming a patron at: https://www.patreon.com/startinglinepod for just £5 a month
Website: https://www.startinglinepod.com
Contact: If you have guest suggestions or would like to talk about sponsorship opportunities, please email hello@startinglinepod.com
*About The Starting Line Podcast*
The Starting Line Podcast, hosted by award-winning serial entrepreneur, PR expert, and best-selling author Rich Leigh, is all about drive, ambition and curiosity.
Speaking to entrepreneurs, entertainers, athletes, philanthropists and thinkers, guests open up about positivity, success, resilience, perseverance, mistakes and more.
Go back and enjoy series one guests including Levi Roots, James Cracknell OBE and Apprentice winner Marnie Swindells.
*About me, Rich Leigh*
Your starting line doesn't have to define you.
I wouldn't wish our upbringing on anybody.
But I remember thinking - I have to, and I CAN - break the cycle. That single thought changed my life.
At 17, I dropped out of school. At 18, I became a father for the first time, and left the chaos of my family council house without a penny to my name, determined to rewrite my story.
By 30, I was a successful PR agency owner with a #1 best-selling book. We were working with some of the UK’s leading brands, entrepreneurs and celebrities.
Using that influence, I helped to raise more than a million pounds for sick children.
Hosted by me, Rich Leigh, The Starting Line Podcast is your weekly dose of inspiration, featuring powerful conversations with the world's most influential entrepreneurs, entertainers, athletes, philanthropists and thinkers.
*Follow The Starting Line on social media:*
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startinglineshow
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/startinglinesho
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/startinglineshow
Facebook: https://facebook.com/startinglineshow
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/startinglineshow
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Today's episode is with 19 year old British racing driver Zak O'Sullivan, from Cheltenham, Gloucestershire.
Zak currently races in the 2024 FIA Formula 2 Championship with ART Grand Prix, and has his sights set firmly on racing in Formula 1.
With only 20 seats available each season, you have more chance of becoming an astronaut than you do making it to the F1 grid.
Zak won the GB3 Championship in 2021 and was the 2023 Formula 3 runner-up. He was the winner of the prestigious 2021 Aston Martin Autosport BRDC Award, and is a member of the Williams Driver Academy.
We spoke about everything from his upbringing, his mindset, his journey to date, Netflix's Drive to Survive, the eye-watering financial costs to even compete at each level of a driver's ascent towards F1 and more.
Follow Zak on Instagram @zak.osullivan
Listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/uk/podcast/the-starting-line-with-rich-leigh/id1701825108
Listen and subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/46IufelOtcvvBzdidS4oUl
Patreon: Support the show by becoming a patron at: https://www.patreon.com/startinglinepod for just £5 a month
Website: https://www.startinglinepod.com
Contact: If you have guest suggestions or would like to talk about sponsorship opportunities, please email hello@startinglinepod.com
*About The Starting Line Podcast*
The Starting Line Podcast, hosted by award-winning serial entrepreneur, PR expert, and best-selling author Rich Leigh, is all about drive, ambition and curiosity.
Speaking to entrepreneurs, entertainers, athletes, philanthropists and thinkers, guests open up about positivity, success, resilience, perseverance, mistakes and more.
In series one Leigh spoke to three OBEs, one MBE, world champions, world record holders, Olympic medal winners, and multi-millionaires, alongside people giving back and supporting communities in unique and incredible ways.
Go back and enjoy series one guests including Levi Roots, James Cracknell OBE and Apprentice winner Marnie Swindells.
*About me, Rich Leigh*
From a turbulent childhood marred by domestic violence, addiction and crime to being named the #1 most influential PR person, my journey has been anything but conventional.
At 17, I dropped out of school. At 18, I became a father for the first time, and left the chaos of my family council house, determined to rewrite my story and break the cycle so many understandably struggle to.
By 30, I was a successful agency owner with a #1 best-selling book. We were working with some of the UK’s leading brands, entrepreneurs and celebrities, building, shaping and protecting reputations, using my influence to raise more than a million pounds for sick children.
Together, we explore the themes of curiosity, resilience, ambition, and the relentless pursuit of success, proving that your starting line doesn't define or limit your potential.
Listen every Monday as we discuss life's challenges with positivity, perseverance and a touch of silliness.
Follow The Starting Line on social media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startinglineshow
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/startinglinesho
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/startinglineshow
Facebook: https://facebook.com/startinglineshow
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/startinglineshow
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
-- Subscribe for new episodes, released every Monday! --
Nearly 40% of teenage girls in the UK who spend over 5 hours on social media per day score as clinically depressed.
Anxiety diagnoses among 18–25-year-olds have increased by 92%.
Self-harm and suicide rates continue to increase around the world, beginning to spike in line with the rise of phone-based childhoods, as opposed to play-based childhoods.
And we need to do something about it. First, it means recognising why this might be - and this conversation, and many others like it, couldn't be more important.
Zach Rausch is an Associate Research Scientist at NYU Stern School of Business in the Business and Society Program.
He is the Chief Researcher for Jonathan Haidt and the #1 New York Times Bestseller "The Anxious Generation: How The Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness".
In this episode we speak about why The Anxious Generation needed to be written - and how we, as a society, can turn this around.
Research link: https://www.anxiousgeneration.com/research
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/uk/podcast/the-starting-line-with-rich-leigh/id1701825108
Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/46IufelOtcvvBzdidS4oUl
Patreon: Support the show by becoming a patron at: https://www.patreon.com/startinglinepod for just £5 a month
Website: https://www.startinglinepod.com
Contact: If you have guest suggestions or would like to talk about sponsorship opportunities, please email hello@startinglinepod.com
*About The Starting Line Podcast*
The Starting Line Podcast, hosted by award-winning serial entrepreneur, PR expert, and best-selling author Rich Leigh, is all about drive, ambition and curiosity.
Speaking to entrepreneurs, entertainers, athletes, philanthropists and thinkers, we talk about positivity, success, resilience, perseverance, mistakes and more.
Go back and enjoy series one guests including Levi Roots, James Cracknell OBE and Apprentice winner Marnie Swindells.
*About me, Rich Leigh*
From a turbulent childhood marred by domestic violence, addiction and crime to being named the #1 most influential PR person, my journey has been anything but conventional.
At 17, I dropped out of school. At 18, I became a father for the first time, and left the chaos of my family council house, determined to rewrite my story and break the cycle so many understandably struggle to.
By 30, I was a successful agency owner with a #1 best-selling book. We were working with some of the UK’s leading brands, entrepreneurs and celebrities, building, shaping and protecting reputations, using my influence to raise more than a million pounds for sick children.
Hosted by me, Rich Leigh, The Starting Line Podcast is your weekly dose of inspiration, featuring powerful interviews with entrepreneurs, entertainers, athletes, philanthropists and thinkers.
Together, we explore the themes of curiosity, resilience, ambition, and the relentless pursuit of success, proving that your starting line doesn't define or limit your potential.
Listen every Monday as we discuss life's challenges with positivity, perseverance and a touch of silliness.
Follow The Starting Line on social media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startinglineshow
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/startinglinesho
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/startinglineshow
Facebook: https://facebook.com/startinglineshow
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/startinglineshow
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
-- Subscribe for new episodes, released every Monday! --
*Please note, we talk about depression and the big S word for a short period of time. Also, Wynne does say the C word once - so probably avoid watching/listening with kids.*
Wynne Evans was an opera star for 18 years before he was cast in 2009 in the GoCompare ads, one of the most famous ads in the UK, ever.
Wynne became one of the most hated men in the UK as a result of being cast as Gio Compario.
In this episode, we talk about Wynne's opera career. We talk about his two classical music chart topping albums. We talk about his Celebrity MasterChef win - but we don't just talk about the things he's achieved.
We talk about who he is and why he is who he is, the struggles that he's come through and the joy and the happiness that those things have brought him.
This conversation is raw. Wynne is honest, open, hilarious, humble, and has a few heartbreaking things to say, too.
Listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/uk/podcast/the-starting-line-with-rich-leigh/id1701825108
Listen and subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/46IufelOtcvvBzdidS4oUl
Patreon: Support the show by becoming a patron at: https://www.patreon.com/startinglinepod for just £5 a month
Website: https://www.startinglinepod.com
Contact: If you have guest suggestions or would like to talk about sponsorship opportunities, please email hello@startinglinepod.com
*About The Starting Line Podcast*
The Starting Line Podcast, hosted by award-winning serial entrepreneur, PR expert, and best-selling author Rich Leigh, is all about drive, ambition and curiosity.
Speaking to entrepreneurs, entertainers, athletes, philanthropists and thinkers, guests open up about positivity, success, resilience, perseverance, mistakes and more.
Go back and enjoy series one guests including Levi Roots, James Cracknell OBE and Apprentice winner Marnie Swindells.
*About me, Rich Leigh*
From a turbulent childhood marred by domestic violence, addiction and crime to being named the #1 most influential PR person, my journey has been anything but conventional.
At 17, I dropped out of school. At 18, I became a father for the first time, and left the chaos of my family council house, determined to rewrite my story and break the cycle so many understandably struggle to.
By 30, I was a successful agency owner with a #1 best-selling book. We were working with some of the UK’s leading brands, entrepreneurs and celebrities, building, shaping and protecting reputations, using my influence to raise more than a million pounds for sick children.
Hosted by me, Rich Leigh, The Starting Line Podcast is your weekly dose of inspiration, featuring powerful interviews with entrepreneurs, entertainers, athletes, philanthropists and thinkers.
Together, we explore the themes of curiosity, resilience, ambition, and the relentless pursuit of success, proving that your starting line doesn't define or limit your potential.
Listen every Monday as we discuss life's challenges with positivity, perseverance and a touch of silliness.
Follow The Starting Line on social media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startinglineshow
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/startinglinesho
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/startinglineshow
Facebook: https://facebook.com/startinglineshow
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/startinglineshow
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.