24. Nick Allott OBE on bringing theatre back to life, grief and the art of recovery

As regular listeners and viewers will know, at the end of all our conversations we ask our guests for their three crisis comforts; their go-tos for inspiration and strength during the challenging times. Short but perfectly formed advice for getting you through the tough moments. Over the years we have heard some incredibly interesting and more importantly, useful tips for anyone who might be feeling the weight of their own problems.     In this short episode - Three Dads Walking – a trio of remarkable men who connected over the loss of their daughters, Sophie, Beth and Emily, to suicide, share their three crisis comforts.   Please remember - if you, or anyone you know is having or have had suicidal thoughts, you can reach out to Papyrus UK suicide prevention on 0800 068 4141.  Full episode: https://www.crisiswhatcrisis.com/podcasts/three-dads-walking-on-suicide-grief-and-finding-light-in-the-darkest-of-places/Links    Three Dads Walking: 300 Miles of Hope: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Three-Dads-Walking-Miles-Hope/dp/14721484443 Dads Walking https://www.3dadswalking.uk/PAPYRUS: https://www.papyrus-uk.org/Papyrus has been campaigning for a suicide-safer internet for nearly twenty years. Do you want to ensure technology companies are held accountable for the safety of users on their platforms? Download their draft letter to send to your local MP here: https://www.papyrus-uk.org/online-safety-bill-write-to-your-mp/Send your letter to your MP here: https://www.writetothem.com/  Stream/buy ‘Allies’ by Some Velvet Morning: https://ampl.ink/qp6bm    Some Velvet Morning Website: www.somevelvetmorning.co.uk      Your Daily Practice: Sleep by Myndstream: https://open.spotify.com/track/5OX9XgJufFz9g63o2Dv2i5?si=b2f9397c92084682    Host – Andy Coulson   CWC team: Jane Sankey, Louise Difford, Zach Ellis and Mabel Pickering   With special thanks to Ioana Barbu and the brilliant people at Global    For all PR and guest approaches please contact – [email protected]      Full transcript:   https://www.crisiswhatcrisis.com/podcasts/three-dads-walking-crisis-comforts/

As regular listeners and viewers will know, at the end of all our conversations we ask our guests for their three crisis comforts; their go-tos for inspiration and strength during the challenging times. Short but perfectly formed advice for getting you through the tough moments.     Over the years we have heard some incredibly interesting and more importantly, useful tips for anyone who might be feeling the weight of their own problems.     In this short episode – Bryony Gordon - a woman with an abundance of accomplishments, yet who talks about her struggles with astonishing candour – shares her three crisis comforts.   Full episode  https://www.crisiswhatcrisis.com/podcasts/85-bryony-gordon-on-addiction-ocd-and-endless-ing-anxiety/   Links    Mental Health Mates https://www.mentalhealthmates.co.uk/   BooksMad Woman (Bryony’s new book) https://amzn.eu/d/61O5NQ5The Wrong Knickers: A decade of chaos Mad Girl   Bryony’s book of choice – Louise Hay – You Can Heal Your Lifehttps://amzn.eu/d/8cuaDcJStream/buy ‘Allies’ by Some Velvet Morning: https://ampl.ink/qp6bm    Some Velvet Morning Website: www.somevelvetmorning.co.uk      Your Daily Practice: Sleep by Myndstream: https://open.spotify.com/track/5OX9XgJufFz9g63o2Dv2i5?si=b2f9397c92084682 Photo Copyright: Laurie Fletcher         Host – Andy Coulson   CWC team: Jane Sankey, Louise Difford, Zach Ellis and Mabel Pickering   With special thanks to Ioana Barbu and the brilliant people at Global    For all PR and guest approaches please contact – [email protected]   Full transcripthttps://www.crisiswhatcrisis.com/podcasts/bryony-gordons-crisis-comforts/

In this episode I’m joined by three remarkable men, Andy Airey, Mike Palmer and Tim Owen – better known as Three Dads Walking. All would rather have never met but through a common and tragic bond – the loss of their daughters, Sophie, Beth and Emily, to suicide – they did.  Brought together by a shared grief, these three dads connected and decided to shine a light on the shocking number of young people who take their own lives in the UK.  A 300-mile walk between their homes in Cumbria, Manchester, and Norfolk in 2021 was their first epic venture. A 600-mile walk then followed, and another is planned for this year. So far, over £1m has been raised for the incredible suicide prevention charity PAPYRUS.  Their new book – 3 Dads Walking, 300 Miles of Hope - tells the story of the courage and hope they’ve found on those walks. It is out now.  Please remember - if you, or anyone you know is having or have had suicidal thoughts, you can reach out to Papyrus UK suicide prevention on 0800 068 4141.  Links   Three Dads Walking: 300 Miles of Hope https://www.amazon.co.uk/Three-Dads-Walking-Miles-Hope/dp/1472148444  3 Dads WalkingPAPYRUSPapyrus has been campaigning for a suicide-safer internet for nearly twenty years. Do you want to ensure technology companies are held accountable for the safety of users on their platforms?Download their draft letter to send to your local MP here: https://www.papyrus-uk.org/online-safety-bill-write-to-your-mp/Send your letter to your MP here: https://www.writetothem.com/  Stream/buy ‘Allies’ by Some Velvet Morning: https://ampl.ink/qp6bm    Some Velvet Morning Website: www.somevelvetmorning.co.uk      Your Daily Practice: Sleep by Myndstream: https://open.spotify.com/track/5OX9XgJufFz9g63o2Dv2i5?si=b2f9397c92084682    Host – Andy Coulson   CWC team: Jane Sankey, Louise Difford, Zach Ellis and Mabel Pickering   With special thanks to Ioana Barbu and the brilliant people at Global    For all PR and guest approaches please contact – [email protected]     Key Words #suicide #grief #guilt #recovery #positivity #friendship #hope #walkingFull transcripthttps://www.crisiswhatcrisis.com/podcasts/three-dads-walking-on-suicide-grief-and-finding-light-in-the-darkest-of-places/

In this episode I’m joined by the force of nature that is Bryony Gordon. Journalist, author, presenter, podcaster, mental health campaigner, marathon runner, cold water swimmer… there’s nothing this woman cannot do. Yet accomplishing all this whilst also dealing with demons is no mean feat – it is a testament to her resilience, her work ethic and her bravery.   Bryony has an honest attitude towards and astonishing candour about her struggles, both physical and mental, including extreme OCD or pure O, binge eating and severe anxiety.   She tells her story in a way that is as helpful as it is compassionate, champions her charity Mental Health Mates and gives voice to the crisis we face in this country when it comes to the services that are available – or too often not available – for young people who are struggling.   Bryony’s mental strength, especially in the difficult moments, is just one of many valuable take outs from this episode. Her new book, Mad Woman, is out now. Thank you, Bryony.    Key WordsOCD, mental health, addiction, alopecia, trauma, eating disorder, bulimia, shame, depression, anxiety, boundaries, positivity, running, work ethic, balance, acceptance.Links    Mental Health Mates https://www.mentalhealthmates.co.uk/  BooksMad Woman (Bryony’s new book) https://amzn.eu/d/61O5NQ5The Wrong Knickers: A decade of chaos Mad Girl   Stream/buy ‘Allies’ by Some Velvet Morning: https://ampl.ink/qp6bm    Some Velvet Morning Website: www.somevelvetmorning.co.uk      Your Daily Practice: Sleep by Myndstream: https://open.spotify.com/track/5OX9XgJufFz9g63o2Dv2i5?si=b2f9397c92084682 Photo Copyright: Laurie Fletcher         Host – Andy Coulson   CWC team: Jane Sankey, Louise Difford, Zach Ellis and Mabel Pickering    With special thanks to Ioana Barbu and the brilliant people at Global    For all PR and guest approaches please contact – [email protected]      Full transcripthttps://www.crisiswhatcrisis.com/podcasts/85-bryony-gordon-on-addiction-ocd-and-endless-ing-anxiety/

As regular listeners and viewers will know, at the end of all our conversations we ask our guests for their three crisis comforts; their go-tos for inspiration and strength during the challenging times. Short but perfectly formed advice for getting you through the tough moments.Over the years we have heard some incredibly interesting and more importantly, useful tips for anyone who might be feeling the weight of their own problems.In this short episode Amy Dowden, a woman who has endured a lifetime of health setbacks, shares her three crisis comforts. Full episodehttps://www.crisiswhatcrisis.com/podcasts/amy-dowden-on-being-hours-from-death-avoiding-bitterness-and-the-healing-power-of-strictly/ Links    Dare to Dance https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001hcnx/episodes/guide CoppaFeel! - https://coppafeel.org/ Amy’s song choice – Whitney Houston – ‘I didn’t Know My Own Strength’ https://open.spotify.com/track/2d8012yMxNQF0jS3zxo4nU?si=c82dcf5346d244b2Stream/buy ‘Allies’ by Some Velvet Morning: https://ampl.ink/qp6bm   Some Velvet Morning Website: www.somevelvetmorning.co.uk     Your Daily Practice: Sleep by Myndstream: https://open.spotify.com/track/5OX9XgJufFz9g63o2Dv2i5?si=b2f9397c92084682      Host – Andy Coulson  CWC team: Jane Sankey, Louise Difford, Zach Ellis and Mabel Pickering  With special thanks to Ioana Barbu and the brilliant people at Global      For all PR and guest approaches please contact – [email protected]  

In this episode I’m joined by Strictly Come Dancing legend, TV presenter and candidate for Britain’s most resilient woman Amy Dowden.   Amy’s huge success is all the more remarkable as it has been achieved whilst battling Crohn’s Disease which she has been living with since the age of 11.  Last year Amy was diagnosed with breast cancer. When she developed sepsis towards the end of her chemotherapy, her family were told she only had hours to live.  But throughout all this continual crisis, Amy has remained positive, focusing on the future and determined to share her astonishing story – just as she does in this episode - in the hope that it will help others.  Amy is the most brilliant example of someone who, in crisis, has focused on the things they can control whilst putting their positivity to work.Full transcript available below:https://www.crisiswhatcrisis.com/podcasts/amy-dowden-on-being-hours-from-death-avoiding-bitterness-and-the-healing-power-of-strictly/Links   Dare to Dance https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001hcnx/episodes/guideCoppafeel - https://coppafeel.org/Stream/buy ‘Allies’ by Some Velvet Morning: https://ampl.ink/qp6bm   Some Velvet Morning Website: www.somevelvetmorning.co.uk     Your Daily Practice: Sleep by Myndstream: https://open.spotify.com/track/5OX9XgJufFz9g63o2Dv2i5?si=b2f9397c92084682      Host – Andy Coulson  CWC team: Jane Sankey, Louise Difford, Zach Ellis and Mabel Pickering  With special thanks to Ioana Barbu and the brilliant people at Global   For all PR and guest approaches please contact – [email protected]  

As regular listeners and viewers will know, at the end of all our conversations we ask our guests for their three crisis comforts; their go-tos for inspiration and strength during the challenging times. Short but perfectly formed advice for getting you through the tough moments. Over the years we have heard some incredibly interesting and more importantly, useful tips for anyone who might be feeling the weight of their own problems. In this short episode, Ben Wallace – a man who has lived and breathed crisis throughout his career as a soldier and politician – shares his three crisis comforts. Full episodehttps://www.crisiswhatcrisis.com/podcasts/ben-wallace-on-leading-through-crisis-and-the-private-toll-of-an-addiction-to-politics/ Links Stream/buy ‘Allies’ by Some Velvet Morning: https://ampl.ink/qp6bm Some Velvet Morning Website: www.somevelvetmorning.co.uk Your Daily Practice: Sleep by Myndstream: https://open.spotify.com/track/5OX9XgJufFz9g63o2Dv2i5?si=b2f9397c92084682 Host – Andy Coulson CWC team: Jane Sankey, Louise Difford, Zach Ellis and Mabel Pickering With special thanks to Ioana Barbu and the brilliant people at Global For all PR and guest approaches please contact – [email protected]

Key words: Military, Conservatives, politics, Boris, Brexit, crisis, defence, army, drama As a soldier and politician Ben Wallace was tasked with keeping us safe through some of the most dangerous moments of recent times.As Security Minister and then as the longest serving Conservative Defence Secretary since Churchill, Ben Wallace managed crises including the 2017 Westminster terror attacks, the Salisbury Poisonings, the military response to the pandemic and the Russian invasion of Ukraine.Earlier in life as a Scots Guards officer, he was mentioned in dispatches after thwarting an IRA attack.Against a backdrop of near constant political chaos, Ben has stood out as a politician who put service first … more often than not avoiding the Westminster game playing that has plagued his party for a decade.He will stand down at the next election and in this episode talks about the very personal, very heavy price he’s paid as a result of the jobs he’s held.A revealing conversation with a leading politician now free to speak his mind about all things crisis.Full transcript available here:https://www.crisiswhatcrisis.com/podcasts/ben-wallace-on-leading-through-crisis-and-the-private-toll-of-an-addiction-to-politics/Links Stream/buy ‘Allies’ by Some Velvet Morning: https://ampl.ink/qp6bm Some Velvet Morning Website: https://www.somevelvetmorning.co.uk Your Daily Practice: Sleep by Myndstream: https://open.spotify.com/track/5OX9XgJufFz9g63o2Dv2i5?si=b2f9397c92084682 Host – Andy Coulson CWC team: Jane Sankey, Louise Difford, Zach Ellis and Mabel Pickering With special thanks to Ioana Barbu and the brilliant people at Global For all PR and guest approaches please contact – [email protected]

As regular listeners and viewers will know, at the end of all our conversations we ask our guests for their three crisis comforts; their go-tos for inspiration and strength during the challenging times. Short but perfectly formed advice for getting you through the tough moments. Over the years we have heard some incredibly interesting and more importantly, useful tips for anyone who might be feeling the weight of their own problems. In this episode we are joined by one of rugby’s finest international players; Northampton Saints legend, British and Irish Lion and former England Captain Courtney Lawes. As you would expect from someone as dedicated and resilient as Courtney, he has some very simple but effective remedies for getting back on track. And of course, if you enjoy this shorter episode, you can listen to our full conversation with Courtney on the link below.Full episode:https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/82-courtney-lawes-on-facing-down-the-haters-fighting/id1517015748?i=1000645514562 Links https://twitter.com/Courtney_Lawes https://www.instagram.com/bigcourts89/https://www.instagram.com/p/C3Cq4f7M4w6/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link Stream/buy ‘Allies’ by Some Velvet Morning: https://ampl.ink/qp6bmSome Velvet Morning Website: www.somevelvetmorning.co.uk Your Daily Practice: Sleep by Myndstream: https://open.spotify.com/track/5OX9XgJufFz9g63o2Dv2i5?si=b2f9397c92084682 Host – Andy CoulsonCWC team: Jane Sankey, Louise Difford, Zach Ellis and Mabel PickeringWith special thanks to Ioana Barbu and the brilliant people at Global For all PR and guest approaches please contact – [email protected] transcript available here:https://www.crisiswhatcrisis.com/podcasts/courtney-lawes-on-facing-down-the-haters-fighting-for-family-values-and-refusing-to-take-the-knee/

Key words: Premiership Rugby, Northampton Saints, Six Nations, British and Irish Lions, England, Sports, Family, BLM, Leadership, The Centre for Social Justice (CSJ)In this episode we are joined by one of rugby’s finest international players: Northampton Saints legend, British and Irish Lion and former England Captain Courtney Lawes. When Courtney decided to retire from international rugby after last year’s World Cup, there was some shock – not least because he was still in the form of his life. But the Dad of four was clear that the time had come to be at home with his young family, not on tour or training with his England teammates. That belief in the importance of family is central to Courtney. Having seen up close how life can go wrong without that stable background, he is a passionate supporter of the Centre for Social Justice and their work promoting the importance of family and the value of sport. Serious injuries, a result of Courtney’s uncompromising style of play, have led to long periods on the sidelines. The uncompromising opinions that he holds off the pitch have brought vitriol on social media, most famously when he dared to offer a view around Marcus Rashford’s campaigning. His resilience in those difficult moments, on and off the pitch, is just one of the revealing and useful discussions we have in this episode. My thanks to Courtney for joining me.Full transcript available here:https://www.crisiswhatcrisis.com/podcasts/courtney-lawes-on-facing-down-the-haters-fighting-for-family-values-and-refusing-to-take-the-knee/Links https://twitter.com/Courtney_Lawes https://www.instagram.com/bigcourts89/https://www.instagram.com/p/C3Cq4f7M4w6/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link Stream/buy ‘Allies’ by Some Velvet Morning: https://ampl.ink/qp6bmSome Velvet Morning Website: www.somevelvetmorning.co.uk Your Daily Practice: Sleep by Myndstream: https://open.spotify.com/track/5OX9XgJufFz9g63o2Dv2i5?si=b2f9397c92084682 Host – Andy CoulsonCWC team: Jane Sankey, Louise Difford, Zach Ellis and Mabel Pickering With special thanks to Ioana Barbu and the brilliant people at GlobalFor all PR and guest approaches please contact – [email protected]