Dare to be Different with Craig White

Craig White
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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.

  1. S2E18: Clarke Carlisle - From Premier League to Rock Bottom and Back Again

    9 SEPT

    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), finding hope, and learning how to rebuild as a father, husband, and leader. If you’ve ever felt trapped by your own success, or wondered what it takes to come back from the darkest places, this conversation will hit home. Show Notes Identity & Collapse How injury and loss of football destroyed Clark’s sense of worthThe dangers of tying identity to performanceAlcohol, Avoidance & The Mask Drinking, gambling, gaming — and the exhausting cost of hiding strugglesThe mask men wear to surviveRock Bottom Depression, hypersomnia, bottles by the bedSuicide attempts and the moment he almost didn’t surviveThe Turning Point 2017: NHS psychiatric hospital and cognitive analytical therapy (CAT)How CAT therapy gave him hope and a way outPurpose & Transformation Rebuilding as a husband, father, and leaderTurning his mess into his message with his wifeWhy speaking out, and knowing who to talk to, saves lives

    1h 22m
  2. S2E17: Denis Betts - Ego, Regret & Life Beyond Rugby

    26 AUG

    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 like you’ve never heard him before. SHOW NOTES The Making of a Legend Dennis’s rise at Wigan and Great BritainWhat success looked like in a golden era of rugby leagueFamily, Joy & Simplicity Why his happiest moments weren’t always on the pitchGrass, sun, family dinners — finding joy in the small thingsLetting Go of Anger The moment he decided anger wasn’t serving him anymorePlaying a violent sport without carrying violence insideEgo, Endings & Regret The clashing egos that led to his retirementThe regret of stepping away too soonLessons from endings and identity beyond sportStrong Women & Leadership Raising three daughters and how it shaped himCoaching Wigan Warriors WomenWhat leadership really means when you adapt to the people in front of you

    1h 23m
  3. S2E16: James Haskell - Self-Doubt, Pressure & the Real Work Behind Confidence

    12 AUG

    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 saw his dad's "shadows" for the first timeWhy strength without emotional range isn't leadershipHow marriage, grief, and failure shaped the man he’s becomingIt’s not about rugby. It’s about the work men have to do when the noise stops, and the feelings finally catch up.

    1h 39m
  4. S2E15: Mike Bates - Pain, Performance and Letting Go

    29 JUL

    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 about: Growing up without his dad and how that created a fear of abandonmentUsing performance as a way to earn love and worthHis transformation from elite leadership to emotional depthWhy leadership without inner work eventually breaks downHow jiu-jitsu reveals who you really are when everything else is stripped awayThis is a story about limits, letting go, and learning to lead yourself first.

    1h 8m
  5. S1E14: Kruise Leeming - The Cost of Winning, Regret & Becoming a Better Man

    15 JUL

    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 inner peaceBecoming a better man — for himself and the people around himKruise speaks openly about the things he got wrong, the people he wishes he’d said sorry to, and how he’s learning to show up differently on and off the pitch. This episode goes beyond sport. It’s about identity, masculinity, grief, and the courage it takes to slow down and change. Show Notes Kruise’s Journey into Manhood Losing his father at age 8Taking on responsibility too youngBeing told: “You’re the man of the house now”His mum’s role in keeping him disciplinedSport as an Escape and a Mirror Finding rugby by chanceWhy individual sports weren’t enoughRealising rugby gave him belonging and identityFeeling seen for the first timeThe Drive to Succeed and What It Cost His obsession with performanceLeadership at Leeds and the emotional disconnectHow “winning” became a way to avoid feelingThe relationships and moments he regrets missingThe Turning Point Grace (his partner) giving him permission to be vulnerableStarting to question: “Why does that trigger me?”Stepping into real masculinity, not performative strengthFaith, Reflection and Slowing Down Losing belief in God – and slowly finding it againHow faith helps him see beauty in differenceLetting go of judgement and controlMentors, Father Figures and Role Models The influence of his grandad and Gaz GreenwoodLearning discipline, respect, and how to carry yourselfThe power of being held to a high standardLeadership, Identity and the Work Ahead Learning to lead without angerUnderstanding himself through CliftonStrengthsStarting to feel free to be himself again at WiganLooking ahead to life after rugby: speaking, coaching, and helping others

    1h 8m
  6. S2E13 Daniel Granger - From Body Fixers to Breakdown: The Pain Behind the Persona

    1 JUL

    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 in his lifeHow fatherhood gave him purpose—but didn’t fix the painWhat it really took to feel safe in his own skin: retreats, rituals, boxing, plant medicineAnd why he now shows up for other men the way he always wished someone had shown up for himThis isn’t a story about fame or business. It’s a story about what it takes to become the man you never had. Show Notes The Masks We Wear Why performing success left Dan feeling more alone than everThe moment he hit rock bottom and called Craig for helpChildhood Trauma & Safety in Femininity  Abuse, abandonment, and the death of his father at 8 Why Dan gravitated towards women and struggled to trust menHomeless at 13 – Finding Tribe in Unlikely Places  Building a hut in a park Taken in by a Christian men’s community that changed his lifeHealing Through Brotherhood  Learning to feel safe around men through retreats and boxing Grieving his father for the first time during a San Pedro ceremonyBecoming a Man You Actually Like  Letting go of addiction and old identities The power of fatherhood, purpose, and helping others healDan’s Mission Today  Creating safe spaces for men Why his legacy won’t be built behind a salon chair, but in the hearts of the men he reaches

    1h 4m
  7. S2E12: Diego Sanchez - From Global Fame to Grounded Healing

    17 JUN

    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 external validationWhat happens when the body says noThe life-changing moment Diego first discovered shiatsuTouch, trauma, and the power of nervous system workWhy so many high performers feel hollow Show Notes: Life on the Catwalk What modelling gave himHow success masked deeper disconnectionThe Moment Everything Changed Turning 29 and hearing a word that cracked something openWhy shiatsu marked the start of a new lifeThe Power of Touch How our nervous system holds emotion, memory and truthWhy talk therapy alone isn't enough for real transformationGrounding, Presence, and Somatic Wisdom What Diego teaches today through his retreats and 1:1 workHow leaders can move from the head back into the bodyA New Definition of Masculinity Leading from softness, not forceReclaiming power without the armour

    46 min
  8. S2E11: Keith McGuinnes - When ‘Healthy’ Is Just Another Mask

    3 JUN

    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 at 40Why he chose chemotherapy (even as a holistic health practitioner)How the experience broke his lone wolf mentalityThe power of receiving loveWhat men are missing when they stay stuck in hyper-masculinityHis work today helping men and couples reclaim intimacy, polarity and presenceThis is a raw, real and powerful conversation about grief, grace, and growing up. Show Notes Keith’s Cancer Diagnosis What happened at age 40 and the symptoms he ignoredWhy chemo was the right choice (even as a long-time yogi)How the experience forced him to slow down, reflect, and receiveThe Emotional Journey Grieving the years he couldn’t receive loveLearning to express emotion and let people inHow it shifted his relationship to his own body and energyMasculinity, Polarity and Intimacy The trap of hyper-masculine giving and the strength in receivingLetting go of lone wolf energy in favour of connectionWhy true intimacy requires openness — not just strengthPost-Cancer Purpose Moving from survival to serviceKeith’s work through Awaken Intimacy and The Open InstituteBuilding community, relational depth, and sacred spaces in modern life

    1h 2m
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4.9
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About

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.

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