An Evolving Man Podcast

Piers Cross
  • 5.0 (3)
  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

An Evolving Man Podcast looks at leadership, peak performance, psychology, healing trauma, boarding school syndrome, spirituality and complexhealing. Every week there will be an interview or a podcast around topics ranging from self-development, leadership, relationships, spirituality, education, and peak performance featuring authors and leaders in these fields.

  1. 1D AGO

    Why Criticism Feels So Painful for Ex-Boarders

    In this episode, I explore why criticism can feel so painful for those of us who went to boarding school. For many ex-boarders, criticism does not simply feel like feedback. It can feel like danger. It can activate old patterns of shame, fear, compliance, dissociation or defensiveness. I reflect on boarding school conditioning, the fear of getting things wrong, Nick Duffell’s work on wounded leaders, David Cameron’s response to criticism, Rick Hanson’s “Velcro for negativity and Teflon for positivity,” and Martin Seligman’s three Ps: personal, permanent and pervasive. I also share practical ways to regulate the nervous system before responding, and why learning to receive feedback is essential for leadership, intimacy and growth. --- Piers is an author and a men's transformational coach and therapist who works mainly with trauma, boarding school issues, addictions and relationship problems.  He also runs online men's groups for ex-boarders, retreats and a podcast called An Evolving Man.  He is also the author of How to Survive and Thrive in Challenging Times. To purchase Piers first book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/How-Survive-Thrive-Challenging-Times/dp/B088T5L251/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=piers+cross&qid=1609869608&sr=8-1  For more videos please visit: http://youtube.com/pierscross  For FB: https://www.facebook.com/pierscrosspublic  For Piers' website and a free training How To Find Peace In Everyday Life: https://www.piers-cross.com/community  Many blessings,  Piers Cross  http://piers-cross.com/

    16 min
  2. Music Therapy, Boarding School Trauma & Healing Through Connection | Helen Odell-Miller

    6D AGO

    Music Therapy, Boarding School Trauma & Healing Through Connection | Helen Odell-Miller

    In Episode 159 of An Evolving Man Podcast, I’m joined by Professor Helen Odell-Miller OBE, one of the UK’s leading pioneers in music therapy. Helen has spent decades working with trauma, attachment, mental health and emotional healing through music. She also worked closely with the late Joy Schaverien, whose work on boarding school syndrome transformed the conversation around early separation and institutional trauma. In this episode we explore:  What music therapy is and how it works  Why music can help where words cannot  Helen’s own boarding school experience  Joy Schaverien’s ABCD model  Hidden abandonment and dissociation  Why resilience is often misunderstood  How music can support connection, regulation and healing A thoughtful and powerful conversation. --- Piers is an author and a men's transformational coach and therapist who works mainly with trauma, boarding school issues, addictions and relationship problems.  He also runs online men's groups for ex-boarders, retreats and a podcast called An Evolving Man.  He is also the author of How to Survive and Thrive in Challenging Times. To purchase Piers first book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/How-Survive-Thrive-Challenging-Times/dp/B088T5L251/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=piers+cross&qid=1609869608&sr=8-1  For more videos please visit: http://youtube.com/pierscross  For FB: https://www.facebook.com/pierscrosspublic  For Piers' website and a free training How To Find Peace In Everyday Life: https://www.piers-cross.com/community  Many blessings,  Piers Cross  http://piers-cross.com/

    1h 2m

  3. APR 29

    Does Boarding School Create Resilience… or Dissociation?

    Many boarding schools claim they build resilience. But what if what they often create is something else entirely? In this episode, I explore the difference between true resilience and dissociation, and why so many ex-boarders struggle with relationships, emotional regulation, connection and rest later in life. Drawing on the work of Barbara Fredrickson, Emma Seppälä, Joy Schaverien, Nick Duffell and others, I share:  Why becoming “bulletproof” is not resilience  How trauma narrows the window of tolerance  Why emotional agility matters  Three practical ways to build real resilience  Why healing often happens in connection If you went to boarding school or work with high performers, this conversation may offer a new lens. --- Piers is an author and a men's transformational coach and therapist who works mainly with trauma, boarding school issues, addictions and relationship problems.  He also runs online men's groups for ex-boarders, retreats and a podcast called An Evolving Man.  He is also the author of How to Survive and Thrive in Challenging Times. To purchase Piers first book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/How-Survive-Thrive-Challenging-Times/dp/B088T5L251/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=piers+cross&qid=1609869608&sr=8-1  For more videos please visit: http://youtube.com/pierscross  For FB: https://www.facebook.com/pierscrosspublic  For Piers' website and a free training How To Find Peace In Everyday Life: https://www.piers-cross.com/community  Many blessings,  Piers Cross  http://piers-cross.com/

    19 min

  4. APR 27

    Crowds & Power at Boarding School | Why We Joined In (And How to Forgive Ourselves) | Piers Cross

    In this episode, I explore the powerful influence of crowds and group behaviour, particularly within boarding school environments. Why do people join in when someone is being shamed or targeted?  Why does it happen so quickly — and often without conscious thought? Drawing on Elias Canetti’s Crowds and Power and modern neuroscience around mirror neurons, this episode looks at how emotional contagion shapes behaviour — and why many of us still carry guilt or shame about those moments. This is also an episode about self-forgiveness. Understanding that what happened was often about survival — and how we begin to take responsibility without self-judgement. In This Episode:  Crowd psychology and emotional contagion  Boarding school group dynamics  Mirror neurons and unconscious behaviour  Shame and the inner critic  Self-forgiveness and healing--- Piers is an author and a men's transformational coach and therapist who works mainly with trauma, boarding school issues, addictions and relationship problems.  He also runs online men's groups for ex-boarders, retreats and a podcast called An Evolving Man.  He is also the author of How to Survive and Thrive in Challenging Times. To purchase Piers first book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/How-Survive-Thrive-Challenging-Times/dp/B088T5L251/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=piers+cross&qid=1609869608&sr=8-1  For more videos please visit: http://youtube.com/pierscross  For FB: https://www.facebook.com/pierscrosspublic  For Piers' website and a free training How To Find Peace In Everyday Life: https://www.piers-cross.com/community  Many blessings,  Piers Cross  http://piers-cross.com/

    12 min
  5. Third Culture Kid, Boarding School Survivor, Humanitarian | Peter Sykes’ Powerful Story | AEM #158

    APR 17

    Third Culture Kid, Boarding School Survivor, Humanitarian | Peter Sykes’ Powerful Story | AEM #158

    In Episode 158 of An Evolving Man Podcast, I’m joined by Peter Sykes — humanitarian, strategist, writer and author of Somewhere Never Home. Peter has led major humanitarian responses across the world, but in this conversation we explore the deeply personal side of his story. We talk about growing up as a third culture kid, being sent to boarding school at age 10, identity loss, addiction, achievement, emotional suppression, and the long path of healing. This is an honest, moving and hopeful conversation for anyone interested in childhood trauma, boarding school syndrome, recovery, leadership and emotional wellbeing. We Explore:  Boarding school and abandonment  Addiction as a response to pain  Achievement and perfectionism  Emotional suppression and intimacy  Third culture kids and belonging  Recovery, therapy and mindfulness  Why it’s never too late to heal A powerful episode with depth, wisdom and humanity. --- Piers is an author and a men's transformational coach and therapist who works mainly with trauma, boarding school issues, addictions and relationship problems.  He also runs online men's groups for ex-boarders, retreats and a podcast called An Evolving Man.  He is also the author of How to Survive and Thrive in Challenging Times. To purchase Piers first book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/How-Survive-Thrive-Challenging-Times/dp/B088T5L251/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=piers+cross&qid=1609869608&sr=8-1  For more videos please visit: http://youtube.com/pierscross  For FB: https://www.facebook.com/pierscrosspublic  For Piers' website and a free training How To Find Peace In Everyday Life: https://www.piers-cross.com/community  Many blessings,  Piers Cross  http://piers-cross.com/

    1h 10m

  6. APR 15

    The Loss of Identity at Boarding School | Shame, Conformity & Healing

    In this short solo episode, I reflect on one of the deepest impacts of boarding school: The loss of identity. What happens when children learn that their name, hobbies, feelings and individuality are not safe? Drawing on my recent conversation with Peter Sykes, I explore how institutional environments shape children into survival personalities — the complier, the rebel or the crushed child. We also look at why many adults later struggle to know what they truly want, and how we can begin reconnecting with our authentic selves. In This Episode:  Identity loss at boarding school  Names, shame and conformity  Strategic survival personalities  Why authenticity gets buried  How to reconnect with who you really are  Journaling and healing practices A thoughtful and practical episode for anyone exploring boarding school trauma, identity and recovery. --- Piers is an author and a men's transformational coach and therapist who works mainly with trauma, boarding school issues, addictions and relationship problems.  He also runs online men's groups for ex-boarders, retreats and a podcast called An Evolving Man.  He is also the author of How to Survive and Thrive in Challenging Times. To purchase Piers first book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/How-Survive-Thrive-Challenging-Times/dp/B088T5L251/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=piers+cross&qid=1609869608&sr=8-1  For more videos please visit: http://youtube.com/pierscross  For FB: https://www.facebook.com/pierscrosspublic  For Piers' website and a free training How To Find Peace In Everyday Life: https://www.piers-cross.com/community  Many blessings,  Piers Cross  http://piers-cross.com/

    15 min
  7. UK Child Protection: Grooming | Safeguarding Failures | What Schools Aren’t Telling Parents | AEM #157

    APR 10

    UK Child Protection: Grooming | Safeguarding Failures | What Schools Aren’t Telling Parents | AEM #157

    In episode 157 of An Evolving Man, I speak with Kimberly Isherwood and Joan Ginsberg from Public Child Protection Wales. Together we explore one of the most urgent and difficult issues in modern society: how we genuinely protect children from harm. Kimberly and Joan share why Public Child Protection Wales was founded, what they see happening on the ground in education and safeguarding, and why they believe many current systems are not adequately protecting children. We discuss grooming, institutional abuse, safeguarding blind spots, disclosure, adult responsibility, and the cultural reluctance to speak honestly about the realities children can face. We also touch on boarding schools, neglect, attachment, and why child protection must begin with better informed adults, not simply new policies on paper. This is a sobering but deeply important conversation for parents, teachers, safeguarding professionals, and anyone who cares about children’s wellbeing. This episode reflects the views and concerns of the guests based on their research, experience and campaigning work. Timestamps 00:00 Introduction  01:18 Why Public Child Protection Wales was founded  06:14 Joan Ginsburg’s background in education  10:12 Concerns about current practice in schools  16:42 Why certain lesson content is being challenged  22:05 Grooming and how it works  27:18 Systems, institutions and blind spots  31:25 What safeguarding should look like  37:44 Why current training often falls short  44:12 Boarding schools and social services  50:08 Neglect, trauma and attachment  54:45 Why people hesitate to speak up  59:28 The need to normalise hard conversations  01:04:10 What must change  01:08:17 Where to support Public Child Protection Wales Find out more Public Child Protection Wales  publicchildprotectionwales.org Piers Cross  piers-cross.com --- Piers is an author and a men's transformational coach and therapist who works mainly with trauma, boarding school issues, addictions and relationship problems.  He also runs online men's groups for ex-boarders, retreats and a podcast called An Evolving Man.  He is also the author of How to Survive and Thrive in Challenging Times. To purchase Piers first book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/How-Survive-Thrive-Challenging-Times/dp/B088T5L251/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=piers+cross&qid=1609869608&sr=8-1  For more videos please visit: http://youtube.com/pierscross  For FB: https://www.facebook.com/pierscrosspublic  For Piers' website and a free training How To Find Peace In Everyday Life: https://www.piers-cross.com/community  Many blessings,  Piers Cross  http://piers-cross.com/

    1h 12m

  8. APR 8

    Boarding on Insanity Screening in Glastonbury (18th April) | Trauma, Leadership & Group Healing

    To buy tickets for the Glastonbury screening on 18th April 6.30-9pm or to share it: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/goodwillinactiontopreventsuicidecio/2140155  In this short video, I’m sharing some reflections and inviting you to a special screening of our documentary Boarding on Insanity on April 18th in Glastonbury. This feels like a full-circle moment, as we return to the very retreat centre where part of the documentary was filmed. This will be more than just a screening — it’s an opportunity to come together, reflect, and have an open conversation about boarding school, trauma, leadership, and the wider impact these experiences may have on society. We’ll also explore questions such as:  How does childhood trauma shape leadership?  What is the true impact of boarding school on emotional development?  Why is neglect often overlooked, despite its profound effects?  Can healing happen more effectively in groups? If you’re nearby or feel called to this conversation, I would love to see you there. 📍 Event Details Date: April 18th Location: Glastonbury Doors open: 6:30pm Screening starts: 7:00pm Followed by: Group discussion and connection Ticket link in description. ⏱️ Timestamps (6:40 total) 00:00 Introduction  00:35 Documentary screening announcement (April 18th, Glastonbury)  01:20 Returning to the retreat centre – full circle moment  02:10 What the evening will include (screening + discussion)  03:00 Boarding school, trauma and leadership reflections  04:10 Neglect and its impact on child development  05:10 The importance of group healing and connection  06:00 Upcoming podcast conversations and closing invitation 🔍 In this video, I explore:  Boarding school trauma and its long-term impact  The role of neglect in childhood development  Leadership and unresolved trauma  Why healing often happens in groups  Creating spaces for open, honest conversation 🎧 Also coming up on the podcast  Public Child Protection Wales  Peter Sykes  Helen Odell-Miller 🔗 Connect with me Piers Cross  Founder, Compassionate Leaders Global  Leadership Coach | Speaker | Podcast Host --- Piers is an author and a men's transformational coach and therapist who works mainly with trauma, boarding school issues, addictions and relationship problems.  He also runs online men's groups for ex-boarders, retreats and a podcast called An Evolving Man.  He is also the author of How to Survive and Thrive in Challenging Times. To purchase Piers first book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/How-Survive-Thrive-Challenging-Times/dp/B088T5L251/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=piers+cross&qid=1609869608&sr=8-1  For more videos please visit: http://youtube.com/pierscross  For FB: https://www.facebook.com/pierscrosspublic  For Piers' website and a free training How To Find Peace In Everyday Life: https://www.piers-cross.com/community  Many blessings,  Piers Cross  http://piers-cross.com/

    7 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

An Evolving Man Podcast looks at leadership, peak performance, psychology, healing trauma, boarding school syndrome, spirituality and complexhealing. Every week there will be an interview or a podcast around topics ranging from self-development, leadership, relationships, spirituality, education, and peak performance featuring authors and leaders in these fields.

Information

  • Creator
    Piers Cross
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    302
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 An Evolving Man Podcast
  • Show Website
    An Evolving Man Podcast

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