What happens when grief, creativity, masculinity and mental health collide?

In this powerful episode of the Different Hats Podcast, I sit down with the brilliant Simon David Eden for a deeply moving conversation about childhood trauma, creativity, suicide, emotional expression, education, and the healing power of storytelling.

Simon shares his extraordinary journey growing up in Moulsecoomb, being expelled from school at 12, finding refuge in writing, drawing and music, and navigating the devastating loss of his brother to suicide. We also explore his upcoming exhibition Shadow Light: Songs My Brother Taught Me, a profoundly personal body of work exploring grief, brotherhood, masculinity, and emotional inheritance between men.

This conversation goes far beyond Simon’s creative career. It’s about what happens when boys and men are never given the language to express what they feel. It’s about the mentors who change our lives. It’s about why creativity matters. And it’s about the urgent need to create spaces where men feel safe enough to ask for help.

A truly honest, heartfelt and important conversation.

In this episode, we explore:

• How Simon defines success through love, integrity and hope
• Growing up in Moulsecoomb and the trauma that shaped him
• Being expelled from school and feeling failed by education
• How creativity became a lifeline
• The loss of Simon’s brother to suicide
• Why men often struggle to express what they feel
• How art and storytelling can help us process pain
• Why schools must nurture creativity and emotional literacy
• The hope behind Simon’s exhibition Shadow Light: Songs My Brother Taught Me

If this episode resonates with you, please share it with someone who might need it.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction

00:40 Reflecting on the You Alright Mate? gathering

02:09 What this conversation explores

04:20 “You alright, mate?” check-in

05:22 Simon’s definition of success

07:26 Success, integrity and living true to yourself

12:39 Why external success can feel hollow

13:33 Poverty, pain and choosing a different path

18:36 Growing up in Moulsecoomb

25:24 Abandonment, trauma and survival

31:23 Being expelled from school

37:48 Creativity as escape and expression

42:13 Why education often stifles creativity

49:14 The power of mentors and being truly seen

01:00:55 The purpose behind the exhibition

01:03:59 Can creativity help prevent suicide?

01:08:19 The gift of helping others

01:09:53 Processing grief then and now

01:13:59 Will the pain ever leave?

01:15:33 The message Simon hopes the exhibition leaves behind

01:19:50 Holding space, hope and the next hour

01:21:23 Depression, demons and getting through dark moments

01:26:10 Integrity, self-doubt and staying true

01:30:44 Following dreams despite the voices that doubt you

01::34 Final reflections on hope, suicide prevention and legacy

01:41:37 Storytelling card: legacy beyond career

01:43:19 Closing thoughts

🎧 LISTEN TO MORE DIFFERENT HATS EPISODES:

👉 https://www.different-hats.co.uk/podcast

🔗 Connect with Simon David Eden

Exhibition details: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/shadow-light-songs-my-brother-taught-me-tickets-1983767367598?aff=ebdsoporgprofile

Website: https://simondavideden.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-david-eden-83168817/

💡 If this episode resonated with you, please like, share, and comment below. Your support helps us spread this important message and change the narrative around success and mental health.

⚠️ Support note (please read)

This episode includes discussion of suicidal ideation, domestic abuse, addiction, and mental health crises.

If you’re in the UK & Ireland and you need someone right now:

• Samaritans (24/7): 116 123
• Text SHOUT to 85258 (UK, 24/7):
• If you or someone is in immediate danger, call 999.
• NHS guidance on urgent mental health help: CLICK HERE

SPONSORED BY:

Rivervale – https://www.rivervale.co.uk

Brown Bear Studios – https://www.brownbearstudio.co.uk

Carpenter Box – https://www.carpenterbox.com

🎬 PRODUCED BY:

H2 Productions – https://h2productions.co.uk/

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