Project Possible with Rich Leigh - interviews that might just change your life

Tom Stroud became one of the breakout personalities on the smash hit Netflix show Love Is Blind UK - but his most powerful story started well before the cameras rolled.

In this episode, Tom opens up about:

- Growing up with an absent father and how it fuelled anger, rebellion and a lifelong pattern of emotional avoidance

- The moment his dad walked out – and why that became a defining event

- Why he now believes what he felt on Love Is Blind wasn’t love, but intense infatuation shaped by unmet childhood needs

- The reality of being trapped in a high-pressure filming environment with no phone, no escape – and why so many men struggle with vulnerability in those settings

- How shame can keep men stuck for decades, and the moment he chose to forgive his father shortly before he died

- The power and complexity of male friendships - including the breakdown and repair of his relationship with co-star Benaiah

- What he’s learned about masculinity and boundaries

- Why avoidance might keep you safe, but never fulfilled

Tom’s story isn't just about reality TV. It’s about identity, fatherhood, healing, and what it really takes to understand who you are.

Honest, introspective and hopeful - this is the kind of conversation that makes you think about the person you are, the one you’ve been, and the one you still have time to become.

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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.

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Sign up now to the free weekly newsletter at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://projectpossible.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for behind the scenes, giveaways, ways to get involved and more.

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Follow on IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/richleighpod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

The Project Possible website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.projectpossiblepod.com

What happens when you take a crazy idea - like building a real-life tribe on a remote Fijian island - and actually do it?

This week I sit down with Ben Keene, co-founder of TribeWanted, Rebel Book Club and former lead at Escape the City.

Ben was the star of BBC Two's five-part Paradise or Bust documentary following his island exploits, and wrote the best-selling book: Paradise or Bust: A 21st Century Adventure.

For nearly 20 years, Ben has been asking bold questions and bringing people together around them - whether through adventure, shared learning or radical career and life changes.

We talk about:

- how a blog and a belief in people became a global island movement

- what community really means, and what it takes to build a real-life tribe

- the struggles, mistakes and life-changing moments along the way

- why curiosity and learning are the foundations of belonging

- and why no one should try to do life alone

This isn’t just a story about a paradise island in Fiji.

It’s about building something bigger than yourself. It’s about purpose, courage, respect and possibility through community.

If you’ve ever wanted to start something, escape something or believe something could be different - this conversation might just be your push.

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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: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

The Project Possible website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.projectpossiblepod.com

When doctors told Louise Butcher she had lobular breast cancer, her world collapsed.

But instead of hiding, she chose to strip away the stigma - literally.

Known online as The Topless Runner, Louise runs marathons, half-marathons, and 10Ks topless, using her body as a living message of strength, survival, and self-acceptance.

In this raw and powerful interview, Louise opens up about:

- Her lifelong struggles with anxiety, OCD, and health fears

- The trauma and turning points that shaped her life

- Why she chose not to have breast reconstruction

- What running topless really represents - and why it’s not about shock

- How losing control helped her finally find peace

This episode isn’t just about cancer - it’s about courage, control, and what it means to truly live free from shame.

Follow Louise on Instagram @louisebutcher39

Buy her book Going Topless on Amazon here.

=====

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: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

The Project Possible website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.projectpossiblepod.com

From awareness campaigns to social media hashtags - are we really making progress when it comes to the very real problem of men struggling with their mental health, or are we just making the right noises?

In this honest and challenging conversation, I speak with George from The Tin Men - a creator who’s shaking up the way we talk about men’s health, suicide, and loneliness.

George doesn’t want a gender war. He wants the truth - and in this episode, we talk about everything from domestic abuse against men, how boys and men are behind at every stage of education, loneliness, purpose and why so many men feel unseen.

It’s uncomfortable at times, but necessary. If we’re serious about saving lives and making life better for everybody, I believe we have to start by being honest. Real change starts with better conversations, not slogans.

=====

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: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

The Project Possible website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.projectpossiblepod.com

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: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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: ⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠

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: ⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠

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: ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠

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: ⁠[email protected]⁠

The Project Possible website: ⁠http://www.projectpossiblepod.com