

Crisis What Crisis?
Andy Coulson
Crisis What Crisis? provides authentic, judgement-free and useful storytelling from those who have been at the brutal, sometimes life threatening, sharp end of crisis and who survived and thrived in the process. Host Andy Coulson’s own background as a newspaper editor, Downing Street Communications Director, one-time inmate of HMP Belmarsh and now sought-after adviser to CEOs, allows him to bring a unique perspective to these conversations.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Mar 24, 2025 • 6min
Bonus Episode: Rupert Soames' Crisis Compass
Rupert Soames has forged a brilliant career leading businesses through some of the most daunting challenges. His professional journey has been defined by his unflinching resolve to ‘run towards gunfire.’ As CEO of commercial giants Aggreko and Serco through periods of crisis and now as Chair of the CBI as it continues to recover from a reputational shock. Rupert also talks for the first time about appalling abuse he endured at prep school and how those terrible experiences ultimately helped shape his wholly positive approach to confronting challenge. Here is Rupert’s Crisis Compass – his points of navigation for when trouble comes. This is a paid advertisement by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/CRISISPOD. Our listeners get 10% off their first month.Host: Andy Coulson CWC team: Jane Sankey, Hana Walker-Brown, Bill GriffinWith special thanks to Ioana Barbu and the brilliant people at Global For all PR and guest approaches please contact – podcast@coulsonpartners.com

Mar 20, 2025 • 1h 5min
Rupert Soames on resilience from trauma, leading through crisis and the power of positivity
Rupert Soames has forged a brilliant career leading businesses through some of the most daunting challenges. But behind the decades of success, there’s another story that Rupert has chosen to share here for the first time … an experience which, against the odds, forged his resilience. His professional journey has been defined by his unflinching resolve to ‘run towards gunfire.’ … as CEO of commercial giants Aggreko and Serco through periods of crisis and now as Chair of the CBI as it continues to recover from a reputational shock.Given Rupert is also Winston Churchill’s grandson, it would be easy to assume that his courage is more biology than biography … but that would not tell the full story.In this episode, Rupert talks for the first time about appalling abuse he endured at prep school and how those terrible experiences ultimately helped shape his wholly positive approach to confronting challenge. He shares his valuable lessons in resilience, decision-making under pressure, and the importance of learning from past struggles. But more than all of this, Rupert powerfully explains and demonstrates how trauma, instead of defining us, can drive us towards a more positive life.My thanks to Rupert for this conversation.This is a paid advertisement by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/CRISISPOD. Our listeners get 10% off their first month.Host: Andy Coulson CWC team: Jane Sankey, Hana Walker-Brown, Bill GriffinWith special thanks to Ioana Barbu and the brilliant people at Global For all PR and guest approaches please contact – podcast@coulsonpartners.com

Mar 10, 2025 • 4min
Bonus Episode: Christina Perri’s Crisis Comforts
Multi-platinum singer-songwriter Christina Perri is best known for her hits A Thousand Years and Jar of Hearts, but behind her music lies a deeply personal story of resilience. From battling lifelong mental health challenges to navigating the heartbreak of miscarriage and stillbirth, Christina has endured unthinkable loss—including the tragic passing of her daughter Rosie in 2020. But through it all, she has transformed her grief into action, advocating for maternal healthcare reform and using her platform to inspire others. Here are Christina’s Crisis Comforts This is a paid advertisement by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/CRISISPOD. Our listeners get 10% off their first month.Full episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/christina-perri-on-fame-grief-and-turning-pain-into-purpose/id1517015748?i=1000697514142 Website: https://www.christinaperri.com/ X: https://x.com/christinaperri Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChristinaPerriMusic/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christinaperri/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@christinaperri YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/christinaperri%20 Host: Andy Coulson CWC team: Jane Sankey, Hana Walker-Brown, Bill Griffin, Louise Difford, and Mabel Pickering With special thanks to Ioana Barbu and the brilliant people at Global For all PR and guest approaches please contact – podcast@coulsonpartners.com

Mar 3, 2025 • 55min
Christina Perri on fame, grief and turning pain into purpose
Multi-platinum singer-songwriter Christina Perri is best known for her hits A Thousand Years and Jar of Hearts, but behind her music lies a deeply personal story of resilience.From battling lifelong mental health challenges to navigating the heartbreak of miscarriage and stillbirth, Christina has endured unthinkable loss—including the tragic passing of her daughter Rosie in 2020. But through it all, she has transformed her grief into action, advocating for maternal healthcare reform and using her platform to inspire others.In this episode, Christina opens up about her struggles with addiction, the pressures of fame, and the lessons she’s learned as a mother. She shares how she found the strength to keep moving forward, why she’s fighting to change medical protocols for pregnancy loss, and how music continues to be her guiding force.This is a paid advertisement by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/CRISISPOD. Our listeners get 10% off their first month.Website: https://www.christinaperri.com/X: https://x.com/christinaperriFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChristinaPerriMusic/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christinaperri/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@christinaperriYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/christinaperri%20Host: Andy Coulson CWC team: Jane Sankey, Hana Walker-Brown, Bill Griffin, Louise Difford, and Mabel PickeringWith special thanks to Ioana Barbu and the brilliant people at Global For all PR and guest approaches please contact – podcast@coulsonpartners.com

Feb 24, 2025 • 5min
Bonus Episode: Simon Woodroffe's Crisis Comforts
Simon Woodroffe has lived many lives - he started as a stage designer for music legends like Rod Stewart and Stevie Wonder, then took a leap of faith and built YO! Sushi into a global brand. But before his success, Simon faced struggles that could have derailed him entirely: a turbulent youth, including time in a young offender’s institution, and a personal crisis that left him at rock bottom. Here are Simon Woodroffe’s three Crisis Comforts.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yosimonwoodroffe/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yosimonwoodroffeLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yosimonwoodroffeTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yosimonwoodroffeThis podcast is brought to you by Crisis What Crisis? Productions and Coulson Partners Host: Andy Coulson CWC team: Jane Sankey, Hana Walker-Brown, and Bill Griffin With special thanks to Ioana Barbu and the brilliant people at Global For all PR and guest approaches please contact - podcast@coulsonpartners.com

Feb 17, 2025 • 56min
Simon Woodroffe on risk-taking, reinvention, and creating Yo! Sushi
What does it take to turn adversity into opportunity?Simon Woodroffe has lived many lives - he started as a stage designer for music legends like Rod Stewart and Stevie Wonder, then took a leap of faith and built YO! Sushi into a global brand. But before his success, Simon faced struggles that could have derailed him entirely: a turbulent youth, including time in a young offender’s institution, and a personal crisis that left him at rock bottom.In this episode, Simon opens up about his journey from hardship to entrepreneurial success. From pioneering conveyor belt sushi in the UK to launching the innovative Japanese hotel brand YOTEL, Simon has never shied away from reinvention. As one of the original Dragons on Dragon’s Den, he knows what it takes to take risks.Simon shares how resilience, creativity, and an unstoppable drive helped him build a multi-million-pound empire and why he believes anyone can turn struggle into success.We hope you find this episode inspiring and useful. Links Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yosimonwoodroffe/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yosimonwoodroffeLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yosimonwoodroffeTikTok: https://tiktok.com/@yosimonwoodroffeThis podcast is brought to you by Crisis What Crisis? Productions and Coulson Partners Host: Andy Coulson CWC team: Jane Sankey, Hana Walker-Brown, and Bill GriffinWith special thanks to Ioana Barbu and the brilliant people at Global For all PR and guest approaches please contact – podcast@coulsonpartners.com

Feb 11, 2025 • 5min
Bonus Episode: Tom Hayes’ Crisis Comforts
Who better to explore the road to resilience than someone who has endured one of the most dramatic falls from grace? Tom Hayes was once a high-flying city trader, living a life of wealth and status— until the notorious LIBOR scandal in 2015 changed everything. Convicted and imprisoned, he lost his fortune, his luxury cars and his home - all while maintaining that his conviction was unjust. His trial also brought an unexpected revelation— his Asperger’s diagnosis, which he argues played a crucial role in his actions and the case against him. Here are Tom Hayes’ three crisis comforts. Full episode: https://www.crisiswhatcrisis.com/podcasts/libor-scandal-trader-tom-hayes-on-prison-anger-and-aspergers/ This podcast is brought to you by Crisis What Crisis? Productions and Coulson Partners Host: Andy Coulson CWC team: Jane Sankey, Hana Walker-Brown and Bill Griffin With special thanks to Ioana Barbu and the brilliant people at Global For all PR and guest approaches please contact – podcast@coulsonpartners.com

Jan 27, 2025 • 6min
Bonus Episode: Paul Stewart's Crisis Comforts
Paul Stewart is a former England footballer who played for Manchester City, Spurs and Liverpool. But behind the success was a harrowing secret – years of unimaginable childhood abuse at the hands of a trusted coach. He shares his powerful journey from suffering to recovery – a story of pain, resilience but lasting hope. Here are Paul Stewart’s three crisis comforts. Full episode: https://www.crisiswhatcrisis.com/podcasts/england-star-paul-stewart-on-turning-a-secret-trauma-into-a-mission-of-hope/Links Twitter: @PStewy103 Website: https://paulstewartofficial.com Paul’s book ‘Damaged: My Story – https://www.amazon.co.uk/Damaged-My-Story-Paul-Stewart/dp/1910335738Safeguarding Fundementals – https://safeguardingfundamentals.comThis podcast is brought to you by Crisis What Crisis? Productions and Coulson Partners Host: Andy Coulson CWC team: Jane Sankey, Mabel Pickering With special thanks to Ioana Barbu and the brilliant people at Global For all PR and guest approaches please contact – podcast@coulsonpartners.com

Jan 20, 2025 • 1h 11min
England star Paul Stewart on turning a secret trauma into a mission of hope
Sensitive content: this podcast contains discussions of child abuse and suicide. Listener discretion is advised. Paul Stewart is a former England footballer who played for Manchester City, Spurs and Liverpool. But behind the success was a harrowing secret – years of unimaginable childhood abuse at the hands of a trusted coach. He shares his powerful journey from suffering to recovery – a story of pain, resilience but lasting hope.After decades of silence, Paul found the courage to speak out, becoming a leading voice for safeguarding in sport. The trauma he endured led him to some dark places, but his story is one of survival and relentless advocacy. He co-founded the charity SAVE with fellow former players to support abuse survivors and launched the Paul Stewart Official Excellence in Safeguarding programme, delivering vital education to organisations like the English Football League.I hope you’ll agree that this episode is a tough but essential listen. Aside from his eloquence and bravery, Paul provides vitals lessons for those who have suffered trauma.Paul's book 'Damaged: My Story - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Damaged-My-Story-Paul-Stewart/dp/1910335738Safeguarding Fundementals - https://safeguardingfundamentals.comIf you or anyone you know has suffered from child abuse and you wish to talk about it, please consider these resources:NSPCC - 0808 800 5000 NAPAC - 0808 801 0331

Jan 14, 2025 • 6min
Bonus Episode: Paul McKenna's Crisis Comforts
Paul McKenna is not just a world-renowned hypnotherapist; he’s a one man self-help powerhouse, a best-selling author, and a sought-after behavioural scientist who has helped thousands overcome their greatest challenges. And now with his new book Power Manifesting – he is on a mission to empower as many as possible to lead a better and more productive life. Here are Paul McKenna’s three crisis comforts.Full episodehttps://www.crisiswhatcrisis.com/podcasts/paul-mckenna-on-purpose-gratitude-and-living-your-full-potential/Links Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iampaulmckenna/Twitter: @ImPaulMcKenna Website: https://www.paulmckenna.comBook: https://amzn.eu/d/a1RQvgACharities https://veterans-aid.netStream/buy ‘Allies’ by Some Velvet Morning: https://ampl.ink/qp6bmSome Velvet Morning Website: www.somevelvetmorning.co.ukYour Daily Practice: Sleep by Myndstream: https://open.spotify.com/track/5OX9XgJufFz9g63o2Dv2i5?si=b2f9397c92084682This podcast is brought to you by Crisis What Crisis? Productions and Coulson Partners Host: Andy Coulson CWC team: Jane Sankey, Mabel Pickering With special thanks to Ioana Barbu and the brilliant people at Global For all PR and guest approaches please contact – podcast@coulsonpartners.com