

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

May 23, 2024 • 49min
89. Julia Hobsbawm on battling sepsis, facing down failure and being a Jew who doesn’t support Israel
Julia Hobsbawm is the award-winning author, commentator, publisher and, quite possibly, one of the world’s most connected women. During the course of her brilliant career, Julia has faced serious business, personal and health crises and yet … she strides on, time and time again, with a drive and resilience – and a sense of humour – from which we can all learn. From living in the shadow of her renowned father, the Communist historian, Eric Hobsbawm, to founding – and in one instance closing - her own media companies, receiving an OBE and writing seven books … Julia’s is a life littered with triumph and crisis. Notably, in this conversation, she talks powerfully and candidly about the ‘identity crisis’ of being a Jewish woman who does not stand with Israel in the war with Gaza. Her latest book Working Assumptions is a must read for anyone concerned about the future of work … and the workplace crisis business leaders are now wrestling with. BookWorking Assumptions: What We Thought We Knew About Work Before Covid and Generative AI - And What We Know Now, 2024. Links Julia’s Podcast: The Nowhere OfficeJulia’s SoulCycle: https://www.justgiving.com/page/julia-hobsbawmsixtysoulcyclesforjessica Stream/buy ‘Allies’ by Some Velvet Morning: https://ampl.ink/qp6bm Some Velvet Morning Website: www.somevelvetmorning.co.uk Your Daily Practice: Sleep by Myndstream: https://open.spotify.com/track/5OX9XgJufFz9g63o2Dv2i5?si=b2f9397c92084682 Host – Andy Coulson CWC team: Jane Sankey, Louise Difford, 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 Transcripthttps://www.crisiswhatcrisis.com/podcasts/julia-hobsbawm-on-battling-sepsis-facing-down-failure-and-being-a-jew-who-doesnt-support-israel/

May 16, 2024 • 8min
Bonus Episode: Charlie Webster's Crisis Comforts
As regular listeners and viewers will know, at the end of all our conversations we ask our guests for their three crisis comforts; their go-tos for inspiration and strength during the challenging times. Short but perfectly formed advice for getting you through the tough moments. Over the years we have heard some incredibly interesting and more importantly, useful tips for anyone who might be feeling the weight of their own problems. In this short episode - Charlie Webster – an award-winning broadcaster, journalist, author, documentary maker, producer and campaigner, who has achieved all this whilst carrying the weight of so much personal trauma - shares her three crisis comforts. Full episodehttps://www.crisiswhatcrisis.com/podcasts/charlie-webster-on-managing-trauma-confronting-abuse-and-being-given-24-hours-to-live/BookWhy it’s OK to Talk About Trauma, 2024. Links Charlie’s Podcasts: Undiscussable, Surviving El Chapo, ScamandaCharlie’s Documentary: Nowhere to Run – Abused by our CoachStream/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=b2f9397c92084682Photo Copyright: Laura Ribatallada Host – Andy Coulson CWC team: Jane Sankey, Louise Difford, Mabel Pickering With special thanks to Ioana Barbu and the brilliant people at Global For all PR and guest approaches please contact – podcast@coulsonpartners.comFull trancripthttps://www.crisiswhatcrisis.com/podcasts/charlie-websters-crisis-comforts/

May 9, 2024 • 55min
88. Charlie Webster on managing trauma, confronting abuse and being given 24 hours to live
The award-winning broadcaster, journalist, author, documentary maker, producer and campaigner Charlie Webster is a woman with a turbo-charged work ethic. Though perhaps her greatest superpower is her resilience. A resilience that has seen her achieve all this whilst carrying the weight of so much personal trauma.Charlie was verbally and physically abused by her stepfather and as a teenager she was sexually abused, along with a number of other girls, by her running coach…a truly tragic story that she told she brilliantly in the BBC documentary, Nowhere to Run. Then, in 2016, after completing a 3,000-mile bike ride to Rio, Charlie contracted a rare strain of malaria and was put into a coma with doctors fearing that she may not last the night. How she managed these crises is now the subject of Charlie’s brilliant new book ‘Why it’s Okay to Talk About Trauma’ – a manual for anyone facing personal challenge. BookWhy it’s OK to Talk About Trauma, 2024. Links Charlie’s Podcasts: Undiscussable, Surviving El Chapo, ScamandaCharlie’s Documentary: Nowhere to Run – Abused by our Coach Stream/buy ‘Allies’ by Some Velvet Morning: https://ampl.ink/qp6bm Some Velvet Morning Website: www.somevelvetmorning.co.uk Your Daily Practice: Sleep by Myndstream: https://open.spotify.com/track/5OX9XgJufFz9g63o2Dv2i5?si=b2f9397c92084682Photo Copyright: Laura Ribatallada Host – Andy Coulson CWC team: Jane Sankey, Louise Difford, 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 Full transcript: https://www.crisiswhatcrisis.com/podcasts/charlie-webster-on-managing-trauma-confronting-abuse-and-being-given-24-hours-to-live/

May 2, 2024 • 4min
Bonus Episode: Jonathan Aitken's Crisis Comforts
As regular listeners and viewers will know, at the end of all our conversations we ask our guests for their three crisis comforts; their go-tos for inspiration and strength during the challenging times. Short but perfectly formed advice for getting you through the tough moments. Over the years we have heard some incredibly interesting and more importantly, useful tips for anyone who might be feeling the weight of their own problems. In this short episode – Revd. Jonathan Aitken - a man who has survived and thrived over eight decades of triumph and crisis – shares his three crisis comforts. Full episodehttps://www.crisiswhatcrisis.com/podcasts/jonathan-aitken-on-prison-priesthood-and-purpose/ Links Aitken is a trustee of the Saïd Foundation, McDonald Agape Foundation, and Trinity Forum Europe. Aitken is Honorary President of Tempus Novo and Patron of CSW. Aitken is the founder of Chance to Change Foundation/Friends of Pentonville.BooksLetters for the Ages Behind Bars: Letters from History's Most Famous Prisoners, 2024.Doing Time: A spiritual survival guide, 2021.Porridge and Passion, 2005.Pride and Perjury, 2000. Stream/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=b2f9397c92084682Host – Andy Coulson CWC team: Jane Sankey, Louise Difford, Zach Ellis 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.comFull transcript: https://www.crisiswhatcrisis.com/podcasts/jonathan-aitkens-crisis-comforts/

Apr 25, 2024 • 1h 7min
87. Jonathan Aitken on prison, priesthood and purpose
The Reverend Jonathan Aitken has survived and thrived over eight decades of triumph and crisis. The former government minister, author, ordained prison chaplain and priest and, like me, a former inmate of Belmarsh prison – Jonathan has a lifetime of stories to tell and wisdom to impart. From spending childhood years battling TB to working as a reporter in Saigon; to being tipped as a future Prime Minister described as ‘not just gilded but golden’ from pleading guilty and being sentenced for perjury, to finding faith and rebuilding his life’s purpose as a priest - Jonathan has seen and been through it all. Jonathan’s most recent crisis almost claimed his life. But, throughout it all he has pushed on and pushed through with a sense of resilience – and an incredible rate of productivity - that is truly inspiring and from which I think we can all learn. Links Aitken is a trustee of the Saïd Foundation, McDonald Agape Foundation, and Trinity Forum Europe. Aitken is Honorary President of Tempus Novo and Patron of CSW.Aitken is the founder of Chance to Change Foundation/Friends of Pentonville. BooksLetters for the Ages Behind Bars: Letters from History's Most Famous Prisoners, 2024.Doing Time: A spiritual survival guide, 2021.Porridge and Passion, 2005.Pride and Perjury, 2000. Stream/buy ‘Allies’ by Some Velvet Morning: https://ampl.ink/qp6bm Some Velvet Morning Website: www.somevelvetmorning.co.uk Your Daily Practice: Sleep by Myndstream: https://open.spotify.com/track/5OX9XgJufFz9g63o2Dv2i5?si=b2f9397c92084682 Host – Andy Coulson CWC team: Jane Sankey, Louise Difford, Zach Ellis 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 Key Words #prison #priesthood #purpose #politician #faith #family Full transcript: https://www.crisiswhatcrisis.com/podcasts/jonathan-aitken-on-prison-priesthood-and-purpose/

Apr 19, 2024 • 9min
Bonus Episode: Three Dads Walking Crisis Comforts
As regular listeners and viewers will know, at the end of all our conversations we ask our guests for their three crisis comforts; their go-tos for inspiration and strength during the challenging times. Short but perfectly formed advice for getting you through the tough moments. Over the years we have heard some incredibly interesting and more importantly, useful tips for anyone who might be feeling the weight of their own problems. In this short episode - Three Dads Walking – a trio of remarkable men who connected over the loss of their daughters, Sophie, Beth and Emily, to suicide, share their three crisis comforts. Please remember - if you, or anyone you know is having or have had suicidal thoughts, you can reach out to Papyrus UK suicide prevention on 0800 068 4141.Full episode: https://www.crisiswhatcrisis.com/podcasts/three-dads-walking-on-suicide-grief-and-finding-light-in-the-darkest-of-places/Links Three Dads Walking: 300 Miles of Hope: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Three-Dads-Walking-Miles-Hope/dp/14721484443 Dads Walking https://www.3dadswalking.uk/PAPYRUS: https://www.papyrus-uk.org/Papyrus has been campaigning for a suicide-safer internet for nearly twenty years. Do you want to ensure technology companies are held accountable for the safety of users on their platforms? Download their draft letter to send to your local MP here: https://www.papyrus-uk.org/online-safety-bill-write-to-your-mp/Send your letter to your MP here: https://www.writetothem.com/Stream/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=b2f9397c92084682Host – Andy Coulson CWC team: Jane Sankey, Louise Difford, Zach Ellis 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.comFull transcript: https://www.crisiswhatcrisis.com/podcasts/three-dads-walking-crisis-comforts/

Apr 11, 2024 • 5min
Bonus Episode: Bryony Gordon's Crisis Comforts
As regular listeners and viewers will know, at the end of all our conversations we ask our guests for their three crisis comforts; their go-tos for inspiration and strength during the challenging times. Short but perfectly formed advice for getting you through the tough moments. Over the years we have heard some incredibly interesting and more importantly, useful tips for anyone who might be feeling the weight of their own problems. In this short episode – Bryony Gordon - a woman with an abundance of accomplishments, yet who talks about her struggles with astonishing candour – shares her three crisis comforts. Full episodehttps://www.crisiswhatcrisis.com/podcasts/85-bryony-gordon-on-addiction-ocd-and-endless-ing-anxiety/Links Mental Health Mates https://www.mentalhealthmates.co.uk/BooksMad Woman (Bryony’s new book) https://amzn.eu/d/61O5NQ5The Wrong Knickers: A decade of chaosMad GirlBryony’s book of choice – Louise Hay – You Can Heal Your Lifehttps://amzn.eu/d/8cuaDcJStream/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=b2f9397c92084682 Photo Copyright: Laurie Fletcher Host – Andy Coulson CWC team: Jane Sankey, Louise Difford, Zach Ellis 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.comFull transcripthttps://www.crisiswhatcrisis.com/podcasts/bryony-gordons-crisis-comforts/

Apr 4, 2024 • 1h 6min
86. Three Dads Walking on suicide, grief and finding light in the darkest of places
In this episode I’m joined by three remarkable men, Andy Airey, Mike Palmer and Tim Owen – better known as Three Dads Walking. All would rather have never met but through a common and tragic bond – the loss of their daughters, Sophie, Beth and Emily, to suicide – they did. Brought together by a shared grief, these three dads connected and decided to shine a light on the shocking number of young people who take their own lives in the UK. A 300-mile walk between their homes in Cumbria, Manchester, and Norfolk in 2021 was their first epic venture. A 600-mile walk then followed, and another is planned for this year. So far, over £1m has been raised for the incredible suicide prevention charity PAPYRUS. Their new book – 3 Dads Walking, 300 Miles of Hope - tells the story of the courage and hope they’ve found on those walks. It is out now. Please remember - if you, or anyone you know is having or have had suicidal thoughts, you can reach out to Papyrus UK suicide prevention on 0800 068 4141. Links Three Dads Walking: 300 Miles of Hope https://www.amazon.co.uk/Three-Dads-Walking-Miles-Hope/dp/1472148444 3 Dads WalkingPAPYRUSPapyrus has been campaigning for a suicide-safer internet for nearly twenty years. Do you want to ensure technology companies are held accountable for the safety of users on their platforms?Download their draft letter to send to your local MP here: https://www.papyrus-uk.org/online-safety-bill-write-to-your-mp/Send your letter to your MP here: https://www.writetothem.com/ Stream/buy ‘Allies’ by Some Velvet Morning: https://ampl.ink/qp6bm Some Velvet Morning Website: www.somevelvetmorning.co.uk Your Daily Practice: Sleep by Myndstream: https://open.spotify.com/track/5OX9XgJufFz9g63o2Dv2i5?si=b2f9397c92084682 Host – Andy Coulson CWC team: Jane Sankey, Louise Difford, Zach Ellis 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 Key Words #suicide #grief #guilt #recovery #positivity #friendship #hope #walkingFull transcripthttps://www.crisiswhatcrisis.com/podcasts/three-dads-walking-on-suicide-grief-and-finding-light-in-the-darkest-of-places/

Mar 28, 2024 • 1h 11min
85. Bryony Gordon on addiction, OCD and ‘endless ****ing anxiety’
In this episode I’m joined by the force of nature that is Bryony Gordon. Journalist, author, presenter, podcaster, mental health campaigner, marathon runner, cold water swimmer… there’s nothing this woman cannot do. Yet accomplishing all this whilst also dealing with demons is no mean feat – it is a testament to her resilience, her work ethic and her bravery. Bryony has an honest attitude towards and astonishing candour about her struggles, both physical and mental, including extreme OCD or pure O, binge eating and severe anxiety. She tells her story in a way that is as helpful as it is compassionate, champions her charity Mental Health Mates and gives voice to the crisis we face in this country when it comes to the services that are available – or too often not available – for young people who are struggling. Bryony’s mental strength, especially in the difficult moments, is just one of many valuable take outs from this episode. Her new book, Mad Woman, is out now. Thank you, Bryony. Key WordsOCD, mental health, addiction, alopecia, trauma, eating disorder, bulimia, shame, depression, anxiety, boundaries, positivity, running, work ethic, balance, acceptance.Links Mental Health Mates https://www.mentalhealthmates.co.uk/ BooksMad Woman (Bryony’s new book) https://amzn.eu/d/61O5NQ5The Wrong Knickers: A decade of chaos Mad Girl Stream/buy ‘Allies’ by Some Velvet Morning: https://ampl.ink/qp6bm Some Velvet Morning Website: www.somevelvetmorning.co.uk Your Daily Practice: Sleep by Myndstream: https://open.spotify.com/track/5OX9XgJufFz9g63o2Dv2i5?si=b2f9397c92084682 Photo Copyright: Laurie Fletcher Host – Andy Coulson CWC team: Jane Sankey, Louise Difford, Zach Ellis 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 Full transcripthttps://www.crisiswhatcrisis.com/podcasts/85-bryony-gordon-on-addiction-ocd-and-endless-ing-anxiety/

Mar 21, 2024 • 3min
Bonus Episode: Amy Dowden's Crisis Comforts
As regular listeners and viewers will know, at the end of all our conversations we ask our guests for their three crisis comforts; their go-tos for inspiration and strength during the challenging times. Short but perfectly formed advice for getting you through the tough moments.Over the years we have heard some incredibly interesting and more importantly, useful tips for anyone who might be feeling the weight of their own problems.In this short episode Amy Dowden, a woman who has endured a lifetime of health setbacks, shares her three crisis comforts. Full episodehttps://www.crisiswhatcrisis.com/podcasts/amy-dowden-on-being-hours-from-death-avoiding-bitterness-and-the-healing-power-of-strictly/Links Dare to Dance https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001hcnx/episodes/guideCoppaFeel! - https://coppafeel.org/Amy’s song choice – Whitney Houston – ‘I didn’t Know My Own Strength’ https://open.spotify.com/track/2d8012yMxNQF0jS3zxo4nU?si=c82dcf5346d244b2Stream/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=b2f9397c92084682Host – Andy Coulson CWC team: Jane Sankey, Louise Difford, Zach Ellis 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