
Crisis What Crisis?
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.
Latest episodes

Feb 15, 2024 • 1h 13min
82. Courtney Lawes on facing down the haters, fighting for family values and refusing to take the knee
Key words: Premiership Rugby, Northampton Saints, Six Nations, British and Irish Lions, England, Sports, Family, BLM, Leadership, The Centre for Social Justice (CSJ)In this episode we are joined by one of rugby’s finest international players: Northampton Saints legend, British and Irish Lion and former England Captain Courtney Lawes. When Courtney decided to retire from international rugby after last year’s World Cup, there was some shock – not least because he was still in the form of his life. But the Dad of four was clear that the time had come to be at home with his young family, not on tour or training with his England teammates. That belief in the importance of family is central to Courtney. Having seen up close how life can go wrong without that stable background, he is a passionate supporter of the Centre for Social Justice and their work promoting the importance of family and the value of sport. Serious injuries, a result of Courtney’s uncompromising style of play, have led to long periods on the sidelines. The uncompromising opinions that he holds off the pitch have brought vitriol on social media, most famously when he dared to offer a view around Marcus Rashford’s campaigning. His resilience in those difficult moments, on and off the pitch, is just one of the revealing and useful discussions we have in this episode. My thanks to Courtney for joining me.Full transcript available here:https://www.crisiswhatcrisis.com/podcasts/courtney-lawes-on-facing-down-the-haters-fighting-for-family-values-and-refusing-to-take-the-knee/Links https://twitter.com/Courtney_Lawes https://www.instagram.com/bigcourts89/https://www.instagram.com/p/C3Cq4f7M4w6/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link Stream/buy ‘Allies’ by Some Velvet Morning: https://ampl.ink/qp6bmSome Velvet Morning Website: www.somevelvetmorning.co.uk Your Daily Practice: Sleep by Myndstream: https://open.spotify.com/track/5OX9XgJufFz9g63o2Dv2i5?si=b2f9397c92084682 Host – Andy CoulsonCWC team: Jane Sankey, Louise Difford, Zach Ellis and Mabel Pickering With special thanks to Ioana Barbu and the brilliant people at GlobalFor all PR and guest approaches please contact – podcast@coulsonpartners.com

Feb 8, 2024 • 8min
Bonus Episode: Jason Watkins' 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 useful tips for anyone who might be feeling the weight of their own problems. In this episode, Jason Watkins, award-winning actor and campaigner, shares his Crisis Comforts with us. Jason has won a best actor Bafta for his role in the Lost Honour of Christopher Jeffries, and has starred in The Crown, Macdonald and Dodds, Bridget Jones and of course the hilarious Nativity films. As one of Britain’s leading performers, he has got us thinking, made us laugh and even cry, and his Crisis Comforts are as creative and emotive as you would expect. Full episode and transcript available below:https://www.crisiswhatcrisis.com/podcasts/jason-watkins-on-losing-his-daughter-maude-why-we-must-get-better-at-grief-and-battling-depression/Links Jason’s Just Giving Page in memory of Maude for The UK Sepsis Trust - https://www.justgiving.com/Jason-watkins4maude/The UK Sepsis Trust - https://sepsistrust.org Surviving the Loss of your World - https://slowgroup.co.ukChild Bereavement UK - https://www.childbereavementuk.org/patrons-jason-watkinsStream/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 Host – Andy CoulsonCWC team: Jane Sankey, Louise Difford, Zach Ellis and Mabel PickeringWith special thanks to Ioana Barbu and the brilliant people at GlobalFor all PR and guest approaches please contact – podcast@coulsonpartners.com

Feb 1, 2024 • 1h 16min
81. Actor Jason Watkins on losing his daughter Maude, battling depression and shining a light on grief
Key words: ADHD, child bereavement, dyslexia, grief, sepsis, suicideIn this episode I am joined by the award-winning actor and campaigner Jason Watkins. One of Britain’s leading performers whose roles across drama and comedy – on TV, film and stage – have got us thinking, made us laugh and even cry.Jason has won a best actor Bafta for his role in the Lost Honour of Christopher Jeffries, played Prime Minister Harold Wilson brilliantly in The Crown and stars in the hit series Macdonald and Dodds. On the big screen he appeared in Bridget Jones and of course the hilarious Nativity films. But it’s as a result of personal tragedy that Jason has taken on the role of campaigner. Following the sudden death of his two-and-a-half year old daughter Maude on New Year’s Day 2011 (ck this!) Jason and his wife Clara have worked tirelessly as Ambassadors for the UK Sepsis Trust. In the ITV documentary ‘In Memory of Maudie’ they shone a powerful light on the process of their own terrible grief in the hope that it will help others.I also talk to Jason about his earlier struggles with mental health, his recently diagnosed ADHD and how through resilience, humour and the support of his family he remains, in my view, destined to become a national treasure. My thanks to Jason for this moving and brave conversation. And if you take away one thing from this powerful episode, please make it this; if you’re worried about someone’s medical condition just ask the doctor “could it be sepsis?”This episode includes a discussion about the loss of a child.Links:Jason’s Just Giving Page in memory of Maude for UK Sepsis Trust - https://www.justgiving.com/Jason-watkins4maude/ Surviving the Loss of your World - https://slowgroup.co.uk Child Bereavement UK - https://www.childbereavementuk.org/patrons-jason-watkinsThe UK Sepsis Trust - https://sepsistrust.org/ 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

Jan 25, 2024 • 6min
Bonus Episode: James Landale's Crisis Comforts
As regular listeners 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 useful tips for anyone who might be feeling the weight of their own problems.In this episode James Landale, the BBC's Diplomatic Correspondent, shares his Crisis Comforts with us. The full episode is available below.Full episode and transcript available below:https://www.crisiswhatcrisis.com/podcasts/bbcs-james-landale-on-conflict-cancer-and-why-we-get-it-so-wrong-with-death/ Links: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=b2f9397c92084682Production team:Host – Andy CoulsonCWC production team: Louise Difford and Jane SankeyWith special thanks to GlobalFor all PR and guest approaches please contact – podcast@coulsonpartners.com

Jan 18, 2024 • 57min
80. BBC’s James Landale on conflict, cancer and why we get it so wrong with death
In this episode I am joined by the BBC’s Diplomatic Correspondent, James Landale.Drawing on a 30-year career spent on the front line of so many political and geopolitical crises, James offers insight into the role that diplomacy can – must - play in resolving the conflict in the Middle East and across a troubled world.Reflecting on his experience living with cancer, James offers invaluable advice on coping with chemotherapy. He talks movingly about how he approached a sudden diagnosis of Non Hodgkin’s lymphoma, his recovery and how it altered his view on life … and the flawed way we approach death and grief.My thanks to James for such an interesting, moving and useful conversation. I hope you enjoy the episode.Links Stream/buy ‘Allies’ by Some Velvet Morning: https://ampl.ink/qp6bmSome Velvet Morning Website: https://somevelvetmorning.co.uk Your Daily Practice: Sleep by Myndstream: https://open.spotify.com/track/5OX9XgJufFz9g63o2Dv2i5?si=b2f9397c92084682Production teamHost – Andy CoulsonCWC production team: Louise Difford and Jane SankeyWith special thanks to GlobalFor all PR and guest approaches please contact – podcast@coulsonpartners.com

Jan 11, 2024 • 4min
Bonus Episode: Pauline Stonehouse's Crisis Comforts
As regular listeners 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 useful tips for anyone who might be feeling the weight of their own problems. In this episode Pauline Stonehouse, a victim of the appalling Post Office scandal, shares her Crisis Comforts with us.Full episode and transcript available below: https://www.crisiswhatcrisis.com/podcasts/pauline-stonehouse-on-injustice-scandal-and-survival/Links:Nick Wallis Post Office scandal reporting website: https://www.postofficescandal.ukJustice For Sub postmasters Alliance: https://www.jfsa.org.uk/Horizon Scandal Fund https://www.horizonscandalfund.org/ 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=b2f9397c92084682Production team:Host – Andy CoulsonCWC production team: Louise Difford and Jane SankeyWith special thanks to GlobalFor all PR and guest approaches please contact – podcast@coulsonpartners.com

Jan 4, 2024 • 3min
Bonus Episode: Rory Stewart's Crisis Comforts
As regular listeners 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 useful tips for anyone who might be feeling the weight of their own problems.In this episode Rory Stewart tells us about the things that cheer him up and why silence is golden. The full episode is available below, but here is a little taster… Full episode and transcript available belowhttps://www.crisiswhatcrisis.com/podcasts/rory-stewart-on-a-love-for-risk-a-battle-with-bitterness-and-why-a-political-comeback-is-on-the-cards/BOOKSRory’s latest book - Politics On the Edge - https://amzn.to/3mtPbdQThe Places In Between - https://amzn.to/3UzAiDfOccupational Hazards - https://amzn.to/3KBDnhOThe Marches - https://amzn.to/3ZZPkDHCan Intervention Work? - https://amzn.to/3zWhLYuLINKS Rory’s website - https://www.rorystewart.co.uk/Follow Rory on Twitter - https://twitter.com/RoryStewartUKTurquoise Mountain Foundation - https://www.turquoisemountain.org/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=b2f9397c92084682Production team:Host – Andy CoulsonCWC production team: Louise Difford and Jane SankeyWith special thanks to GlobalFor all PR and guest approaches please contact – podcast@coulsonpartners.com

Dec 29, 2023 • 4min
Bonus Episode: Sajid Javid's Crisis Comforts
As regular listeners 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 useful tips for anyone who might be feeling the weight of their own problems.In this episode Sajid Javid, former Health and Home Secretary, shares his Crisis Comforts with us. The full episode is available below, but here is a little taster…*DISCLAIMER – This episode includes a discussion about racism and includes words which some may find offensive. Full episode and transcript available belowhttps://www.crisiswhatcrisis.com/podcasts/sajid-javid-on-racist-abuse-how-cummings-burnt-the-house-down-and-losing-his-brother-to-suicide/Links:https://www.sajidjavid.com/https://twitter.com/sajidjavid?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5EauthorStream/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=b2f9397c92084682Production team:Host – Andy CoulsonCWC production team: Louise Difford and Jane SankeyWith special thanks to GlobalFor all PR and guest approaches please contact – podcast@coulsonpartners.com

Dec 21, 2023 • 1h 13min
79. Sajid Javid on racist beatings, how Boris and Cummings 'burned the house down' and losing his brother to suicide
In this episode I am joined by the politician Sajid Javid.The former Health and Home Secretary talks frankly about a childhood blighted by racism, his ‘survivor’s guilt’ after his older brother Tariq took his life and the extraordinary conversation with Prime Minister Boris Johnson that led him to quit as Chancellor.A fascinating, revealing conversation with a man who has a claim to the title Secretary of State For Crisis.*DISCLAIMER – This episode includes a discussion about racism and includes words which some may find offensive. Links:https://www.sajidjavid.com/ https://twitter.com/sajidjavid?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor Stream/buy ‘Allies’ by Some Velvet Morning: https://ampl.ink/qp6bmSome Velvet Morning Website: www.somevelvetmorning.co.uk Your Daily Practice: Sleep by Myndstream: https://open.spotify.com/track/5OX9XgJufFz9g63o2Dv2i5?si=b2f9397c92084682 Production team:Host – Andy CoulsonCWC production team: Louise Difford and Jane SankeyWith special thanks to GlobalFor all PR and guest approaches please contact – podcast@coulsonpartners.com

Dec 14, 2023 • 6min
Bonus Episode: Davinia Taylor's Crisis Comforts
As regular listeners 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 useful tips for anyone who might be feeling the weight of their own problems.In this episode Davinia Taylor, best-selling author and biohacking superstar, shares her Crisis Comforts with us.The full episode is available below, but here is a little taster…*DISCLAIMER – This episode includes discussion about addiction issues. Anyone struggling should seek professional help from an expert. https://www.talktofrank.com/get-help/find-support-near-youFull episode and transcript available belowhttps://www.crisiswhatcrisis.com/podcasts/davinia-taylor-on-addiction-losing-custody-of-her-son-and-her-biohacking-superpower/ Links:https://www.willpowders.comHack your Hormones, Davinia Taylor (Sunday Times No. 1 Bestseller) - https://amzn.eu/d/5RyN8agIt’s Not a Diet (Sunday Times No. 1 Bestseller) - https://amzn.eu/d/b2gBSKuStream/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=b2f9397c92084682Production team:Host – Andy CoulsonCWC production team: Louise Difford and Jane SankeyWith special thanks to GlobalFor all PR and guest approaches please contact – podcast@coulsonpartners.com
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