Dare to be Different with Craig White

Matty Peet is back. After a phenomenal few years leading Wigan Rugby League to unprecedented success, I sit down with him to reflect on the highs, the challenges, and what it really takes to lead at the highest level.From winning every available trophy to managing the relentless demands of elite coaching, Matty shares the lessons he’s learned—not just about rugby, but about leadership, resilience, and personal growth. He opens up about the pressures of expectation, the importance of connection, and why he believes every coach needs a coach.This episode isn’t just about sport. It’s about leadership, self-awareness, and the mindset required to sustain success. Show NotesReflections on Leadership & GrowthWhat’s changed for Matty over the past three years as Wigan’s head coachThe doubts and criticism he faced when he first took the job—and how he silenced themThe biggest lessons in resilience and leadership from elite sport.The Power of ConnectionWhy connection is the foundation of Wigan’s successThe impact of fostering a deep bond with players beyond just performanceHow Matty balances the demands of coaching with being present for his family.Coaching & Personal GrowthHow self-awareness has transformed Matty as a leaderThe importance of having mentors and coaches at every level of leadershipWhy vulnerability in leadership isn’t a weakness, it’s a superpower.Looking Ahead: The Next Chapter for WiganHow Wigan is preparing for the next season with the same squadThe importance of evolution vs. revolution in sustaining successMatty’s focus on innovation, creativity, and maintaining a high-performance culture.Lessons for Leaders EverywhereWhy every leader, whether in sport or business, needs a support systemThe importance of adaptability, emotional intelligence, and leading by exampleThe role of personal development in becoming a better coach, father, and man.

In this episode, I sit down with Cody Royle, a coach to elite head coaches in professional sports and author of three impactful books, including the Amazon bestseller The Tough Stuff. Cody shares his journey from coaching Australia’s national Aussie Rules team to mentoring some of the top leaders in soccer, basketball, rugby, and beyond. Together, they explore the emotional toll of leadership, the power of self-awareness, and the profound impact of integrating personal growth into coaching. Show NotesCody’s Journey:From playing Aussie Rules football to becoming a coach at 22Transitioning from coaching Canada’s national team to writing The Tough StuffThe pivotal moments that led Cody to focus on supporting head coaches.The Challenges of Head CoachingThe increasing complexity of managing multi-billion-dollar sports organisationsBalancing personal growth with professional demandsCommon struggles faced by head coaches, including pressure, identity, and maintaining perspective.The Role of Personal Growth: Why self-awareness is at the core of effective coachingCody’s approach to coaching head coaches: attunement, presence, and refining existing strengthsThe importance of integrating family life and personal practices into professional pursuits.Key Themes and Insights:The emotional toll of leadership and how to navigate itBridging the gap between elite performance and personal well-beingHow Cody’s work is helping to shape a new generation of self-aware, emotionally intelligent coaches.

I sit down with Martin Offiah, rugby league legend and cultural icon, to explore his journey from a young boy in Hackney to becoming one of the greatest try-scorers in the history of the sport. In this deeply personal conversation, Martin reflects on the mentors who shaped his career, the challenges of breaking barriers, and the lessons he’s learned about resilience and self-belief. From his rugby triumphs to his advocacy for sustainability and electric vehicles, Martin shares his powerful story of transformation and greatness. This is an episode for anyone who wants to learn how to turn adversity into fuel for success.Show NotesMartin’s JourneyGrowing up in Hackney and discovering rugby as an outlet for his energy and ambitionThe transition from rugby union to rugby league and becoming one of the sport’s most iconic playersReflections on the pivotal moments, including his legendary try at Wembley.Themes of GreatnessThe coaches and mentors who believed in him and taught him the value of star powerHow Martin learned to embrace his achievements without fear of judgment.Challenges and ResilienceOvercoming racism and other challenges as a Black athlete in a predominantly white sportLessons learned from tough times on and off the pitch.Life Beyond RugbyMartin’s passion for sustainability and his work in promoting electric vehiclesReflections on being immortalised in a statue outside Wembley and what it means to inspire the next generation.Insights and AdviceHow mentors, teammates, and family shaped his journeyLessons from rugby and life on staying authentic and resilient.

In the season finale of Dare to Be Different, I look back at the best moments from 2024 - a collection of powerful stories, raw truths, and deep transformations from the men who joined me this year.Matty PeetMatty shares his experience leading Wigan Warriors, redefining leadership, and balancing the demands of professional coaching with authenticity and self-awareness.Andrew JenkinsAndrew reflects on completing The Big Trek—1,200km across four nations—raising awareness for brain injury while sharing his powerful story of recovery, grit, and determination.Martin BoneMartin takes us through his personal journey of loss and healing, exploring how breathwork and movement helped him reconnect with purpose and clarity.Rhys ThomasRhys shares his life-altering experience of a heart attack at 29, reflecting on how it transformed his outlook on health, life, and leadership.Stevie WardStevie talks openly about transitioning out of professional rugby due to injury, grappling with identity, and finding meaning beyond the sport.Antonio VizintinAntonio shares the extraordinary story of surviving the 1972 Andes plane crash—facing unthinkable decisions and how that shaped his perspective on life, survival, and resilience.Sean LongSean opens up about his struggles with mental health, addiction, and rebuilding his life, offering a raw, honest account of transformation.Piers CrossPiers explores how childhood trauma—particularly boarding school experiences—impacts leaders’ ability to connect, empathise, and lead authentically.Keith WittKeith dives deep into relationships, emotional intelligence, and the importance of cultivating awareness to unlock our potential.Robert MastersRobert discusses the power of shadow work, emotional intimacy, and embracing all parts of ourselves to achieve true transformation.Liam HennessyLiam shares wisdom on balance, physical health, and longevity, reminding us that sustainable leadership begins with our own well-being.Chris BrownChris reflects on his journey with mental health and resilience, unpacking the tools that helped him face personal and professional challenges.Pat DivillyPat talks about emotional vulnerability, self-connection, and his journey to help men create deeper, more meaningful lives.Traver BoehmTraver dives into the importance of brotherhood, the power of connection, and why men need other men to thrive in today’s world.

In this episode of Dare to Be Different, I sit down with Piers Cross - author, filmmaker, and leadership coach specialising in trauma and peak performance. Together, we explore a question that cuts to the heart of leadership today: Are our leaders carrying unresolved trauma, and how does it impact their ability to lead?Piers shares powerful insights into the emotional wounds many leaders carry, particularly those shaped by environments like boarding schools. This conversation dives deep into how unhealed trauma manifests in leadership, from disconnection to unhealthy power dynamics, and offers tools for cultivating authentic leadership through self-awareness and healing.This isn’t just a discussion about leaders in boardrooms, it’s about all of us stepping into leadership roles in our own lives, workplaces, and families.The Hidden Trauma of LeadersHow childhood experiences, especially in boarding schools, create emotional patterns that carry into adulthood.Why unresolved trauma leads to disconnection, poor decision-making, and struggles with vulnerability.The Importance of VulnerabilityRedefining vulnerability as strength in leadership and how it fosters deeper connection and trust.Piers explains how leaders can embrace vulnerability to improve relationships at work and home.Breaking the Cycle of TraumaUnderstanding the link between trauma, self-awareness, and authentic leadership.Piers shares practices to help leaders identify and heal emotional wounds that hinder their potential.The Role of Self-ReflectionHow leaders can pause, reflect, and move beyond their past to redefine their purpose and impact.Tools for developing emotional intelligence and creating a leadership style rooted in authenticity.Practical Advice for Evolving as a LeaderStrategies for building emotional resilience and fostering meaningful connections.Why joining men’s circles, seeking therapy, or engaging in reflective practices can lead to profound growth.Subscribe to the Dare to Be Different podcast on your favorite platform for more powerful conversations. If this episode resonates with you, please leave a review to help us spread the message.

In this episode, I sit down with Traver Boehm, author, speaker, and founder of the Man Uncivilized movement. Traver’s work has been a beacon for men seeking to reclaim their authentic selves in a world that often stifles true masculinity.Together, we explore why men need men—why male connection and community are essential not just for personal growth but for creating a life of purpose, power, and connection. From redefining vulnerability to tackling shame and isolation head-on, this episode is a raw, honest, and impactful conversation for anyone ready to step into their full potential.Show NotesThe Importance of Male ConnectionTraver explains why men thrive in environments of brotherhood and shared purpose.The risks of isolation in modern life and how it impacts mental, emotional, and relational health.Redefining VulnerabilityVulnerability is reframed as strength, not weakness, and a gateway to deeper relationships and personal growth.Traver shares stories of men who found transformation by embracing openness and honesty with others.Understanding and Healing ShameA deep dive into the role shame plays in holding men back from their true power.Practical steps for identifying and overcoming shame through shared experiences and self-compassion.The Role of Pain in TransformationWhy pain is often the catalyst for growth and how to use it as a tool for self-discovery.Traver shares his personal journey of loss and how it propelled him to create the Man Uncivilized movement.Men and Emotional FreedomWhy men struggle with expressing emotions and the consequences of emotional repression.Tools and practices Traver uses to help men unlock emotional freedom and live more balanced lives.The Power of BrotherhoodReal-life examples of how a strong male community can provide accountability, growth, and support.Traver discusses why men need other men to challenge them, hold space, and celebrate their wins.Practical Steps for Men Ready to TransformHow to build meaningful connections with other men.Simple practices to integrate emotional awareness and authentic leadership into daily life.Subscribe to the Dare to Be Different podcast on your favorite platform for more transformative conversations. If this episode resonates with you, don’t forget to leave a review.

In this episode the tables turn as guest Chris Brown steps into the interviewer’s seat to ask me the hard-hitting questions about life, purpose, and leadership. Kicking off with a powerful opener, Chris asks: “How do you stay strong and resilient in today’s world while staying true to yourself?” From there, we explore what it means to live authentically as men in a world full of expectations. I reveal the pivotal moments in my life, my personal battles, and how redefining my purpose brought me closer to a fulfilling, intentional life. Introduction:Chris Brown returns to the podcast, this time taking the reins as he interviews me about my journey and philosophy.Resilience and Staying True to Oneself:I respond to Chris’s opening question on resilience, sharing how he has managed to stay grounded amidst life’s pressures.Insights into my personal story of growth and the milestones that shaped my outlook on life and masculinity.Redefining Leadership and Purpose:The conversation moves into my take on authentic leadership and what it means to lead with purpose.We discuss the importance of moving away from external validation and focusing on what truly matters.Balancing Vulnerability and Strength:I open up about the balance between vulnerability and strength in personal and professional relationships.How my experiences helped him redefine my approach to connection and leadership.Creating Authentic Connections and Brotherhood:The role of male friendships and the significance of support networks in fostering personal growth and resilience.Tips on how to build authentic connections with other men who share similar values.

I sit down with Pat Divilly, an author, speaker, and expert in breathwork and shadow work. Together, we dive deep into what it means to navigate change in today's world and the importance of embracing your shadow self. From personal struggles to professional transformations, Pat shares his journey of moving beyond limiting beliefs, stepping out of societal boxes, and learning to live with authenticity and freedom. We explore themes of fear, vulnerability, and what it takes for men to truly grow.Show Notes:Navigating Change:Pat shares his thoughts on the inevitability of change and how it's a constant part of life.The importance of balancing the desire for stability with the need for growth.Authenticity and Shadow Work:Pat explains the concept of shadow work: acknowledging the parts of ourselves we hide or suppress.How embracing your shadow can lead to more authentic living and deeper self-awareness.Personal Growth and Transformation:Pat reflects on his journey from personal trainer to breathwork facilitator and author.He shares how overcoming his own insecurities and internal struggles helped him embrace his true self.Tools for Change:The importance of having anchors in life, such as supportive people, environments, and healthy habits.How the hero’s journey metaphor can help frame personal transformation.Fear and Vulnerability:Pat discusses how fear is often a catalyst for change and why embracing it is key to growth.He shares the story of a client who faced his fear and transformed both in life and love.Final Thoughts:Pat encourages listeners to embrace discomfort and uncertainty as part of their personal evolution.Craig and Pat close the episode with a reflection on the importance of self-inquiry and support in navigating change.Follow and Subscribe: Make sure to follow the Dare to Be Different podcast for more thought-provoking conversations. Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform and leave a review to support the show.

I interview Dr. Robert Masters, an acclaimed integral psychotherapist, psycho-spiritual guide, and author. Together, we explore the path to emotional embodiment and what it means to truly embrace all parts of ourselves, including the shadowy aspects we often avoid. Dr. Robert brings decades of experience to a conversation rich with insights about emotional intimacy, shadow work, the role of anger in masculinity, and the journey toward self-acceptance. From the warrior archetype to addiction, intimacy, and spirituality, this episode is a deep dive into becoming fully intimate with all that we are.Show Notes:Facing Early Life Conditioning and Personal Struggles:Dr. Masters reflects on his personal experiences with shame, anger, and the emotional wounds that shaped his early life.Craig and Robert discuss how facing these shadow aspects is key to understanding one’s true self and emotional landscape.The Power of Emotional Intimacy:Dr. Masters emphasizes the importance of becoming intimate with not just others but with all parts of ourselves—our joys, pains, and fears.He shares techniques for approaching our emotional worlds with openness and compassion, stressing the need for men to embrace vulnerability.The Warrior Archetype and Healthy Anger:The conversation explores the difference between healthy anger and destructive aggression.Dr. Masters delves into the warrior archetype and how connecting with this energy allows men to set healthy boundaries while remaining emotionally attuned.Addiction, Pornography, and Emotional Pain:Dr. Masters talks about addiction, particularly around pornography, and how it often stems from unresolved emotional wounds and a lack of true intimacy.Practical advice is offered for men seeking to break free from compulsive behaviors and move towards deeper emotional connection.Developing Emotional Literacy:Craig and Robert discuss the importance of men becoming more emotionally literate—learning to understand and express their emotions constructively.They explore how emotional literacy can improve relationships, especially intimate ones, and lead to more fulfilling lives.Spirituality and Embracing the Shadow:Dr. Masters shares the value of spirituality that embraces all aspects of the human experience, including our darker, shadowy parts.They discuss spiritual bypassing and the need for grounded, embodied spiritual practices that help us stay connected to our full selves.Final Thoughts and Upcoming Work:Dr. Masters previews his future projects, including work focused on elderhood and ongoing men’s emotional development.Craig and Robert wrap up with reflections on the ongoing journey of self-awareness, emotional intimacy, and shadow integration.Subscribe to the Dare to Be Different podcast on your preferred platform for more deep-dive conversations, and if you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review.

I sit down with Dr. Keith Witt, a licensed psychologist, teacher, and author with over 75,000 therapy sessions and eight published books. Dr. Witt, an expert in love, relationships, and personal development, unpacks what it means to be a man in today’s world. The discussion delves into self-love, the hero’s journey, and the transformative power of intimate relationships. Dr. Witt weaves together neuroscience, Integral theory, and wisdom from various forms of psychotherapy to offer practical insights and profound truths about the modern man’s path to emotional and psychological fulfillment. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about masculinity, emotional intelligence, and the importance of leading with an open heart.Show NotesCraig White introduces Dr. Keith Witt, emphasising his deep experience as a psychologist, teacher, and author of books like Loving Completely and Shadow Light.Defining Modern Masculinity:Dr. Witt explores the changing definition of what it means to be a man in today's world.The conversation touches on societal expectations versus the inner emotional world of men.The Hero’s Journey:Dr. Witt explains how the hero’s journey is relevant to the emotional and personal development of men.He emphasizes the importance of self-discovery and personal transformation as core components of this journey.Self-Love as a Foundation for Success:The discussion moves to self-love, highlighting how vital it is for men to cultivate a strong, loving relationship with themselves.Dr. Witt discusses how self-love influences leadership and personal relationships.The Power of Intimate Relationships:Dr. Witt explains how intimacy is a key area where men can experience profound transformation.He shares stories and insights on how being in deep, meaningful relationships helps men to grow emotionally and spiritually.Embracing Emotional Range:Dr. Witt and Craig talk about the importance of embracing a broad emotional range, from vulnerability to strength.They share insights on how men can better navigate their emotions to lead fulfilling lives.Shame and Growth:Dr. Witt dives into the role of shame in personal growth, explaining how confronting it leads to deeper understanding and healing.Building Lasting Connections:The episode discusses practical tools men can use to foster strong, intimate connections with others.Dr. Witt emphasizes the importance of being present in relationships, both with loved ones and within the self.Follow and Subscribe:Don’t forget to follow the Dare to Be Different podcast for more insightful discussions on personal growth.Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform and leave a review to support the show.