100th episode celebration: a night of reflection, gratitude, and a new vision of success
14th February 2025
Author EditorPosted on Categories Networking & Events
By Sam Thomas, Founder of the Different Hats podcast.
On Monday, February 3 I hosted a private screening of the 100th episode of my podcast and it felt like stepping into a realm of pure magic — an evening where gratitude flowed as freely as the stories, and an overwhelming sense of possibility rippled through the crowd. It was the day after my 46th birthday, and I couldn’t have asked for a more precious gift than everyone’s time and presence on a chilly February night. Every moment was infused with warmth and purpose, reminding me why I started this journey in the first place: to help the world see success differently.
I’ve always been fascinated — and a bit bothered — by the way ‘success’ is traditionally defined. Crack open a dictionary and you’ll see something along the lines of: “The attainment of wealth, fame, or social status.” This limited view can become a destructive force. Nearly 60 percent of all suicides are linked to financial or economic pressures, and 75 percent of those who take their own lives are men. In the UK alone, 84 men die by suicide each week. These are heartbreaking statistics that point to a society weighed down by rigid expectations — where your worth is measured by your bank balance or your job title, and anything less is deemed failure.
Standing in front of everyone that evening, sharing the episode, I felt an urgent need to open our collective eyes to a broader, kinder way of measuring success. Imagine a world where we celebrate authenticity, connection, generosity, and love as benchmarks of achievement. Where success is not just about how much you earn, but how deeply you’ve loved, how bravely you’ve lived, and how compassionately you’ve helped others. The conversations in that room, the energy that filled every corner, made me believe that we can turn this vision into reality if we’re willing to champion it together.
The Q&A after the screening captured so many of these themes. A huge thank you to Lyndsey Clay for hosting and guiding our discussion with wisdom and warmth, and to the wonderful voices like Robert Starr, Emma Draper, Gary Peters, and Gavin Willis who chimed in with insight and encouragement. Their words reminded me that we’re not just passively watching a podcast; we’re co-creators of a movement that asks: How do you define success?
For everyone who joined me, whether in person or in spirit, I want to say how deeply grateful I am. The team that helped make the 100th episode possible deserves a standing ovation. Thank you to our creative minds — Jamarl, Billy, Kevan Smith, and the visionary camerawork of Howie McConnell for capturing the soul of the night in the video. Huge appreciation goes out to Gareth and Mary Kemp for their contributions behind the scenes. And to Lisa Clayton and the entire Iron Works Studio team — your venue and hospitality made this event shine.
This journey wouldn’t be what it is without our incredible sponsors. Gavin Willis and the Search Seven team, your headlining sponsorship truly elevated the evening. Thank you to Nostos Hove, Plus X Innovation and Rivervale for believing in this podcast’s purpose. I also want to recognize Martin Leppard and H2 Productions Limited for their tireless commitment to producing each episode with excellence and heart. And to George from Zero to Sixty Creative for our brilliant new website, plus BranDad Bill Wallsgrove for our brand identity, and Terry Bower from Inside Stories for coining the ‘Different Hats’ name that has come to represent so many layers of this adventure.
Since that night, one of the most meaningful moments for me was hearing people talk about how the episode challenged their personal definition of success. That is exactly what this mission is all about. If, after watching or listening, you found yourself questioning old narratives — maybe reflecting on your relationships, passions, or those small pockets of joy — then I know we’re on the right track. The power lies in sharing. So I invite you to write down your definition of success, share it with a friend, post it online, or send it to me. Every time we speak our truth, we push back against a society that tries to measure us by numbers or titles.
The website for the podcast is now live, and I encourage everyone to explore it, subscribe to the newsletter and follow the YouTube channel. Together, we can amplify stories that break free from limiting labels. We can champion people who have found fulfilment in ways that may not fit the classic checklist but offer far deeper satisfaction.
As I woke up the following morning, my heart was practically overflowing. The 100th episode event wasn’t just a milestone — it felt like a new beginning. You have all given me the confidence to push forward, to keep asking the hard questions, to keep sharing honest conversations about life’s wins and challenges. We have the power to rewrite the story of success, to turn it into something inclusive, compassionate and reflective of our true selves.
This is only the start of the journey. In the coming weeks and months, I’ll be bringing on more guests to share their unvarnished paths, each one a different lens through which we can see success. I hope you’ll walk alongside me, staying curious and open, ready to be inspired and to inspire others in return.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you to each and every person who has been part of this mission so far. Let’s continue this quest — together — to help the world see success differently. And if this event has sparked any new insights for you, please reach out and share. After all, real success flourishes in community, where we lift each other up and embrace the beauty of our shared humanity.