Episode 21: Simon Woodroffe – From Boarding School bullying to Yo! Sushi Empire

Simon Woodroffe talks about being badly abused at boarding school aged 7. How self-esteem, anger, and false bravado led to drink, drugs, and loneliness. Recovery via 12-step groups. Hope! Stage design, success, and resilience.

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Description

At seven, he was sent away to boarding school, where abuse, fear, and loneliness shaped his early years. By his thirties, Simon Woodroffe masked the pain with bravado, drink, drugs, and a fast life that landed him briefly behind bars. But his story doesn’t end there.

From rock-bottom to rock stages—designing for George Michael, Fleetwood Mac, and Rod Stewart—Simon turned his life around through 12-Step recovery, self-help, and a belief in pushing boundaries. He became a TV dragon on Dragon’s Den, launched the Yo! Sushi empire and is a relentless champion of stepping outside your comfort zone.

Generous, courageous, and always shooting straight from the hip—practical, fearless, and undeniably inspirational.

Life Jackets

Lifejackets in this podcast refer to the personal tools and rituals that keep us afloat in the waves of life. Whether it’s a film, tv show, music, a favourite book, a crossword puzzle, or the steady presence of a dog, these are the things that keep us afloat. Everyone needs their own lifejackets—small but essential things that help us stay sane in an insane world.

Write up your Life Jackets in comments below
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