Richard Hammond, a former presenter on BBC’s Top Gear, suffered a near-fatal car crash in 2006 that left him with a serious brain injury. As a result, he experienced bouts of severe depression and is now focused on encouraging men to talk openly about their emotions. With his daughter Izzy, he has launched a podcast called Who We Are Now, aimed at helping men open up and potentially save lives. Richard, 54, wanted to create a platform to discuss emotional issues, utilizing the different perspectives of a middle-aged man and a 23-year-old woman.
In an interview, Richard and Izzy discuss their close father-daughter relationship and the importance of open communication within their family. They talk about their podcast being a way for men to address difficult topics that are often challenging to discuss. Richard’s own experiences with brain injury and depression serve as an inspiration for the podcast, as he believes sharing his story publicly has removed any stigma associated with discussing emotions. Izzy has been a significant source of support for Richard throughout his journey of recovery, highlighting the importance of having someone to lean on during tough times.
Reflecting on his time on Top Gear, Richard acknowledges both the positives and negatives of the show, including the crash that changed his life. Despite the challenges he faced, he expresses gratitude for the opportunities the show provided that ultimately led him to meet his wife Mindy and start a family. When discussing Freddie Flintoff’s recent accident on the show, Richard emphasizes the need for privacy and respect during the recovery process. He expresses a desire to reach out to Freddie but understands the need for space and focus on recovery.
Through their podcast, Richard and Izzy aim to make a positive impact and potentially save lives by encouraging men to talk about their mental health. They believe that even if their podcast helps just one person feel less alone, it would be a significant accomplishment. The response they have received so far has been overwhelmingly positive, demonstrating the importance of creating a safe space for men to open up. Despite the serious nature of the podcast’s topics, Richard and Izzy strive to maintain a light-hearted and relatable approach to discussing emotions and mental health.
Growing up with a famous father, Izzy shares her unique perspective on Richard’s work and the impact it had on their family life. She discusses the challenges of navigating her dad’s career while also finding her own path. Izzy’s interest in broadcasting is nurtured by her parents’ belief in working hard to pursue her dreams. As they continue their podcasting journey, Richard and Izzy hope to inspire listeners to have meaningful conversations and seek help when needed. Their goal is to create a supportive community where talking about emotions is normalized and encouraged.
