S.1 Ep#7 - Peter's Story: Public Success & Private Grief. 

** Warning, this episode contains details of suicide that some listeners may find distressing **

Guest: Peter Cowley, Entrepreneur & Celebrated Angel Investor. 

• In this deeply moving episode of Tuning Inwards, host Stuart Lee welcomes Peter Cowley, an accomplished entrepreneur and author, to share his journey through public success and private grief.

Our conversation covers:

Understanding Mental Health

• Peter discusses the spectrum of mental health, highlighting that everyone experiences it in various forms and that early intervention is crucial.
• He emphasizes the need for tools and practices that can help individuals manage their mental health before reaching a crisis point.

Peter's Journey

• With over 40 years of experience, Peter has founded 14 companies and invested in 76 startups, navigating both successes and failures.
• He candidly shares the impact of personal tragedies, including alcoholism, the loss of his brother and two sons, and how these experiences shaped his understanding of grief and resilience.

Coping with Grief

• Peter reflects on his coping mechanisms, including the importance of distraction and self-reflection during his grieving process.
• He discusses the role of counseling and the significance of sharing one’s story to foster healing and connection with others.

The Mind-Body Connection

• The episode delves into the psychosomatic relationship between thoughts, emotions, and physical health, with Peter sharing his insights on how unresolved emotions can manifest physically.
• Stuart and Peter discuss the societal challenges of processing emotions and the need for a holistic approach to health.

Public Success, Private Grief

• Peter introduces his memoir, "Public Success, Private Grief," which offers a vulnerable look at his life and the lessons learned from his experiences.
• He encourages listeners to read the book not just for its content but for the potential impact it can have on their own lives and mental health.

Community and Support

• Throughout the episode, Peter highlights the importance of community support and the power of shared experiences in overcoming adversity, especially within his time at AA meetings. 
• He shares how his openness about his health journey has fostered connections and inspired others, despite the risks to his personal brand.

My final thoughts:

• This episode is a poignant reminder of the complexities of mental health and the importance of vulnerability in healing.
• Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own journeys and consider how they can support themselves and others in navigating life's challenges.

Join us for this both humbling and enlightening conversation that not only sheds light on the struggles of mental health but also offers hope and inspiration for those seeking to understand their own experiences.


Find out more about Peter here on his Website:https://www.petercowley.org/

His Book - Public Success & Private Grief: https://www.ps-pg.com/


Please note, this podcast is not intended as medical advice. If you're struggling with your mental, physical or emotional health, please reach out to your doctor or mental health professional for support and guidance tailored for you.