The Friendship Blueprint: Lessons on Life and Business

Brotherhood, Business & Vulnerability: Kieran Hughes and Eugene Patterson on 18 Years of FriendshipVanessa Maria hosts “You’re Invited” with guests and best friends Kieran Hughes—founder of Trap House and 3QUENCY, a cultural agency that has worked with brands like Spotify and Dr. Martens—and Eugene Patterson, founder of Revibed Drinks sold in places like Holland & Barrett. They reflect on meeting in primary school in Erdington, how university and leaving Birmingham expanded their perspectives, and how building businesses has deepened their bond. The conversation centers on men’s vulnerability, safe spaces, panic attacks, breathwork, and the tension of societal expectations around masculinity, including the value of female friendships and learning across diverse cultures.00:00 - Intro, guest welcome and iconic best-friend introductions02:00 - How Kieran and Eugene first met - school days, green eyes and the rain story03:00 - From Birmingham to uni - how their friendship deepened through new environments06:00 - Male friendship, panic attacks and checking in beyond “I’m fine”07:00 - “Friendship is transactional” - what makes a relationship actually deep10:00 - Vulnerability, masculinity and why emotional safety between men matters13:00 - Being raised by women and how that shaped the way they relate to people16:00 - Fathers, survival mode and why this generation thinks differently about friendship24:00 - Bell Hooks, patriarchy and the mixed messages men are given26:00 - Nature or nurture - emotional intelligence, upbringing and why they feel ahead of the curve29:00 - Curiosity, open-mindedness and breaking out of the Birmingham bubble32:00 - Self-isolation, holding space and why people stay silent for too long35:00 - Talking about suicidal feelings, supportive parents and learning how to listen39:00 - What they thank each other for - brotherhood, belief and growing together42:00 - Final word challenge, Cannes memories and a warm closingVanessa 📩 Join the mailing list: https://vanessamaria.os.fan/mailing-list Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nessamariaw/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nessamariaw Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessamariawilson/ OFC, You're InvitedInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ofc.urinvited/