The Development by David Podcast David McIntosh Jr

Will Storr is a Journalist and Award-Winning Author of The Status Game, Selfie, The Heretics and the Science of Story Telling.



If you are low-status, you are more 4x more likely to die early. Status is proven to be more important than diet or exercise for health outcomes..



Status is not just a modern phenomenon; it's a fundamental part of the human experience, existing long before our current society. As writer Will Storr explains, the need for status and respect from others is not merely a luxury—it's an essential psychological and biological requirement for humans to thrive. He calls it the original currency.

Throughout history, status hierarchies have existed in animal societies, serving as a means to organise social life and prevent constant conflict. From our tribal ancestors to modern civilization, the desire for status has deeply shaped human behavior and social structures.

But despite its importance, the topic of status often makes people feel uneasy. While discussions about connection and belonging are more comfortable, status remains a somewhat taboo subject. It's this discomfort that has perhaps led to fewer books being written about this universal human drive.

However, Storr's work aims to shed light on this fundamental aspect of the human condition, unraveling its complexities and unveiling its significance in our lives.

Also, join us to hear about the psychology of cults, why architechts are the most illusive modern day cult, Will’s experience from going undercover following Neo-Nazi’s to understand the madness of groupthink and his experiences of David Irving the infamous holocaust denier.



Will’s books:
The Status Game: On Human Life and How to Play It

https://amzn.to/41R6rsL

Selfie: How the West Became Self-Obsessed

https://amzn.to/41cJ2BL

The Science of Storytelling: Why Stories Make Us Human, and How to Tell Them Better

https://amzn.to/3ohtxKo



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Jimmy Carr is an world-touring comedian, writer, author, TV host for shows including, ‘8 Out Of 10 Cats’, ‘Roast Battle’, and ‘Big Fat Quiz Of The Year’. He is a hero of mine.
For this episode, headed from Glasgow to London to have a conversation with the deepest thinker, hardest worker, and kindest soul in comedy.
Beyond the dark mask you've seen on stage and on TV, Jimmy's origin story is complex, and his thinking is philosophical. I was blown away by how he has turned his remarkable life story into a set of lessons for us all to take onward.
Despite how he presents himself, Jimmy’s story is one that begins as a working-class Irish immigrant in Slough and will inevitably end with him being cemented as a legend when his physical being is no longer around.
But, the path there has not always been as straightforward as it seems.
Jimmy shares with me the intimate details of grieving his mother, facing the wrath of public cancellation, and wrestling with dyslexia.
He also astounded me with novel ideas around comedy’s role in society, how to serve your future self, and the importance of experiential learning.
Filmed in the very basement where I first fell in love with stand-up, this episode is a full-circle moment. And with stunning cinematography by the talented Andres, it's a visual feast.
My sister and I used to watch Jimmy in our miserable tiny house in a council estate in Ayrshire, and now I had the opportunity to bring her to meet her hero too.
Jimmy was my gateway drug to comedy. And, as Jimmy professes, comedians are drug dealers.
But, the drug prescribed by Jimmy in this episode isn’t one of laughter (despite there being plenty) but a drug that allows you to become the future you, today.
You can become a Patreon here:
⁠https://www.patreon.com/developmentbydavid⁠
You can watch Jimmy’s new Netflix stand-up special, ’Jimmy Carr: Natural Born Killer’, out on the 16th April 2024.
You can purchase tickets for Jimmy’s brand-new international tour, ’Jimmy Carr: Laughs Funny’, here:
⁠https://bit.ly/49u9iex⁠
Follow Jimmy:
Twitter -
⁠https://bit.ly/4awtUEe⁠
Instagram -
⁠https://bit.ly/3PULKbt⁠
YouTube -
⁠https://bit.ly/3xrXsEc

Ruari Fairbairns is co-founder of One Year No Beer, a subscription-based platform promoting an alcohol-free lifestyle with over 100,000 global members.

Quickly, GET THIS EPISODE AND EVERY EPISODE EARLY BY SIGNING UP TO PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/developmentbydavid

This episode explores the gradual transformation of society's relationship with alcohol, highlighting the need for heightened awareness of its negative impacts on mind and body.

It delves into discussions on stress, trauma, ADHD, emotional sobriety, and the pivotal role of community in the transformative journey towards an alcohol-free lifestyle.

The insights stem from Ruari’s turbulent and emotionally challenging childhood on the Isle of Mull in Scotland whcih saw him attempt suicide as early as 14. Who would know a letter to Richard Branson, who he then later met in Barbados, would change and save his life.

This episode dives deep on the effects on alchohol and what it does to our body in mind. We expose the risks of casual drinking and show that alchohol by no means results in stress management.

We also talk about the sober curious lifestyle which acts as a far better way to to reap the rewards of a sober lifestyle without the need for abstinence. 94% of people surveyed want to have a better relationship with alcohol do not want to quit.

So, how do we have a more booze conscious culture. What are some of the low hanging fruits to reeping a time rich life in a time poor economy. How can you have a better relationship with your family, body and mind.

Join Ruari and I who will give you the tools you need.

Dr Meg Jay is back. Dr Meg Jay is a clinical psychologist, best-selling author and TED talk phenomenon.

Her new book "The Twenty Something Treatment" is a lifeline for a demographic who are struggling most with over diagnosis and over prescription.

Dive into the intricacies of the twentysomething experience with Dr. Meg Jay as she unpacks vital topics on mental health, relationships, and personal growth in this engaging podcast episode.

From the impact of societal causes on young minds to the challenges of navigating love and intimacy, Dr. Jay offers practical insights and strategies for thriving in the tumultuous journey of adulthood. Join me as I explore key questions surrounding identity, purpose, and emotional maturity, providing listeners with invaluable guidance for navigating life's complexities.

Send this to a 20-something year old or someone who is close to one!

If you enjoyed this follow me on Instagram and get in touch:

www.instagram.com/developmentbydavid

Buy Dr Meg Jays New Book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Twentysomething-Treatment-Revolutionary-Remedy-Uncertain/dp/1668012294

Tracy Garrad is CEO of Aviva Canada and has held CEO positions at HSBC, First Direct and AXA Health. She is a board member of Progress Together.



Tracy Garrad joins us to share her remarkable journey from a working-class upbringing in Blackpool to becoming a successful leader in the financial services industry. Tracy reflects on the lessons learned from caring for her siblings, the challenges she faced as a female leader, and the importance of diversity and inclusion in leadership.



She discusses the difference between leadership and management, her experiences with education, and the evolving landscape of the C-suite.



Tracy also delves into the role of transparent storytelling in leadership, the importance of mentorship, and the ongoing quest for work-life balance.

Jacob Hawley is a stand-up comedian, podcaster, football pundit and Arsenal fan. You might know him from Russell Howards Hour, True Geordie’s The Kick Off, BBC Sounds Jacob Hawley on Drugs or Talksport.

In a new age where opinions carry more weight than deeds, whose job is it to change the course of public thought toward a healthier society?

Comedians are under more pressure than ever to portray the role of modern day activists. We find comedians being cancelled as their jokes are being taking as beliefs and their characters being portrayed as villians.

We cover: Politics for idiots, feminism for lads, love stories for louts and self-care for those who don’t care.

In this episode, hear Jacob’s thoughts on:


The evolving role of comedians in shaping societal norms
Effective communication of ideologies across diverse demographics
Creating inclusive spaces for LGBTQ+ and non-gender-conforming individuals
The transformative power of comedy in sparking empathy and understanding
Aesthetics, Appearance and Stereotypes in Comedy

& Jacob’s new tour “Space” which covers the nuances of Gender Identity and how we can become a more compassionate society.

I am opening for Jacob on the Glasgow date of his tour and you can buy tickets here:

https://www.whatsonglasgow.co.uk/event/129914-jacob-hawley:-space/