The Johnny Lawrence Podcast

Johnny Lawrence - The Self Development Coach

Welcome to The Johnny Lawrence Podcast — formerly, The Self-Development Podcast. This is a show about self-leadership and self-development. Each week, Johnny shares no-nonsense tools, insights, and stories to help you stop getting in your own way and start leading your life with purpose. You’ll also hear from experts in personal growth, science, and psychology who share what really works when it comes to change. If you want to build self-awareness, make better decisions, and take control of your future, this podcast is for you. New episodes every Wednesday.

  1. 21 HR AGO

    063. What Happens When You Stop Holding Emotions In (This Changed Everything for Me) | The Johnny Lawrence Podcast

    For years, I believed that crying made me weak. I told myself to hold it in. Stay strong. Keep moving. No matter what I felt, I buried it. And on the surface, it looked like strength… but underneath, it was doing damage I didn’t even realise. In this episode of The Johnny Lawrence Podcast, I talk about the truth I’ve learned: crying isn’t weakness, it’s biology. It’s one of the most natural and necessary ways our bodies process emotion, release stress, and reset. I break down what happens when we suppress our emotions, how it can impact our mental and physical health, and why learning to embrace vulnerability has become one of the strongest things I’ve ever done. This isn’t about losing control. This is about finally being honest with myself. If you’ve ever felt like you have to keep it together no matter what… this episode is for you. Takeaways 👉Crying is not a weakness—it’s a built-in emotional release system 👉Suppressing emotions doesn’t remove them; it stores them 👉What I avoid emotionally will eventually show up physically or mentally 👉Vulnerability is not exposure—it’s alignment with truth 👉Real strength is the ability to feel, process, and move forward 👉Giving myself permission to cry has improved my clarity, calm, and control SIGN UP TO MY NEWSLETTER HERE https://www.johnnylawrence.co.uk/newsletter  The Self M.A.D.E. Course https://www.johnnylawrence.co.uk/course  The Life Audit https://www.johnnylawrence.co.uk/free-life-audit?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGn5jLQDtnjpfU7ZmqOpL4m9jei6QSLSCXo-ONq6zWHrYe1gEKaAnpADw7KTc0_aem_Zu5YuXanGSwH2GJciM4DAQ#form  Website www.johnnylawrence.co.uk Johnny’s Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theselfdevelopmentcoach/?hl=en-gb  The Slavey of Addiction Documentary https://youtu.be/8j3Nq_lcFlY?si=6I0kXppX9prFFoin

    21 min
  2. 29 APR

    062. Why Men Struggle With Authenticity, Identity & Emotional Maturity with David Chambers | The Johnny Lawrence Podcast

    In this episode of The Johnny Lawrence Podcast, I’m joined by men’s coach David Chambers for a powerful and honest conversation about masculinity, identity, emotional intelligence, and authentic self-leadership. We dive deep into why so many men feel stuck between who they are and who they think they need to be—and how that gap leads to self-sabotage, emotional suppression, and disconnection in relationships. David shares his journey from identity conflict and performance to truth and authenticity, breaking down how men can stop performing and start living in alignment with who they really are. This is not surface-level self-development—this is a raw, honest look at what it actually takes to grow as a man in today’s world. If you’re serious about personal development, emotional intelligence, masculinity, and becoming a stronger, more grounded man, this episode is for you. Takeaways 👉Authenticity isn’t about expression—it’s about alignment 👉Many men are performing a version of themselves to gain approval 👉Emotional expression without control is not emotional maturity 👉Suppressing emotions and over-expressing them are two sides of the same problem 👉Your childhood (especially your father relationship) shapes your adult behaviour 👉Self-sabotage is often rooted in the need for validation and acceptance 👉Awareness gives you choice—but responsibility creates change 👉Men often wait for pain before they finally decide to grow 👉Anger is often a secondary emotion masking fear, insecurity, or hurt 👉Real self-leadership comes from owning your patterns and changing them David’s Website https://www.theauthenticman.net/  David’s Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theauthenticman_/  SIGN UP TO MY NEWSLETTER HERE https://www.johnnylawrence.co.uk/newsletter  The Self M.A.D.E. Course https://www.johnnylawrence.co.uk/course  The Life Audit https://www.johnnylawrence.co.uk/free-life-audit?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGn5jLQDtnjpfU7ZmqOpL4m9jei6QSLSCXo-ONq6zWHrYe1gEKaAnpADw7KTc0_aem_Zu5YuXanGSwH2GJciM4DAQ#form  Website www.johnnylawrence.co.uk Johnny’s Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theselfdevelopmentcoach/?hl=en-gb  The Slavey of Addiction Documentary https://youtu.be/8j3Nq_lcFlY?si=6I0kXppX9prFFoin

    1hr 3min
  3. 22 APR

    061. Why You’re Stuck in Life (And the ‘Boss Levels’ You Must Defeat to Grow) | The Johnny Lawrence

    In this episode, I open up about my personal journey through childhood trauma, addiction, and the path into self-development. I share the mindset shifts that helped me rebuild my life and why I believe perspective is everything when it comes to resilience. I introduce my concept of the Developing Stairway, a model I use to understand growth and the challenges we all face. Along the way, I talk about the “boss battles” I’ve had to confront, those internal and external obstacles that kept me stuck, repeating patterns, and playing small. If you’ve ever felt held back by your past, struggled with self-doubt, or questioned your direction, this episode is me showing you what it really takes to move forward. I also give you a glimpse into my upcoming book and the deeper mission behind the work I do in self-leadership and emotional awareness. Takeaways 👉Why my past didn’t define me—but my perspective did 👉What I learned about childhood trauma and its lasting impact 👉How I use the “Developing Stairway” in my own life 👉The personal “boss battles” I had to overcome 👉How I broke free from self-sabotage patterns 👉Why resilience became my foundation for growth 👉How I stepped into self-leadership and ownership 👉What I’m building next with my upcoming book SIGN UP TO MY NEWSLETTER HERE https://www.johnnylawrence.co.uk/newsletter  The Self M.A.D.E. Course https://www.johnnylawrence.co.uk/course  The Self M.A.D.E. Life Audit https://www.johnnylawrence.co.uk/self-made-lifeau  Website www.johnnylawrence.co.uk Johnny’s Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theselfdevelopmentcoach/?hl=en-gb  The Slavey of Addiction Documentary https://youtu.be/8j3Nq_lcFlY?si=6I0kXppX9prFFoin

    23 min
  4. 15 APR

    060. Five Things That Changed My Clients Life | The Johnny Lawrence Podcast

    What does real personal growth actually look like? In this episode, I share powerful lessons inspired by a client’s coaching journey, including why your thoughts aren’t facts, why progress is never linear, and how your identity, environment, and support system shape your results. If you’ve ever felt stuck, frustrated, or like your growth “should” look better than it does, this episode will help you understand change in a more honest and empowering way. Takeaways 👉Thoughts are not facts; they are something you can observe 👉Progress is messy, emotional, and often non-linear 👉Setbacks and plateaus are part of growth, not proof of failure 👉Your environment is either supporting your growth or sabotaging it 👉Identity drives behaviour more than motivation ever will 👉A great coach helps you eventually trust yourself without them 👉Creating space between you and your thoughts gives you more choice 👉Personal development becomes sustainable when your life supports it  SIGN UP TO MY NEWSLETTER HERE https://www.johnnylawrence.co.uk/newsletter  The Self M.A.D.E. Course https://www.johnnylawrence.co.uk/course  The Self M.A.D.E. Life Audit https://www.johnnylawrence.co.uk/self-made-lifeau  Website www.johnnylawrence.co.uk Johnny’s Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theselfdevelopmentcoach/?hl=en-gb  The Slavey of Addiction Documentary https://youtu.be/8j3Nq_lcFlY?si=6I0kXppX9prFFoin

    21 min
  5. 8 APR

    059. Why Boredom Might Be the Key to Personal Growth | The Johnny Lawrence Podcast

    What if boredom isn’t the problem… but the answer? In Episode 59 of The Johnny Lawrence Podcast, Johnny Lawrence explores the hidden power of boredom and why so many people struggle to sit with stillness, silence, and space. This episode looks at how boredom can become a powerful tool for self-awareness, creativity, emotional resilience, and personal growth, if you stop trying to escape it. Johnny breaks down why boredom feels so uncomfortable, what it might be revealing about your inner world, and how learning to tolerate stillness can help you grow mentally, emotionally, and creatively. Topics include: boredom, self-awareness, creativity, emotional resilience, stillness, personal growth, mindset, and self-development. If you constantly need distraction, stimulation, or noise, this episode is for you. Takeaways 👉What boredom really is and why we avoid it 👉How boredom can increase self-awareness 👉The link between boredom, self-control, and emotional resilience 👉Why stillness can feel so uncomfortable 👉How boredom creates space for creativity and new ideas 👉Practical ways to build tolerance for silence and stillness 👉Why boredom may be the reset your mind actually needs SIGN UP TO MY NEWSLETTER HERE https://www.johnnylawrence.co.uk/newsletter  The Self M.A.D.E. Course https://www.johnnylawrence.co.uk/course  The Self M.A.D.E. Life Audit https://www.johnnylawrence.co.uk/self-made-lifeau  Website www.johnnylawrence.co.uk Johnny’s Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theselfdevelopmentcoach/?hl=en-gb  The Slavey of Addiction Documentary https://youtu.be/8j3Nq_lcFlY?si=6I0kXppX9prFFoin

    35 min
  6. 25 MAR

    057. How To Get Your S**t Together with Sara McCarthy | The Johnny Lawrence Podcast

    In this engaging conversation, Sara McCarthy and I explore themes of authenticity, self-discovery, and the complexities of personal growth. We discuss the importance of self-compassion, the dangers of idolization, and the impact of shame on identity. Sara shares her journey of becoming her true self, emphasising the need for honesty and accountability in personal development. The conversation highlights the significance of navigating relationships, the role of failure in growth, and the necessity of building self-trust. Ultimately, they encourage listeners to embrace their humanity and recognise that they are not as lost as they may feel. Takeaways 👉 Authenticity is crucial in helping others. 👉 Self-discovery is a journey that requires honesty. 👉 People often project their insecurities onto others. 👉 Self-compassion is different from self-abandonment. 👉 Failure is a necessary part of growth. 👉 The fear of exposure can hinder personal development. 👉 Perfection is an illusion that creates pressure. 👉 Feedback is essential for improvement. 👉 We are all just kids trying to navigate adulthood. 👉 You are not as lost as you think you are. Sara’s Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coachedbysaz/?hl=en  Sara’s Website https://www.coachedbysaz.com/  SIGN UP TO MY NEWSLETTER HERE https://www.johnnylawrence.co.uk/newsletter  The Self M.A.D.E. Course https://www.johnnylawrence.co.uk/course  The Self M.A.D.E. Life Audit https://www.johnnylawrence.co.uk/self-made-lifeau  Website www.johnnylawrence.co.uk Johnny’s Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theselfdevelopmentcoach/?hl=en-gb  The Slavey of Addiction Documentary https://youtu.be/8j3Nq_lcFlY?si=6I0kXppX9prFFoin

    56 min
  7. 18 MAR

    056. How to Change Your Habits by Becoming Who You Want to Be | The Johnny Lawrence Podcast

    Why do so many people struggle to change behaviours they know aren’t good for them? Often, we focus on stopping the behaviour, but we don’t replace what it gave us. That leaves a void, and when that void isn’t filled, it can pull us straight back into old patterns. In this episode, I introduce The M.A.D.E. Model, a self-leadership framework I created through my own journey of overcoming a problematic relationship with alcohol. Instead of focusing on what you’re trying to stop, the M.A.D.E. Model helps you focus on who you want to become through four pillars: Morals, Ambitions, Drivers, and Environments. This episode will help you lead yourself away from behaviours that hold you back and towards the person you want to become. Takeaways 👉 Stopping a behaviour isn’t enough; removing a habit without replacing it creates a void. 👉 Focus on who you want to become; identity drives lasting behaviour change. 👉 Morals create alignment; your values guide better decisions. 👉 Ambitions and drivers create direction; knowing what you want and why keeps you moving forward. 👉 Environment shapes behaviour; design your surroundings to support the person you’re becoming. SIGN UP TO MY NEWSLETTER HERE https://www.johnnylawrence.co.uk/newsletter  The Self M.A.D.E. Course https://www.johnnylawrence.co.uk/course  The Self M.A.D.E. Life Audit https://www.johnnylawrence.co.uk/self-made-lifeau  Website www.johnnylawrence.co.uk Johnny’s Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theselfdevelopmentcoach/?hl=en-gb  The Slavey of Addiction Documentary https://youtu.be/8j3Nq_lcFlY?si=6I0kXppX9prFFoin

    27 min

About

Welcome to The Johnny Lawrence Podcast — formerly, The Self-Development Podcast. This is a show about self-leadership and self-development. Each week, Johnny shares no-nonsense tools, insights, and stories to help you stop getting in your own way and start leading your life with purpose. You’ll also hear from experts in personal growth, science, and psychology who share what really works when it comes to change. If you want to build self-awareness, make better decisions, and take control of your future, this podcast is for you. New episodes every Wednesday.

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