The Struggle

Gregor S Thomson
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Find meaning and purpose through the art of struggle with philosopher and writer Gregor S Thomson. Through posing fundamental questions, this podcast guides the listener to discover who they are, where they are unnecessarily struggling and where they could embrace struggling more in order to live a healthy and productive life.

  1. VOR 11 STD.

    #76 - My Honest Thoughts on Louis Theroux’s Manosphere Documentary

    Louis Theroux’s new documentary Inside the Manosphere has sparked huge debate — but I think it reveals something much bigger about masculinity, social media, and the crisis facing young men. In this episode of The Struggle, I give my honest reaction to the Netflix documentary, discussing figures like Myron Gaines, the rise of manosphere influencers, and the deeper cultural forces behind the phenomenon. While the rhetoric in the documentary is often disturbing and misogynistic, the wider issue is far more complex. Why are young men drawn to this content? What role do social media algorithms play? And why does the conversation around men’s issues so often become polarised? This episode explores: • Louis Theroux’s Inside the Manosphere • The rise of manosphere influencers • Myron Gaines and Fresh & Fit • Why young men are drawn to this content • The impact on relationships and society • Why the conversation around masculinity has become so polarised This is an unscripted reaction episode discussing statements made in the documentary and exploring the wider cultural conversation around masculinity, social media, and identity. 🎙 Subscribe for weekly conversations on psychology, philosophy, and the struggle to live a meaningful life. Thumbnail image: promotional image from Inside the Manosphere (Netflix). — #manosphere #louisstheroux #masculinity #podcast #psychology 📱 Get In Touch Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/gregorsthomson/ Tiktok -https://www.tiktok.com/@gregor.s.thomson?_t=8ioMNLUnA25&_r=1 Email - gregor@gregorthomson.com

    32 Min.

  2. VOR 1 TAG

    #77 -How John McClarey Got on Dragon’s Den | Building a Business, Productivity & Pressure

    John McClarey joins me on Episode 77 of The Struggle to talk about building Business Fives from scratch, what it really takes to grow a business over years, and what happened behind the scenes before stepping into Dragon’s Den. We talk about: how he started the business in 2016 taking action before things feel perfect productivity, prioritisation, and focus time the 1-2-3 / 1-3-5 framework Getting Things Done and the 2-minute rule the full Dragon’s Den application and pitch process public speaking, preparation, and pressure motivation vs dedication meditation, journaling, breathwork, and morning routines and entrepreneurship is actually like behind the scenes. If you’re interested in entrepreneurship, self-development, productivity, mindset, Dragon’s Den, or building something meaningful, this episode is for you. Guest: John McClareyPodcast: The Struggle with Gregor Thomson Subscribe for more conversations on psychology, philosophy, ambition, discipline, freedom, and building a meaningful life. #DragonsDen #Entrepreneurship #Productivity #BusinessPodcast #SelfDevelopment References mentioned in this episode The Lean Startup — Eric Ries Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less — Greg McKeown Getting Things Done / GTD — David Allen The Miracle Morning — Hal Elrod Miracle Morning Millionaires — Hal Elrod, David Osborn, Honoree Corder Tools of Titans — Tim Ferriss Insight Timer — meditation app mentioned by John McClarey Dragon’s Den — BBC television series Business Fives — John McClarey’s business 📺 Watch The Struggle YouTube - https://youtube.com/@GregorSThomson?si=wTfFwPVYKhJxKAsD 📱 Get In Touch Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/gregorsthomson/ Tiktok -https://www.tiktok.com/@gregor.s.thomson?_t=8ioMNLUnA25&_r=1 Email - gregor@gregorthomson.com

    59 Min.

  3. 1. MÄRZ

    #75 -Stoicism & Wellness: Why Self-Improvement Feels Miserable | Brigid Delaney

    Is the wellness industry replacing religion? And is our obsession with self-improvement actually making us more anxious? In Episode 75 of The Struggle Podcast, author and journalist Brigid Delaney joins Gregor Thomson to explore Stoicism, ambition, journaling, alcohol, modern anxiety, and what she calls the “freedom fallacy” — the belief that peace and happiness only arrive once we succeed. We discuss: • Why Stoicism is misunderstood as emotionless or masculine • How the wellness industry became a new form of spirituality • The danger of ambition and hustle culture • Why moderation beats extreme self-discipline • Alcohol, connection, and social health • Journaling as a Stoic practice • Why freedom and success never feel as good as we expect • How ancient philosophy applies to modern burnout Brigid explains how Stoicism helped reshape her life after exploring the trillion-dollar wellness industry — and why philosophy should be a “street practice” for everyone, not just academics. This episode is for anyone struggling with: • Anxiety and overthinking • Burnout and ambition • Self-help overload • Feeling stuck in the future instead of living now 🎧 Listen if you’re interested in Stoicism, philosophy, psychology, wellness culture, journaling, or living a meaningful life. ⸻ About The Struggle Podcast: The Struggle explores psychology, philosophy, and modern life — honest conversations about ambition, suffering, freedom, and what it really means to live well. 👍 Like 💬 Comment 🔔 Subscribe for weekly episodes 📺 Watch The Struggle YouTube - https://youtube.com/@GregorSThomson?si=wTfFwPVYKhJxKAsD 📱 Get In Touch Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/gregorsthomson/ Tiktok -https://www.tiktok.com/@gregor.s.thomson?_t=8ioMNLUnA25&_r=1 Email - gregor@gregorthomson.com Books & Thinkers Mentioned Marcus Aurelius – Meditations Seneca – Letters from a Stoic Epictetus – Enchiridion Brigid Delaney – Reasons Not to Worry, Wellmania, The Seeker and the Sage Donna Zuckerberg – Not All Dead White Men David Foster Wallace – This Is Water Oliver Burkeman – Four Thousand Weeks

    1 Std. 21 Min.

  4. 1. FEB.

    #74 - The Freedom Fallacy: Why Chasing Freedom Is Making You Miserable

    Most of us feel trapped between two voices: One telling us to work harder, achieve more, and sacrifice now… And another telling us to slow down and enjoy life before it’s too late. In this episode of The Struggle podcast, I explore what I call The Freedom Fallacy — the belief that freedom only exists in the future once success is achieved. This episode breaks down: • What the Freedom Fallacy really is • Why it appears in the “messy middle” of any ambitious project • The psychological cost of postponing life • How to struggle toward freedom without burning out • Why presence, joy, and rest are not distractions but part of the journey This is not a productivity hack. It’s a lens for living. If you’re working hard for a better future but feel like you’re missing your life right now, this episode is for you. ⸻ 🎧 Topics covered: Freedom vs struggle Burnout and regret Delayed gratification Meaning and purpose Ambition and presence Psychology of motivation If this resonated with you, subscribe for weekly episodes exploring psychology, philosophy, and the struggle for a meaningful life. “The answer lies in the struggle.” Conceptual influences (not quoted): • Viktor Frankl – Man’s Search for Meaning (meaning through struggle) • Friedrich Nietzsche – “He who has a why…” • Carl Jung – individuation and psychological tension • Cal Newport – Deep Work / burnout & meaningful effort • Oliver Burkeman – Four Thousand Weeks (time and life balance) • Zach Talender – “Space Cadet” metaphor (credit clearly as inspiration) • Self-determination theory (Deci & Ryan) –autonomy, competence, relatedness 📺 Watch The Struggle YouTube - https://youtube.com/@GregorSThomson?si=wTfFwPVYKhJxKAsD 📱 Get In Touch Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/gregorsthomson/ Tiktok -https://www.tiktok.com/@gregor.s.thomson?_t=8ioMNLUnA25&_r=1 Email - gregor@gregorthomson.com

    10 Min.

  5. 18. JAN.

    #73 - Your To-Do List Is Causing Burnout (Do This Instead)

    Feeling overwhelmed by your to-do list? If productivity keeps leading to burnout, guilt, and never feeling like you’ve done enough — this episode will change how you plan your day. In Episode 73 of The Struggle, I break down a self-compassionate productivity framework that replaces shame, overworking, and endless task lists with clarity, sustainability, and calm — without sacrificing progress. You’ll learn:  • Why “doing more” actually causes burnout  • How guilt and shame sabotage productivity  • A simple daily framework to reduce overwhelm  • How to know when to rest and when to push  • Why discipline without self-awareness leads to collapse This episode is for you if:  • You feel like a failure at the end of most days  • You’re exhausted by self-improvement culture  • Rest feels unproductive or undeserved  • You want consistency without burnout This isn’t about doing less — it’s about doing what matters, in alignment with how you actually feel. 📌 Subscribe or follow for grounded, evidence-based conversations on productivity, self-compassion, psychology, and meaning. The answer lies in the struggle — so keep on struggling. This episode reflects personal experience and interpretation of existing research and literature and is not intended as medical advice. References McKeown, G. (2014). Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less. Crown Business. 📺 Watch The Struggle YouTube - https://youtube.com/@GregorSThomson?si=wTfFwPVYKhJxKAsD 📱 Get In Touch Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/gregorsthomson/ Tiktok -https://www.tiktok.com/@gregor.s.thomson?_t=8ioMNLUnA25&_r=1 Email - gregor@gregorthomson.com

    14 Min.

  6. 4. JAN.

    #72 - ADHD: Disability or Superpower? Professor James Brown Explains the Truth

    In Episode 72 of The Struggle, I sit down with ADHD expert Professor James Brown to explore the complex realities of ADHD. Is it a disability, a superpower, or simply a different way of thinking? We dive into the science, lived experiences, and strategies for managing ADHD effectively. We discuss: • How ADHD affects motivation, focus, and reward pathways • Differences in ADHD presentation between men and women • The hereditary and environmental factors behind ADHD • The impact of modern life and social media on ADHD • Practical insights for living with ADHD and accepting yourself Whether you suspect you have ADHD, are a parent, or just want to understand the condition better, this episode is packed with evidence-based insights and personal experiences. 🔔 Subscribe for weekly discussions on psychology, philosophy, and life strategies: @GregorSThomson ⸻ 📱Get In Touch Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/gregorsthomson/ Tiktok -https://www.tiktok.com/@gregor.s.thomson?_t=8ioMNLUnA25&_r=1 Email - gregor@gregorthomson.com 📺 Watch The Struggle YouTube - https://youtube.com/@GregorSThomson?si=wTfFwPVYKhJxKAsD Reference List 1. American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing. 2. Barkley, R. A. (2015). Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Handbook for Diagnosis and Treatment (4th ed.). New York, NY: Guilford Press. 3. Brown, T. E. (2020). A New Understanding of ADHD in Children and Adults. Routledge. 4. Castellanos, F. X., & Tannock, R. (2002). Neuroscience of ADHD. Current Opinion in Neurobiology, 12(2), 157–162. 5. Faraone, S. V., Larsson, H. (2019). Genetics of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Molecular Psychiatry, 24, 562–575. 6. Ginsberg, Y., Quintero, J., Anand, E., Casillas, M., & Upadhyaya, H. P. (2014). Underdiagnosis of ADHD in Adults. Postgraduate Medicine, 126(5), 108–122. 7. Hartmann, T. (1993). Attention Deficit Disorder: A Different Perception. Underwood Books. 8. Mate, G. (2010). Scattered Minds: The Origins and Healing of Attention Deficit Disorder. Vintage Canada. 9. Nigg, J. T. (2017). Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Adverse Environments: Implications for Genetic Research. Development and Psychopathology, 29(4), 1527–1545. 10. New Scientist. (2023). “Understanding ADHD in Adults.” [Article]. New Scientist. 11. Shaw, P., et al. (2012). Developmental Neuroimaging of ADHD. American Journal of Psychiatry, 169(9), 919–926. 12. Volkow, N. D., Wang, G.-J., Fowler, J. S., & Telang, F. (2009). ADHD: Reward Deficiency Syndrome. Biological Psychiatry, 65(10), 859–866. 13. Wilens, T. E., & Spencer, T. J. (2010). Understanding ADHD in Adults. Harvard Review of Psychiatry, 18(6), 291–303. 14. Zentall, S. S. (2005). Theory- and Evidence-Based Strategies for ADHD Management. School Psychology Review, 34(3), 377–402. 15. TikTok Studies: Chiu, K. et al. (2023). Misleading ADHD Content on TikTok. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 25(8), e51234.

    1 Std. 1 Min.

  7. 07.12.2025

    #71 - The Quote That Explains Why Life Feels Unbearable (And How to Finally Live)

    In Episode 71 of The Struggle, we dive into one of the most powerful ideas I’ve ever come across — a 13-word quote by Zen teacher Charlotte Joko Beck: “What makes it unbearable is your mistaken belief that it can be cured.” This single line might explain why you feel unhappy, unsatisfied, or constantly searching for meaning. In Buddhism, suffering isn’t something to escape — it’s something to see clearly. In this episode, we explore: • why we suffer more in our minds than in reality • the Zen story of the student under the cold waterfall • why trying to “cure” life makes life worse • the illusion that the future will save us • how material possessions and achievements trap us • why accepting suffering is the beginning of freedom • how focus creates your emotional reality • why the present becomes unbearable when we worship the future Life isn’t a problem to be fixed, and there is no magic cure coming later. But accepting that truth is where peace actually begins. If episodes like this help you think differently about your life, subscribe. This journey is only just beginning. References 1. Charlotte Joko Beck Beck, C. J. (1990). Everyday Zen: Love and Work. HarperCollins. — Source of the quote: “What makes it unbearable is your mistaken belief that it can be cured.” (This is the most accurate traceable source of her teachings.) 2. Buddhism – Foundational Teachings on Suffering (Dukkha) Rahula, W. (1974). What the Buddha Taught. Grove Press. — Overview of the Four Noble Truths and the nature of suffering. Harvey, P. (2013). An Introduction to Buddhism: Teachings, History and Practices. Cambridge University Press. — Scholarly explanation of suffering, attachment, and perception. 3. Zen Buddhism – Mindfulness, Perception, and Direct Experience Kapleau, P. (1980). The Three Pillars of Zen. Anchor Books. — Discusses direct awareness, discomfort, and perception. Shunryu Suzuki (1970). Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind. Weatherhill. — Explores non-judgment, direct experience, and acceptance. 4. Zen Teaching Story (Student Under the Cold Waterfall) This story is a widely taught Zen parable. A commonly cited retelling is in: Osho (2001). Zen: Its History and Teachings and Impact on Humanity. Watkins Publishing. — Contains multiple Zen training stories, including endurance teachings similar to the waterfall anecdote. This is a classic Zen teaching story passed down through various teachers and retold in multiple sources. 5. Einstein Quote (Insanity Definition) Although widely attributed to Albert Einstein, the origin is disputed. The earliest documented appearance is: Narcotics Anonymous (1981). Narcotics Anonymous (1st ed.). — The line appears here, not in Einstein’s writings. 6. Tony Robbins Exercise (Focus On Color Prompt) Robbins, T. (1991). Awaken the Giant Within. Free Press. — Robbins uses variations of the “look for brown, now recall gold” focus/perception exercise in his seminars and books. 7. Hedonic Adaptation / The “New Car” Emptiness Problem Brickman, P., & Campbell, D. T. (1971). Hedonic Relativism and Planning the Good Society. — Foundational research on why achievements and purchases don’t produce lasting happiness. Lyubomirsky, S. (2007). The How of Happiness. Penguin. — Modern evidence for why external accomplishments don’t cure dissatisfaction. ⸻ Disclaimer: This episode draws on concepts from Zen Buddhism, modern psychology, and philosophical sources. All quotes are credited to their original authors, and traditional Zen stories are referenced as commonly retold teachings rather than original content. The interpretations and explanations in this episode are my own. 📝Sponsor Sign up for The Struggle Newsletter here - https://gregorthomson.com 📺 Watch The Struggle YouTube - https://youtube.com/@GregorSThomson?si=wTfFwPVYKhJxKAsD 📱 Get In Touch Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/gregorsthomson/ Tiktok -https://www.tiktok.com/@gregor.s.thomson?_t=8ioMNLUnA25&_r=1 Email - gregor@gregorthomson.com

    14 Min.

  8. 23.11.2025

    #70 - The Truth About Desire: Why We Want What We Want With Charlotte Fox Weber

    Are We Slaves to Our Desires? | Charlotte Fox Weber on Human Desires, Free Will & Relationships In this episode of The Struggle, Gregor Thomson sits down with renowned psychologist and author Charlotte Fox Weber to explore the complex nature of human desires, free will, and the role our upbringing and societal scripts play in shaping what we want. They discuss: • How desires can enslave us if ignored, but can also guide us toward self-discovery (00:08–04:50) • The paradox of instant gratification vs. higher-order desires and finding balance in daily life (03:30–05:50) • Understanding taboo or “dark” desires and how curiosity can free us from shame (09:12–12:34) • How childhood experiences and cultural scripts shape our expectations in love and relationships (12:34–21:21) • The evolutionary roots of wanting to be noticed and understood, and why this is central to human connection (25:56–32:53) • The challenge of balancing autonomy and connection in modern life (34:23–37:15) • Practical tips for reconnecting with others, noticing small joys, and cultivating flexibility and self-compassion (37:15–54:49) This conversation is a masterclass in navigating the human mind, understanding the motivations behind our actions, and embracing complexity in both desire and life. 📚 Charlotte Fox Weber’s Book: • What We Want: A Journey Through Twelve of Our Deepest Desires • Follow Charlotte on Instagram: @charlottefoxweberpsychology • Upcoming book (2026): Sacred Monsters Books • Weber, C. F. (2024). What We Want: Unlocking the Power of Desire. [Publisher not specified in transcript] • Von Hippo, W. (2024). The Social Paradox: Balancing Autonomy and Connection. [Publisher not specified in transcript] • Weber, C. F. (2026). Sacred Monsters. Penguin. • William Von Hippel: The Social Paradox: Autonomy, Connection, and Why We Need Both to Find Happiness • Oliver Burkeman (4000 Weeks): Concept of telic vs atelic activities. [Referenced by Thomson] • Greg McKeown’s 1-2-3 Method - Essentialism [Referenced by Thomson] ⸻ Podcasts / Interviews • Chris Williamson (Modern Wisdom) Discussion on finding joy in small everyday moments. [Referenced by Thomson] ⸻ Quotes / Philosophical References • Sartre, J.-P. (1943). No Exit (“Hell is other people”). 📄 Sponsor Sign up for The Struggle Newsletter here - https://gregorthomson.com 📺 Watch The Struggle YouTube - https://youtube.com/@GregorSThomson?si=wTfFwPVYKhJxKAsD 📱 Get In Touch Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/gregorsthomson/ Tiktok -https://www.tiktok.com/@gregor.s.thomson?_t=8ioMNLUnA25&_r=1 Email - gregor@gregorthomson.com

    58 Min.
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Find meaning and purpose through the art of struggle with philosopher and writer Gregor S Thomson. Through posing fundamental questions, this podcast guides the listener to discover who they are, where they are unnecessarily struggling and where they could embrace struggling more in order to live a healthy and productive life.

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  • Erstellt von
    Gregor S Thomson
  • Jahre aktiv
    2024 - 2026
  • Folgen
    77
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    © Gregor S Thomson
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    The Struggle