Average Jacks: Real talk. Real Growth.

Jack McFen
  • 5.0 (5)
  • Self-Improvement

Honest conversations. Unfiltered stories. Real growth. Hosted by Jack McFen, this podcast dives into the routines, habits, and mindset shifts that shape everyday lives. From raw solo episodes to thoughtful chats with relatable guests, Average Jacks is where personal development meets real-life messiness. Expect laughter, vulnerability, and the kind of "real talk" that makes you feel seen. Whether you're navigating your 20s, rebuilding in your 30s, or chasing better in your 40s — this is your space. 🎯 New episodes weekly 📩 Subscribe for updates at www.jackmckiernan.co.uk

  1. 2 days ago

    Chasing Adventure, Healing Through Travel W/Chris Woodward

    Chris Woodward is back for his third appearance on The Average Jacks Podcast and the adventures just keep getting bigger. After backpacking from Wigan, England to Wigan in the Philippines, travelling through 15 countries, walking Hadrian's Wall, hitchhiking across Africa and riding on top of the legendary iron ore train through the Sahara, Chris joins me to talk about what happened next and why he's still pushing himself further outside his comfort zone. This time, Chris takes us to Canada, where he was selected by Venari Partners as one of just eight people for an all-expenses-paid adventure through the Canadian Rockies, including eight days of hiking across some of the world's most challenging terrain. We talk about what it's like to go from years of largely solo travel to being part of an organised expedition, the physical and mental demands of the challenge, and why saying yes to opportunities that scare you can completely change the direction of your life. Chris also reflects on how far he's come since his first appearance on the podcast, the role adventure has played in his own mental health journey, and why sharing the highs, lows and uncomfortable moments has become such an important part of his story. But this conversation isn't just about travel. It's about challenging yourself, finding purpose, raising awareness for Andy's Man Club, and proving that you don't have to have everything figured out before taking the next step. Whether you've followed Chris from his first adventure or you're discovering his story for the first time, this episode is a reminder that sometimes the best thing you can do is say yes, embrace the unknown and see where it takes you. 📲 Follow Chris: @coalpit2coconut🥥 Coalpit to Coconut – Follow Chris's latest adventures and support his work with Andy's Man Club. 🌐 More from Jack: www.jackmckiernan.co.uk 🤝 Support the Podcast Revive Active – Scientifically formulated supplements supporting energy, recovery, immunity and overall wellbeing. 🛒 Shop: https://tidd.ly/3PE8Pmc🎁 Use code JACK15 for 15% OFF Affiliate link – purchasing through this link helps support the podcast at no extra cost to you. Viribus Strength – Premium backpacks, recovery tools and apparel built for active lifestyles. 🎁 Use code AVERAGEJACK for 20% OFF across their range. If you enjoy the episode, like, subscribe and share to help more people discover Chris's story and the conversations on The Average Jacks Podcast.

  2. 6 Aug

    5 Guests, 5 Lessons: What I Learned from the Last 10 Months

    Some conversations stay with you long after the microphones are switched off. In this solo episode, I look back on five of the most impactful conversations from recent episodes of The Average Jacks Podcast and share the lessons that have stuck with me the most. From Sharon McSorley rebuilding her life after a career in policing, to Dave Morris creating lasting change through Boxing for Better, Jon Fox opening up about therapy and childhood trauma, Max Vernon challenging the food industry through transparency, and Grace Vella fighting her way back from injury to professional football—each story offers a different perspective on resilience, purpose, and personal growth. This isn't just a recap. It's a reflection on the themes that connect these conversations: overcoming adversity, embracing authenticity, and taking ownership of your future. Whether you're building a business, navigating a difficult chapter, or simply looking for a bit of perspective, there's something in this episode for you. 🌐 More episodes, coaching & content: www.jackmckiernan.co.uk 🤝 Support the Podcast Revive Active – Scientifically formulated supplements supporting energy, recovery, immunity and overall wellbeing. 🛒 Shop: https://tidd.ly/3PE8Pmc🎁 Use code JACK15 for 15% OFF Affiliate link – purchasing through this link helps support the podcast at no extra cost to you. Viribus Strength – Premium backpacks, recovery tools and apparel built for active lifestyles. 🎁 Use code AVERAGEJACK for 20% OFF across the entire range. If you enjoy the podcast, don't forget to Like, Subscribe, and Share the episode—it really helps more people discover these conversations.

  3. 16 Jul

    From Injury To Purpose: How Ellen Johnston Rebuilt Her Identity

    Resilience isn’t built when life is easy it’s built in the moments that test you the most. In this episode, we sit down with Ellen Johnston, whose incredible journey through four ACL surgeries, multiple knee reconstructions, and years of rehabilitation has completely changed the way she views fitness, coaching, and life. Ellen shares how a serious knee injury at just 14 years old forced her to redefine her identity, overcome setbacks, and discover a new purpose through strength training and coaching. We explore the mental side of injury recovery, the importance of patience, and why focusing on what you can control is often the biggest step towards moving forward. We also dive into Ellen’s coaching philosophy, discussing why sustainable health is about far more than aesthetics or the number on the scales. From building confidence through strength training to creating healthier relationships with food, exercise, and yourself, Ellen explains why real progress comes from consistency, self-compassion, and resilience not quick fixes. This conversation is about embracing setbacks, finding purpose through adversity, and understanding that your toughest moments don’t define you, they shape you. Whether you’re recovering from an injury, struggling with your mindset, or simply looking to become a stronger version of yourself, this episode is packed with honest insights and practical lessons that you can apply to your own journey. 📲 Follow Ellen: @ellenjohnstonpt 🌐 More episodes, coaching & content: www.jackmckiernan.co.uk ⸻ 🤝 Support the Podcast Revive Active – Scientifically formulated supplements supporting energy, recovery, immunity and overall wellbeing. Shop: https://tidd.ly/3PE8Pmc Use code JACK15 for 15% OFF Affiliate link – purchasing through this link helps support the podcast at no extra cost to you. Viribus Strength – Premium backpacks, recovery tools and apparel built for active lifestyles. Use code AVERAGEJACK for 20% OFF across the entire range. Tune in now. 🎧🔥

  4. 7 Jul

    From Coach to CEO: Building Boxing for Better W/ Dave Morris

    Building a business is hard. Building one that genuinely changes lives is even harder. In this episode of the Average Jacks Podcast, I sit down with Dave Morris, founder of Boxing for Better CIC, to talk about what it really takes to grow a purpose-driven organisation without losing sight of why you started. Dave shares the journey from running small community boxing sessions on his own to leading a growing team across multiple locations, supporting young people and communities through the power of boxing. We dive into the challenges of stepping away from doing everything yourself, building trust in others, and creating systems that allow real impact to scale. We also discuss: Leadership through service Overcoming imposter syndrome Scaling without losing your mission Building trust and empowering a team Lessons boxing teaches about resilience Creating lasting change in communitiesThis conversation goes far beyond business. It's about purpose, resilience, and understanding that success isn't measured by what you achieve it's measured by the lives you impact. Whether you're an entrepreneur, coach, leader, or simply someone trying to build something meaningful, this episode is packed with practical lessons you can apply immediately. 🥊 Boxing for Better🌐 Website📸 Instagram: @boxingforbetter 🎙️ Jack McKiernan🌐 www.jackmckiernan.co.uk Revive Active – Scientifically formulated supplements supporting energy, recovery, immunity and overall wellbeing. 🛒 Shop: https://tidd.ly/3PE8Pmc🎁 Use code JACK15 for 15% OFF Affiliate link – purchasing through this link helps support the podcast at no extra cost to you. Viribus Strength – Premium backpacks, recovery tools and apparel built for active lifestyles. 🎁 Use code AVERAGEJACK for 20% OFF across the entire range. 👍 If you enjoyed this episode, Like, Subscribe, and Turn on Notifications so you never miss a conversation from The Average Jacks Podcast. 📲 Connect🤝 Support the Podcast

    From Coach to CEO: Building Boxing for Better W/ Dave Morris

  5. 30 Jun

    The Unexpected Power of Therapy W/Jon Fox

    🎙️ New Episode – The Average Jacks Podcast Most people know Jon Fox as a fitness influencer, musician, and content creator but behind the confidence is a story of self-discovery, trauma, and learning to become comfortable in his own skin. In this episode, Jon opens up about the mental health struggles that shaped his life, the impact of therapy, and how facing his past allowed him to stop chasing validation and start living more authentically. We explore the role of childhood experiences, neurodivergence, and why vulnerability became one of his greatest strengths. We also dive into the connection between fitness and creativity, how music became an outlet for processing emotion, and the stories behind his songs I Went to Therapy and Clown. Jon shares why boundaries, rest, and self-awareness are essential for long-term success. This conversation goes beyond social media. It's about finding confidence through honesty, embracing who you are, and building a life that aligns with your values. 📲 Follow Jon: @jonfox__ 🌐 More episodes, coaching and content: www.jackmckiernan.co.uk 🤝 Support the Podcast Revive Active – Scientifically formulated supplements to support energy, recovery, immunity and overall wellbeing. 🛒 Shop: https://tidd.ly/3PE8Pmc🎁 Use code JACK15 for 15% off Affiliate link – purchasing through this link helps support the podcast at no extra cost to you. Viribus Strength – Premium backpacks, recovery tools and apparel built for active lifestyles. 🎁 Use code AVERAGEJACK for 20% off across the entire range.

  6. 25 Jun

    The Unseen Battle Behind Rebuilding the Body and Confidence

    She’s back on the podcast and this time, we go even deeper. Professional footballer and MISSKICK founder Grace Vella returns to share the real story behind her 14-month ACL recovery. Opening up on the mental battles, setbacks, and resilience it takes to come back stronger. In her previous appearance, we touched on her journey. But in this episode, Grace breaks down what injury rehab is really like behind the scenes, from the loneliness and doubt to the discipline and mindset required to rebuild trust in your body. We dive into how she used data and visual progress to stay focused, why recovery is never linear, and the key mindset shifts that helped her turn one of the toughest periods of her career into a catalyst for growth, both on and off the pitch. What you can expect: How to stay locked in when progress feels slow and repetitiveWhy tracking data can keep you grounded during long-term recoveryThe importance of building the right support team—and investing in your comebackHow to overcome the fear of re-injury and regain confidenceWhy sharing your journey can be a powerful tool for resilienceWhether you're an athlete, building a career, or navigating a difficult phase in life, this episode is all about turning setbacks into progress. Grace Vella plays for Bolton Wanderers Women and is the founder of MISSKICK, a fast-growing movement in women’s football. She’s known for her honesty, resilience, and commitment to growing the women’s game. Follow Grace: @gracevellaCheck out MISSKICK: @misskick Explore more episodes and content: www.jackmckiernan.co.uk If you’ve ever had to rebuild, reset, or push through adversitythis one’s for Thank you to the brilliant crew: Emma Coombes Joe FrenchAndy Unsworth John Melling

    The Unseen Battle Behind Rebuilding the Body and Confidence

  7. 1 Jun

    The 3-Step Framework for Sustainable Success in Fitness and Life W/Adam Idowu

    Success isn’t just about working harder, it’s about understanding yourself better. In this episode, we sit down with Adam Idowu, a health and mindset coach based in Dubai, who shares how injury, setbacks, and self-discovery shaped his approach to fitness, business, and life. From growing up in Liverpool to building a coaching career overseas, Adam opens up about the challenges he faced along the way and how a serious injury sparked his fascination with psychology, mindset, and human performance. We explore the lessons that helped him rebuild both physically and mentally, and why understanding your own behaviour is often the key to lasting change. We dive into the difference between motivation and discipline, the habits that drive long-term success, and why accountability is the foundation of any transformation. Adam also shares his thoughts on the coaching industry, the dangers of chasing shortcuts, and how to identify genuine expertise in a world full of quick fixes. This conversation goes beyond fitness. It's about taking ownership, building resilience, and creating an environment that supports growth. Whether you're an aspiring coach, entrepreneur, athlete, or simply someone looking to level up, there are practical lessons throughout this episode that you can apply immediately. If you're serious about improving your mindset, building better habits, and creating sustainable change, this episode is one you won't want to miss. Tune in now. 🎧🔥 📲 Follow Adam's journey: @adamidowu_ 🌍 Based in Dubai, helping people unlock their potential through health, mindset, and performance coaching.

    The 3-Step Framework for Sustainable Success in Fitness and Life W/Adam Idowu

  8. 25 May

    The Surprising Truth About Running From Yourself W/Scott Lackey

    Most of us go through life carrying past versions of ourselves that no longer serve us, until we finally learn how to let them go. In this episode, I sit down with Scott Lackey, whose powerful story explores resilience, identity, and what it really means to rebuild yourself from the inside out.  Scott shares his journey through military service, entrepreneurship, setbacks, and personal transformation and how his philosophy in “Wake Up to Die Again” is about continuously shedding old identities to grow into who you’re meant to become. We dive into the mindset shifts that come with failure, the importance of discipline and ownership, and why success alone never leads to fulfilment.  We also break down how to deal with self-doubt, rebuild trust in yourself, and stop negotiating with the voice that holds you back. Scott shares how small daily actions, consistency, and honesty with yourself are what ultimately create real, lasting change. This conversation is about stepping out of comfort, facing the truth, and learning to build a stronger version of yourself through challenge rather than avoiding it.  If you’ve been feeling stuck, misaligned, or unsure of your direction, this episode is a reminder that change doesn’t come from waiting, it comes from deciding.  📘 Grab Scott’s book: https://www.amazon.com/Wake-Up-Die-Again-Breaking-ebook/dp/B0H19QJKXV🌐 Learn more: https://scottlackey.com For more from me: www.jackmckiernan.co.uk

    The Surprising Truth About Running From Yourself W/Scott Lackey
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About

Honest conversations. Unfiltered stories. Real growth. Hosted by Jack McFen, this podcast dives into the routines, habits, and mindset shifts that shape everyday lives. From raw solo episodes to thoughtful chats with relatable guests, Average Jacks is where personal development meets real-life messiness. Expect laughter, vulnerability, and the kind of "real talk" that makes you feel seen. Whether you're navigating your 20s, rebuilding in your 30s, or chasing better in your 40s — this is your space. 🎯 New episodes weekly 📩 Subscribe for updates at www.jackmckiernan.co.uk

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