The Struggle

Gregor S Thomson
  • 5.0 (3)
  • SELF-IMPROVEMENT
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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. 4 DAYS AGO

    #80 - Why Your Brain Sabotages You | The Chimp Paradox Explained w/ Dr Sarah Caddy

    Why do we keep repeating behaviours we know are bad for us? In this episode of The Struggle, I’m joined by Dr Sarah Caddy to explore The Chimp Model, developed by Professor Steve Peters, and how it explains self-sabotage, emotional reactions, bad habits, social media scrolling, motivation, discipline, anxiety, and why we so often feel at war with ourselves. We discuss the three “teams” in the mind — the Chimp, Human and Computer — and how understanding them can help us manage emotions, change habits, stop relying on willpower, and become more compassionate toward ourselves. This conversation covers: Why your emotional brain reacts faster than your rational brain How habits form in the “computer” Why motivation is unreliable How to manage social media scrolling and instant gratification Why self-sabotage is normal but unhelpful The importance of naming emotions How to build a “human-led, chimp-friendly” plan Why looking after yourself is not selfish How to stop beating yourself up and start changing properly If you’ve ever thought, “Why do I keep doing this when I know better?” — this episode is for you. Find Out More About The Chimp Model Here - https://chimpmanagement.com Books mentioned: The Chimp Paradox — Prof Steve Peters A Path Through the Jungle — Prof Steve Peters 📱 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 Subscribe for more conversations on psychology, philosophy, self-development and what it means to struggle well.

  2. 12 APR

    #79 - A NASA Scientist Explains Time w/ Sten Odenwald

    A former NASA astronomer explains what time REALLY is and why everything you believe about it might be wrong. From relativity to free will, this conversation will change how you see reality forever. In Episode 79 of The Struggle, I sit down with former NASA astronomer Sten Odenwald to explore one of the most mind-bending questions in existence: What is time? We break down: - Why there is no universal “now” - The difference between subjective time and physical time - How relativity proves time isn’t what we think - Whether time travel is actually possible - The relationship between time and free will - Why the future may not be predetermined - What happens to time at the Big Bang - Why time might not even exist inside atoms This is one of the most fascinating conversations I’ve ever had — and one that will genuinely change how you think about your life. The Essential Book Of Time by Sten Odenwald Is Now Available In Most Book Shops 📱 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— If you enjoyed this, subscribe for more conversations on psychology, philosophy, and breaking free from limitation. #time #nasa #physics #philosophy #freewill #relativity #podcast

    1hr 1min

  3. 29 MAR

    #78 - Discipline, Fatherhood, Resilience & the Truth About Success w/ Diren Kartal

    What makes someone truly disciplined? In this episode of The Struggle, I sit down with Diren Kartal to talk about productivity, resilience, fatherhood, coaching, discipline, handling failure, building a business, and why success means more than money. Diren shares how growing up in East London shaped his mindset, why hearing “no” made him mentally bulletproof, what young men need to hear more of, how to deal with negativity online, and why family, purpose, health, and self-awareness matter more than clout. We also talk about: how struggle can build resilience why progress isn’t loud when you’re living it social media, influence, and bringing real value the “freedom fallacy” and chasing peace in the future morning routines, fatherhood, and enjoying the simple things what it really takes to build something meaningful over years If you’re trying to build a better life, become more disciplined, get fitter, think more clearly, or create something meaningful, this conversation is for you. Follow Diren Kartal on Instagram 📺 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 Subscribe for more conversations on discipline, meaning, ambition, self-development, psychology, and modern life. #DirenKartal #Discipline #SelfImprovement #Productivity #Fatherhood #Masculinity #Mindset #Success #Resilience #TheStrugglePodcast

    1hr 6min

  4. 16 MAR

    #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

  5. 15 MAR

    #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

  6. 1 MAR

    #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

    1hr 21min

  7. 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

  8. 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
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Gregor S Thomson
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    80
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Gregor S Thomson
  • Show Website
    The Struggle