The Big Lad Podcast

George W

Welcome to The Big Lad Podcast – Real conversations, with real people, curated for you. Hosted by @gw_fit, The Big Lad Podcast dives deep into topics that fuel personal development and self-improvement. Each week, I bring you conversations and inspiring stories that empower you to take action and elevate your life.​ New episodes every Sunday at 6pm.

  1. 4d ago

    #129 Do THIS To Change Your Life

    Staying comfortable is quietly costing you the best experiences of your life. Say yes before fear talks you out of it, with a raw conversation about hiking, self-development, and why the story you tell yourself is usually scarier than reality. What starts as a simple hiking group turns into a bigger lesson about confidence, community, and momentum. I share how a small walking meet-up grew into a tight-knit group of strangers who now camp together, take on major UK peaks, and are already planning bigger adventures. Mindset shift: once you prove to yourself you can handle one uncomfortable thing, everything else gets easier. You'll discover: - Why most people never show up alone, even when they want to - How one TikTok post reached 16,000 people and helped build a real community - Why follower counts, likes, and views are a terrible measure of success - How to build confidence by doing the thing you are avoiding, not overthinking it - Why authenticity beats polished, unrealistic content every timeI also break down how social media and podcasting changed my life by connecting me with people around the world, and why I believe one post can genuinely change someone's future. Regret is far worse than the awkward five minutes it takes to introduce yourself, join the group, or hit publish. This episode is for anyone sitting on an idea, a trip, a post, a conversation, or a new version of themselves that they keep delaying. If you need a reminder that the hard part is usually in your head, this one hits. 📲 Join the Big Lad Mailing List for exclusive content & early access: https://mailchi.mp/799f9d66ee7f/the-big-lad-podcast My Instagram - https://instagram.com/gw_fit The Big Lad Podcast - https://instagram.com/thebigladpodcast Substack - https://substack.com/@thebigladpodcast Neutonic - GEORGE10 Chapters 00:00 The importance of stepping out of your comfort zone 02:08 Opportunities created by social media and authenticity 04:30 The impact of social media posts on life opportunities 07:05 Taking action and seizing life’s opportunities 08:27 The value of helping others and community success 09:23 The importance of genuine connections over follower counts 10:12 Authentic content and relatable social media presence 11:06 Encouragement to pursue passions and live without regrets 11:35 Upcoming guests and future plans 12:08 Final thoughts and call to action

  2. Aug 9

    #128 Would You Still Do It If Nobody Was Watching?

    Would you still do it if nobody was watching? That question hit me while I was standing in Wembley Stadium watching Luke Combs perform Doin' This in front of 90,000 people — and it made me think about my own podcast, social media, fitness, work and ultimately what actually motivates us. In this episode of The Big Lad Podcast, I talk about internal validation vs external validation, intrinsic vs extrinsic motivation, delayed gratification, social media and why chasing likes, views, money and recognition can leave you giving other people control over your happiness. Because there’s a big difference between wanting success and needing success to feel like what you're doing is worthwhile. I've had podcast episodes with hardly any listeners. I've recorded episodes after work when I'm exhausted. I've stayed up until 1am fixing editing problems. I've invested money into equipment and software. I still have a full-time job. And at the moment, the podcast doesn't pay me a penny. And yet I'd still do it. Why? Because somewhere along the way, the podcast stopped being something I simply do and became part of who I am. We also get into: - Why delayed gratification has become harder in an instant-gratification world - Internal validation vs external validation - Intrinsic vs extrinsic motivation - Whether we'd still do things if social media didn't exist - Fitness challenges, half marathons and the search for validation - Why fitness photoshoots can become about likes rather than the actual achievement - Why some people quit because the external rewards don't arrive quickly enough - The importance of enjoying the process rather than obsessing over the outcome - Why authenticity is becoming increasingly important in content creation - Why boring, repetitive work is usually what actually gets results - How to work out whether the things in your life are genuinely aligned with who you want to become - Why helping even one person can make the effort worthwhile A simple whiteboard exercise to help you understand what you actually want from your life The question I want you to think about after watching is simple: - Would you still do it if nobody clapped? - Not because it would make you money. - Not because it would impress people. - Not because it would look good on Instagram. - But because you genuinely love doing it. If you can fall in love with the process before anyone notices, you don't need success to give you permission to keep going. 📲 Join the Big Lad Mailing List for exclusive content & early access: https://mailchi.mp/799f9d66ee7f/the-big-lad-podcast My Instagram - https://instagram.com/gw_fit The Big Lad Podcast - https://instagram.com/thebigladpodcast Substack - https://substack.com/@thebigladpodcast Neutonic - GEORGE10 #TheBigLadPodcast #SelfImprovement #Mindset #Motivation #PersonalDevelopment #InternalValidation

  3. Jul 26

    #127 Why Strength Changes Everything | Matthew Headon

    Do you actually need to feel exhausted after every workout to make progress? Most people think a good gym session leaves you drenched in sweat, struggling to walk and completely destroyed. Matthew Headon says that's one of the biggest myths in modern fitness. In this episode of The Big Lad Podcast, Matthew explains why strength should be the foundation of every training programme, why fatigue doesn't equal progress, and why building a baseline level of strength can improve every aspect of your life—from fat loss and running to confidence, longevity and everyday performance. Whether you're just starting your fitness journey, training for a marathon, Hyrox, football, boxing, or simply want to feel stronger and healthier, this conversation will completely change the way you think about training. In this episode we discuss: 🏋️ Why strength is the foundation of every programme 💪 Why getting stronger improves almost every fitness goal 😓 Why sweating doesn't mean you've had a better workout 📈 Why tracking your progress beats relying on motivation 🧠 Why strength is a skill—not just lifting heavier weights 🏃 Why getting stronger can make you a better runner ⚡ The biggest mistakes beginners make in the gym 🥗 Why fat loss should often be a by-product, not the main focus 📸 The truth about fitness photoshoots and extreme dieting 🔥 How to train consistently without burning yourself out One of the biggest takeaways from this conversation is simple: Stop chasing exhaustion. Start chasing capability. When you build a solid foundation of strength, everything else becomes easier. You move better. You recover better. You perform better. And perhaps most importantly... You become the type of person who's capable of far more than you ever thought possible. #StrengthTraining #Fitness #Gym #Health #Performance #Longevity #FatLoss #WeightTraining #Hyrox #Running #StrengthCoach #Mindset #podcast 📲 Join the Big Lad Mailing List for exclusive content & early access: https://mailchi.mp/799f9d66ee7f/the-big-lad-podcastMatty's Instagram - https://instagram.com/matt_elevatesandc My Instagram - https://instagram.com/gw_fit The Big Lad Podcast - https://instagram.com/thebigladpodcast Substack - https://substack.com/@thebigladpodcast Neutonic - GEORGE10

  4. Jul 19

    #126 The Ordinary Life Everyone Is Secretly Chasing | Pearson Kilgore

    A man stood in his back garden on a Thursday evening. His wife was upstairs putting their toddler to bed. He was firing up the smoker ready for the July 4th weekend. Nothing extraordinary happened...Yet over 20 million people watched the video. Why? Because it reminded people that maybe we've been chasing the wrong version of success all along. In this episode, I sit down with Pearson Kilgore to talk about why one ordinary evening resonated with millions of people, how social media has distorted our idea of success, why authenticity is winning again, and how to stay ambitious without making your happiness dependent on the next promotion, bigger house or faster car. We discuss: • Why ordinary life suddenly feels extraordinary • The hidden cost of comparison • Why authentic content beats perfect content • Can you be ambitious and still be content? • Why millions commented, "You're living the dream" If you've ever felt like you're falling behind because of social media, this conversation is one you need to hear. Pearson's Instagram: https://instagram.com/lifewith.tripp 📲 Join the Big Lad Mailing List for exclusive content & early access: https://mailchi.mp/799f9d66ee7f/the-big-lad-podcast My Instagram - https://instagram.com/gw_fit The Big Lad Podcast - https://instagram.com/thebigladpodcast Substack - https://substack.com/@thebigladpodcast Neutonic - GEORGE10 Chapters 00:00 Introduction: Social Media and Perceptions of Success 00:30 Social Media as a Highlight Reel and Its Impact 01:56 Authenticity and Sniffing Out Fake Content 03:05 The Shift Toward Raw, Unfiltered Content 04:05 Redefining Success and Contentment 04:54 The Proud but Never Satisfied Mindset 05:56 Evolving Definitions of Success 07:05 Living Experiences Over Material Wealth 08:00 The Power of Authentic, One-Take Videos 08:58 Enjoying the Process and Not Just the Outcome 10:12 Shifting Mindsets from Materialism to Experiences 10:53 The Role of Money and Motivation 11:45 Avoiding Fixation on Money and Success 12:50 The Importance of Authenticity and Trust 13:57 The Viral Content Formula: Consistency and Patience 15:03 The Power of Small Achievements and Perspective 16:01 The Reality of Growth and the Law of Averages 17:02 The Value of Persistence and Long-Term Effort 18:14 Recycling Content and Algorithm Strategies 19:00 Living the Life You Share Online 19:59 The Arrow Analogy: Patience in Content Creation 21:07 The Journey to Viral Success 21:57 Building Trust and Protecting Your Audience 22:51 The Reality of Podcasting and Content Creation 23:52 The Challenges of Consistent Content Production 25:03 Treating Content Creation Like a Job 26:02 Gaining and Maintaining Audience Trust 27:02 The Message Behind Viral Content 27:57 Relatability and Authenticity in Viral Videos 29:05 Living a Simple, Achievable Life 29:54 Erasing Society’s Beliefs About a Good Life 31:01 The Evolution of Materialism and Care About Opinions 31:59 Overcoming the Fear of Judgment 33:05 Protecting Your Values and Authenticity 34:00 Staying Grounded and Transparent 34:57 Living with Purpose and Trust in Your Audience 35:57 Balancing Content and Family Goals 36:51 The Future Self’s Advice: Gratitude and Growth 37:58 The Power of Stepping Outside Comfort Zones 38:58 Encouraging Others to Take Action 40:01 Closing Remarks and Follow-Up

  5. Jul 12

    #125 Deep Thoughts, Best Advice & How I Grew A Dump Truck | Q&A

    You asked the questions… and absolutely nothing was off limits.In this Q&A episode of The Big Lad Podcast, we dive into purpose, mental health, masculinity, resilience, personal growth, podcasting, online life, and the beliefs that have shaped who I am. I answer questions about feeling lost, finding direction in your 30s, the best advice I’ve ever received, trauma, emotional resilience, therapy buzzwords, criticism, controlling the controllables, and what young men are getting wrong when it comes to masculinity and emotions. We also talk about what I’m most proud of, my goals for the future, the topics I’m desperate to cover on the podcast, why I started lifting weights… and, of course, the very important question of how I managed to grow such a massive dump truck. If you’ve ever wanted a more honest, unfiltered conversation, this one’s for you. 👇 Let me know your favourite answer in the comments, and leave a question for the next Q&A! 📲 Join the Big Lad Mailing List for exclusive content & early access: https://mailchi.mp/799f9d66ee7f/the-big-lad-podcast My Instagram - https://instagram.com/gw_fit The Big Lad Podcast - https://instagram.com/thebigladpodcast Substack - https://substack.com/@thebigladpodcast Neutonic - GEORGE10 Chapters 00:00 Introduction and episode overview 00:24 George's personal achievements and pride 02:06 Goals for the year and podcast growth 04:02 Dealing with feeling lost and self-questioning 07:01 Controlling the controllable and reaction management 10:34 Surprising facts about George's physicality 12:55 Impact of podcast on understanding others' struggles 14:07 Online persona versus real-life personality 18:09 Handling uncertainty and letting go 21:16 Dilution of mental health terms and its impact 26:32 George's perspective on trauma and resilience 30:03 Building depth and drive without trauma 34:22 Coping with life crises and emotional strength 35:52 Advice for those feeling stuck at 30 39:32 The real challenge for men’s mental health 44:11 Humor and camaraderie in the hiking community 45:39 George's fitness journey and physical development 50:12 Closing remarks and call to action #qanda #questionanswer #questionandanswer

  6. Jun 28

    #123 How To Stop Giving A F*ck | Jack Gibb

    Most people spend their lives worrying about what everyone else thinks. They stay quiet. They avoid difficult conversations. They never truly become themselves. In this episode of The Big Lad Podcast, George sits down with Jack Gibb to explore why so many people self-censor, how social media has changed the way we think, why authenticity attracts both supporters and critics, and whether caring less about other people's opinions could completely change your life. This conversation covers confidence, identity, business, social media, criticism, religion, freedom, speaking your mind, personal growth and much more. Whether you're building a business, creating content, or simply trying to become more confident, this episode will challenge the way you think. Topics include: • Why people are scared to speak honestly • How to stop caring what people think • The psychology behind criticism • Why authenticity attracts the right people • Confidence vs arrogance • Social media and self-censorship • Building a personal brand • Why successful people often receive the most hate • Faith, purpose and personal growth If you enjoy conversations around mindset, self-development, business and becoming the best version of yourself, don't forget to subscribe and leave a review. 👇 Let us know in the comments... What's one opinion you've been too afraid to say out loud? 📲 Join the Big Lad Mailing List for exclusive content & early access: https://mailchi.mp/799f9d66ee7f/the-big-lad-podcast Jack's Instagram - https://instagram.com/thejackgibb My Instagram - https://instagram.com/gw_fit The Big Lad Podcast - https://instagram.com/thebigladpodcast Substack - https://substack.com/@thebigladpodcast Neutonic - GEORGE10 00:00 Introduction and Background 03:07 The Fear of Speaking Out 06:03 The Cost of Silence 09:01 Navigating Hate and Acceptance 12:03 The Impact of Authenticity 15:09 Consequences of Being Honest 18:00 The Corporate Dilemma 21:02 The Journey of Self-Expression 29:26 Overcoming Fear of Posting Online 42:19 The Impact of Social Media on Self-Perception 55:34 Chasing Validation vs. Authenticity 01:08:21 Finding Balance Between Confidence and Recklessness 01:15:30 The Journey of Self-Improvement and Community Building #Mindset #SelfDevelopment #Confidence #Podcast #JackGibb #MentalStrength #Success #Authenticity #Business #Motivation

  7. Jun 21

    #122 The Psychological Apocalypse Is Here | Mark Walsh

    In this episode of The Big Lad Podcast, I sit down with trauma educator, author and embodiment expert Mark Walsh. We discuss why so many people are struggling despite living in the most comfortable period in human history, the rise of anxiety and loneliness, social media addiction, modern masculinity, purpose, meaning, religion, community and what Mark calls "The Psychological Apocalypse". Mark shares his views on why modern society is becoming increasingly disconnected, why young men are searching for meaning, and how reconnecting with your body, community, nature and purpose could be the answer. Topics include: • The Psychological Apocalypse • Modern Masculinity • Why Young Men Are Struggling • Social Media & Pornography • Purpose & Meaning • Mental Health & Trauma • Community & Belonging • Religion & Spirituality • The Death Cult Of Modernity • Embodiment & Personal Growth If you enjoy conversations around psychology, self-development, philosophy and modern culture, this episode is for you. 📲 Join the Big Lad Mailing List for exclusive content & early access: https://mailchi.mp/799f9d66ee7f/the-big-lad-podcast My Instagram - https://instagram.com/gw_fit The Big Lad Podcast - https://instagram.com/thebigladpodcast Substack - https://substack.com/@thebigladpodcast Neutonic - GEORGE10 #MentalHealth #Psychology #SelfImprovement #MarkWalsh #Masculinity #Purpose #MentalHealthPodcast #ModernSociety #personaldevelopment Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Personal Background 03:05 The Psychological Apocalypse: Modern Struggles 05:43 Disconnections: Body, Community, Nature, and Spirituality 08:53 Recognizing Disconnection and Its Effects 11:42 Building Connections: Practical Solutions 14:46 The Rise of Controversial Figures in Modern Society 17:31 The Crisis of Masculinity and Mental Health 20:28 The Role of Women and Traditional Values 23:17 The Future: Hope Amidst Chaos 33:10 Understanding Male Relationships and Expressions of Love 35:28 The Importance of Purpose and Community for Men 38:04 Agency and Taking Action in Life 41:01 Embodiment: The Connection Between Body and Mind 50:46 The Need for a Higher Power and Meaning in Life 53:32 Finding Balance and Simplicity in Life 59:11 The Role of Action in Mental Health and Well-being 01:01:28 Identifying Strengths and Purpose 01:04:38 The Dangers of Comparison 01:07:36 The Role of Literature and Culture 01:09:41 Purpose vs. Ambition 01:11:07 Finding vs. Creating Purpose 01:13:36 The Flow of Purpose 01:19:38 Grounding Practices for Stability 01:21:08 Taking Action When Feeling Lost

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Welcome to The Big Lad Podcast – Real conversations, with real people, curated for you. Hosted by @gw_fit, The Big Lad Podcast dives deep into topics that fuel personal development and self-improvement. Each week, I bring you conversations and inspiring stories that empower you to take action and elevate your life.​ New episodes every Sunday at 6pm.