The Big Lad Podcast

George W
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  • Self-Improvement
  • Weekly

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. 20h ago

    #140 Stop Waiting for Later: Your Life Is Shorter Than You Think

    How much of your life are you spending waiting for the “right time” to start living? We tell ourselves we'll travel next year, spend more time with family when work calms down, get into shape after the next big project, or finally do the things we've always dreamed of once we have enough money. But what happens when later never comes? In this episode of The Big Lad Podcast, I explore why we keep putting life on hold, how our perception of time shapes our priorities, and why we risk reaching the end of our lives with a list of things we always meant to do. Drawing on Stoic philosopher Seneca and psychologist Laura Carstensen's socioemotional selectivity theory, I discuss the relationship between time, ambition, happiness, regret and the importance of living in the present. I also share a personal example: my lifelong dream of owning a Porsche 911, and the dilemma of whether to keep saving for the future or finally pursue something I've wanted since I was a child. This isn't about spending recklessly, abandoning your ambitions or ignoring your financial future. It's about finding the balance between preparing for tomorrow and actually enjoying today. Because you can spend your entire life preparing to live. You can work hard now to retire later. Save now to enjoy life later. Build your body now so that you'll feel confident later. Keep putting off experiences until the timing is perfect. But time isn't guaranteed. Neither are your health, energy or the opportunities you have today. So, what are you putting off? What conversations are you avoiding? What experiences have you been promising yourself for years? And here's the question I want you to think about: Imagine you're 80 years old and get one hour with the person you are today. What would you tell yourself to stop worrying about, and what would you tell yourself to start doing? That might tell you more about how you should be living than another five years of planning ever will. 👇 Join the conversation: What have you been putting off, and what's one thing you want to make happen? If you enjoy honest conversations about self-improvement, personal growth, philosophy, mindset, fitness and living a more intentional life, subscribe to The Big Lad Podcast. CHAPTERS 00:00 Your life is shorter than you think 00:28 Finding the balance between now and later 01:03 A lifelong dream: the Porsche 911 02:20 How our perception of time changes our priorities 03:09 Stop putting off people and experiences 03:47 What will you regret never doing? 04:15 Seneca and the time we waste 04:37 The paradox of preparing to live 05:19 Why your health and energy matter 05:59 Dreams, regret and what matters to you 06:41 Stop living for “later” 06:55 What would your 80-year-old self tell you? 07:39 Your turn: share your thoughts #SelfImprovement #PersonalGrowth #Philosophy

  2. Oct 25

    #139 I'm Sick Of The Modern World

    Are you tired of the modern world, endless screens, and artificial intelligence taking over everything? In this episode of The Big Lad Podcast, we take an honest look at why life in the 90s, 2000s, and 2010s felt so much simpler compared to today's hyper-connected, AI-driven reality. From deepfakes, misinformation, and online noise to the automation of skilled professions and the fitness industry—is modern technology genuinely making our lives better, or are we losing human connection and real skills along the way? Drop your thoughts in the comments below: Do you miss life before smartphones and AI, or are we just looking back through rose-tinted glasses? 📲 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 #ModernWorld #ArtificialIntelligence #Podcast #Nostalgia #Technology

  3. Oct 17

    #138 Who Is Michael Smoak? The Truth About Life, Loss & Self-Improvement | HigherUpWellness

    Who is Michael Smoak, the man behind HigherUpWellness? In this episode of The Big Lad Podcast, I sit down with Michael for an honest conversation about life, personal growth, masculinity, relationships, grief and what it really means to become a better version of yourself. Michael has built an audience around self-improvement, wellness and challenging the way people think. But rather than simply rehashing the advice he's shared elsewhere, we explore the person behind the public image, question some of the ideas we take for granted, and get into the uncomfortable realities of trying to live a better life. We discuss why self-improvement can sometimes become another way of telling yourself you're not good enough, whether suffering really makes us stronger, and the difference between taking responsibility for your life and ignoring the circumstances that shape it. We also explore the impact of losing a parent, how grief changes your perspective, what masculinity and emotional vulnerability really mean, and whether we're genuinely trying to improve ourselves or simply trying to prove something to the world. This is a conversation about questioning your beliefs, confronting your insecurities, understanding yourself and working out what actually matters. If you're interested in personal development, mental health, philosophy, masculinity, emotional resilience or simply having more honest conversations about life, 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 - GEORGE10Chapters 00:00 Introduction: Who is Michael Smoak? 03:56 Cultural Differences: UK vs. US Attitudes 07:17 Fear of Failure and Its Connotations 11:22 Misunderstandings About Michael’s Tone and Intent 14:36 Dealing with Online Hate and Criticism 20:22 The Reality of Public Opinion and Detachment 25:24 Living with Purpose Amidst Loss 30:04 The Final Message: Empty the Tank 34:56 Self-Improvement vs. Self-Actualisation 40:21 Embracing Greater Challenges for Growth 41:09 The Never-Ending Pursuit of Service and Love 42:07 The Love of Walking and Loving the Process 43:02 The Never-Ending Search for Enough 44:01 The Illusion of Achievements Filling the God-Shaped Hole 45:21 Celebrating Achievements Without Losing Joy 47:02 Investing in Growth and Learning from Goals 49:11 The Power of Creating for Its Own Sake 50:34 The Redemptive Power of Art and Authenticity 52:26 The Motivation Behind Creating Content 53:42 Evolving Beliefs About Relationships 55:18 Love, Sacrifice, and Selflessness in Relationships 58:10 Polarity and Authenticity in Love 01:00:15 The Role of Faith and Sacrificial Love 01:02:42 The Fragility of Life and Living Fully 01:04:26 Lessons from Personal Tragedy and Purpose 01:08:03 The Impact of Hardship on Identity 01:12:21 Living Without Regret and Embracing Mortality 01:19:24 Reflecting on Life, Achievements, and Faith 01:21:26 Final Reflections: Living a Life of Service and Purpose #HigherUpWellness #HigherUpWellnesschallenge #PersonalGrowth #SelfImprovement

  4. Oct 11

    #137 The Truth About Making a Living From Writing | David McIlroy

    Can you actually make a full-time living from writing online, or is the reality far harsher than people admit? In this episode of The Big Lad Podcast, writer and creator David McIlroy joins us to pull back the curtain on what it really takes to turn words into a sustainable income. We dive into the brutal traps aspiring writers fall into, why chasing vanity metrics and viral views won't pay your bills, and how to build genuine audience trust that translates into a viable creative business. If you’re a writer, content creator, or freelancer wondering how to turn your craft into a career, this conversation breaks down the practical realities most people avoid talking about. David's Substack - https://substack.com/@thedavidmcilroy David's Instagram - https://instagram.com/thedavidmcilroy David's Masterclass - https://david-mcilroy.kit.com/products/substack-growth-sessions 📲 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: Why Authenticity Matters in Content 03:08 Storytelling and Humor as Trust Builders 04:36 Managing Content Creation and Avoiding Follower Fatigue 05:07 Using AI Tools Like Whisperflow for Content Repurposing 06:02 The Importance of Consistency and Long-Term Planning 07:28 The Risks of Relying Too Much on AI 08:23 Human Error and Authenticity in Content 09:11 Deliberate Mistakes and Demonstrating Realness 10:21 Inspiration from Childhood and the Love of Writing 12:47 Turning Passion into a Business 14:23 Key Moments of Success and Growth 17:03 Building a Community and Listening to Your Audience 19:22 The Reality of Long-Term Content Creation 23:58 The Value of Consistent Effort and Repetition 26:32 Growing Subscribers and Avoiding Follower Fatigue 30:37 Turning Audience into Business and Monetization 36:20 The Importance of Saying No and Vetting Clients 43:29 The Long-Term Perspective and Patience in Growth 50:26 Content Strategy: Quality Over Quantity 55:29 Upcoming Projects and Future Plans #Writing #ContentCreation #OnlineBusiness #CreativeCareer #Podcast

  5. Oct 4

    #136 1,000 Subscriber Q&A | My 5-Year Plan, Biggest Lesson & Spiritual Beliefs

    We just hit 1,000 subscribers on The Big Lad Podcast! To celebrate, I sat down to answer your most asked questions—covering everything from my 5-year channel roadmap to my core spiritual beliefs, the single best piece of advice I’ve received, and the biggest lesson I’ve learned along the way. Whether you're looking for actionable life advice, personal mindset insights, or a behind-the-scenes look at the future of the podcast, this episode dives deep into the journey so far. 📲 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 recent podcast milestones 01:58 The origin story of the Big Lad Hikes 03:54 Growth and challenges of the podcast 06:10 The impact of guest appearances and future guests 07:58 My approach to content authenticity and growth 10:07 Balancing personal life, work, and content creation 12:04 Strategies for YouTube growth and promotion 13:47 Maintaining motivation and discipline 15:58 Podcast editing process and content distribution 18:00 Upcoming episodes and in-person guest plans 18:52 Personal beliefs and lessons learned 21:54 Handling multiple relationships and communication 24:07 Goals, control, and future plans 26:10 Hiking adventures abroad and lessons from Scotland 27:05 Hosting tips and interview insights 27:55 Advice for aspiring content creators 29:01 The importance of change and taking action 29:57 Personal obsessions and winding down routines 32:10 Childhood passions and outdoor activities 33:52 Closing remarks and future outlook #ContentCreator #PodcastTips #SelfImprovement

  6. Sep 27

    #135 Nobody Is Coming to Save You: Take Accountability for Your Life

    Why aren't you where you want to be? Maybe it's your job. Maybe it's your partner. Maybe it's your parents. Maybe it's the economy. Maybe you don't have enough time. Maybe you weren't given the same opportunities as everyone else. And maybe some of those things are genuinely true. But at what point do you stop explaining why your life isn't where you want it to be and start asking what you're actually going to do about it? In Episode 135 of The Big Lad Podcast, I'm talking about accountability, personal responsibility, excuses and the modern tendency to blame external circumstances for the things we're unhappy with in our lives. This isn't about pretending everything that happens to you is your fault. It's about recognising that you don't have to be responsible for creating a problem to be responsible for what you do next. We get into: - Why people blame external factors for their failures - The psychology of the self-serving bias - Internal vs external locus of control - Why making excuses can feel better than taking responsibility - Jocko Willink and the idea of Extreme Ownership - Stoicism and focusing on what you can control - The difference between being a victim and living with a victim mentality - Why a legitimate excuse can still hold you back - How accountability can actually give you your power back - The uncomfortable questions you need to ask yourself The most important question isn't: “Whose fault is this?” It's: “What am I going to do about it?” If there's something in your life you're unhappy with, this episode is your reminder to stop looking everywhere else for the answer and have a look in the mirror. The Big Lad Podcast is about becoming a better man physically, mentally and personally — without the b******t. If this episode hits home, send it to someone who needs to hear it. Subscribe to The Big Lad Podcast for more conversations about self-improvement, discipline, fitness, mindset, relationships, masculinity and becoming the best version of yourself. 📲 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 to personal responsibility and accountability 02:08 Understanding the self-serving bias and its impact on accountability 04:14 Jaco Willink's extreme ownership and its application 06:07 Overcoming excuses and prioritizing actions 07:20 Victim mentality versus genuine adversity 07:43 The mirror test for self-assessment and taking control #Accountability #PersonalResponsibility #SelfImprovement #Mindset

  7. Sep 20

    #134 You’re Wasting Your Life Caring What People Think

    How much of your life are you actually living for yourself? If you're constantly worrying about what other people think, you might be giving away more of your life than you realise. In this episode of The Big Lad Podcast, I talk about the hidden cost of caring too much about other people's opinions — how the fear of judgement can stop you from taking risks, pursuing your goals, expressing yourself, setting boundaries and ultimately living the life you actually want. We massively overestimate how much other people are thinking about us. This is known as the spotlight effect — and once you understand it, you start to realise that most of the judgement you're worried about exists far more in your own head than it does in everyone else's. We also look at: • Why you shouldn't treat everyone's opinion as equally valuable • The difference between constructive criticism and meaningless judgement • Why people pleasing can leave you living someone else's life • How fear of judgement stops people taking action • Why you can't control what other people think of you • The importance of becoming comfortable with being misunderstood• How to stop seeking constant approval • Why your time is too valuable to spend managing other people's opinions The uncomfortable truth is that somebody is going to judge you regardless of what you do. So the question is: are you going to let their opinion determine how you live your life? This is a short solo episode about confidence, self-worth, authenticity, people pleasing, overthinking and learning to care less about what other people think. 📲 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 - GEORGE10Chapters 00:00 Introduction: The Cost of Caring About Others' Opinions 01:47 The Spotlight Effect: Overestimating Others' Attention 03:52 Controlling Reactions, Not External Events 06:03 The Courage to Be Imperfect and Vulnerable #SelfImprovement #Confidence #PeoplePleasing #mentalstrength

  8. Sep 13

    #133 How To Get More Sex With Your Wife | David Rainwater

    What if getting more sex from your wife had less to do with asking for more sex… and more to do with becoming a better man? David Rainwater is the creator of The Fuckable Husband Project — an experiment where he started filtering his behaviour through one simple question:“What would a more fuckable husband do?” The results went far beyond sex. In this conversation we talk about marriage, attraction, sex, masculinity, fitness, mental load, competence, communication, social media, boredom, self-improvement and why so many couples stop putting effort into their relationship once they're married. David explains why doing the dishes doesn't mean you've “earned” sex, why competence can be attractive, why trying to make marriage 50/50 can create unnecessary conflict, why social media is distorting our expectations of relationships, and why the boring parts of marriage might actually be the most important. We also get into the uncomfortable question: If you're improving yourself because you want your wife to sleep with you more, are you actually improving yourself — or have you created a contract? And ultimately, what does it actually mean to be a “fuckable husband”?If you're married, in a long-term relationship, or simply interested in becoming a better man, there's plenty here to think about. Subscribe to The Big Lad Podcast for more conversations about fitness, self-improvement, relationships and becoming a better version of yourself. #Marriage #Relationships #SelfImprovement 📲 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 to the Fuckable Husband Project 02:02 The core idea: Behaviours filter through the question of attractiveness 04:20 How the project is perceived by the wife and its impact 07:39 Building habits quickly and using identity as motivation 12:10 The importance of honesty and self-awareness in self-improvement 16:19 The role of social media and societal influences on relationships 20:32 Leveraging strengths and dividing labor in marriage 24:04 The long-term benefits of consistent self-improvement 28:46 The importance of boredom and monotony in relationship longevity 36:39 The distortion of reality by social media and comparison 44:49 The value of internal reflection and self-assessment 01:02:27 Effective communication and repeated conversations 01:09:26 The holistic view of a fulfilling marriage 01:13:56 Practical steps for men to improve their relationships 01:18:55 Defining what it means to be a 'fuckable husband'

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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.

Information

  • Creator
    George W
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    140
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © George W
  • Show Website
    The Big Lad Podcast