The Bits You Don't See

Calum MacLeod

Ever wonder what happens behind the scenes of a champion's journey or a CEO’s rise to the top? The Bits You Don’t See Podcast dives into the moments that don’t make the headlines—the raw emotions, untold struggles, and surprising stories that shape extraordinary lives. Through honest conversations with athletes, business leaders, and other high achievers, we uncover the hidden side of their journeys. It’s not just about the wins; it’s about the lessons learned in the shadows, the challenges that built resilience, and the personal stories that rarely see the light of day. If you’re ready to explore the human side of success—the bits you don’t usually hear about—hit subscribe and join us every week for inspiring, real, and thought-provoking conversations.

  1. #044 - Brendan Gow - How to Build Wealth in Global Markets

    12/05/2025

    #044 - Brendan Gow - How to Build Wealth in Global Markets

    What does it really take to build wealth that lasts? After 20 years in finance, Brendan Gow realised most of the industry didn’t truly understand money. In this episode, the Dubai-based entrepreneur and private wealth expert opens up about how he rebuilt his approach to business, investing, and life — putting integrity and self-awareness at the core of everything. Brendan shares the lessons that only experience can teach — how to create financial freedom, what the numbers don’t tell you, and why passion and structure matter more than luck. Key takeaways: What most people get wrong about money and investing How to build a balanced, resilient investment portfolio The difference between active and passive wealth creation Why Dubai’s property market still has potential despite being overvalued The importance of challenging conventional thinking How to build a fortress balance sheet for long-term stability The emotional price of success and how to protect what truly matters This conversation isn’t just about markets — it’s about mindset. Brendan’s honesty cuts through the noise, revealing what wealth really looks like when you strip away the ego and focus on building something that endures. ▶ Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBitsYouDontSee 🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7GoQcDSj3bU1og11KUZ7uX 🍏 Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bits-you-dont-see/id1787517797

    1 hr
  2. #043 - Charlotte Stebbing-Mills - Overcoming Workplace Stress and Anxiety

    11/14/2025

    #043 - Charlotte Stebbing-Mills - Overcoming Workplace Stress and Anxiety

    What happens when stress stops being manageable and starts controlling your life? Charlotte Stebbing-Mills joins The Bits You Don’t See to talk about the hidden side of workplace anxiety, burnout and rebuilding strength after breaking point. Through her story, Charlotte shares how chronic stress and performance pressure led to anxiety and self-doubt, and how she slowly learned to trust herself again. This episode is a grounded, honest look at what recovery and balance really mean – not the polished version we see online, but the human one that takes time, courage and honesty. Key takeaways: Recognising the early signs of burnout before it spirals Why performance culture fuels anxiety at work How to rebuild confidence after struggling with stress Learning to rest without guilt The importance of openness and asking for help Redefining success around wellbeing, not output How to find purpose again after losing direction This episode is about slowing down, reclaiming your mental space and remembering that you don’t have to have it all together to be doing enough. Charlotte’s vulnerability makes it a powerful reminder that healing isn’t weakness – it’s the start of real strength. ▶ Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBitsYouDontSee 🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7GoQcDSj3bU1og11KUZ7uX 🍏 Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bits-you-dont-see/id1787517797

    1h 16m
  3. #042 – Mark Pickup – The Untold Story of Dubai’s DJ + Nightlife Boom

    10/31/2025

    #042 – Mark Pickup – The Untold Story of Dubai’s DJ + Nightlife Boom

    From dusty decks in Liverpool to launching MixMag UAE in 2025, Mark Pickup has spent decades at the heart of nightlife and media. In this episode, he pulls back the curtain on Dubai’s evolution—from underground beats to headline DJs, from fringe venues to festival‑sized crowds. Whether you live for the bass, curate the scene, or just love what nightlife culture can bring—this one’s for you. What you’ll hear: How Mark turned passion into a platform with MixMag UAE The untold history of Dubai’s dance and DJ scene The challenges of launching a media brand in a competitive market Local talent, big names, and the intersection of creative culture + commerce Where nightlife is headed—and why the best is still ahead ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 ‑ Intro: Meet Mark Pickup & MixMag UAE 01:12 ‑ Launching MixMag UAE & Vision for Nightlife 02:13 ‑ Music Roots: Drums, Bands & Early DJ Days 06:18 ‑ Spotlight on Local DJs & Artists 07:09 ‑ Returning to Dubai: Then vs Now 08:19 ‑ Iconic Venues: 360, Burj Al Arab & the View From the Booth 14:15 ‑ Underground to Mainstream: How the Scene Has Changed 19:00 ‑ The Economics of Nightlife: Big Names & Table Sales 24:33 ‑ Growth & Expansion: Palm, Abu Dhabi & Beyond 27:14 ‑ Arcade82 & Live Acts: Gigs, Festivals, Dream Moments 39:10 ‑ Deep Challenges: Crash Years, Competition & Speed Bumps 45:54 ‑ Why Dubai Is Still “Land of Opportunity” for Creators 🔍 Keywords & Tags Dubai nightlife, MixMag UAE, DJ life, electronic music, media business, local DJs, nightlife culture, Dubai clubs, music scene UAE, Arcade82, media & music, entertainment business ✅ Don’t Miss This 🔥 Subscribe to get episodes every week digging into success, stories, and the struggles you don’t see. 📺 Prefer video? Watch the full session here. 🎙️ Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts

    47 min
  4. 10/24/2025

    #042 – Nick Glover – Conquering Triple Everest, Beating Cancer, and Redefining Resilience

    He cycled through chemotherapy. Climbed the height of Everest three times. Crashed his bike mid-race, snapped his front wheel… and still turned up the next day to run a double marathon. Then, just two weeks after finishing treatment, he played 90 minutes of football. This isn’t about motivation. This is about choosing movement over comfort, and purpose over pain. It’s about doing hard things, even when nobody's watching. 🎙️ In this episode of The Bits You Don’t See, we dive into: • The brutal “danger zone” where most people quit • How extreme endurance became his way of fighting back • Why mantras and affirmations don’t work when you’re truly suffering • Recovery, discipline, and how sport saved his mental health • And the mindset that gets you back up, again and again Whether you're into fitness, mental resilience, or just raw human stories — this one's going to hit deep. 👇 Watch now and don’t forget to subscribe. Chapters 00:00 Intro and the “craziest bio” 02:25 Restless with the status quo 07:05 What a low blood sugar feels like 12:00 CGMs, fueling, and training talk 21:00 Head-on car crash from a hypo 26:00 Cancer diagnosis and treatment plan 31:00 Cycling through chemo, then back to football 31:45 ICU with ketoacidosis at 15 36:00 Perfectionism, noise, and stress 38:25 Gut over opinions 41:00 Action vs curiosity in performance 46:26 What is Ultraman 55:00 Double marathon pain and the comeback 1:00:39 What is Triple Everest 1:17:51 Early doubts and managing sleep 1:19:13 Micro-sleep crash and reset 1:22:28 Hallucinations on the mountain 1:26:19 The last climb and why the mind gives out 1:33:30 Regret about not showing emotion 1:34:15 Where to find Nick and outro

    1h 36m
  5. #040 – Melissa McAllister – From Dubai Dance Trauma to Breathwork Breakthrough

    10/17/2025

    #040 – Melissa McAllister – From Dubai Dance Trauma to Breathwork Breakthrough

    What happens when a professional dancer in Dubai hits breaking point - and turns her pain into powerful transformation? Melissa McAllister opens up about the untold truth behind the glamour, the trauma of performing under pressure, and how she rebuilt her life through breathwork, emotional healing, and deep self-reflection. From being replaced mid-show to sitting with heartbreak during lockdown, Melissa's story is raw, inspiring, and unforgettable. We cover breathwork, body image, trauma healing, and what it really means to come home to yourself. This episode is a masterclass in emotional release, healing, and personal power. Timestamps 00:00 - Welcome to the show where we talk to successful people about the bits you don't see. Today we're talking to Melissa... 04:19 - What dancing is like in Dubai nightclubs - and how it really worked behind the scenes 10:05 - "I'd made up all the shows" - and they still tried to replace me 15:51 - Livestreams in lockdown - the moment she realised something deeper was going on 23:04 - "I'd always fly away" - moving to Dubai, Marbella, or anywhere to avoid the pain 30:17 - "People see me now and go... who's that?" - the transformation they didn’t expect 37:30 - What holotropic breathwork really is - and how it rewires your emotional self 46:09 - “Grief is massive” - working with trauma, loss, and suppressed emotion 54:48 - Public slander and standing strong - “you might say I’m sick or stupid” 63:27 - Getting clients to believe - why buy-in matters in deep healing 70:40 - Broke in Dubai - “I had no money, and nowhere to live” 77:53 - “No one can take the piss anymore” - saying goodbye to people-pleasing 83:39 - Sitting with herself - and discovering who she really is Keywords Melissa McAllister, Dubai, breathwork, trauma healing, emotional release, body image, holotropic breathing, healing journey, dance trauma, mental health, wellness 🎧 Listen & Subscribe YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBitsYouDontSee Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7GoQcDSj3bU1og11KUZ7uX Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bits-you-dont-see/id1787517797 👉🏼 Hit Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs to hear it.

    1h 26m
  6. #039 – Nehha – She Quit Her Job to Build LinkedIn Empires

    10/10/2025

    #039 – Nehha – She Quit Her Job to Build LinkedIn Empires

    She left a stable job, posted once a week, and built a 6-figure business helping CEOs go viral. In this episode, we sit down with Nehha — a LinkedIn strategist who scaled from freelancer to 16 clients in 6 months, all through the power of personal branding. From growing up in Saudi and travelling to 52+ countries, to flopping during COVID and bouncing back — this is a story of clarity, failure, and fierce consistency. If you’re a founder, creator, or entrepreneur still hiding behind your logo… this one’s for you. 🗝️ What You'll Learn: The real ROI of building your personal brand Why LinkedIn is your most underrated asset What founders get WRONG about social media How to stand out — even if no one knows you yet Work-life balance vs. work-life integration What it really takes to grow online in 2025 ⏱️ Timestamps (Chapters) 00:00 - Intro: Meet Nehha 01:24 - What Is a Personal Brand (Really)? 03:43 - Why LinkedIn Beats Instagram 06:15 - Breaking LinkedIn Myths 07:05 - Nehha’s Story: From Saudi to Milan 09:22 - COVID Failure → Opportunity 11:02 - Digital Nomad Life & Lessons 13:58 - Best & Worst Countries to Live In 19:43 - Growing Up Female in Saudi 23:01 - Will Saudi Become the New Dubai? 28:11 - Building Thought Leadership on LinkedIn 32:46 - Instagram vs LinkedIn for Real Estate 36:00 - The Power of Consistency 40:12 - Why Nehha Tracks Every Minute 46:18 - Entrepreneur Burnout & Balance 49:01 - From Health Coach to Agency Founder 53:21 - Final Advice to Founders 53:52 - Where to Find Nehha 📣 Subscribe for More: Every week, we talk to entrepreneurs building unusual lives and unforgettable careers. 🟣 Listen on Spotify & Apple 📺 Watch full video episodes right here on YouTube 🏙️ Based in Dubai? DM us for in-person interviews

    55 min
  7. #038 – Michael Roos – From Alcohol Struggles to Turning Professional in Boxing at 31

    10/03/2025

    #038 – Michael Roos – From Alcohol Struggles to Turning Professional in Boxing at 31

    From drinking a litre of whisky a day during lockdown… to making his professional boxing debut at 31. This is the story of Michael Roos, a man who grew up surrounded by athletes but lost his way through ill-discipline, alcohol, and self-doubt — before turning his life around in the boxing ring. In this raw and inspiring episode of The Bits You Don’t See, Michael opens up about: 🥃 Hitting rock bottom with whisky and Deliveroo during lockdown ⚽ Growing up in a sporting family but failing to fulfil his early potential 🥊 Walking into a boxing gym for “fitness” and walking out with a new life 🧠 How ADHD, anxiety, and addiction shaped his mindset 🔥 Sparring world champion Rocky Fielding and getting a reality check 🏆 Turning pro at 31 and chasing a belt before retirement 💼 Balancing his boxing career with running a business in Dubai Michael’s story is proof that it’s never too late to change your life, find discipline, and fight for redemption. 🕒 Chapters 00:00 – Intro 01:00 – Growing up in a family of athletes 04:10 – Glasgow school fights & broken noses 07:30 – Partying, wasted potential & ill-discipline 10:15 – Rock bottom in Dubai: whisky, Deliveroo & anxiety 14:40 – The medical definition of an “alcoholic” 16:00 – The turning point: Rangers v Celtic, January 2021 17:30 – Walking into a boxing gym for the first time 20:00 – Replacing alcohol with discipline 23:30 – ADHD, addiction, and bursts of focus 27:45 – First fights, BoxIQ, and sparring pros 33:30 – The Rocky Fielding reality check 35:00 – Going pro at 31 in Dubai & Thailand 38:00 – Training with Paul Weir & sports psychology 40:10 – From functioning alcoholic to pro athlete ranking 42:30 – Why he no longer drinks 44:30 – Society’s obsession with alcohol 46:00 – Building boxing events in Dubai 49:00 – Boxing, business & critical thinking 50:30 – What’s next for Michael Roos 🎧 Listen / Watch on Your Favourite Platform • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBitsYouDontSee • Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7GoQcDSj3bU1og11KUZ7uX • Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bits-you-dont-see/id1787517797 👉 If you’ve ever battled with discipline, addiction, or self-doubt — Michael’s story will show you it’s never too late to fight for a second chance. 💬 Drop a comment: What’s the biggest fight you’ve had to overcome? #Boxing #AddictionRecovery #MentalHealthAwareness #TheBitsYouDontSee

    53 min
  8. #037 – Hannah Pryde – From Losing £500K to Selling Dubai Luxury Property

    09/26/2025

    #037 – Hannah Pryde – From Losing £500K to Selling Dubai Luxury Property

    She moved to Dubai at just 21 with no safety net, battled through dyslexia, failed jobs, and self-doubt… only to lose a £500,000 real estate commission that nearly broke her. 💸 But Hannah Pryde didn’t quit. Instead, she rebuilt from scratch — closing multi-million-dirham property deals, running her own migration business, and now launching an AI startup set to transform how salespeople build relationships. This is not your typical success story. It’s raw, unfiltered, and packed with lessons on resilience, risk, and chasing opportunity in Dubai’s fast-moving luxury property market. 💡 What you’ll learn in this episode: The brutal truth about surviving in Dubai real estate. How Hannah turned massive losses into long-term wins. Why thriving in chaos and uncertainty can be your biggest strength. The mindset shifts that fuel resilience in sales & business. Behind the scenes of building an AI-driven company from scratch. If you’re ambitious, entrepreneurial, or simply curious about life in Dubai, Hannah’s story will inspire and challenge you in equal measure. ⏱️ Chapters 0:00 – Welcome & Hannah’s early story 3:15 – Growing up with dyslexia & resilience lessons 10:40 – Why she moved to Dubai at 21 22:00 – Building Pryde Migration & golden visa hustle 36:00 – The £500K deal that slipped away 💸 47:00 – Entering Dubai luxury real estate 1:02:00 – Building an AI startup for salespeople 1:12:30 – Chasing ambition: cars, risk & the “startup itch” 1:20:00 – Anxiety, burnout & the hidden side of success 1:32:00 – Life lessons, mindset & proudest moments 1:37:00 – Where to find Hannah Pryde 🔥 Why this is better: Opens like a movie trailer (21 in Dubai, dyslexia, £500K loss). Taps into emotion + resilience (struggle → comeback). Teases transformation + curiosity (AI startup, mindset). Chapter titles are polished and bingeable.

    1h 39m

Trailer

About

Ever wonder what happens behind the scenes of a champion's journey or a CEO’s rise to the top? The Bits You Don’t See Podcast dives into the moments that don’t make the headlines—the raw emotions, untold struggles, and surprising stories that shape extraordinary lives. Through honest conversations with athletes, business leaders, and other high achievers, we uncover the hidden side of their journeys. It’s not just about the wins; it’s about the lessons learned in the shadows, the challenges that built resilience, and the personal stories that rarely see the light of day. If you’re ready to explore the human side of success—the bits you don’t usually hear about—hit subscribe and join us every week for inspiring, real, and thought-provoking conversations.