Average Jacks: Real talk. Real Growth.

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

    Jun 1

    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.

    1h 19m
  2. The Surprising Truth About Running From Yourself W/Scott Lackey

    May 25

    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

    1h 2m
  3. The Hidden Downsides of Self-Improvement #71

    May 14

    The Hidden Downsides of Self-Improvement #71

    Most self-improvement advice tells you to do more, push harder, and never stop grinding but what if that mindset is actually making people more anxious, burnt out, and unhappy? In this solo episode, I break down the reality of self-improvement the good, the bad, and where people often lose themselves in the process. We dive into how fitness became the foundation for my confidence, discipline, and personal growth, while also discussing the dangers of obsession, toxic productivity, and constantly comparing yourself to others online. I share the mindset shifts that helped me focus on sustainable progress instead of perfection, why ownership and reflection are key to lasting change, and how to recognise when self-improvement stops being healthy and starts becoming destructive. This conversation is about building a life that actually feels better, not just looks better from the outside. Whether you’re just starting your journey or deep into it already, this episode is a reminder that growth doesn’t need to come at the cost of your happiness, relationships, or peace of mind. Find out more: www.jackmckiernan.co.uk If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed by the pressure to constantly improve, this one’s for you. Tune in now. 🎧🔥

    28 min
  4. The podcast is Changing... #70

    Apr 30

    The podcast is Changing... #70

    Most Podcast stop before they ever build momentum but after 70+ episodes navigating plenty of ups and downs, this episode is a look behind the curtain at what it actually takes to keep going. In this solo episode, I break down the reality of building The Average Jacks Podcast from scratch, the lessons learned along the way, how things have evolved, and what it takes to stay consistent when motivation dips and doubt creeps in. I talk about why consistency matters more than perfection, how community feedback has and will shape the direction of the show, and why I think authenticity will always beat polish when it comes to building something real. I also share lessons around imposter syndrome, staying motivated through setbacks, and why real growth in podcasting (and anything else) comes from showing up even when it’s not perfect. This one’s for anyone building something from the ground up whether that’s a podcast, a business, or just trying to stay consistent with something you care about. If you’re in the early stages or feeling stuck, this is your reminder: keep going, stay real, and trust the process. Tune in now. 🎧🔥 www.jackmckiernan.co.uk

    16 min
  5. Breaking Negative Patterns W/Meidi Goodson

    Apr 13

    Breaking Negative Patterns W/Meidi Goodson

    Most of us carry patterns from childhood that quietly shape how we think, feel, and act, often without realising it. In this episode, I sit down with Meidi Goodson, who shares how those early experiences can hold us back, and more importantly, how to break free from them. From a high-pressure career to a life dedicated to self-healing, Meidi opens up about her journey through trauma, self-doubt, and a life-changing experience during pregnancy that forced her to rethink everything. We dive into how techniques like hypnotherapy, EFT, and self-awareness can help rewire negative patterns and create lasting change. We break down the link between your thoughts, language, and beliefs and how they shape the story you tell yourself. From guilt and unworthiness to control and negative self-talk, this episode explores the patterns that keep people stuck, and the simple, practical tools that can help shift them from grounding and movement to building real self-awareness. This conversation is about taking responsibility, understanding your past without being controlled by it, and creating a life that actually aligns with who you are. If you’ve been feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or caught in the same cycles, this episode gives you a starting point to change that. Find out more about Meidi: https://www.meidigoodson.com/

    1h 24m
  6. Finding Purpose in Change: A Story of Resilience W/ Sharon McSorley

    Mar 30

    Finding Purpose in Change: A Story of Resilience W/ Sharon McSorley

    Most people build their identity around what they do — but what happens when that’s taken away? In this episode, we sit down with Sharon McSorley, a former police officer who opens up about leaving a 25-year career, facing complex PTSD, and rebuilding her life from the ground up. Sharon shares her journey through identity loss, mental health struggles, and the reality of starting over. We dive into how she turned her lowest moments into tools for growth — using self-awareness, curiosity, and acceptance to create lasting change, both in her own life and now with her coaching clients. We break down the difference between surface-level habits and real transformation, why purpose matters more than routine, and how things like movement, nutrition, and mindset all play a role in building resilience. Sharon also opens up on impostor syndrome, hidden struggles, and why discomfort is often the starting point for real progress. This conversation goes beyond coaching — it’s about understanding who you are when everything feels uncertain, and learning how to rebuild with intention. Whether you’re feeling stuck, navigating a big life change, or searching for more direction, this episode offers a real and honest look at what it takes to start again — and do it properly. Tune in now. 🎧🔥

    50 min
  7. Exposing the Food Industry W/Maxi Nourish

    Mar 23

    Exposing the Food Industry W/Maxi Nourish

    Most people talk about healthy living, Max Vernon (@maxi.nourish) is building a movement around it. From behind-the-scenes farm visits to calling out food industry myths, Max shares how honesty, consistency, and real action have helped him grow a loyal community and stand out in a crowded space. We dive into what it actually takes to build a purpose-driven brand, from handling criticism and turning negativity into growth, to backing your message with quality sourcing and transparency. Beyond food, this episode is about mindset. Max opens up on discipline, self-awareness, and why focusing on long-term impact beats chasing short-term wins. 📲 Check out more from Max: @maxi.nourish Tune in now. 🎧🔥 💪 Sponsored by Viribus StrengthUse code ‘average Jack’ for 20% off at www.viribusstrength.co.uk Thank you to the amazing Crew: Emma Coombes- floor manager Jamie Callaghan - VTOlivia Furness - Camera operator Maddie Mayfield - Camera operator Molly Wallace - Camera operator Sydney Edge - Camera operatorJoe French - Vision MixerAnthony wood - directorSophia Walls-Hester-sound

    50 min
  8. Aligning Values with Impact W/Sam Goodson

    Mar 9

    Aligning Values with Impact W/Sam Goodson

    In this episode of the Average Jacks Podcast, I sit down with Sam Goodson for an honest conversation about male purpose, mental health, and what it means to build a meaningful life as a young man today. With social media, grind culture, and constant comparison shaping the modern world, many young men feel lost or disconnected. Sam shares his perspective on how deliberate action, physical training, and deep self-reflection helped him find direction and build a life rooted in purpose rather than superficial success. We talk about how therapy played a key role in his personal transformation, how movement and training can become powerful tools for mental clarity, and why exploring your passions even when it’s uncomfortable is essential for real growth. Sam also breaks down the three pillars he believes every man should focus on: training hard, being mindful about what you consume, and committing to honest self-reflection. This episode is a powerful conversation about navigating the modern world as a young man, taking ownership of your life, and building something meaningful in a time where many feel directionless. You can follow Sam and his work at Helios Physique Coaching on Instagram: @heliosphysiquecoaching. 💪 Sponsored by Viribus StrengthUse code ‘average Jack’ for 20% off at www.viribusstrength.co.uk

    51 min
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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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