PODCAST · education
The Next Level Guy Show
by Ian Dawson Mackay
Real conversations – The work behind changeThe Next Level Guy Podcast is a series of real conversations with people who've done the work — physically, mentally, and emotionally. We explore how change actually happens, without scripts, shortcuts, or performance.What this show actually isThis isn't motivation.It's orientation.Each episode explores how men build:clarity when they feel stuck or overwhelmedstrength without burning out or numbing outdirection when life feels noisy or unfocusedThe conversations are grounded, practical, and rooted in real experience — not theory or internet optimisation.If you're looking for something calm, useful, and honest, you're in the right place.The conversationsYou'll hear from:athletes and coachescreators and thinkerscraftspeople, professionals, and everyday men who've rebuilt themselvesSome guests are well known.Others are quietly impressive.What matters isn't status — it's whether their lessons hold up in real life.
Episodes
-
I Didn't Ring the Bell — Caleb Watson on What Discipline Does When the Fight Is Over
"The chemotherapy killed me enough to want to be alive." Caleb Watson is a personal coach and founder of Reformed Fitness who has faced cancer three times while rebuilding his life beyond alcoholism, depression and aggression. His work combines physical training with the deeper challenge of...
-
The World Is Made of Fire - Sam Sheridan on why comfort is the real risk
The World Is Made of Fire - Sam Sheridan on why comfort is the real risk ""Modern men don't lack courage. They lack opportunities to prove to themselves that they're capable."" Level up with the show-notes at https://www.nextlevelguy.com/samsheridan245/ Most people spend their lives trying to…
more -
Capability Is Confidence: Donny Dust on Cave Living, Combat Vet Recovery & Trusting Yourself Again
"You Are Who You Say You Are" | Donny Dust on Cave Healing & Earning Your Ground Truth "You can't be me. You have to be you." "What happens when a man stops trusting himself?" Donny Dust isn't on The Next Level Guy because he teaches survival. He's here because he teaches something far more...
-
Understanding Beats Fixing: Izzie Miller on Why Insight Isn't Enough to Change You
""You can't change what you don't understand."" Level up with the show-Notes at: https://www.nextlevelguy.com/izziemiller243/ You can't change what you don't understand. Most people don't need another productivity hack. They don't need more motivation or another morning routine. They need to...
-
Have I Done Enough? — Richard Whitehead MBE on Gold Medals, Grief, and What Drives a Man to Keep Going
""We need to change ourselves before we change the world."" Richard Whitehead MBE is a Paralympic gold medallist, world-record marathon runner and founder of the Richard Whitehead Foundation. Beyond sport, he has dedicated his life to challenging perceptions around disability and helping people...
-
The Body Keeps the Receipts: Tom Morrison on Why Strong Men Break First
""The strength was already there. I just took away the handbrake."" Most men do not realise they are training themselves into the body they will later regret. They chase strength, size and performance while quietly accepting stiff backs, aching knees and shoulders that "just do that now." Tom...
-
The Adopted Kid Who Built His Own Tribe | Chris Burns
The Adopted Kid Who Built His Own Tribe | Chris Burns "It's less about what goal can I conquer and it's more about what makes me feel right in being alive." This conversation starts with jiu-jitsu but quickly moves into much bigger territory. Chris and I talk about adoption, belonging…
more -
"You Can't Outrun Yourself" — Tom Jenkins on Drinking, Gambling & the Self-Worth Underneath
"You can't outrun yourself, but you can choose a different direction." Level up with the show-notes at: https://www.nextlevelguy.com/tomjenkins239/ What if the habits ruining your life aren't the real problem? For years, Tom Jenkins blamed the drinking, gambling, porn, failed relationships and...
-
You're Not Broken — You're Avoiding This" | Sam Eaton on Depression, Action & Getting Unstuck
He looked fine on the outside — but was writing "I want to die" on his school papers. 🎙️ Meet Sam Eaton — once battling depression in silence, now helping thousands of men take their first step back into life. This episode will help you realise you're not broken — you've just never been shown…
more -
Consistency Beats the Perfect Plan: Alex VanHouten on Why You Don't Have a Discipline Problem
"You don't have a discipline problem — you're just trying to follow someone else's plan." 🎙️ Meet Alex VanHouten — exercise scientist and coach helping high performers cut through the noise and actually make progress that sticks. Coach Alex's personal journey started with him wrestling with a...
-
What Changed After The Craig Harrison Conversation?
What happens after the war ends? In this conversation with Craig Harrison, we get into the part most people never see — coming home, dealing with PTSD, and rebuilding life when the structure is gone. This isn't theory. It's lived experience. What you'll take from this: Why ignoring what's under…
more -
The Man Who Made the Longest Sniper Shot in History Almost Didn't Survive Coming Home
The Hardest Battle Was Coming Home | Craig Harrison on War, PTSD & Life After the British Army ""The world knows the shot. But the hardest battle was learning how to live after the war."" The world knows Craig Harrison for the longest confirmed sniper shot in military history. But the real story...
-
"You vs. The Man Who Walked In on Day One" — Rick Ellis on Training BJJ for Decades, Not Months
"You're not in competition with anybody — you're just trying to get better than the person that walked in on day one." What if the reason you're burning out, getting injured, or quietly losing confidence… isn't your age — but the way you define success? Most men step on the mat trying to prove...
-
"Loneliness Isn't a Personal Failure" — James K. Ellis on Why You Can Be Surrounded by People and Still Feel Alone
I recorded an episode this week that stayed with me long after we stopped recording. I sat down with James K. Ellis, a clinical psychologist known as The Loneliness Doctor, and we talked about something a lot of men feel but rarely say out loud — that quiet, gnawing sense of not quite fitting…
more -
"You Don't Rise to the Occasion" — Owen Livesey on Training, Fatigue & Why Confidence Isn't a Feeling
How to build Real Confidence through Pressure | Discipline, Fatigue & Mastery with Owen Livesey "You don't rise to the occasion — you default to whatever you've trained when you're exhausted." — Owen Livesey What if the reason most men fail isn't talent, technique, or motivation — but their...
-
Why Learning Butchery Builds Real Confidence (Skill, Control & Self-Reliance)
Primal Eats: How Learning to Butcher Meat Builds Confidence, Skill, and Control in all areas of your life! "Confidence doesn't come from talent — it comes from repetition, patience, and knowing what you're doing when it matters." Welcome to 'The Next Level Guy Podcast', a show built around one...
-
How Pressure Forces You to Find Your Purpose
From Self-Doubt to World Stage: Andy Black on Pressure, Purpose & Progress "What if the people hyping you up are the very reason you're stuck? You don't need hype — you need people honest enough to tell you when you can do better." What does real strength look like when the hype is stripped away?...
-
How Champions Build Mental Toughness Under Pressure
Michael "The Monster" Todd: Faith, Grit & Finding Your Way Back "Mediocrity disgusts me. Being normal never made sense." — Michael "The Monster" Todd 🎙️ Meet Michael "The Monster" Todd — world champion arm wrestler, founder of The Monster Factory, and proof that grit, faith, and consistency can...
-
The White Belt in Your Head Is Holding Back Your Progress
The White Belt in Your Head: Overcoming Self-Doubt at Every Level "You can't have negative self-talk while someone's trying to strangle you." — Daniel Schuardt Level Up with the show-notes at: https://www.nextlevelguy.com/danielschuardt229/ 🎙️ What if the secret to silencing your inner critic……
more -
Stop Making Dumb Mistakes in BJJ – Train Smarter, Progress Faster
BJJ Ain't that hard; Stop over-complicating it! "BJJ isn't that hard — people just make it hard by chasing fluff. If you focus on movement and fundamentals, everything else falls into place." What if Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu isn't actually that hard? My guest today says the problem isn't the art…
more -
What Sheepdogs Teach About Leadership, Responsibility & Control
The Shepherd's Code: Leadership, Legacy, and Life with Working Dogs 💬 "They're not forced to work — they live for it. A dog without purpose isn't happy, and I don't think people are any different." Level Up with the show-notes at: https://www.nextlevelguy.com/seanhannah227/ In a world chasing...
-
What Actually Helps When You're Mentally Struggling
Your Therapist Won't Tell You These Mental Health Secrets! "What if the emotions you're avoiding—anger, shame, anxiety—aren't the problem... but the key to your healing?" Level up your emotional journey with the show-notes at https://www.nextlevelguy.com/emmamcadam226/ Emma McAdam, licensed...
-
Ozzy's Gone. Do we only care after people pass?
Ozzy's gone. And suddenly everyone cares. But did they care yesterday? Did they tell him when he was here? Or are they just posting because it's trending? This isn't just about him. It's about us. And how we're wasting our lives pretending to care… too late. On today's short and sharp solo…
more -
The Quiet Damage of Labels — and How to See People Clearly Again
🎙️ Welcome to a special edition of the Next Level Guy Podcast — Let's Talk About... This is a series where we have real, unfiltered conversations about the stuff that matters. Whether it's grief, stigma, masculinity, mental health, or self-worth — we're going to talk about it. Not to shock. Not…
more -
One Man, One Tube, No Shame: A Colonoscopy Confession
Harsh Truth #2: Colonoscopy – It's Not as Bad as You Think Guest: None Summary: In this cheek-clenching solo episode, Ian shares the joy (read: mild discomfort) of getting a colonoscopy — the glamorous life of a man with frequent toilet visits. Was it terrifying? Nope. Was it uncomfortable? A…
more -
Why Real Flexibility Lets You Train Harder — Without Breaking Down
"Training breaks you down — recovery makes you stronger. If you want to roll for life, mobility isn't optional. It's the foundation." – Sebastian Brosche You're listening to The Next Level Guy Podcast—your backstage pass to becoming the man you were born to be. What if the key to levelling up…
more -
You're Not Dead Yet — Act Like It
#224 – Matt Vincent on Radical Ownership, Living Hard, and the 'Not Dead Yet' Mindset "The story ends the same for all of us — so let it rip while you're here. You're not obligated to exist — but you're here. So why not give it hell?" – Matt Vincent It's time to Stop Living on Autopilot and Start...
-
You're Not Broken: Why Addiction Isn't a Moral Failure
#223 – Adi Jaffe on Addiction, Shame, and the Real Reason You Can't Change "You weren't broken—you were doing your best with the tools you had at the time. Shame won't heal you. Understanding will." — Dr. Adi Jaffe It's time to Rewire Your Brain, Heal Your Shame, learn Dr. Jaffe's Tools for…
more -
Why Most People Live on Autopilot — and How to Break Free
#222 Reinventing Yourself with Style: Eva Schubert on Art, Identity & Living Off-Script "You don't need to justify your existence with utility. Beauty is enough." — Eva Schubert What if the key to a meaningful life isn't success — but reinvention? In this episode, jazz singer and creator Eva...
-
Why Elite Fighters Use Yoga to Move Better, Recover Faster & Stay Dangerous
#221 Yoga for BJJ: The secret sauce for flexibility, injury prevention and and amazing Performance "Yoga isn't just stretching — it's learning how to move better, recover smarter, and stay on the mats longer." — Bianca Ilea What if the secret to becoming better at Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu wasn't more...
-
Why the Credit Score Game Keeps You Broke — and What to Build Instead
#220 — George Kamel: Break Free From Debt, Ditch the Credit Score Game & Build Real Wealth "The borrower is slave to the lender. If you owe someone money, you're not fully free." — George Kamel What if your credit score obsession, buy-now-pay-later plans, and lifestyle creep are actually what's...
-
No One's Coming to Save You
🎙️ Hard Truths #1 — No One's Coming to Save You In this short, no-nonsense solo episode, I'm kicking off a brand-new series called Hard Truths—raw, honest insights that cut through the noise and get straight to the point. This week's truth: No one is coming to save you. It sounds harsh, but it's...
-
What Extreme Environments Teach Us About Healing the Brain and Human Performance
219 – Brain Healing, Deep Sea Living & Human Performance with Dr. Deep Sea "Take charge of you. You are 100% in charge. Don't stop learning. Don't stop looking. Don't stop exploring." — Dr. Joseph Dituri 🎙️ Meet Dr. Joseph Dituri — Navy Diver. Hyperbaric Pioneer. Brain Rebuilder. What happens…
more -
How to Turn Pain Into Strength Instead of Letting It Break You
#218 Cracked Open – Carly Wopat on Turning Pain Into Purpose! 🎙️ Meet Carly Wopat — Athlete. Fighter. Soul-Seeker. "Every time I've gone through something difficult, it's cracked me open—and from that space, something new could grow." — Carly Wopat What happens when everything you thought…
more -
Why Your Dating Profile Isn't Working (And How to Fix the Signal)
#217 – Erika Ettin: Fix Your Dating Profile, Stop Overthinking & Master Online Dating "If you're struggling with dating, the problem isn't the apps, the city, or your age—it's how you're using them. Be intentional, be confident, and most of all—be yourself." – Erika Ettin Dating in the modern…
more -
Why You Keep Repeating the Same Patterns — and How to Actually Change Them
"Your thoughts create your reality. If you're stuck in a cycle of negativity, it's not because you're broken—it's because your mind has been trained that way. The good news? You can rewire it. With the right tools, you can break patterns, shift your mindset, and start living the life you actually...
-
Would You Have Survived History? The Standards Most Men Wouldn't Meet
"Most people think history is just dates and battles, but it's the personal stories that make it real. I wanted to create something where you don't just learn about history—you experience it. Whether it's marching in Napoleon's army, standing in a Viking shield wall, or surviving in a WWII tank,...
-
From Broken to Unbreakable: How Mental Toughness Is Actually Built
#214 Unbreakable: Damien Rider on Resilience, Extreme Challenges & Mental Mastery Today's guest is Damien Rider with a focus on Pushing Limits and Building Resilience! You can listen to the episode and review the amazing show-notes at: https://www.nextlevelguy.com/damienrider214/ Damien Rider is…
more -
How to Think Clearly When Everything Is Uncertain
#213 Stephan Kesting: Surviving the Wild – Perseverance, Problem-Solving & Mental Strength Today's guest is Stephan Kesting, who is an adventurer, firefighter, and lifelong martial artist who thrives in high-pressure situations. Whether navigating the remote Arctic, making split-second decisions…
more -
What Happens When You Follow Curiosity All the Way Down
#212 Spencer Hoffman: Unlocking Nature's Secrets – The Hidden World of Insects, Wildlife & YouTube! Today's guest is: Spencer Hoffman-Edminster! Today's topic is 'MyWildBackyard: Uncovering Nature's Hidden World'! The show-notes (and other goodies) can be found at:...
-
From Shy to Capable: What Martial Arts Taught Me About Real Power
#211 From Shy to Dangerous: What Martial Arts Taught Me About Real Power! Today's guest is Rosie Miller, @rosierollz, a BJJ Brown Belt and a Performance & Mindset Coach You can listen and view the show-notes at: https://www.nextlevelguy.com/rosiemiller211/ Rosie Miller is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu...
-
Why Most Athletes Get Injured — and How the Smart Ones Train
#Why 80% of Athletes Get Injured — and How to Train Like the 20%! Today's guest is Dr Mike Piekarski! You can listen to the show, and review the show-notes at: https://www.nextlevelguy.com/mikepiekarski210/ Meet Dr. Mike Piekarski, aka "Doctor Kickass"—a Doctor of Physical Therapy, BJJ black…
more -
What Actually Works When You Want to Get in Shape
#209 Kris Gethin: The No. 1 Transformation Expert on Building Muscle, Burning Fat & Biohacking Your Best Body Today's guest is Kris Gethin! You can view the show-notes at: https://www.nextlevelguy.com/krisgethin209/ Kris Gethin is one of the world's most recognized transformation experts, with…
more -
Why Clearing Your Space Calms Your Mind
#208 Amber Cammidge on decluttering your chaos to find your peace! Today's guest is Amber Cammidge! You can find the show-notes and other goodies at https://www.nextlevelguy.com/ambercammidge208/ Amber Cammidge is on a mission to help you transform your home from a source of stress into a…
more -
Why Being 'Nice' Is Costing You Respect — and What to Do Instead
Today's guest is Dr Robert A. Glover! Dr. Robert Glover is a relationship expert with over 40 years of professional experience. He is author of four books, including the groundbreaking, No More Mr. Nice Guy and is the founder of Integration Nation, an international community for men. In this...
-
Why Trying Harder Is Sometimes the Fastest Way to Burn Out
#206 Reignite Your Inner Power: Michelle Rose on Surrender, Self-Care, and Embracing Feminine Energy Today's guest is Michelle Rose, a transformative Yoga, Pilates, and Breathwork expert, and the visionary creator of Project La Femme. You can find the show-notes and other great goodies at:...
-
Why Having a Hobby Is One of the Most Underrated Mental Health Tools
#205 Matt Doogue on how to help your mental health by living your passions! Matt Doogue on how to help your mental health by living your passions! Today's guest is Matt Doogue! @mattd85 @themindfullrower The show-notes are available at: https://www.nextlevelguy.com/mattdoogue205 In this episode…
more -
Why Learning Basic Butchery Saves You Serious Money on Meat
#204 Brad Baych: How to Buy Cheaper Meat That Tastes Better! Today's guest is Brad Baych! Cooking is a skill that a lot of men struggle with, treating it as a fuel source, rather than a tasty time! With some changes, you too can learn how to pick the best quality possible, cook like a chef, save...
-
Why Action Beats Talk When Building a Better Life
#203 Michael Sartain on becoming a man of action! Today's guest is Michael Sartain @michaelsartain ! Episode #203: Michael Sartain on Building Power, Attraction, and the Path to Self-Improvement Today's guest on the Next Level Guy Podcast is Michael Sartain—a powerhouse in performance coaching…
more -
How to Think Clearly When Everything Is Falling Apart
Today's guest is Dr Teimojin Tan! Listen to the show at https://www.nextlevelguy.com/drteimojintan202/ Teimojin grew up in Montreal and had a very worldly upbringing. From taking his first steps on a plane as a child to solo traveling through developing countries in his youth, he was never one to...
We're indexing this podcast's transcripts for the first time — this can take a minute or two. We'll show results as soon as they're ready.
No matches for "" in this podcast's transcripts.
No topics indexed yet for this podcast.
Loading reviews...
ABOUT THIS SHOW
Real conversations – The work behind changeThe Next Level Guy Podcast is a series of real conversations with people who've done the work — physically, mentally, and emotionally. We explore how change actually happens, without scripts, shortcuts, or performance.What this show actually isThis isn't motivation.It's orientation.Each episode explores how men build:clarity when they feel stuck or overwhelmedstrength without burning out or numbing outdirection when life feels noisy or unfocusedThe conversations are grounded, practical, and rooted in real experience — not theory or internet optimisation.If you're looking for something calm, useful, and honest, you're in the right place.The conversationsYou'll hear from:athletes and coachescreators and thinkerscraftspeople, professionals, and everyday men who've rebuilt themselvesSome guests are well known.Others are quietly impressive.What matters isn't status — it's whether their lessons hold up in real life.
HOSTED BY
Ian Dawson Mackay
CATEGORIES
Loading similar podcasts...
Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Next Level Guy Show have?
The Next Level Guy Show currently has 260 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Next Level Guy Show about?
Real conversations – The work behind changeThe Next Level Guy Podcast is a series of real conversations with people who've done the work — physically, mentally, and emotionally. We explore how change actually happens, without scripts, shortcuts, or performance.What this show actually isThis isn't...
How often does The Next Level Guy Show release new episodes?
The Next Level Guy Show publishes regularly with 260 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to The Next Level Guy Show?
You can listen to The Next Level Guy Show on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts The Next Level Guy Show?
The Next Level Guy Show is created and hosted by Ian Dawson Mackay.
URL copied to clipboard!