#118 Steven Kotler - Fix Your Focus, Enter Peak Performance & Stop Procrastinating

This week guest is BBC Scotland's Act of the Year Bemz. Bemz. Bemz is a hip-artist, performer and a old friend. In this candid conversation, Bemz shares insights on: Public vs. Private Life: How does he navigate his public persona while keeping his personal life under wraps? Behind the Scenes: Discover one surprising thing fans might not know about him and explore common misconceptions. Community Building: The significance of fostering a community around his music, including his experiences at festivals and with brands like Celtic. The Music Industry in Scotland: Bemz opens up about the challenges of fame, the realities of being your own manager, and the financial aspects of the rap industry. Collaborations and Influences: Hear about his connections with artists like The Snuts, Killer Mike and Adidas. Personal Life: A glimpse into his role as a dad and how it influences his music and authenticity. Scottish Rap Scene: Will Scottish rap gain more prominence? Bemz discusses his impact on the scene and the potential for growth. Creative Process: Learn about his songwriting methods and how he crafts lyrics that resonate with listeners. Awards and Recognition: Reflecting on accolades like the Scottish Act of the Year and his participation in events like Transmit. Big love to my mate Bemz for coming back on the show. -- This episode is sponsored by Handsome Jacks Finnieston. Get along for the cleanest haircut in Glasgow. Situated on Argyle Street - visit Handsome Jacks Finnieston. Handsome Jack's Finnieston (@handsomejacks.finnieston)Instagram · handsomejacks.finnieston710+ followers -- Follow me: ww.instagram.com/davidmcintoshjr Support the podcast on Patreon (and get this early) www.patreon.com/developmentbydavid

To celebrate hitting another year, I've gathered questions from across social media platforms to bring you an extended Q&A session. I'll be tackling a wide range of topics, from personal insights to my podcasting journey, and everything in between. Expect to learn about my relationship with alcohol, my dreams for the podcast, and what success means to me. I'll share some behind-the-scenes stories from my recent Gymshark speaking gig and hanging out with Example. You'll also hear my thoughts on work-life balance, my biggest struggles , and even who has. my favourite moustache. We'll dive into the evolution of my podcasting goals, the biggest lessons I've learned along the way, and how I'm balancing growth with staying true to my vision. I'll reflect on proud moments, challenges I've faced, and how my beliefs have been challenged over the past year. For those curious about my comedy journey, I'll update you on my progress since that first Q&A where I promised to try stand-up. You'll hear about my best and worst heckles, and which comedians inspire me most. We'll also touch on some more serious topics, like current struggles, and what I'd tell my younger self if I could. Plus, I'll share my thoughts on Chris Williamson, Jimmy Carr and other heroes of mine and reveal my dream podcast guests. Thanks for the love! Hope you enjoy, David x -- This episode is sponsored by Vybey: With meals starting at just £1.50, vybey is the easy, delicious choice for anyone who values their time and health.Try it today and get 15% off with the code DBYD at vybey.com.au or vybey.co.uk.

Nick Yarris is a speaker, writer and ex-death row inmate. I had the privilege of sitting down with Nick Yarris in London. Nick spent 22 years on death row for a murder he didn't commit. Nick is an author, motivational speaker, and the subject of the documentary film "Fear of 13," available on Netflix. He's also the inspiration for a play currently running in London, starring Adrien Brody. At 21, after enduring a violent childhood, Nick found himself in a situation that led to his wrongful conviction and life sentence. In the 1980s, prisons and guards were notoriously harsh to convicts of such crimes. Enforced silences, caged dog-fights, guard beatdowns, and "quality time" with psychopaths were commonplace. Nick became the FBI's Most Wanted Man after a prison escape but soon turned himself back in. He promised his mother he wouldn't waste his time on death row becoming embittered by his wrongful accusation. Nick became both the kindest and most dangerous man on death row. He taught himself to read in prison, becoming a student of language and religion. He wrote letters home to family, friends, and lawyers of other inmates. His eloquent and powerful communication led him to become the first death row inmate to request DNA testing. As a result, Nick was exonerated in 2004 after DNA technology proved his innocence. Nick spent 22 years behind the toughest bars for another man's crime. He was tortured mentally and physically for an act he did not commit. Yet, Nick tells me, "Death row is like a fond memory to me. I am no longer disturbed by what happened to me." Since his release, Nick has become an author, anti-death penalty activist, and inspiring public speaker. He uses his pain as his purpose. He uses his pain to connect. Five years ago, after seeing Nick on Joe Rogan, I reached out before I started my podcast. I thanked him, we connected, and we've been friends since. His story isn't just about survival—it's about thriving against impossible odds and emerging triumphant from trauma. This episode hits hard. Prepare for tears. --- Sponsors: Thanks Finnieston clothing in Glasgow for sponsoring this episode - https://finniestonclothing.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoo6PMx7H5ckHcQILm2wcGAT-bNC9pMAXfRlFiSi3B2ECXKxpShb Thanks to David Millar at Mantra Menswork for sponsoring this episode - https://mantra-menswork.mykajabi.com/man-alive?preview_theme_id=2155765370 Find Me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidmcintoshjr/?hl=en Find Me on Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@developmentbydavid?lang=en Support the Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/developmentbydavid Subscribe to my newsletter: [https://developmentbydavid.substack](https://developmentbydavid.substack/).

In this episode, I am joined by Dr. Anna Machin, an evolutionary anthropologist at the University of Oxford and expert on the science of love. Love - that mysterious, powerful force that has inspired countless works of art, literature, and music. But what exactly is love from a scientific perspective? Dr. Machin will help us unravel the evolutionary purpose of love and explain why it's critical to our survival as a species.We'll dive deep into the neurochemistry of love, exploring the roles of oxytocin, dopamine, and other hormones in forming and maintaining romantic relationships. Dr. Machin will also shed light on how love differs across cultures and whether humans are truly designed for monogamy.

Albert-László Barabási is a renowned Physicist and Scientist, Professor at Northeastern University in Boston, TED Speaker, Author and is known for his scientific discovery of Network Science, Scale-free networks and the Barabasi-Albert model. His book The Formula: The Universal Laws of Success is my favourite book of all time. Why do some people succeed and others don’t? Whats the difference between performance and success? Why does a small percentage of artists receive disproportionate amounts of reward? How does one piece of art make exhibition walls and other the recycle bin? Why does the last interviewee for a job have greater chances of getting the job? Does creativity expire with age? There is a science to all of this. It’s called Network Science. Today, my guest is the most notable figure in its history - Laszlo Barabasi. Follow me on Instagram: www.instagram.com/davidmcintoshjr Subscribe to the Patreon: www.patreon.com/developmentbydavid Buy me a coffee: buymeacoffee.com/developmentbydavid This episode is sponsored by Hot-Tottie.com

George is a advocate for men & boys, a blogger, a podcaster and a writer. Men and boy’s are suffering in silence and statistically the biggest threat to men’s health is us. But what are the often-overlooked issues facing men today and whose problem is it to fix them? In this episode, we discuss the alarming statistics, including high suicide rates and the stigmas that often prevent men from seeking help. George emphasises the importance of redefining masculinity, advocating for emotional literacy, and fostering supportive communities where men can openly discuss their struggles without fear of judgment. Expect to learn: - Understanding Men's Mental Health: Gain insights into the pressing issues men face today, including the societal pressures and damaging narratives that contribute to mental health struggles and high suicide rates. - Redefining Masculinity - Learn about the evolving definition of masculinity and the cultural changes needed to foster healthier expressions of manhood in contemporary society. - Impact of Social Media: Explore how social media influences male self-perception and mental health, exacerbating feelings of loneliness and inadequacy. - Combating Loneliness: Discover practical steps men can take to combat loneliness and build meaningful connections through community engagement and emotional literacy. - Supporting Each Other and Women: Understand how men can better support one another and women in their struggles. I understand this is a heavy episode and listener discretion is advised as stories and stats might be perceived as sensitive. TheTinMen Blog - [https://thetinmen.blog](https://thetinmen.blog/) George’s Instagram - @TheTinMen Sponsors: Thanks Finnieston clothing in Glasgow for sponsoring this episode - https://finniestonclothing.com/?srslt... Thanks to David Millar at Mantra Menswork for sponsoring this episode - https://mantra-menswork.mykajabi.com/...

Janey Godley is a renowned Scottish stand-up comedian, actress, and writer. I met her in a cafe in Glasgow and we recorded this impromptu podcast! Growing up in a challenging environment in Shettleston Glasgow, she left school at 16 and began her comedy career in 1994. Godley has gained acclaim for her unique humor and storytelling, winning multiple awards, including the "Best Show Concept" at the New Zealand International Comedy Festival. She is also known for her viral social media presence and her poignant voice-overs of ex-first minister Nicola Sturgeon. Her autobiography, Handstands in the Dark, reflects her journey through adversity and triumph. Janey has won multiple awards including the Sir Billy Connolly Spirit of Glasgow Award in 2023.

Steven Kotler is a New York Times bestselling author and award-winning journalist, he has penned 12 bestsellers, including The Art of Impossible and Stealing Fire. He is a pioneer in the theory of “flow”. His groundbreaking work has been nominated for three Pulitzer Prizes and translated into over 40 languages, reaching audiences worldwide through major publications like Wired and TIME. Expect to learn: What is Flow? Steven defines flow and its essential role in enhancing performance across various aspects of life. Neurobiology of Flow: Discover the brain processes and chemicals involved in flow, and learn how to identify your personal flow triggers. Making it real: Steven shares actionable techniques to integrate flow into everyday activities and discusses the importance of active recovery. Dark Side of Flow: Explore common misconceptions about flow and strategies to manage anxiety for better access to flow states. Future Insights: Steven discusses the role of empathy in performance, the impact of technology on flow, and exciting directions for future research. Check out the Flow Research Collective - https://www.flowresearchcollective.com/ Check out Steven's website - https://www.stevenkotler.com/ Follow me on Instagram: www.instagram.com/davidmcintoshjr Subscribe to the Patreon: www.patreon.com/developmentbydavid Buy me a coffee: buymeacoffee.com/developmentbydavid

Luke Kidgell is world-touring Australian Comedian and Podcaster. With over 3 million fans and five national tours, Luke combines humour, relatable experiences and crowd-work which makes him a viral sensation on TikTok and Youtube. Luke was in Glasgow for his world tour Happy Hour. He stopped by the studio the night after his show at the Pavilion Theatre. Find Luke on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lukekidgell/?hl=en Find Luke on Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@luke.kidgell?lang=en Find Me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidmcintoshjr/?hl=en Find Me on Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@developmentbydavid?lang=en Support the Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/developmentbydavid Subscribe to my newsletter: https://developmentbydavid.substack.com/

Campbell McLaren is the Creator and Co-Founder of the UFC, Current CEO and Founder of Hispanic MMA Franchise Combate Global and TV Executive. All the way from the US, McLaren joins me in Glasgow, Scotland to share insider stories about the birth of the UFC, the evolution of MMA, the creation of the Octogon and his strategies for reaching untapped audiences in the sport. He shares why the UFC became the BIGGEST threat to the U.S in the 90s, his story of hiring Joe Rogan as the UFC’s commentator and Arnold Schwarzenegger’s key involvement in the creation of the sport. He also opens with his struggles that include being forced out of the UFC, the takeover by Dana White and Zuffa and his battles with health - including being granted 4% chance to live. With his unique perspective and wealth of experience, McLaren offers invaluable insights into the business of combat sports and building superstars. Follow Campbell: instagram.com/campbellcombate Follow Me: instagram.com/davidmcintoshjr Support the podcast: patreon.com/developmentbydavid Join my mailing list: developmentbydavid.substack.com SPONSOR: NewLifeMMA Glasgow: https://www.newlifeglasgow.com/