#143 Moroccan Locals Teach Me About Happiness, Money and Love

I travelled from Scotland to Morocco on holiday. As soon as I arrived I knew I needed to interview the locals. They were the most philosophical people I had met.Taghazout is a fascinating surf village perched on Morocco’s Atlantic coast - sun-soaked, salt-stained, and full of surprises. We spent 2 days exploring this strange-and-beautiful place, and found way more than perfect waves: unexpected kindness, late-night tea rituals, and stories you won’t hear in a guidebook…Support the showEarly access & bonus episodes: https://www.patreon.com/c/davidmcintoshjrFollow Me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidmcintoshjrBuy Merch: originstoryclub.co.uk

Oliver Burkeman is a British writer and former Guardian columnist best known for Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals, exploring how accepting life’s limits beats chasing productivity hacks.We recorded this right before Oliver’s show, crammed into his dressing room at the Assembly Rooms. It’s intimate, honest, and very Origin Story: where did these ideas come from, and how do they shape a life you’re proud of? Oliver (author of 4,000 Weeks) takes us past productivity hacks to acceptance, attention, and the power of choosing enough.In this episodeThe efficiency trap: why getting faster just attracts more work“Life task”: finding your next right thing with the resources you actually havePlanning that breathes (navigation, not micromanagement)Daily-ish over streaks—the kinder path to consistencyHobbies done for their own sake (the case for atelic joy)Attention over productivity: designing a week that actually feels goodAI, inboxes, and why “caught up” is a myth--Tell me in the comments: what would you cut this week if you truly accepted you’ll never be on top of everything?Support the showEarly access & bonus episodes: https://www.patreon.com/c/davidmcintoshjrFollow Me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidmcintoshjr

Writer, rapper and social commentator Darren McGarvey joins Origin Story to unpack the “trauma economy,” working-class rage, AI warping our narratives, and the safeguards every storyteller needs.Content note: This episode includes discussion of addiction, withdrawal, violence, and mental health.00:00 Welcome, why Poverty Safari mattered to me01:02 Pollok in the 80s, safety, and the two-minds dichotomy04:00 Structural poverty, jobs disappearing, trust collapsing10:34 Working-class anger, different tribes, same material pain12:17 Social mobility loneliness, West End vs Pollok12:51 Hip-hop as agency, finding a community16:23 Brokenness, comedowns, and what you run from20:16 Sudden success, visibility shock, family trade-offs24:04 When your pain becomes a product27:04 Safeguards before you share, prevention beats cure30:06 Accountability, making amends in public and private33:10 Your story isn’t only yours, many truths, many versions36:37 Going public can re-activate perpetrators, stay safe37:07 Viral fame without guardrails, modern public safety39:03 Boundaries, being an introvert in public41:05 Harassment, threats, and learning to de-escalate42:10 Reward systems, status, and identity labels56:00 Getting triggered, the buzz, and stepping back62:18 Advice to younger Darren, alcohol, and timing66:13 What he hopes this new book does, and why

Chris “The Problem” Duncan is a UFC fighter with one of the most powerful and painful stories you’ll ever hear.The day before his very first fight, his mum was murdered. Instead of walking away, Chris fought — and won. From that moment on, he carried pain into every battle, turning trauma into purpose.In this episode, Chris opens up about:The moment with Michael Bisping that went viral.Training with Dustin Poirier & Jorge Masvidal at American Top Team.Cutting weight, surviving fear, and fighting teammates.Why pain forged his mindset and legacy.This is not just a story about fighting in the UFC.It’s a story about survival, belief, and what it really takes to keep going when life tries to break you.📍 Follow me – https://www.instagram.com/davidmcintoshjr💌 Support on Patreon – https://www.patreon.com/davidmcintoshjr🛒 Origin Story merch – https://originstoryclub.co.ukSponsors:Bands for Brothers: https://www.instagram.com/bandsforbrothers/Bad Attitude Studio: https://www.instagram.com/bad.attitude.studios/?hl=en

Ruby Lola is a Podcaster and Host of The Personal Best Podcast.What does personal best really mean? And why do men and women get such different messages about how to achieve it?In this episode of Origin Story, I sit down with Ruby Lola — host of Personal Best — to unpack the surprising truth about ambition, gender, and the pressure to “be enough.”Ruby opens up about:Growing up with an alcoholic parent and losing her dad in her early 20sThe hidden cost of chasing your “best self”Why men are pushed towards discipline and women towards self-loveHow ambition looks (and feels) different for womenThe balance between grit and grace in achieving your goalsThis is a raw and unfiltered conversation about self-improvement, grief, gender, and redefining success on your own terms.📲 Follow Me:Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/davidmcintoshjrSubstack → https://davidmcintoshjr.substack.comPatreon → https://www.patreon.com/davidmcintoshjrGet in touch - [email protected]:0:00 Intro1:05 What “Personal Best” Really Means4:12 Why Men & Women Get Different Self-Help Advice10:18 Growing Up With an Alcoholic Parent19:39 Losing Her Dad to Addiction31:25 The Truth About Ambition for Women42:00 Balancing Grit & Grace50:15 Advice for Finding Your Personal Best

In this episode of Origin Story, I sit down with someone truly one of a kind—Dylan Lombard. Dylan is one of only 15 people in the world with MDP Syndrome (Mandibular Dysplasia with Deafness and Progeroid Features), a condition that affects physical appearance, fat distribution, and hearing. But Dylan isn’t defined by a diagnosis—he’s a force of creativity, kindness, and visibility.We talk about what it’s like growing up with a visible difference, why media representation matters, and how Dylan has used photography, poetry, and dance to connect with the world—and most importantly, with himself.WHAT YOU’LL LEARNWhat MDP Syndrome is, how it manifests, and how Dylan was diagnosedWhat it’s like being visibly different online vs. in real lifeWhy photography became Dylan’s way of telling his storyThe emotional toll—and power—of social media visibilityHow movies like A Different Man are shifting public perceptionWhy face equality and better representation in schools, media, and work matterTIMESTAMPS00:00 – Welcome + Introducing Dylan Lombard00:37 – Growing up with a visible difference01:27 – Finding confidence through photography02:14 – Sharing his story in the school magazine03:24 – Storytelling as connection and advocacy04:42 – What is MDP Syndrome?06:07 – Photography as an emotional outlet06:50 – The medical name and physical effects of MDP08:12 – Pain, physical limitations, and the joy of dance09:31 – Reframing rarity as a gift11:00 – Early signs and years-long path to diagnosis12:43 – Living visibly: public reactions in real life and online13:59 – Dealing with staring, laughing, and comments14:36 – Negative social media comments and their impact16:43 – The harmful algorithms of negativity18:26 – Finding confidence and community online19:55 – How dance and photography build friendships20:33 – Representation in film: A Different Man and breaking villain tropes22:40 – From “villain” to hero: visibility and storytelling23:20 – What people without visible difference should know24:48 – Unconscious bias and the need for better education25:25 – Dylan’s message for listeners26:37 – Final thoughts and where to follow DylanLINKS📸 Follow Dylan – https://www.instagram.com/be_yourself_dylan🟣 Learn about Face Equality – https://www.changingfaces.org.uk/campaigns/face-equality📍 Follow me – https://www.instagram.com/davidmcintoshjr💌 Support on Patreon – https://www.patreon.com/davidmcintoshjr🛒 Origin Story merch – https://originstoryclub.co.ukABOUT MDPMDP stands for Mandibular Dysplasia with Deafness and Progeroid Features. It’s an ultra-rare condition that causes tight skin, hearing loss, an unusually high metabolism, and extreme fat loss in the face and limbs. Only about 15–50 people in the world are known to have it. Dylan is using his visibility to raise awareness and inspire others to embrace who they are.ABOUT ORIGIN STORYEach week, I sit down with hidden-gem heroes and global voices to uncover the moments that shape who they are—so we can apply their insights to our own lives. Follow the show to hear the next origin story first.

In this raw, wide-ranging interview, Ukrainian stand-up comic Iryna Gil tells the story of how her rising comedy career collided with Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine just 11 days after she filmed her first special — and how she’s using comedy to challenge war fatigue, weaponised headlines, and Western apathy.WHAT YOU’LL LEARNKyiv under fire: A first-hand account of air-raid sirens, evacuations, and working through missile strikesThe Soviet shadow: How post-Soviet distrust fuels Ukraine’s self-organising spirit, entrepreneurial drive, and digital-first approach to governance.Comedy as translation: How Gil uses humour to bridge the empathy gap and make the war relatable to those far removed from it.Misleading headlines: What “billions in aid” actually looks like and why surface-level stats breed hostility and misinformation.Peace through deterrence: Iryna’s uncompromising vision for peace in strengthTIMESTAMPS00:00 Botox for Burping – the weirdest opening ever01:13 Meet Iryna Gil02:45 Growing up in post-Soviet Ukraine10:13 Starting stand-up in Kyiv14:18 Ukraine’s hustle culture and distrust of government21:04 24 Feb 2022: missiles hit Kyiv28:54 Leaving home under fire32:10 Zoom calls from bomb shelters and hiding behind two walls39:47 Losing safety, leaving Kyiv43:52 Starting over in Scotland48:45 Grieving a life left behind50:38 Comedy, trauma, and fighter jets53:55 What "billions in aid" actually means57:00 The real cost of headlines and public perception1:01:48 Has Ukraine faded from public attention?1:04:32 Genocide Olympics and comparative advocacy1:05:38 What peace really looks like1:06:47 Closing thanksLINKSFollow Iryna Gil – https://www.instagram.com/gil_irynaFollow David – https://www.instagram.com/davidmcintoshjrSupport verified Ukrainian charities – (Add specific links)Support on Patreon – Patreon.com/davidmcintoshjrBuy Origin Story merch – originstoryclub.co.ukSupport verified Ukranian charities - Save Life: https://savelife.in.ua/en/projects/military-en/status/active/ U24:https://u24.gov.ua/projects ABOUT ORIGIN STORY WITH DAVID MCINTOSHEvery episode, David explores the pivotal moments that shape extraordinary people — from hidden-gem heroes to global voices — so you can apply their lessons, insights, and perspective to your own journey. Subscribe and turn on notifications to catch the next origin story first.

I am joined by Sir Tom Hunter – Scotland’s first home-grown billionaire, serial entrepreneur turned venture philanthropist. He, along with his wife Lady Hunter, founded The Hunter Foundation. And previously, had built Sports Division from a £10 K loan, sold for £290 M, now invests in education & poverty relief.Step inside Blair Estate with me for a truly special episode—one that’s personal and full circle. I’m joined by my first role model, Sir Tom Hunter: the grocer’s son from New Cumnock who became Scotland’s first home-grown billionaire. Guided by the belief that “a man who dies rich dies disgraced” (Andrew Carnegie) and that with great wealth comes great responsibility, Sir Tom shares how he started with two £5,000 loans and a van full of discounted trainers, building Sports Division into the UK’s largest independent sports retailer and selling it for £290 million.But Sir Tom’s story is about so much more than business. He opens up about why he and Lady Hunter immediately launched The Hunter Foundation, pioneering “venture philanthropy” to drive change in education, entrepreneurship, and poverty relief. We talk about transforming Blair Estate into a hub for social impact, backing mass-participation charities like Kiltwalk and BBC Children in Need, and what it means to invest in people, not just profit.In this conversation, you’ll hear candid reflections on risk, resilience, and the power of giving back - plus the pivotal moments that inspired my own journey. This episode is a masterclass in business, philanthropy, and the Scottish spirit of possibility.Here’s a quick look at the themes we cover:Blair Estate: Why Sir Tom made this historic property the heart of his philanthropic mission.Origin Story: How two £5,000 loans and a van of trainers became the Sports Division empire.“Radiators, Not Drains”: The ethos and advice that shaped a generation - including me.University vs. Real-World: The value of academia versus hands-on experience for entrepreneurs.Scaling Up: The key decisions in growing Sports Division, including the bold Olympus Sports acquisition.Cash-Out at 37: What comes after selling for £290 million, and finding new motivation.2008 Crash: Lessons from losing £250 million and how it changed Sir Tom’s approach to risk.The Hunter Foundation: What “venture philanthropy” really means, and how it’s changing Scotland.Mass-Participation Giving: How Kiltwalk and match-funding campaigns amplify charitable impact.Scotland’s Future: Sir Tom’s policy priorities and warnings for the Scottish economy.Quick-Fire Round: Wealth and happiness, hardest decisions, contrarian beliefs, and more.Closing Tribute: My personal reflection on Sir Tom’s lasting influence on me and so many others.If you’re an entrepreneur, a philanthropist, or just looking for some inspiration, this episode offers a rare, honest window into the values and vision of one of Scotland’s most influential business leaders - and the mentor who changed my life.-Resources & LinksThe Hunter Foundation: https://venturephilanthropy.orgKiltwalk: https://kiltwalk.co.ukBBC Children in Need: https://www.bbc.co.uk/pudsey--Get in touch: [email protected]: instagram.com/davidmcintoshjrBuy Merch:originstoryclub.co.uk

Will Storr is an award-winning author, journalist, and former photographer whose work explores the deep psychology of human behavior and storytelling. He’s the author of several critically acclaimed books including The Science of Storytelling, Selfie, The Status Game, and The Heretics. His writing has appeared in The Guardian, The New Yorker, and The Sunday Times, and he’s lectured on narrative science all over the world.His storytelling frameworks have been adopted by elite creatives—from Hollywood screenwriters to comedians like Jimmy Carr and Andrew Schulz—to craft more powerful, resonant narratives.Stories mould who we are, from our character to our cultural identity. They drive our ambitions, shape our politics, and determine who we trust. But what if storytelling isn’t just art—it’s science?Expect to learn how we use stories to gain status, why narratives are central to how we process reality, what most people get wrong about storytelling, and how to find the “sacred flaw” driving your own life story.Sponsors:Fireflies.AIFireflies.ai is an AI-powered meeting assistant that transcribes, summarizes, and analyzes your conversations, making it easier to focus on what truly matters. Whether you're recording a podcast, leading a team meeting, or brainstorming your next big idea, Fireflies ensures you never miss a detail. It's like having a personal assistant who never sleeps.Beyond Baseline and BetterMan by Ross AndersonBeyond Baseline and BetterMan, founded by Ross Anderson, offer transformative experiences aimed at helping men optimize their minds and bodies for peak performance. Through retreats, coaching, and a supportive community, they provide the tools and insights needed to become the best version of yourself.​I'm incredibly grateful for their support and the value they bring to our listeners.​Get in touch: [email protected]: instagram.com/davidmcintoshjrBuy Merch:originstoryclub.co.uk

Rory Sutherland is back and he's as hilariously unconventional as ever. I genuinely think this might be the best we've ever gotten him. As the Vice Chairman of Ogilvy UK and a pioneer in behavioral science, Rory has spent decades unraveling the quirks of human behavior and the illogical decisions that drive us.In this episode, we dive into everything from the economics of nicotine to the psychology behind airport lounges, and even the unexpected lessons gleaned from serial killer investigations. It's a whirlwind tour through the irrationalities that shape our world, all delivered with Rory's signature wit, humor and undiagnosed ADHD.Some highlights for me included:Emotional support vapes and the peculiar concept of "Hooters Air"The psychology behind "girl math" and why price is just a feelingThe unexpected brilliance of Chaiwala's hidden improvementsThe history and psychology of run clubs and joggingClub Penguin’s wild side and internet chaos in the UKThe infamous "dogging not jogging" jokeRory’s love for Heathrow’s parking podsThe idea of drone ambulances and future rescue techWhat Rory would do if he wasn’t Rory SutherlandAnd of course his Origin Story inclusive of his journey with depression, anxiety, and the utility of his fameWhether you're a fan of behavioral science, marketing or just looking for a good laugh, this will be an instant favourite.Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction10:00 – Why Apple Vision Pro Failed17:10 – Emotional Support Vapes & Hooters Air24:10 – How Irrationality Helps Solve Crimes34:10 – "Girl Math" & Private Members Clubs42:57 – Psychology of Run Clubs & Jogging48:10 – Club Penguin’s Wild Side55:10 – Rory’s Love for Heathrow’s Parking Pods1:02:10 – How Good Markets Kill Bad Products1:10:10 – Has Anyone Ever Been Killed by a Drone?1:20:10 – JP Morgan and the Cost of Commitment1:26:10 – Rory on Depression and Anxiety1:31:10 – Rory’s Testimony on David-Sponsors:Fireflies.AIFireflies.ai is an AI-powered meeting assistant that transcribes, summarizes, and analyzes your conversations, making it easier to focus on what truly matters. Whether you're recording a podcast, leading a team meeting, or brainstorming your next big idea, Fireflies ensures you never miss a detail. It's like having a personal assistant who never sleeps.Beyond Baseline and BetterMan by Ross AndersonBeyond Baseline and BetterMan, founded by Ross Anderson, offer transformative experiences aimed at helping men optimize their minds and bodies for peak performance. Through retreats, coaching, and a supportive community, they provide the tools and insights needed to become the best version of yourself.​I'm incredibly grateful for their support and the value they bring to our listeners.​Get in touch: [email protected]: instagram.com/davidmcintoshjrBuy Merch:originstoryclub.co.uk