#113 David Robson - 13 Strategies To Improve Your Social Life

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/

Nina Nesbitt is a world touring Scottish Singer and song-writer. Shot in Edinburgh before her BBC recording, Nina joined me to share intimate details about her early life, career beginnings, and her love for Scotland. We explore the impact of her move to London, and the challenges of navigating fame at a young age. She opens up about the highs and lows of signing to a major label but how it feels to be dropped by them. And, how she independently pioneered her way to 1 billion streams. Nina bravely talks openly about her struggles with body-image and how she found self-compassion and self-love. She chats to me about supporting Stevie Knicks, being recognised by Taylor Swift, her duet with Coldplay and her public relationship with ex-partner Ed Sheeran. Lastly, she shares her personal growth that has shaped her latest album, "Mountain Music." Join us for an honest, introspective conversation about identity, creativity, and the power of staying true to oneself in the ever-changing landscape of the music industry. Pre-save Nina's amazing new album: https://found.ee/NNMountainMusic Follow Nina on IG: https://www.instagram.com/ninanesbitt/ Get in touch with me: https://www.instagram.com/davidmcintosjr/ Shot at Monkey Barrell Comedy Club Edinburgh. Edited by Andres McNeill   Sponsor: West Coast Motors - The best place for used cars in Scotland. West is Best! Get a good deal on your new ride - https://www.wcmotors.co.uk/ Tell them David McIntosh Sent you!

Dr. Robert Glover is a renowned therapist, coach, and author with over 40 years of experience in relationships. He wrote the bestselling book "No More Mr. Nice Guy" and has helped thousands of men worldwide improve their relationships, careers, and sex lives. Dr. Glover opens with addressing the problem of being a Nice Guy, providing a raw and honest perspective on the challenges and triumphs of breaking free from this toxically ashamed pattern. He defines modern masculinity and femininity and addresses common misconceptions about attraction across the sexes. This episode promises to be a game-changer for men seeking to improve their relationships and live more authentic lives. Whether you're a man grappling with Nice Guy tendencies or simply curious about relationship dynamics, this conversation with Dr. Glover is sure to provide valuable insights and actionable advice. And is a hell of a good laugh too. Dr Glover is just an A star guest. A total expert in his field and has story for days. He will be back on the show no doubt. We went for nearly 2 hours and only stopped because his lawyer chapped his door. Find Dr Robert Glover, and his support, at - https://drglover.com Find me - www.instagram.com/davidmcintoshjr Support the podcast - patreon.com/developmentbydavid

David Robson is an award-winning British science writer and author who specializes in exploring the extremes of the human brain, body, and behavior. He has written extensively for publications like the BBC and The Guardian, covering topics in medicine, psychology, and neuroscience. Robson is the author of the books "The Intelligence Trap" and "The Expectation Effect," the latter of which won a British Psychological Society Book Award and was a Financial Times Best Book of 2022. With a background in mathematics from the University of Cambridge, Robson brings an analytical and in-depth approach to his writing on the human mind and behavior. "Social connection is more important than obesity, smoking, and exercise combined!" Are you tired of feeling lonely and disconnected? Discover the shocking truth about how being social can boost your health, creativity, and even finances! In this groundbreaking podcast, David reveals: ⚡️ The "Liking Gap" that's sabotaging your relationships (and how to fix it!) ⚡️ Weird conversation mistakes you're making that kill rapport ⚡️ The gratitude gap: Why you're not getting enough compliments (and how to change that) ⚡️ The powerful "Benjamin Franklin Effect" to make anyone like you ⚡️ Mindblowing reasons you should brag about your successes ⚡️ Simple tricks to overcome ego-centric thinking And reveals the #1 most important law of connection that can transform your life. Follow Me: https://www.instagram.com/developmentbydavid/ Follow Nathaniel. - https://www.instagram.com/nathanielcollins/ Sponsor - West Coast Motors - https://www.wcmotors.co.uk/ Patreon - www.patreon.com/developmentbydavid

My guest this week is Nathaniel "The Nightmare" Collins, the British, Commonwealth, and European Champion Featherweight boxer. Ranked number 4 in the UK by the WBC, Nathaniel shares his journey from humble beginnings to becoming a top-tier athlete. In this episode we cover: Tyson Fury vs Oleksander Usyk: We kick off with Nathaniel’s thoughts on last night's epic fight where Usyk won by split decision. Recent Victory: Fresh from his win for the European Featherweight Title, Nathaniel discusses the highs and lows of the fight, including battling through a broken nose and the road to recovery. Upbringing and Beginnings: Was Nathaniel a violent child? He opens up about his early days, reasons for getting into boxing, and the amateur scene in Glasgow. Transition to Professional Boxing: From the changes in lifestyle to hypnotherapy, Nathaniel shares insights into his professional journey and what lies ahead. Personal Reflections: The impact of boxing on relationships, being a dad, and the intense lifestyle of a professional boxer. Health and Safety: We delve into injuries, CTE concerns, and the role of violence in sport. Dream Matchup: Who does Nathaniel want to face next? -- Follow Me: https://www.instagram.com/developmentbydavid/ Follow Nathaniel. - https://www.instagram.com/nathanielcollins/ Sponsor - West Coast Motors - https://www.wcmotors.co.uk/ Patreon - www.patreon.com/developmentbydavid

Will Storr is a Journalist and Award-Winning Author of The Status Game, Selfie, The Heretics and the Science of Story Telling. If you are low-status, you are more 4x more likely to die early. Status is proven to be more important than diet or exercise for health outcomes.. Status is not just a modern phenomenon; it's a fundamental part of the human experience, existing long before our current society. As writer Will Storr explains, the need for status and respect from others is not merely a luxury—it's an essential psychological and biological requirement for humans to thrive. He calls it the original currency. Throughout history, status hierarchies have existed in animal societies, serving as a means to organise social life and prevent constant conflict. From our tribal ancestors to modern civilization, the desire for status has deeply shaped human behavior and social structures. But despite its importance, the topic of status often makes people feel uneasy. While discussions about connection and belonging are more comfortable, status remains a somewhat taboo subject. It's this discomfort that has perhaps led to fewer books being written about this universal human drive. However, Storr's work aims to shed light on this fundamental aspect of the human condition, unraveling its complexities and unveiling its significance in our lives. Also, join us to hear about the psychology of cults, why architechts are the most illusive modern day cult, Will’s experience from going undercover following Neo-Nazi’s to understand the madness of groupthink and his experiences of David Irving the infamous holocaust denier. Will’s books: The Status Game: On Human Life and How to Play It https://amzn.to/41R6rsL Selfie: How the West Became Self-Obsessed https://amzn.to/41cJ2BL The Science of Storytelling: Why Stories Make Us Human, and How to Tell Them Better https://amzn.to/3ohtxKo Signup to my Patreon: ⁠https://www.patreon.com/developmentbydavid⁠ SPONSORS: Vybey (code DBYD for 15%) - https://vybey.co.uk/?shpxid=fd5d5aab-fd5f-48d9-bf37-b58aa4317f25West Coast Motors - https://www.wcmotors.co.uk/

Jimmy Carr is an world-touring comedian, writer, author, TV host for shows including, ‘8 Out Of 10 Cats’, ‘Roast Battle’, and ‘Big Fat Quiz Of The Year’. He is a hero of mine. For this episode, headed from Glasgow to London to have a conversation with the deepest thinker, hardest worker, and kindest soul in comedy. Beyond the dark mask you've seen on stage and on TV, Jimmy's origin story is complex, and his thinking is philosophical. I was blown away by how he has turned his remarkable life story into a set of lessons for us all to take onward. Despite how he presents himself, Jimmy’s story is one that begins as a working-class Irish immigrant in Slough and will inevitably end with him being cemented as a legend when his physical being is no longer around. But, the path there has not always been as straightforward as it seems. Jimmy shares with me the intimate details of grieving his mother, facing the wrath of public cancellation, and wrestling with dyslexia. He also astounded me with novel ideas around comedy’s role in society, how to serve your future self, and the importance of experiential learning. Filmed in the very basement where I first fell in love with stand-up, this episode is a full-circle moment. And with stunning cinematography by the talented Andres, it's a visual feast. My sister and I used to watch Jimmy in our miserable tiny house in a council estate in Ayrshire, and now I had the opportunity to bring her to meet her hero too. Jimmy was my gateway drug to comedy. And, as Jimmy professes, comedians are drug dealers. But, the drug prescribed by Jimmy in this episode isn’t one of laughter (despite there being plenty) but a drug that allows you to become the future you, today. You can become a Patreon here: ⁠https://www.patreon.com/developmentbydavid⁠ You can watch Jimmy’s new Netflix stand-up special, ’Jimmy Carr: Natural Born Killer’, out on the 16th April 2024. You can purchase tickets for Jimmy’s brand-new international tour, ’Jimmy Carr: Laughs Funny’, here: ⁠https://bit.ly/49u9iex⁠ Follow Jimmy: Twitter - ⁠https://bit.ly/4awtUEe⁠ Instagram - ⁠https://bit.ly/3PULKbt⁠ YouTube - ⁠https://bit.ly/3xrXsEc