Jimmy Carr is back. Jimmy Carr is one of the most recognisable comedians on the planet: world-touring stand-up, TV host, and author - famous for brutal roasts and surgical one-liners.
But in this episode, you get the sharper edge and the deeper thinking: why 2026 is going to feel like a turning point and how young men can get control back.
Jimmy is one of the most respected comedians in the world: a world-touring stand-up, TV host, and author known for brutal one-liners and zero mercy…
but in this episode you get the full range - savage comedy and the deeply human side. We talk about dating, masculinity, porn, cheap dopamine and why so many young men feel stuck - then we go way bigger: AI as a new “god”, the end of old institutions, how podcasts replaced mainstream media, and why politics is entering a genuinely weird new era.
And then the episode turns: Jimmy opens up about grief and love - remembering Sean Lock (including the first joke Jimmy ever heard him say, and why he felt like a father figure), the impact of losing his mum Nora, and a beautiful tribute to Janey Godley and what she said about Jimmy behind the scenes.
Expect to learn:
Why women select for competence and what “safety” really signals.
Jimmy’s advice to young men: porn, risk, rejection, and building a real life
The loneliness trade-off: liver damage vs social isolation How J
immy thinks about anxiety, discipline, and “life assignment”
Sean Lock’s legacy — and what it’s like to lose someone you built a career beside Grief, funerals, and the difference between resume virtues and eulogy virtues AI, institutions, and why the next decade could get very “interesting”and much, much more.
Partners
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00:00 — Young Men Are Stuck
01:52 — Jimmy’s Back: Glasgow Banter
04:18 — “Media Diet” & Mental Health
07:27 — ADHD, Boundaries & Discipline
08:23 — Arenas, Imposter Syndrome, Movies
13:46 — Early Comedy Influences
16:21 — How You Build Confidence
17:32 — First Glasgow Joke (DVD Era)
18:52 — Comedy = Friendship
20:28 — Why Dark Humour Helps
22:16 — Dating: Safety, Competence, Chemistry
24:48 — Advice to Young Men: Porn, Games, Asking Girls Out
27:09 — Drinking vs Isolation
29:28 — Dealing Young People In: Agency Over Empathy
31:35 — Trump + Debate vs Deliberation
32:28 — Fourth Turning + Class Politics Flip
34:31 — Podcasts Replaced Mainstream Media
36:52 — “Be Of Service” — Working-Class Agency
37:46 — “Woke”, Status & Suicidal Empathy
39:19 — Jimmy’s Come-Up: Luck + Work Ethic
42:29 — Pre-Show Mindset
44:32 — Jimmy’s Laugh + His Mum
47:48 — Sean Lock: First Meeting + Legacy
53:54 — Grief, Mortality & Talking To The Dead
55:18 — Funerals: Eulogy vs Résumé
01:01:31 — AI, God & The Future
01:04:26 — Secret Struggles: Dyslexia, Body Image, Work
01:07:24 — Pax Americana Ending + The World Shifting
01:10:29 — Kids, Legacy & Meaning
01:13:18 — Janey Godley Tribute
Instagram: @davidmcintoshjr
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Benny Higgins is a Scottish Banker and Former CEO of RBS, Bank of Scotland and Tesco Bank. He is also the chairman of a portfolio of companies. He's a lover of Art and Poetry. He is also my good friend.
Benny Higgins grew up in Toryglen tower blocks, captained Celtic’s youth team, and became a defining force in modern Scottish business — from CEO of RBS during the NatWest takeover, to building Tesco Bank from the ground up. But what makes Benny different is the paradox: a numbers man with a lifelong devotion to poetry, art, and culture — and a Glaswegian accent that never moved an inch.
We recorded this in Kelvingrove Art Gallery, a place that shaped Benny as a 10-year-old at his first ever art competition — and still represents the thread running through his life: curiosity, pride, and the desire to win.
We get into Celtic, class, and leadership… the reality of boardrooms at scale… why he hires through trust over “perfect CVs”… and the stories you genuinely couldn’t script: Maya Angelou, the Golden Globes, Soho, and a cocktail named after his fifth wife Sharon.
Why Kelvingrove is symbolic to Benny’s origin story
Toryglen tower blocks: toughness, community, and confidence through football
Celtic youth captaincy and the first leadership lessons that stuck
“I just wanted to win”: the mindset behind academic dominance
Actuarial exams in 2.5 years (when the average was ~7)
RBS context + how the NatWest hostile takeover happened
Building Tesco Bank from scratch: 140 people → 5,000 → 8m customers
Hiring “the best people I knew” and why trust beats process
Social mobility: money, identity, and why he treats everyone the same
Soho stories: tailors, members clubs, and the “Higgins No.5” cocktail
The Golden Globes: Jon Hamm photo… taken by Bradley Cooper
Lunch with Maya Angelou: poetry, Burns, and an unforgettable moment
What people think is true about him (but isn’t)
What’s next — and the ambition that still drives him
Guest
Benny Higgins — former senior leader at RBS, creator of Tesco Bank, chair/board roles across culture and business.
Subscribe on YouTube + hit the bell
Follow the podcast on Spotify/Apple: https://open.spotify.com/show/6DV9tUfz5nGCmH0bfZUFrM
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Sponsor — Slater Menswear (Made To Order)
Quick shoutout to Slater Menswear’s Made To Order service — they’ve been part of some of the biggest moments in my own origin story: first job interview suit, first corporate role, big talks, and now sitting across from guests I genuinely admire. They measure you properly, you choose every detail, and you get a suit that actually feels like it fits the life you’re stepping into.
If you’ve got a moment coming up — wedding, promotion, graduation, or a first interview — check out Slaters Made To Order. It’s a belter.
Dan Boerman is a Comedian and TV Personality on Jimmy Carr's Am I The A**hole. He is also a good friend.
I’ve wanted to record this conversation for a long time.
Dan Boerman is a New Zealand comedian who left a steady job, moved to the other side of the world, and has been relentlessly chasing stand-up ever since – from sleeping in a kid’s dinosaur bed outside Edinburgh to getting a thousand people to watch him fold a fitted sheet on a hill.
In this episode, we get into:
Growing up in small-town rural New Zealand and dropping out of school
Years on benefits, smoking tiny “Russian doll” cigarettes in the kitchen
Barbering as accidental crowd work – and the now infamous Jimmy Carr Am I the A**hole? story
Leaving security behind to move to Edinburgh for comedy
Why London feels like kindling for opportunity
The viral sheet stunt that turned into awards, brand deals and a new life
“Don’t die wondering” and what it really means to bet on yourself
Why some people live and die never hearing the sound of their own voice
This is an episode about chasing the weird, specific thing you can’t stop thinking about – and refusing to let your life pass in quiet comfort.
If you enjoyed this one, send it to someone who’s been talking about “one day” for too long.
Follow Dan: @danboermancomedy
Follow me / Origin Story: @davidmcnintoshjr
In this episode of Origin Story, I sit down with a Red Bull F1 tyre technician to unpack how he went from watching races in pubs to travelling the world with Max Verstappen’s team - Vegas, Brazil, Mexico and beyond. We get into the pressure of sub-2 second pit stops, the chaos of race weekends, and what life really looks like inside the world’s most famous F1 team.In this episode we cover:Growing up in working-class Scotland and discovering F1Why engineering wasn’t the first plan – and how he found his way into the sportThe moment Red Bull came callingWhat a race week actually looks like from the insideVegas, Brazil, Mexico and the wildest travel stories from the F1 calendarThe pressure of being “the tyre guy” in a world champion teamWhat F1 has taught him about teamwork, discipline and courageAdvice for anyone who thinks “people like me don’t get jobs like that”⏱ Chapters:00:00 – Intro03:12 – Growing up in Scotland & first F1 memories10:45 – From uni & early jobs to Red Bull Racing19:30 – Inside the tyre bay: what his job actually is27:05 – Race week routines, stress & team culture36:20 – Vegas, Brazil, Mexico & F1 travel stories47:10 – Pressure, mistakes & how you bounce back56:40 – Life outside the paddock & relationships1:05:00 – Advice for young people chasing unlikely careers💌 Stay in the Origin Story universe:Instagram: www.instagram.com/davidmcintoshjr🎙 Follow the guest:Instagram: http://instagram.com/sc0ttduncan/SPONSORS:💧 This episode is sponsored by VYBEYBig thank you to Vybey for supporting Origin Story.If you’re like me – long recording days, travel, runs, gym, not enough sleep – plain water doesn’t always cut it. Vybey’s electrolyte powders make it stupidly easy to stay on top of your hydration:Quick to mix, actually tastes goodHelps you stay sharp and energised through busy daysPerfect for before/after workouts or long days on the road🧃 Try Vybey here (code DMAC): UK & Europe: https://vybey.co.uk/?shpxid=d48f4c7e-7953-44bb-a9d8-8a8dff0a49dbAus: http://vybey.au/Merch (Shop Origin Story): originstoryclub.co.ukPlease remember to hit subscribe!
Fin Taylor is a standup comedian and podcaster. He is the creator of Fin Vs History and Fin vs The Internet.
Comedian Fin Taylor joins Origin Story to unpack how a Glasgow kid who relocated to a Oxford girls’ boarding house (7–13) got “cancelled” at 14, started stand-up at 18, and went from £500/month gigs to sold-out tours and a cult podcast.
We get into why TV exposure ≠ audience, how to actually build jokes that work anywhere, the Riyadh debate, and the monoculture flashpoint of Bonnie Blue.
In this episode:
Chapters00:00 Cold open — “Cancelled at 14”02:18 Glasgow roots & Hutchie debate05:12 Living in a girls’ boarding house (7–13)12:30 Headmaster apology & early confidence17:40 Starting stand-up at 18; debate team as proto-comedy24:10 £500/month vs £380 rent — taking the leap30:22 Why TV didn’t move tickets36:05 Parasocial fans & theatre design43:22 Riyadh debate & brand fit51:03 Punched on stage — what you do next58:00 Building Bumble Risky & the core team1:04:10 Next horizon: a British South Park1:09:40 If starting now: people, reps, own the edit
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 episode
The efficiency trap: why getting faster just attracts more work
“Life task”: finding your next right thing with the resources you actually have
Planning that breathes (navigation, not micromanagement)
Daily-ish over streaks—the kinder path to consistency
Hobbies done for their own sake (the case for atelic joy)
Attention over productivity: designing a week that actually feels good
AI, 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 show
Early access & bonus episodes: https://www.patreon.com/c/davidmcintoshjr
Follow 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 me
01:02 Pollok in the 80s, safety, and the two-minds dichotomy
04:00 Structural poverty, jobs disappearing, trust collapsing
10:34 Working-class anger, different tribes, same material pain
12:17 Social mobility loneliness, West End vs Pollok
12:51 Hip-hop as agency, finding a community
16:23 Brokenness, comedowns, and what you run from
20:16 Sudden success, visibility shock, family trade-offs
24:04 When your pain becomes a product
27:04 Safeguards before you share, prevention beats cure
30:06 Accountability, making amends in public and private
33:10 Your story isn’t only yours, many truths, many versions
36:37 Going public can re-activate perpetrators, stay safe
37:07 Viral fame without guardrails, modern public safety
39:03 Boundaries, being an introvert in public
41:05 Harassment, threats, and learning to de-escalate
42:10 Reward systems, status, and identity labels
56:00 Getting triggered, the buzz, and stepping back
62:18 Advice to younger Darren, alcohol, and timing
66:13 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 20s
The hidden cost of chasing your “best self”
Why men are pushed towards discipline and women towards self-love
How ambition looks (and feels) different for women
The balance between grit and grace in achieving your goals
This 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/davidmcintoshjr
Substack → https://davidmcintoshjr.substack.com
Patreon → https://www.patreon.com/davidmcintoshjr
Get in touch - david@davidmcintoshjr.com
---
Timestamps:
0:00 Intro
1:05 What “Personal Best” Really Means
4:12 Why Men & Women Get Different Self-Help Advice
10:18 Growing Up With an Alcoholic Parent
19:39 Losing Her Dad to Addiction
31:25 The Truth About Ambition for Women
42:00 Balancing Grit & Grace
50:15 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 LEARN
What MDP Syndrome is, how it manifests, and how Dylan was diagnosed
What it’s like being visibly different online vs. in real life
Why photography became Dylan’s way of telling his story
The emotional toll—and power—of social media visibility
How movies like A Different Man are shifting public perception
Why face equality and better representation in schools, media, and work matter
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 – Welcome + Introducing Dylan Lombard
00:37 – Growing up with a visible difference
01:27 – Finding confidence through photography
02:14 – Sharing his story in the school magazine
03:24 – Storytelling as connection and advocacy
04:42 – What is MDP Syndrome?
06:07 – Photography as an emotional outlet
06:50 – The medical name and physical effects of MDP
08:12 – Pain, physical limitations, and the joy of dance
09:31 – Reframing rarity as a gift
11:00 – Early signs and years-long path to diagnosis
12:43 – Living visibly: public reactions in real life and online
13:59 – Dealing with staring, laughing, and comments
14:36 – Negative social media comments and their impact
16:43 – The harmful algorithms of negativity
18:26 – Finding confidence and community online
19:55 – How dance and photography build friendships
20:33 – Representation in film: A Different Man and breaking villain tropes
22:40 – From “villain” to hero: visibility and storytelling
23:20 – What people without visible difference should know
24:48 – Unconscious bias and the need for better education
25:25 – Dylan’s message for listeners
26:37 – Final thoughts and where to follow Dylan
LINKS
📸 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.uk
ABOUT MDP
MDP 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 STORY
Each 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 LEARN
Kyiv under fire: A first-hand account of air-raid sirens, evacuations, and working through missile strikes
The 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 strength
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Botox for Burping – the weirdest opening ever
01:13 Meet Iryna Gil
02:45 Growing up in post-Soviet Ukraine
10:13 Starting stand-up in Kyiv
14:18 Ukraine’s hustle culture and distrust of government
21:04 24 Feb 2022: missiles hit Kyiv
28:54 Leaving home under fire
32:10 Zoom calls from bomb shelters and hiding behind two walls
39:47 Losing safety, leaving Kyiv
43:52 Starting over in Scotland
48:45 Grieving a life left behind
50:38 Comedy, trauma, and fighter jets
53:55 What "billions in aid" actually means
57:00 The real cost of headlines and public perception
1:01:48 Has Ukraine faded from public attention?
1:04:32 Genocide Olympics and comparative advocacy
1:05:38 What peace really looks like
1:06:47 Closing thanks
LINKS
Follow Iryna Gil – https://www.instagram.com/gil_iryna
Follow David – https://www.instagram.com/davidmcintoshjr
Support verified Ukrainian charities – (Add specific links)
Support on Patreon – Patreon.com/davidmcintoshjr
Buy Origin Story merch – originstoryclub.co.uk
Support 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 MCINTOSH
Every 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: David@davidmcintoshjr.comInstagram: 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: David@davidmcintoshjr.comInstagram: 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: David@davidmcintoshjr.comInstagram: instagram.com/davidmcintoshjrBuy Merch:originstoryclub.co.uk
Krish Ramineni is the co-founder and CEO of Fireflies.ai, an AI-powered meeting assistant used by over 200,000 organizations. A University of Pennsylvania alumnus, he previously served as one of Microsoft's youngest product managers. Krish has been recognized on Forbes' 30 Under 30 list.
In this conversation, I wanted to explore more than just how Fireflies became one of the most powerful AI tools. I wanted to understand what it means when machines start writing our stories, mimicking our voices, and sitting in on our most human conversations.
Can AI ever truly capture the grit, chaos, and beauty of lived experience—or are we on the verge of losing something essential? We talk about the tension between progress and preservation, and whether the future of storytelling is human, machine—or something in between.
Krish and I also dive into the emotional and societal weight of this moment: AI companionship, job displacement, and the possibility of a world where our most personal connections and creative output are filtered through algorithms. If AI can do everything—write, talk, create, even empathise—what’s left for us? This isn’t just a tech story; it’s a human story. And as we stand at the edge of a new era, the real question is: will we still recognise ourselves in the future we’re building... and will we want to?
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The origin story of Brennan Reece, a renowned comedian and actor known for his roles in 'Skins' and 'Hollyoaks', and his award-winning stand-up comedy career as the English Comedian of the Year in 2015.
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Things have changed around here.
Graeme Carling is an Entrepreneur and Scotland's largest private landlord. He is the Chairman of The Carling Group.Graeme shares his humble beginnings as a joiner in Dundee and the transformation of mind and knowledge he has been on. He dispels the need for financial literacy, breaks down investing in the property market in plain english and his opinion on developing side-hustles.He also shares his learning from his time befriending billionaire and millionaires Dan Pena, John Cauldwell and Duncan Bannatyne.Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidmcintoshjr/Write to me - david@developmentbydavid.co.uk
This week my guest is Michael Smoak. He is a Coach and Content Creator. He shares practical fitness, habit and mindset advice to his 1 million+ following.
In this episode, we're diving into actionable steps to help you stick to your New Year's resolutions and improve your mind and body in 2025.
We discuss the powerful connection between physical health and professional performance, sharing actionable insights and habits for busy lives.
Michael shares the achievable small, consistent changes that lead to significant results, as well as the critical role of identity, mindset and accountability in achieving lasting wellness.
We talk about how to conquer challenging times, how to improve your relationship with yourself, how to stack self-confidence and how to learn from your inner-child.
This episode was one of my favourites this year. It was a raw, no-BS and actionable approach to self improvement.
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E-mail: https://developmentbydavid.co.uk/contact/