
James Smith: Fitness Myths, Building Confidence and Choosing Happiness (E306)
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11/18/24 • 75 min
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James Smith is a personal trainer and fitness influencer best known for posting fitness advice videos across various platforms. Known for his no-nonsense approach, James has gained a massive following for cutting through fitness myths and giving honest advice on self-improvement, both in and out of the gym.
In this episode, James joins Jake and Damian to dive deep into the most defining moments of his life, from growing up as an overweight kid to becoming a well-known figure in the fitness industry. He opens up about the challenges he faced growing up, including being bullied and dealing with fat-shaming, and how those experiences shaped his mindset today.
James also reflects on the highs and lows of his fitness journey, from his early days as a personal trainer to handling the pressures of being a fitness influencer. He offers his perspective on PEDs, fitness trends, and the hidden challenges in the industry that rarely get talked about.
James also discusses the importance of maintaining a beginner’s mindset and how perseverance has played a huge role in his success.
This episode offers valuable insights on building mental resilience, embracing self-improvement, and creating your own path, no matter where you start.
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James Smith is a personal trainer and fitness influencer best known for posting fitness advice videos across various platforms. Known for his no-nonsense approach, James has gained a massive following for cutting through fitness myths and giving honest advice on self-improvement, both in and out of the gym.
In this episode, James joins Jake and Damian to dive deep into the most defining moments of his life, from growing up as an overweight kid to becoming a well-known figure in the fitness industry. He opens up about the challenges he faced growing up, including being bullied and dealing with fat-shaming, and how those experiences shaped his mindset today.
James also reflects on the highs and lows of his fitness journey, from his early days as a personal trainer to handling the pressures of being a fitness influencer. He offers his perspective on PEDs, fitness trends, and the hidden challenges in the industry that rarely get talked about.
James also discusses the importance of maintaining a beginner’s mindset and how perseverance has played a huge role in his success.
This episode offers valuable insights on building mental resilience, embracing self-improvement, and creating your own path, no matter where you start.
🚨 Partners
Huel 👉 Get £25 off the Taster Bundle. Unlock your offer here: http://huel.com/highperformance
Heights 👉 Get 20% off your subscription by using Code: HP20 here: https://hppod.co/Heights
FORA 👉 Claim a free day pass at any Fora workspace and find the perfect home for your business here: https://hppod.co/FORAHP
HP Foundation 👉Do you want to kick-start an evolution that will change the lives of millions of children? Find out more about the High Performance Foundation: https://hppod.co/foundation
HP Corporate Events 👉Click here to book High Performance Events: https://hppod.co/corporate-events
Explore offers and discounts through our other partners:
https://hppod.co/partners
Previous Episode

Johnny Sexton: How to Reframe Regret, with Fernando Alonso, Gabor Maté and Keir Starmer
If you’ve been weighed down by regrets and stuck thinking about the past, you might be wondering how to turn those feelings into something positive. In this episode, Jake and Damian tackle this very challenge, sharing insights on how to make regret a tool for growth rather than a barrier, and on how to turn negative emotions into a source of inner strength.
Through conversations with guests like Johnny Sexton, Fernando Alonso, Sir Keir Starmer, and Gabor Maté, they highlight the role of self-awareness, recognising when regret is weighing you down and understanding how it affects your life. Listen in as Jake and Damian explore the value of embracing emotions without being overwhelmed by them, offering practical ways to find peace with past mistakes.
🚨 Partners
Huel 👉 Get £25 off the Taster Bundle. Unlock your offer here: http://huel.com/highperformance
FORA 👉 Claim a free day pass at any Fora workspace and find the perfect home for your business here: https://hppod.co/FORAHP
HP Foundation 👉Do you want to kick-start an evolution that will change the lives of millions of children? Find out more about the High Performance Foundation: https://hppod.co/foundation
HP Corporate Events 👉Click here to book High Performance Events: https://hppod.co/corporate-events
Explore offers and discounts through our other partners:
https://hppod.co/partners
Next Episode

Boy George: Meet The Real George O'Dowd (E307)
Boy George is the iconic frontman of Culture Club, celebrated for much more than his flashy style and soulful voice. Known for breaking boundaries in music and fashion, he became a symbol of self-expression in the '80s and is still going strong. Behind his unique look and bold personality is George O’Dowd, a man with stories of resilience, creativity, and self-discovery.
In this episode, George sits down with Jake and Damian to reveal the real person behind the fame. He shares memories of his early days and how challenging family dynamics, especially with his father, shaped who he is today. George also talks openly about his battles, from traumatic childhood experiences to struggles with addiction, and how each has led to valuable lessons in his life.
He dives deep into his philosophy of mind, thought, and consciousness, the core principles he credits with keeping him grounded and thriving. He also explains how he’s learned to handle public criticism, stay true to himself, and navigate life’s chaos. From joining his first band to forming Culture Club, George reflects on the magic of his musical journey and what made Culture Club so successful in a time of fast-changing culture.
With an honest look at the ups and downs, George offers insights on resilience, the importance of personal growth, and learning from both triumphs and mistakes. This episode is a powerful exploration of finding courage and embracing authenticity in the face of life’s toughest challenges.
Don't miss this unmissable opportunity to see Boy George and Culture Club relive these defining albums live. Tickets are on sale now via www.gigsandtours.com / www.ticketmaster.co.uk / www.ticketmaster.ie
🚨 Partners
Huel 👉 Get £25 off the Taster Bundle. Unlock your offer here: http://huel.com/highperformance
Heights 👉 Get 20% off your subscription by using Code: HP20 here: https://hppod.co/Heights
Payhawk 👉 See our sponsor, Payhawk in action here: https://hppod.co/Payhawk
FORA 👉 Claim a free day pass at any Fora workspace and find the perfect home for your business here: https://hppod.co/FORAHP
HP Foundation 👉Do you want to kick-start an evolution that will change the lives of millions of children? Find out more about the High Performance Foundation: https://hppod.co/foundation
HP Corporate Events 👉Click here to book High Performance Events: https://hppod.co/corporate-events
Thanks to Vanta for sponsoring this video! Get $1,000 off Vanta at https://vanta.yt.link/3KbQMbA.
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