The Extrospective Podcast: Recent Episodes
Zak Villeneuve-Snell
Hi, and welcome to The Extrospective Podcast.
My name is Zak Villeneuve-Snell, I am 21 years old and I am fascinated with people.
In the last 3 years I have spent time examining my own Psychology, and intentionally developing as a human being.
It is now time to look outward, to understand others, to learn about their mentality, ambition and success, and what has led them to where they are today.
It is time to pursue curiosity and bring these rich conversations to life, learning in public, so you can come on the adventure with me.
My name is Zak, and I’ll see you next time.
David Hammond is a Christian content-creator based in Toronto who makes videos discussing Christianity, Masculinity & Culture.
Since last recording with David 18 months ago he moved from 'self-development' to 'Christ-development' and would now call himself a Christian.
In this episode we discuss how his heart has changed, his perspectives shifted and delve into some of the pitfalls of online Theology as a new Christian.
Enjoy the conversation!
https://www.instagram.com/imdavidhammond/
https://www.instagram.com/christdeveloped/
https://www.youtube.com/@christdeveloped
https://www.youtube.com/@imdavidhammond
Dr. Maria Tedim is an expert in Women's hormone health & reproductive Biology and in this conversation we talk about how regain vitality and thrive in a world which is working against our bodies.
In a podcast aimed at both Men & Women, we dive into the underlying causes of period pain, how society has normalized it, and practical tips to reduce and eliminate these symptoms.
We discuss why its important to understand each phase of the cycle to achieve maximum health, and how damaging things like receipts, tap water and cosmetic makeup are for hormones. We even discuss why oral contraception is dangerous!
I absolutely loved this conversation and found it fascinating, so I hope you do too!
https://www.instagram.com/drmariatedim/
In this solo episode of the Podcast I recap episodes 41 to 49 and summarize the main lessons from each guest!
From Gaming, Attachment theory, Climate change, delayed gratification and Jordan Peterson, hopefully you take some nuggets of information away to implement into your life.
In this episode of the Extrospective Podcast I am joined by Andrew Artekha who is a Ukrainian Business Owner who went viral on Instagram gaining 500,000 followers in just 3 months documenting his body transformation.
In his weight loss journey Andrew has showcased the highs and the lows of discipline and motivation towards a goal, inspiring his followers to do the same.
In this episode we talk about what his first words were, his foray into business, fleeing the war in Ukraine & how his body transformation began.
https://linktr.ee/extrospective
Ty Temel is a Bournemouth-based Leisure & Hospitality Entrepreneur, Host of Off Script Podcast, Founder & CEO of Halo, Sandfest, IamUKevents, Sandpolo and an ambassador for Dorset Mind.
In this episode we sit down and discuss his Fathers early influence in Business, the search for meaning in material success and what is truly means to be a 'good' person.
We chat about what it takes to run multiple businesses, the controversy surrounding his Nightclub & why he dedicates his time now to raising money for charity and advancing wellbeing in Dorset.
It was a pleasure to invite Ty to my house in Bournemouth to record a 4KHD 2 hour long podcast and aptly marks a half-century of episodes so far on the Podcast.
Finally, a special thanks to David Glukh for production quality. Enjoy!
https://linktr.ee/tytemel
Tom Bryant is a 25 year old Christian who I have the pleasure of calling my housemate.
In this episode, Tom opens up about his involvement in substance abuse, crime & promiscuity which followed from childhood trauma in his early years.
Tom's testimony is one of consistent mercy and forgiveness being shown to a boy running away from a challenging life growing up.
In this Podcast we discuss the importance of God the Father in modelling true masculinity, how biblical truths cut through his existentialism & the hope that Christ brings to those in darkness.
This episode was close to my heart and is both a fascinating and compelling story of what God can do to change the affections of your heart.
Abby Davisson is the co-Author of 'Money and Love: An Intelligent Roadmap for Life’s Biggest Decisions' and the Founder & CEO of Money & Love Institute.
In this episode we discuss the origins of the book, why she co-wrote it with her professor, and some key themes in the book including:
-How to be more spontaneous
-How to plan more strategically
-Things to consider when making big decisions
-Why you can't separate Love and Money
We reflect on some of the key decisions she has made in her life, and explore the topic of balancing Motherhood and a career.
This was a very insightful conversation and one I am glad to be sharing with you.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/abbydavisson/
https://www.moneylovebook.com/
Vicky Boiten-Lee is an ex-Director at Shell, now working as a non-Executive director and board adviser who is an expert in sustainability, clean technology and business change.
In this conversation we touch on the major initiatives she was part of at shell, how large corporates are far more forward thinking than you'd think, and what role we as individuals can play with regards to a global problem that is the climate.
We hold up competing interests such as just stop oil and climate change deniers, and come to a nuanced balanced conclusion which integrates business interest with sustainable vision.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lee-vicky/
Darren Lee is the Host of Kickoff Sessions Podcast and the Founder/CEO of Voics, a Podcast Agency.
In this episode we discuss the parallels between bodybuilding and business, Darren's time spent travelling Asia in his 20s & breaking free of the 9 till 5.
We delve into the origins of his podcast, building social capital and his aims for "World Domination".
The life Darren is building for himself, all whilst not paying himself from the business is remarkable, and this conversation is great evidence for the utility of podcasting, not only in opportunities but the personal revelations along the way.
Darren's story serves as an important reminder that anything is possible with relentless drive and putting yourself in uncomfortable environments for longer than others.
https://www.kickoffsessions.com/
https://www.instagram.com/darrenlee.ks/
John Hamilton is an Ex-professional streamer & gamer who now hosts his own podcast and runs a business called Young & Lazy.
John's story is one of work ethic and obsession to be the best, later taking this relentless approach into the real world & becoming a successful entrepreneur.
In this episode we explore key learnings from his time as a Professional Gamer, his unique outreach strategy and why he wakes up at 4am every Monday.
You can follow John here - https://www.instagram.com/johnhamiltonn/
Adam Lane Smith is an attachment specialist who has worked with death row inmates, millionaires, suicidal children and heroin addicts.
He is an author & speaker who has made multiple appearances on top podcasts such as Modern Wisdom.
In this episode we discuss the role of childhood in whether our relationships are grounded in secure and insecure attachment, the difference between hookup and bonded sex, why Men should focus primarily on their mission & the problem with modern dating apps.
We discuss the epidemic of loneliness, the crisis in online dating advice and a compelling case to save sex for marriage.
This was an incredibly compelling conversation and one I haven't been able to stop talking about. Enjoy!
https://adamlanesmith.com/
https://www.instagram.com/attachmentadam/
This week I am joined by Callum Carver who is a 20-year old Entrepreneur who is known as the 'Money man' on TikTok. He is a personal finance influencer who has expanded into broader self-development projects online.
In this conversation we cover the impact MMA has had on his development, entering the job market at 14, scaling a business during A-Levels & the Importance of Reading books you enjoy.
We delve deep on balancing building for the future vs living in the moment, and why he's shifted from profit focus to purpose.
Being a couple of years younger than me it is remarkable how much Callum has been able to achieve since leaving college at 18 and this podcast doesn't dissappoint with huge value for listeners of all ages and backgrounds.
https://www.instagram.com/itscallumcarver/
Dr. Martha Harrison is a Clinical Psychologist. In this episode we discuss the barriers facing young working class boys from accessing therapy, how men & women differ in help-seeking and explore the Human Life cycle.
Martha conducted her university dissertation on the help-seeking modalities of young boys and we discuss her surprising findings, including the positive side of Masculinity of stoic responsibility.
We talk around a multitude of topics concerning not only young men but people in general, with many practical insights about human nature both about ourselves and others.
I endeavor to become a clinical Psychologist myself and so this was a particularly interesting conversation which I hope you enjoy!
https://www.instagram.com/__circletime__/
Today I am joined by Elliot Hulse who is a Youtuber, Podcaster & Coach who began posting YouTube videos back in 2007 making a name for himself in the online fitness and self-development world. Since then his YouTube channels have garnered millions of subscribers and over 500 million views, as Elliott has shown incredible consistency and work ethic to provide immense value to men and women across the globe
Elliott’s story is one of continual questioning and personal evolution which has reflected in the content he has created, most recently discovering Christianity and what it means to be a follower of God. He has been on an incredible journey and it was a real honour to host him on the podcast less than a year after we began in September.
In this Podcast Elliott and I discuss his origin story, making money on the internet in the early 2000s, why his ‘Yo Elliot’ videos gained millions of views, his views on Marriage, Masculinity and God and how we can turn the tide against what he views as a degenerate modern society.
https://www.youtube.com/@yoelliott
https://www.youtube.com/@strengthcamp
In this week's episode we take a look back at guests #31 - #39. From Grief, to Hormones, to the Existence of God, I summarize the biggest takeaways from the last 2 1/2 months.
In this captivating episode, join us as we sit down with Jeffrey Boadi, the esteemed founder of "The Wealth of Health" and a social media sensation with over 100k devoted Instagram followers. Jeffrey takes us on a remarkable journey, from his days as a semi-professional footballer to his transformative transition to a plant-based diet.
We delve into the crucial topic of evidence-based approaches to health and wellness, as Jeffrey skillfully debunks popular nutrition myths. He sheds light on the misconception that being vegan automatically equates to being healthy, while also discussing the surprising rise of meat-based diets and the complexities of primal eating.
Beyond his expertise in nutrition, Jeffrey opens up about personal growth, exploring what it truly means to be a man in today's world. He shares valuable insights on managing grief and discovering purpose, drawing from his own life experiences of losing his Wife 6 months into being married in 2021.
Prepare to be inspired as Jeffrey Boadi brings his wealth of knowledge and authenticity to this enlightening episode, offering a fresh perspective on health, wellness, and the pursuit of true fulfillment.
https://www.instagram.com/jeffreyboadi/
In this episode of the podcast, I welcome Dr. Robert Stevens, founder of the Men's Health Clinic, to uncover the core issues plaguing the National Health Service (NHS), the significance of reconnecting with nature, and the profound role hormones play in our overall health and well-being.
We delve into a discussion about the failures of the NHS, exploring the underlying reasons for its shortcomings. Dr. Stevens shares his insights and sheds light on the challenges faced by the healthcare system, aiming to spark conversations and inspire potential solutions for a more effective and patient-centric approach to healthcare.
We spend time exploring the root causes of many mental and physical illnesses prevalent in our society. Dr. Stevens uncovers the underlying factors contributing to these conditions, empowering us to address the root causes rather than merely treating the symptoms. By unraveling these causes, we can make significant strides in preventing and managing such illnesses.
Hormones take center stage as we uncover their crucial role in our health and well-being. Dr. Stevens enlightens us on the impact of hormonal balance and imbalances on various bodily functions, providing insights into how they can influence our mental and physical health.
Furthermore, we delve into the realm of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and its potential as a valuable supplement for both men and women. Dr. Stevens discusses the benefits of HRT and how it can help restore hormonal balance, ultimately improving overall health and quality of life.
Finally, we explore the intriguing differences in hormonal physiology between men and women and their connection to fertility. Dr. Stevens sheds light on the unique aspects of male and female hormones and how these differences play a role in fertility and reproductive health.
Join us for this eye-opening and informative episode as we uncover the challenges facing the NHS, reconnect with the healing power of nature, delve into the root causes of mental and physical illnesses, and explore the profound influence of hormones on our health and well-being.
https://themenshealthclinic.co.uk/
Welcome to this thought-provoking episode of the podcast, where we delve deep into the concept of Holistic Manhood. Manuel Bolley describes the intriguing world of the red pill ideology, shedding light on its benefits and drawbacks in today's society.
Manuel shares his personal journey of self-discovery, beginning with his challenging upbringing. Through introspection, he found a path of self-development that led him to embrace a holistic approach to masculinity.
In this candid discussion, we uncover the misconceptions and misunderstandings that often surround the red pill ideology, particularly in the realm of dating and women. Manuel addresses the common pitfalls and erroneous assumptions that men often make, providing valuable insights into building healthy relationships based on respect and understanding.
Join us as we explore the multifaceted nature of Holistic Manhood and delve into the intricate dynamics of personal growth, relationships, and societal expectations. This episode promises to inspire, inform, and provoke thought, as we navigate the complexities of masculinity and the red pill ideology in an ever-evolving society.
https://www.instagram.com/holisticmanhood/
Join myself and Loui Blake, renowned plant-based speaker, and angel investor, as we delve into the extraordinary journey that led Loui to become a prominent advocate for a plant-based lifestyle.
Loui Blake, an influential figure in the vegan community, shares his personal story and the pivotal moments that shaped his path towards a plant-based lifestyle. From his early experiences in the restaurant industry to his role as an angel investor in vegan businesses, Loui provides a unique perspective on the growth and impact of the plant-based movement.
As the conversation unfolds, we delve into the often overlooked connection between masculinity and veganism. He challenges the conventional notions of masculinity and discuss how embracing a compassionate and sustainable lifestyle can redefine what it means to be a man in today's world.
Throughout the episode, you'll gain valuable insights into the benefits of a plant-based diet, not only for personal health but also for environmental sustainability and animal welfare. Loui shares his expertise, providing practical tips for those interested in adopting a plant-based lifestyle or looking to incorporate more plant-based options into their daily routines.
So, whether you're an advocate for veganism, someone seeking personal growth, or simply intrigued by the plant-based movement, this podcast episode will leave you motivated to explore new perspectives and embrace the incredible potential that lies within each of us to make a difference.
https://www.instagram.com/loui_blake/
Josh Reid is an Ultra Endurance cyclist who gained notoriety after uploading a YouTube video documenting his ride home from China which now has over 3 million views.Josh now takes on many ultra challenges and races, creating content and representing brands such as Giant, Weldtite and exposure lights.In this episode we discuss Josh’s initial foray into bikepacking, we talk in depth regarding the logistics, emotions and lessons from the trip home from China, and delve into his more recent projects such as getting to and from the atlas mountain race in Morocco without flying.Josh is a unique and inspiring character and this conversation was an incredible insight into what it takes to take on such mentally and physically gruelling challenges.Particularly for my cycling audience this is an episode I have been sat on for a while and can’t wait for you to hear all about his top tricks and tips for getting into bikepacking.https://linktr.ee/zakvilleneuvesnell
ultra #endurance #cycling #bikepacking #ultraendurnace #joshreid
Charlie Rogers is a Multipotentialite - someone with multiple interests and hobbies which often intersect with career endeavors. Charlie has a newsletter called 'Mastery in Your 20s' where he provides commentary on the future of work and how to navigate your 20s both personally and publicly.
In this podcast we breakdown Charlie's initial foray into the business world selling sweets at school, why hard work beats talent, Charlie's athletic journey from Runner to Triathlete and how AI is changing the future of work.
It was a pleasure to chat to Charlie after following his work on LinkedIn and this chat is super beneficial for any individual particularly in their late teens/early 20s transitioning from school/uni into the ever evolving world of work.
In this Week's Episode we take a look back at the key takeaways from guests #21 to #30. From Creatine to Motherhood, P*rn addiction to Andrew Tate and everything in between I summarize the biggest lessons from these 10 episodes.
In this recording I am using a new camera, however I completely missed the embarrassing evidence of Paprika Chickpeas I had for lunch...not re-recording, so here it is.
Oliver Anwar is the Founder of Elite Performance, an online coaching company designed to enable busy professionals and entrepreneurs to crush their health, wellbeing and aesthetics so they can perform in other areas of life.
Oliver's story is one of struggle and immense work ethic, and one point spending 12 hours a day filling vending machines and going home to work on his side hustles.
In this episode we talk about how to attract Women as a short guy, what Andrew Tate is like in person, how to grow an online business, why Sleep is so important and much more.
A shorter episode than usual, but jam packed with value. Enjoy!
https://twitter.com/theoliveranwar
Ben Goddard is a Christian, Final Year Medical Student & long term friend/mentor who spent a year working for a chuch & a year studying theology during his Medicine degree at a top level University in the UK.
As a Christian, I wanted to invite Ben onto the Podcast to discuss the origins of Christianity and some common questions people may have regarding faith/religion.
The Podcast is of course embedded in Ben's personal journey, however we sprout off into many insightful discussions on topics such as sin, suffering & doubt.
If you enjoy the Podcast I would love for you to share it far and wide, and please do get in touch if you have any comments or questions off of the back of listening.
Suhit Amin is a 21 year old founder and entrepreneur of influencer marketing and management company Saulderson media, amongst other business ventures.
He began his foray into the world of online business at 13, investing his time and energy into learning behind the scenes processes of Youtubers.
At 16, he faced mortality with a Cancer diagnosis, however used this as an opportunity to go all-in on his Infleuncer Marketing & Management comapny, Saulderson Media, growing it to 7 figures only a few years later.
Now cancer-free, Suhit is continuing to scale up his businesses and personal brand, living the Digital Nomad lifestyle of travelling from country to country, and we sat down to discuss his story alongside some fascinating topics such as cancel culture, heartbreaks & his time partying with KSI.
As always, a lot of time has gone into recording, editing and producing the episode, so if you enjoy it, please consider sharing to a friend who you think may enjoy it too!
https://hoo.be/suhitamin
https://linktr.ee/zakvilleneuvesnell
Eimantas Budrys is a Final Year Events Management student who has spent the last decade seeking opportunities in leadership and events.
He is now growing his personal Brand on Linkedin, documenting his foray into the Events Management world.
We met at TEDxSurreyUniversity where he took the society from the ground up to deliver a sell out event in 2022.
In this Episode we discuss how he transformed from Shy to seizing all opportunities, to running 13 of the UK's biggest festivals on the bounce and why everyone should be creating a Personal Brand.
You can find him here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/eimantasbudrys/
Colin Campbell is a Podcast Host known as the "Office Athlete" for his relentless pursuit of peak performance in both his career and in fitness.
In this episode we discuss why it's so important to get the reps in, even if we don't feel like it. We chat about the balance between showing ourselves too much self-love, and not enough constructive criticism.
The conversation is embedded in Colin's own journey finding his feet in his career, being rocked by external shocks, but remaining focused on what he can control.
Colin has a fantastic Podcast recently hosting World's Strongest Man Tom Stoltman which I highly recommend checking out.
You can find his podcast here - https://open.spotify.com/show/41qT7i9uvjWGJbNM6RaFwK?si=f10f253f904a4e5f
Today my guest is Joe Phillips who is a 26 year old zoologist and entrepreneur, recently fired by Lord Sugar on the famous BBC TV show, The Apprentice.
In this episode we discuss Joe’s exotic upbringing, how Dyslexia fuels his entrepreneurial spirit and of course, his time on the apprentice.
Joe also shares his favourite animal, why he’s so passionate about sustainability and a little bit about his future ambitions in wildlife conservation.
If this episode is the first one you’ve tuned in on then please do hit the follow button wherever you’re listening or watching as I’ve got lots of exciting conversations lined up over the next few weeks.
https://linktr.ee/zakvilleneuvesnell
Augusto Caten is a Brazilian Self Development Influencer with over 1 million followers across social media. From struggling with P*rn addiction himself he now helps young men to reject degeneracy.
Augusto and I met at a Jordan Peterson event in Manchester where he flew over from Brazil to see him live.
In this episode we discuss the sad reality of the modern world, he opens up about his battle with P*rn and how it affected his relationship, but then how he has used this to help millions of young men to turn away from destructive behaviours.
We talk about what the Red Pill gets wrong, discuss whether Modern Christians are too soft, and why your posture is terrible.
I'm glad I was able to hold this space for Augusto to open up and share his story, and hopefully by inviting you to listen to this conversation you take something away too.
In this week’s Episode I am joined by Rick Cooper, who is an Ex-professional Rugby Player who after 10 years in the Fire Service now travels the country delivering workshops and talks for young men in the independent school circuit, teaching them about what it means to be a man in the 21st Century.
In this episode we touch on Rick’s abusive relationship with his Father, how the school system let him down as a child and a brief History of Man. We talk about the current crisis in masculinity, how figures have arisen to fill this void but how damaging their message can often be and In particular, Rick touches on the need to balance vulnerability with being capable and dangerous.
This Podcast truly was a pleasure to record, Rick is an absolute legend who is making a real impact in the lives of boys and young men and I cannot stress how important this episode is.
So with that in mind, whether you’re tuning in for the first time or the twentieth time, I’d encourage you if you to share the episode in a groupchat with friends of work colleagues, as I’d love to be able to spread this message as far as possible. https://linktr.ee/zakvilleneuvesnell
In this Episode I take a look back at episodes released from December through to February on the Podcast.
This weeks Podcast Guest is Tracy Xu, who is a Senior Lecturer in Hospitality and Organisational Psychologist at the University of Surrey.
In this episode we talk about the impact that social media had on our wellbeing during the Pandemic, why Motherhood can teach you more life-skills than anything else and how collaboration can help mitigate the negative affects of stress.
We also delve into what she has learnt from being a Mother herself whilst pursuing her career in academia.
Tracy and I met at TEDxSurreyUniversity in 2022, and a link to her talk can be found here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-YNlO5c-22Q
In todays episode I am joined by Matt Chenard who recently went viral on Instagram for posting Ice bath videos everyday.
Matt is a Christian, a Lifestyle Engineer, Coach, and Business owner, and in this episode we delve in to some societal hot topics, cultural issues, and offer some really great practical advice.
Having been doing ice plunging every day for the last 6 years, Matt and I also touched on the psychological and physiological benefits of this practice which has taken the self-development world by storm in recent months.
In this week's Episode of the Podcast I sat down with Tom Portsmouth for the second time to catch up with his journey toward becoming a professional cyclist.
Last time we spoke, Tom was on the knife edge of a contract, racing every week in Belgium, trying to secure results which would aid his chances of signing for a Continental (Semi Pro/Pro) team.
Today, Tom heads into the 2023 season Racing for Bingol WB Development Team, with a clear pathway from where he is now to Professional racing, in fact, he's already been called up by the Pro team to guest in La Tropicana ammissa Bongo, a UCI 2.1 stage race in Congo.
In this episode we talk about how to secure a Pro contract, what shocked him the most about African culture & the future of bike racing in the UK.
In this week's special episode we invite Tom Ramsay, Founder of The Edge Coaching, back on for part 2 to impart his knowledge of Cycling training.
We talk about all things endurance sport from Strength training to the debate surrounding volume, from creatine supplementation to the difference between Performance and Health nutrition.
It was a pleasure to record this episode, I learnt a lot from Tom & I hope you have lots of takeaways too!
In this weeks Episode I am joined by Tom Ramsay who is Founder and Head Coach at the Edge Coaching. We decided to record 2 episodes, the first being his story, the second answering all coaching related questions.
In this episode we discuss how competing in Motocross from the age of 6 fuelled his competitive drive, the years spent training to become a professional athlete & juggling the business with starting a young family.
Tom is a super down to Earth relatable guy and he talks about the importance of progression in any fitness endeavour to keep his mental health in check.
For all your sports and nutrition questions check out next week’s episode, but in the meantime, here is the story of Tom Ramsay.
Izzy Sharp is an aspiring professional cyclist who already has multiple national & European Titles to her name both on the road and track.
In this episode we delve into the grassroots of cycling, competing and beating the boys at youth track leagues, the winter burnout, eating disorders in cycling, standing on the top step of the podium with the national anthem playing and much more.
I came across Izzy many years ago through mutual friends and local cycling clubs, and have enjoyed watching her progress through the ranks all the way to competing at World Championships at the end of 2022 in Australia.
I thought it would be super interesting to hear her perspective on her own development as well as the direction of Women’s cycling and British cycling at large.
https://www.instagram.com/izzysharp__/
https://www.procyclingstats.com/rider/isabel-sharp
James Frater is a Medical Doctor, TEDx speaker and LinkedIn Creator who has spent his time studying at Kings College London investing in opportunities for under-served communities.
Having grown up in Jamaica with access to life-saving medical care, James was made starkly aware of the importance of access to education and healthcare in relatively poorer communities.
Whether it was receiving the Princess Diana award, completing an internship with Google whilst on placement in hospitals, or driving social change during his time as President of his universities African and Caribbean Society, James has continuously gone above and beyond in his personal and professional life, pushing the boundaries and serving others.
In his TEDx talk, he challenges us to consider what your actions would say about you if you couldn’t speak, and James is without a doubt the personification of say less, do more.
Ben Warrington is the Founder of Well-being First, a Web Application designed to supercharge mental health leads in UK schools.
In this episode we discuss the lessons Ben took from his time in the air cadets, reflecting on past insecurities and becoming a self-taught full-stack developer during lockdown.
We deep-dive into his current project from a personal & business perspective, the importance of trauma-informed practice and how the modern schooling system fails so many children.
I’ve known Ben for over 10 years and after recently reconnecting it was a pleasure to give him a platform to share something which deeply aligns with my own values and aspirations.
Sabine Benoit is a Professor of Marketing at the University of Surrey, where she researches Consumer Behavior, particularly regarding the sharing economy.
In this episode we discuss her experience of international sport, her most interesting research, & the future of online education and advertising.
We delve into how her love for human behaviour and economics perfectly intersect in marketing research, and why social media marketing may be driving political polarisation.
Ben Chai is an Entrepreneur, International speaker, actor & author who specializes in creating success blueprints for companies and entrepreneurs, training millions of people across over 70 countries.
I came across Ben’s work during my marketing campaign for TEDxSurreyUniversity, as I was researching previous events & came across his talk on Social Magnetism which now garners over 1M views.
Ben is highly charismatic & inspiring individual, and in this conversation we visit his greatest setbacks, his personal development and a window into his public speaking success.
We unpack what it means to be Socially Magnetic, How to overcome the fear of rejection, and why you should read aloud in random public places.
Dr Darren Tunstall is a former actor, TEDx speaker & Senior Lecturer at the Guildford School of Acting where he currently leads the Masters program.
In this episode, Darren gives a detailed account of his upbringing, growing up working class and losing both parents before the age of 15, before going to Cambridge University and embarking on a career in acting.
Darren is best-known for devising, performing and directing award-winning shows at the Royal Shakespeare Company, and has worked for the BBC, ITV and Film Four. He even recites what it was like to work with the Chuckle brothers!
This podcast has so far been about unique and insightful genesis stories, and this is no different as Darren takes us back to what it was like forging a career in acting and what he has learnt along the way.
Apologies for reupload, original podcast had quiet audio
Alex Demirel is a health consultant for Entrepreneurs and the Founder of Goldilox, which is a coaching platform aimed at swapping hustle culture for health optimisation.
In this episode, he shares his troubled journey through the school system and feeling like he was capable of so much more, if given the creative freedom to do so.
He imparts his wisdom regarding sleep as a foundation, optimizing the circadian rhythm and why deep work and flow state is so underrated.
This was an incredible episode full of value and a conversation which I took a lot away from, implementing what we discussed into my own life. I hope you feel the same revelations and take action after listening too.
Alex - @Alexdemirel https://www.goldilox.zone/
David Hammond is Masculinity Coach, Founder of Self-Developed and with over 200,000 subscribers on YouTube and fast approaching 100,000 followers on Instagram, he guides Men with their Relationships, Family & Purpose.
Having lost his Father from a young age, he shares his journey from boy to man, finding self-development at 15 years old, hitting the gym and intentionally growing as an individual.
David blew up on Social media around 3 years ago and became known as the 'nofap' guy, but has since transformed his content into what some would say contentious advice on Masculinity and society at large.
The further I dig down on this corner of the internet, the more I seem to resonate with the principles he embodies, however I would like to state that I do not share all of the views expressed in this episode and that I did not do a good enough job of challenging him.
I would love to invite you to listen with an open mind, and if you would like to share some opposing views then please feel free to reach out, as I would love to hear them!
Inigo Hawkings is a Content Creator, aspiring Professional cyclist & fluent Italian Speaker. He combines these aspects of his identity on his social media channels where he is building his personal brand.
Having grown up in Wiltshire & travelling to Italy every year on Holiday, Inigo eventually landed a degree in Italian. Along the way he cycled the length of the country and spent a year there riding with professionals.
In this episode he opens up about feeling isolated during the Pandemic, how he began creating content on social media and how Kayaking taught him to love the suffering associated with elite sport.
I've known Inigo for just over a year and it was a pleasure to give him space to share his story. I hope you join us and listen to this super interesting conversation!
In this episode I look back over the past 2 1/2 months of Podcasting and note the key takeaways that I learnt from each of my conversations.
Greg Schwartz aka "The Planet Doctor" is a Former professional athlete, professor of geography, speaker and environmental consultant, recently appointed research associate at Oxford University.
Greg grew up in LA and was taught the value of hard work in an academic & athletic sense from an early age. He went onto travel over 50 countries, where he not only learnt a great deal about other cultures & traditions, but came face to face with the reality of environmental exploitation.
Completing his PhD in 2012, Greg has lectured to thousands of students on the importance of environmental sustainability and ecological welfare, able to draw on his unique combination of personal experience and academic expertise.
I connected with Greg at the TEDxSurreyUniversity event I hosted in May 2022, and as a Vegan of 7 years myself I was captivated by his story and wanted to learn more. Well, here it is.
David Mcintosh is a Management Consultant and Co-Chair of The Social Mobility Network at KPMG, host of the Development by David Podcast, and has been named in Business Insiders 35 under 35.
David was born in a town called Prestwick on the West Coast of Scotland in a rural working class community. With help from the Social Mobility Foundation, he was exposed to the opportunities that lay ahead of him as he approached the world of work.
In 2020, David lost his Mum & met the Queen, and went on to found @DevelopmentbyDavid, championing Genesis stories and in doing so inspiring me to begin this podcast.
I really enjoyed recording this Episode as David is a huge inspiration to me and so many others, and he shares so much unique valuable wisdom in a succinct way.
Ben Smith is an ex-international Rower, best-selling author and Founder of Live, a gut-health platform designed to help you with digestive issues & improve your overall wellbeing.
Having competed at elite level as an athlete, Ben suffered with IBS in 2019. The traditional healthcare system only made things worse, and so he took it upon himself to qualify as a nutritionist, heal himself, and share this with others.
He opens up about the lowest points of his illness, the riskiest decisions he has taken in business, and how his lifestyle and mindset has evolved alongside his online presence.
I loved talking with Ben, as he is someone a few years a head of me in this journey and has a wealth of experience and wisdom beyond his years. I'd love to invite you to listen to this truly remarkable conversation.
Finn Wakeham is a Senior Associate at KPMG, Governor at Twynham Learning & has been a close friend of mine for the past 5 years.
In this episode, Finn describes the impact that his Father's suicide had on him at the age of 16, his growth and self-development through this time and how he has worked through mental health struggles.
Finn is a responsible, kind-hearted and driven individual which has accelerated his career and maturity as he steps into the corporate world.
This was a touching and important episode on the importance of speaking up and taking the next step in life, whatever the context may be. I invite you to listen to our conversation and take away the lessons he has learnt.
If you or someone you know is affected by the topics discussed in the podcast, then please speak to someone or ring 1-800-273-TALK, 116 123 or 111 for support.
Ben Parker is an Ironman athlete & the co-founder of Runna, a revolutionary coaching platform which automatically sets and adjusts your training based on your current abilities, aims & routines.
Ben has always been an avid athlete, cycling to school & hitting the gym from the age of 16. He has grown into a formidable endurance athlete, which gives him an unrivalled insight into performance sport and the dedication required to be successful.
We explore this journey, and the challenges of building a startup in the aftermath of the pandemic, with so much potential, but so much on the line.
I found this conversation incredibly insightful and gave me a window into what it takes to be successful not only in one dimension of life but spread throughout all of life - as Ben calls it, the 3 pillars of health, finances and relationships.
Red Walters is a National Champion, Professional Cyclist & Content Creator, born in the UK and known most recently for competing in the Commonwealth Games for Grenada on both the track and in the road race. He is fueled by sheer determination...(and SIS).
Now 23 year-old Red took to cycling relatively late, and we explore the pivotal decisions he made in his teenage years which set him on the path toward representing his country on the global stage.
We also detail his recent personal growth, committing to posting everyday on his social platforms in a bid to further leverage his impressive online presence, not only to bolster his own ambitions but to pave the way for a new generation of athletes to follow in his footsteps.
I've followed Red's journey for 5 years since racing locally, but never knew him much beyond the public image, and so I invite you to listen to our conversation discussing his biggest challenges and successes, and how he went from Car Park Crits to the Commonwealth Games.
Guilherme Levy Costa Cruz shares his experiences of moving from Brazil to the UK as a young child, how this upbringing shaped his curiosity for the narrative, and where this interest has taken him in recent years.
Gui is 21 year old copywriter at an appliance insurance company - however, beneath the surface, he has written feature scripts, poetry, and is an avid film fan.
We connected via Instagram in our common desire for exploring philosophy and self-development, and I have learnt a lot about storytelling and the importance of vulnerability in art from him.
I invite you to listen to our conversation as an exploration of the narrative and hope you can too learn and appreciate the importance of vulnerability & connecting with this side of ourselves.
Giacomo Heddle, AKA "Cycle Nutter YouTube" and I discuss how important self-development is as a teenager, what makes an engaging video, and his experiences of growing up in an age of abundant comfort.
Giacomo is a 16 year old YouTuber and student, known for his Cycling Vlogs & content creation. This summer he completed a bike-packing trip across France and aims to take both his academic and athletic ability goals to the next level.
Reflecting on where I was 5 years ago, it was fascinating to hear how he too has carved his way in life so far, fueled by a desire for understanding and self-improvement.
Hopefully this episode provides a unique insight into what it is like to be an ambitious teenager in 2022, and I invite you to listen to some of the lessons Giacomo has learnt on his journey so far.
@max.r.williams is our second guest on the Extrospective Podcast, and we talk about his challenges growing up in France, his passion for sport and how he's had to overcome adversity in recent years.
Max is 20 years old, studies International Business Management at the University of Surrey and has competed across a multitude of disciplines, including Rugby, Squash and Triathlon.
Last year Max and I committed to going to the gym at 6AM everyday and we both discovered a love for trail running around Guildford.
I hope you enjoy the Psychological insight into dealing with a significant sports injury and his military mindset.
As always, you can find a link to the podcast on Spotify in my bio.
podcast #psychology #psychologypodcast #learninginpublic #zaksnell #extrospection #extrospective #extrospectivepod #studentathlete #studentpodcast
Tom joins me for the first episode on the Extrospective Podcast to discuss his background in sport, the challenges he's faced on the knife-edge of becoming a professional, & what he hopes to achieve in the coming years.
Tom is a 20 year old cyclist based in Surrey, UK, who has been competing at a high level in road, time trial and track racing across Europe and Britain for the past 6 years. On his blog, he says "I’m an incredibly driven, determined person who will try everything to learn as quickly as possible."
In 2021, Tom joined the University of Surrey, supported by their dual-career programme, to undertake a degree in Sports Science, and I had the privilege of being his housemate for the year.
I hope you enjoy this little insight into the Psychology of a young man committed to pursuing his lifelong dream.
As always, you can find a link to the podcast on Spotify in my bio.
Tom's socials:
https://www.instagram.com/tompey_13/
https://tomportsmouth.co.uk/home/
Hi, and welcome to The Extrospective Podcast.
My name is Zak Villeneuve-Snell, I am 21 years old and I am fascinated with people.
In the last 3 years I have spent time examining my own Psychology, and intentionally developing as a human being.
It is now time to look outward, to understand others, to learn about their mentality, ambition and success, and what has led them to where they are today.
It is time to pursue curiosity and bring these rich conversations to life, learning in public, so you can come on the adventure with me.
My name is Zak, and I’ll see you next time.