More Than a Rugby Player: Sam Smith’s Story of Pressure, Purpose, and Personal Transformation

Join us for an incredibly moving episode with Sam Smith, a former professional rugby player for Harlequins and Worcester Warriors, as he shares his journey on his first podcast.

Sam reflects on his early life in a happy, loving family home. At the age of 11, his mum became ill, and he learned to develop a sixth sense to gauge what he would find behind the door when returning from school. He was always striving to make his family happy and constantly felt like he was failing. This pattern of being a "doer" and pleasing people defined much of his life. His self-worth became deeply intertwined with his identity as a rugby player, leading to immense pressure and a need to please his coaches and parents.

Sam candidly shares moments of disillusionment, like spending Wednesdays hungover in bed—an alarming sign for a professional athlete that shouldn't have been ignored. Due to an injury, Sam had to retire from rugby early, and he dived into entrepreneurship, turning his love of coffee into a successful business. However, did it provide Sam with what he was looking for?

Despite knowing his parents were supportive, he struggled to find the words to ask for help. Post-rugby life brought anger and frustration. When he asked for help, he received sterile CBT sessions, leading him to believe he was the problem.

The turning point came when he met Hugh, someone who helped make him feel normal and understand he wasn't alone.

Now, Sam emphasises the importance of purpose—something you feel in your bones and soul. He aims to help others wake up to the stories they tell themselves, leading to life-changing realisations.

Tune in to hear Sam’s honest reflections on life before, during, and after sports, finding true purpose, and the courage to ask for help. His story has it all: laughter, tears, resilience, self-awareness, and the magic of discovering what truly matters.

Sam #YouAreAClassOfYourOwn

Guest Sam Smith

https://www.instagram.com/thisisthechangingroom

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-smith-coaching

Listen on Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-class-of-their-own/id1732288997
Watch on:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@aclassoftheirownpodcast/podcasts
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7Apq2pSbmvytPjABrlidpN?si=4d62eba56abb45ad
Social media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aclassoftheirownpodcast/
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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aclassoftheirownpodcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aclassoftheirownpodcast
Website:
https://www.playforchange.co.uk/aclassoftheirownpodcast
Host: Mira Magecha
https://www.linkedin.com/in/miramagecha
https://www.instagram.com/mira_magecha
Creative Director: Alex Payne
https://www.instagram.com/alexjamespayne
Editor: Josh Partridge
https://www.instagram.com/joshfilmmaker
Music: Jay Witsey
https://www.instagram.com/jay.witsey

Episode bought to you by: play for change
https://www.playforchange.co.uk
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https://www.linkedin.com/company/playforchangeltd