James Granstrom, a seasoned male model and executive wellness coach, shares captivating insights from nearly 30 years in the industry. He reflects on his journey from banking to modeling, the pressures of achieving the ideal physique, and the importance of self-discipline. Granstrom emphasizes the significance of simplicity in fashion and personal branding while navigating the realities of the modeling world. He discusses holistic well-being, balancing personal relationships, and the quest for vitality and joy in life, especially after a near-fatal crash led to a transformative shift in his values.
01:28:43
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From Bank Suit To Modeling Break
James Granstrom walked into modeling after being scouted at 16 and later visiting agencies while working in banking.
He used a holiday snap, lost weight, and quit banking after early bookings with Ralph Lauren.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Train For A Model Physique
Train consistently and increase protein to maintain lean, aesthetic muscle rather than chase bodybuilding mass.
Follow a focused program for months when cutting for shows to be truly 'cut'.
insights INSIGHT
Glamour Is A Brand Performance
Photo shoots look glamorous but are structured and involve long waiting periods behind the scenes.
The model's job is to serve the brand's emotion, not to be the focus themselves.
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James Granstrom is a male model and executive wellness coach with nearly 30 years of experience modeling for top brands including Ralph Lauren, DKNY, and Orlebar Brown.
If you've ever wondered what life is really like as a male model, how to develop a lean, aesthetic physique, and the biggest mistakes high-performing men make when it comes to their wellbeing, James is the best person to listen to.
Timestamps:
00:00 – James’ origin story
01:18 – Banking stint, misalignment & desire for freedom
03:09 – First agency walk-ins with a holiday snap
04:16 – Getting male model lean
06:27 – First Ralph Lauren booking
08:07 – What model agencies are looking for (height, jawline, X-factor)
10:02 – Early DKNY job; late-’90s/early-’00s scene
10:41 – Model physique vs gym culture: what clients want
11:05 – Training, nutrition, and cutting for shows
1:16:00 – Humility, owning mistakes & not pedestaling people
1:17:39 – Daily rituals that keep energy high (meditation, movement)
1:18:51 – Tracking, journaling & mirroring your day
1:24:54 – Aging like fine wine: plants, water, nature, sleep
1:26:15 – Alcohol vs focus; plant-based since 2004
1:28:06 – Where to find James
Enjoying this podcast? Then you'll love the Gentleman's Digest – a weekly newsletter of reflections, recommendations, and challenges personally written by James and sent to your inbox every Sunday.
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