

The Problem With...
James Smith
The Problem With… isn’t here to give easy answers - it’s here to ask the uncomfortable questions behind today’s biggest trends and taboos.
Each week, host James Smith digs into what’s really going on - from AI to wellness culture - through unfiltered chats with experts and insiders to uncover the truth behind the noise.
Each week, host James Smith digs into what’s really going on - from AI to wellness culture - through unfiltered chats with experts and insiders to uncover the truth behind the noise.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Feb 3, 2026 • 1h 17min
The Problem With Housing Affordability: Ravi Sharma
Ravi Sharma, property buyer’s agent and personal finance educator known for clear real estate and mortgage advice. He tackles why housing affordability is a global, systemic crisis. Short, punchy discussions cover government incentives that favor investors, renting as a strategic choice, mortgage leverage and equity extraction, and practical strategies for building property portfolios.

15 snips
Jan 27, 2026 • 1h 27min
The Problem With Men's Mental Health: George from TheTinMen
George Horne, men's mental-health advocate and creator of The Tin Men, unpacks structural drivers behind male despair. He explores family courts, fatherhood's role in identity, why shoulder-to-shoulder therapies and roughhousing like jiu-jitsu matter, and how community projects and policy shifts could reshape outcomes.

39 snips
Jan 20, 2026 • 1h 23min
The Problem With Hydration: Adam Mcdonald
In this insightful discussion, Adam McDonald, a performance coach and YouTuber currently pursuing a doctorate in human performance, debunks widespread myths about hydration and electrolytes. He critiques the $100 million hydration industry, exposing how excessive sodium intake can harm cardiovascular health. Adam also reveals that glucose may be more effective for hydration than salt, while warning against health anxiety from tracking metrics. Tune in to learn why keeping hydration simple can lead to better health outcomes!

62 snips
Jan 13, 2026 • 1h 23min
The Problem With Personal Branding: Lara Acosta
Lara Acosta, an entrepreneur and LinkedIn expert, dives into the pitfalls of personal branding alongside James Smith. They tackle the rise of ego-driven content and the importance of being useful rather than merely interesting. Lara emphasizes the power of storytelling and how introverts can excel by focusing on writing. The conversation explores the benefits of high-ticket pricing and authenticity in branding amidst AI-generated noise. With practical advice on personal reinvention and monetization, this discussion offers valuable insights for anyone navigating the modern branding landscape.

19 snips
Jan 6, 2026 • 1h 22min
The Problem With Gen Z: Elliot Bewick
Elliot Bewick, host of The Next Gen podcast, sheds light on the struggles of Gen Z, emphasizing their quiet crisis marked by rising anxiety and suicide rates. He critiques social media's shift from authentic connection to manufactured personas, revealing how it distorts real relationships. The discussion spans COVID's unique impact on youth, the allure of performative hardship, and the masculinity crisis. Bewick also advocates for embodied activities like Jiu-Jitsu to foster genuine connection and resilience, while challenging Gen Z to embrace responsibility and purpose in their lives.

61 snips
Dec 30, 2025 • 1h 23min
The Problem With Saving For Retirement: Damien Talks Money
In this discussion, Damien Jordan, a personal finance creator and host of Damien Talks Money, reveals essential money truths. He explains how inflation and fiscal drag stealthily diminish wealth. Damien discusses the challenges younger generations face in property and pensions, highlighting the rigged financial system. He dissects crypto fears and the nuances of investing, stressing the importance of living in the present while planning for retirement. With a candid approach, he compares tax systems and debates the fairness of inheritance tax and housing supply issues.

17 snips
Dec 23, 2025 • 1h 23min
The Problem With Not Having Kids: Paul Morland
In this conversation, Paul Morland, a British demographer and author, delves into the alarming implications of declining birth rates on our aging societies. He dispels myths about overpopulation, highlighting how cultural shifts and modern distractions deter family growth. Morland emphasizes the economic risks of a shrinking population and proposes policy changes to incentivize family life. He also discusses the role of technology and changing social norms in shaping our reproductive choices.

38 snips
Dec 16, 2025 • 1h 49min
The Problem With Aging: Andrew Steele
Andrew Steele, a scientist and co-founder of the Longevity Institute, dives into the complexities of aging and longevity. He discusses how aging is the leading cause of death in wealthy nations, attributing 90% of fatalities to this factor. Andrew debunks myths surrounding 'anti-aging' and criticizes misleading influencer claims. He highlights how lifestyle choices, rather than just genetics, shape our life expectancy. The conversation also touches on promising treatments like GLP-1 drugs and the ethical implications of extending human life.

27 snips
Dec 9, 2025 • 2h
The Problem With The AI Apocalypse: Connor Leahy
In this insightful conversation, AI researcher Connor Leahy, founder of ControlAI, dives into the chilling implications of advanced artificial intelligence. He discusses how AI is already outsmarting humans and the potential dangers of emotional manipulation through AI relationships. Connor highlights the arms race between nations, the misinformation epidemic fueled by AI, and the urgent need for regulatory measures. He warns that AGI's rapid evolution could lead to uncontrollable superintelligence, igniting a call for immediate action to safeguard our future.

20 snips
Dec 2, 2025 • 1h 22min
The Problem With Being Single: Sadia Khan
Sadia Khan, a psychologist and relationship coach, dives into the intricate world of modern dating. She explains how dating apps create a dopamine-driven illusion of choice, making genuine connections increasingly difficult. Discussions include the impact of physical appearance on attraction and the rise of transactional values in relationships. Sadia also highlights the psychological aspects of loyalty and intimacy, addressing how low testosterone can affect relationships and emphasizing the significance of mutual values for lasting partnerships.


