The Modern Mind

In this episode, Fergus is joined by Johann Hari: international bestselling author, writer, and journalist. As well as this, Johann's TED Talk on depression and anxiety has been viewed by tens of millions worldwide.We are navigating a chaotic world, full of distraction, deadlines, interruptions, and evolving challenges, which makes it increasingly difficult for us to find focus, in its true form.Johann explains why we are the loneliest society ever to have existed, as we discuss the nine causes of depression that are explored in his book 'Lost Connections', and how they underpin the epidemic of loneliness and despair that we existed in pre-pandemic, that has since been exponentially exacerbated since its arrival.Against this context, Johann was compelled to explore why we have lost our ability to focus on the task at hand, why we wish we were less easily distracted, how we can pay attention for longer, and why this has become such a common problem.Johann departed the chaos, set aside technology, and went in search of the answers.Expect to learn how to better navigate the modern world, how our attention system works, and how we can work better alongside it to recline our focus.Buy Stolen Focus: https://amzn.to/3F9VPcB Johann's Instagram: @johann.hari Johann's Twitter: @johannhari101-Sponsors:Get 20% off Mancave with the code FERGUS20.https://mancaveinc.com

Former Royal Marines Commando, Ben Williams, shares his journey from struggle to success, highlighting pivotal moments of self-discovery and resilience. He narrates overcoming drug addiction, a court-martial trial, and founding tech company Loopin for corporate wellbeing. Themes include challenging military experiences, personal growth, entrepreneurship, and the commando mindset.

In this episode, Fergus is joined by Ross Austen: a former corporal from the 24 Commando Engineer Regiment. In Afghanistan in 2008, Ross was out on a foot patrol when he came under attack. Setting a charge to blow into a compound,  enemy fire forced him to pull back - which resulted in him triggering an Improvised Explosive Device (IED), severely damaged both of his legs... Ross then underwent 10 emergency operations before being flown home.Fergus and Ross discuss the details of Ross's experience, his recovery, the mental challenges, and the enormous success he has since found as an adaptive athlete across disciplines, and as a father.The crux of it all for Ross? Work hard.Ross's Social Media: @rausten59-Get 10% off Love Lane Brewery and Contact Coffee Co with code TMM10.www.lovelanebrewing.comww.contactcoffee.comGet 20% off Mancave with the code FERGUS20.https://mancaveinc.com

In this episode, Fergus is joined by Ed Gibbins: co-founder of Rewire Fitness, a fast-growing company that utilises Brain Endurance Training (BET) as part of its system for human performance.Fergus and Ed explore the fascinating concept of Brain Endurance Training, how it has been applied, and how it can rewire our brains to perceive effort in new ways.BET sits as one component of Rewire's ecosystem, so we explore the other key metrics, recovery protocols, and the science behind the holistic approach to human performance that Rewire sets out to achieve.So the question really is, how can we rewire our brains to become more resilient?Rewire's Social Media: @rewirefitnessRewire's Website: https://rewirefitness.appStudies mentioned: https://rewirefitness.app/studies/ -Get 10% off Love Lane Brewery and Contact Coffee Co with code TMM10.www.lovelanebrewing.comww.contactcoffee.comGet 20% off Mancave with the code FERGUS20.https://mancaveinc.com

Former UKSF Dean Stott discusses his military career, injury, Pan-American Highway journey, debunking special forces myths, charity events, mental health awareness initiatives, and upcoming kayaking challenge on the River Nile.

In this episode, Fergus is joined by JC: co-founder of Movember, the world's biggest men's health charity.Fergus and JC discuss the Movember story, the power of community, the global impact of funds raised, the lives changed, and most importantly, why you should take part this year, and every year that follows.Fergus has raised just under £100,000 for Movember, and is immensely passionate about the cause - so please share this episode with a friend this Movember.@movember / www.movember.comGet 10% off Love Lane Brewery and Contact Coffee Co with code TMM10.www.lovelanebrewing.comww.contactcoffee.comGet 20% off Mancave with the code FERGUS20.https://mancaveinc.com

10 questions on Mental Health for World Mental Health Day.In this episode, Fergus explores the questions put to him by his social media audience, and places them within his own context and perspective.Discussing workplace considerations, to thoughts on how to care for a suicidal friend given his own experiences, to why he chose Movember as his principal charity... As well as much more.Fergus's social media: @ferguscrawley / @themodernmindukGet 10% off Love Lane Brewery and Contact Coffee Co with code TMM10.www.lovelanebrewing.comww.contactcoffee.comGet 20% off Mancave with the code FERGUS20.https://mancaveinc.com

In this episode, Fergus is joined by Scott Britton: former Police Detective with the Greater Manchester Police, functional fitness athlete, and founder of Battle Cancer: the world's biggest functional fitness fundraising organisation.We discuss everything that has made Scott who he is today, the details of a challenging yet highly successful career within the police force, and how he has found his true calling with the work he does now, with the tangible impact that it has on people's lives.To date, Battle Cancer has raised just under a million pounds for almost 20 cancer charities worldwide, helped by nearly 20,000 athletes.Scott's social media: @scottbrits / @battle.cancerGet 10% off Love Lane Brewery and Contact Coffee Co with code TMM10.www.lovelanebrewing.comww.contactcoffee.comGet 20% off Mancave with the code FERGUS20.https://mancaveinc.com

In this episode, Fergus is joined by John Clark: a father, entrepreneur, and most topically: an ex-180kg strongman turned endurance athlete.Having just completed his most ambitious challenge to date: 48 marathons, in 48 days, through the 48 counties of England, we dive into the personal context behind the challenge, the obstacles along the way, the lessons learned, and the very nature of resilience itself.John's fundraising for the Trussell Trust and Miles4Meals isn't far off £45k at this point, so do please check out the social media tags below to support where you can!John's social media: @john.clark / @miles4meals_uk Get 10% off Love Lane Brewery and Contact Coffee Co with code TMM10.www.lovelanebrewing.comww.contactcoffee.com

In this episode, Fergus is joined by Dr Mike Banna: full-time NHS GP, GP Trainer, Programme Director,  as well as a Director of the British Society of Lifestyle Medicine. This is alongside his influential online presence, and to quote,  passion for snacks.Dr Mike (the second) has undergone his own weight loss transformation, which has helped position him uniquely within the fitness industry, given his professional background. Mike can therefore avoid the tribal echo-chamber that can often be generated from within the industry, and has a refined level of empathy for the varied entry points to lifestyle change that mainstream fitness media can often miss.We discuss what it was like to navigate the pandemic from within the NHS, the importance of micro-dosing suffering, the false dichotomy of hustle culture, why he does NOT consider himself a hero, and much more.Mike's social media: @drmikethe2ndGet 10% off Love Lane Brewery and Contact Coffee Co with code TMM10.www.lovelanebrewing.comww.contactcoffee.com