The Modern Mind

In this episode, we listen to 6 former UK Special Forces Soldiers describe what it takes to pass selection. Firstly, we listen to Gaz Banford, former Sergeant Major of the Special Boat Service, talk about the typical characteristics shown by people who pass selection and the importance of getting comfortable with being uncomfortable. Episode #2Then, we have Simon Jeffries, former Special Boat Service, describe an incident he had on selection that significantly changed his mindset for the rest of the course. He also highlights the hardest part of the process and the mindset required to pass. Episode #37Robin Horsfall, former Special Air Service and part of the famous Iranian Embassy Siege, explains what it was like failing selection the first time and how he changed his approach for the 2nd attempt. Episode #100Mick Hawkes, former Special Air Service and known for being captured in Bosnia alongside Billy Billingham, explains the need to be able to block out other parts of life and just focus on the task at hand. Episode #101We then have Lindsay Bruce, former Special Air Service, describe the various parts of the 6 month course, and how it's necessary to break each part down into smaller chunks and not think about the whole course. Episode #22Finally, Dean Stott, former Special Boat Service, explains how he became one of the first Army candidates to join the SBS. Episode #16Expect to learn more about what it takes to join the special forces. Expect to understand more about the Special Forces. Expect to reflect on how you view failure and adversity. Join The Modern Mind mailing list 📧 http://eepurl.com/h7rdLrSponsors:Vivobarefoot - get 15% off with FERGUSVIVOhttps://www.vivobarefoot.comDays Brewing - get 20% off with MODERNMIND20https://daysbrewing.com/MyProtein - get a % off with FERGUShttps://www.myprotein.com/

Dr. Fergus Connolly, elite coach, talks about high performance in various sports leagues. He discusses mindset, leadership, ego, and different cultures in elite sport. Topics include talent development, essential traits for success, loyalty in sports organizations, and struggles of young athletes. The conversation also covers commercialization in sports and navigating the journey to success.

Former New York Yankees Performance Psychologist, Lauren Johnson, discusses measuring mental toughness and techniques to control emotions. Ultrarunner Kris King shares overcoming depression, and rugby player Lewis Robling talks about using running to improve mental health. Entrepreneur Mike Gammell describes dealing with startup pressure, and barrister James Exton explains building resilience in a high-stress job. Dr. Robert Glover also offers valuable insights on personal growth.

Tom McClure, Performance Nutritionist and Hybrid Athlete, shares 5 easy tips to optimize nutrition. Topics include hydration, protein intake, plant-based diets on a budget, foot strength with Vivo shoes, and balancing healthy habits with alcohol consumption.

Dr. Sam Spinelli, a Doctor of Physical Therapy, and Strength and Conditioning Expert, exposes fitness industry misconceptions with Fergus. They cover topics like recovery, effective strength methods, and debunking fitness myths. Sam challenges misinformation and emphasizes basics like consistent training and reevaluating sources. They discuss the importance of barefoot shoes, back pain myths, and simplifying fitness concepts. The conversation also touches on balancing warm-ups, training time, and building healthy habits for optimal fitness.

In this episode, Fergus is joined by Dan Wallace, former Olympic and World Champion swimmer. Dan certainly had an extremely successful career, winning a Gold medal at The Commonwealth Games, a Silver medal at The Olympic Games and also winning Gold at the 2015 World Championships. But, at the age of only 24, Dan announced his retirement from professional swimming, as he felt he had achieved everything he wanted to. Years later, Dan returned to the sport having rediscovered his love for it through more of a coaching capacity and now is the founder of Swimmr, a platform that aims to deliver top-tier swimming education to anyone, anywhere. Since retiring, Dan has competed in Ice Swimming competitions, swam across the channel as part of a relay team, and is now preparing for a solo channel swim. Dan shares his journey to becoming an olympian, the mindset and training required to compete at the highest level, what it was like racing against Michael Phelps, his transition out of the sport, the many lessons he has learned along the way, and much much more… Expect to reflect on how you deal with pressure. Expect to learn about the training required to be an Olympic swimmer. Expect to realise that Ice Baths aren’t actually that difficult… Dan’s Instagram: @danwallace93Fergus's Instagram: @ferguscrawley Swimmr - https://swimmr.com/about/Join The Modern Mind mailing list 📧 http://eepurl.com/h7rdLrSponsors:Vivobarefoot - get 15% off with FERGUSVIVOhttps://www.vivobarefoot.comDays Brewing - get 20% off with MODERNMIND20https://daysbrewing.com/MyProtein - get a % off with FERGUShttps://www.myprotein.com/

In this episode, Fergus is joined by Kris King, ultra-endurance athlete and race director for some of the world's most extreme races. Kris shares how a series of extremely challenging times resulted in a decline in his mental health and ultimately lead him to contemplating suicide. Having been diagnosed with PTSD, Kris eventually went on a journey of self-discovery in order to rebuild his physical and mental health.Kris hopes that by highlighting some of his own struggles with mental health and the framework he used to overcome them, you may be able to take something away from this episode and apply it to your own life. Expect to understand the different types of stress. Expect to learn about resilience. Expect to reflect on what makes you happy. Beyond The Ultimate - https://www.beyondtheultimate.co.uk/Kris's Instagram - @kris_kingyFergus's Instagram - @ferguscrawley Sponsors:Vivobarefoot - get 15% off with FERGUSVIVOhttps://www.vivobarefoot.comDays Brewing - get 20% off with MODERNMIND20https://daysbrewing.com/MyProtein - get a % off with FERGUShttps://www.myprotein.com/

In this episode, Fergus is joined by George TheTinMen, pro-men’s advocate, blogger and content creator. George is on a mission to raise awareness about the issues men face in today’s society. He is incredibly honest and open, sharing valuable information and statistics that many people will be too afraid to discuss. Why? Because he believes that ongoing discussion is what’s needed if we are going to resolve the marginalisation and mistreatment that men and boys face on a regular basis. Fergus and George cover many topics, including what men are missing in the modern world, the shocking statistics around male mental health and suicide, male body dysmorphia, how social media is creating a false perception of masculinity, and much much more… Expect to learn more about how men are being let down. Expect to reflect on your definition of masculinity. Expect to understand the forgotten gaps in the gender debate.TheTinMen Blog - https://thetinmen.blogGeorge’s Instagram - @TheTinMenFergus’s Instagram - @ferguscrawley Join The Modern Mind mailing list 📧 http://eepurl.com/h7rdLrSponsors:Vivobarefoot - get 15% off with FERGUSVIVOhttps://www.vivobarefoot.comDays Brewing - get 20% off with MODERNMIND20https://daysbrewing.com/MyProtein - get a % off with FERGUShttps://www.myprotein.com/

Dr. Robert Glover discusses 'nice guy syndrome', covert contracts, fear of failure, and the importance of authenticity. Explore childhood influences, the impact on relationships, and the journey to personal growth and success. Learn about improving communication skills, embracing vulnerability, and shedding shame for a fulfilling life.

Former 22 SAS member Mick Hawkes shares his journey from failed footballer to successful Special Forces operator. He discusses his time in the military, being captured in Bosnia, and the challenges of working undercover. The podcast also explores his transition to civilian life and his upcoming book 'Life on the Edge'.