
Origin Story with David McIntosh Jr
Sharing Origin Stories. Guests include Jimmy Carr, Seth Godin, Example, Founder of Reebok, Rory Sutherland and 100+ more.
Latest episodes

Mar 31, 2024 • 52min
#107 Tracy Garrad - "Can Nice Girls Get The Corner Office?" - Aviva CEO on Gender and Socioeconomic Background
Tracy Garrad is CEO of Aviva Canada and has held CEO positions at HSBC, First Direct and AXA Health. She is a board member of Progress Together.
Tracy Garrad joins us to share her remarkable journey from a working-class upbringing in Blackpool to becoming a successful leader in the financial services industry. Tracy reflects on the lessons learned from caring for her siblings, the challenges she faced as a female leader, and the importance of diversity and inclusion in leadership.
She discusses the difference between leadership and management, her experiences with education, and the evolving landscape of the C-suite.
Tracy also delves into the role of transparent storytelling in leadership, the importance of mentorship, and the ongoing quest for work-life balance.

Mar 20, 2024 • 1h 2min
#106 Jacob Hawley - What Can You Joke About These Days?
Jacob Hawley is a stand-up comedian, podcaster, football pundit and Arsenal fan. You might know him from Russell Howards Hour, True Geordie’s The Kick Off, BBC Sounds Jacob Hawley on Drugs or Talksport.
In a new age where opinions carry more weight than deeds, whose job is it to change the course of public thought toward a healthier society?
Comedians are under more pressure than ever to portray the role of modern day activists. We find comedians being cancelled as their jokes are being taking as beliefs and their characters being portrayed as villians.
We cover: Politics for idiots, feminism for lads, love stories for louts and self-care for those who don’t care.
In this episode, hear Jacob’s thoughts on:
The evolving role of comedians in shaping societal norms
Effective communication of ideologies across diverse demographics
Creating inclusive spaces for LGBTQ+ and non-gender-conforming individuals
The transformative power of comedy in sparking empathy and understanding
Aesthetics, Appearance and Stereotypes in Comedy
& Jacob’s new tour “Space” which covers the nuances of Gender Identity and how we can become a more compassionate society.
I am opening for Jacob on the Glasgow date of his tour and you can buy tickets here:
https://www.whatsonglasgow.co.uk/event/129914-jacob-hawley:-space/

Mar 8, 2024 • 1h 3min
#105 David Pinsof - Status: How to Use it, Choose it, Lose it and Abuse it
David Pinsof, co-creator of Cards Against Humanity and a researcher at UCLA Mind Labs, dives into the complexities of human behavior and status. He unpacks the cultural phenomenon behind his game and the relationship between authenticity and social status. Discover how wealth influences perception and how humor acts as social currency. Pinsof also distinguishes between lying and bullshitting, navigating the fears associated with mortality. His insights address mental health, social dynamics, and how personal fulfillment can clash with societal expectations.

Feb 18, 2024 • 1h 17min
#104 Example - My UK #1 Changed My Life
Example is a Singer and Songwriter with two #1 UK hits - Changed the Way You Kissed Me and Stay Awake. He is also a hero of mine. He has had a 15+ year career with sold out UK tours spanning his career. He’s currently on his 2023 UK Tour and has joined me in my Glasgow Studio. If you wish to watch the 4K cinematic episode, watch on Youtube.
Buy tickets to the remaining tour dates here: https://www.bandsintown.com/a/3869-example
Follow Example here: https://www.instagram.com/example/
Follow Me here: https://www.instagram.com/developmentbydavid/?hl=en
Sponsors:
Vybey:
Enjoy the one stop shop for all your health and wellness needs. Vybey Brancare has you covered. https://vybey.co.uk/?shpxid=8fd86afd-6feb-46d5-84d6-05f7347a8d7a
Zero Gravity:
Zero Gravity, the online mentoring programme, is a lifeline that connects untapped talent in low-opportunity areas to a world of possibilities. Zero Gravity is packed with features designed to take talent to the top – from mentoring, masterclasses, internships and scholarships to personalised career opportunities.
https://www.zerogravity.co.uk/

Feb 13, 2024 • 1h 2min
#103 Rob Henderson - Care Crisis: Parenting and the Dark Side of Foster Homes
Rob Henderson is an Author, Cambridge PhD recipient, Yale Graduate, a US Air Force Veteran and a popular writer on Substack.
Going to school is far less important than having a parent who cares enough to make sure you get to class every day. 60% of boys in foster care are later incarcerated, while only 3 percent graduate from college. Children raised in a wealthy but unstable home are more likely to engage in harmful adult behaviors than a child raised in a low-income home yet stable home.
How a child raised in a wealthy but unstable home is more likely to engage in harmful adult behaviors than a child raised in a low-income home yet stable home
These are harrowing facts that Rob has devoted his lift to researching.
In this emotive episode, Rob unveils the stark realities of growing up in a system that often fails its most vulnerable members - the care system.
Rob Henderson's remarkable journey from foster care to elite academia is a testament to his resilience and determination.
From his turbulent childhood in foster homes to his academic achievements at elite universities, Henderson sheds light on the challenges faced by foster children, highlighting the staggering statistics that reveal the harsh realities of their outcomes. Through personal anecdotes and insightful analysis, he delves into the concept of "luxury beliefs" embraced by the upper class, exploring how these ideologies can perpetuate inequality and harm the very individuals they aim to uplift.
As Rob reflects on his own experiences and those of his peers who fell victim to the cycle of incarceration and despair, he challenges societal norms and redefines the meaning of success. With raw honesty and unwavering determination, he underscores the importance of stability and parental support in shaping one's future, emphasizing that true prosperity goes beyond external accolades.
This is a podcast episode close to my heart and I am so proud to be part of a choir of voices bringing this to light.
Order Rob’s Book “Troubled: A Memoir of Foster Care, Family and Social Class” here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Troubled-Memoir-Foster-Family-Social-ebook/dp/B0C6CFDNGH
Follow Rob on X: https://twitter.com/robkhenderson?ref_src=twsrc^google|twcamp^serp|twgr^author
Extra Stuff:
Follow me on Instagram: www.instagram.com/developmentbydavid

66 snips
Jan 12, 2024 • 1h 34min
#102 Rory Sutherland - How to Avoid Being Cancelled: Marketing Genius Warns Us of Comedy and It's Enemies
Rory Sutherland, Vice Chairman of Ogilvy and author of "Alchemy," shares his insights on the tricky world of cancel culture and comedy. He explains why society has become overly sensitive and how humor evolves with it. The conversation takes wild turns, including a near-miss with comedy and the Queen's doctor and a fascinating chat about the Concorde's infamous failure. Sutherland also touches upon the role of AI in the job market and reflects on the themes of class and creativity in the film 'Saltburn.'

Jan 4, 2024 • 1h 2min
#101 Taylor Cavanaugh - NAVY SEAL: Discipline, Mindset, HELL WEEK and Secrets of the Toughest Military Training
Taylor Cavanaugh is a French Legionnaire and Former US Navy Seal.
This episode we learn about discipline and mindset from a soldier who has passed the most difficult military recruitment processes.
Join us as we delve into the life of a French Foreign Legionnaire and uncover the remarkable story of Taylor's tumultuous path.
From the treacherous terrain of his early years to the challenges faced in the military, we rewind to pre-military Taylor and his surroundings, offering a glimpse into the shaping of a resilient individual.
Discover the sights and sounds of childhood trauma through Taylor's lens, and explore the significance of male role models in shaping one's character.
Dive into the conversation about finding purpose and the transformative power of growing through subtraction – shedding habits that no longer serve us.
Ever wondered what BUDS training & HELL WEEK is like? Taylor shares insights into the rigorous Navy SEALs training and opens up about the realities of deployment. And for those curious about the limits, we explore what it takes to be kicked out of the Navy SEALs... and find redemption!
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Support Taylor Cavanaugh -
Website: https://www.taylorcavanaugh.com
Instagram: / tcavofficial
YouTube: / @tcavofficial

Nov 22, 2023 • 1h 36min
#100 Special - My Untold Story of Childhood Resilience: Poverty, Young Grief, Addiction, Podcasting and Comedy (4K Video)
In this milestone 100th episode, I hand over the mic as I invite you into the intimate corners of my home and my life.
One of my most played guests David Galbraith is today's host.
Having hosted the previous 99 stories of transformation,I now thought the time was right to share mine by stepping into full vulnerability and transparency.
David G allows me to recount the chapters of young grief, navigating through poverty, grappling with family alcoholism, and wrestling with being socially exiled.
Throughout the episode, I unveil the levers and tools that empowered me to transform my traumas into sources of strength. Offering advice to those battling shame, fear, and confusion rooted in their upbringing, I provide insights on how to cultivate the confidence to share one's story.
And as a poignant surprise, our esteemed host, David Galbraith, reduces to me to tears with a huge surprise.
Thank you all for joining me on this personal odyssey. Thank you for being a part of my story and The Development by David Podcast.
With Love,
David
https://www.instagram.com/developmentbydavid/

Nov 15, 2023 • 1h 17min
#99 Sinitta - Teenage Superstardom and Celebrity Life Uncovered
Prepare for an eye-opening episode with the legendary Sinitta!
Sinitta, the chart-topping pop singer, celebrity, and mother, takes us on a journey through her incredible life:
She was a true 1980s sensation, sharing the UK charts with Michael Jackson, Rick Astley, Pet Shop Boys, and Def Leppard, hitting #2 with her unforgettable singles "So Macho" and "Toy Boy."
Sinitta toured the world, rubbing shoulders with music icons like Michael Jackson, Prince, and Elton John.
Recognized as one of the most beautiful and iconic figures of her time, Sinitta's star power continues to shine.
Her 30-year on/off relationship with X Factor and record label mogul Simon Cowell is legendary, but her dating history also includes Brad Pitt and David Essex.
In this episode, Sinitta reveals for the FIRST TIME George Michael's astonishing request for her to be his "pretend" girlfriend while concealing his sexuality – and why she declined.
She shares her exciting plans for her 60s, which include dating, creating new music, embracing passion, and spreading the empowering message that older women are vibrant and full of life.
Sinitta also opens up about her challenges with pregnancy, IVF, and surrogacy, sharing her intimate experiences of adopting her beautiful children, Magdalena and Zach.
Get ready for an unfiltered, surprising, and deeply personal interview with Sinitta – this episode is a must-listen!

Oct 30, 2023 • 56min
#98 Will Lindsay-Perez - Steven Bartlett Tells Me The Truth About This Guest
Will Lindsay-Perez is the cameraman behind one of Britain's most prominent entrepreneurs and podcasters, Steven Bartlett. Will made the bold move to leave university at the age of 21 to join the Diary of the CEO team. Steven described the job as the most important role he has ever hired for.
Will's role is to shadow Steven's every move, capturing the day-to-day life of "Behind the Diary." This includes documenting everything from transatlantic flights and meetings with Prince William to behind-the-scenes glimpses of Dragon's Den and encounters with all the celebrity guests on "Diary of the CEO."
While it may sound like a dream job, Will opens up about the hidden sacrifices required to not only work in this role but to truly live it.
As Will spends his days with Steven, we gain insights into what it's like to be around one of the most sought-after UK entrepreneurs. Will also provides a behind-the-scenes look at the "Diary of the CEO" podcast, uncovering the elements that have made it one of the most renowned and well-loved podcasts globally.
Join us for a deep dive into Will's journey from being a side-hustle videographer to a celebrity cinematographer.
And the cherry on top? We surprise Will with a voice note from Steven, sharing his unfiltered thoughts on his 21-year-old dropout sensation.
Don't miss this exclusive glimpse into the world of behind-the-scenes magic and the man who captures it all.