Simon Cockram Presents

#89 Jack Harrison: The Ultra-Endurance Athlete Who Conquered 15 Sports & 80 Countries

In this episode, Simon Cockram sits down with Jack Harrison, an ultra-endurance athlete from York, United Kingdom, who has tested his limits across an incredible 15 different disciplines. Unlike many athletes who specialise in one sport, Jack has competed in ultramarathons, Ironmans, marathon swims, long-distance cycling, sailing across seas, and even summiting some of the world’s highest peaks. His journey combines adventure, resilience, and an unstoppable drive to see how far the human body can really go. Jack shares powerful insights into the mindset required for ultra-endurance challenges—how to deal with pain, manage recovery, and harness curiosity as fuel to keep pushing forward. We dive into the lessons he’s learned from competing in some of the toughest events on the planet, including why understanding your muscles vs tendons matters, how to manage injuries, and the importance of balancing strength, endurance, and mental resilience.
 
With over 80 countries travelled, Jack also reflects on the beauty of racing in extraordinary locations, from skiing in Lapland to running on the Great Wall of China. This conversation is packed with motivation, mindset tools, and practical advice for runners, triathletes, and anyone drawn to testing their limits.
 
Chapters
00:00 – Why Endurance? Sport lessons that carry into life
04:00 – Type-2 Fun: discomfort now, reward later
08:00 – Raising Your Ceiling: unlocking new mental “levels”
12:00 – What the Finish Gives You: fulfillment vs immediate gratification
16:00 – Curiosity & Limits: why we seek the edge
 
20:00 – Multisport Approach: snow, water, land (and why)
24:00 – Training the Common Denominators: cardio + S&C + specific skill
28:00 – Running vs Cycling: impact, injuries, smart progression
32:00 – Load–Capacity Model: how to push without breaking
36:00 – Zone Training 101: using Zone 2 and avoiding the bonk
40:00 – Fueling in the Real World: supported vs unsupported
44:00 – Mind Games: breaking ultras into tiny wins
48:00 – Solitude & Headspace: 10 hours alone with your thoughts
52:00 – Expectation Setting: choosing hardship on purpose
56:00 – Pacing the Red Mist: managing the race-start adrenaline
01:00:00 – From Kid Racer to Adult Adventurer: shifting from perfection to enjoyment
01:04:00 – Niche endurance races: skiing, ice skating & Lapland
01:08:00 – Calf injuries, running setbacks & learning to adapt
01:12:00 – Muscles vs tendons: recovery, resilience & training age
01:16:00 – Next challenge: 24-hour solo swim (1 mile every hour)
01:20:00 – Why do this? Type-2 fun, curiosity & personal growth
01:24:00 – Writing the lessons: book ideas & stories from races
01:28:00 – Where to find more: World’s Hardest Endurance Races book & next steps

#88 Matthew Stafford - From School Dropout to Venture Capital

In this episode, Simon Cockram sits down with Matthew Stafford to explore the power of networks, the journey into venture capital, and what really makes founders and businesses succeed. Matthew shares how, despite leaving school with poor grades, he hustled through early jobs, discovered tech during the Y2K boom, and eventually transformed his career with a computer science degree at Durham University—proving it’s never too late to reinvent yourself. His path through consulting, an MBA, and into early-stage investing reveals valuable lessons about grit, persistence, and taking chances.
We dive into the creation of Nine Others, Matthew’s global network of curated dinners that have brought entrepreneurs together in over 50 cities since 2011. He explains why a “give-first” mindset, safe spaces, and accountability are key to meaningful connections, and why playing the long game in relationships beats short-term transactions.
From pitching basics to the reality of venture capital, Matthew breaks down what separates successful founders from those who fail, including the idea of “with or without you” energy. He also shares insights from his investments, including Unplugged’s digital detox cabins, and reflects on why the best opportunities often look obscure before they become obvious.
Chapters 00:00 – Why networking matters (from a reluctant networker)
04:00 – Business school lesson: “your network is your net worth” (reframed)
08:00 – Nine Others origin: small, curated dinners since 2011
12:00 – Give-first mindset: be helpful, connect, share generously
16:00 – Play the long game: relationships over transactions
20:00 – Designing safer rooms: rules, vulnerability, real challenges
24:00 – From investor dinners to founder circles: the aha moment
28:00 – Scaling to 50+ cities: community before “startup hubs”
32:00 – Common founder problems: money, people, communication
36:00 – Funding options and targeting the right investors
40:00 – Great pitch basics: keep it short, simple, get the meeting
44:00 – Relationship-first investing: truth, timelines, and trust
48:00 – School results, early jobs & first hustles
52:00 – John Lewis to Y2K: landing RBS IT role
56:00 – Learning tech on the job; consulting at Bank of New York
01:00:00 – Back to uni at 27: Durham CS degree, transformation
01:04:00 – Post-degree restlessness; MBA and discovering venture capital
01:08:00 – First early-stage investor role; portfolio math and exits
01:12:00 – Picking winners: grit, “with/without you” energy, Tesla lens; Unplugged case; wrap-up & contact info

#87 Merlin Matthews - Men in 2025: Brotherhood, Purpose & Living Without Regret

In this powerful and wide-ranging conversation, Simon Cockram and Merlin Matthews dive deep into what it means to be a man in 2025. From fatherhood and role models to brotherhood and purpose, this episode explores the challenges men face today—and the opportunities for growth, strength, and connection. We begin by unpacking how traditional male roles have shifted and why so many men are struggling with isolation, silence, and the pressure to “go it alone.”
We discuss the missing rites of passage that once helped boys become men, and how modern substitutes—from gangs to the military—often provide structure without true support. The conversation turns to mental health, with an honest look at the male suicide crisis and the lack of spaces for men to share openly. We explore how men can replace shallow pub talk with real, vulnerable conversations—and why accountability, brotherhood, and coaching are so essential to thriving. From there, we dig into focus and goals. Why having more than three goals often leads to overwhelm, and how consistency, compounding, and long-term thinking unlock real transformation. We talk about regrets, the “future self” test, and why it’s always the things left untried that haunt us later in life. In one of the most personal parts of the episode, I share my dream of DJing hard techno to a live crowd—something I know I’ll regret if I don’t pursue. We break down the fears of age, failure, and even success, and how pursuing your passion sets a powerful example for your kids.
We finish with the importance of strength training, belonging, and purpose—not just for health today but for longevity and vitality tomorrow. This episode is about men, meaning, and movement—taking action, finding brotherhood, and living without regret.
Chapters 00:00 – Intro: Men in 2025 & shifting roles
04:00 – Fathers as role models: traits to keep vs reject
08:00 – Conditioning programming & the “lone warrior” script
12:00 – Male suicide crisis, men’s circles and support orgs
16:00 – Missing male presence: mentors, sport & rites of passage
20:00 – Initiation stories; “boys in man suits” & the loss of elders
24:00 – Modern initiation (gangs/military) & power under control
28:00 – Women’s daily support vs men’s silence; sharing struggles
32:00 – New-dad example: support gap & rebuilding community
36:00 – Coffee vs beers, ego, shallow chat; purpose after work, retirement
40:00 – Talking feelings without fixing stigma & real check-ins
44:00 – Accountability, brotherhood and going farther together
48:00 – Why three goals: focus, overwhelm & action over consumption
52:00 – Implement what you read: mentors, doing knowing, consistency
56:00 – 10-year thinking, compounding gains & choosing where to spend an hour
01:00:00 – Plan cascade, “gain vs gap”, Who Not How, 10x vs 2x, BHAGs
01:04:00 – Purpose over money; future-self & rocking-chair test; regrets of inaction
01:08:00 – Declaring the DJ dream; age fears; who’s stopping you; make a plan
01:12:00 – Role-modelling for kids; Blue Zones: purpose, belonging, exercise; lift for life
01:16:00 – Why people skip training; comfort culture; go with a crew; wrap-up & how to join Man Academy

#86 Simon Lee - How having Courage can change your life

“Most men lead lives of quiet desperation.”
 
In this inspiring interview with Simon Lee, we uncover the secret to life: courage. Without courage, life lacks purpose and meaning, and fear, blame, and doubt take over. With courage, everything changes — clarity, resilience, and the strength to live fully become possible.
Simon shares how the Unlimited Courage programmes transform men’s lives through three powerful pillars:
Philosophy & Lifestyle of Courage – develop clarity, confidence, and a life of purpose.
Nutrition & Fuel – learn how to eat in alignment with your ambitions.
Training for Resilience – build the physical and mental strength to thrive in all areas of life.
⚡ Courage changes your world. Your life will be measured by it. Your potential depends on it. The time for courage is now. If you’re ready to join the lionised minority and step into a life of courage, this conversation is for you.
00:00 – Intro: Courage as Service & Setting the Standard
00:04:20 – Heart + Mind: The True Meaning of Courage
00:08:30 – Happiness vs Courage: Why “Happy” Isn’t the Goal
00:12:20 – Agapē Love & Lifting Men Up
00:16:10 – Where Have the Role Models Gone?
00:20:10 – Fatherhood: Boundaries, Respect & Daily Modelling
00:24:15 – Two Patterns: Self-Rejection & Discontent
00:28:10 – The Arrival Fallacy & Becoming a Man of Value
00:32:20 – The Code: Responsibility & Self-Discipline (to learn)
00:36:30 – Integrity = Mental Health; Guard Your Inputs
00:40:40 – Master Your Senses: Addictions, Media & a Mind Fortress
00:44:30 – Childhood Trauma, Absent Fathers & Abusive Role Models
00:47:00 – Boxing Gyms & Finding Strong Male Mentors
00:51:00 – Training, Self-Worth & the Birth of a Code
00:55:00 – Community, Mentorship & Band of Brothers
01:00:00 – Fatherhood Today: Phones, Boundaries & Discipline
01:05:00 – Courage, Integrity & Leading as a Father
01:10:00 – Role Models, Workplaces & Integrity in Leadership
01:15:00 – Building Foundations for Manhood: The Code
01:20:00 – Practical Steps: Nutrition, Training & Escaping Bad Habits
01:25:00 – Anxiety, Depression & The Signals for Change
01:30:00 – Stretching Yourself vs Quiet Desperation
01:35:00 – Foundations First: Food, Training & Self-Discipline
01:37:30 – Unlimited Courage & Kingmakers: Where to Learn More

#85 Barbara J Hunt - What have we got wrong about Forgiveness?

✨ “Without forgiveness, there really is no future.” – Desmond Tutu ✨
In this powerful conversation with Barbara J Hunt, we explore the forgotten superpower of forgiveness — what it really is, why we resist it, and how it can transform our relationships, wellbeing, and even physical health. We cover: Why forgiveness is essential for humanity right now.
The five biggest obstacles to forgiving.
Common myths about forgiveness (and why they’re wrong).
Barbara’s seven-step Forgiveness Made Easy process.
How forgiveness can help us co-create a more peaceful world.
Whether you’re spiritual, religious, or simply searching for “something more,” Barbara shares practical tools and deep insights to help you heal, grow, and live with greater freedom. If you’ve ever struggled to let go, or wondered why forgiveness feels so hard, this episode is for you.
 
00:00 – What we get wrong about forgiveness (and a clear definition) A practical definition of forgiveness (not letting people “off the hook”). Misconceptions debunked: boundaries, “weakness,” and when forgiveness applies. 04:30 – Why it matters: emotional hygiene & the heart’s “bin” Emotional wellbeing starts with clearing inner resentments. How unprocessed grudges quietly shape reactions, relationships, and stress.
09:00 – Thoughts change feelings: the lemon demo & meaning-making Mind–body link in action: imagination shifts physiology and mood. Reframing stories to reduce triggers, anxiety and conflict.
13:30 – Justice vs. revenge: the pull of grievance addiction Why “justice” often masks a revenge loop that never soothes pain. What research and real cases reveal about closure and healing.
18:00 – Boundaries, action & stopping the “self-poison” loop Forgiveness ≠ passivity: set boundaries, pursue justice where needed. End the cortisol cycle stealing sleep, presence and peace.
22:30 – Hidden payoffs/costs of grudges: body toll & resentir The sneaky “benefits” of resentment (moral high ground, protection) and their cost. Health impact: stress, inflammation, and replaying pain (“re-feeling”). 27:00 – Culture loves revenge; why forgiveness is advanced strength Why films glorify payback—and why true strength is letting go. Skills you build: empathy, perspective-taking, emotional regulation.
31:30 – Start the work: notice it, list downsides, spot payoffs First steps: awareness, honest inventory, and naming what you’re “getting” from the grudge. Shift attention economy back to what matters.
36:00 – Core beliefs & childhood roots: inquiry tools that help Uncover core beliefs (“I’m not enough”, “I don’t matter”). Inquiry frameworks (e.g., laddering/Byron Katie) to dissolve triggers.
40:30 – Life inventory: parents, school, early wounds to clear Where patterns start: family, school, first love, early betrayals. Practical list-making to target and release long-held hurts.
45:00 – From insight to practice: your forgiveness list & “lockdown” plan Create a personal “forgiveness sprint” to clear multiple resentments. Feel lighter, reopen capacity for joy, intimacy and presence.
47:10 – Beliefs vs feelings: “I’m enough” & rewiring the mind How to separate beliefs from emotions and reprogram old patterns. Moving from shame and hurt to healthy self-worth.
51:00 – Barbara’s seven-step Forgiveness Made Easy: the arc & purpose An accessible step-by-step process designed to work for everyone. Why “pre-steps” matter before entering the forgiveness arena.
55:30 – The inner ceremony: say it all, fire for release, wise mentor Speak every grievance aloud in a safe, imagined setting. Use fire, mentors, and ritual to release and transform pain.
1:00:00 – When it sticks (or doesn’t): resistance, honesty & real-life actions Why some people resist forgiveness and what breaks through. The role of honesty, readiness, and follow-up choices in relationships.
1:04:30 – Energy shifts & reconnection: from trigger to friendship How changing your energy changes relationships. Real-life stories of turning tension into trust and friendship.
1:09:00 – Time vs attention: stones in the shoe, why do the work? Why time alone doesn’t heal resentment. How attention and proactive work bring true release and freedom.
1:12:00 – Connect with Barbara J Hunt: socials, site & book (outro) Find Barbara online at forgivenessmadeeasy.co.uk . Follow her on Instagram: @barbara_j_hunt and explore her book Forgiveness Made Easy.

#84 Ross Meador - The Untold Story of Rescuing Orphans in Vietnam

Ross Meador’s memoir Carried Away takes us deep into the chaos and compassion of the Vietnam War’s final days. At just 19 years old, Ross left the comfort of home with little more than $500 and a one-way ticket to Saigon, determined to help orphaned children through the Friends of Children of Vietnam. What followed was a journey of courage, faith, and humanity, as he delivered food and supplies to orphanages while helping hundreds of children find safe homes.
In this interview, Ross shares his first-hand experiences from inside Vietnam, including the tense days leading up to the fall of Saigon and his evacuation from the U.S. Embassy roof during Operation Babylift. He reflects on the remarkable efforts of the volunteers and aid workers who risked everything to save children and give them a future, and on how those moments of urgency and heartbreak shaped the rest of his life. Ross’s story doesn’t end in Vietnam. He went on to support children in South Korea and India, study law at UC Berkeley, and build a career in international law—all while carrying forward the lessons learned from his time in war-torn Southeast Asia.
Today, his memoir not only captures an extraordinary chapter in history but also reminds us of the power of compassion and action in the face of unimaginable adversity.
00:00 – Welcome & why this story matters
04:00 – Growing up with the Vietnam War on TV
08:00 – Draft fears, protest culture & choosing pacifism
12:00 – The draft lottery, dodging service, and relief
16:00 – First taste of travel: Spain → India → Cairo epiphany
20:00 – A calling to see the world before college
24:00 – Finding FCVN: letters, knock-backs, and persistence
28:00 – Colorado curveball: $500 and a one-way to Saigon
32:00 – Landing in a war zone: fear, luck & Rosemary’s licence
36:00 – Learning the ropes: allies, customs, and a Nikon camera
40:00 – Inside the orphanages: conditions, stigma & survival
44:00 – Building the adoption pipeline: visas, flights, new families
48:00 – First intake: sick children, a death & a hard start
52:00 – Scaling up: vans, Air America flights & two houses for kids
56:00 – The fall begins: North advances, visas waived… but no plane
01:00:00 – Enter Ed Daly: wild meeting, a cargo jet with no seats, take-off in the dark
01:04:00 – C-5A crash tragedy & the pivot to Philippines staging
01:08:00 – Back to Việt Nam: orphanages empty into their house; panic after Cambodia
01:12:00 – How many saved? Reunions at 50, identity & finding roots
01:16:00 – Did we do right? Mixed-race stigma, lawsuits & hard truths
01:20:00 – Operation Babylift’s legacy: why history barely tells it
01:24:00 – Looking back at 19: naïveté, grit & growing up fast
01:28:00 – April 28: airport bombed, intruders, one warning shot
01:32:00 – Streets of battle, last chance: race to the U.S. Embassy
01:36:00 – Rooftop lift: lost suitcase, GI assist & the city on fire
01:40:00 – Aftermath: despair, dark humour under rockets, where to get the book

#83 Peter Anderson - Why Do Couples Really Argue?

Couples seek help to be heard without causing conflict, often needing assistance with relationship tools. Emotionally focused therapy can be a great way to resolve conflict in marriage and build stronger communication skills. Explore the nuances of emotionally focused therapy for couples. Discover the powerful love story behind The Playful Couple—a journey rooted in movement, healing, and authentic connection.
Before founding The Playful Couple, Peter Anderson spent over 25 years as a professional contemporary dancer and choreographer, mastering the language of movement to foster presence, emotional expression, and deep relational connection. His journey then led him to the vibrant world of comedy improvisation in New York City, where he explored how play, spontaneity, and trust can transform both performance and relationships. Alongside his artistic work, Peter immersed himself in personal growth and healing. He became certified in NLP, Timeline Therapy, Thai Massage, and Craniosacral Therapy, and pursued advanced studies in Polyvagal Theory, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Nonviolent Communication (NVC), and mindfulness. Each modality provided deeper insight into emotional safety, nervous system regulation, and conscious connection. After years of navigating disconnection and loneliness in long-term relationships, Peter's turning point came through honouring his own nervous system, understanding his emotional needs, and following what truly resonated. That journey led to a secure, joyful, and playful partnership—one that inspired The Playful Couple. This platform is now a living embodiment of that transformation—proof that love, healing, and play can co-exist in a deeply connected relationship.
 
Whether you're seeking a conscious relationship, more playfulness, or deeper nervous system awareness in love, The Playful Couple invites you to join the journey.
 
00:00 – Communication breakdown, disconnection & growing apart
06:10 – Shifting love, unclear signals & emotional cues
21:22 – Body awareness reveals hidden emotional issues
31:33 – Trust, vulnerability & emotional safety
42:29 – Arguing to deepen connection & build trust
52:08 – Losing playfulness & getting stuck in routine
01:03:42 – Stress pulling couples from their true selves
01:18:32 – Changing dynamics & building stronger foundations

#82 Mike Lane-Evans - Is Communication the Secret to Business Success?

In this episode, we sit down with Mike Lane-Evans, founder of Forefront Coaching Ltd, to dive deep into the art of powerful communication. With a background as a professional actor and over 15 years of experience on stage, Mike now coaches individuals and teams across industries to deliver unforgettable pitches, presentations, and meetings—whether in person or online. Mike has worked with global names like Barclays, ABN AMRO, ACCA, Techstars, and Imperial College London, helping them clarify their message and communicate it with maximum impact. But this conversation goes beyond corporate success—it’s about why people struggle to connect with others, and what we can do to change that.
Mike reveals the three core principles behind great communication: active listening, knowing your ‘why’, and engaging your audience through storytelling. He explains how most people focus on optics and outcomes, without understanding the real mechanics behind connection.
Whether you’re preparing for a big pitch, leading a meeting, or just trying to get your point across better in everyday life, this episode is packed with insight. We also explore the common mistakes people make when speaking and how Mike helps his clients overcome them to truly land their message. By the end of the episode, you’ll have a better understanding of how to use your voice, body language, and story to connect authentically. If you want to level up your communication skills and become a more impactful speaker, this one’s a must-watch.
Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe!

#81 Richard Few - Why Sales Has a Bad Reputation (And How to Fix It)

In this episode, Simon Cockram is joined by Richard Few, founder of Sales Geek, for an honest and insightful conversation about the world of sales—why it’s misunderstood, and how we can change that. Richard shares his personal journey from leading a global sales team in a billion-pound company to walking away from it all in search of meaning, time with his family, and a more impactful life. He opens up about the emotional and practical challenges of leaving a high-paying corporate role, and how he turned a bold idea into a multi-million-pound business helping small companies grow.
They dive deep into why sales has such a bad reputation, breaking down the psychology behind it and how outdated views have shaped how people feel about “selling.” Richard explains how Sales Geek is on a mission to shift that perception—by making sales more human, ethical, and accessible.
The episode also covers practical insights on sales techniques, training, and what small businesses often get wrong when trying to scale. Richard offers valuable lessons for anyone looking to improve their sales approach, build confidence, or simply understand the value of good communication in business.
Whether you're a founder, a frustrated sales professional, or someone considering a career pivot, this episode is packed with wisdom, humour, and straight-talking advice from someone who’s lived it.
Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share if this conversation helped shift your view of sales.

#80 Lucy Wahl - The Hidden Cost of Clutter: What It’s Really Doing to You

In this inspiring episode, Simon Cockram sits down with Lucy Wahl, founder of LMW Edits, a boutique professional organising company based in San Francisco. With a background that includes Princeton, an MBA from UCLA, and experience in fundraising at Stanford, Lucy brings a unique and thoughtful perspective to the world of home organisation.
Lucy shares how clutter is far more than just mess — it’s a source of stress that impacts our mental health, relationships, and overall well-being. She explains how an organised home can be the foundation of a well-lived life, especially for busy professionals and families juggling multiple demands. Simon and Lucy dive into everything from the psychology of tidying to simple, habit-based solutions inspired by Atomic Habits.
 
They talk about communication in relationships, teaching kids to clean up, reshaping gender roles at home, and how to stop resenting your partner over household chores. Lucy’s advice is practical, empowering, and full of compassion.
Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed by your space or want to create a home that supports your best life, this conversation is packed with insight and real-world tools. Don’t miss this one — it’s time to declutter your home and your head.
 
0:00:00 Welcome Lucy & Why She Organises
0:04:00 Clutter, Stress & Cortisol
0:08:00 Mindset Shift: Organising Is a Skill
0:12:00 The Atomic Habits Approach to Tidiness
0:16:00 Delegating and Teaching at Home 0:20:00
Communication in Relationships 0:24:00 Asking the 'Dumb' Questions
0:28:00 Impact of Clutter on Relationships
0:32:00 Learned Behaviour from Childhood
0:36:00 Defining 'Tidy' in a Household
0:40:00 Realistic Standards & Social Media Influence
0:44:00 Teaching Kids to Clean Up
0:48:00 Parental Roles & The Nanny Dynamic
#DeclutterYourLife #HomeOrganization #MentalWellbeing #AtomicHabits #LucyWahl