In this raw and powerful episode, Smith & Mayhew dive deep into the roots of behaviour, self-sabotage, and the impact of unresolved childhood trauma. They discuss the contrasting theories of Freud (cause and effect) and Adler (purpose and choice), all through the lens of real coaching experiences. With brutally honest storytelling, they explore how early abuse, gaslighting, and emotional manipulation can shape a man’s self-worth — and how it can be unlearned.

Expect conversation around “healing the boy so the man can appear”, breaking out of victimhood, and what it really means to take responsibility. They also unpack imposter syndrome, perfectionism, and the seductive comfort of feeling like crap... yes, really. Oh, and there's a solid gym story involving burpees, rowers, and insecure side-eyes 👀 Classic!

The book that Mayhew mentioned is The Happiness Hypothesis by Jonathan Haidt and the study is Pursuing Happiness - https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/images/uploads/Pursuing_Happiness-_The_Architecture_of_Sustainable_Change.pdf

If you want your question answered on a future episode, please drop the lads a line : hello@agameconsultancy.com

Adam Smith

From depressed and suicidal to the happiest and fittest he’s ever been, Adam Smith’s self-development journey hasn’t been easy but it has been worth it. Today, he’s a qualified mindset coach in neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) and a certified Time Line Therapist®.

Adam has coached many high performers, using NLP to rewire his clients’ thoughts and behaviours so they can destroy limiting beliefs and engineer the change needed to excel.

Connect with Adam Smith: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-smith-high-performance-coach/

Adam Mayhew

Adam Mayhew swapped burnout and binge drinking for ultra marathons, CrossFit and sobriety. A registered nutritional therapist specialising in performance nutrition, Adam supports everyone from office workers to athletes to build healthy eating habits.

Using science (and never fad diets, quick fixes or gym bro culture) he helps clients target their problem areas and confidently master diet, training and lifestyle.

Connect with Adam Mayhew: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-mayhew-nutrition-coaching/

To find out more about Smith & Mayhew: https://agameconsultancy.com/about/

In this episode, Smith & Mayhew get brutally honest about the chase for validation — whether it's through shredded photo shoots, over-sharing on social media, or pretending a banana and water bottle make you better than everyone else in the gym. The lads dive into how ego and low self-esteem often masquerade as ambition, how social media fuels performative behaviour, and why that “perfect” body pic might just lead you straight to a box of Krispy Kremes and an existential crisis.

WARNING: If you’re the kind of guy who films the whole concert instead of watching it, Smith & Mayhew might have a few words for you. 🎤📱

If you want your question answered on a future episode, please drop the lads a line : hello@agameconsultancy.com

Adam Smith

From depressed and suicidal to the happiest and fittest he’s ever been, Adam Smith’s self-development journey hasn’t been easy but it has been worth it. Today, he’s a qualified mindset coach in neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) and a certified Time Line Therapist®.

Adam has coached many high performers, using NLP to rewire his clients’ thoughts and behaviours so they can destroy limiting beliefs and engineer the change needed to excel.

Connect with Adam Smith: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-smith-high-performance-coach/

Adam Mayhew

Adam Mayhew swapped burnout and binge drinking for ultra marathons, CrossFit and sobriety. A registered nutritional therapist specialising in performance nutrition, Adam supports everyone from office workers to athletes to build healthy eating habits.

Using science (and never fad diets, quick fixes or gym bro culture) he helps clients target their problem areas and confidently master diet, training and lifestyle.

Connect with Adam Mayhew: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-mayhew-nutrition-coaching/

To find out more about Smith & Mayhew: https://agameconsultancy.com/about/

In this episode, Smith and Mayhew dive deep into some uncomfortable—but essential truths about becoming a better man. From Stoic principles like Memento Mori to redefining success beyond image and ego, they explore how real growth starts with hard choices, emotional honesty, and a willingness to confront your own excuses.

They break down how to respond (not react) to adversity, why self-awareness and self-perception are not the same thing, and how your current excuses might be fuelling your future regrets. There’s a powerful story involving football fans on a packed Amsterdam train, a lesson from a punchy Mike Tyson quote, and a surprising amount of wisdom packed into a single tattoo. Plus, we uncover why you don’t need to swim with sharks or wear a backpack in Bali to live a meaningful life—unless you really want to.

If you want your question answered on a future episode, please drop the lads a line : hello@agameconsultancy.com

Adam Smith

From depressed and suicidal to the happiest and fittest he’s ever been, Adam Smith’s self-development journey hasn’t been easy but it has been worth it. Today, he’s a qualified mindset coach in neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) and a certified Time Line Therapist®.

Adam has coached many high performers, using NLP to rewire his clients’ thoughts and behaviours so they can destroy limiting beliefs and engineer the change needed to excel.

Connect with Adam Smith: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-smith-high-performance-coach/

Adam Mayhew

Adam Mayhew swapped burnout and binge drinking for ultra marathons, CrossFit and sobriety. A registered nutritional therapist specialising in performance nutrition, Adam supports everyone from office workers to athletes to build healthy eating habits.

Using science (and never fad diets, quick fixes or gym bro culture) he helps clients target their problem areas and confidently master diet, training and lifestyle.

Connect with Adam Mayhew: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-mayhew-nutrition-coaching/

To find out more about Smith & Mayhew: https://agameconsultancy.com/about/