Origin Story with David McIntosh Jr

I am joined by Sir Tom Hunter – Scotland’s first home-grown billionaire, serial entrepreneur turned venture philanthropist. He, along with his wife Lady Hunter, founded The Hunter Foundation. And previously, had built Sports Division from a £10 K loan, sold for £290 M, now invests in education & poverty relief.Step inside Blair Estate with me for a truly special episode—one that’s personal and full circle. I’m joined by my first role model, Sir Tom Hunter: the grocer’s son from New Cumnock who became Scotland’s first home-grown billionaire. Guided by the belief that “a man who dies rich dies disgrace...

Will Storr is an award-winning author, journalist, and former photographer whose work explores the deep psychology of human behavior and storytelling. He’s the author of several critically acclaimed books including The Science of Storytelling, Selfie, The Status Game, and The Heretics. His writing has appeared in The Guardian, The New Yorker, and The Sunday Times, and he’s lectured on narrative science all over the world.

His storytelling frameworks have been adopted by elite creatives—from Hollywood screenwriters to comedians like Jimmy Carr and Andrew Schulz—to craft more powerful, resonant narratives.

Stories mould who we a...

Rory Sutherland is back and he's as hilariously unconventional as ever. I genuinely think this might be the best we've ever gotten him. As the Vice Chairman of Ogilvy UK and a pioneer in behavioral science, Rory has spent decades unraveling the quirks of human behavior and the illogical decisions that drive us.In this episode, we dive into everything from the economics of nicotine to the psychology behind airport lounges, and even the unexpected lessons gleaned from serial killer investigations. It's a whirlwind tour through the irrationalities that shape our world, all delivered with Rory's signature wit, humor...

Krish Ramineni is the co-founder and CEO of Fireflies.ai, an AI-powered meeting assistant used by over 200,000 organizations. A University of Pennsylvania alumnus, he previously served as one of Microsoft's youngest product managers. Krish has been recognized on Forbes' 30 Under 30 list.

In this conversation, I wanted to explore more than just how Fireflies became one of the most powerful AI tools. I wanted to understand what it means when machines start writing our stories, mimicking our voices, and sitting in on our most human conversations.

Can AI ever truly...

The origin story of Brennan Reece, a renowned comedian and actor known for his roles in 'Skins' and 'Hollyoaks', and his award-winning stand-up comedy career as the English Comedian of the Year in 2015.

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Email: david@davidmcintoshjr.com

Things have changed around here.

Graeme Carling is an Entrepreneur and Scotland's largest private landlord. He is the Chairman of The Carling Group.Graeme shares his humble beginnings as a joiner in Dundee and the transformation of mind and knowledge he has been on. He dispels the need for financial literacy, breaks down investing in the property market in plain english and his opinion on developing side-hustles.He also shares his learning from his time befriending billionaire and millionaires Dan Pena, John Cauldwell and Duncan Bannatyne.Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidmcintoshjr/Write to me - david@developmentbydavid.co.uk

This week my guest is Michael Smoak. He is a Coach and Content Creator. He shares practical fitness, habit and mindset advice to his 1 million+ following.

In this episode, we're diving into actionable steps to help you stick to your New Year's resolutions and improve your mind and body in 2025.

We discuss the powerful connection between physical health and professional performance, sharing actionable insights and habits for busy lives.

Michael shares the achievable small, consistent changes that lead to significant results, as well as the critical role of identity, mindset...

My guest is Braulio Estima, a 3 x ADCC renowned BJJ champion and Hall of Fame Athlete.He discusses his journey from humble beginnings in Brazil, the rise of BJJ, and its unique aspects. He shares insights on competitiveness, personal growth, and the therapeutic benefits of combat sports, drawing from his experiences and notable fights.Braulio reflects on training with Georges St-Pierre, his comeback after paralysis, and his thoughts on the current BJJ generation. He offers advice on pursuing passions and applying a champion mindset to life, highlighting the importance of martial arts in personal growth and development.Sponsor:Fuel...

In this episode, I sit down with Stuart Trevor, the founder of AllSaints and his new label, STUART TREVOR.

We explore his Scottish upbringing and how the values instilled by the Mormon church shaped his fashion journey. Stuart shares insights on the importance of sustainability in today’s industry, the evolving perception of vintage clothing, and how he navigated challenges throughout his career.

Learn about what it takes to build a global brand, what it is like dressing Guns N Roses and how to know when to cash out of...

In this week's upload, I am taking you behind-the-scenes of a Day in the Life of a podcaster. I work full time at a multi-billion pound consultancy firm and I spend weekends trying to make this podcast happen at the biggest and best level I can. There are many moving parts - routines, workouts, setup - and many people that make it happen including Andres the Videographer who joins me to discuss some of our favourite moments working on the pod. I wanted to share this encourage you all to start the side hustle by giving you an insight...

My guest is David Millar -a Men’s Work Coach, the Owner of Mantra Menswork and a Dad.

We delve into the evolving landscape of fatherhood, addressing what it truly means to be a dad today.

David discusses key responsibilities that define successful fathers and examines how these roles have changed across generations.

David shares personal challenges he faced when becoming a father and reflects on how this journey transformed his relationship with his own dad.

The conversation also touches on media portrayals of fathers and their impact on boys' perceptions of...

This week guest is BBC Scotland's Act of the Year Bemz. Bemz. Bemz is a hip-artist, performer and a old friend.

In this candid conversation, Bemz shares insights on:

To celebrate hitting another year, I've gathered questions from across social media platforms to bring you an extended Q&A session.

I'll be tackling a wide range of topics, from personal insights to my podcasting journey, and everything in between.

Expect to learn about my relationship with alcohol, my dreams for the podcast, and what success means to me.

I'll share some behind-the-scenes stories from my recent Gymshark speaking gig and hanging out with Example.

You'll also hear my thoughts on work-life balance, my biggest...

Nick Yarris is a speaker, writer and ex-death row inmate.

I had the privilege of sitting down with Nick Yarris in London. Nick spent 22 years on death row for a murder he didn't commit.

Nick is an author, motivational speaker, and the subject of the documentary film "Fear of 13," available on Netflix. He's also the inspiration for a play currently running in London, starring Adrien Brody.

At 21, after enduring a violent childhood, Nick found himself in a situation that led to his wrongful conviction...

In this episode, I am joined by Dr. Anna Machin, an evolutionary anthropologist at the University of Oxford and expert on the science of love.

Love - that mysterious, powerful force that has inspired countless works of art, literature, and music. But what exactly is love from a scientific perspective? Dr. Machin will help us unravel the evolutionary purpose of love and explain why it's critical to our survival as a species.We'll dive deep into the neurochemistry of love, exploring the roles of oxytocin, dopamine, and other hormones in forming and maintaining romantic...

Albert-László Barabási is a renowned Physicist and Scientist, Professor at Northeastern University in Boston, TED Speaker, Author and is known for his scientific discovery of Network Science, Scale-free networks and the Barabasi-Albert model.

His book The Formula: The Universal Laws of Success is my favourite book of all time.

Why do some people succeed and others don’t? Whats the difference between performance and success? Why does a small percentage of artists receive disproportionate amounts of reward? How does one piece of art make exhibition walls and other the recycle bin? Why does the l...

George is a advocate for men & boys, a blogger, a podcaster and a writer.

Men and boy’s are suffering in silence and statistically the biggest threat to men’s health is us.

But what are the often-overlooked issues facing men today and whose problem is it to fix them?

In this episode, we discuss the alarming statistics, including high suicide rates and the stigmas that often prevent men from seeking help.

George emphasises the importance of redefining masculinity, advo...

Janey Godley is a renowned Scottish stand-up comedian, actress, and writer. I met her in a cafe in Glasgow and we recorded this impromptu podcast!

Growing up in a challenging environment in Shettleston Glasgow, she left school at 16 and began her comedy career in 1994.

Godley has gained acclaim for her unique humor and storytelling, winning multiple awards, including the "Best Show Concept" at the New Zealand International Comedy Festival.

She is also known for her viral social media presence and her poignant voice-overs of ex-first minister Nicola Sturgeon.

Her autobiography, Handstands...

Steven Kotler is a New York Times bestselling author and award-winning journalist, he has penned 12 bestsellers, including The Art of Impossible and Stealing Fire. He is a pioneer in the theory of “flow”. His groundbreaking work has been nominated for three Pulitzer Prizes and translated into over 40 languages, reaching audiences worldwide through major publications like Wired and TIME.

Expect to learn:

What is Flow? Steven defines flow and its essential role in enhancing performance across various aspects of life.

Neurobiology of Flow: Discover the brai...

Steven Kotler is a New York Times bestselling author and award-winning journalist, he has penned 12 bestsellers, including The Art of Impossible and Stealing Fire. He is a pioneer in the theory of “flow”. His groundbreaking work has been nominated for three Pulitzer Prizes and translated into over 40 languages, reaching audiences worldwide through major publications like Wired and TIME.

Expect to learn:

What is Flow? Steven defines flow and its essential role in enhancing performance across various aspects of life.

Neurobiology of Flow: Discover the brai...

Luke Kidgell is world-touring Australian Comedian and Podcaster. With over 3 million fans and five national tours, Luke combines humour, relatable experiences and crowd-work which makes him a viral sensation on TikTok and Youtube. Luke was in Glasgow for his world tour Happy Hour. He stopped by the studio the night after his show at the Pavilion Theatre. Find Luke on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lukekidgell/?hl=en Find Luke on Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@luke.kidgell?lang=en Find Me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidmcintoshjr/?hl=en Find Me on Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com...

Campbell McLaren is the Creator and Co-Founder of the UFC, Current CEO and Founder of Hispanic MMA Franchise Combate Global and TV Executive.

All the way from the US, McLaren joins me in Glasgow, Scotland to share insider stories about the birth of the UFC, the evolution of MMA, the creation of the Octogon and his strategies for reaching untapped audiences in the sport.

He shares why the UFC became the BIGGEST threat to the U.S in the 90s, his story of hiring Joe Rogan as the UFC’s commentator and Arnold Schwarzenegger’s key...

Nina Nesbitt is a world touring Scottish Singer and song-writer. Shot in Edinburgh before her BBC recording, Nina joined me to share intimate details about her early life, career beginnings, and her love for Scotland. We explore the impact of her move to London, and the challenges of navigating fame at a young age. She opens up about the highs and lows of signing to a major label but how it feels to be dropped by them. And, how she independently pioneered her way to 1 billion streams. Nina bravely talks openly about her struggles with body-image and how she found...

Dr. Robert Glover is a renowned therapist, coach, and author with over 40 years of experience in relationships. He wrote the bestselling book "No More Mr. Nice Guy" and has helped thousands of men worldwide improve their relationships, careers, and sex lives. Dr. Glover opens with addressing the problem of being a Nice Guy, providing a raw and honest perspective on the challenges and triumphs of breaking free from this toxically ashamed pattern. He defines modern masculinity and femininity and addresses common misconceptions about attraction across the sexes. This episode promises to be a game-changer for men seeking to improve their...

David Robson is an award-winning British science writer and author who specializes in exploring the extremes of the human brain, body, and behavior.

He has written extensively for publications like the BBC and The Guardian, covering topics in medicine, psychology, and neuroscience. Robson is the author of the books "The Intelligence Trap" and "The Expectation Effect," the latter of which won a British Psychological Society Book Award and was a Financial Times Best Book of 2022. With a background in mathematics from the University of Cambridge, Robson brings an analytical and in-depth approach to his wr...

My guest this week is Nathaniel "The Nightmare" Collins, the British, Commonwealth, and European Champion Featherweight boxer. Ranked number 4 in the UK by the WBC, Nathaniel shares his journey from humble beginnings to becoming a top-tier athlete. In this episode we cover: Tyson Fury vs Oleksander Usyk: We kick off with Nathaniel’s thoughts on last night's epic fight where Usyk won by split decision. Recent Victory: Fresh from his win for the European Featherweight Title, Nathaniel discusses the highs and lows of the fight, including battling through a broken nose and the road to recovery. Upbringing and Beginnings: Was Na...

Will Storr is a Journalist and Award-Winning Author of The Status Game, Selfie, The Heretics and the Science of Story Telling.

If you are low-status, you are more 4x more likely to die early. Status is proven to be more important than diet or exercise for health outcomes..

Status is not just a modern phenomenon; it's a fundamental part of the human experience, existing long before our current society. As writer Will Storr explains, the need for status and respect from others is not merely a luxury—it's an es...

Jimmy Carr is an world-touring comedian, writer, author, TV host for shows including, ‘8 Out Of 10 Cats’, ‘Roast Battle’, and ‘Big Fat Quiz Of The Year’. He is a hero of mine. For this episode, headed from Glasgow to London to have a conversation with the deepest thinker, hardest worker, and kindest soul in comedy. Beyond the dark mask you've seen on stage and on TV, Jimmy's origin story is complex, and his thinking is philosophical. I was blown away by how he has turned his remarkable life story into a set of lessons for us all to take onward. Despite how he prese...

Ruari Fairbairns is co-founder of One Year No Beer, a subscription-based platform promoting an alcohol-free lifestyle with over 100,000 global members. Quickly, GET THIS EPISODE AND EVERY EPISODE EARLY BY SIGNING UP TO PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/developmentbydavid This episode explores the gradual transformation of society's relationship with alcohol, highlighting the need for heightened awareness of its negative impacts on mind and body. It delves into discussions on stress, trauma, ADHD, emotional sobriety, and the pivotal role of community in the transformative journey towards an alcohol-free lifestyle. The insights stem from Ruari’s turbulent and emotionally challenging childhood on th...

Dr Meg Jay is back. Dr Meg Jay is a clinical psychologist, best-selling author and TED talk phenomenon. Her new book "The Twenty Something Treatment" is a lifeline for a demographic who are struggling most with over diagnosis and over prescription. Dive into the intricacies of the twentysomething experience with Dr. Meg Jay as she unpacks vital topics on mental health, relationships, and personal growth in this engaging podcast episode. From the impact of societal causes on young minds to the challenges of navigating love and intimacy, Dr. Jay offers practical insights and strategies for thriving in the tumultuous journey...

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...

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.

David is the Co-Creator of Cards Against Humanity, Researcher at UCLA Mind Labs and popular blogger on human motivation.

In this episode we cover human behavior, status, and societal dynamics, all through the lens of the writings and research of David Pinsof.

Join us as we explore the fascinating genesis story of Cards Against Humanity and the factors contributing to its cultural phenomenon.

We'll dive deep into questions about human motivation and the pursuit of status, discussing themes such as the difference between lying...

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...

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...

Rory Sutherland is one of the world's leading consumer behaviour experts, the Vice Chairman of Ogilvy Advertising and an author. Cancel culture is as prominent as ever before. But, why is everybody so sensitive? Thankfully, Rory has spent decades understanding human motivation and subconscious behaviour to let us know how to avoid it. We dissect the mysteries behind stand-up comedy, navigate the tricky terrain of cancel culture, explore banned words, and hear about the time Rory nearly cracked penis jokes with the Queen's doctor. Discover Rory's fascinating encounters with Def Jam Records founder Rick Rubin, unravel the epic tale of...

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...

Thank you!

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...