Ruby Lola is a Podcaster and Host of The Personal Best Podcast.

What does personal best really mean? And why do men and women get such different messages about how to achieve it?

In this episode of Origin Story, I sit down with Ruby Lola — host of Personal Best — to unpack the surprising truth about ambition, gender, and the pressure to “be enough.”

Ruby opens up about:

• Growing up with an alcoholic parent and losing her dad in her early 20s

• The hidden cost of chasing your “best self”

• Why men are pushed towards discipline and women towards self-love

• How ambition looks (and feels) different for women

• The balance between grit and grace in achieving your goals

This is a raw and unfiltered conversation about self-improvement, grief, gender, and redefining success on your own terms.

📲 Follow Me:
Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/davidmcintoshjr
Substack → https://davidmcintoshjr.substack.com
Patreon → https://www.patreon.com/davidmcintoshjr

Get in touch - [email protected]

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Timestamps:
0:00 Intro
1:05 What “Personal Best” Really Means
4:12 Why Men & Women Get Different Self-Help Advice
10:18 Growing Up With an Alcoholic Parent
19:39 Losing Her Dad to Addiction
31:25 The Truth About Ambition for Women
42:00 Balancing Grit & Grace
50:15 Advice for Finding Your Personal Best

In this episode of Origin Story, I sit down with someone truly one of a kind—Dylan Lombard. Dylan is one of only 15 people in the world with MDP Syndrome (Mandibular Dysplasia with Deafness and Progeroid Features), a condition that affects physical appearance, fat distribution, and hearing. But Dylan isn’t defined by a diagnosis—he’s a force of creativity, kindness, and visibility.

We talk about what it’s like growing up with a visible difference, why media representation matters, and how Dylan has used photography, poetry, and dance to connect with the world—and most importantly, with himself.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN

What MDP Syndrome is, how it manifests, and how Dylan was diagnosed

What it’s like being visibly different online vs. in real life

Why photography became Dylan’s way of telling his story

The emotional toll—and power—of social media visibility

How movies like A Different Man are shifting public perception

Why face equality and better representation in schools, media, and work matter

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 – Welcome + Introducing Dylan Lombard

00:37 – Growing up with a visible difference

01:27 – Finding confidence through photography

02:14 – Sharing his story in the school magazine

03:24 – Storytelling as connection and advocacy

04:42 – What is MDP Syndrome?

06:07 – Photography as an emotional outlet

06:50 – The medical name and physical effects of MDP

08:12 – Pain, physical limitations, and the joy of dance

09:31 – Reframing rarity as a gift

11:00 – Early signs and years-long path to diagnosis

12:43 – Living visibly: public reactions in real life and online

13:59 – Dealing with staring, laughing, and comments

14:36 – Negative social media comments and their impact

16:43 – The harmful algorithms of negativity

18:26 – Finding confidence and community online

19:55 – How dance and photography build friendships

20:33 – Representation in film: A Different Man and breaking villain tropes

22:40 – From “villain” to hero: visibility and storytelling

23:20 – What people without visible difference should know

24:48 – Unconscious bias and the need for better education

25:25 – Dylan’s message for listeners

26:37 – Final thoughts and where to follow Dylan

LINKS

📸 Follow Dylan – https://www.instagram.com/be_yourself_dylan

🟣 Learn about Face Equality – https://www.changingfaces.org.uk/campaigns/face-equality

📍 Follow me – https://www.instagram.com/davidmcintoshjr

💌 Support on Patreon – https://www.patreon.com/davidmcintoshjr

🛒 Origin Story merch – https://originstoryclub.co.uk

ABOUT MDP

MDP stands for Mandibular Dysplasia with Deafness and Progeroid Features. It’s an ultra-rare condition that causes tight skin, hearing loss, an unusually high metabolism, and extreme fat loss in the face and limbs. Only about 15–50 people in the world are known to have it. Dylan is using his visibility to raise awareness and inspire others to embrace who they are.

ABOUT ORIGIN STORY

Each week, I sit down with hidden-gem heroes and global voices to uncover the moments that shape who they are—so we can apply their insights to our own lives. Follow the show to hear the next origin story first.

In this raw, wide-ranging interview, Ukrainian stand-up comic Iryna Gil tells the story of how her rising comedy career collided with Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine just 11 days after she filmed her first special — and how she’s using comedy to challenge war fatigue, weaponised headlines, and Western apathy.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN

Kyiv under fire: A first-hand account of air-raid sirens, evacuations, and working through missile strikes

The Soviet shadow: How post-Soviet distrust fuels Ukraine’s self-organising spirit, entrepreneurial drive, and digital-first approach to governance.

Comedy as translation: How Gil uses humour to bridge the empathy gap and make the war relatable to those far removed from it.

Misleading headlines: What “billions in aid” actually looks like and why surface-level stats breed hostility and misinformation.

Peace through deterrence: Iryna’s uncompromising vision for peace in strength

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Botox for Burping – the weirdest opening ever

01:13 Meet Iryna Gil

02:45 Growing up in post-Soviet Ukraine

10:13 Starting stand-up in Kyiv

14:18 Ukraine’s hustle culture and distrust of government

21:04 24 Feb 2022: missiles hit Kyiv

28:54 Leaving home under fire

32:10 Zoom calls from bomb shelters and hiding behind two walls

39:47 Losing safety, leaving Kyiv

43:52 Starting over in Scotland

48:45 Grieving a life left behind

50:38 Comedy, trauma, and fighter jets

53:55 What "billions in aid" actually means

57:00 The real cost of headlines and public perception

1:01:48 Has Ukraine faded from public attention?

1:04:32 Genocide Olympics and comparative advocacy

1:05:38 What peace really looks like

1:06:47 Closing thanks

LINKS

Follow Iryna Gil – https://www.instagram.com/gil_iryna

Follow David – https://www.instagram.com/davidmcintoshjr

Support verified Ukrainian charities – (Add specific links)

Support on Patreon – Patreon.com/davidmcintoshjr

Buy Origin Story merch – originstoryclub.co.uk

Support verified Ukranian charities -

Save Life:

https://savelife.in.ua/en/projects/military-en/status/active/

U24:

https://u24.gov.ua/projects

ABOUT ORIGIN STORY WITH DAVID MCINTOSH

Every episode, David explores the pivotal moments that shape extraordinary people — from hidden-gem heroes to global voices — so you can apply their lessons, insights, and perspective to your own journey. Subscribe and turn on notifications to catch the next origin story first.

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 disgraced” (Andrew Carnegie) and that with great wealth comes great responsibility, Sir Tom shares how he started with two £5,000 loans and a van full of discounted trainers, building Sports Division into the UK’s largest independent sports retailer and selling it for £290 million.But Sir Tom’s story is about so much more than business. He opens up about why he and Lady Hunter immediately launched The Hunter Foundation, pioneering “venture philanthropy” to drive change in education, entrepreneurship, and poverty relief. We talk about transforming Blair Estate into a hub for social impact, backing mass-participation charities like Kiltwalk and BBC Children in Need, and what it means to invest in people, not just profit.In this conversation, you’ll hear candid reflections on risk, resilience, and the power of giving back - plus the pivotal moments that inspired my own journey. This episode is a masterclass in business, philanthropy, and the Scottish spirit of possibility.Here’s a quick look at the themes we cover:Blair Estate: Why Sir Tom made this historic property the heart of his philanthropic mission.Origin Story: How two £5,000 loans and a van of trainers became the Sports Division empire.“Radiators, Not Drains”: The ethos and advice that shaped a generation - including me.University vs. Real-World: The value of academia versus hands-on experience for entrepreneurs.Scaling Up: The key decisions in growing Sports Division, including the bold Olympus Sports acquisition.Cash-Out at 37: What comes after selling for £290 million, and finding new motivation.2008 Crash: Lessons from losing £250 million and how it changed Sir Tom’s approach to risk.The Hunter Foundation: What “venture philanthropy” really means, and how it’s changing Scotland.Mass-Participation Giving: How Kiltwalk and match-funding campaigns amplify charitable impact.Scotland’s Future: Sir Tom’s policy priorities and warnings for the Scottish economy.Quick-Fire Round: Wealth and happiness, hardest decisions, contrarian beliefs, and more.Closing Tribute: My personal reflection on Sir Tom’s lasting influence on me and so many others.If you’re an entrepreneur, a philanthropist, or just looking for some inspiration, this episode offers a rare, honest window into the values and vision of one of Scotland’s most influential business leaders - and the mentor who changed my life.-Resources & LinksThe Hunter Foundation: https://venturephilanthropy.orgKiltwalk: https://kiltwalk.co.ukBBC Children in Need: https://www.bbc.co.uk/pudsey--Get in touch: [email protected]: instagram.com/davidmcintoshjrBuy Merch:originstoryclub.co.uk

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 are, from our character to our cultural identity. They drive our ambitions, shape our politics, and determine who we trust. But what if storytelling isn’t just art—it’s science?

Expect to learn how we use stories to gain status, why narratives are central to how we process reality, what most people get wrong about storytelling, and how to find the “sacred flaw” driving your own life story.

Sponsors:Fireflies.AIFireflies.ai is an AI-powered meeting assistant that transcribes, summarizes, and analyzes your conversations, making it easier to focus on what truly matters. Whether you're recording a podcast, leading a team meeting, or brainstorming your next big idea, Fireflies ensures you never miss a detail. It's like having a personal assistant who never sleeps.Beyond Baseline and BetterMan by Ross AndersonBeyond Baseline and BetterMan, founded by Ross Anderson, offer transformative experiences aimed at helping men optimize their minds and bodies for peak performance. Through retreats, coaching, and a supportive community, they provide the tools and insights needed to become the best version of yourself.​I'm incredibly grateful for their support and the value they bring to our listeners.​Get in touch: [email protected]: instagram.com/davidmcintoshjrBuy Merch:originstoryclub.co.uk

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 and undiagnosed ADHD.Some highlights for me included:Emotional support vapes and the peculiar concept of "Hooters Air"The psychology behind "girl math" and why price is just a feelingThe unexpected brilliance of Chaiwala's hidden improvementsThe history and psychology of run clubs and joggingClub Penguin’s wild side and internet chaos in the UKThe infamous "dogging not jogging" jokeRory’s love for Heathrow’s parking podsThe idea of drone ambulances and future rescue techWhat Rory would do if he wasn’t Rory SutherlandAnd of course his Origin Story inclusive of his journey with depression, anxiety, and the utility of his fameWhether you're a fan of behavioral science, marketing or just looking for a good laugh, this will be an instant favourite.Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction10:00 – Why Apple Vision Pro Failed17:10 – Emotional Support Vapes & Hooters Air24:10 – How Irrationality Helps Solve Crimes34:10 – "Girl Math" & Private Members Clubs42:57 – Psychology of Run Clubs & Jogging48:10 – Club Penguin’s Wild Side55:10 – Rory’s Love for Heathrow’s Parking Pods1:02:10 – How Good Markets Kill Bad Products1:10:10 – Has Anyone Ever Been Killed by a Drone?1:20:10 – JP Morgan and the Cost of Commitment1:26:10 – Rory on Depression and Anxiety1:31:10 – Rory’s Testimony on David-Sponsors:Fireflies.AIFireflies.ai is an AI-powered meeting assistant that transcribes, summarizes, and analyzes your conversations, making it easier to focus on what truly matters. Whether you're recording a podcast, leading a team meeting, or brainstorming your next big idea, Fireflies ensures you never miss a detail. It's like having a personal assistant who never sleeps.Beyond Baseline and BetterMan by Ross AndersonBeyond Baseline and BetterMan, founded by Ross Anderson, offer transformative experiences aimed at helping men optimize their minds and bodies for peak performance. Through retreats, coaching, and a supportive community, they provide the tools and insights needed to become the best version of yourself.​I'm incredibly grateful for their support and the value they bring to our listeners.​Get in touch: [email protected]: instagram.com/davidmcintoshjrBuy Merch:originstoryclub.co.uk

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 capture the grit, chaos, and beauty of lived experience—or are we on the verge of losing something essential? We talk about the tension between progress and preservation, and whether the future of storytelling is human, machine—or something in between.

Krish and I also dive into the emotional and societal weight of this moment: AI companionship, job displacement, and the possibility of a world where our most personal connections and creative output are filtered through algorithms. If AI can do everything—write, talk, create, even empathise—what’s left for us? This isn’t just a tech story; it’s a human story. And as we stand at the edge of a new era, the real question is: will we still recognise ourselves in the future we’re building... and will we want to?

Get in touch:

Instagram - Instagram.com/davidmcintosh.jr

Shop Origin Story -

www.originstoryclub.com

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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Instagram: www.instagram.com/davidmcintoshjr

Email: [email protected]

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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 - [email protected]