Origin Story with David McIntosh Jr

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 essential psychological and biological requirement for humans to thrive. He calls it the original currency.

Throughout history, status hierarchies have existed in animal societies, serving as a means to organise social life and prevent constant conflict. From our tribal ancestors to modern civilization, the desire for status has deeply shaped human behavior and social structures.

But despite its importance, the topic of status often makes people feel uneasy. While discussions about connection and belonging are more comfortable, status remains a somewhat taboo subject. It's this discomfort that has perhaps led to fewer books being written about this universal human drive.

However, Storr's work aims to shed light on this fundamental aspect of the human condition, unraveling its complexities and unveiling its significance in our lives.

Also, join us to hear about the psychology of cults, why architechts are the most illusive modern day cult, Will’s experience from going undercover following Neo-Nazi’s to understand the madness of groupthink and his experiences of David Irving the infamous holocaust denier.

Will’s books:

https://amzn.to/41R6rsL

Selfie: How the West Became Self-Obsessed

https://amzn.to/41cJ2BL

The Science of Storytelling: Why Stories Make Us Human, and How to Tell Them Better

https://amzn.to/3ohtxKo

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Vybey (code DBYD for 15%) - https://vybey.co.uk/?shpxid=fd5d5aab-fd5f-48d9-bf37-b58aa4317f25West Coast Motors - https://www.wcmotors.co.uk/

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/developmentbydavidThis 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 the Isle of Mull in Scotland whcih saw him attempt suicide as early as 14. Who would know a letter to Richard Branson, who he then later met in Barbados, would change and save his life.This episode dives deep on the effects on alchohol and what it does to our body in mind. We expose the risks of casual drinking and show that alchohol by no means results in stress management. We also talk about the sober curious lifestyle which acts as a far better way to to reap the rewards of a sober lifestyle without the need for abstinence. 94% of people surveyed want to have a better relationship with alcohol do not want to quit.So, how do we have a more booze conscious culture. What are some of the low hanging fruits to reeping a time rich life in a time poor economy. How can you have a better relationship with your family, body and mind.Join Ruari and I who will give you the tools you need.

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.

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/

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 and bullshitting, understanding our true selves, and connecting with others.

Throughout our conversations, we'll explore the origins and effects of status, its relationship with mental health, and the intricacies of balancing personal fulfillment with financial success.

We'll also examine the role of narratives in shaping our lives and the impact of status games on society. From performative empathy to the pursuit of sacred values, we'll tackle a wide range of topics, including the influence of social media on mental health.

Join us as we navigate through the complexities of societal concerns and why certain fears, like the fear of death, can be seen as "bullshit." Together, we'll explore how individuals can navigate these challenges to lead more fulfilling lives.

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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.

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

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