Stephen Ridley is a professional pianist who has performed in dozens of countries. He shares the deeply personal journey that led him away from a high-powered banking career towards a life of creativity and authenticity. From the early days of musical training to the devastating loss of his father, Stephen recounts the key moments that shaped his path. He talks about overcoming fears, the joy of street performance, and the freedom found in following one’s passion. For the first time, he also publicly shares the story of his kidnapping in Brazil.

Subscribe to the 'Real Talk With Zuby' podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify & more - https://fanlink.tv/zubypodcast

Timestamps:

(00:00) Introduction

(00:50) Stephen Ridley's Musical Journey Begins

(02:28) Formal Training and Losing Passion

(03:38) A Turning Point: The Loss of a Father

(06:13) Complex Relationship with His Father

(15:16) Struggles and Determination

(17:31) The Banking Career and Realization

(29:11) The Decision to Leave Banking

(32:50) A Life-Changing Moment

(33:38) Seeing the World with New Eyes

(34:24) Exploring New Opportunities

(34:37) First Major Decision

(35:25) The Adventure Begins

(36:05) Street Performance and Stage Fright

(37:14) Facing Fears and Finding Freedom

(39:18) The Turning Point

(41:47) From Street Performer to Global Musician

(49:48) The Power of Saying Yes

(54:20) Performing Around the World

(54:53) Cultural Reflections and Favourite Places

(57:48) Kidnapped in Brazil

(01:02:09) Arrival in Rio: First Impressions

(01:03:34) Meeting Eva: A New Connection

(01:04:11) Beach Volleyball and Brazilian Culture

(01:07:47) Night Out in the Favela

(01:08:40) Kidnapped in Rio

(01:15:46) Stockholm Syndrome and Escape

(01:24:58) Reunion with Eva

(01:29:10) Future Plans and Reflections

(01:29:18) Outro

_

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_

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Zuby is joined by former NBA player and human rights activist Enes Kanter Freedom. Enes shares his journey from a young boy in Turkey to becoming an outspoken advocate for freedom and justice. They discuss the origins of his activism, the intense backlash he’s faced, and his commitment to calling out human rights violations, especially in China. The conversation also explores the responsibilities of athletes, empathy, and how faith fuels Enes’s mission.

Timestamps:

(00:00) Introduction

(02:19) Life as an Activist

(03:52) Challenges & Consequences

(11:33) Speaking Out Against China

(26:07) Impact of Activism

(29:53) Role of Athletes in Social Issues

(33:55) Power of Empathy and Education

(39:20) Faith & Activism

(41:05) Human Rights Violations in China

(51:19) Challenges and Responsibilities of Activism

(1:00:40) Personal Sacrifices and Future Goals

_

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Follow Enes Kanter Freedom:

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https://enesfreedom.com

_

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Gary Arndt is a seasoned traveler who has explored over 200 countries and territories. He shares what inspired him to leave his conventional life behind and pursue full-time travel, recounting some of his most eye-opening and transformative journeys. Zuby and Gary discuss the economics of full-time travel, different cultures, and the contrasting travel philosophies between Americans and Europeans. Gary also shares surprising observations, overlooked destinations, and how travel has shaped his current pursuits and outlook on life.

Timestamps:

(00:00) Introduction and Guest Welcome

(01:32) Gary’s Background and Journey

(03:24) Early Travel Experiences

(04:38) Deciding to Travel Full-Time

(06:25) Traveling to 200+ Countries & Territories

(09:43) Cost of Full-Time Travel

(12:31) Importance of Traveling

(17:27) American vs. European Travel Perspectives

(23:18) Surprising Travel Observations

(27:08) Unique and Fascinating Destinations

(29:12) Fascination with the Stan Countries

(30:27) Traveling in Central Asia

(31:41) Language Barriers in Travel

(33:49) Unvisited Destinations

(35:47) Challenges and Restrictions in Travel

(38:31) Unique Places to Visit

(48:15) Memorable Travel Experiences

(50:51) Lessons from Traveling

(52:50) Current Projects and Future Plans

(54:52) Outro

_

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Follow Gary Arndt:

https://everything-everywhere.com

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_

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Nick Huber is an American entrepreneur and real estate investor, known for promoting the power of 'boring businesses'. We explore the nature of entrepreneurship, how struggle and privilege shape success, and the cultural divides within the USA. Nick also shares 25 provocative opinions on the future of society, tech's impact on kids, health, parenting, education, and more.

Timestamps:

(00:00) Embracing Boring Businesses & The Myth of Entrepreneurship

(00:48) Nick Huber: Background, Family, and Early Ventures

(03:47) Are Entrepreneurs Born or Made?

(09:01) Privilege, Struggle & The Role of Hardship

(14:31) Cultural Divides and Political Shifts

(17:34) Nick's Controversial Predictions for the Future

(44:57) How Short-Form Content and TV Affect Kids

(47:27) Plastics, Non-Stick Pans & Soft Drinks: Everyday Health Risks

(52:37) Alcohol, Pit Bulls & Other Hot Takes

(55:47) Recycling: Scam or Saviour?

(56:48) Fitness: Sauna, Strength Training, and Running

(1:03:44) Heart Health, Obesity, and the Rise of GLP-1s

(1:07:37) Traditional Business vs. Startups & the AI Debate

(1:14:04) Bitcoin, Altcoins & Crypto Skepticism

(1:15:26) Social Media, Parenting & Optimism for the Future

(1:16:28) Most Concerning Issues Right Now

(1:31:22) Nick's New Book: The Sweaty Startup

(1:32:27) Outro

_

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Follow Nick Huber:

https://sweatystartup.com

https://twitter.com/sweatystartup

https://youtube.com/@sweatystartup

Book – The Sweaty Startup: https://sweatystartup.com/book

_

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Marni Kinrys, widely known as 'The Wing Girl', is a veteran dating coach with over 20 years of experience helping men navigate the complex world of attraction and relationships. Marni shares her journey to becoming the first female voice in the male-dominated pickup artist community. Zuby and Marni discuss gender differences in communication, coaching, and romantic expectations, as well as delusion, body image, and the role of honesty in dating. The conversation also covers how technology and social media have shifted dating dynamics, the decline in marriage, and predictions for the future of gender relations.

Free Video Series with Marni: https://fwithher.com/zuby

Subscribe to the 'Real Talk With Zuby' podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify & more - https://fanlink.tv/zubypodcast

Timestamps:

(00:00) Introduction

(00:41) Marni’s background & coaching journey

(04:39) Entering the PUA world

(06:46) Transforming dating advice

(08:31) Reactions to her work & motivation

(13:19) Meeting her husband & family life

(16:10) Raising boys & coaching men vs women

(18:29) Insights from coaching men

(21:06) Childhood & emotional dynamics

(22:21) Coaching styles & communication

(25:25) Lies, delusion & body image

(56:22) Tech’s impact on dating & gender roles

(1:19:51) Future of relationships & uplifting men

(1:27:35) Outro

_

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_

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Zuby speaks with Nate Lewis, founder of The Innocent, an organisation dedicated to protecting children from exploitation and abuse. Nate shares how he began his journey and reveals the staggering scale of child sexual abuse in the United States, including shocking statistics on victim numbers. They discuss the dangerous role smartphones and social media play in facilitating these crimes, and the lackluster response from law enforcement. Nate discusses how predators operate, what motivates them, and what steps individuals and society must take to combat this abuse.

Lucid - Are you a fan of dystopian fiction and sci-fi thrillers? Check out the novel 'Lucid' by Michael S. Milano at https://lucidthebook.com

Subscribe to the 'Real Talk With Zuby' podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify & more - https://fanlink.tv/zubypodcast

Timestamps:

(00:00) Introduction

(01:02) How Nate began his career

(03:03) The scale of child exploitation in the US

(06:05) 46M in the US have experienced SA?

(10:43) Social media safeguards

(14:52) Smart phone & social media age restrictions

(17:31) Are these crimes related to smart phones & social media?

(21:03) Where are law enforcement?

(32:26) The Innocent/law enforcement work

(39:43) What drives humans to commit these crimes?

(47:46) Priorities of individuals & society to reduce SA

(58:08) Where to find The Innocent and support Nate’s work

(59:09) Outro

_

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_

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Pastor Douglas Wilson is an American theologian and pastor at Christ Church in Moscow, Idaho. He joins Zuby to discuss his five decades of ministry and the sweeping cultural transformations he has seen in the USA. The conversation covers the societal impacts of the technological revolution, the erosion of personal responsibility, the rise of victimhood, and the pivotal role of the 1960s in shaping modern culture. They also share predictions for America’s future in 2025.

Lucid - Are you a fan of dystopian fiction and sci-fi thrillers? Check out the novel 'Lucid' by Michael S. Milano at https://lucidthebook.com

Subscribe to the 'Real Talk With Zuby' podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify & more - https://fanlink.tv/zubypodcast

Timestamps:

(00:00) Introduction

(00:53) Pastor Douglas Wilson’s background

(03:41) 50 years of pastoring: a changing country

(27:08) The technological revolution and its societal impacts

(31:01) Lack of personal responsibility in the West

(36:20) Victimhood mentality

(38:26) 5 decades of cultural change in America

(45:41) The 60s was the inflection point

(52:30) What changes do you see in 2025?

(54:17) Will Republicans/the right fracture?

(57:38) Optimism with the Trump administration

(59:35) Learn more about Pastor Douglas Wilson

(1:01:06) Outro

_

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Zuby is joined by Brian Rose, a broadcaster, entrepreneur, and founder of London Real. Brian shares insights on personal resilience, the changing media landscape, and the dangers of short-term thinking in both politics and personal life. The two discuss the meaning of freedom, how wealth can both empower and enslave, and whether the UK is truly in decline.

Lucid - Are you a fan of dystopian fiction and sci-fi thrillers? Check out the novel 'Lucid' by Michael S. Milano at https://lucidthebook.com

Subscribe to the 'Real Talk With Zuby' podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify & more - https://fanlink.tv/zubypodcast

Timestamps:

(00:00) Introduction

(01:21) Brian’s background

(04:29) Responding positively to bad news

(10:12) Long term consequences of short term thinking

(13:38) Are you the average or the exception?

(18:38) Confinement at both ends of wealth

(22:00) What is freedom?

(27:45) Is the UK in decline?

(33:49) What skills do leaders have?

(44:44) Canada, US, UK, Australia are reelecting incompetent officials

(50:06) Good governance ‘runs in the background’

(53:49) US optimism, media landscape, service to others

(58:37) Outro

_

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Merch, Music & Books - https://teamzuby.com

'Strong Advice: Zuby's Guide to Fitness For Everybody' eBook - https://gumroad.com/l/zubyfitness

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Zuby talks with Kim Witczak, a drug safety advocate, about her tragic personal story that sparked her fight for pharmaceutical accountability. They explore psychiatric medication risks, regulatory failures, rising death rates, and global drug policy differences. Kim also discusses mental health, her new book, and ways to reclaim health in a corporatised system.

Lucid - Are you a fan of dystopian fiction and sci-fi thrillers? Check out the novel 'Lucid' by Michael S. Milano at https://lucidthebook.com

Subscribe to the 'Real Talk With Zuby' podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify & more - https://fanlink.tv/zubypodcast

_

Timestamps:

(00:00) Introduction

(01:50) Kim’s background

(03:40) Kim’s inflection point

(07:50) Linking medication to the event

(14:16) Deaths from psychiatric drugs

(16:26) Status of the drugs today

(18:47) Correlation/causation drugs/deaths

(23:44) Changes to drug rules over last 34 years

(27:06) Is this an American problem?

(37:30) Will the new administration change drug laws?

(41:27) Health & sovereignty

(46:38) Food ingredient bans in the US vs worldwide

(51:15) Mental health in the West

(59:30) Kim’s new book

(1:00:09) Follow Kim

(1:00:48) Outro

_

Follow Zuby:

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https://x.com/woodymatters

hattps://instagram.com/kimwitczak

Merch, Music & Books - https://teamzuby.com

'Strong Advice: Zuby's Guide to Fitness For Everybody' eBook - https://gumroad.com/l/zubyfitness

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Nick Santonastasso is an American entrepreneur, motivational speaker, and social media personality. He was born with Hanhart Syndrome, a rare genetic condition resulting in him being born with no legs and one arm. In this compelling conversation, Nick joins Zuby to discuss his recent move from the USA to the UAE and how new environments shape mindset and behaviour. They explore Nick’s approach to confronting mortality, the pivotal childhood experiences that forged his resilience, and the unique dynamics of his family. Nick reveals his greatest life lessons and shares powerful strategies for staying positive and thriving in the face of life’s toughest challenges.

Lucid - Are you a fan of dystopian fiction and sci-fi thrillers? Check out the novel 'Lucid' by Michael S. Milano at https://lucidthebook.com

Subscribe to the 'Real Talk With Zuby' podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify & more - https://fanlink.tv/zubypodcast

—

Timestamps:

(00:00) Introduction

(07:38) Moving from the US to UAE

(13:10) Information flows & cultural impacts

(18:42) Dealing with death

(25:46) Nick’s childhood

(32:39) Nick’s family dynamic

(39:23) Overcoming human conflict

(45:22) Greatest lesson Nick has learned

(59:35) Human progress vs regress

(1:11:42) What’s next for Nick

(1:13:32) Outro

_

Follow Zuby:

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https://youtube.com/user/NickSantonastasso

_

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