In this quick-fire chat, Jay and Dan talk about the real cost of never switching off and the unexpected magic that happens when you finally do.

They cover burnout, business guilt, creative droughts, and why your next big idea is probably sitting by the pool, waiting for you.

Expect:
💥 The difference between being productive vs. frazzled and fried
✈️ Why you should plan your holidays before your campaigns
🧠 The mindset shift that only happens when you step out of the jar
💡 Dan's 12-week sprint model (and why it works)
😮 And the moment Jay realised he’s not a robot either

Bottom line? You can’t pour from an empty mug, and you’re not winning by burning out.

In this special (and slightly shorter) birthday episode, Jay and Dan reflect on what it really means to hit the big 4–0.

From men's mental health and life perspective shifts to cold plunges, confidence, candles, and doing hard things.

Jay shares 40 rapid-fire lessons learned over four decades.

Expect wisdom, wit, and a few f-bombs. Plus:

• Why “comfort is killing you”

• The power of writing sh*t down

• Jay’s new mental health podcast: “This Is Why He Killed Himself”

• And why it’s finally time to light that overpriced Yankee candle…

Whether you're 40, approaching it, or long past it – this one's for anyone who wants to live a better, bolder second half of life.

Highlights Include:
🔥 The real reason Jay created his new 10-part podcast on men’s mental health
💡 Dan’s thoughts on peace, getting older, and giving fewer f*cks
🧠 Why confidence is built, not born
🏋️‍♂️ The importance of muscle, stretching, and saying "no"
🕯️ “Light the candle” and other unapologetic life advice

🎧 Listen now. Share it with a mate who needs it. And for the love of sanity, light that candle!

In this powerful and personal episode, Jay and Dan confront the uncomfortable truth: your pain is real—but discipline doesn’t care. Whether it’s physical pain, emotional struggle, or mental exhaustion, the reality is this—if you want to grow, you still have to show up.

Jay shares his journey through chronic back pain and the brutal wake-up call of ignoring his own recovery. Dan opens up about breaking down mid-launch after a personal curveball, and how he still showed up anyway. Together, they unpack how avoiding hard things only compounds the pain—and how consistent action, not motivation, is what builds the life you want.

In this punchy and honest episode, Jay and Dan tackle the creeping issue of how social media might be making you mentally and emotionally weak—even if you're hitting PBs in the gym. They explore how overconsumption of social media leads to anxiety, comparison, procrastination, and false narratives about success and happiness.

Jay shares personal reflections on life without alcohol, late-night scrolling habits, and why "being a creator, not a consumer" is a mantra to live by.

Dan dives into the psychological hooks used by negative marketing, the art of "wasting time well," and how he's learned to time-block his scrolls for sanity and productivity.

Together, they call out the curated nature of online content, the dangers of constant distraction, and offer practical tactics to reclaim your attention and happiness.

Ever feel like you're supposed to have it all figured out by 40? Are you too old to start again? Or that you should be further ahead?

Jay and Dan sit down this week to tackle the myth of “being done” as you hit milestone ages—and why your next chapter might just be the best one yet.

From Facebook memories and career pivots to back pain and mindset breakthroughs, this episode dives into the raw truths of ageing, reinvention, and what it really takes to build a life you love (even if that means eating metaphorical onions and skipping the painkillers).

Expect:

• A brutally honest reflection on getting older, evolving, and starting over
• Stories from building gyms, writing books, and chasing dreams that didn’t quite go to plan
• The real definition of manifestation (and why Dan might still want the Matrix blue pill)
• A spicy take on why consistency trumps motivation (especially when no one gives a sh*t)
• How pain—physical or emotional—isn’t your enemy, but your wake-up call

Whether you're 25 or 55, this episode is a reminder that the game isn't over—it’s just entering a new phase.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

You’re not your past self. You can rewrite the narrative, at any age.

Most people avoid the pain, but pain is often the map. Jay shares how he's managing back pain without medication—and the deeper lesson inside that.

The 10-Year Illusion: A decade can fly by. Make sure the next one doesn’t pass on autopilot.

Stop waiting for validation. You don’t need everyone to like you—you need to start liking yourself.

In this punchy and perspective-shifting episode, Jay and Dan go deep on a topic most entrepreneurs don’t take seriously enough: building your business with the end in mind. Whether you're scaling a new venture or already knee-deep in the hustle, this episode will make you pause and ask the big questions:

• Is your business serving your life—or stealing it?

• What happens if you step away?

• Can your business run without you?

The lads share personal stories, savage truths, and plenty of laughs (including naked fire alarm evacuations, Highland cow walks, and uni nights powered by VKs). But at the heart of it is a message you can’t afford to ignore—success without sustainability is a ticking time bomb.

In this episode, Jay and Dan take a delightful detour from their usual business and personal development banter. Instead of talking tactics, they dive into the stories, books, and films that have genuinely changed their lives.

If you're looking for a fresh dose of inspiration (and a few laughs), this one's for you.

• Dan's Pick: Aliens – A sci-fi classic with pulse rifles, space Marines, and a badass survivor. Sigourney Weaver's resilience and grit left a lasting impression on Dan’s life and even… his dating preferences?

• Jay's Pick: Good Will Hunting – A masterclass in talent, self-sabotage, and the power of mentorship. Also, the only film he had on his iPad for years (not mad about it).

And The Books...

1. Key Person of Influence by Daniel Priestley

   Sparked Dan’s entrepreneurial journey. A practical guide to becoming a known and trusted figure in your niche.

2. What to Do When It’s Your Turn (and It’s Always Your Turn) by Seth Godin

   A flight read that changed everything. This book gave Dan the mindset shift to own his gifts and go big. Beautifully designed and brutally motivating.

3. The Ultimate Sales Machine by Chet Holmes

   Tactical, timeless, and totally transformative for anyone wanting to master sales and business development. Bonus: Learn about the Hit List 100 strategy.

1. Oversubscribed by Daniel Priestley

   This book flipped Jay’s marketing mindset—stop chasing people and start having them queue for you. Led to his iconic "Grenade foit Eight" challenge.

2. Psycho-Cybernetics by Dr. Maxwell Maltz

   A game-changer on self-image, confidence, and inner transformation. Jay’s go-to recommendation for anyone dealing with self-doubt.

3. The Shrink and The Sage by Julian Baggini & Antonia Macaro

   A unique read where a psychologist and philosopher answer the same life questions. Thought-provoking, stoic, and criminally underrated.

   
   

In This Episode, Jay and Dan dive headfirst into the raw and often uncomfortable world of hard decisions—why we avoid them, how they shape us, and why they’re absolutely necessary for true growth.

From personal stories to practical mindset shifts, this episode unpacks:

• Why making the right decision often feels like the hard one

• How energy management and self-care play a role in clarity and confidence

• The power of defining your “perfect day” and aligning your life around it

• The hidden costs of not making a decision—and how it keeps you stuck

• Letting go of regrets and embracing change (even when it hurts)

• Juggling life, business, and personal growth with tough calls and trade-offs

Expect some laughs, some uncomfortable truths, and a powerful reminder:
Progress demands discomfort.

And those hard decisions?

They’re the doorway.

In this episode of The Body and the Beast podcast, hosts Jay Alderton and Dan Meredith discuss the common trap of 'majoring in the minor'—focusing on trivial tasks instead of taking significant actions that drive real change.

They emphasise the importance of starting with what you have, being shameless in your pursuits, and tracking your progress to maintain accountability.

The conversation also touches on overcoming the fear of rejection and the necessity of taking bold actions to achieve success.

Connect with Us:

📲 Follow Jay on Instagram: @JayAlderton
📲 Follow Dan on Instagram: @TheRealDanMeredith
📩 Got a question? Want us to cover a topic? Drop us a DM!

🎙️ Loved this episode?
👉 Subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it!

Ever feel like fear is holding you back?

That anxiety, stress, and discomfort are keeping you stuck? You’re not alone. But here’s the truth: that fear might be the exact thing pointing you in the right direction.

In today’s episode, Jay and Dan break down how fear isn’t your enemy—it’s actually your North Star.

They dive into why procrastination and excuses keep people stuck, why most don’t take action until everything is already broken, and how to start listening to the signals your mind and body are giving you before it’s too late.

Plus, they tackle the infamous boiling frog analogy, the power of writing things down, and why most people spend too much time on pointless tasks instead of just doing the thing that matters.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

If you’ve been sitting in a rut, avoiding something big, or just feeling overwhelmed by fear, this episode is a game-changer.

✔️ Why fear, anxiety, and discomfort are actually signals that you’re on the right path
✔️ How overthinking and procrastination trick you into feeling productive (when you’re actually not)
✔️ The boiling frog effect – how small, unnoticed problems can silently ruin your life
✔️ The simple three-part framework: Time, Money, and Skills – and how to use it to your advantage
Action Steps From This Episode

🚀 Step 1: Identify the one thing you’ve been avoiding and ask yourself why.
🚀 Step 2: Write down your biggest fear about doing it—then write down what would actually happen if you failed.
🚀 Step 3: Use the Time, Money, Skills framework: What are you missing? How can you use the other two to solve it?
🚀 Step 4: Stop making excuses—just start. Even if it's messy. Even if it's scary.
🚀 Step 5: DM Jay or Dan on Instagram and tell them what fear you’re tackling this week!

Connect with Us

📲 Follow Jay on Instagram: @JayAlderton
📲 Follow Dan on Instagram: @TheRealDanMeredith
📩 Got a question? Want us to cover a topic? Drop us a DM!

🎙️ Loved this episode?
👉 Subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it!