The Learning Curve

Joe Elsey is an old friend of mine and one of the original founders of MindsetMETA — part of the journey that eventually led me into podcasting.

After struggling through an aerospace engineering degree and reaching one of the lowest points of his mental health, Joe left the UK and went travelling.

What followed was quite a turnaround.

He lived in the remote Canadian north, completed a 50km ultramarathon, cycled across Canada and, after returning home, took on his biggest solo challenge yet: running from John O’Groats to Land’s End in 44 days.

In this episode, we go much deeper than the endurance challenges. Joe opens up about depression, therapy, shame, feeling like he was running out of time, rebuilding self-belief and learning to trust himself again.

We also go right back to the beginning - MindsetMETA, our first attempts at podcasting six years ago, university, fitness, travel, purpose and how much both of us have changed since.

“The physical pain is nowhere near mental pain.”

The Learning Curve #12 with Joe Elsey.

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Apple Podcasts:

⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-learning-curve/id1812927183⁠

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/thelearningcurvepodcast/⁠

📍 Recorded at Wakefield Podcast Studios:

⁠https://www.instagram.com/w.p.studios/⁠⁠https://wakefieldpodcaststudios.com/⁠

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For episode 11 of The Learning Curve, I sat down with Jack Ako, and this one hit different.

From weighing 47 stone with his life on the line, to losing over 30 stone and completely transforming his future… Jack’s story is one of the most powerful examples of what’s possible when everything changes.

In this episode, we dive deep into Jack’s journey — the reality of living with morbid obesity, the turning point that forced him to take control, and the mindset required to rebuild his life from the ground up.

But what stood out most to me was this… Jack doesn’t credit just himself.
He credits the people around him. His family. His friends. And most importantly, his wife — who stood by his side for over 10 years, even when things were at their worst.

Now, Jack is using everything he’s learned to help others.

As a personal trainer and coach, he specialises in working with morbidly obese clients — guiding them through the same battle he once faced himself.

And this is only the beginning.
Jack now has his sights set on public speaking, taking his story into schools to help the next generation learn from his mistakes, his struggles, and his transformation.

This episode is about more than weight loss.

It’s about accountability, support, purpose… and becoming someone you’re proud of.

If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or like change is impossible — this conversation might be exactly what you need.

🎙️ Also available on...Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-learning-curve/id1812927183Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelearningcurvepodcast/📍 Recorded at Wakefield Podcast Studioshttps://www.instagram.com/w.p.studios/https://wakefieldpodcaststudios.com/

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For Episode 10 of The Learning Curve, I sat down with Red and Sam from Baggys TV, the creators behind the rapidly growing streetwear brand Baggys UK.

What started as two mates posting about streetwear and baggy denim online has grown into a full clothing brand with a loyal audience behind it.

In this episode we dive into the real story behind Baggys — from posting their first videos on TikTok, to building a community around fashion, and eventually launching their own clothing line.

We spoke about the reality of trying to break into the fashion industry, the pressure of turning followers into customers, and what it actually takes to stay consistent when building something from scratch.

We also discuss:

• The moment Baggys started gaining momentum online
• The transition from creators to business owners
• Why content is the most powerful tool for modern brands
• The mindset needed to stay consistent on social media
• The future of Baggys UK and where the brand could go next

If you're interested in streetwear, social media growth, content creation, or building a brand, this episode will give you a real insight into how it’s done.

🎙️ Follow The Learning Curve PodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelearningcurvepodcast/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thelearningcurvepoduk📍

Recorded at Wakefield Podcast StudiosInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/w.p.studios/Website: https://wakefieldpodcaststudios.com/

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First of the year and were BACK with a bang! For episode 9 of The Learning Curve podcast, I sat down with my good friend and business partner Charley Beck to discuss all things creativity, consistency, TikTok fame, and the true source of inspiration behind songwriting (plus much, much more, of course).
Me and Charley met a few years ago through mutual friends. Our now friendship began as a working relationship, becoming business partners for our podcast studio production company Wakefield Podcast Studio not long after meeting. Fast forward a few years and I can now say this man is one of my best mates. Not only that, he's also a real motivational driving force behind why I do the podcast. In that time, we've worked together to help countless creators and businesses start their own podcasts, meeting some amazing people along the way. So, it was a pleasure to finally do an episode ourselves after years of working together on the other side of the cameras. *Fun fact - Charley also edits all the content you see on The Learning Curve!*
Given our business partnership, we've been forced to learn how best to work together. One thing in particular which I have learned about Charley is that he works HARD. Trying to crack the music industry is no mean feat, but after rediscovering his passion for producing his own original music in recent months, Charley has started building some serious momentum through being relentlessly consistent. By that I mean - he live streams for hours on end most nights, and he posts more content online than anyone else I know. His brand new single Love Her Better is also now available to stream!
I'm confident this one will be a good listen for anyone interested with a passion for creativity, music, business, or just a fresh perspective on life. I hope you enjoy, and should you listen to the whole episode, please drop me a message to let me know what you thought to it!

The Bare-Knuckle King Returns 🥊

For Episode 8 of The Learning Curve, I sat down with Jimmy Sweeney — a legend of bare-knuckle boxing and one of the most respected names in BKFC history. With over a decade of experience in the fight game, Jimmy’s story is one of pain, resilience, and redemption.

Just weeks before BKFC 83 in Italy, where he faces Carlos Trinidad Snake, Jimmy opened up about what he says has been the toughest fight camp of his career — physically, mentally, and emotionally.

In this conversation, we went deep into the mindset of a fighter — from losing his father to suicide at a young age, to turning pain into purpose through bare-knuckle boxing. We spoke about his time in prison, how fighting became his outlet, and how he’s still chasing gold at 41 years old.

We also explored:

🔥 The mentality needed to compete at world level

🥊 What it takes to fight bare-knuckle and stay at the top

💭 How to handle ego, ageing, and the concept of retirement

👊 Meeting Conor McGregor and how his BKFC involvement has changed the sport

🧠 The discipline, suffering, and self-awareness behind a champion’s mindset

🍀 Could we ever see a BKFC promotion in Ireland?

This episode is raw, real, and a must-watch for anyone interested in combat sports, mental strength, or the human side of fighting.

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The Learning Curve podcast is BACK! 💥 📈

After a brief hiatus, we’re back. Episode 7 of The Learning Curve is with none other than my good friend Matt Parkinson aka Myo Matt. I’ve known Matt for a few years now, having met each other through our shared interest in Wolf Supps.

Above all else, Matt is genuinely one of the best, most genuine people I’ve ever had the pleasure to meet, and I’m proud to call him a friend of mine. His story is one of transformation — not just physical, but deeply mental. From struggling with weight, confidence, and body image as a kid, all the way to standing proudly on stage as a competitive bodybuilder… Matt is living proof that self-belief and discipline can completely rewrite your story.

We spoke about:

🔥 Growing up underweight and learning to take control

🎓 His years as a teacher and what his experience taught him about people

🏋️‍♂️ Bodybuilding as a tool for identity, structure & self-respect

🧩 Building a mindset strong enough to carry him through prep

💭 What he’d tell his younger self — if he could go back

When we recorded this, Matt was just a few weeks out from his first bodybuilding show… which he’s since gone on to win. (Yes, I will be taking some level of credit for that) 🏆

This episode is full of perspective, honesty, and lessons for anyone chasing growth — inside or outside the gym. I hope you like it as much as I did doing it.

#thelearningcurve

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For Episode 6 of The Learning Curve, I’m joined by none other than Ryan Waugh — online fitness coach, elite-level Hyrox athlete… and now, my coach.

This episode also marks a first: Tom Wolfe (founder of Wolf Supplements, and my first ever podcast guest) joins as my first-ever co-host and guest. Together, we dive into Ryan’s journey, the Hyrox movement, and the mindset required to lead from the front — in both coaching and competition.

I first met Ryan 18 months ago through Wolf Supps, when Tom brought him on board as a sponsored athlete. Since then, Ryan’s success in coaching and Hyrox has brought a massive spotlight to the brand — and inspired countless people along the way.

He’s also the man behind Fitness on The Farm — a grassroots hybrid endurance event in Wakefield that’s quickly becoming a staple in the UK fitness calendar. After attending as spectators and sponsors, me and Tom decided to sign up as competitors… with Ryan as our coach.

This episode was recorded during Week 1 of our 11-week training block, now documented on the Wolf Supps YouTube channel as our series ‘Road to The Farm’. (We’re currently in Week 6 — and it’s heating up.)

⸻

🔑 In this conversation, we cover:

• How Ryan got started in the fitness industry

• Building confidence & overcoming self-doubt

• Hyrox’s growth — and was Ryan ahead of the trend?

• The future of online coaching in an AI-powered world

• Why competition is the fastest path to growth

• What to expect from this year’s Fitness on The Farm

⸻

If you’re a coach, competitor, or just someone chasing progress — this episode is packed with insights, laughs, and plenty of behind-the-scenes honesty from all three of us.

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https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-learning-curve/id1812927183

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelearningcurvepodcast/

Substack: https://substack.com/@thelearningcurvepod

📍 Recorded at Wakefield Podcast Studios

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In Episode 5 of The Learning Curve, I sat down with Marcus Pereira — founder of the Mean & Clean sobriety movement and someone who, as of recording, is 588 days sober.

Marcus has lived it all — addiction, relapse, rebuilding, and now leadership. Through Mean & Clean, he’s helped thousands find strength in sobriety. His videos have racked up over 18 million views and 74,000 followers on Facebook by connecting with people where it matters most — at the human level.

He’s also a Wolf Supplements sponsored athlete and an all-round powerhouse of discipline, heart, and hustle. In this episode, we unpack his story — but also dig into the mindset, business principles, and structure that have kept him not just clean, but thriving.

Some of the most powerful insights came from how Marcus approaches business, identity and accountability — and how he’s turned pain into power in every part of life.🔑

In this conversation we cover:

- His 588-day (and counting) sobriety journey

- The birth and growth of Mean & CleanLessons from addiction that apply to business

- Why fitness saved him — and how it continues to anchor him

- Advice for those struggling in silence

- The power of structure, purpose, and taking ownership

- How Marcus balances business, family and his own healing

- Why consistency matters more than motivation

This one’s about overcoming demons, building discipline, and finding purpose on the other side of pain.

More Marcus and Mean & Clean:

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@MeanAndCleanUK

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/marcus_mean_n_clean/

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Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-learning-curve/id1812927183

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelearningcurvepodcast/Substack: https://substack.com/@thelearningcurvepod

📍 Recorded at Wakefield Podcast Studios

https://www.instagram.com/w.p.studios/https://wakefieldpodcaststudios.com/

💊 Powered by Wolf Supplements

Shop: https://www.wolfsupplements.co.uk/?srsltid=AfmBOoo5doRUu_oJf70VeRhEwTxt6hL9BSceAZ6siK6ZvAP_CaJAmWa6

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@wolfsupplements

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What does it take to build the Rambo Mindset? 🤔🧠Owning multiple businesses.Being relied on 24/7 by clients chasing life-changing results.Sacrificing day in, day out, in pursuit of excellence on the bodybuilding stage.For episode 4 of The Learning Curve, I sat down with Dan Ramsden aka Danbo Rambo — lifestyle transformation coach, founder of BoFit Gym, BoKitchen, and BoCheats — to talk about the real journey behind his physical, mental and entrepreneurial transformation.Me and Dan first crossed paths at a Cage Warriors event in March 2024. I knew of him as he became a Wolf Supplements sponsored athlete during my Australia Hiatus, but we hadn’t properly connected — until now.Later that year, he coached me through my first serious dieting phase. And what I learned under him goes way beyond macros and meal prep... I think the same can safely be said about this episode. This episode is about mindset, pressure, leadership — and the pursuit of something bigger than just aesthetics.🎙️ Follow The Learning Curve PodcastYouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/@The-Learning-Curve-PodApple Podcasts:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-learning-curve/id1812927183Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelearningcurvepodcast/Substack: https://substack.com/@thelearningcurvepod📍 Recorded at Wakefield Podcast Studioshttps://www.instagram.com/w.p.studios/https://wakefieldpodcaststudios.com/💊 Powered by Wolf SupplementsShop: https://www.wolfsupplements.co.uk/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@wolfsupplements👍 If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe!🔔 Hit the bell so you never miss an upload.📲 Share this with someone who's on their own learning curve.

I sat down with Paul Donnelly, and what followed was one of the most powerful conversations I’ve had to date.

From performing for crowds of 65,000, signing with major labels, and writing tracks for global artists—to sleeping rough in London with £10 to his name, battling secret alcoholism while caring for his critically ill dad… Paul’s journey is the definition of a real-life learning curve.

He opens up about the highs of his music career, the heartbreaking lows of nearly losing his father, and how he found his calling as a business mentor. With no qualifications, no handouts, and only £2k to his name, he went on to build Demand the Market, a multi-six-figure business helping healthcare professionals grow and scale ethically.

He also shares lessons learned from his podcast: Greatness On Demand — lessons in grit, simplicity, and success from guests like George Groves, David May, Maxi Hughes, Ricky Hatton, & Guy Phoenix. To managing Dean Windass and now the band Half Mark, Paul’s evolution is nothing short of inspiring.This episode is raw, unfiltered, and full of hard-earned lessons in mindset, resilience, business and belief. If you're stuck, doubting yourself, or scared to take the leap—this conversation might just be the thing that lights your fire.

⏱️ Timestamps

00:00 – Intro
01:45 – Growing up in Bradford & chasing performance
04:40 – No qualifications, just belief
07:00 – Grief, mental health & nearly losing his dad
09:20 – Using pain to fuel ambition
11:10 – Finding his voice in music & chasing fame
14:15 – £10 left, still chasing the dream
17:20 – How music prepared him for business
20:30 – Ruth, fatherhood & his emotional anchor
22:45 – What makes a real coach
25:50 – Applying for jobs mid-business build
28:10 – Quitting security to go all in
30:00 – Building an honest coaching brand
32:10 – Client selection & care over sales
34:30 – Why most coaches burn out
36:05 – Client wins: £300/week to £60k/month
37:40 – Real growth = fear, family & failing forward

1:00:02 – Why you can’t do it all alone
1:01:00 – Joining boy band Onyx
1:03:00 – Going solo & building credibility
1:05:10 – Big break: Sheffield Light Switch-On
1:06:00 – Self-promotion & smart positioning
1:07:40 – Selling everything for a shot in Germany
1:09:50 – Sleeping rough with £10 left
1:13:00 – Dad critically ill: everything stops
1:15:00 – Holding strong for his family
1:16:30 – Secret alcoholism & emotional collapse
1:18:30 – Vulnerability & rebuilding
1:22:00 – "Time is the great equaliser"
1:23:45 – Launching Demand the Market
1:26:00 – From PA to Head of Ops
1:29:00 – Learning top-tier marketing on the side
1:31:00 – Blackpool beach: quitting to bet on himself
1:34:00 – Signing first clients with £2k in the bank
1:37:00 – Why your circle matters
1:41:00 – Turning down comfort for purpose
1:44:00 – Why he started Greatness on Demand
1:48:00 – Booking guests with persistence (and a Twix)
1:51:00 – Real relationships over clout
1:53:00 – Lessons from the pod: master the basics
1:57:00 – Final message: you’re more capable than you think

More on Paul

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/thepdonnelly/

Greatness On Demand Podcast:

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/show/7kph6aUDkTe7yjN0OEvUEE?si=255930f071a54f14

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/@GreatnessOnDemand

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/greatness.pod/

Demand The Market:

https://demandthemarket.co.uk/

🎙️ Follow The Learning Curve Podcast

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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelearningcurvepodcast/Substack: https://substack.com/@thelearningcurvepod📍 Recorded at Wakefield Podcast Studioshttps://www.instagram.com/w.p.studios/https://wakefieldpodcaststudios.com/👍 If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe!