The Xpect Performance Podcast

In this episode, I sit down with paediatrician Dr Nadia Khan for a powerful and honest conversation about modern healthcare, parenting, and the hidden factors shaping our children’s wellbeing.

We unpack the growing concern around the overprescription of medication, and why true health often lies beyond the script pad. Dr Khan shares her perspective on how simple lifestyle changes like movement, nutrition, and time in nature can dramatically improve health outcomes for both kids and adults.

We also dive into a thought-provoking discussion on how the current schooling system may not be designed with young boys in mind, and what that means for behaviour, diagnosis, and development.

Finally, Dr Khan reflects on how becoming a mother transformed the way she practices medicine offering a more human, empathetic, and holistic approach to care.

This episode challenges conventional thinking and offers practical insights for parents, coaches, and anyone invested in long-term health.

🔑 Key Topics Covered

•  The rise of medication overprescription in modern healthcare 
•  Why lifestyle changes should be the first line of defence 
•  The powerful impact of nature on physical and mental health 
•  Are we misinterpreting boys’ behaviour in the classroom? 
•  How motherhood reshaped Dr Khan’s approach to medicine 

💡 Key Takeaways

•  Medication has its place, but it shouldn’t be the default solution
•  Small, consistent lifestyle habits can outperform quick fixes 
•  Nature is not a luxury it’s a biological necessity 
•  Many behavioural “issues” may be environmental mismatches 
•  Empathy and lived experience can make better doctors 

You can follow Dr Khan below:

Dr.NadiaKhan_ (@dr.nadiakhan_) • Instagram photos and videos

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the show. 

My best,

Clint

In this episode, Kirsten Alexander unpacks the complex nature of narcissism, distinguishing it from mere arrogance, explaining how it develops, and revealing its impact on relationships and society. Whether you're questioning a loved one's behavior or seeking to understand your own tendencies, this discussion offers clarity backed by psychological insights.

Key Takeaways:

• Narcissism involves a paradox: feeling like nothing yet believing you're the best, creating a persistent cognitive dissonance.
• Most narcissists lack a traditional conscience, as they don't develop the internal moral compass that guides most of us.
• The development into a narcissist is a mix of innate tendencies and environmental influences, but no one is predestined; nurture can shape tendencies.
• Narcissists often display intense entitlement and are master manipulators due to a fragile sense of self.
• Gaslighting is a common tool used by narcissists to chip away at their victim's sense of reality, causing internal chaos and self-doubt.
• Empaths are especially vulnerable to narcissists because of their trusting, loving nature, making them prime targets for manipulation.
• Healing from narcissistic abuse requires recognition, self-trust, and often a strategic approach like the gray rock method to regain control.
• Narcissists cannot truly love selflessly; their "love" is conditional on how well their needs are met.
• Society's leadership rewards narcissistic traits, but sustainable, empathetic leadership is more beneficial long-term.
• To those trapped in toxic relationships, the message is clear: your feelings and truth are valid. Recovery is possible, and you are stronger than you realize.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Defining narcissism: paradoxical feelings and cognitive dissonance
 02:23 - Why narcissists lack a conscience & the development process
 03:30 - The nurture vs. nature debate in narcissism development
 05:15 - Entitlement and manipulation as core narcissistic traits
 06:45 - The role of dissonance and gaslighting in narcissistic abuse
 08:10 - Gaslighting explained: from theatre to psychological tool
 10:03 - How gaslighting causes self-doubt and reliance on external validation
 12:43 - Are empaths drawn to narcissists? The dynamics explained
 15:21 - The impact of childhood grooming and learned behaviors
 18:36 - Awareness among narcissists: do they realize what they are?
 21:53 - Gender skew in narcissism: myths and realities
 24:02 - Leadership, success, and narcissistic traits in society
 32:31 - Spectrum of narcissistic traits: traits vs. full-blown narcissists
 36:54 - Can narcissists truly love, or is it conditional?
 44:46 - Final advice: reclaim your power and escape the cycle of abuse
 55:03 - Resources for healing and further understanding

Resources & Links:

• This Life Thing — Kirsten Alexander’s official website
• Help Me at This Life Thing — Contact Kirsten for support
• Book on Narcissistic Abuse — Recommended reading for healing
• Gray Rock Method Explanation — How to emotionally detach from narcissists
• Understanding Gaslighting — Deep dive into gaslighting tactics

Connect with Kirsten Alexander:

• LinkedIn
• Twitter

In this insightful episode, Craig Wilkinson discusses the true essence of masculinity, its misconceptions, and the vital role of fathers and male role models in shaping healthy men. Whether you're a dad, a young man, or someone interested in understanding gender roles, this conversation offers profound lessons on strength, responsibility, and emotional intelligence.

Takeaway:

• The societal demonization and misunderstanding of masculinity
• The heroic stories demonstrating genuine masculinity (Titanic, Ukraine)
• The importance of self-mastery: "A truly dangerous man is the one who has conquered himself"
• The role of fathers and male mentors in rites of passage and emotional development
• How masculinity should balance strength with vulnerability, discipline with tenderness
• The impact of fatherlessness on youth and society
• Breaking stereotypes: flexible gender roles and nurturing assertiveness
• Protecting against toxic masculinity and abuse of power
• The significance of emotional literacy and men's mental health issues
• Programs and initiatives to cultivate positive masculinity and responsible fatherhood

Resources:

• ⁠Force for Good by Craig Wilkinson⁠
• ⁠Craig Wilkinson - Official Website⁠
• ⁠Father a Nation - Nonprofit initiatives⁠
• ⁠The Six Pack of Masculine Virtues (guidebook)⁠
• ⁠Luke Combs - Fathers and Sons Album⁠ (song referenced in conversation)

 If you enjoyed it, share it!

Much love, 

Clint 

Summary

In this engaging conversation, Brent Lindeque, known as the Good Things Guy, shares his journey of positivity, authenticity, and the importance of gratitude. He reflects on his experiences with technology, travel, and the duality of his online persona. Brent discusses the challenges of maintaining authenticity in the digital age, the significance of vulnerability, and the lessons learned from grief. He emphasizes the power of consistency and hard work in achieving success, while also acknowledging the sacrifices made along the way. The conversation concludes with a call to action for listeners to embrace their authenticity and pursue their passions.

Takeaways

Technology can both help and hinder accessibility.

Travel experiences can lead to personal growth.

Authenticity is crucial in the digital age.

Gratitude can shift our perspective on daily tasks.

It's okay to have bad days and be vulnerable.

Consistency and hard work are key to success.

Sharing grief can create healing spaces for others.

Social media often presents a filtered version of reality.

Success often requires sacrifices and dedication.

Unlearning and relearning are essential for personal growth.

Chapters

00:00 Connecting Through Technology

00:30 The Journey of Good Things Guy

03:34 Authenticity in Public Life

06:38 The Power of Gratitude

09:36 Navigating Vulnerability and Growth

20:51 The Journey to Happiness

22:10 The Role of Gratitude in Well-Being

23:48 Navigating Bad Days and Authenticity

28:14 The Impact of Grief on Personal Growth

30:37 The Evolution of Good Things Guy

37:18 The Importance of Consistency and Sacrifice

41:14 Unlearning and Relearning Perspectives

 Check Brent out below:

⁠Good Things Guy - The Home of Everything Good⁠⁠Instagram⁠If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the show! There is more to come I promise.

Much love, 

Clint

In this episode, Rich Mulholland shares his insights on redefining purpose and potential, emphasizing the importance of living a purposeful life rather than having a singular purpose. He discusses the societal pressures of having a defined purpose and how it can lead to stress and anxiety. Rich also explores the concept of potential, arguing that success should be measured against one's intent rather than potential, and shares personal stories of growth and self-discovery.

Takeaways

• Purpose should be about living a purposeful life, not having a singular purpose.
• Societal pressures to have a defined purpose can lead to stress and anxiety.
• Success should be measured against one's intent, not potential.
• Potential is always further than where you are, making it a flawed measure of success.
• Living with intent allows for personal victories and growth.
• Personal growth often comes from overcoming challenges and adversity.
• The duality of life involves balancing order and chaos, happiness and struggle.
• Social media accelerates the spread of ideas without critical thinking.
• Being useful and relevant is key to avoiding loneliness and maintaining mental wellness.
• Defining personal victory conditions helps in achieving meaningful success.

Check Rich out below:

⁠(7) Richard Mulholland | LinkedIn⁠⁠

Home - Rich Mulholland

⁠⁠Rich Mulholland - YouTube⁠

Chapters:

(00:00) Intro 

(04:30) The Problem with Purpose

(07:30) Understanding Potential

(13:30) Defining Success

(24:30) Voluntary Hardship

(34:00) The Best is Yet to Come

(45:00) The Question of Self-Worth

(53:00) Status & Psychedelics

(01:06:30) Profit and Purpose

(01:11:00) Relevance and Loneliness

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the show. 

Much love, 

Clint

Michael Hollick’s career is proof that progress in professional sport is rarely linear.

Turning professional in 2011, Michael spent more than a decade grinding on the Sunshine Tour before finally earning his DP World Tour card for the first time — a milestone that almost never came. In this conversation, Michael opens up about the season where everything nearly fell apart, how close he came to losing his tour card, and the uncomfortable changes that forced a complete reset in both mindset and approach.

We dive into how he’s evolved as an athlete by diversifying the way he earns, removing pressure from performance, and building a more sustainable model for success. Michael also reflects on how becoming a father to two young daughters reshaped his priorities and ultimately improved the way he competes.

This episode is a masterclass in patience, adaptation, and long-term thinking — for athletes, entrepreneurs, and anyone navigating uncertainty while chasing something meaningful.

Follow Mike's journey below:

⁠Instagram 

⁠If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe. 

Much love, 

Clint

In this episode, I welcome Ben Herring to discuss the intricacies of coaching culture. They explore the concept of culture as an environment suitable for growth, drawing parallels between team dynamics and biological cultures in a petri dish. The conversation delves into the importance of psychological safety within teams, emphasizing how it fosters open communication and growth. Ben shares insights from his coaching journey, highlighting the need for adaptability and understanding cultural differences when leading diverse teams. The episode concludes with reflections on the role of curiosity and encouragement in personal and professional development.

Chapters:

(01:41) Introduction

(03:54) Coaching Culture and Standard Questions

(11:38) Establishing Ground Zero in New Teams

(16:22) Transition from Player to Coach

(22:37) Default Settings and Personal Growth

(26:21) Hierarchical Structures in Rugby Coaching

(31:35) Psychological Safety and Safe Conflict

(38:09) Ritualize to Actualize

(43:18) Authenticity and Curiosity in Coaching

(48:11) Changing Perspectives and Parenting

Follow Ben below:

Coaching Culture with Ben Herring - YouTube

(1) Ben Herring | LinkedIn

Coaching Culture

My best,

Clint

In this episode of the Xpect Performance Podcast, I sit down with South African comedy icon Barry Hilton for a conversation that goes far beyond the punchlines. Barry reflects on living intentionally, the role humour plays in coping with life’s challenges, and the unseen craft behind crowd work and connection.

We unpack the reality of dealing with negative feedback, the pressure of maintaining an on-stage persona, and the emotional mismatch many performers experience between who they are in public and who they are in private. Barry speaks candidly about comedy’s relationship with depression, the flawed pursuit of constant happiness, and why discomfort and criticism are often part of the deal.

The conversation closes with Barry sharing the thinking behind his new keynote and the deeper message he hopes to leave audiences with — one rooted in honesty, perspective, and embracing life’s ultimate ironies. This is a thoughtful, human conversation about performance, identity, and what it really means to live well.

Check Barry out below:

⁠Barry Hilton - Life in 3D⁠⁠

Instagram⁠⁠(2) 

Facebook⁠⁠(2) 

Barry Hilton | LinkedIn

⁠⁠Barry Hilton (@barry_hilton) | TikTok⁠

Chapters:

(00:00) Living Intentionally

(18:15) The Importance of Humour

(24:15) Crowd Work

(30:00) Dealing with Negative Feedback

(37:00) The Happiness Fallacy 

(41:20) Talking on Comedy vs Depression

(48:00) The On-Stage Persona Mismatch

(51:30) It's Part of the Deal

(58:00) The Ultimate Irony of Life

(62:30) Barry's New Keynote

Please subscribe and share.

Much love, 

Clint

This episode with Simon Grainger explores how brand strategy and personal growth follow the same path: clarity, alignment, and evolution. Simon breaks down what a brand really is and how staying true to your values builds both trust and momentum.

We look at the importance of understanding what you stand for both as an individual and as a company, how to spot the gap between who you are and what you project, and why growth requires intentional change. Simon also shares when it’s time to rebrand, how to evolve without confusing your audience, and a simple framework anyone can use to strengthen their personal brand.

A practical, grounded conversation for anyone wanting to live — and lead — with more purpose and consistency.

Check Simon out below:

(3) Simon Grainger | LinkedIn

Simon Grainger I Brand Consulting, Workshops & Talks

Chapters:

(00:00) Introduction to Branding

(05:00) The Value of Empathy

(08:00) Why Personal Branding?

(10:15) Changing of Opinions

(13:00) Fundamentals of Branding

(16:30) What Do You Stand For?

(21:00) Examples of Brand Disconnection

(23:30) How to Scale a Brand?

(27:15) Favourite Brands

(34:15) When Is It Time to Rebrand?

(38:00) How to Stay Relevant

(41:00) Establishing Goodwill

(52:00) What Does Simon Stand For?

If you enjoyed the share, please subscribe. 

Much love, 

Clint

Introducing Prof Susan Goldstein, a public health specialist, health economist, and Division Director of PRICELESS SA at Wits University. Susan’s work sits at the intersection of health, economics, and policy — helping South Africa make smarter, fairer decisions about which health interventions truly save lives, reduce inequality, and offer the greatest long-term impact.

The conversation explores how industries strategically target young consumers and why early habits are so strongly influenced by marketing design. Susan breaks down health economics in simple, everyday terms, explaining how the field evaluates the cost of prevention versus the cost of cure — and why governments often delay investing in preventive measures even when the numbers clearly support it.

They dive into the political claims around employment and how corporations use job-loss narratives to resist health regulations. Susan also unpacks the sophisticated tactics these companies use to maintain influence, from bundling products to shaping public perception through contradictory marketing that promotes both unhealthy products and wellness messaging.

The discussion moves into behavioural science — how governments can “nudge” the public toward better choices, and why some interventions fail despite good intentions. Susan talks through the potential of clearer front-of-pack “robot labelling” systems, the impact of sugar-tax research, and the challenges of driving prevention in a system that rewards short-term wins.

Towards the end, the conversation becomes more personal, as Susan reflects on the motivations that guide her work, the moments that have shaped her perspective, and what meaningful progress looks like in a health system battling inequality. She shares honest insights about the tension between ethics, evidence, and policy — and what she would change first if given the chance.

This episode offers a powerful blend of economics, ethics, and real-world public-health strategy — with practical lessons for anyone interested in how healthier societies are built.

You can find more about Sue and Priceless SA below:

PRICELESS SA

(5) Sue Goldstein | LinkedIn

Chapters:

(00:00) Intro 

(03:30) Targeting Young Consumers 

(07:30) What is Health Economics? 

(10:00) The Cost of Preventing vs Cure 

(14:00) The Employment Debate 

(16:45) Corporate Tactics 

(20:00) Why is Prevention not prioritised? 

(26:00) What doesn’t work? 

(31:00) How do we nudge the public in the right direction? 

(41:15) The bundling of products 

(44:20) The Contradictions of Marketing 

(47:00) The Robot Labelling System 

(50:30) Self Reflection on Motivation 

(53:30) Research on Sugar Tax 

(56:00) What Would Sue Do? 

If you enjoyed the episode, please share it. 

Much love, 

Clint