Working On It

Ryan shares how bone strength, biohacking, and longevity training are redefining health, aging, and performance.

Ryan is a former architecture and lighting entrepreneur turned wellness business leader, now bringing OsteoStrong to the UK. After years in high-performance business, personal injury recovery, and deep exploration into bone science, Ryan explains why bone health is the missing foundation of strength, longevity, and quality of life.

He explains:
↳ Why bone health is the hidden driver of strength, mobility, and longevity
↳ The science behind OsteoStrong and Wolff’s Law
↳ How just 15 minutes a week can stimulate bone, joint, and muscle strength
↳ Why bones decondition just like muscles and how to reverse it
↳ How OsteoStrong helps with osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, and injury prevention

↳ Why athletes plateau when bone strength becomes the limiting factor
↳ The real reason women and men lose bone density differently with age
↳ How biohacking tools like red light and PEMF therapy accelerate recovery
↳ Why strength, balance, and VO₂ max determine your final decade of life

This episode also explores:
↳ The long-term cost of poor bone health on individuals and healthcare systems
↳ Why most people only address bone health when it’s already too late
↳ How lifestyle, sleep, hormones, and nutrition impact skeletal health
↳ Why training for your “last 10 years” changes every decision you make today

He Explain:
(00:00:00) Intro

In this episode, Brad sits down with Ryan Ashford-Smit, the co-owner of the UK’s first OsteoStrong centre in Tunbridge Wells. Ryan shares his fascinating journey from a career in architecture and lighting design in South Africa to becoming a pioneer in the UK biohacking space. They dive deep into the science of ‘osteogenic loading’, a method of strengthening the skeletal system that takes just 15 minutes a week. Ryan explains how high-impact force is the missing key to longevity, how he reversed his own knee arthritis, and why we should all be training like athletes for our ‘Quantum Decade’, the last ten years of our lives. If you are interested in future-proofing your body, reversing aging, or simply understanding the hidden foundation of physical strength, this conversation is a must-listen.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Bones are not just static structures; they are living, breathing organs similar to the heart and lungs. Just like muscles, they require specific stimuli to remain healthy and can decondition without it.

There is a neurological connection between bone density and muscle strength. If your bones (the chassis) are weak, your central nervous system limits your muscle output to prevent self-injury. Strengthening the bone removes this governor, allowing for greater muscle gains.

To trigger new bone growth, the skeletal system needs to experience forces of roughly 4x body weight. This is nearly impossible to do safely in a traditional gym, but is the core principle behind OsteoStrong’s robotic loading technology.

The decisions you make regarding your health in your 40s and 50s dictate the quality of your life in your 70s and 80s. Training now is about ensuring you have the mobility to put your own luggage in the overhead locker during your final decade.

Biohacking and training provide the stimulus for growth, but the actual repair happens during rest. Without adequate sleep and protein intake, the body cannot utilise the stimulus to build denser bone and stronger tissue.

BEST MOMENTS

"I learned that bones are living, breathing organs, like your heart or your lungs."

"No trust, no transaction."

"Thinking about the last 10 years of your life, we should all be training like athletes for that quantum decade."

"No one plans to be in a mobility scooter. Some plan ‘not’ to be in one."

"Your bone strength becomes your new limitation, athletes realise the only way they can break through that barrier is to improve their bone strength."

HOST BIO

Brad Staines is a founder in the thick of it - but by design, not by default. As the face of Aquamark Cleaning, he’s built a multi-million-pound operation with 30+ team members, strong systems, and a culture that gives people space to grow.

He’s still involved in the business a couple of days a week - but only doing the parts he genuinely enjoys: building relationships, growing the brand, spending time with the team, and spotting new opportunities. The day-to-day grind? That’s been handed over to a structure that runs without constant firefighting.

Brad’s also found his rhythm outside of business - with a deep commitment to physical and mental training. Whether it’s strength work, early morning runs, or cold plunges, he’s a believer that how you show up for yourself shapes how you show up as a leader.

Working On It is where he brings it all together - growth, grit, and getting better every week.

In this episode, Jo shares with Brad her remarkable journey from investment banking to founding Aces High, a corporate team-building initiative that reimagines poker as a skills-building experience without the gambling aspect. She discusses the profound personal challenges she faced, including the loss of loved ones, which prompted her to seek a more meaningful career. Jo highlights the parallels between poker and business strategy, emphasizing the importance of patience, discipline, and the ability to assess risks.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Life's challenges, such as personal losses, can serve as catalysts for change. Embracing these moments can lead to significant personal and professional growth, encouraging individuals to pursue their passions and take calculated risks.

Poker teaches valuable life skills such as patience, discipline, and strategic thinking. These skills can be applied in business settings, helping individuals navigate high-stakes situations and make informed decisions.

Recognising when to cut losses is crucial in both poker and business. It's important to assess situations objectively and make decisions that minimise potential losses rather than stubbornly holding on to failing ventures.

Maintaining a calm and composed mindset is essential for effective decision-making. Practicing mindfulness can help individuals respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively, especially in high-pressure situations.

Engaging in activities like poker can boost confidence and assertiveness, particularly among women. By creating inclusive environments and encouraging participation, individuals can develop skills that translate into professional success and personal growth.

BEST MOMENTS

"I think sometimes it's the cracks that let the light in, right? It's those moments where you think, well, actually, what is important to me?"

"Poker teaches you about patience and discipline, statistics and picking your moments."

"I realized I've got aces and there was no way I was folding."

"It's about authenticity. I absolutely would have had that what if, and I probably wouldn't have forgiven myself."

"You don't need to gamble to take the value from poker."

HOST BIO

Brad Staines is a founder in the thick of it - but by design, not by default. As the face of Aquamark Cleaning, he’s built a multi-million-pound operation with 30+ team members, strong systems, and a culture that gives people space to grow.

He’s still involved in the business a couple of days a week - but only doing the parts he genuinely enjoys: building relationships, growing the brand, spending time with the team, and spotting new opportunities. The day-to-day grind? That’s been handed over to a structure that runs without constant firefighting.

Brad’s also found his rhythm outside of business - with a deep commitment to physical and mental training. Whether it’s strength work, early morning runs, or cold plunges, he’s a believer that how you show up for yourself shapes how you show up as a leader.

Working On It is where he brings it all together - growth, grit, and getting better every week.

Fat Loss Expert Gav Gillibrand reveals the real truth about calories, fat loss, discipline, and why most people regain the weight they lose.

Gav Gillibrand is a veteran fitness coach with over 17 years of experience, known for his direct, no-BS approach to fat loss, mindset, and long-term transformation. He breaks down why most diets fail — not because of calories, but because people never change who they are.

He explains:
↳ Why calories in vs calories out is true but widely misunderstood
↳ How hormones influence behavior, not fat gain itself
↳ Why protein is the most powerful tool for hunger control
↳ Why stress alone doesn’t make you gain fat
↳ The Biggest Fat Loss Lie On Social Media
↳ Why hunger feels different for every individual
↳ Why motivation fades and discipline always wins
↳ How identity change determines long-term fat loss success
↳ Why Diets Fail Every Time!

(00:00:00) Intro

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In this episode, Brad sits down with Gav, a fitness expert with a unique background in sports science and a 17-year career in male stripping. Gav shares his unconventional journey into the fitness industry, detailing how he transitioned from entertaining audiences to becoming a personal trainer and eventually moving his business online. They discuss the complexities of weight loss, emphasising the importance of understanding calories in versus calories out, and the psychological aspects of dieting. Gav highlights the significance of changing one's identity to achieve sustainable weight loss, discussing how mindset and discipline play crucial roles in long-term success.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Achieving and maintaining weight loss requires a fundamental change in identity. Individuals must see themselves as someone who engages in healthy behaviours, such as exercising regularly and making mindful food choices.

Weight management fundamentally revolves around the principle of calories in versus calories out. To lose weight, one must consume fewer calories than they burn, but this equation is influenced by various factors, including metabolism, activity level, and the thermic effect of food.

High protein intake is crucial for weight loss and satiety. Increasing protein levels can help individuals feel fuller and more satisfied, making it easier to adhere to a calorie deficit.

Motivation can get someone started on their fitness journey, but discipline is what sustains long-term success. Building discipline involves saying no to unhealthy choices and developing habits that align with one's health goals.

Finding the right caloric intake for weight loss is often a process of trial and error. It's essential to monitor how one feels and responds to different calorie levels, adjusting as necessary to ensure sustainable progress.

BEST MOMENTS

"Calories in, calories out, is a very simplistic way of describing a quite complex equation that is always going on. But it is absolutely 100% true."

"The perception of hunger is very different to one person to the next."

"If you don't believe that I'm someone that gets 10,000 steps a day, or hits the gym three days a week, you'll never have that six-pack."

"I like to be quite aggressive in the first two weeks. If we can get someone to lose five, six pounds in the first two or three weeks, their level of trust has just gone through the roof."

HOST BIO

Brad Staines is a founder in the thick of it - but by design, not by default. As the face of Aquamark Cleaning, he’s built a multi-million-pound operation with 30+ team members, strong systems, and a culture that gives people space to grow.

He’s still involved in the business a couple of days a week - but only doing the parts he genuinely enjoys: building relationships, growing the brand, spending time with the team, and spotting new opportunities. The day-to-day grind? That’s been handed over to a structure that runs without constant firefighting.

Brad’s also found his rhythm outside of business - with a deep commitment to physical and mental training. Whether it’s strength work, early morning runs, or cold plunges, he’s a believer that how you show up for yourself shapes how you show up as a leader.

Working On It is where he brings it all together - growth, grit, and getting better every week

In this episode, we explore how people break out of destructive patterns, reset their lives, and build sustainable success in both business and personal growth.

Drawing from lived experience, psychology, and real-world application, this conversation explains why most people stay stuck and how a simple, repeatable framework can change everything.

He explains:
↳ The 3 non-negotiables required to fully reset your life
↳ How childhood experiences shape ambition, fear, and resilience
↳ A 6-step framework that works in business, decision-making, and leadership

We Cover:
(00:00:00) Intro

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To kick off the new year, Brad interviews mindset coach Paul, who shares his remarkable journey from a challenging childhood to becoming the youngest cruise director in the world. Paul reflects on how his early experiences in acting and a desire to escape his past shaped his mindset and fuelled his ambition. He discusses the transformative power of positive thinking and the importance of evolving one's mindset to achieve personal goals.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

The journey to becoming a mindset coach began with a desire to escape a challenging childhood. Engaging in acting provided an early outlet for self-expression and exploration, which later translated into a passion for helping others change their thinking.

Exposure to books like "The Power of Positive Thinking" and "The Power of the Subconscious Mind" ignited a belief in the potential to control one's thoughts and emotions, leading to significant personal and professional achievements, including becoming the youngest cruise director in the world.

The importance of experiences over material possessions is emphasised. True fulfillment comes from meaningful experiences and relationships rather than simply accumulating wealth or status.

A structured approach called "Engage" was developed, consisting of six steps: Evolve, Nirvana, Grace, Action, Grit, and Education. This framework guides individuals in transforming their mindset and achieving their goals.

Emphasising the need for resilience, the discussion highlights that challenges are a natural part of life. Viewing setbacks as feedback rather than failures is crucial for personal growth and maintaining a positive mindset.

BEST MOMENTS

"I came to the understanding that you can become anything you want if you can control your thinking and your emotions."

"I decided to believe in myself, and it was the most apparent thing ever, because I made up in my head that I was going to prove him wrong."

"If you're a miserable person, it doesn't matter where you go in the world; you can go to Mexico on holiday, and you'll still be miserable."

"It's really funny that something when you're a child can shape the rest of your life."

"The key to success is to live in what I call a state of grace and grace is the system to do this."

HOST BIO

Brad Staines is a founder in the thick of it - but by design, not by default. As the face of Aquamark Cleaning, he’s built a multi-million-pound operation with 30+ team members, strong systems, and a culture that gives people space to grow.

He’s still involved in the business a couple of days a week - but only doing the parts he genuinely enjoys: building relationships, growing the brand, spending time with the team, and spotting new opportunities. The day-to-day grind? That’s been handed over to a structure that runs without constant firefighting.

Brad’s also found his rhythm outside of business - with a deep commitment to physical and mental training. Whether it’s strength work, early morning runs, or cold plunges, he’s a believer that how you show up for yourself shapes how you show up as a leader.

Working On It is where he brings it all together - growth, grit, and getting better every week.

In this episode, Taz shares his journey into the tech world, beginning with his childhood in Chelmsford and his early fascination with technology during the dial-up era. He recounts building his first website at 16 for his father's printing business, which sparked his interest in user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) design. Taz discusses his placement at IBM, where he honed his skills in marketing software, and how this experience fueled his entrepreneurial spirit, leading him to co-found Vibe Agency shortly after graduation.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

The journey into tech began in the teenage years, sparked by experiences with early internet technologies like dial-up and MSN Messenger, leading to the creation of a first website at age 16.

The initial fascination with technology shifted from coding to understanding user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design, emphasising the importance of improving user journeys and processes.

After graduating, the decision was made to start a business immediately, driven by a desire for independence and entrepreneurship, leading to the founding of a web development agency with friends.

The agency has worked with the NHS for over a decade, focusing on automating manual processes to improve efficiency, such as developing booking platforms and reporting tools for training hubs.

BEST MOMENTS

"I remember at the age of 16, I built my first website. What fascinated me was actually not the code, it was actually the experience."

"When one door closes, another one opens. I always kind of look at it in the sense that when one door closes, another one opens."

"If we can automate that, can we make more space for the human element to grow?"

"The reality is that the bits that are being automated are the bits that are taking the admin and heavy processes that are causing the pain for the businesses."

"We went in and we said, look, why does it have to be done manually? Like you're a small team. Capacity is massively a big problem in the NHS."

HOST BIO

Brad Staines is a founder in the thick of it - but by design, not by default. As the face of Aquamark Cleaning, he’s built a multi-million-pound operation with 30+ team members, strong systems, and a culture that gives people space to grow.

He’s still involved in the business a couple of days a week - but only doing the parts he genuinely enjoys: building relationships, growing the brand, spending time with the team, and spotting new opportunities. The day-to-day grind? That’s been handed over to a structure that runs without constant firefighting.

Brad’s also found his rhythm outside of business - with a deep commitment to physical and mental training. Whether it’s strength work, early morning runs, or cold plunges, he’s a believer that how you show up for yourself shapes how you show up as a leader.

Working On It is where he brings it all together - growth, grit, and getting better every week.

Brad speaks with Kathy, a powerhouse in the sales and business consulting arena, who shares her inspiring journey from corporate life to entrepreneurship. Kathy discusses her early passion for sales, the challenges she faced in a competitive job market, and the pivotal moments that led her to establish her own successful business. Throughout the episode, they explore the evolving perceptions of sales, the importance of building meaningful relationships with clients, and the critical role of value propositions in standing out in a crowded marketplace.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Sales is often undervalued as a profession, yet it is essential for business success. The focus should be on helping people buy and solving their problems rather than just selling a product.

Establishing deep, meaningful relationships with clients is crucial. Long-term partnerships can lead to sustained business success, as demonstrated by the speaker's experience with clients over many years.

A strong value proposition is vital for differentiating a business in a competitive market. It should clearly communicate the unique benefits offered to customers and align with their needs and desires.

In times of economic difficulty, businesses can still thrive by focusing on quick wins, understanding customer needs, and being willing to let go of clients who do not align with their value.

Building a culture of trust and providing opportunities for impact can significantly enhance employee satisfaction and retention.

BEST MOMENTS

"I think the sad thing, Brad, is that sales is still, even today, not seen as a profession."

"Without sales, you don't have a business."

"The biggest way to stand out is to be different."

"It's amazing how often you've tried it, but I've often said to clients or prospects, 'This is a great opportunity. I can't actually deliver it for you.'"

"You need to have your hard line. You need to be able to say no."

HOST BIO

Brad Staines is a founder in the thick of it - but by design, not by default. As the face of Aquamark Cleaning, he’s built a multi-million-pound operation with 30+ team members, strong systems, and a culture that gives people space to grow.

He’s still involved in the business a couple of days a week - but only doing the parts he genuinely enjoys: building relationships, growing the brand, spending time with the team, and spotting new opportunities. The day-to-day grind? That’s been handed over to a structure that runs without constant firefighting.

Brad’s also found his rhythm outside of business - with a deep commitment to physical and mental training. Whether it’s strength work, early morning runs, or cold plunges, he’s a believer that how you show up for yourself shapes how you show up as a leader.

Working On It is where he brings it all together - growth, grit, and getting better every week

In this episode, Doug Benedict, also known as "The Goals Guy," shares the powerful science behind writing goals and how it shapes your subconscious mind. He breaks down why goal writing is not just a practice but a game-changer for achieving success.

Doug reveals how consistent goal writing can activate your subconscious, helping you identify opportunities and stay focused on what matters most.

We covered:
↳ The science behind writing goals and how it affects your brain.
↳ How writing goals can help you attract the right opportunities.
↳ Why daily goal writing is the key to unlocking financial freedom.

↳ The biggest money myth that is holding you back.
↳ How writing goals in the present tense changes your mindset.
↳ Doug's personal story of overcoming financial crisis through goal setting.
↳ The powerful practice of writing goals daily, and why it works.
↳ Why surrounding yourself with the right people accelerates your growth.

(00:00:00) Introduction: Live Like It's Your Last Day: Plan Like You'll Live Forever

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