For Michael's sake, drop your #stepcheck in the comments! Today’s guest is Michael Smoak and this conversation was one like no other he has ever been on. This year has been tough for Michael. Losing his father to sickness at the beginning of the year created a newfound drive to make the most out of life. While this conversation surfaced his story and loss of father, it was probably the most value packed episode I have done all year. In fact I would go to say that it was my favourite episode I’ve recorded this year. Michael opens up about recording final conversations with his father, learning to laugh through chaos, and why surrendering to truth and God reframed everything. We also get into the reps behind real communication, the trap of routine-as-cage, and how curiosity hardens into conviction. We break down confidence vs ego, the table and plates mindset, and why ownership beats victimhood when life is loud. This was a good one! Key Discussion Points: • Count it all joy. Perspective is the lever • Curiosity into conviction into competence • Confidence is evidence. Ego needs applause • Be the table. Everything else is plates • Communication reps that actually work • Ownership over victimhood, always Follow Michael:https://www.instagram.com/higherupwellness/ Follow Chris:https://www.instagram.com/morechrisgriffin/ Check out our sponsor of the podcast: Dream Recovery. Use code GRIFFIN for 15% off your entire order: https://dreamrecovery.io/ Get a free podcast playbook with everything you need to know to build a successful podcast: https://thepodcastjungle.com/ Timestamps: 03:00–09:20 Laugh through chaos. Count it joy  09:20–15:40 Childhood wounds and early filters  15:40–22:00 Mortality as a compass  22:00–28:20 Parents, character, lines that stick  28:20–34:40 Cyber to creator. The jump  34:40–41:00 Sales school. Empathy and voice  41:00–47:20 Curiosity into conviction  47:20–53:40 Confidence vs ego  53:40–1:00:00 Routine or freedom  1:00:00–1:06:20 Be the table, not the leg  1:06:20–1:12:40 Mirrors in relationships  1:12:40–1:19:00 Triggers show where you aren’t free  1:19:00–1:25:20 Communication reps that work  1:25:20–1:31:40 Faith, discipline, adaptable routine  1:31:40–1:37:00 Final takeaways and thanks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Christian Guzman has built an empire in fitness but the road to Alphaland nearly broke him. In this episode Christian opens up about burning through $110k a month just to keep the lights on, taking a $1M loan that barely scratched the surface, and the relentless two-year grind that pushed him to his limits. We get into the chaos of building something permanent, the mistakes that cost millions, how ego can tank a healthy business, and why he is finally shifting his focus to balance, family, and the things that actually matter. This was a good one! Key Discussion Points: • The reality of running out of money mid dream • When ego makes business decisions for you • Building calm in the middle of absolute chaos • Why Christian refused to quit even when he should have • The role of family and relationships in building an empire • Knowing when to slow down after years of full speed grind Follow Christian: https://www.instagram.com/christianguzmanfitness/ Follow Chris: https://www.instagram.com/morechrisgriffin/ Timestamps: 03:00–07:30 The property that made Alphaland possible 07:30–12:00 $110k a month to stay alive 12:00–16:30 The moment he thought he was done 16:30–21:00 Lessons from the wild twenties 21:00–25:30 Managing people without losing yourself 25:30–30:00 When ego wrecks a business 30:00–34:30 Choosing family over the grind 34:30–39:00 Making time before it runs out 39:00–43:30 Building a place people belong 43:30–48:00 What sacrifice really looks like 48:00–52:30 The loneliness of mastery 52:30–57:00 Why he never quits Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Andy Elliott’s story is pure grit. He’s been betrayed, hit rock bottom, and built it all back up not just once but over and over. Today he leads the largest sales training company in the world and still wakes up hungry every day.  We talk about building a self-belief that cannot be shaken, why suffering is the best teacher, how to lead yourself before anyone else, and why the right partner can be your biggest competitive edge. This one will light you up. People hate on Andy, people told me not to interview Andy, but I make sure I make my judgments based on my experience, not everyone else’s projections. I enjoy my time with Andy, I’m fascinated by him and I think you will be too. Key Discussion Points: • Why comfort kills growth • Loyalty you cannot put a price on • How self-imposed hardship sharpens you • Confidence vs ego and knowing the line • Drawing the right people into your circle • Building a team that feels like family • How physical discipline hardens the mind • Turning pain into permanent fuel • Why your partner matters more than you think • Playing for legacy and not just quick wins Timestamps: 03:20–09:11 Pain, suffering, and the refiner’s fire 09:11–12:00 The curse of comfort and staying hungry 12:00–15:45 Confidence vs ego and being coachable 15:45–18:45 Why connection beats information 18:45–23:05 Loyalty, betrayal, and building trust 23:05–26:47 How Jackie changed Andy’s life forever 26:47–30:15 Building a team that feels like family 30:15–33:08 Discipline, self-respect, and physical fitness 33:08–36:20 Creating life-changing impact for others 36:20–39:37 Using pain and doubt as fuel 39:37–42:02 The boring work that builds empires 42:02–44:53 Why family alignment determines long-term success 44:53–48:10 Changing who you are and coming back stronger 48:10–50:42 Resilience, redemption, and becoming a legend Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Shawn Wells is known as the world’s top supplement formulator with over 40 patented ingredients, but behind the success is a story of trauma, depression, obesity, and suicidal thoughts. In this episode, we dive into Shawn’s raw personal journey, how pain shaped his purpose, and why he believes modern life is leaving us all dangerously nutrient deficient. We talk about the lies we’ve been told about health, the war on our brains, the true cause of burnout, and why supplements are no longer just “nice to have.” This is one of the most eye-opening convos we’ve had on the podcast. Follow Shawn: https://www.instagram.com/shawnwells/ Follow Chris: https://www.instagram.com/morechrisgriffin/ Check out our sponsor of the podcast: Dream Recovery. Use code GRIFFIN for 15% off your entire order: https://dreamrecovery.io/ Get a free podcast playbook with everything you need to know to build a successful podcast: https://thepodcastjungle.com/ Timestamps: 03:00–07:20 Supplements are no longer optional 07:20–11:35 Lifespan, healthspan, and youthspan 11:35–15:50 Escaping the system and ancient wisdom 15:50–18:22 How the food industry keeps us sick 18:22–22:05 The doctor who changed everything 22:05–26:00 Trauma, obesity, and internal war 26:00–30:04 Turning pain into purpose 30:04–34:30 Psychedelics and the second life 34:30–38:55 Loneliness, depression, and healing 38:55–43:20 Nightclubs, numbness, and real connection 43:20–47:00 Addiction, apathy, and burnout 47:00–52:00 Why caffeine makes you feel worse 52:00–58:04 Going viral with better energy 58:04–1:04:00 Kim Kardashian and Paraxanthine’s rise 1:04:00–1:09:45 Caffeine is not what you think 1:09:45–1:13:10 Understanding your bioindividuality 1:13:10–1:16:30 Smart supplementation for brain and sleep Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tom Baulch (aka PrimeTrain) was stuck in the loop, partying every weekend, waking up with regret, and telling himself it was fine because everyone else was doing the same. But deep down, he knew he wasn’t proud of who he was becoming. Seven months ago, he made a decision that changed everything. He gave up drinking, cleaned up his circle, and went all in on his potential. Since then, his business has hit six figures a month, his energy has shifted, and he’s finally living the life he used to just talk about. In this raw and honest episode, we unpack what it really takes to change, why so many men stay stuck in the same cycles, and the brutal self-talk that finally pushed him to break free. He’s not perfect. But he’s giving life a red hot crack. This convo was powerful. Key Discussion Points: – The drinking cycle most men can’t escape – Self-sabotage, regret, and rock bottom – How quitting alcohol unlocked his best self – Business growth and inner confidence – Why most people never change Check out our sponsor of the podcast: Dream Recovery. Use code GRIFFIN for 15% off your entire order: https://dreamrecovery.io/ Follow Tom: https://www.instagram.com/tombaulch/ Follow Chris: https://www.instagram.com/morechrisgriffin/ Apply to join Chris’ Podcast School: https://www.thepodcastjungle.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This one hit different. Zack Telander is a musician, father, and seasoned weightlifter, he’s also a man who calls out the fluff on social media. Especially in a world that rewards curated personas over real connection. In this episode, we dove deep into the dark side of content, the addiction to documenting everything, the manipulation of the algorithm, and the pressure to always perform.  Zack opened up about fatherhood, anxiety, chasing authenticity, and why we’re more drawn to flaw than perfection. We spoke about content, but we really spoke about life. It was a good one fam! Follow Zack: https://www.instagram.com/zack_telander/ Listen to Zacks music: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6Pe957QMENAWMZF7ityC81?si=Yte3OKPTRDy_XIOzoGSPJw Follow Chris: https://www.instagram.com/morechrisgriffin/ Check out our sponsor of the podcast: Dream Recovery. Use code GRIFFIN for 15% off your entire order: https://dreamrecovery.io/ Key Discussion Points: Why documenting everything ruins the moment The danger of highlight reels and fake personas Content before craft — and the cost of playing the game Zack’s poem on burnout and modern life Why we crave real human connection, not more content 00:00 - 03:45 Why content is cannibalizing itself 03:45 - 07:10 If everything is content, nothing is 07:10 - 11:00 Algorithms vs authenticity 11:00 - 15:25 Charlatans, fake personas, and funnels 15:25 - 19:40 Fatherhood and breaking OCD cycles 19:40 - 25:05 Why being broke taught him resilience 25:05 - 30:10 Zack’s poem “The Millennial” 30:10 - 35:40 Content before craft and the myth of potential 35:40 - 40:00 Outsourcing your voice and losing the soul 40:00 - 44:30 When content is systemized, humans disappear 44:30 - 48:20 Doomscrolling, manipulation, and influencer ethics 48:20 - 53:00 The culture of lines 53:00 - 58:00 Transaction vs transformation in coaching 58:00 - 60:45 Why connection matters more than content Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From building two million-dollar businesses in his early twenties to walking away from it all for a life of freedom and meaning, Jai Howitt’s story is all about letting go of what feeds your ego so you can build what truly matters. Key Discussion Points: How growing up as one of seven kids shaped his drive Building and losing businesses that looked good but felt empty Letting go of ego and the need for validation Designing a life you don’t want to escape from How to fail fast, pivot, and keep moving forward Follow Jai: https://www.instagram.com/jai.journeys/ Art Of Mondays - get $500 off your annual membership: https://www.artofmondays.com/chris Follow Chris: https://www.instagram.com/morechrisgriffin/ Timestamps: 00:00 - 04:45 Building million-dollar businesses and burning it all 04:46 - 10:12 The shark story 10:13 - 17:30 Growing up one of seven with something to prove 17:31 - 24:50 Early struggles with validation 24:51 - 32:15 Family road trip 32:16 - 39:40 The warehouse, ego, and identity traps 39:41 - 48:05 Letting go 48:06 - 55:30 Chasing validation 55:31 - 1:07:20 Designing a life you don’t want to escape from 1:07:21 - 1:19:00 Purpose and failing fast

Mateo Caputo’s life looked smooth on the outside, but the reality was anything but. From sleeping at bus stops to selling weed just to eat, he found his escape at the skatepark and that board ended up saving his life. Mateo opens up about homelessness, family addiction, finding fitness during lockdown, and why he’ll never play the victim card again.  This was a good one and highly requested! Key Discussion Points: - Growing up homeless - When family addiction forced him to choose a different path - The power of surrounding yourself with the right people - Leaving the victim mindset - How health, Hawaii, and a leg injury changed everything - Building a brand by sharing the real, raw journey Follow Mateo: https://www.instagram.com/teosworld_/ Follow Chris: https://www.instagram.com/morechrisgriffin/ Check out our sponsor of the podcast: Dream Recovery. Use code GRIFFIN for 15% off your entire order: https://dreamrecovery.io/ Timestamps: 1:30 - 8:00 - Mateo’s rough childhood and homelessness 8:00 - 14:00 - Skateboarding as survival and escape 14:00 - 20:00 - Family addiction and choosing a different path 20:00 - 26:00 - Healing relationships and seeing parents as humans 26:00 - 32:00 - Heroes vs villains and using pain 32:00 - 38:00 - Finding fitness during COVID and going all in 38:00 - 44:00 - Developing and overcoming an eating disorder 44:00 - 50:00 - Moving to Hawaii and the moped accident 50:00 - 56:00 - Building an authentic online presence 56:00 - End - The bigger message behind Mateo’s story

80% of people hate the sound of their own voice, but what if your voice was actually made to heal you? Todays guest is Leah Free and we dive deep into the idea of vocal liberation, why so many of us feel blocked or ashamed to speak up, and how learning to trust your own sound can unlock your most authentic self. We talk about the hidden traumas that shut down our expression, how your voice is connected to your nervous system, and practical ways to start loving the sound that’s always been inside you. This is an episode for anyone who’s ever cringed hearing themselves talk, or felt too scared to say what they really feel. Key Discussion Points: Why so many people hate their own voice How your voice heals your body The link between vocal expression and authenticity Why women especially fear being heard How to reconnect to your true sound Follow Leah: https://www.instagram.com/leahlivefree/ Follow Chris: https://www.instagram.com/morechrisgriffin/ Timestamps: 01:30 – 05:30 — Why we hate our voice 05:30 – 09:00 — The voice heals your body 09:00 – 13:00 — Pattern interrupts and breath 13:00 – 17:00 — Vocal liberation explained 17:00 – 21:00 — Finding your true sound 21:00 – 25:00 — Trusting instinctive sounds 25:00 – 29:00 — Why we’re scared to be heard 29:00 – 33:00 — Women and vocal fear 33:00 – 37:00 — Trauma stored in the voice 37:00 – 41:00 — Releasing subconscious blocks 41:00 – 45:00 — Purpose and authenticity 45:00 – 49:00 — Sound and trance states 49:00 – 53:00 — Leah’s personal journey 53:00 – 57:00 — Trusting life’s timing

Daniel Raphael has been called a real-life wizard. But what makes this episode special is the raw journey of someone who was born feeling everything, then spent years trying to feel nothing just to fit in. From reading minds and seeing people’s deepest insecurities as a child, to battling dissociation, depression, and suicidal thoughts after years of shutting himself down… Daniel opens up about the pain of being misunderstood, the journey back to self, and the power of energetic healing. We talk about the “system” that keeps people stuck in loops of shame and smallness. We go deep into identity, energy, ownership, victimhood, and how healing your internal world changes everything outside of you. This is a conversation about remembering who you were before the world told you who to be. Daniel’s lived it and he’s here to help others do the same. Learn more from Daniel and use code GRIFFIN at checkout on his website: https://www.dreamporting.com/training Key Discussion Points – What it means to be a real-life wizard – Childhood gifts, trauma, and suppression – Feeling like an alien in your own life – Suicidal depression, meds, and the identity spiral – Breaking the script and healing from the inside – Why most people are stuck in a loop of false stories – Taking radical ownership (and why it’s the most freeing thing you can do) – The real meaning of success and authenticity – Energy, timelines, and reprogramming your subconscious – The moment everything shifted at a festival – Why Daniel now focuses on being more human Follow Daniel: https://www.instagram.com/danielraphael1/ Follow Chris: https://www.instagram.com/morechrisgriffin/

Cru Mahoney is a rare breed. And this is the second time I have interviewed him. He’s never touched alcohol, caffeine, or drugs. He has ran every day for over 2500 days. But this episode goes deep. Much more than just a ‘Stay HARD’ discipline ridden podcast that has two young men telling you how to live your life. We discussed some profound topics that made me ponder deeply. We talk about the internal war most people avoid, the difference between emotional and physical survival, and why self-respect is built in the quiet moments of daily effort. We also dive into identity, loneliness, food freedom, and how so many people are chasing success while quietly hating themselves. Key Discussion Points: Cru’s philosophy behind running every day The truth about being your own hero Why most people never find peace Food, orthorexia, and emotional restraint The illusion of success vs true fulfillment What people misunderstand about self-discipline How to find clarity by stripping back the noise Follow Cru: https://www.instagram.com/crumahoney/ Follow Chris: https://www.instagram.com/morechrisgriffin/ Timestamps: 06:40–13:20 Why Cru runs every day 13:20–20:00 Keeping promises to yourself 20:00–26:40 Life gets harder, that’s okay 26:40–33:20 Emotional vs physical survival 33:20–40:00 Finding clarity through discomfort 40:00–46:40 Work, excuses, and true purpose 46:40–53:20 Self-worth and extreme ownership 53:20–1:00 Freedom through simple discipline 1:00–1:06 Struggles with identity and relatability 1:06–1:13 Nutrition, routine, and food mindset 1:13–1:20 Orthorexia and eating awareness 1:20–1:26 Environment, addiction, and temptation 1:26–1:33 Alignment vs restriction in lifestyle 1:33–1:40 Final thoughts on living free

Jamie O’Brien is one of the most iconic surfers of all time, but it’s not because he followed the path everyone expected. Signed at 13, Pipeline Masters champ by 21, and already staring down a life of competition, Jamie realised it wasn’t what he wanted. He literally burnt the ASP rulebook, pioneered a new era of free surfing, and built a global brand doing it his way. In this episode we go deep on fear, risk, happiness, and how chasing mastery can sometimes steal your joy. It’s an incredible look inside the mind of someone who has shaped surf culture for a generation. This convo was truly powerful. Key Discussion Points Burning the ASP rulebook and walking away from comp surfing How fear and calm coexist inside a big barrel Why chasing the perfect wave still drives him at 41 Building an empire outside of the traditional surf world How growing up with little money fuels his work ethic The balance of staying youthful and chasing big dreams Follow Jamie: https://www.instagram.com/whoisjob/ Follow Chris: https://www.instagram.com/morechrisgriffin/ Timestamps: 00:00 - 01:30 Intro 01:30 - 06:00 The thrill and fear of the barrel 06:00 - 10:30 Signed at 13 and growing up fast 10:30 - 15:00 Walking away from competition surfing 15:00 - 19:30 Burning the rulebook 19:30 - 24:00 Fear rituals and risk mindset 24:00 - 28:30 Staying young, driven and building an empire 28:30 - 33:00 Teaching others and the surf school 33:00 - 37:30 Pipeline ego and surf culture 37:30 - 42:00 Why progress can kill the joy 42:00 - 46:30 Starting new hobbies and learning 46:30 - 51:00 The power of travel 51:00 - 55:30 Work ethic and building from nothing 55:30 - 01:00:00 The hunger for more 01:00:00 - 01:04:09 Why he keeps chasing waves

Josiah Hein is one of those people who lights up every room he walks into. But behind the energy and laughter is a story most people never hear. In this episode, we dive into the transformation that took place when Josiah became a father just 23 days before we recorded. We talk about the pressure that comes with showing up for your family, the insecurities that ruled his younger years, and the moment everything shifted when he felt the love of God for the first time. From growing up in Canada and hustling from the age of 10, to losing his sister in one of the most painful moments of his life… to finding confidence not from validation, but from love, this convo was truly powerful.  Key Discussion Points: – What fatherhood taught him overnight – The difference between earned confidence and real confidence – Losing his sister and how it changed the way he lives – Why he stopped chasing approval – The moment he felt loved for who he truly was – Finding faith, purpose, and freedom – How pain pushed him into purpose Timestamps: 00:00 – 03:26 - You can’t control their reaction 03:26 – 06:37 - Early fatherhood and feeling useless 06:37 – 11:05 - The moment everything changed for him 11:05 – 15:15 - Her strength showed me her soul 15:15 – 19:56 - Wasted potential and painful realizations 19:56 – 25:10 - Hustling from age 10 25:10 – 27:55 - Losing his sister changed everything 27:55 – 30:00 - How grief led to virality 30:00 – 33:12 - When the videos blew up 33:12 – 36:05 - Using humor to survive school 36:05 – 39:18 - Short memory is a superpower 39:18 – 43:14 - The Jesus vision that shifted him 43:14 – 47:46 - Feeling loved for the first time 47:46 – 52:00 - New identity, new country, new chance 52:00 – 01:06:48 - Confidence, patterns, and raising his son

Welcome to episode 73 of The Pocket with Chris Griffin. My guest today is Jaguar Heart. Jag’s energy is one of a kind. He’s someone who owns every part of himself and encourages others to do the same. Known for his bold takes on masculinity, relationships, and self-responsibility, Jaguar has built a name for speaking truth in a world full of noise. In this episode, we dive deep into identity, masculine energy, emotional resilience, and what it really means to live in integrity. If you’ve ever felt stuck, misunderstood, or like you’re not being your full self, this one will hit home. Key Discussion Points: Why loneliness is often just a lack of self-connection The difference between boundaries and standards How men and women thrive in their natural roles Why responsibility is the gateway to freedom The truth about affirmations and identity Follow Jaguar: https://www.instagram.com/purejaguar/ Follow Chris: https://www.instagram.com/morechrisgriffin/

Welcome to another episode of The Pocket with Chris Griffin. Today, I answered some of your questions from my Instagram story. Enjoy.

Welcome to episode 71 of The Pocket with Chris Griffin. We are welcoming back to the show Alfie Robertson today. Alfie was featured on episode 1 of The Pocket and fun fact, our friend group was the reason The Pocket became the name of this show. That’s a story for another day. You’ve probably seen this guy on your instagram screen every day for the past 18 months. Alfie went from working a 9 to 5 job in climate consulting, drinking on weekends, to now, where he’s running a wildly successful online business, impacting thousands, and building one of the fastest-growing personal brands in the world. In this episode, we speak about the cost of growth, the identity shifts that come with real change, and why most people never break free from the cycles holding them back. Key Discussion Points: Giving up alcohol and choosing discomfort Why belief is more powerful than strategy Building a brand instead of being an influencer Leaving your old identity behind The mindset shift that made him unstoppable Follow Alfie: https://www.instagram.com/alfiegetshard/ Join Amplify: https://applytoamplify.com/apply Follow Chris: https://www.instagram.com/morechrisgriffin/ Thank you to Switch Nutrition View my Chris Griffin Collection Page below to grab some of the products that I love and take daily. You can use code GRIFFIN for 15% off! https://switchnutrition.com.au/collections/chris-griffin?rfsn=7921810.4c98a4 Thank you to Whoop! If you want to take your health and fitness to the next level try Whoop for free today with my link below: https://join.whoop.com/chris Thank you Gymshark!  Use code CHRISGRIFFIN for 15% off: https://www.gymshark.com/ Timestamps: 04:30 – 09:00: Family support and early self-belief 09:00 – 13:30: Breaking identity loops and doubt 13:30 – 18:00: The secret power of environment 18:00 – 22:30: 75 Hard and giving up alcohol 22:30 – 27:00: Why action is louder than planning 27:00 – 31:30: Building belief and spotting ceilings 31:30 – 36:00: The truth about success on Instagram 36:00 – 40:30: From fitness to building Amplify 40:30 – 45:00: Lessons from scaling  45:00 – 49:30: The power of leverage 49:30 – 54:00: Standing out in a crowded world 54:00 – 58:30: Managing pressure and public perception 58:30 – 1:03:00: Top line vs bottom line 1:03:00 – 1:07:10: Building for impact not ego

Welcome to episode 70 of The Pocket with Chris Griffin. Today’s guest is Rochelle Fox. From the outside, Rochelle Fox had it all, a booming career, a picture-perfect life. But on the inside? She was quietly falling apart. Haunted by years of trauma, panic attacks, and an eating disorder, Rochelle was living behind a mask. It wasn’t until she was diagnosed with PTSD that everything clicked. That moment cracked her open and meditation rebuilt her. In this powerful episode, we dive deep into the subconscious, the stories we unknowingly live out, and the healing journey that comes with rewriting your code.  Rochelle doesn’t hold back. She shares the raw truth about what it takes to start again from nothing. If you’ve ever felt stuck, lost, or like you’re living someone else’s life… this episode is for you. Key Discussion Points: The Smile Was a Mask - Rochelle opens up about hiding trauma behind a perfectly curated life. Programming vs. Personality - Why most of who we are isn’t chosen — it’s conditioned. The Breakdown That Saved Her - The rock bottom moment that made her turn to meditation. You Keep Attracting What You Don’t Want - Rochelle unpacks how subconscious patterns control your reality. Fresh Page Energy - Burning it all down and rebuilding life with intention. Follow Rochelle: https://www.instagram.com/rochelle_fox/ Follow Chris: https://www.instagram.com/morechrisgriffin/ Thank you to Whoop! If you want to take your health and fitness to the next level try Whoop for free today with my link below: https://join.whoop.com/chris Thank you to Papa Macros! Use code CHRISGRIFFIN for 10% off your orders for life. https://www.papamacros.com.au/ Timestamps: 0:00 – 4:50 — The panic attacks behind the smile 4:50 – 9:40 — Naming PTSD: Label it, kill it 9:40 – 14:31 — Boogie board trauma and self-worth 14:31 – 19:21 — How Aussie culture kills ambition 19:21 – 24:12 — Your subconscious is driving everything 24:12 – 29:02 — Life is a game — play it 29:02 – 33:52 — From survival mode to magnetic self 33:52 – 38:43 — Meditation made me feel again 38:43 – 43:33 — Breaking free from fake identities 43:33 – 48:23 — Let it burn — fresh start 48:23 – 53:14 — The truth about nervous system hacks 53:14 – 58:04 — Don’t be your brain’s bitch 58:04 – 1:02:54 — Solo rituals to find your truth 1:02:54 – 1:07:45 — Control your attention, control your life 1:07:45 – 1:12:35 — What’s next for Rochelle Fox

Welcome to episode 69 of The Pocket with Chris Griffin! Our guest today is Salim Najjar. What looked like rock bottom losing his business, dislocating his shoulder, going broke, turned out to be the moment Salim found everything. In today’s episode, Salim opens up about the unseen forces running our lives: our nervous system, our heart rate variability (HRV), and the emotional scars we don’t even realise we’re carrying. He breaks down why most of us stay stuck, how to actually move trauma out of the body, and why real health has nothing to do with how fit you look  and everything to do with how free you feel inside. This is a deep, important conversation for anyone who’s chasing more but feels like they’re stuck at the same level. Follow Salim: https://www.instagram.com/thathrvguy/ Follow Chris: https://www.instagram.com/morechrisgriffin/ Thank you to Whoop! If you want to take your health and fitness to the next level try Whoop for free today with my link below: https://join.whoop.com/chris Thank you to Papa Macros! Use code CHRISGRIFFIN for 10% off your orders for life. https://www.papamacros.com.au/ Timestamps: 00:00 – 01:26 | Rock Bottom Changes Everything 01:26 – 05:48 | Trauma Stored in the Body 05:48 – 11:35 | Loss Sparks Deeper Awareness 11:35 – 17:22 | Chronic Stress and Disease 17:22 – 23:18 | Obsessing Over HRV Scores 23:18 – 28:30 | Balancing Podcasting and Training 28:30 – 31:52 | Food, Fuel, and Busy Routines 31:52 – 39:19 | What HRV Really Means 39:19 – 46:48 | Comparison Destroys Nervous System 46:48 – 51:10 | Signs You Need Recovery 51:10 – 54:11 | Importance of Rest and Tracking 54:11 – 1:02:02 | Strengthening the Nervous System 1:02:02 – 1:09:34 | Three Pillars to Boost HRV 1:09:34 – 1:16:55 | How Sleep Changes Everything 1:16:55 – 1:24:12 | Community and Nervous System Health 1:24:12 – 1:31:57 | Rewrite Your Story, Change Your Life 1:31:57 – 1:38:20 | How Breathwork Boosts HRV 1:38:20 – 1:46:42 | Training the Parasympathetic Response 1:46:42 – 2:03:23 | Healing Through Relationships 2:03:23 – 2:16:54 | Curiosity, Compassion, and Final Words

In this episode, I’m joined by Wade Papenfus - a wild creator, deep thinker, and a man who said f**k plan B and backed himself into the unknown. Wade went from living in a caravan with nothing but a camera and a dream, to building one of the fastest-growing YouTube channels in Australia. We talk about what it means to truly bet on yourself when you’ve got no safety net, no fallback, and no backup plan. Wade opens up about chasing discomfort, his obsession with learning, and how he found freedom through sacrifice. This one’s a deep dive into risk, rebellion, and real self-belief. From walking away from law, to training like an animal, to living out of a van and uploading daily with zero traction… until it all clicked. If you’ve ever felt called to do something bold, but fear, doubt, or comfort held you back, then this episode might be the permission slip you didn’t know you needed. Key Discussion Points: Quitting law and going all in on YouTube Living broke in a caravan chasing the dream Why pain was the fuel for growth The power of solitude and self-awareness Staying forever young and free Building a life with no plan B Follow Wade: https://www.instagram.com/wadepapenfus/ Follow Chris: https://www.instagram.com/morechrisgriffin/ Timestamps:   2:33 - 6:40 Wade on surface-level conversations vs depth 6:40 - 11:15 Where his need for depth comes from 11:15 - 17:01 Why most people don’t know themselves 17:01 - 20:41 The “eternal grom” and not growing old 20:41 - 24:16 From snow season to studying law 24:16 - 28:35 Law school, identity, and obsession 28:35 - 33:30 Solitude, self-esteem, and showing up real 33:30 - 38:10 The problem with trying to fit in 38:10 - 44:28 Starting YouTube and being held back by fear 44:28 - 49:40 The turning point: breaking through insecurity 49:40 - 54:45 Going all in while living like he was broke 54:45 - 1:04:00 Living in Indo and the real grind phase 1:04:00 - 1:12:45 Creative energy, burnout, and balance 1:12:45 - 1:25:00 The spiritual side of creation and alignment 1:25:00 - 1:48:40 Ownership, identity, and final reflections

Welcome to another solo Q&A episode! A very raw and unfiltered chat. I opened up about everything from navigating confusion and anxiety to the lonely season of life I am in, the importance of pain, what it means to be a strong man today and much, much more. If you’re in the thick of it right now - building, doubting, or questioning what’s next - this one’s for you. Key Discussion Points: Why pain is necessary for growth The lonely chapter and what it really means Navigating anxiety without letting it define you Masculinity, challenge, and modern relationships Plate spinning vs. laser focus Regaining momentum when you feel off track Follow Chris: https://www.instagram.com/morechrisgriffin/ Try Papa Macros and use code CHRISGRIFFIN for 10% off for life! https://www.papamacros.com.au/ Timestamps: 0:00 - 1:26 Intro 1:26 - 5:34 Figuring out what you want in life 5:34 - 11:13 Why young men need challenge 11:13 - 15:17 The reality of the lonely chapter 15:17 - 20:38 Managing anxiety and mental overload 20:38 - 23:47 The toughest question my mentor asked me 23:47 - 26:06 Why I feel guilty when I rest 26:06 - 27:50 What my diet looks like right now 27:50 - 32:16 How I built strong communication skills 32:16 - 34:43 A message to my future self 34:43 - 35:57 Do books help you communicate better? 35:57 - 38:11 How to get back momentum after falling off 38:11 - 38:57 Am I doing Melbourne HYROX? 38:57 - 40:03 What I’ll miss most about Australia 40:03 - 42:19 How my solo trip changed everything 42:19 - 46:25 Commitment issues in relationships 46:25 - 50:18 My honest thoughts on alcohol 50:18 - 52:17 How I stayed jacked while building my brand 52:17 - 56:09 Do we all have the same 24 hours? 56:09 - 58:30 How long it really takes to get in shape 58:30 - 59:26 Final thoughts and wrap-up