Jonno Proudfoot Podcast

I sit down with the remarkable entrepreneur and former CEO of GetSmarter, Sam Paddock. Sam's journey in business is nothing short of extraordinary, having successfully sold GetSmarter for a staggering $103 million to a Nasdaq-listed company.Sam shares profound insights into his entrepreneurial voyage and the emotional rollercoaster that accompanied the exit. He opens up about the significance of finding deeper meaning and purpose in work beyond financial gains, stressing that it should be about personal growth, overcoming challenges, and creating value in the world.Sam's experience as the CEO of GetSmarter offers valuable lessons in leadership, resilience, and adaptability. He reflects on the transformational moments that shaped his understanding of self-worth, realizing that defining oneself solely through external markers like money or achieving a specific weight goal can be limiting.One of the key highlights is the concept of a personal manifesto. Sam passionately discusses the power of writing down one's values, goals, and aspirations as a means of self-reflection and accountability. He shares how this practice not only guides his own life but also played a pivotal role in shaping GetSmarter's strategy and direction.Moreover, the conversation delves into the idea of being "ruthless" in certain situations while maintaining a commitment to fostering a world built on generosity and harmony. Sam elaborates on the importance of embracing conflict when necessary and how it can be a catalyst for growth and transformation.Sam attributes his drive and work ethic to the inspiring examples set by his industrious parents, who instilled in him the value of hard work and dedication. He candidly shares how early experiences and personal growth have shaped his motivations and behaviors as a leader and entrepreneur.Towards the end of our discussion, Sam expresses his admiration for my holistic coaching approach, which encompasses more than just dietary or nutritional guidance. He commends my efforts to uplift individuals by improving their self-esteem and overall well-being, and eagerly looks forward to supporting and witnessing the positive impact I will continue to make on others.In conclusion, this chat provides an insightful and motivational exploration of Sam Paddock's entrepreneurial journey, offering valuable lessons in leadership, self-discovery, and the pursuit of meaningful work. Sam's wisdom and my thoughtful questions create an engaging and thought-provoking experience, inspiring us to find purpose and fulfillment in our own lives.

Welcome to an engaging and enlightening podcast where I team up with John Sanei, a renowned international speaker and futurist. Join me on a thought-provoking journey as John and I dive into the captivating world of technology and the boundless possibilities it brings.In this episode, I and John explore the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies on our lives and society as a whole. We delve into the future and discuss the implications of AI advancements on parenting, education, and our understanding of critical thinking.Drawing from our expertise, John and I challenge conventional thinking and encourage listeners to embrace adaptability and a growth mindset in the face of technological progress. We explore the changing landscape of education, the role of universities, and the shifting perspectives on skills like essay writing in an AI-driven world.Ethical considerations also come into play as we tackle the debates surrounding AI-generated art and plagiarism. Our insightful discussion prompts reflection and raises important questions about the intersection of technology, ethics, and human creativity.Join me and John Sanei on this remarkable podcast journey as we navigate the evolving realm of technology and inspire listeners to embrace the opportunities and challenges presented by the future. Get ready to expand your horizons, challenge your assumptions, and embark on a captivating exploration of the world shaped by innovation and possibilities.

Owen Middleton, the founder of Wildrunner, Africa's leading trail running event company, joins me for an exciting conversation. As a trail runner and adventurer myself, Owen shares his passion for exploring the natural beauty of South Africa and beyond through trail running events that push the boundaries of endurance and create unforgettable experiences.In this episode, Owen takes listeners on a journey into the origins of Wildrunner and how it all started with a vision to introduce more people to the joy of trail running. He shares his personal experience as a competitive trail runner and the realization that there was a need for races that bridged the gap between traditional road running and the challenging mountain races that seemed daunting to many. With the Trail series as its anchor, Wildrunner began to offer races that provided an entry point for newcomers to experience the thrill and beauty of trail running.Owen's passion for the natural beauty of South Africa and his desire to share it with others shines through as he recalls the early days of organizing races and the overwhelming response from participants. From the initial race in Silver Mine East to expanding into different provinces and even venturing into neighboring countries like Lesotho and Namibia, Wildrunner's Trailblazing Adventures quickly became a platform for people to connect with the essence of adventure and explore the incredible landscapes that surround them.Throughout the episode, Owen and I discuss the growth of Wildrunner, the challenges we faced, and the rewards of creating a community of trail runners. We reflect on the importance of safety and logistics in organizing races, ensuring that participants can experience the thrill and reward of trail running without unnecessary complications. Owen's passion for adventure and his commitment to providing a platform for others to embrace their adventurous spirit is evident in every aspect of Wildrunner's events.Join me and Owen as we delve into the world of trail running, sharing stories of our own experiences and inspiring listeners to embrace the natural beauty of the world and embark on their own trail running adventures.

I am joined by Dr. Jen Unwin, a fellow of the British Psychological Society, BSc, MSc, DPsy, FBPsS, a consultant clinical health psychologist based in the United Kingdom and a former chair of the UK Association for Solution Focused Practice, who brings her wealth of knowledge and clinical expertise to the forefront of the podcast. With Dr. Unwin's expertise and extensive experience in working with the NHS to help patients manage chronic illness and achieve wellbeing, as well as her collaboration with her GP husband Dr. David Unwin in supporting patients with lifestyle changes, this podcast offers a refreshing perspective on managing chronic illnesses and promoting healthy behaviors.Dr. Jen Unwin and I delve into the topic of low-carb diets and their impact on diabetes management. We address the controversies and challenges faced by proponents of low-carb diets while highlighting the extensive data we have collected on various health markers, debunking concerns about negative effects on heart health and kidney function.We also explore the psychological aspect of food addiction and its connection to low self-worth, body image issues, and struggles with weight. We acknowledge the unique challenges of food addiction and stress the importance of forming a healthy relationship with food while being mindful of addictive foods.Moreover, the conversation takes an intriguing turn as we discuss the role of trauma in food addiction and weight management. We delve into the connection between trauma and sustainable weight loss efforts, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach that addresses both food addiction and mental well-being.Overall, get valuable insights, practical tools, and hope for individuals struggling with chronic illnesses and food addiction. Dr. Jen Unwin's expertise as a consultant clinical health psychologist, her collaboration with Dr. David Unwin, and her extensive work with the NHS make this podcast episode relatable and inspiring, allowing listeners to gain a deeper understanding of how to improve their own health and wellbeing.

Join me as Dr. Cywes, a renowned surgeon specializing in bariatric surgery, takes a critical look at the limitations of conventional weight loss interventions and dives deep into the underlying issue of carb addiction. Drawing from his extensive experience, Dr. Cywes sheds light on the root causes of obesity and the importance of addressing them for long-lasting results.In this thought-provoking conversation, Dr. Cywes and I explore the consequences of solely treating the symptoms of obesity without understanding the emotional and psychological factors that contribute to weight gain. He emphasizes the need for effective emotion management strategies and highlights the role of sugar in creating a dangerous cycle of carbohydrate abuse and addiction.Prepare to challenge conventional medical practices as Dr. Cywes shares his transformation from a surgeon to a holistic practitioner, incorporating life coaching and psychological support in his approach. Through captivating anecdotes and personal insights, he uncovers the profound impact of carbohydrate addiction on individuals' lives and stresses the critical role of comprehensive lifestyle changes.Join me, your host, as I engage Dr. Cywes in a captivating continuation of the podcast. Together, we delve into the long-term sustainability of various eating plans and the importance of transforming one's lifestyle to maintain positive results. We highlight the common misconception of achieving short-term goals without considering the long-term consequences. Dr. Cywes introduces the concept of "carb creep," where individuals unknowingly reintroduce carbohydrates into their diet, leading to potential setbacks in their weight loss journey.Moreover, Dr. Cywes and I address the distorted thinking patterns of addicts and how addiction can manifest in different forms, not limited to carbohydrate addiction. We explore the profound impact of cooking on individuals' lives, satisfying their human needs for contribution, significance, certainty, variety, love, and connection. Cooking becomes a powerful tool for self-affirmation and breaking free from external validation.The conversation deepens as Dr. Cywes discusses addiction management as a transformative process, emphasizing the importance of internalizing self-affirmation and focusing on personal efforts rather than outcomes. Drawing on the work of Renee Brown, he poses powerful questions that challenge us to reflect on whether we believe we and others are doing our best each day. He highlights the value of expanding our toolkit and acquiring new skills for personal growth and self-improvement.The discussion also explores the complexities faced by competitive individuals who struggle to let go of certain goals. Dr. Cywes emphasizes finding a balance between setting challenging goals and being kind to oneself, fostering a sense of self-affirmation and fulfillment.Overall, this thought-provoking podcast featuring Dr. Rob Cywes offers a fresh perspective on the obesity epidemic, carb addiction, and the path to sustainable health. Prepare to be inspired as Dr. Cywes shares his transformative journey, and I, your engaging host, guide the conversation towards embracing comprehensive lifestyle changes, understanding the complexities of addiction management, and embarking on a fulfilling and sustainable weight management journey.

I'm thrilled to be joined by the remarkable Dr. Joan Ifland, a leading expert in addiction and nutrition. Her extensive background and expertise will provide me with evidence-backed insights and eye-opening revelations.In this captivating conversation, Dr. Joan Ifland sheds light on the insidious nature of processed food addiction and its parallels with tobacco addiction. I will delve into the strategic targeting of children by the processed food industry and how it perpetuates addiction.Together, we will unravel the addictive properties of various ingredients such as sugar, gluten, flour, salt, dairy, fats, caffeine, and food additives. Dr. Joan Ifland will help me understand how these elements affect our cravings and self-control.Furthermore, we'll discuss the concept of the Addiction Reset community, also known as the Rat Park, where individuals find support and experience oxytocin release to manage cravings and regain control. Dr. Joan Ifland will share valuable insights into the training programs and engaging activities that promote fun and kindness, which are crucial for strengthening self-control.As I explore the different "neighborhoods" in the brain, with the craving neighborhood seen as dangerous, Dr. Joan Ifland will provide strategies to shift from craving to a well-trained, controlled, and happy neighborhood. These techniques involve using cues and safe environments to produce neurotransmitters and regain control of our thoughts.In this podcast, we will also delve into the transformative Reset Weeks, a powerful part of the Addiction Reset community. Dr. Joan Ifland will describe the fulfilling activities like walks, swimming, boating, games, puzzles, and karaoke, which help foster self-control and create a profound sense of fulfillment.Together, we will challenge the notion of moderation in addiction and cravings, as we explore the evidence that abstaining from addictive behaviors may be the most effective approach to break free from the harmful cycle.Dr. Joan Ifland will emphasize the influence of culture and the processed food industry on dietary recommendations. We will also discuss the importance of surrounding ourselves with a tribe of individuals who do not consume processed foods. The concept of mirror neurons and their impact on our eating habits will be explored.Ultimately, our goal is to inspire you to lead a purposeful life focused on helping others and reducing suffering. I advocate for prioritizing fulfilling experiences over consumption-driven lifestyles, providing you with a new perspective on the role of food in your life.Get ready for an amazing and awe-inspiring journey that will challenge your perception of food addiction and empower you to take control of your health. Join me as I embark on this transformative journey with Dr. Joan Ifland and gain valuable insights into making informed choices about what you eat.