All Segments
Bear Grylls: Man VS Failure, Anxiety & Imposter Syndrome | E155
39 segments available
Bear Grylls is a British adventurer and television host who has been an international sensation of survival shows for twenty years. The host of Man vs. Wild, You vs. Wild, Running Wild, The Island, and the author of Mud, Sweat and Tears and over twenty other books, he's come in to talk to us about his new book - Never Give Up. Topics: 00:00 Intro 01:28 Confidence 08:08 Imposter syndrome 14:27 Resilience 20:01 When to quit 23:26 Are we always chasing a bigger challenge? 27:22 Finding your faith 32:37 Climbing Everest was humbling 35:37 Struggling with fame 41:35 Anxiety 46:41 What were your darkest moments? 49:38 What would you say to your father if he was alive? 55:36 The importance of relationships 01:00:59 Is your career complete? 01:05:30 Your latest and most special book: What did it teach you? 01:10:22 Our last guest's question Bear: https://twitter.com/BearGrylls https://www.instagram.com/beargrylls/?hl=en Bear’s book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Never-Give-extraordinary-autobiography-phenomenon/dp/ Listen on: Apple podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast... Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7iQXmUT... FOLLOW ► Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steven/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/SteveBartlettSC Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-ba... Sponsors: Huel - https://my.huel.com/Steven Myenergi - https://bit.ly/3oeWGnl Vodafone Business - https://bit.ly/3Nagd1l Min term and eligibility criteria apply. £200 via prepaid card. Small business customers (less than 10 employees) only. 75K & 115K based on customer trial. For full terms and conditions please visit www.vodafone.co.uk/digitalboost.
Segments Timeline
The Cost of Determination
Bear Grylls reflects on the harsh realities of determination and the sacrifices made in pursuit of success. He shares a personal story about a dark moment in his life when he broke his back, emphasizing the struggle of losing physical strength and questioning his purpose. This segment highlights the importance of resilience and the mental battles faced during challenging times.
"just because you're determined doesn't mean everything's going to go well those four people that passed away were they climbing with you on fair grills and i've learned how to survive on some of the m..."
Finding Confidence Amidst Demons
Bear discusses his childhood struggles with confidence and the societal pressures that often define success. He emphasizes the importance of finding one's identity and the value of kindness over traditional measures of success like athleticism or academic achievement. This segment explores the journey of self-discovery and the ongoing battle for confidence.
"my life when is there a time to give up so without further ado i'm stephen bartlett and this is the diary of a ceo i hope nobody's listening but if you are then please keep this to yourself [Music] be..."
Redefining Confidence
In this segment, Bear Grylls redefines confidence as a quiet, internal strength rather than an overt display of self-assurance. He shares insights on how life humbles us and the importance of perseverance through struggles. Bear emphasizes that true confidence comes from resilience and the willingness to keep trying despite failures.
"a kid and sometimes if you get a bit lost in the system um so i suppose what i meant is that it took me a while to find the confidence you know and it's still a journey i think we're all on you know i..."
The Value of Relationships
Bear reflects on the significance of relationships in life, contrasting the loud personalities often celebrated in school with the quiet perseverance of those who support us. He shares how his crew has become a source of strength and pride, emphasizing that true heroes are often those who work behind the scenes. This segment highlights the importance of loyalty and camaraderie in challenging environments.
"because wherever you're at you can do that you know it's a decision isn't it it's not a gift it's not something we're born with like the looks or the academic of the sport is something you've got to s..."
Imposter Syndrome and Self-Doubt
Bear opens up about experiencing imposter syndrome despite his success as an adventurer and television personality. He discusses the pressure that comes with recognition and how it can amplify feelings of inadequacy. This segment delves into the contrast between public perception and personal reality, emphasizing the importance of humility and gratitude in the face of success.
"carry me many times you know in so many ways encourage me when when i've been struggling and i look at them and and still brothers and sisters best friends to this day uh i think it's probably the thi..."
The Journey of Resilience
In this segment, Bear emphasizes that resilience is not an innate talent but a muscle that can be developed through perseverance and facing failures. He shares personal anecdotes about the support he received during tough times and the importance of determination. Bear encourages listeners to embrace their struggles as part of their journey, reinforcing the idea that resilience is universal and attainable.
"not worry about too much about how the tv makes it always look i mean the truth is the tv always puts the best bits they cut out the trips and the stumbles and you put anything into music and the guy'..."
Never Give Up
Bear concludes with a powerful message to his children about the importance of never giving up and being kind. He reflects on how resilience is built over time and how everyone can cultivate this quality. This segment serves as an inspiring reminder that success is not about being the best but about doing your best and maintaining a positive attitude through life's challenges.
"and and said things and as they turn back and quit right that that for me is a filtering process of something yeah whatever that something is all it is is it's something we can control it's not a filt..."
Lessons from Humble Beginnings
In this segment, Bear reflects on his early experiences, including being a linesman for a football team. He highlights how small, seemingly insignificant roles can build resilience and character. Grylls contrasts the school heroes with those who quietly persist, suggesting that true strength often lies in the ability to keep going despite not being recognized.
"and that's a great thing because it's not something only some people can have you know it's universal for us all we can all become people think it's a god-given gift to someone be resilient resilience..."
Crafting Your Self-Story
Bear Grylls explores the concept of self-identity and how our decisions shape our personal narratives. He shares insights on the importance of pushing through discomfort and not giving up, even when no one is watching. This segment emphasizes the significance of self-discipline and the internal dialogue that defines who we are.
"this might not be the biggest thing but this is like ninja like you know that that resilience muscle inside is strong and as you know and as i know in life that's the one that is going to carry you fu..."
Embracing Challenges
Grylls discusses the value of facing challenges head-on and how adversity reveals character. He shares his philosophy that during tough times, one should strive to give more rather than give up. This segment highlights the importance of resilience in both personal and professional contexts.
"[Music] whenever people quitting or complaining i like those moments for me it was like okay there's all the all the chat and the bravado there's always that beginning i was full of that but bring it ..."
Knowing When to Quit
In this thought-provoking segment, Bear addresses the wisdom of knowing when to quit. He contrasts the common belief that quitting is for losers with the idea that sometimes stepping back is necessary for growth. Grylls shares personal experiences that illustrate the importance of intuition and adaptability in decision-making.
"arenas and um and it's helped me you know i remember this guy said to me once said and you do anything for another 10 seconds i like that you know when it's you're in that moment you key going another..."
The Role of Experience in Resilience
Bear reflects on how experience shapes resilience and the ability to adapt. He discusses the importance of patience and judgment, especially in high-stakes situations like mountaineering. This segment emphasizes that resilience is often developed over time through life experiences.
"wisdom you know you just don't want to be a pig-headed head in the dirt you know that's not smart that's not smart you know intuition and experience has to know when hard on this is this isn't maybe t..."
Finding Fulfillment Beyond Achievement
In this introspective segment, Bear shares his thoughts on fulfillment and how it transcends achievements. He reflects on the importance of gratitude and relationships, suggesting that true fulfillment comes from within and is rooted in connections with others rather than accolades.
"most people don't get where they're going not not because of a lack of skills or talent is it's that lack of kind of ability to keep going when it's hard and that's why i think doing little things eve..."
The Journey of Self-Discovery
Bear discusses the ongoing journey of self-discovery and the realization that fulfillment is not found in external achievements. He emphasizes the significance of love, relationships, and personal growth as key components of a fulfilling life.
"thing at the commando training center in limston that just says comfortable with uncertainty and it's a great thing for life you know don't get sat in that comfort zone too much you know i call it a c..."
The Complexity of Faith
In this segment, Bear delves into the complexities of faith and its role in his life. He acknowledges the challenges of discussing faith in a modern context and reflects on how his understanding of faith has evolved over time, emphasizing its importance in providing strength and resilience.
"maybe a little bit i think when i was young you know i think everest certainly for me was such a symbol of like i'm gonna do this you know that it was at a time when only i think 20 odd brits had ever..."
The Journey of Faith
Grylls shares his personal journey with faith, describing how it has evolved over time. He acknowledges the challenges of articulating faith in a society that has grown more skeptical, and he emphasizes the importance of believing in something greater than oneself, which provides strength during difficult moments.
"the in the 2022 in the uk where i think we've grown more atheist as a society i mean some people say there's no such thing as an atheist but we've grown more atheists in our viewpoints it is harder to..."
Strength in Adversity
In this segment, Bear discusses how extreme experiences, such as climbing Everest, can both shake and strengthen one's faith. He reflects on the duality of doubt and belief, illustrating how facing life's challenges can lead to a deeper understanding of faith and resilience.
"the same coin you know i think it does feel like that for me but through it all i would say my christian faith has been a real backbone and a kind of secret strength in many tricky moments you know li..."
A Moment with Obama
Bear recounts a poignant moment with former President Obama during their expedition, where he felt compelled to offer support and encouragement. This spontaneous act of kindness highlights the power of genuine human connection and the importance of uplifting others in times of stress.
"it's funny that thing with obama because in a way that was never meant to be on tv it was just a spontaneous thing at the end of the journey and i'd you know as you know when you spend time with peopl..."
The Reality of Climbing Everest
Grylls shares his humbling experience of climbing Everest, discussing the harsh realities and dangers of the mountain. He reflects on the lessons learned about ambition, luck, and the value of life, questioning whether any mountain is worth a life and emphasizing the importance of perspective.
"not always easy i mean awkward sometimes isn't it doing that sort of thing of course but but that's okay i've learned that that's okay dude sometimes the awkward things are the best things telling som..."
Navigating Fame and Recognition
In this segment, Bear opens up about his struggles with fame and public recognition. He discusses the pressure of expectations and how he copes with the attention, emphasizing the importance of focusing on meaningful connections rather than the superficial aspects of fame.
"do our best to be positive do our best to give our best and keep going for it those four people that passed away were they climbing with you two russians and a a brit new new zealander from other team..."
Shifting Perspectives on Fame
Bear reflects on his early experiences with fame during the success of 'Man vs. Wild.' He shares how the recognition affected his confidence and enjoyment of his work, ultimately learning to shift his focus from himself to the impact he has on others.
"gone to tv for that you know i got to tv because you know this producer said do you want to try this thing and like i said we were just married and starting out and pretty broke and it was like let's ..."
The Weight of Fame
Bear Grylls reflects on the challenges of fame and the anxiety that comes with it. He shares how the initial excitement of his show, 'Man vs. Wild,' turned into self-consciousness as he learned about its massive global audience. This segment explores the shift from enjoying his work to feeling pressured by public perception.
"you know my son or my you know my uncle was this or did that or my son's a scout daughter's a scout or whatever it is and i like those connections always grateful for people's stories and and that's f..."
Shifting Focus to Others
In this segment, Bear discusses how he learned to redirect his focus from himself to the impact he has on others. He emphasizes the importance of connecting with fans and understanding their stories, which helped alleviate his anxiety and reignite his passion for adventure and exploration.
"of and the crew said it so they said is everything okay and i think i had to learn to it's about other people you know and when i raised people coming up and they weren't going you know you're amazing..."
Understanding Anxiety
Bear delves into the concept of anxiety, describing it as a natural signal that can indicate disconnection from one's tribe or destructive thought patterns. He discusses the importance of mental health awareness and how recognizing these feelings can lead to personal growth and resilience.
"taking these rookies they might be amazing rookies but they're often wilderness rookies and opening their eyes to my office you know the outdoors what the wire can do for people that light inside that..."
The Importance of Mental Health
Bear emphasizes the significance of mental health and the need to care for emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being. He shares insights on how outdoor activities and genuine connections with others can serve as powerful tools for maintaining mental health and resilience.
"health um awareness that's emerged in the last 10 years what's your relationship been like with those with those um those topics first of all it's it's amazing that people are talking about this and f..."
Personal Experiences with Mental Health
In this segment, Bear reflects on his personal experiences with mental health, acknowledging that while he hasn't faced severe depression, he has encountered anxiety. He shares how being outdoors and having a close-knit group of friends have helped him navigate tough times.
"don't always fear you know stay honest stay connected talk to people you know be outside how how many times do we see studies proving that when we're outside and we're in the sun and we're expressing ..."
Finding Strength in Community
Bear discusses the role of community and camaraderie in overcoming mental health challenges. He highlights the benefits of physical fitness and outdoor activities, particularly through his military fitness program, which fosters connection and support among participants.
"have really had battles i think i've always had a you know an intuition of when i need to change something and when i'm struggling a little bit and when hold on this this feeling of of anxiety would b..."
Navigating Dark Moments
Bear shares his darkest moments, including a serious back injury during his military service and the loss of his parents shortly after his marriage. He reflects on how these experiences shaped him and ultimately led to personal growth and resilience.
"things you're gonna shoot for the top you're gonna have struggles and failures and part of life when was your darkest moment one was when i broke my back in the military and was in rehabilitation for ..."
Cherishing Parental Relationships
In this heartfelt segment, Bear discusses the importance of expressing love and gratitude to parents. He reflects on the loss of his father and the lessons learned from that experience, emphasizing the need to appreciate and communicate with loved ones while we still can.
"was they are and all of these dynamics that we take for granted and so often i see friends now and they get oh my you know my mum's a bit poorly and my dad i'm thinking there's part of me thinking you..."
The Power of Vulnerability
Bear concludes with a discussion on the value of vulnerability in relationships. He shares anecdotes about expressing feelings to friends and family, highlighting how these moments can strengthen bonds and create lasting memories.
"what would you say to what advice would you give me about well never take that for granted and never never be scared of saying i mean tell him now you know tell him on this he'll listen to this he's p..."
Protecting Relationships
Bear Grylls reflects on the importance of nurturing close relationships, comparing them to stained glass that needs protection. He shares insights on prioritizing family over work commitments and the lessons learned from past mistakes. Grylls emphasizes the need to save our best selves for those we love, rather than reserving our best for public appearances.
"like i said i stand on the shoulders of many giants that are the real heroes in my life and i definitely consider my dad one i'd definitely consider those i served alongside the military many still fr..."
Finding Balance Between Work and Family
In this segment, Bear Grylls discusses the struggle of balancing work demands with family life. He shares personal anecdotes about the pressures of his career and the importance of making conscious choices to prioritize family. Grylls highlights the need to protect what truly matters and the wisdom gained from experience.
"as you might know my energy are a sponsor of this podcast and they offer countless ways to make your life a little bit more sustainable and make that transition from where you are now to a sustainable..."
The Adventure Spirit
Bear Grylls expresses his desire to maintain an adventurous spirit throughout life. He discusses the importance of resilience and gratitude, emphasizing that adventure is a mindset. Grylls reflects on the privilege of life and the need to appreciate the world around us, encouraging listeners to keep their eyes wide open.
"know if and that's why i say if you all know what someone's like ask their wife because don't don't look at the press reports and don't read their own stories about themselves you know ask person who ..."
Never Give Up: The Journey of Writing
Bear Grylls shares insights about his latest book, 'Never Give Up,' which took five years to write. He reflects on the challenges of writing an autobiography and the personal significance of this project. Grylls discusses the evolution of his storytelling and the deeper questions that arise from his experiences in adventure and survival.
"really compelled by um when i read that you're the chief scout i was like that's the ceo of the scouts right is that not the ceo of the scouts effectively well i don't think i've ever i've never had a..."
The Journey of Writing 'Never Give Up'
Bear discusses the process of writing his latest book, 'Never Give Up,' which took five years to complete. He reflects on the challenges of sharing personal stories and the importance of honesty in conveying the struggles behind his successes, aiming to inspire his children and others.
"that far inside shining bright never give up the the name of your recent book um this book i got the sense that it was slightly more special than previous books to you and that it had taken five years..."
Vulnerability in Storytelling
In this segment, Bear explores the relationship between vulnerability and effective storytelling. He emphasizes that true connection comes from being open about struggles and failures, and how this honesty fosters deeper relationships and understanding.
"give up you know it's at a time where i think the world's coming through an incredibly continuous to be an incredibly tough time and i think that spirit of relentless determination is needed more than..."
The Power of Authenticity
Bear reflects on the importance of authenticity in life and relationships. He discusses the transition from projecting a tough image to embracing vulnerability, highlighting how this shift leads to genuine connections and a more fulfilling life.
"what did you find what did you feel well yeah for me there was a couple of questions that when i started a chapter i hadn't actually answered them yet and by the end of the chapter i'd answered the qu..."
Looking Ahead: Five Years from Now
Bear shares his hopes for the future, expressing a desire to continue empowering others through his adventures and storytelling. He emphasizes the importance of family and maintaining strong relationships while pursuing his mission.
"want to create bonds with and some people have that realization at 25 and they live the rest of life in this empowered way some people don't reach that point until they're 85 they live the whole life ..."
A Legacy of Empowerment
In this closing segment, Bear reflects on his journey and the impact he hopes to leave behind. He expresses gratitude for the opportunity to inspire others and the importance of living life fully, embracing both the scars and the adventures along the way.
"that spirit continue yeah thank you so much for the time and generosity i've got to say this does really feel like a huge honor for me because of how infrequently you do anything like this so i i just..."