Welcome to the Modern Warrior Podcast! In this episode, I’m joined by Stuart Coyne, a driven individual whose journey from a life of personal struggles to building a successful career as an online fitness coach is nothing short of inspiring. Stuart opens up about overcoming addiction, finding purpose, and the pivotal moments that helped him transition into a healthier, more fulfilled life. We discuss the power of discipline, self-awareness, and setting boundaries to achieve true transformation. This is a raw and real conversation about finding the warrior within.

• Early Life and Career Beginnings:
  • Stuart shares his experience of leaving college and entering a corporate sales job that didn’t align with his passion for fitness and health.
  • Discusses the pressures of societal norms, feeling trapped in a career, and coping through unhealthy habits.
• Struggles with Addiction and Identity:
  • Opens up about using alcohol and recreational drugs to numb the stress of work and losing touch with his true self.
  • Describes the realization that he needed to make a change when his health, happiness, and purpose felt lost.
• Reaching Out for Help:
  • Stuart details the moment he decided to reach out to me for guidance, recognizing parallels in our journeys.
  • Focused first on rebuilding his physical health as a foundation for overall transformation.
• Transformation Through Fitness:
  • Highlights how the discipline of getting back in shape brought structure, confidence, and a renewed sense of purpose.
  • Emphasizes that transformation is about the process and lifestyle changes, not just the physical results.
• Transition to Online Coaching:
  • Shares how stepping out of his comfort zone to create content and coach others helped him align with his passion.
  • Discusses the challenges of leaving a stable career to pursue his dream and how persistence paid off.
• The Importance of Boundaries:
  • Talks about setting firm boundaries with peers who didn’t align with his new lifestyle and how this impacted his growth.
  • Reflects on the value of surrounding himself with people who support and inspire positive change.
• Finding Purpose and Balance:
  • Explains how dedicating himself to fitness challenges, such as bodybuilding and running, helped him channel his energy positively.
  • Recognizes the importance of balancing work, relationships, and self-care in building a sustainable, fulfilling life.
• Key Takeaways:
  • Transformation requires discipline, honesty, and the willingness to confront discomfort.
  • Purpose and self-awareness are essential for long-term success and happiness.
  • Surrounding yourself with the right people and setting clear boundaries are critical to personal growth.

Welcome to the Modern Warrior Podcast! In this episode, I sit down with John Connors, a multi-talented actor, writer, and filmmaker, to explore his journey from the challenges of growing up in a marginalized community to becoming an award-winning artist. John opens up about his battles with mental health, his creative process, and the role of faith and resilience in overcoming personal and societal struggles. This is a powerful conversation about turning pain into purpose and redefining what it means to be a modern warrior.

• John’s Early Life and Challenges:
  • Grew up in a Traveler community, facing systemic discrimination and societal prejudice.
  • Experienced significant personal trauma, including the loss of his father to suicide and his mother to cancer.
• Struggles with Mental Health:
  • Openly discusses his battles with depression, grief, and suicidal thoughts, especially after his mother’s passing.
  • Shares how trauma has shaped his life but emphasizes the importance of confronting and managing it.
• Turning to Creativity:
  • Found solace in art, acting, and filmmaking as outlets for expression and healing.
  • Highlights the therapeutic power of creativity in navigating life’s darkest moments.
• The Role of Faith and Spirituality:
  • Talks about the comfort and clarity faith has brought him, especially during periods of loss and uncertainty.
  • Reflects on the importance of spirituality in finding meaning and purpose.
• Critique of Society and the Arts:
  • Discusses systemic issues within the arts industry and broader societal challenges, including inequality and censorship.
  • Emphasizes the need for honesty, integrity, and meritocracy in all fields.
• The Power of Resilience:
  • Advocates for using adversity as fuel to persevere and grow.
  • Credits his strong moral foundation and unwavering belief in equality for guiding his journey.
• Message of Hope and Action:
  • Encourages listeners to confront their struggles, seek connection, and create meaningful change.
  • Stresses the importance of finding strength in vulnerability and purpose in pain.

I had the privilege of speaking with Zak Moradi, a Kurdish-Irish sportsman and author of Life Begins in Leitrim. Zak shares his incredible journey from being born in a refugee camp in Iraq to finding a new life and identity in Ireland. We dive deep into the resilience of the human spirit, the power of sports to create community, and Zak's unique perspective on belonging connection, and cultural identity. This conversation is a moving testament to finding strength through adversity and the importance of staying true to your roots while embracing new beginnings.

Zak’s Early Life in a Refugee Camp:

• Born in Ramadi, Iraq, Zak spent the first 11 years of his life in a refugee camp.
• Describes the camp as an “open prison,” where life was marked by discipline, hardship, and an unbreakable sense of community.

Cultural Challenges and Hardships:

• Reflects on life under dictatorship and the struggles faced as a Kurdish minority.
• Recalls moments of unity despite harsh living conditions, such as barefoot soccer games with 30 kids.

Arrival in Ireland:

• Moved to Leitrim at 11 years old after a decade on a UN waiting list.
• Faced cultural shock: adjusting to the language, weather, and Irish society.

Integration Through Sports:

• Found connection and belonging through sports, particularly Gaelic games.
• Credits the GAA for building friendships and helping him integrate into Irish life.

Reflections on Refugees and Belonging:

• Discusses the challenges refugees face globally and highlights the value of welcoming communities.
• Shares insights on discrimination, double standards, and the importance of education in combating misinformation.

Life as an Author and Filmmaker:

• Talks about his book, Life Begins in Leitrim, which captures his journey and cultural experiences.
• Introduces his upcoming documentary, Home, which explores his return to Iraq and reflects on his refugee experience.

The Power of Community:

• Emphasizes the role of sports and connection in creating a sense of belonging.
• Shares his belief in unity and dialogue as the foundation for overcoming differences and building a better future.