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THE NLG ROLLCALL
Why Learning Butchery Builds Real Confidence (Skill, Control & Self-Reliance)
“Confidence doesn’t come from talent — it comes from repetition, patience, and knowing what you’re doing when it matters.”
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From Self-Doubt to the World Stage: How Pressure Builds Purpose
How Champions Build Mental Toughness Under Pressure
“Mediocrity disgusts me. Being normal never made sense.” — Michael “The Monster” Todd
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The White Belt in Your Head Is Holding Back Your Progress
“You can’t have negative self-talk while someone’s trying to strangle you.” — Daniel Schuardt
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Stop Making Dumb Mistakes in BJJ – Train Smarter, Progress Faster
“BJJ isn’t that hard — people just make it hard by chasing fluff. If you focus on movement and fundamentals, everything else falls into place.”
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What Sheepdogs Teach About Leadership, Responsibility & Control
“They’re not forced to work — they live for it. A dog without purpose isn’t happy, and I don’t think people are any different.”
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What Actually Helps When You’re Mentally Struggling
"What if the emotions you’re avoiding—anger, shame, anxiety—aren’t the problem... but the key to your healing?"
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The Quiet Damage of Labels — and How to See People Clearly Again
“We’re all more than what people see — so stop staring, start asking, and actually see the person in front of you.”
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Why Real Flexibility Lets You Train Harder — Without Breaking Down
“Training breaks you down — recovery makes you stronger. If you want to roll for life, mobility isn’t optional. It’s the foundation.” – Sebastian Brosche
You’re Not Dead Yet — Act Like It
"The story ends the same for all of us — so let it rip while you’re here. You're not obligated to exist — but you're here. So why not...
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You’re Not Broken: Why Addiction Isn’t a Moral Failure
"You weren’t broken—you were doing your best with the tools you had at the time. Shame won’t heal you. Understanding will." — Dr. Adi Jaffe
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Why Most People Live on Autopilot — and How to Break Free
"You don’t need to justify your existence with utility. Beauty is enough." — Eva Schubert
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Why Elite Fighters Use Yoga to Move Better, Recover Faster & Stay Dangerous
"Yoga isn't just stretching — it's learning how to move better, recover smarter, and stay on the mats longer." — Bianca Ilea
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Why the Credit Score Game Keeps You Broke — and What to Build Instead
“The borrower is slave to the lender. If you owe someone money, you’re not fully free.” — George Kamel
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BEHIND THE MIC
IAN DAWSON MACKAY
SHOW HOST
I host The Next Level Guy to have real conversations with people who’ve actually done the work — physically, mentally, and emotionally.
I’m not here to preach or sell shortcuts. I’m here to ask better questions, learn in public, and apply what works in real life. Every episode is a chance to understand how people build strength, clarity, and direction over time — not overnight.
This site is a reflection of that process. If something here helps you think more clearly or move forward with a bit more confidence, it’s doing its job.
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The Next Level Guy is a weekly podcast built around real conversations with people who’ve done the work — physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Each episode explores how men build clarity, strength, and direction over time, using ideas and habits that actually hold up in real life.
What you’ll get:
🎯 Clear thinking from people who’ve walked hard roads
🔧 Practical tools you can apply immediately
🧭 A steadier sense of direction when things feel off
If you’re looking for something grounded, honest, and useful — you’re in the right place.
👉 Subscribe and start with any episode that catches your eye.
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Occasional notes, ideas, and things worth sharing
— sent by email.
This newsletter is where I share ideas I’m thinking about between episodes — lessons that stuck, tools I’m testing, and links I’d send to a mate anyway.
There’s no fixed schedule, and no filler. If it’s not useful, it doesn’t get sent.
I don’t email often, and I don’t share addresses.
Real Confidence Is Built When You’re Under Pressure
“You don’t rise to the occasion — you default to whatever you’ve trained when you’re exhausted.” — Owen Livesey
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