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The Problem With...

James Smith
Mental Health
Social Media
AI Ethics
Artificial Superintelligence
Entrepreneurship
Personal Branding
Misinformation
Housing Affordability
Status
Dystopia
Democracy
Linkedin
Automation
Regulation
Human Values
Electrolytes
Net Zero
Hydration
Hormone Replacement Therapy
Community

The Problem With… isn’t here to give easy answers - it’s here to ask the uncomfortable questions behind today’s biggest trends and taboos. Each week, host James Smith digs into what’s really going on - from AI to wellness culture - through unfiltered chats with experts and insiders to uncover the truth behind the noise.

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes122Founded7 years ago
Number of ListenersCategory
Society & Culture

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Artwork for The Problem With...

Latest Episodes

Lucy Lord joins James Smith for a wide-ranging conversation that starts with the air fryer sitting unused on 70% of UK kitchen counters and ends up tearing apart everything from protein marketing scams to the slow death of the British night out. A be... more

YouTube

Michael Morris joins James Smith to dismantle the popular myth that tribalism is humanity's curse. A renowned cultural psychologist and Columbia Business School professor, Morris argues that our tribal instincts aren't hardwired hatred for outsiders,... more

YouTube

Anthony "Staz" Stasziker, a former special forces officer, shares essential life advice on the importance of hard work, discipline, and the problem with living a comfortable life. Staz highlights that true success, much like military training in spec... more

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Ian Leslie joins James Smith to unpack the uncomfortable truth about honesty: we can't actually handle it. A bestselling author and host of the Where Shall We Meet podcast, Ian argues that lying isn't a bug in human nature but an evolutionary feature... more

YouTube

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Recent Guests

Lucy Lord
Two-time Sunday Times bestselling author and recipe creator
Lucy Lord (author)
Episode: The Problem With Air Fryers: Lucy Lord
Michael Morris
Renowned cultural psychologist and Columbia Business School professor
Columbia Business School
Episode: The Problem With Tribalism: Michael Morris
Anthony Staz Stasziker
Former special forces officer, author and founder of Thrudark
Thrudark
Episode: The Problem With Comfort: Anthony (Staz) Stazicker CGC
Ian Leslie
Bestselling author, journalist, host of Ruffian Podcast
Episode: The Problem With Being Honest: Ian Leslie
James Haskell
Former England rugby player; author, DJ, and entrepreneur
Self-directed career and brand ventures (gin brand Black Eye Gin, upcoming tequila)
Episode: The Problem With Being Your Business: James Haskell
Dr. Julie Smith
Clinical psychologist and international best‑selling author
Clinical practice / author
Episode: The Problem With Trying to Feel Better: Dr Julie Smith
Connor Beaton
Entrepreneur, writer, keynote speaker and founder of Mantox
Mantox
Episode: The Problem With Self Sabotage: Connor Beaton (ManTalks)
Michael Taylor
YouTuber, author, and professional trader
YouTube/author
Episode: The Problem With Finance Gurus: Michael Taylor
Ffion Davies
Welsh submission grappler and multiple winner of the IBJJF World Championship
Episode: The Problem With Women in BJJ: Ffion Davies

Host

James Smith
Host of The Problem With...

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 14.3k ratings
  • BJJ

    Got me into BJJ!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Emilio P-G
    United Kingdom2 months ago
  • James has gone up levels

    Always loved James from his very early days ,, but he’s gone up levels with some of these podcasts, please keep them up

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    dessie2407
    Ireland2 months ago
  • Really Amazing Guests

    Great Guests, James is smart but fun to listen to, doesn’t try to act smarter than he is either. Lets the guest have the spotlight mostly too when needed.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    I have a name maybe
    United States3 months ago
  • Cracker pod

    Love the poddy mate, I look forward to each episode. Keep them coming!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    brycepepper
    Australia3 months ago
  • Worth a Listen

    Insightful, Honest, Real, Great Guests and Interesting Topics

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Cynthia F Oz
    Australia4 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Guests bring diverse expertise and relatable stories.
High-quality conversations that mix ambition with realism.
The host lets guests lead, keeping conversations engaging and insightful.
Thought-provoking interviews with practical takeaways for everyday life.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

The Problem With Tribalism: Michael Morris
Q: How has social media changed the way tribalism expresses itself in everyday life?
Platforms amplify extremes, reward provocative content, and create dopamine-driven feedback loops that boost status and followers. This leads to polarized perceptions and a distorted sense of the real opinion landscape, making people feel more divided than they actually are.
The Problem With Air Fryers: Lucy Lord
Q: Lucy Lord, what is the problem with air fryers?
The main issue is the ritual and the underutilization; people invest in the device but only use it for a couple of basic foods, missing out on its full versatility and the opportunity to create mindful, varied meals.
The Problem With Perfectionism: Jonny Wilkinson
Q: How can someone balance the drive for excellence with staying present under pressure?
Balance comes from reframing pressure as a signal to align with how you want to be, developing energy-shifting techniques (breath, body awareness, gratitude), and building a sustainable routine that allows you to perform from a grounded, present state rather than from fear of failure.
The Problem With Perfectionism: Jonny Wilkinson
Q: Johnny Wilkinson, what is the problem with perfectionism?
Perfectionism is less about achieving a flawless output and more about an inner state. When it dominates, it can prevent you from exploring, keep you in survival mode, and distort your relationship with pressure. The path forward is cultivating self-mastery, being present with the ball, and learning to open the door to your authentic self rather than chasing an impossible standard.
The Problem With Finance Gurus: Michael Taylor
Q: What are the main do's and don'ts of becoming an investor?
Start with broad, low-cost exposure like global ETFs, learn to read a balance sheet, research companies with cash flow and solid management, use hard stops for risk control, invest gradually with small amounts, and avoid chasing hype or signals from flashy promoters.

Audience Metrics

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Frequently Asked Questions About The Problem With...

What is The Problem With... about and what kind of topics does it cover?

This show leans into provocative conversations about modern trends, systems, and human behavior, featuring candid discussions with high-profile guests and industry insiders. Recurring topics include resilience, mental health, performance, and how contemporary culture, media, and technology shape everyday choices. Notable strengths include a no-nonsense host who lets guests drive the conversation, a diverse slate of guests spanning athletes, researchers, and business leaders, and episodes that blend personal storytelling with practical takeaways for listeners seeking deeper understanding of complex issues.

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Which podcasts are similar to The Problem With...?

These podcasts share a similar audience with The Problem With...:

1. UNTAPPED
2. The High Performance Podcast
3. Menace to Sobriety
4. Dodge Woodall Network
5. Disruptors

How many episodes of The Problem With... are there?

The Problem With... launched 7 years ago and published 122 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on The Problem With...?

Recent guests on The Problem With... include:

1. Lucy Lord
2. Michael Morris
3. Anthony Staz Stasziker
4. Ian Leslie
5. James Haskell
6. Dr. Julie Smith
7. Connor Beaton
8. Michael Taylor

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