The InnerFight Podcast

For the 1,000th episode of the InnerFight Podcast, Marcus turns the mic on someone very close to home – his dad. In this deeply personal and powerful conversation, Marcus explores the man behind so many of his own values: hard work, simplicity, honesty, and doing the right thing even when it’s hard.They talk about:Taking bold career leaps – from Yorkshire to Africa, Jeddah, and Dubai, and how those risks shaped his life.Values that withstand time – discipline, honesty, simplicity, and doing the right thing even when it's hard.Choosing fulfilment over comfort – walking away from a well-paid job because he no longer enjoyed it, and why that decision defined his integrity.This episode is full of wisdom, humour, straight-talking honesty, and emotion. It’s also a gentle challenge: if your parents are still around, sit down with them, ask the questions you don’t know the answers to, and record the conversation if you can.A milestone episode, the final show of 2025, and an hour of pure gold from Marcus’ dad.

In episode 999 of the InnerFight Podcast, Marcus sits down for a long-awaited and deeply personal conversation with his wife, Holly — his emergency number, and the quiet force behind much of InnerFight’s growth over the past two decades.The episode follows Holly’s journey from small-town Australia to Dubai in 2003, where she joined Emirates and spent 13 years flying long-haul around the world. She shares how her love of travel began, how she embraced exploring every layover while many crew stayed inside, and how the physical demands of flying eventually pushed her to radically improve her nutrition, leading to the creation of Smith Street Paleo.Listeners will hear Holly open up about:Growing up Australian with British roots and how identity fuels curiosityWhy she never wasted a layover and often explored cities solo between flightsThe real health challenges cabin crew face — swelling, fatigue and jet lag — and how she transformed her wellbeing through food, movement and sleepThe shift from the structure of airline life to entrepreneurshipWhat it has been like supporting Marcus through endurance challenges, uncertainty, injuries and big dreamsHer simple but powerful formula for living well: stay healthy, stay grounded, choose good people and be unapologetically authenticEpisode 999 is an honest, heartfelt portrait of partnership, resilience and the unseen support behind a big life.👉 If Holly’s story inspires you to clean up your nutrition or get more creative in the kitchen, go dive into her recipes and resources at smithstpaleo.com.

In this episode, Marcus is joined by coaches Vic, Andy, and Eduan for a fast-paced mix of banter, coaching insight, and real talk about training and life.You’ll hear how the friendly rivalry between Andy and Eduan is playing out in workouts (and Movember moustaches), what actually happens when coaches train together, and why “suffering side by side” can be such a powerful part of community. The team dives into how they fuel during heavy training blocks, navigating weight changes, meal plans, under-fuelling, and why 3,500–4,000 calories of mostly whole foods isn’t as crazy as it sounds.They also break down what makes an InnerFight class different from the noise in the fitness industry—simple basics done exceptionally well, a clear structure behind the program, and a heavy emphasis on educating members so they truly understand how to move. Vic talks gymnastics progress and smart skill work, while all three explain when it might be time to add personal training to your routine, and what a good coach should really give you beyond just a hard session.Expect laughs, a bit of roasting, plenty of honesty, and zero actual fights—just three coaches who care deeply about making people better at life.

Jitin Joshi isn’t “just” one of the world’s most respected Michelin-star chefs. He’s also a multiple-marathon finisher who’s raced across several continents and, for his 50th birthday, took on the highest marathon in the world – the Ladakh Marathon.In this conversation we dive into:What it’s really like behind the scenes in top kitchens around the worldLong hours, brutal schedules, poor nutrition… and how he turned that aroundHow running his first 10K at 40 led to 21 marathons in 10 yearsThe mindset shift from “no time to train” to making endurance a non-negotiableTraining at sea level in Dubai for a high-altitude race with very little oxygenThe emotional story behind Ladakh, his family, and why this marathon meant so muchHow Jitin uses food, curiosity and stories to create unforgettable experiences for his guests at Revolver in DubaiIf you work long hours, struggle with balance, or think “my job doesn’t allow me to train,” this episode will challenge that story in the best way.👉 Hit play to hear how a world-class chef rebuilt his health, his mindset and his running – while still operating at the very top of his industry.

Every day, you’re surrounded by toxins — in the air you breathe, the water you drink, and even the products you use on your skin.In this eye-opening conversation, Marcus Smith sits down with Dr. Joe Nieusma, a toxicologist with nearly 40 years of experience, to expose the hidden dangers of modern living and what you can do to protect yourself.Dr. Nieusma explains why humans today are living in a “soup of toxic exposure” — from chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and environmental pollutants — and how small, intentional steps can help you detox your body and take back control of your health.💡 In This Episode:What “toxic exposure” really means for your bodyWhy your water, air, and food may be working against youHow pharmaceuticals can make things worseThe link between toxins, inflammation, and agingDr. Nieusma’s 3 practical steps to start detoxing today🎧 Tune in, get informed, and take charge of your health — because awareness is the first step to change.

When Tom Hill was diagnosed with rectal cancer, he made one choice — go all in.In this episode of the InnerFight Podcast,  Marcus Smith dives deep into Tom’s journey of fasting through chemo, rebuilding his mindset, and finding strength when there was no Plan B.“There’s no point in having a Plan B — you just go all in.”Key Points:No Plan B: Tom Hill shares how adopting an all-in mindset helped him face cancer head-on.Fasting Through Chemo: Combining modern treatment with five-day water fasts to support healing and clarity.Mindset Over Fear: Turning pain into purpose through discipline, presence, and complete belief in Plan A.

In Episode 994 of The InnerFight Podcast, Marcus dives deep into The Long Game — a mindset built on purpose, adaptability, consistency, and patience.He shares powerful reflections on why instant gratification has rewired our brains for short-term thinking, and how to rebuild your ability to go long — in fitness, in career, in relationships, and in life.🔥 In this episode, you’ll learn:Why purpose drives every long-term goalHow to build consistency without burning outThe role of adaptability in staying on courseWhy patience is a muscle you can trainHow community and connection amplify growthThis episode will challenge how you think about progress — and remind you that the journey is the win.

In this deeply vulnerable conversation, Eduan Viljoen—now an InnerFight Strength & Conditioning Coach—shares the inflection points that shaped him: a late surge into sport, losing (and rebuilding) confidence, navigating a complex childhood, and discovering why doing hard things matters far beyond the gym.We unpack empathy as a coaching superpower, how to spot when validation drives your goals, and why quality movement transforms more than just your performance.You’ll hear about:Turning resentment into responsibilityThe link between physical suffering and everyday wisdomCoaching with empathy while maintaining standardsChoosing values daily: honesty, work, kindness, competitiveness

In this episode of the InnerFight Podcast,Marcus Smith sits down with Dr. Geoffrey Mount Varner — a Harvard-trained ER physician, former Assistant Chief Medical Officer for Washington D.C., and a three-time cancer survivor.Through 30 years on the front lines of emergency medicine, Dr. Geoffrey has learned that overthinking kills momentum — in the ER, hesitation can cost a life. He shares the same fast-decision framework that helped him lead under pressure and survive cancer, showing how anyone can use it to make clearer, more confident choices in everyday life.This conversation is packed with real stories, practical tools, and timeless lessons on leadership, resilience, and focus. Whether you’re running a business, leading a team, or navigating personal challenges, this episode will inspire you to act decisively — and move forward faster.

In this episode of the InnerFight Podcast, Marcus Smith sits down with Rob Jones for a heartfelt conversation on making good decisions fast as a parent.Rob shares how everyday choices — from the clothes his daughter wears to redefining what “success” means for his family — have reshaped his perspective. It’s an honest and uplifting look at parenting, resilience, and the small wins that truly matter.Whether you’re a parent, a leader, or someone navigating challenges in life, this episode will give you perspective and inspiration.👉 Listen now and share it with someone who needs to hear it.#InnerFightPodcast #Parenting #MakingDecisions #Resilience #InnerFightGym #Dubai

In Episode 990 of the InnerFight Podcast, Marcus Smith talks with Pete Moore about the powerful crossover of sport and business—and why both depend on high performance.From the idea that a CEO is the goalie to Pete’s concept of “Business Ball”, this conversation highlights how health, resilience, and team dynamics create business wins. They also unpack the HALO framework (Health • Active Lifestyle • Outdoors) and why treating yourself like a high-performance athlete is the foundation of success.👉 If you want to raise your game in both business and life, don’t miss this episode.#InnerFightPodcast #InnerFightGym #Dubai #BetterAtLife #BusinessAndSport

Chad Dunn’s story is one of transformation, resilience, and purpose. From his early days as a nationally ranked BMX racer to becoming a passionate performance coach and founder of Move Human Performance, Chad has dedicated his life to helping others unlock their potential.In this episode of the InnerFight Podcast, Marcus Smith explores Chad’s journey through sport, identity, and mindset — and how those experiences shaped his drive to inspire and support others.If you’re seeking energy, optimism, and practical lessons on resilience and self-discovery, this conversation will give you tools to rethink identity, embrace challenges, and keep moving forward.#OvercomeChallenges #IdentityandPurpose #InnerFight #InnerFightPodcast

Episode 988 of the InnerFight Podcast with Marcus Smith takes a deep dive into the difference between balance and alignment. While many chase the idea of “work-life balance,” Marcus argues that life is too dynamic for balance to truly exist. Instead, he explores the power of alignment—matching your actions with your values, vision, and current season of life. Through personal stories, reflections, and lessons learned, Marcus shares how shifting focus from balance to alignment can bring clarity, reduce burnout, and create real fulfillment.

What is fitness — really? Is it about how you look, how you perform, or simply how you feel?In this episode 987, Marcus Smith digs deep into the true meaning of fitness and why we might have drifted away from its basics. From extreme endurance events to quick-fix transformations, the noise around fitness has never been louder.But fitness isn’t a product. It isn’t an app, a subscription, or a social media trend. It’s about movement, strength, mobility, and living better every day.Marcus breaks down what fitness really means, why sustainability matters more than extremes, and the three pillars that every training plan should have.🎧 Listen now and rethink what being “fit” actually is.

Learn about the Endurance Mindset with Marcus Smith, Rob Jones, and Rob Foster! In episode 986 from the InnerFight Podcast, we explore what it really takes to build the endurance mindset, overcome challenges, and train both mind and body for peak performance. Perfect for athletes, coaches, and anyone looking to strengthen mental resilience. Listen, learn, and start applying the endurance mindset today!

August is the month where you can finally pause, reflect, and figure out what really matters. In the latest podcast, Marcus shares how to use August wisely to check in on your mindset, your goals, and your long-term vision.Haven’t looked at your 2025 goals since January? This is your moment. Take a breath, zoom out, and ask: Am I where I want to be?Don’t doom-scroll. Reflect.Use this quiet time to reconnect with your purpose.Use August wisely—and finish the year strong.

"Prescriptions aren’t enough anymore."That’s the perspective of Dr Gina Siddiqui—ER physician and founder of CART Clinics—who’s rethinking healthcare to better serve people who want more than just a quick fix.Her journey from the ER to healthcare entrepreneur is bold, real, and inspiring.This one will challenge the way you see medicine.

What happens when two coaches go head-to-head on strength, sweat and strategy?In this latest InnerFight podcast episode, Marcus Smith sits down with Dan and Andy—two coaches with very different journeys, but a shared passion for coaching excellence.From how they approach programming and mindset, to what strength and conditioning really means to them, this is a masterclass in strength, sweat and strategy.

Want to perform better? Start by subtracting—not adding.In the latest InnerFight Podcast, Marcus Smith shares a powerful truth: lasting performance doesn’t come from piling on more—it comes from removing what’s no longer serving you.Whether you’re an athlete, business leader, or coach, this episode dives into:🔹 Saying no to distractions🔹 Simplifying your training🔹 Avoiding toxic comparison🔹 Prioritising sleep, recovery, and reflectionThis is a practical guide to help you cut through the noise and focus on what really helps you perform better—physically and mentally.🎧 Listen now and share it with someone who needs to hear it:#PerformBetter #Mindset #TrainingTips #DubaiFitness #InnerFight

“I knew something was wrong… and I ran.”That gut instinct saved Adriene Caldwell’s life. But what followed was years of trauma, guilt, silence—and eventually, healing.In this powerful episode of the InnerFight Podcast, Adriene Caldwell shares the story behind her memoir Unbroken: Life Outside the Lines. She opens up about childhood abuse, foster care trauma, addiction, and what it takes to truly recover.This one’s raw. Honest. And deeply human.