#48 - Adam Maxted: Love Island, Professional Wrestling, Reality TV, Steroids & Image Enhancing Drugs, Instant Gratification Culture, WWE & Redefining Fame

Believe in People: Addiction, Recovery & Stigma

Adam Maxted, professional wrestler and Love Island reality TV star joins Matt for a candid conversation about life in entertainment.
Adam shares his extraordinary journey, starting from the wrestling scene in Ireland, where opportunities were limited, to the transformative experience of participating in Love Island. He discusses how the show significantly boosted his career, leading to a dramatic increase in recognition and the birth of "Big Flex".
Adam addresses the mental and physical challenges he faced, including the toll of steroid use, the pressures of sudden fame, and the criticism from wrestling fans. The conversation covers the emotional highs and lows of his career, highlighting a missed WWE contract and a rigorous, yet unsuccessful, audition for UK Gladiators.
Matt explores Adam's reflections on instant gratification culture, particularly in bodybuilding, and the misconceptions surrounding steroid use. He shares personal experiences with fame and public perception, emphasising the unrealistic expectations placed on his lifestyle. The discussion underscores the importance of personal responsibility, showcasing Adam's efforts to redefine his identity beyond his reality TV persona.
Through honest discussions about maintaining a certain physique and the importance of post-cycle therapy for steroid users, Adam highlights the values of discipline, resilience, and self-acceptance. His story offers valuable insights into navigating personal trauma, breaking down stigmas associated with seeking help, and ultimately finding a path to personal growth and fulfilment.
The Believe in People Podcast explores addiction, recovery and stigma.
If you or someone you know is struggling then this series can help.
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Chapters

1. Wrestler Adam Mack's Journey and Stigma (00:00:00)

2. Navigating Fame and Public Perception (00:05:31)

3. Reality TV's Influence on Career Paths (00:09:59)

4. Navigating Personal Trauma and Steroid Use (00:18:11)

5. Impact of Instant Gratification Culture (00:20:59)

6. Reclaiming Confidence Through Communication (00:26:39)

7. Mental Health and Reality TV (00:37:16)

8. Personal Responsibility and Self-Improvement (00:39:46)

9. Navigating Fame and Personal Validation (00:45:51)

10. The Impact of Steroid Use (00:55:28)

11. Accountability and Post-Cycle Therapy (00:58:34)

12. Breaking the Stigma (01:09:24)

13. The Reality of Steroid Use (01:14:09)