High Standards, Mental Health, and Growth: A Conversation with Cain Leathem - Part 1

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What does it mean to truly raise the bar in life? In this powerful conversation, Cain Leathem — a high-performance coach, veteran, and mental health educator — joins James to explore what it takes to move from self-sabotage and stagnation into purpose-driven growth.

Together, they unpack the often misunderstood difference between mental health and mental illness, and how language shapes stigma. Cain shares how negative self-talk and unrealistic expectations can quietly hold us back, and why meaningful change only happens when we’re truly ready — not when someone else pushes us.

From the precision of blood work to the value of rest days, Cain explains why small details matter, and how “doing it properly” beats quick fixes every time. He reflects on his own journey — from years of deep study in personal training, nutrition, NLP, and functional medicine, to raising his sons with presence, purpose, and boundaries.

James and Cain also discuss the emotional rollercoaster of growth, the invisible barriers we place on ourselves (like in box jumps and high jump), and how spiritual connection and stillness can lead to deeper wisdom and clarity.

Whether you’re struggling with self-doubt, chasing big goals, or simply trying to be more present in your life — this episode offers grounded insights, vulnerable reflections, and practical tools to help you on your path.

If you’ve ever felt stuck, burnt out, or unsure how to move forward — this one’s for you.

More About Cain:

Cain Leathem is one of Britain’s leading Exercise and Nutrition Consultants... having studied extensively aspects of the human body, exercise and nutrition, functional medicine, biomechanics, phlebotomy, DNA assessment, Neuro Linguistic Programming among many other related disciplines. He prides himself on constantly furthering his education and the sharing of this knowledge.

As a highly qualified and experienced consultant he has appeared on T.V./radio, and has been featured/written in many specialist magazines/newspapers. He is the author and course provider for his award winning Personal Trainer, Nutrition and First Aid for Mental Health Qualifications as well as owner and director of GB Fitness.

 As a personal trainer and nutritionist his clients range from complete beginners desiring fat loss and health enhancement to international athletes in elite competition (details available on www.gbfitness.com). He encourages health within the workplace and offers businesses advice on how to best maximise efficiency (and therefore profit) through the wellness and vitality of their employees. His expertise in this field has taken him worldwide including work in Africa, Malta, India, Germany, Turkey, Tenerife, Miami, Hollywood, Las Vegas, Estonia, Croatia , Italy, Switzerland, Finland, Cayman, Poland, Austria, Kuwait, Bahrain, Ireland, Greece and Hungary. Cain is a Professional Speaker and presents on all matters of health and optimal being – both physical and mental.

Cain is also a qualified NLP Master Practitioner and utilises this skill to motivate his clients and help instil a positive mood state in all the people that he meets.

Cain has been actively involved in the health industry for 30 years and has held many seminars including being a key speaker at the Federation of Holistic Therapists convention and the annual conference on ‘Childhood Obesity and Malnutrition’. 

www.gbfitness.com

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6bfVAr30194