The Yorkshire Philosopher's Guide to Living Well: Discipline, Humor, and Being Kind to Yourself

What if the true meaning of life isn’t something you discover, but something you practice every single day? In this episode, Josh Cary sits down with David Midgley, author of The Adventures of a Yorkshire Philosopher, to explore how ordinary people can live more meaningful lives not by chasing success, but by waking up to the moment they’re already in.

This episode is an inspiring, funny, and refreshingly practical conversation about philosophy, discipline, failure, football, and the pub stories that make life worth telling. Whether you’ve hit rock bottom or are simply searching for more joy and self-understanding, David's sharp wisdom and unapologetic Yorkshire charm will make you feel seen and push you to rethink how you show up in the world.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

Why the Meaning of Life Is Found in the Moment

David explains why the pursuit of meaning isn’t about discovering some grand secret, but about becoming fully awake to what’s already happening right now.

How to Stop Believing Every Thought You Have

Learn the difference between your body, your senses, and your mind, and why all three can lie to you. David shares how to begin questioning your inner filters to find a clearer truth.

Failure vs. Success: Why They’re Both Overrated

Drawing from personal stories (including getting fired twice), David shares how treating both failure and success as “the same stranger” can lead to emotional freedom and resilience.

The Power of Stoic, Practical Philosophy

Forget the abstract theory. David offers real, actionable ideas to help you navigate your daily life, whether you're stuck in traffic, struggling at work, or dealing with heartbreak.

How to Take Full Responsibility Without Self-Hate

We explore how taking ownership of your life doesn’t mean blaming yourself; it means dropping blame altogether and embracing each moment as a chance to reset.

The Most Important Person to Be Kind To

The episode closes with one of the most important lessons: start with yourself. You can’t extend real compassion outward until you’ve practiced it inward.