Ozzy’s gone. And suddenly everyone cares. But did they care yesterday? Did they tell him when he was here? Or are they just posting because it’s trending? This isn’t just about him. It’s about us. And how we’re wasting our lives pretending to care… too late.

On today’s short and sharp solo episode, I get real about the performative grief we see every time someone famous passes — and how it reveals a much deeper problem in how we connect with the people who matter.

If you’ve ever felt uncomfortable watching everyone jump on the RIP bandwagon… you’re not alone.
If you’ve ever wished you were better at telling the people you love that they matter — while they’re still alive… this is for you.

This episode challenges you to drop the lip service, ditch the herd mentality, and start practicing authentic connection now.

I also give you my simple, 3-step Connection Code — a practical way to make sure you’re not one of those people who only shows up when it’s too late.

Stop pretending.
Start living.
Today.

• Why performative grief is so common — and so empty

• How social media has trained us to fake connection

• The uncomfortable truth about your own habits

• The 3-step Connection Code to flip this and lead differently

• A personal challenge to act — today — while it still counts

✅ Daily — Presence Check: ask who needs to hear from you today, and act
✅ Weekly — The Call: pick up the phone for one meaningful call
✅ Monthly — The Legacy: ask what they’d say about you if you were gone, and adjust

🎧 Listen now, and then take 5 minutes to reach out to one person who needs to hear from you. Do it before it’s too late.

• Share it with someone who needs to hear it.

• Tag me with your thoughts. Tell me who you called today.

• Rate & review the show — and let’s keep raising the standard, together.

Don’t just mourn the dead. Honour the living.

🎙️ Welcome to a special edition of the Next Level Guy Podcast — Let’s Talk About...

This is a series where we have real, unfiltered conversations about the stuff that matters. Whether it's grief, stigma, masculinity, mental health, or self-worth — we’re going to talk about it.
Not to shock. Not to shame. But to understand — and grow. Because when we talk about it, we take away its power. So let’s get into today’s conversation.

🧡 Let’s talk about being seen — for who we are, not just how we look.

“We’re all more than what people see — so stop staring, start asking, and actually see the person in front of you.”

If someone met you today, what would they notice first — your face, your energy, or your story? Too often, we’re taught to judge with our eyes before we ever engage with our hearts. We make snap assumptions based on appearance, and forget to ask:
Who is this person? What is their story? What have they survived? What have they built? What makes them so unique?

This episode is about unlearning that reflex. It’s about seeing the person, not the diagnosis. The journey, not just the scars, lumps, or labels. The strength, not just what stands out.

Today’s guest is Oliver Bromley — a mental health worker, speaker, advocate, and visible difference campaigner living with Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1), a genetic condition that causes non-cancerous tumours on the nerves. He was asked to leave a restaurant because of how he looked — now he’s teaching the world how to see better.

Level up with the show-notes at: https://www.nextlevelguy.com/oliverbromleylta01/

Born in South Africa and now based in the UK, Oliver has endured countless surgeries, faced misunderstanding and prejudice — even been asked to leave a restaurant simply because of how he looks.
But this isn’t a story about pity.
This is a story about purpose.

With humour, honesty, and heart, Oliver opens up about growing up with NF1, building self-acceptance, and turning pain into a mission — helping others see the humanity beyond the surface.
He reminds us that kindness isn’t optional, that masculinity can mean vulnerability, and that we all have a role to play in making the world more inclusive.

💬 If you’ve ever felt different, misunderstood, or judged — this conversation is for you.

If this episode speaks to you, tag @nextlevelguypodcast and share your biggest takeaway.

#LetsTalkAbout #NextLevelGuyPodcast #RealConversations #OliverBromley #Neurofibromatosis #VisibleDifference #WeAreAllTheSame #kindness #vulnerability #NF1 #turnpainintoamission #selfacceptance

Guest: None

Summary: In this cheek-clenching solo episode, Ian shares the joy (read: mild discomfort) of getting a colonoscopy — the glamorous life of a man with frequent toilet visits. Was it terrifying? Nope. Was it uncomfortable? A bit. Was he awake for the whole thing? Absolutely. This one’s for every lad who's convinced a colonoscopy means sacrificing their dignity. Spoiler alert: it doesn’t.

Key Points:

• Why Ian got the invite to the backdoor camera club (a.k.a. frequent bowel movements)

• What a colonoscopy actually is — and why it's not just for pensioners

• The prep: how to turn your bathroom into your best friend for 24 hours

• Being awake and not screaming — surprisingly manageable

• The nurses are legends: no judgement, no nonsense

• Why avoiding it is more painful than the actual thing

• Early detection saves lives, not pride

Notable Reminder:

"You’re awake, yes, but it’s not like they bring a film crew. Just one little camera, one big mission." "It’s a day of discomfort for peace of mind. And bowel health. Sexy, right?" "Real men don’t skip health checks — they clench and crack on."

Main Lesson: If you think a colonoscopy is scary, try dealing with undiagnosed bowel problems. It’s awkward for about a minute, but it could literally save your life. Grow up, gear up, and get checked.

Audience Challenge: Book that test you’ve been avoiding. Whether it's your GP, your bowels, or your blood pressure — get it sorted this week. No excuses. And if you've already had one, message a mate and tell him to man up and do the same. Even if it's a hard conversation, to start something that scares you, whatever it is, do it, start it, try it. Don't let short-term embaressment hold you back from long-term health or success.

Links Mentioned:

• NHS Colonoscopy Info