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GENERAL INTERVIEW

The Anthony Walsh Podcast: “River-Jumping” to success

Published on June 24, 2024

The Anthony Walsh Podcast is a new podcast from former racing cyclist Anthony Walsh. Anthony has already achieved podcasting success with The Roadman Cycling Podcast where he explores how to recapture your health through cycling, and his new show aims to offer insights and stories to motivate listeners to chase their dreams and find balance in life. We spoke to Anthony to find out more…

Who are you and what’s your podcast about?

I’m Anthony Walsh, the host of The Anthony Walsh Podcast. My show delves deep into the lives and journeys of peak performers from various fields, including artists, scientists, athletes, and educators. The podcast focuses on the concept of River-Jumping, which involves transferring knowledge and methods across different domains to spur creativity, innovation, and problem-solving. Through this lens, I explore the values and characteristics that drive excellence, such as curiosity, commitment to daily excellence, and the pursuit of mentorship, health, and happiness. My goal is to provide listeners with actionable insights and fresh perspectives to help them excel in their own pursuits.

What’s the first podcast you ever listened to?

Zen & The Art of Triathlon was a podcast I discovered well before Apple Podcasts even existed. Back then, I used to download it on LimeWire. From the moment I started listening, I was hooked. It felt like I was getting an intimate look into the life of an athlete. I learned vicariously through his mistakes and celebrated his victories, gaining valuable insights along the way.

Why did you decide to start podcasting in the first place?

I initially qualified as a lawyer, but within the first month, I felt like the walls were closing in on me. It just wasn’t me, even after spending seven years in law school. When I received a contract offer from a French cycling team, I jumped at the opportunity and spent a few years as a full-time cyclist. However, the sport’s dangers eventually made me realise that the risk no longer justified the reward.

When I returned to Dublin, I knew I didn’t want to go back to working 60-hour weeks in law. I decided to start my own business, thinking I could front-load the work and eventually have more passive time to enjoy the things I love, like cycling. But one business turned into two, and before I knew it, I was running four companies, working over 70 hours a week, gaining weight, and feeling unhappy.

A friend who mentors me in business advised me to shut everything down. It was like playing a computer game and making the wrong move – I just pulled the plug and started again. I’ve always believed in the idea that you are who you surround yourself with, so I began reaching out to authors and academics I admired, hiring them for consultations. After each session, I’d share the key takeaways with a WhatsApp group I created, all aimed at rediscovering health and happiness since I had lost my way.

The momentum grew, and the WhatsApp group eventually hit its member limit. It became clear that many others were also struggling to find their way, searching for health and happiness. Realising the need for a broader platform, I decided to evolve the WhatsApp group into a podcast. The Anthony Walsh Podcast was born as a way for listeners to join me on this journey towards health and happiness, offering a space for shared learning and growth.

Which podcasts do you take inspiration from?

I really admire the Colin & Samir podcast. It offers a playbook for small creators to build their own podcasts, breaking down the steps and strategies in an accessible way. What I particularly love is how it removes the barriers of access to some great minds. For instance, I’d never have the opportunity to sit down with the YouTube CEO, but listening to this show makes me feel like I am. It provides valuable insights and feels like a masterclass in content creation and storytelling.

Who’s your dream guest for the podcast?

My dream guest for the podcast would be my dad. I think I’d have a better chance of getting Joe Rogan, but I would cherish 60 minutes of undistracted time with my dad to ask him about his regrets, life, dreams, and lessons. He’s a man I admire more than any other, and having that deep, meaningful conversation with him would be incredibly special to me.

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learnt so far as a podcaster?

The biggest lesson I’ve learned as a podcaster is that no matter how big the star, they’re just a normal person with hopes, dreams, and fears. I loved speaking with Valtteri Bottas in episode 2. It was eye-opening to see that even someone at the pinnacle of their field shares the same human experiences and emotions as the rest of us. This realisation has made my interviews more relatable and enriching, as it underscores the universal aspects of our journeys.

Which episode would you say is the perfect introduction to your podcast?

Episode 1 with John McAvoy is the perfect introduction to my podcast. John was born into a famous crime family and, at a young age, found himself in a maximum-security prison serving a life sentence. Sport saved him – he broke world records in rowing while still in prison. This episode was a very deliberate starting point for the podcast because sport has played such an important role in my own life. John’s story also offers powerful lessons of rebirth and the possibility of a fresh start, no matter your circumstances.