Ep 35: Proving, pleasing and finally being myself with Pete Tansley
Pete Tansley opens up about the years he spent chasing approval — hustling in business, wearing the nice-guy mask, and pushing himself to make others proud. We talk about the cost of that drive, the rock bottoms that forced him to stop, and how therapy, fatherhood, and reconnection helped him shift from proving and pleasing to actually being himself.
It’s an honest, hopeful conversation about masks, mistakes, and what real freedom looks like on the other side.
🔥 Some moments that jumped out:
“I thought I wanted a hundred gyms — but really, I just wanted to be seen by my dad.”
“He didn’t need a business plan, he just needed a hug.”
“I thought I had to be perfect to be loved. Turns out that was the most exhausting mask I ever wore.”
“There’s gold in rock bottom — but only if you stop running and actually feel it.”
