S2, Ep12: The Meaning of Starting Again.

What do you do when the life you’ve built suddenly disappears?

In this episode of The Meaning of Men we're joined by Adam Clayton, a former professional rugby player whose career was cut short by injury at 24. In the years that followed, Adam struggled with steroid addiction, a loss of identity, and the search for purpose. But hitting rock bottom became the start of something special.

Adam now runs APEX Everest, a powerful community helping people conquer their own seemingly insurmountable challenges—through real conversation, shared experience, and physical endurance.

We joined Adam to record this episode in the stunning Quantok Hills of Somerset to get a first hand experience of the impact APEX is having in helping to turn people's lives around - just like it did for him.

 

Timestamps:

03:21: From Rugby Dreams to Professional Reality

06:21: The Harsh Realities of Professional Sports

09:09: Injury and Identity Crisis

13:01: The Struggles of Post-Rugby Life

15:35: The Dark Side of Recovery: Steroid Use

19:45: Hitting Rock Bottom and Finding Hope

22:55: Confronting the Past: A Conversation with My Younger Self

24:30: The Balance of Ambition and Contentment

26:52: The Birth of Apex: Building Community Through Challenge

32:15: Understanding Men's Struggles: Confidence, Purpose, and Loneliness

35:12: Transformational Journeys: Stories of Growth and Healing

37:27: Overcoming Fear: The Power of Belief and Community

40:53: Healing Through Helping: The Journey of Self-Discovery

44:53: A Message of Hope: Taking the First Step Forward