Being young is hard. Nobody really prepares you for what it actually feels like.
The anxiety, expectations and pressure to have it all figured out before you even know who you are.
With Intention is a podcast for young people who want to live differently. With more purpose, more honesty, and more of themselves in every decision they make.
Every episode we get into the real stuff. Habits, relationships, mental health, values, the future. Honest conversations with people who've figured something out and solo reflections from someone still figuring it out.
New episodes every week.
You Don't Find Belief. You Build It - Motheo Semausu #6
In this episode of With Intention, I sit down with Motheo Semausu. A young man whose story of finding purpose and confidence through basketball might just inspire your own journey. We talk about the role of struggle, self-awareness, and the importance of intentional effort in shaping a meaningful life.
In this episode:
How a "struggle story" isn’t the only path to motivation
The significance of finding a 'why' and the timing of that discovery
Practical ways to uncover your purpose early in life
The transformation that comes with stepping out of your comfort zone
The discipline behind excellence—beyond talent or luck
The myth of overnight success and the power of persistence
How to navigate feelings of being silenced or invisible
The importance of embracing change and continuous growth
Timestamps:
00:00 - Does lack always spark motivation? Exploring the role of struggle
00:38 - Why some athletes succeed without adversity
01:07 - The importance of having a "why" in pursuit of greatness
01:54 - Can everyone find their purpose early?
02:44 - Practical tips for discovering your why while young
04:17 - The power of awareness and gratitude in unlocking purpose
06:16 - Stepping out of comfort zones to create opportunities
08:01 - Growth through connection and vulnerability
09:36 - Overcoming silence and embracing self-expression
11:25 - Building confidence through mistakes and resilience
12:45 - How societal perceptions can distort worth and self-belief
13:36 - Finding support within yourself when you feel unsupported
16:54 - The role of emotional outlets like poetry and reflection
17:10 - What basketball has revealed about confidence and discipline
19:43 - The journey from doubt to self-belief in sports
21:35 - The reality of long-term effort vs quick success
22:13 - Recognising effort that no one sees
23:37 - Imposter syndrome and the pressure of perfection
25:02 - Lessons learned from being sidelined and fighting your way back
26:51 - The thrill and lessons of international competition
28:11 - The difference between amateur and professional mindsets
33:16 - What many get wrong about being a pro athlete
36:24 - The importance of strategic sacrifice and focus
39:10 - The value of broadening your perspective in life and sport
40:37 - Advice for young people feeling silenced but capable of creating change
41:41 - How to stay connected and motivated in your growth journey
Connect with Shay
Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/s.h_a._y/)
Reflect on this:
What’s your "why," and how early are you willing to look for it? Are you waiting for hardship to drive your purpose, or can awareness and curiosity do that work now? Remember, purpose isn’t a lightning strike; it’s a journey of small steps and honest reflection. Your youth isn’t just to survive—it's a space to design with intention.
Until next time, With Intention.
27 May 2026
GenZ is Burnt Out, Here's Why - #5
The conversation delves into the concept of burnout, exploring its recognition, impact, experience, consequences, and perception. It provides insights into recognizing the signs of burnout and understanding its impact on various aspects of life. The conversation delves into the recognition of burnout signs and the implementation of systems to prevent burnout. It also explores the balance between sacrifice and rest in managing burnout effectively.
Takeaways
Recognizing the signs of burnout
Understanding the impact of burnout on various aspects of life Recognize the signs of burnout
Implement systems to prevent burnout
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Welcome Back
09:41 Recognizing Burnout
15:21 The Impact of Burnout
24:50 The Consequences of Burnout
32:13 The Perception of Burnout
41:17 Preventing Burnout
01:08:04 Balancing Sacrifice and Rest
13 May 2026
Why Success in the Modern World Might Be the Wrong Goal - Stephen Dunster - #4
In today’s episode, Stephen and I dive into how modern life’s abundance of options can leave us feeling lost, anxious, and questioning our purpose. I share my honest reflections on walking the path of faith and how genuine connection with Jesus Christ forms the foundation of a meaningful life—beyond societal expectations.
Takeaways
Rising levels of anxiety and lack of clarity among young people in the face of increasing options and choices.
The tension between the desire for control and the recognition of living under God's authority. Success is not just about achieving external goals, but also about personal growth and transformation.
The pursuit of purpose and meaning in life is found in knowing and following Jesus Christ.
Chapters
00:00 The Paradox of Choice and Anxiety
09:31 Confirmation Bias and Faith
19:22 Purpose and the Chief End of Man
29:18 Success and its Definition in the Context of Faith
39:07 Seeking Purpose and Meaning
50:15 Success, Purpose, and Hope in Christianity
59:07 The Remarkable Relationship with Jesus
6 May 2026
The Hidden Cost of Comfort - #3
This podcast episode explores the themes of intentional living, facing fears, the difference between a job and a career, the struggle with success, the power of focusing on one thing, understanding Parkinson's Law, the tension between body and mind, and celebrating achievements. Each theme is discussed in-depth, providing valuable insights and perspectives on intentional living and personal growth.
Key Topics
Living with intention and purpose
The importance of doing things that scare you
The difference between a job and a career
The role of failure in growth
The significance of focus and prioritization
Takeaways
Do what scares you
The difference between a job and a career
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Purpose of the Podcast
01:56 Facing Fears and Embracing Challenges
07:06 Job vs. Career: The Importance of Intentionality
09:29 The Comfort of Familiarity vs. Growth
11:51 The Role of Failure in Success
13:40 The Power of Focus: Mastering One Thing
18:25 Understanding Parkinson's Law
22:43 Mind and Body: The Sync Dilemma
26:07 Celebrating Achievements
29 Apr 2026
How Social Media’s Myth of Authenticity Is Making Us Less Real - Aarav Nanda - #2
In a world overflowing with content, staying true to your authentic self is more crucial than ever. Aarav’s journey from chasing viral fame to finding real purpose offers insights for anyone feeling lost in the noise of social media and self-doubt. We explore how social media creates both opportunities and illusions, the danger of performative authenticity, and the myth of quick success. Aarav shares his struggles with algorithm-driven content and how he rediscovered his path by focusing on service, curiosity, and growth. This episode is a reminder that genuine growth comes from focusing on work that fuels you, not just chasing likes or fame. It's about building a life where your best work reflects who you truly are. Perfect for ambitious young people ready to question the status quo and create with purpose. If you’re ready to live intentionally, this episode will help you see your potential and guide you on a journey to your best self. Join Aarav and Motheo in a conversation about real purpose, authenticity, and the pursuit of infinite growth. Are you ready to challenge what you've been told about success and creativity? Hit play and start living with intention.
Find Aarav’s insights and follow his journey at @aaravsthoughts and @designedbastella on Instagram. Join him and Motheo in the conversation about real purpose, authenticity, and the unending pursuit of delta infinity—the infinite growth that calls us to become better not because we have to, but because we must.
12 Apr 2026
How to Intentionally Align Systems with Your Goals for Lasting Success - #1
Most of us are chasing discipline without asking if it's truly worth the price. What if the secret to success isn't just about pushing through pain but strategically reducing friction along the way?
On this episode, we reflect on how relentless dedication can sometimes lead to loneliness, emptiness, and regret, if we're not intentionally aligning our efforts with our true passions. He shares eye-opening insights on why discipline is often misunderstood as mere toughness, and why success might actually require less suffering and more strategic friction reduction. You'll discover how to differentiate between what’s worth pursuing versus what’s just wasting energy, and how to craft systems that are sustainable and aligned with your deeper goals.
We break down:
The true nature of discipline as a spectrum, not a binary
How to identify and eliminate unnecessary friction in your routines
Why goals alone aren’t enough—adding intention changes everything
The importance of celebrating small wins and appreciating your current position
The dangers of pursuing success in isolation and losing your sense of purpose and community
In a fast-paced world filled with distractions, this episode empowers you to live intentionally, make sacrifices that matter, and pursue greatness with clarity and balance. You'll walk away with practical frameworks to assess your journey, realigned with your values—not just chasing success, but genuinely enjoying the process.Whether you're a student, a professional, or anyone aiming to maximize their youth and potential—this is your wake-up call to rethink discipline and craft a path that’s truly worth it. Tune in and start creating a life that’s not only successful but meaningful.
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