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

In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I speak to Adam Clayton, former professional rugby player and founder of APEX Everest, about overcoming adversity, rebuilding identity, and finding purpose after life-altering setbacks. After his career ended at 24 due to injury, Adam battled steroid addiction, loss of identity, and the struggle to find direction, before turning his experience into a mission to help others.

In this episode you will learn:

• How to navigate life-changing setbacks, identity loss, and personal crisis

• The role of community, shared experience, and mentorship in rebuilding purpose

• How physical challenges and endurance activities can support mental health, resilience, and personal growth

• Lessons from Adam’s journey from rock bottom to founding a transformative organisation

• Practical insights for anyone facing adversity, career change, or searching for meaning

This conversation is essential for anyone interested in men’s mental health, resilience, personal growth, overcoming adversity, and building purpose, offering inspiration and actionable insights for turning challenges into opportunities.

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