The Appauling Podcast

Everything You Know About Samurai Is A Lie | Antony Cummins

In this episode of The Appauling Podcast, I sit down with Antony Cummins, one of the world’s leading researchers on Samurai and Ninja history. From the very beginning of our conversation, Antony shocked me by saying that almost everything we think we know about Samurai and Ninjas is wrong. Antony Cummins explains how his research, historical translations, and time spent training in Japan studying Ninjutsu led him to uncover major myths surrounding Samurai culture, Ninja warfare, Bushido, and the famous Samurai sword. He claims that much of the information spread around the world about Ninjas and Samurai was built on misunderstandings, exaggerations, and stories that evolved into global myths. In this fascinating conversation we explore: • The real history of Samurai warriors • The truth about Ninjas and Ninjutsu • Myths vs facts about Samurai swords and combat • The culture and philosophy behind Bushido • What Antony Cummins discovered while training in Japan • How misinformation about Samurai and Ninjas spread worldwide If you are interested in Japanese history, Samurai warriors, Ninja culture, martial arts, or historical myths, this episode will completely change how you see these legendary figures. Antony Cummins has written over 20 books on Samurai and Ninja history, including his latest work exploring the deeper truths behind Japan’s most famous warriors. This conversation explores history, culture, martial arts and the truth behind one of the most misunderstood warrior traditions in the world. Subscribe for more conversations with fascinating guests from history, culture, business and extraordinary life experiences. 🎙 The Appauling Podcast #Samurai #Japanesewarrior #Thebookoffiverings

Jaz Singh Reveals The Truth About The Traitors | Episode #24

In this episode of The Appauling Podcast, I sit down with Jaz Singh, one of the standout contestants from the hit BBC show The Traitors. We talk about what it is really like to be inside a game built on trust, deception, pressure and psychology. Jaz opens up about the emotional rollercoaster of the show, how it felt watching it back, and what the audience does not see behind the cameras. This is not just about reality TV. It is about mindset, resilience, reading people, and handling intense situations when the whole world is watching. We also dive into Jaz’s personal journey, life before The Traitors, how the show has changed things for him, and what comes next. Expect honest conversation, insight into the psychology of the game, plenty of laughs, and the kind of real talk The Appauling Podcast is known for. The Appauling Podcast is filmed in our professional multi camera studio and features conversations with people who are striving to succeed, challenge themselves, and share powerful stories. Our content has reached millions online including a viral clip with over 2.8 million views and recent episodes surpassing 20 thousand views on YouTube. If you enjoyed this episode, make sure you subscribe, like, and share to help us continue bringing incredible guests and real conversations to the platform.

Being a movie producer is not for the faint hearted | Ep# 23 Arun Kapur

In this powerful episode of The Appauling Podcast, we sit down with Arun Kapur, a Wolverhampton-based film producer, poet, and actor, to talk honestly about the realities of working in the film industry. Arun breaks down what it means to pursue filmmaking in the real world, from handling constant rejection, navigating uncertainty, and balancing creative vision with the harsh realities of business and finance. This is not a glamourised view of filmmaking. It is raw, practical, and deeply honest. We also explore Arun’s passion for poetry, and how writing has become a form of therapy for him. He opens up about mental wellbeing, self-reflection, and the importance of giving men space to talk openly about their struggles. Long before conversations around men’s mental health became mainstream, Arun was already trying to raise awareness, sharing his own experiences and challenges with mental health. This episode dives into: • What it really takes to be a movie producer • How to deal with rejection and setbacks • Creativity vs business in the film industry • Mental wellbeing and mental health in men • Poetry as therapy and emotional expression • Navigating purpose, passion, and pressure If you are interested in filmmaking, creative careers, mental health, poetry, or personal growth, this episode will resonate deeply. 🎙️ The Appauling Podcast brings honest conversations with people striving to succeed in life... creatives, entrepreneurs, and individuals with powerful stories to tell. 📌 Subscribe for weekly episodes 📌 Like & comment if this conversation resonates 📌 Share this with someone who needs to hear it

Episode #22 Dr Jagjit Singh Khera | How JUDO will change your life

In this episode, I sit down with Dr Jagjit Singh Khera, a Judo instructor whose life has been profoundly shaped by the discipline of Judo. We talk about how Judo is far more than a sport or a form of self-defence. For Jagjit, it’s a philosophy and a way of living that guides his mindset, decision-making, and values in everyday life. From discipline and respect to resilience and humility, the morals taught through Judo have influenced every aspect of who he is today. We also have an honest and emotional conversation about mental health, including the devastating loss of one of Jagjit’s closest friends, Craig Fallon who was widely regarded as one of the greatest UK Judokas of all time. Craig’s passing left a huge impact on the Judo community, and we speak openly about grief, pressure, and the importance of speaking up and supporting one another. The conversation expands into the origins of martial arts, their real-world relevance, and why learning self-defence is more important now than ever in increasingly uncertain times. One of the most powerful moments of the episode was learning about Jagjit’s incredible summer initiative for the elderly called “Finding Your Feet.” This project uses basic Judo safety principles to teach older people how to fall correctly, a simple but potentially life-saving skill. As we discuss in the episode, falls are one of the leading causes of serious injury and death among the elderly, making this work not only innovative, but essential. This episode is about strength. Physical, mental, and emotional and how the teachings of an ancient discipline can still save lives today. ❤️ Mental Health Support (UK) If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, you are not alone and help is available: Samaritans – Call 116 123 (24/7, free) Mind – Visit mind.org.uk for support, advice, and local services In an emergency, please contact your GP, NHS 111, or emergency services Reaching out is not weakness — it’s strength.

Episode #21 Gurinder Singh Mann | How Sikhs Rebuilt Power After Being Almost Wiped Out

Sikh history is often told in fragments, but this conversation brings forward what is usually ignored. From near annihilation in the 18th century to the rapid rise of Sikh power, this episode explains how Sikhs rebuilt themselves through mindset, education, strategy, and leadership. The discussion covers Guru Gobind Singh’s vision, why education mattered more than numbers, and how Sikh warriors used planning, guerrilla warfare, and diplomacy to survive against overwhelming forces. You’ll hear about forgotten Sikh generals, the conquest of Delhi, taxation systems, and how Sikh leaders negotiated with empires while fighting on multiple fronts. The episode also explores why Sikh history became diluted, how key figures were removed from mainstream narratives, and what today’s generation can learn from Sikh resilience, chardi kala, and collective strength. This is not just a story of war - it is a story of recovery, leadership, and survival against impossible odds.