What does it take to go from a kid in West Philly to the biggest entertainer on the planet? How do you reinvent yourself time and again while battling the internal fears that threaten to unravel it all?
In Will, Will Smith takes us beyond the blockbuster hits and chart-topping records to reveal the deeply personal struggles and lessons that shaped his journey. From his early days as a hip-hop artist to becoming a Hollywood icon, Smith’s story is one of resilience, discipline, and an unrelenting work ethic.
Join Dr. Duncan Simpson and Dr. Greg Young as they explore the key themes from Smith’s autobiography. Learn how his upbringing, relentless ambition, and the lessons from his father shaped one of the most dominant careers in entertainment.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
How Will Smith transformed fear into an unstoppable drive for success.
The discipline and mindset instilled by his father that shaped his relentless work ethic.
Why humor became his greatest weapon—not just on stage, but in life.
The power of reinvention and how Smith continually adapted to stay at the top.
How his greatest achievements still left him searching for something more.
From Grammy-winning rapper to TV icon, from box office king to one of Hollywood’s most reflective performers, Will is a raw and unfiltered look at what it truly takes to sustain greatness—and the personal costs that come with it.
Whether you’re an aspiring performer, a high achiever, or someone seeking to better understand the psychology behind success, this episode will challenge you to rethink what it means to win.
Tune in now and take away lessons that extend far beyond the bright lights of Hollywood.
Listen on Spotify: Spotify
Listen on Apple: Apple
Watch & Listen on YouTube: YouTube
Buy the Book: Will
Socials:
Instagram - @Performerspod https://www.instagram.com/performerspod/
Linkedin - Duncan Simpson https://www.linkedin.com/in/duncan-simpson-ph-d-cmpc-76244b1a/
Linkedin - Greg Young https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-young-ph-d-cmpc-64765a35/
Chapters
00:00 The Golden Era of Hip Hop
04:19 Overview of Will's Book
08:50 Contrasting Parental Influences
11:53 The Impact of Domestic Violence
12:05 Building a Wall: Life Lessons
14:58 The Complexity of Love and Performance
17:58 Navigating Racial Identity
20:38 The Role of Performance in Love
23:13 The Aftermath of Abuse
26:43 The Power of Humor in Rap
29:03 Finding Confidence Through Skill
34:27 The Rise of a Dynamic Duo
37:07 The Grammy Win and Its Aftermath
38:42 A Defining Moment: Choosing His Own Path
40:38 Life Lessons from the Road
41:48 Recording Sessions in London
42:43 The Grammy Awards and Fame
44:05 The Downfall of Fame
46:41 A New Opportunity in LA
49:08 The Defining Moment of Opportunity
50:28 Discovering Passion in Acting
52:30 The Cycle of Success and Preparation
52:58 The Three F's of Movie Stardom
53:20 The Struggles of Method Acting
55:30 The Importance of Self-Understanding
58:13 The Fear of Losing Success
01:00:26 The Weight of Expectations
01:02:06 Imposter Syndrome and Missed Opportunities
01:04:02 The Paradox of Success
01:05:48 Attribution Theory and Success
01:07:42 The Fragility of Success
01:08:38 The Illusion of Control
01:10:07 The Addiction to Movement
01:13:42 The Power of Surrender
01:14:38 Life Lessons from Will Smith
