# Dan MacPherson On Acting, MMA Training, Ironman & Mental Health

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/trying-not-to-die-7396726/dan-macpherson-on-acting-mma-training-ironman-mental-health
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/trying-not-to-die-7396726/dan-macpherson-on-acting-mma-training-ironman-mental-health.md
Podcast: [Trying Not To Die](https://stenobird.com/podcast/trying-not-to-die-7396726)
Published: 2026-03-31T10:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://13606d2d-153b-435f-9001-aedfac4b01a5.libsyn.com/dan-macpherson-on-acting-mma-training-ironman-mental-health
Audio file: https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/pscrb.fm/rss/p/traffic.libsyn.com/secure/13606d2d-153b-435f-9001-aedfac4b01a5/Dan_MacPherson_FINAL_AUDIO.mp3?dest-id=5076795
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/trying-not-to-die-7396726/episodes/dan-macpherson-on-acting-mma-training-ironman-mental-health
Duration seconds: 3956

## Resource

In this episode of Trying Not To Die, hosts Jack Osbourne and Ryan Drexler sit down with actor and endurance athlete Dan MacPherson for a deep dive into discipline, identity, and what it really takes to push your limits. Dan shares his journey from starring on Neighbours to competing at Ironman world championship level, and eventually transforming his body and mindset for intense Hollywood roles alongside Russell Crowe. The conversation explores the brutal reality of training for MMA film roles, the mental and physical demands of high-performance acting, and the lessons learned from years of endurance sports. They also get into the deeper side of life, including why your late 30s and early 40s can feel like the hardest years, the shift from boyhood to manhood, and the struggle of maintaining purpose and identity through major life transitions. Dan opens up about balancing fatherhood, career, and health, while emphasizing the importance of discipline, routine, and staying grounded. Thank you to our sponsors: - Need Delicious Coffee? Go to https://www.drinkcaveman.com and use code trying15 for 15% off your first order. -Get up to 39% off your Mitopure Gummies at Timeline.com/TRYING Music by Ryan Hahn.

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## Transcript

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