"There needs to be suffering": Jim Hamilton talks to the Maclean Brothers about doing hard things .

Men are all the same in looking for value, belonging, and doing hard things.

That was one of the key takeaways from the Maclean Brothers’ conversation with ex-rugby legend and now podcast heavyweight Jim Hamilton.

After a glittering rugby career - winning the European Champions Cup, two Premiership titles, captaining Gloucester, and earning 64 caps for Scotland - Jim has built a second career as one of the giants of podcasting with The Rugby Pod and The Big Jim Show.

The brothers connected with Jim mid-Pacific, learning from a big fish of podcasting while still out at sea. Jim opened up about life after rugby: the aggression and intensity of professional sport, how he replaces that with hard training, and why fitness remains the cornerstone of his mental health and identity.

In return, the brothers shared their reality after 131 days on the oars - the nutrition, recovery, and mindset needed to keep going on the world’s biggest ocean.

In this episode of Dinner with the Macleans, the brothers are joined by one of the most accomplished mountaineers in history - Kenton Cool, who’s summited Everest an astonishing 19 times.

Recorded from the middle of the Pacific Ocean, this is a rare crossover between the world’s highest peaks and deepest waters. From shift patterns and food rations to expedition morale and mental resilience, Kenton shares his hard-won philosophies on adventure, challenge, and how to keep going when the darkness sets in.

There’s also talk of hair ties, freeze-dried reindeer stew, and why bagpipes might be the most surprising piece of expedition kit yet.

Former rugby legend and all-round legend Donncha O’Callaghan joins the Maclean Brothers from their boat in the Pacific for an episode full of laughs, life lessons, and the kind of wisdom only years on and off the pitch can bring.

They talk fatherhood, radical honesty, suffering (the good kind), and the power of showing up for others - whether on the field or in the middle of the ocean. Packed with heart, humour and inspiration, this one’s a proper belter.

Sam HeughanThis week on Dinner with the Macleans, we’re joined by Scottish actor, adventurer, and whisky‑maker Sam Heughan. Out in the middle of the Pacific, we swapped stories about adventure, resilience, and the joy of wild places—and even bonded over our shared roots at Steiner School, which shaped both of our journeys in wonderful ways.

From life lessons in the classroom to lessons learned on the open water, this chat dives into what drives us to chase challenges and keep exploring.

Pour yourself a dram and join us for a brilliant conversation with Sam Heughan.

Dinner with The Macleans is a podcast recorded entirely at sea, as three brothers row unsupported across the Pacific Ocean - from Peru to Australia.

What happens when the world’s strongest brothers meet the world’s most stubborn rowers?

In this episode, Tom and Luke Stoltman - two-time World’s Strongest Man and Europe’s Strongest Man - sit down with the Maclean Brothers for a conversation of strength, brotherhood, and a shared Scottish grit

From lifting cars to rowing oceans, the two sets of brothers talk about mental strength, sibling dynamics, and what it means to take on the impossible together.

Dinner with The Macleans is a podcast recorded entirely at sea, as three brothers row unsupported across the Pacific Ocean — from Peru to Australia.

From the middle of the Pacific Ocean to West Coast of America, this episode brings together three Scottish brothers in a 28-foot rowboat… and Flea - the legendary bassist of the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

They chat about creativity, discomfort, and the power of finding rhythm in the chaos. Flea opens up why he loves pushing his body and mind to extremes, and what it means to truly be present - whether you’re on stage or at sea.

It’s a funny and surprising conversation full of music, meaning, and mutual respect.

Dinner with The Macleans is recorded entirely at sea, as three brothers row unsupported from Peru to Australia.

This very special episode opens with an unexpected moment: Jamie on the bagpipes, playing Amazing Grace from the middle of the Pacific Ocean — a surprise performance for fellow Scot and screen legend Ewan McGregor.

What follows is a warm, reflective conversation about adventure, identity, and the power of home. Ewan shares stories from his solo motorcycle trips, his deep connection to Scotland.

It’s a meeting of kindred spirits, brought together by a love of challenge, movement, and meaning. One boat. One freeze-dried dinner. One unforgettable guest.

Dinner with The Macleans is a podcast recorded entirely at sea, as three brothers row unsupported across the Pacific Ocean — from Peru to Australia, chasing purpose one oar stroke at a time.

What do you talk about when your favourite singer-songwriter dials in from his recording studio… and you’re on the other end floating in the middle of the Pacific Ocean?

In this episode, Leif Vollebekk joins the Maclean Brothers mid-ocean to talk about music, surfing, fear, and finding rhythm in unlikely places.

They get into:
– Where the brothers are right now on their 9,000 mile row– Leif’s surf sessions in New Zealand and Australia– Why writing is easier in the hard times– Cleaning the hull (aka jumping in with the sharks)– And yes, Jamie plays the bagpipes

Dinner with The Macleans is a podcast recorded entirely at sea, as three brothers row unsupported from Peru to Australia, raising £1 million for clean water projects in Madagascar.