Why'd You Think You Could Do That?
Why'd You Think You Could Do That?
Podcast Description
They’ve swum oceans, scaled mountains, launched empires, and shattered expectations. But before they did any of it, someone, maybe even themselves, thought: “You can’t do that.”
Hosted by Sam Penny, Why’d You Think You Could Do That? dives into the minds of people who said “screw it” and went for it anyway. From adventurers and elite athletes to wildcard entrepreneurs and creative renegades, each episode unpacks the one question they all have in common:
“What made you think you could do that?”
If you’re wired for more, haunted by big ideas, or just sick of playing it safe, this is your show.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast delves into themes such as personal bravery, endurance, and pushing human limits, exemplified by episodes featuring individuals like blind adventurer Gerrard Gosens who shares about overcoming barriers and competing at the Paralympics, and Lazarus Lake, who discusses the psychological aspects of endurance events. It aims to challenge listeners’ perceptions of bravery and human potential through rich narratives and profound discussions.

They’ve swum oceans, scaled mountains, launched empires, and shattered expectations. But before they did any of it, someone, maybe even themselves, thought: “You can’t do that.”
Hosted by Sam Penny, Why’d You Think You Could Do That? dives into the minds of people who said “screw it” and went for it anyway. From adventurers and elite athletes to wildcard entrepreneurs and creative renegades, each episode unpacks the one question they all have in common:
“Why’d you think you could do that?”
If you’re wired for more, haunted by big ideas, or just sick of playing it safe, this is your show.
When Liam Beville was 18, a stolen car mounted a curb in Limerick and crushed both his legs.
Doctors told him he’d never walk again.
But Liam didn’t just walk — he deadlifted 285 kg to become a Guinness World Record holder, and 310 kg at 75 kg bodyweight to become one of Ireland’s greatest lifters of all time.
This episode is about defying prognosis, rewriting identity, and proving that mindset is stronger than muscle.
💥 In This Episode
Sam Penny sits down with Irish powerlifter Liam Beville to explore:
- Growing up in a tough Limerick household surrounded by disability — and learning resilience early.
- The 1983 accident that shattered his legs and the long battle back from the edge.
- How walking to the gym on crutches became the first step to greatness.
- Competing against able-bodied athletes — and why he refused to accept the label “disabled”.
- The mental cost of chasing perfection and the darkness of depression.
- Discovering hypnosis and mindset training to control anxiety and rediscover love for the sport.
- Breaking four world records across four weight divisions — and holding them all simultaneously.
- Becoming the oldest and lightest man ever to hold the Guinness World Record for heaviest disabled deadlift.
- What “strength” really means after six decades of pain, purpose, and perspective.
🧠 Key Lessons
- Labels limit you. Don’t let anyone define what’s possible for you.
- Sit with pain. Whether physical or emotional, resisting it gives it power.
- Control the controllables. Focus on what’s within your reach — and forget the rest.
- Success and failure are imposters. Treat both the same, as Rudyard Kipling wrote in If.
- Never too late. At 60, Liam’s still training to break his own world record — proving you’re never too old to start again.
🗣️ Memorable Quotes
“Opinions are like assholes — everyone has one. But they don’t know me.”
“Pain became my friend — it reminds me I’m alive.”
“If you want it, you’ll find a way. If you don’t, you’ll find an excuse.”
“You don’t have a disability; you have a different ability.”
“I’m a bit of metal and a lot of mindset.”
💪 The Brave Five
Liam reveals:
- His most unexpected lesson from recovery.
- What he felt when holding the Guinness certificate.
- The truth about friendship and why being a people-pleaser nearly broke him.
- The mindset that’s kept him competing into his 60s.
- The one thing he wants every listener to remember: “Control what you can and forget the rest.”
🎯 Why You Should Listen
If you’ve ever felt broken, too old, too tired, or too far gone — this story will wake something up inside you.
It’s not about lifting weights.
It’s about lifting yourself.

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