Better Than Yesterday with Osher Günsberg

@Michael_McQueen is a speaker, author and futurist from Australia. The majority of his work centres around helping organisations prepare for what’s to come, to look beyond the horizon at how trends in society, in politics, in technology will change the way they work. This applies to not only the private sector but also the public sector. I’m happy about this because ideas can sometimes move faster through the private sector and then into public policy when enough of the community demands it. Michael’s sixth book “How to prepare now for what’s next” is well worth your time, and I hope this conversation tickles a few tendrils of your curious brain so that you might think a little differently about what’s around the corner .For more about Michael - go to michaelmcqueen.net until then, enjoy the show….  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andrew Taylor made world headlines a few years ago when in seeking to battle food addiction, he lost over 50kg by eating nothing but potatoes for a whole year. It’s a simple headline however his story goes much deeper than that. Speaking to Andrew, I learned that even though in my case the addiction was alcohol - our stories were very similar, and the abstinence model was what worked for us both. During our conversation, I heard many parallels with my own life, my own relationship to food and indeed what I use food for - beyond just sustaining my body to live another day. I should say upfront, the way Andrew tackled his food addiction is what worked for him - however, there are other ways to deal with this issue, including Overeaters Anonymous which I know has worked well for people close to me. On the whole I love this conversation because it’s a perfect example of someone who saw what effect their own habitual actions was having on his life, saw where he was going to end up if he didn’t do something about it, and took action by creating a system of behaviour that was simple to follow and if practiced daily gave him spectacular results. He’s a great bloke and I’m stoked he took the time to fly down to see me. If you like what you hear, please hit him up on IG @spudfitAnd enjoy this conversation with Andrew Taylor.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you need to talk please take it seriously and start with your GP or call lifeline on 131114. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kath Koschel is an incredibly inspiring human. She’s the founder of kindnessfactory.com and has a story that will break your heart three times before it lifts you up into the glowing warm of the collective love of humanity. This conversation deals with suicide and the effects of road trauma, so if you do need to talk to anyone please seek help from your doctor or call Lifeline on 13 11 14.Kath’s story is one of the incredible power of human resilience and the overwhelming kindness of our community at large. We’re so polarised to believe it’s Left vs Right, Liberal vs Labor, Sustainability vs Environmental pillage, but there’s actually a vast and overwhelming feeling of joy and compassion in our country and Kath’s story proves it. A world-class athlete struck down by crippling injury at the height of her career, Kath has learned to walk three times in her life. Once as a toddler, and twice as an adult. She’s also had to face the devastation of losing the love of her life to suicide just as the rays of sunshine were starting to warm things up again. Yet Kath’s outlook on the world, her attitude to kindness, forgiveness and trust in the goodness of the community at large will make you feel a lot better about the world as a whole. Because Kath’s out to show you, me and everyone else that kindness is indeed what we naturally have in our hearts and it’s something that on a self-centred level - actually feels good. Help her get to 1,000,000 acts of kindness over at kindnessfactory.com, and enjoy this conversation with Kath Koschel. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jane Lu is the founder and CEO of online fashion retailer Showpo, a company valued at over $30M dollars. You can find her on Instagram @thelazyceo and I can tell you first hand that this woman is a powerhouse. A quick scroll through her feed will show you she’s living the dream, surrounding herself with an incredible staff and working damned hard to make her business not only grow but be a great place to work. Was it always this way for her? No way. Did she come from incredible adversity? Did she face failure? A dead-end job? The disdain of her parents for quitting what looked like a stable career? Yes, yes, yes and yes. You might not want to start an online fashion empire in 2019 - but you most definitely can take a listen to this and have it put the bellows to the fire in your belly. What were you dreaming of doing this year? After listening to this episode I have no question that you’ll get right to it. Enjoy this conversation with the incredibly inspirational human that is Jane Lu. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Eiji Han Shimizu is a highly successful publisher, film maker and lecturer. Find out more about him at latinsamurai.comHis exceptional Manga biographies of influential world figures have been published in 25 countries & 10 languages.At 35, working with the biggest media companies in Tokyo his life resembled a picture perfect example of what a highly successful person would have. Following a moment in his life which we talk about, Eiji changed course and embarked on a global search for sustainable happiness, where he and his director Roko Belic traveled the world searching for what makes people genuinely and sustainably happy.www.thehappymovie.comThis is a wonderful conversation that took place in an Air BnB in Amsterdam when I was working at the THNK school of creative leadership there, there's tea, there's crunchy biscuits, there's mic noise - but there's also bombs of wisdom. Enjoy this conversation on Harlemmerdijk in Jordaan, Amsterdam - with Eiji Han Shimizu.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Steve Baccon is a photographer based in Sydney, Australia. Find him on IG @bacconphotoOver the years you would have seen his work on numerous magazine covers, ad campaigns, billboards and book covers - including my own. In fact the photo that became the cover of my book has been named as a finalist in the National Photographic Portrait Prize and will be exhibited at the national portrait gallery in Canberra from Feb 22. The story behind that photo is worth hearing, which is why I got Steve in as my guest this week. A quick note about that - I know this is not the photography podcast - however it just happened to turn out that we had two shooters in a row on, however the way my guest last week approaches photography vs the way Steve approaches photography - they’re two entirely different things. And while you may not ever take a photo on anything other than your phone - what Steve has to teach us about approach to work, humility when it comes to applying yourself to work and indeed how to cope when everything is going horribly wrong - it’s worth the price of admission. Steve’s a warm, humble, kind man - he was my first choice to shoot the cover of my book and you’re about to hear why. Enjoy a great cup of coffee and a great chat with the wonderful human from Sydney that is Steve Baccon.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Doug Menuez is a photographer from the US, who has covered everything from the Ethiopian Famine, the emergence of the AIDS crisis, and most notably the rise of Silicon Valley between 1985 and 2000. You and I are communicating right now, both broadcasting and listening, thanks to people that he chronicled during his time documenting the incredible emergence of that part of the world and the technology to come out of it. Doug and I first came to know each other when I was studying at THNK in Amsterdam, and I’m so very grateful that he and I were able to talk today. I’ve always been a firm believer in documenting your work - my vast collection of on-set and behind the scenes pictures from the early years of Idol and my time in the USA are a testimony to that, and Doug is a fantastic example of why it’s important. Possibly his most important work was documenting the incredible rise of Silicon Valley from 1985-2000, capturing the creation of technology that you and I use every single day. You might not ever think you’ll be a photojournalist, you might only ever take photos on your phone, however what Doug has to talk about today is not only a masterclass in documenting the world around you - but also what it takes to truly change the world, from a man that was in the room as the world was being changed. This one’s pretty nerdy - it’s not often get to talk to one of my photography heroes, but hey you never know - what works for Doug in his photography process might just translate into your own process…Doug joined me over Skype from his loft in NYC, enjoy this conversation with the great Doug Menuez. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Paul De Gelder is a former naval clearance diver whom after a horrific shark attack which saw him lose his right forearm and right leg, has since become a high-profile shark conservationist, author, actor, motivational speaker and advocate for a plant-based diet. A former Brisbane boy, he found incredible success in the military. First with the Australian Army and then with the Navy - until in February 2009, while testing some new technology in Sydney Harbour right by the naval base next to the opera house, he was attacked by a bull shark - an attack that nearly killed him. Paul has described feeling a whack on the leg, looking down and seeing a bull shark, two rows of 36 razor sharp teeth, locked on to his upper right thigh. He tried to push the shark away when he realised that his right hand was also in the shark’s mouth as it was literally eating him alive, all the while dragging him deeper underwater. Suddenly the shark was gone, and Paul’s wetsuit was buoyant enough to bring him back to the surface where he managed to swim back to the safety boat. Multiple complicated surgeries, months of painful rehab and sheer determination later - Paul returned to the Navy as a diving instructor, this time with a prosthetic arm and leg. Paul’s story is one that rightly has inspired millions around the world, who now know him as one of the faces of the international cultural phenomenon “Shark Week”, where he’s routinely back underwater, back face to face with nature’s apex predators. I can’t get enough of this guy. He’s a testament to acceptance of a situation beyond your control, then adapting and living your fullest life with your new parameters. Paul’s such an inspiring man, a beacon of showing how strength and compassion coexist within one person.  He’s also a man who’s mental fortitude is one I aspire to, his outlook on life is something that I wish to emulate. If you have Instagram I’d highly suggest following him there - @pauldegelder. In fact just the other day he posted something that I wanted to share with you. "Probably the biggest reason I never slid into depression is because I found value and purpose. I lost a lot. But instead of bitching about it I found ways to fill those holes with a whole new set of skills and a whole new life. No PTSD, no nightmares, never a flashback. The struggle doesn’t weaken us, it forges us into a stronger more durable tool to improve the lives of those around us. That’s value and purpose.”He’s an incredible guy, I am stoked for you to meet him. So if you will, come to my kitchen where you can sit and enjoy a cup of tea with this absolutely remarkable man, the one and only Paul De Gelder.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Damon Herriman is an Australian actor best known for his work in the TV show Justified and Mr Inbetween. He and I met when I first started working in TV back in the day, and even lived in the same building for a while when I was living in LA. Damon is on the cusp of exploding into the stratosphere - when we spoke he wasn’t able to discuss what he was working on while I was recording, however I knew it would eventually come out - so I can tell you now. Damon has been cast in the new Tarantino movie Once Upon a time in Hollywood, playing the role of Charles Manson. An astonishingly high-profile role for him, working with a legend of cinema - one I wish we could have spoken about but that’s ok, listening to this you’ll get to know more about this remarkable man and the path that he’s taken to get to this dizzying height. I was particularly interested in talking to him about the seasonal aspect of his job, how he deals with the ebbs and flows of the work. Damon is a humble guy, and came around to the apartment a few weeks back for a cuppa and some irregular dog barking from Frank.I hope you enjoy this engaging conversation with Damon Herriman. In case you need it: https://www.efax.com.au/Our PM Scott Morrison’s Fax numbers: +61295238959 +61262734100Our Environment minister Melissa Price’s Fax numbers:+61 8 9192 8860+61 8 9921 7990 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

My guest today is Psychologist Tahnee Schulz. Tahnee is a highly experienced psychologist with a background in mental health, trauma, substance use, complex co-morbid presentations and corporate psychology. For the past four years, she has specialised in critical incident response and has worked with various people involved in and affected by the tragic passing of cricketer Phillip Hughes, the Sydney Lindt Café siege, several Royal Commissions and the Nepal Earthquakes Rescue Mission.She’s essentially like the mental health paramedic, but instead of a medical kit full of butterfly stitches and IV drips, she has her words and knowledge to assist with the mental trauma of a situation with great physical trauma and danger. This conversation talks a lot about trauma and the effects of trauma. Part of the chat takes us to a pretty grim place and about 1/2 hour in there’s a conversation about a case she worked on that involved a kid - if you want to skip ahead a few minutes I won’t be upset. If this conversation does bring anything up for you please call lifeline 131114. You’re going to get a lot out of this - I know I did. Please enjoy this conversation with Tahnee Schulz.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

James Fielding is a doctor, drummer, CEO and founder of a number of companies including Audeara. Find him on Twitter and Instagram @jamesafielding He’s from Brisbane, Australia, and is one of the young guns of the very hot entrepreneurial start up scene there in Queensland. James has quite a story to tell and in this conversation you’ll hear about how he as a doctor chose to pivot into helping others at scale through the power of music. As someone with noise-induced hearing loss, it’s people like James that really fascinates me - because he’s found a way to fuse his love of music with his desire to help people. But he’s so much more than that. If you’ve ever thought about starting a business, or putting yourself out there - this conversation is for you. If you thought you had to wait until you got overseas to start your venture - after this conversation you’ll be fired right up. I firmly believe the future of Australia is nested in our intellectual capital, and people like James are the new frontier of entrepreneurs who stay here to build their businesses and bring knowledge and momentum to our country - a thing that for so long left to foreign shores where in the past capital and opportunity were more readily available - as James clearly says - that’s no longer the case. We’re in a whole new world my friends, and James and his team are one of the companies leading the charge. I know you’ll get a lot out of this conversation with James Fielding. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

My guest today is Ali Hill. She’s the CEO of Australian Financial Review Fast 100 company Pragmatic Thinking, she’s a psychologist and a best-selling author of the book “Stand Out: A real world guide to get clear, find purpose and become the boss of busy”. Seems like a pretty good idea, right?Her podcast is called “Stand Out life” and can be heard wherever podcasts are - probably the same place you hear this one. She’s got a lot to say about psychology and the role of psychology in negotiation in the workplace, care at work and how to manage stresses that come with a modern life - but you’ll hear all of that in the next hour. You can find her on IG at @alihillHope you enjoy this chat with Ali Hill. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Catherine Milne is the publisher at Harper Collins - she’s the reason I have a book out. Catherine is an extraordinary woman, with a wonderful passion for her work and the written word, she is warm and kind and as you’ll hear speaks with a romantic glow in her heart about story and the power of story. Catherine has a tough job - taking chumps like me, who’ve never written more than 800 words and turning them into authors. She guided me through the process with a kind but firm hand, she helped me through the hard parts and talked me through what works and what doesn’t work. You might not yet have written a book, but listening to this conversation with Catherine, I hope you’ll understand a bit more about the kind of person that it takes to bring a book from a thought to a thing. She’s a truly wonderful woman.I hope you enjoy this conversation with Catherine Milne. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Matthew Mitcham is a retired Olympic Diver who has a life full of firsts. He’s the first openly gay athlete to ever win an Olympic gold medal, winning that gold medal with the highest-ever single dive score in Olympic History. While his career was incredibly high profile, and he indeed achieved dominance in his sport - it was what happened out of the pool that has in my opinion shaped the wonderful man who came over to our apartment this week. Matthew wrote a memoir in 2012 called “Twists and Turns”, and is currently topping off a linguistics degree as he grows into a superb cabaret performer. He’s got a show coming up this week in Sydney - UP CLOSE AND PERSONALwith Matthew MitchamSaturday 27 October, 7pmBondi Pavilion Theatrehttp://www.bonditheatrecompany.com.au/shows/up-close-and-personalThis conversation talks a bit about diving. A bit about sexuality, and a LOT about addiction and recovery. There’s quite a bit of stuff in here that might trigger you if you or someone you know has a history of crystal meth use - and if you need someone to talk to in Australia please call Lifeline on 13 11 14, or reach out to the crisis counselling service in your area.Speaking of reaching out. In this conversation Matthew and I speak a lot about meetings. The meetings are everywhere, they’re not hard to find, and if you need help, and you’re willing to do whatever it takes to not need to drink or use again, you’ll find what you need in those meetings. I can’t recommend them enough. If you’ve never had a problem with drinking or using - I hope this conversation gives you a window into what life can be like in recovery, and the daily work that can happen so that life doesn’t need to be a repetitive downward spiral heading to the foregone conclusion of institution, hospitalisation or incarceration, or worse. That’s not the chirpiest intro I’ve done - but this is a solid chat with a guy that’s got some solid time, it was good to talk about recovery this way. You can find Matthew on twitter he’s @matthew_mitcham and instagram @MatthewMitcham88- let him know you heard him here, and enjoy this conversation with Matthew Mitcham. That was he’s on Twitter @matthew_mitcham and instagram @MatthewMitcham88- let him know you heard him here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Emma Roche is an Australian author and whole-food plant-based food advocate who lives year-round in Belgium. You can find her on instagram @plantplateI’m very aware of the privilege that I have as a white, male, middle class guy that I can afford to live a plant-based life. Indeed at times in my life I have definitely gone overboard and bought the $20 jar of organic virgin dirt single origin solar-powered peanut butter.However it doesn’t have to be like that. And lately I’ve been getting more and more frugal about how I feed myself to live this way, and you know what - chickpeas are cheap. Rice is cheap. Veggies are cheap. It doesn’t have to be a Gwennyth Paltrow $470 a week for one person grocery bill. It can be, but it doesn’t have to be. This is where Emma Roche comes in. She’s written a couple of brilliant books about living a whole-food plant based life on a budget. In fact they do what they say on the box “Whole Food Plant Based on $5 a day” is the book I first found, and it spread the message that you can feed yourself and your family well, and cheaply, on less than $50 a week per person - which is a pretty excellent price point if you ask me. Her books are available at plantplate.comIf you’re new to the idea of eating this way, or you’ve been curious about it but don’t know how to make the first steps away from the food you grew up knowing, or you're befuddled at the $10 macrobiotic sprouted tempeh that you think you need to put in each meal - this episode is for you. A warning, if you haven’t eaten yet and you’re listening to this on an empty stomach, you’ll want to cook something delicious today I can guarantee it. Emma’s a great chat, and we caught up over Skype from her home in Europe. Enjoy this conversation with Emma Roche.  Until we speak next time, do what you can where you are with what you have, and urge those in power to do the right thing. Our Prime Minister’s number is:Telephone:(02) 6277 7700Fax:(02) 6273 4100Angus Taylor the Minister for Energy is Phone: (02) 6277 7710And Melissa Price, Minister for the Environment is at Ph:  (02) 6277 4242It’s up to us my friends. You can’t do everything, you can’t do nothing, but you can do something. So let’s do it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jarrad Seng is an Australian photographer, videographer, artist and former contestant on the toughest game on the planet - Survivor. I’m very aware that as a white, straight, male, middle class person - that I was always seeing people that looked like me not only in the world but also on TV. Jarrad didn’t have that. With a mum from Christmas Island and a Dad from Malaysia - the phrase ‘you can’t be what you can’t see’ was very real for him growing up in Western Australia. Today we speak about what life was like growing up where he did - his path to becoming a professional photographer, and indeed what affect instagram is having on us as a society. Then somewhere around the 1/2 way mark we start talking about Survivor. If you don’t know what survivor is - as far as I’m concerned it’s probably the greatest game invented by people. Part hunger-games, part battle of the minds, it’s an incredible exploration to the nature of humans in the face of adversity. If you’ve never watched an episode - it’s more than just shirtless dudes throwing coconuts through a hoop - it’s so much more. It’s like the hardest game of chess you can imagine, combined with the back-channeling and politics of a climate-summit, mixed with the toughest crossfit class you’ve ever taken, while living in the outdoors in a way that would make Bear Grylls wish for a sleeping bag.  I’m grateful that Jarrad made the time to come on the podcast, and since we recorded this - we’ve both attended the finale show - and let me tell you, it’s going to blow the roof off when you see who wins. So without any further delay, come to a hotel room in Sydney where my family is living while the bathrooms in our apartment are being renovated, and enjoy this conversation with Jarrad Seng. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I’m sad today. Because even though Wayne Coyne from the flaming lips tells us that everyone we know someday will die, it’s still tough when they do. Over the weekend my friend, Disability Advocate, Author, Playwright, director, producer, actor and multiple podcast guest Quentin Kenihan passed away. He was 43. He was also a man that had been told he’s not going to live to see his next birthday since he was a child. Anyone that knew him will know what a titan he was. I am so very sad that he is gone. He and I met in 2003 when we were still recording Australian Idol, before an episode had even aired - and he helped me understand what life in the public eye worked like.We stayed close through the up times and were there for each other over and over on the dark times.For all the late night phone calls, Skype and FaceTime across the planet, I’m grateful we were there to support each other as we navigated this journey.The presence and joy he had in every breath he took was always evident, even when he had to start using an Oxygen generator to take those breaths. I’ve never known anyone to truly live every day with the joy and deliberate purpose as you, but when you’ve been told that you won’t live another year every year since you were a kid - I guess life becomes immediate quickly.His fierce independence, his tenacious drive and his incredible creativity will stay with me forever.He touched many people. I’m grateful that I had a front row seat to his world, and that Audrey was indeed able to share some of those times too - I’m glad she got to know him as I did.Here’s the first time I had Quentin on my podcast, back in episode 21. I’ll miss you Q. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I am so excited to be sharing my conversation with Susan David with you. Her book "emotional agility” was one of the books I devoured in the first few months of coming off of meds, as I tried to learn more about my head and about what’s going on when I get triggered with panic or rumination. The wide angle view of Susan’s work is that discomfort or indeed uncomfortable feelings is the price of admission to a meaningful life. When I first saw her Ted Talk, “The Gift and Power of Emotional Courage" which has well over 3 Million Views by now - this was like a revelation to me. I say to Audrey all the time - I have these moments where it’s like we’ve hit the “release” button on the pressure cooker - just one small string of words or an idea can free me from the swirling vortex of rumination. And when I first heard Susan’s hypothesis, this was like permission to have this discomfort within my body - and that indeed absorbing it and realising that not only was I bigger than it but also that it would pass - well that was incredibly liberating. Bear in mind that I needed to be on meds for a long time until I was able to hear such things and have them stick - when I was sick and experiencing psychosis it wouldn’t have mattered if A Harvard Ph,D psychologist like Susan David sat in my kitchen and told me this like she does today - it simply wouldn’t have mattered. But thankfully I have healed a lot and I’m getting about doing the daily work so that ideas and concepts like this can indeed stick in and make a difference to my day. In fact just this morning, Audrey and I were coming back from the airport after a lovely week away in Bali, when I did something I shouldn’t have done on three hours of sitting in a chair plane sleep. I opened twitter and saw an article claiming that the Trump administration was using an unstoppable and cataclysmic climate change projection of a 7ºC rise by 2100 was justification that car emission regulations weren’t going to make a difference to why not lift the restrictions and just go to town on emissions since we’re all going to die anyway. Now if you’ve read my book you’ll know that Climate Change was my trigger - and indeed the paranoid delusions I was experiencing convinced me that such a scenario as this projection was happening today and I was the only one that knew about it. So as I sat in the back of a cab, my body just teetering on the edge of sunburn and tan after a week reading my Yuval Noah Harari book in the sunshine, my wife texting the dog sitter trying to reunite us with Frank later that day, the familiarly cool and punishing stab of fear pierced my stomach. Crisp and precise, my intestines turned to macrame and my heart nearly bursting through my ears. I could hardly breathe and as I look at the peerless blue sky and a man walking past in shorts I feel the icky tendrils return into my brain, the blue sky is bad, it should be cloudy this time of year - why’s he wearing shorts? It’s supposed to be cold? These two things clearly mean this article is correct, fuuuck here we go… I’m suddenly completely disconnected to the present. I’m no longer in the cab, no longer with Audrey, no longer basking in the glow of a week in Bali lying around by a pool reading books with my lover. I’ve been hijacked and I’m now imprisoned in a cage of future fear that feels completely real in my mind, utterly disconnected with where my body actually is. So I go straight to my tools. Breathe. Get control of my breathing. Feel my feet in my socks. Get into this moment. Get into my body. Reach out and touch Audrey on the hand. Connect with her and this reality right now, not the one in 82 years from now. Breathe some more. Where is this feeling in my body?It’s in my... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Marcus Engman is the head of Design at Ikea of Sweden. With one billion customers on this planet - I’d be surprised if you have never lived with a piece of Ikea furniture. This podcast was recorded as a part of a special Ikea event in Sydney, and they’d invited me to interview Marcus on the night and have a conversation about design. But don’t worry this is not a conversation about furniture. Because for a moment - just think about the importance of design. A phrase I’m hung on at the moment around my book is ‘thoughts become things’. Look around you right now - every single object that is non-organic or non-geological in origin was once a thought in someone’s head. It was conceived in totality by someone, existing only in a mesh of neurones in their brains until it was created into being out of raw materials and now is something you can hold, touch, or use. This is true for every object around you. That chair, that rug, your car, your undies, every single object around you was once a thought. And thoughts, as we know - become things. This is true for both positive and negative thoughts, with enough deliberate and inspired action, they manifest into reality.And as Marcus describes that object can be designed not only for you to use, and hopefully make your life better - but perhaps be designed to change the way you behave, as a way of influencing you in a way that words or actions cannot. Marcus is a fascinating man, we get into his story in this chat so I won’t repeat it here - however I was absolutely thrilled to speak with him in front of a sold-out crowd of about two hundred people at the MCA in Sydney. I’d love your thoughts on this one - so please email me [email protected] Enjoy this conversation with Marcus Engman Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today I’m joined by LA Radio Superstar Natalia Perez. She’s an announcer on the super-important radio show Big Boy's Neighborhood on Real 92.3 in LA. To give you an idea about how important this show is, the reason you first heard a Kendrick Lamar track on Australian radio is because Big Boy played it on his show first. He’s the one that breaks records to market. His endorsement gives music directors the world over permission to also start playing these songs. He’s a true legend of the industry and by legitimising artists on his show has helped create more music superstars the I’ve had hot dinners. Natalia worked together for three years on a radio show called The Hot Hits Live from LA, and as soon as I met her I knew she was something special. The way Natalia has crafted her career path, how she’s worked, and learned, and worked some more, and used a combination of super-hard work, willingness to learn more skills and a kindness that will knock you out of the park - this one will leave you so inspired about what’s possible in life, and indeed how you might be able to level up your own career. Next to my wife, Natalia is the kindest person I know. She’s also one of the most hard working people I’ve ever come across. If you’re at all interested in a career in media, or a career in an area that has a high barrier to entry - this conversation is a masterclass in how to achieve what you dreamed of achieving. I can’t thank Natalia enough for staying up super late to talk to me on this one - late being 4pm which for breakfast radio announcers is essentially midnight. You can find Natalia at @heynatalia on instagram, let her know you heard her here. This woman is one of the most dear people I know, and that I can share this conversation with you, and indeed give you a glimpse into the kind of person she is and that incredible career success can be yours through hard work and kindness - well it’s pretty special.Enjoy this conversation with the wonderful Natalia Perez. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

My guest today is Jarrod McKenna.Jarrod McKenna the is the Teaching Pastor at Cornerstone Church in Perth, he is the co-founder of "First Home Project", a community welcoming housing and “giving a hand up not a hand-out” to recently arrived refugees, and is a peace award winning nonviolent social change trainer.Jarrod obviously a very smart and charismatic man - not many pastors are anything less - but Jarrod is also a man who is voracious in his drive to campaign for positive social change when it comes to asylum seekers and refugees.Not many folks are willing to risk their lives for a cause - and Jarrod did just that, when he was smuggled onto Manus Island to spend time with and speak with people that our Australian government has detained.Among those people - are 107 children.Children like your kids and mine.Kids who are far from home, scared and needing care and support.When I pay my taxes, that money gets used for many things that I’m happy about.Roads, hospitals, infrastructure and social services.That money is also being used to detain children who had no choice in their situation.That’s my money. Your money.Personally - I’m not too happy about it.Do I have an answer to people arriving to Australia by boat?Nope.Is locking up children the answer?Not as far as I’m concerned.Jarrod belongs to a church that I have had a few things to do with over the years - and not all of those experiences were positive, but as you’ll hear me say to him - I’ve learned to be quick to see where religious people are right.Just because I have a different idea of what might be ‘god’ or a ‘higher power’ doesn’t mean that I can’t powerfully share values of kindness, compassion and caring for others in our community that a man like Jarrod does.Jarrod is a good man, a kind man, and I’m very proud to support him and bring this conversation to you.If you’d like to support Jarrod and his work - www.kidsoffnauru.com is where to start.We do talk about some pretty heavy stuff here - including talk about suicide. If you or anyone you know needs support - please take control and call lifeline on 13 11 14.I hope you enjoy this conversation with Jarrod McKenna. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

My guest today is my wife, Audrey Griffen. You can find her on instagram @audreygriffen.Long time listeners of the show will know her through the stories I tell about her, and if you’ve read the book you’ll know all about her and how we met. You’ll also know how she’s played an enormous role in helping me heal and indeed come back from the edge of sanity.Last week on the show you heard me tell Todd Sampson about how Audrey saved my life, and today you’ll hear her side of the story - and truth be told, I learned a thing or two about Audrey today that surprised me too - and I’ve been with her for four years by now!You might not all be my wife - but listening to her journey with her choice to have a child as a single mother in her early 20s, to how she managed to start and maintain a relationship with someone who was clearly quite sick - well it’s one I’m grateful to help her tell, because I know we’re not alone in our relationship dynamic. I know there’s a lot of people listening who are the partner of someone who’s going through some tricky times, or they themselves are going through tricky times and might not have considered their partner’s perspective. Either way, I’m very grateful that Audrey found time to do this today. Come now to our kitchen table and enjoy a nice cuppa and a chat with me and my wife, Audrey Griffen. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

My guest today, once again is me.A few weeks ago legendary human, documentary maker, story teller, adventurer and all-around super-human Todd Sampson came onto my show and when he did, Todd insisted that one day he interview me.Part one was last week, and if you’ve not listened to that, please go back and check it out, because it will make this conversation have much more context.In this second half of the conversation with Todd, we get into the darkest of the darkness. We discuss the stuff that I cover in the book - including alcoholism, psychosis, and suicidal ideation.If you or someone you know is struggling please call lifeline 13 11 14.It’s of course an incredible honour to have Todd do this - he’s a very smart, very busy man, and he took nearly three hours out of his day to come to our kitchen and interview me.It ended up with us both in tears and there’s a point at the end when Audrey even joins in, and thanks to your requests, I’m going to get her on as a guest in coming weeks so we can talk about what she does to get through life living with a guy like me who’s capable of incredible intensity from time to time.If you like what you hear - please reach out to @ToddSampsonOZ on twitter and let him know.If you like it a whole lot - come see the live show on August 30th which is basically this, but with a songs. osher.is/live the link is in the show notes on your podcast app.If you really like what you hear - buy the book.The link is live now at oshergunsberg.com or in my instagram bio.Ok are you ready?Come back to my kitchen table in Bronte for a nice shot of espresso and a chat with the wonderful man that is Todd Sampson. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

My guest today, is me.A few weeks ago legendary human, documentary maker, storyteller, adventurer and all-around super-human Todd Sampson came onto my show and when he did, Todd insisted that one day he interview me.Well, today’s the day.It’s an incredible honour to have Todd do this - he’s one of the smartest and busiest men on the planet, and he took nearly three hours out of his day to come to our kitchen and interview me.It’s such a marathon that Andy and I are splitting this into two parts.Because it’s too good to miss.If you like what you hear - please reach out to @ToddSampsonOZ on twitter and let him know.If you like it a whole lot - come to see the live show on August 30th which is basically this, but with songs. osher.is/live the link is in the show notes on your podcast app.If you really like what you hear - buy the book.The link is live in my Instagram bio.Come now to my kitchen table in Bronte for a nice shot of espresso and a chat with the wonderful man that is Todd Sampson. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Emilie Brabon Hames is author, Transformation coach and Nutrition coach, and one 1/2 of the team that helped me totally transform my body for the cover of men’s health magazine.You can find her online @emiliebrabonhames .We heard from her husband Chief last week, and now it’s Em’s turn.Her story of how she went from a reclusive kid to one of the most powerful transformation coaches in the country, transforming literally thousands of lives every year with her Original Bootcamp work - well it’s something that’s completely inspiring.Em’s journey covers some difficult territory, and hearing how she reclaimed her life from the darkness will move you as much as it moved me I’m sure.On that - if anything in this conversation brings up difficult feelings for you please call lifeline in 13 11 14.However, I assure you that this chat has a very happy ending.You can follow Em’s adventures on Instagram at @emiliebrabonhames and there you’ll find the link to buy the new book she’s written with Chief - 8 Weeks to Wow.I hope you enjoy this chat with Emilie Brabon Hames. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chief Brabon is the Fitness Director at Men’s Health Australia, the CEO of TransformationCoach.com and CEO of Original Bootcamp.It was with Chief Brabon and his wife Emilie Brabon-Hames that I worked out every day for ten weeks to achieve my cover shot of Men’s Health Australia.When you spend an hour of your day with someone every day - you get to know them pretty well, and I got to know that both Chief and his wife Em have remarkable stories to tell.We’ll hear Em’s story next week, it’s compelling and a transformation tale in itself - but this week it’s all about Chief.Chief and Em are the team behind the biggest selling Men’s Health Australia covers of the last few years - Larry Emdur, James Stewart and yes - Guy Sebastian.In fact, while I was doing my transformation I sat down with Guy and we talked all about the mental aspect of how doing this changed the way he works and lives. Check that episode out for more.Chief is a man who’s driven by a desire for knowledge. He’s traveled the world to train with and learn from the best in industry, and then passes that knowledge on to the people he works with - be in the parks and beaches every morning for his Original Boot Camp workouts, or during his 1-1 transformation coaching like he and I did.His story is one that takes some turns you might not expect.A former military man, he had a significant injury in his 20s which left him with chronic pain that he still lives with every single day.How he overcame that pain and transformed his own life is what this conversation is all about.We don’t pull any punches and we do talk about suicide in this conversation - so if you or anyone you know needs support please call Lifeline on 13 11 14.You can find Chief on instagram where he’s always posting workouts and the like - @chiefbrabon, and for more about the program that I went on - transformationcoach.com .I hope you enjoy this conversation with Chief Brabon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Matt Griggs is a high performance coach, keynote speaker and meditation teacher from Sydney Australia, you can find him online at mattgriggs.com or on instagram @mattgriggs.For years Matt worked with some of the worlds most successful athletes in the surfing world, helping them focus in and out of the water for not only world-beating performances in competition - but with resilience out of the water too.Matt famously coached three-time world-champion surfer and shark-puncher Mick Fanning, and 6 time world-champion surfer Stephanie Gilmore, as well as numerous NRL players and other elite athletes.Matt is also a meditation teacher, and we delve right into the particular kind of mediation he teaches in this podcast, because while I’m still a novice - I do try to meditate every day and I do find it to be very beneficial in my life. I also know that not everyone will use the same kind of mediation - some may prefer mindfulness, some may prefer mantra meditations, or another way of finding that particular place in your thinking - whatever it takes, give it a go - because I don’t know much, but I do know that every elite athlete, leader, broadcaster, performer and business person I admire - they all meditate. Every one of them.So there’s something in it.Matt and I get technical when we start talking about focus and consciousness, but that’s ok you can hit rewind and listen again to anything that might have slipped past you.I’m all about these kinds of conversations - because while our lives may be full of questions - thankfully whatever problem we’ve had that’s hassling us - someone else has had it before and they figured out a way to deal with it - so all we have to do is find them, find what worked for them, and apply it to our lives.I’m so grateful that you get to hear this conversation with the fascinating Matt Griggs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sally Rugg is an LGBTIQ activist and Executive Director of Change.org - find her on twitter @sallyrugg or on Instagram @_campaign_papi.Sally is a smart, charming, powerful person whose leadership and drive to make our community as inclusive and excellent as it can be is something I found inspirational.If you’ve ever wondered about why someone might pursue a career in activism, or indeed what life is like for someone who stands up in public and fights for the human rights of those underrepresented in our community - Sally is here to tell you all about it.I for one feel we are lucky to have people like Sally in our community - people who tirelessly fight for the rights of others.She certainly got me thinking about the privilege I got born with, and what I choose to use that privilege for.Sally and I first connected over Twitter when we were trying to figure out a way to figure out a same-sex version of The Bachelorette happening, and after a few tweets back and forth I ended up asking her here to talk about that but also so many other things.So I’ll say this part now.In this conversation, I’m probably going to make a lot of mistakes when discussing the important nuances of life outside my heteronormative bubble. I will probably mess up some pronouns, I’ll probably accidentally minimise the impact of important distinctions and issues. I want to assure you - I’m keen to learn, I’m keen to get more aware of micro-aggressions in my language, so if I make some glaringly obvious out-of-my depth straight-white-guy mistakes, please be so kind and email me [email protected] and perhaps help me not make those mistakes again.I know that the more I discover about lives that are so different to mine, the more I realise how little I know, and how much I am yet to learn. So I’m all ears and I look forward to hearing from you.One thing I did learn - is that Sally and I share an undying love and devotion for the band Hanson. You may think this conversation is going to be political and explore the tricky ways that we could try to get a same-sex reality TV dating show to work - it’s all those things, with a lot of singing of Hanson songs.Sally is a fabulous person and I hope you do all you can to support her and the important work she does at change.org.She’s young, she’s full of energy, and she’s just getting started. I’m grateful that we had the chance to talk now, because mark my words in a few years from now you’ll be glad you caught a glimpse of the powerhouse this woman is, so you can say “yeah I always knew she’d go on to change the world” did you know she likes Hanson?If you like what you hear, please let her know on Twitter @sallyrugg or on Instagram @_campaign_papi.So enjoy this chat with the wonderful Sally Rugg. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Abdullah Zeinab is a plant-based ultra-endurance cyclist, a man with a crystal clear outlook on life and the capacity for incredible self-awareness. You can find him on YouTube by searching The Glucose Network, or follow him on Instagram @abdullahzeinabAbdullah is a prominent figure in both the plant-based and cycling community, his videos online and live streams are the stuff of legend.However - recently Abdullah completed the Indian Pacific Wheel Race, an ultra-endurance, unsupported bike race from the Indian Ocean in Western Australia, across the bottom of the continent all the way to the Sydney Opera House and the Pacific Ocean.The 2018 edition of the race was officially cancelled just hours before the event began, however with riders from all over the world already gathered in Fremantle, the GPS trackers already fitted to the bikes, many riders chose to ride the route at their own risk.Abdullah averaged more than 500km a day as he rode his bike across the Nullarbor Plain (literally the Latin name for No Tree) and ended up over 5000km later finishing the course in incredible time.Abdullah’s story of what he has not only discovered about himself through his life but most definitely what he discovered about himself on that bike ride - is truly inspirational.I was so impressed with Abdullah as a human. He came here to the flat with his lovely girlfriend, and we sat across from each other while he gratefully opened up to my questions, fearlessly exploring the areas I asked him about.He talks fast, so this one might need a second listen in case you miss something.I’m so grateful Abdullah came around, and I’m so grateful he was so open as this conversation took some turns, and went into some pretty deep concepts that might challenge you, and might even open your eyes to a way of seeing the world you hadn't thought about before.It certainly did for me.Enjoy this conversation with Abdullah Zeinab. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kath Koschel is an incredibly inspiring human. She’s the founder of kindnessfactory.com and has a story that will break your heart three times before it lifts you up into the glowing warmth of the collective love of humanity.This conversation deals with suicide and the effects of road trauma, so if you do need to talk to anyone please seek help from your doctor or call Lifeline on 13 11 14.Kath’s story is one of the incredible power of human resilience and the overwhelming kindness of our community at large.We’re so polarised to believe it’s Left vs Right, Liberal vs Labour, Sustainability vs Environmental pillage, but there’s actually a vast and overwhelming feeling of joy and compassion in our country and Kath’s story proves it.A world-class athlete struck down by crippling injury at the height of her career, Kath has learned to walk three times in her life. Once as a toddler, and twice as an adult. She’s also had to face the devastation of losing the love of her life to suicide just as the rays of sunshine were starting to warm things up again.Yet Kath’s outlook on the world, her attitude to kindness, forgiveness and trust in the goodness of the community at large will make you feel a lot better about the world as a whole. Because Kath’s out to show you, me and everyone else that kindness is indeed what we naturally have in our hearts and it’s something that on a self-centred level - actually feels good.Help her get to 1,000,000 acts of kindness over at kindnessfactory.com, and enjoy this conversation with Kath Koschel. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

`Paul Field is the Managing Director of international children’s entertainment mega-brand The Wiggles. He’s also an ambassador for Red Nose Day, which funds research and support around the incidence of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome or SIDS.Nine babies and children in Australia will die today as a result of SIDS, but that number is down 85% of what it once was due largely to the incredible research and awareness that Red Nose Day raises money to support.After listening to this, I’m sure you’ll want to throw some help their way - you can donate year-round RedNoseDay.com.auPaul Field is now the MD of The Wiggles but as you’ll hear he was once the front man for incredibly successful Aussie pub rock band The Cockroaches - along with his brother Anthony, and a sleepy keyboard player named Jeff.However, as you’ll hear, The Cockroaches eventually wound down and The Wiggles wound up, all while Paul dealt with an incredible tragedy in his life - the sudden death of his infant daughter Bernadette when she was just 8 months old.This is a heavy tale, and if you or anyone you know has been through something similar this podcast might bring up some intense emotions for you - perhaps there’s some unprocessed grief still lingering - we talk about that a lot - if so please reach out for help if you need it or if you’re in Australia call Lifeline on 13 11 14.I can’t thank Paul enough for coming around and sharing his story so authentically- and I hope you resonate with his message about how he loves his life now even after going through such incredible loss and grief.I’m grateful you’re here and grateful that together we can have this conversation with Paul Field. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rob Mills is an actor, singer, and musical theatre superstar from Melbourne Australia. You can find him on Instagram @robmillsymills.Rob first rose to prominence during the debut season of Australian Idol back in 2003, and as you’ll hear had a rollercoaster ride from there to where he is now. One that involved the highest of highs, and the very lowest of lows. In this conversation we do talk about the subject of suicide, so if you or if anyone you know needs help - in Australia please call Lifeline on 13 11 14, if you’re outside Australia please reach out to a health professional asap.Rob is the pure story of someone that looked at their life and said “I’ve got more to offer than this”, found his “why” and then put in the work, a day at a time. That work lead him to someone who’s now cast in the lead role in massive musical productions that have a cast and crew of hundreds and a LOT riding on his ability to deliver.Rob found his ‘Why’, Rob put in the work, and Rob’s life is now the life he created for himself.We spoke as he as preparing for a massive George Michael tribute gig which is happening at the Sydney Opera House on July 8th, you can get tickets at https://www.sydneyoperahouse.com/george-michael.I couldn’t be more happy to have had this chat, I hope you enjoy understanding the ‘why’ that drives Rob Mills. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ditch Davey is an incredibly successful Australian actor and producer who first rose to prominence on the TV show “Blue Heelers” but has since gone on to appear in countless films and TV shows - notably Spartacus and Black Box, and most recently the TV show Harrow which you can see on ABC iView.  Ditch is a remarkable man with a brilliant outlook on life.  He’s a man who’s pursued a career in a seasonal industry, one that subjects you to the terrifying and constant judgment of who you are as a human - but that’s what being an actor is sometimes.  Ditch has incredible coping strategies in place to help him deal with the ups and downs of what it is to be a working actor and I can’t thank him enough for taking the time to share so deeply not only why he does what he does, but indeed how he deals with the cycles of work in his career.  You might never step on stage, you might never step in front of the camera, but I guarantee you’ll listen to this and hear a few ways that Ditch deals life that you will be able to incorporate into your own way of living.  He’s a wonderful and warm-hearted man, and we caught up on Skype from his home in Melbourne a few weeks back - so I’m grateful that he had the time to do this because it’s such an inspirational conversation.  If this chat ticks some boxes for you - don’t hesitate to let him know @iamditchdavey on Instagram. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

My guest today is Danielle Prince. On Instagram she’s @danniprince, follow her there and let her know that you heard her here.  Danielle is a Commonwealth Games and Olympic Rhythmic Gymnast. In her words - rhythmic gymnastics is the absolute fusion between athleticism and art. It is the sport that is designed to make the impossible look easy.  And Danielle’s story is one of how much time, effort, focus, and dedication it takes to do just that, to make the impossible look easy.  Spoiler alert - relentless focus, practice and repetition.  But I’ll let her describe it.  Because there are no shortcuts to mastery.  Danielle has an incredible athletic career, she’s made history as the first female gymnast to represent Australia at 3 consecutive Commonwealth Games, and has represented the country as the only Rhythmic gymnast selected to get to the Olympics in Rio.  Danielle not only works with the Layne Beachley foundation, but Danni has developed her own scholarship to nurture young athletes to continue to strive to be their best.  And in this conversation, you can hear how she not only deals with the incredible successes that she’s had in her career, but also the times she missed the podium - which, let’s be honest will happen more to an athlete than not.  This is an emotional conversation. Twice while Danni was telling me her story I started to cry. Her grace and dignity in describing how even though she missed out on the athletic goal she’d set for her self, she emerged as a victor from a competition that she didn’t succeed at - it’s one that moved me and I’m certain will move you.  It’s the first time I”ve met someone who’s retiring at 25 from the thing they’ve done their entire life. And so I was fascinated to hear how someone who’s done nothing but dedicates their every waking second to a particular outcome now changes course and pursues something else.  You may never twirl a ribbon while doing a reverse scissor leap, however, what Danni’s been through and the lessons she has to tell you today will change the way you look at what you stand to win even when you look at the scoreboard it says that you have lost.  She’s a remarkable young woman, find her on Instagram @danniprince and wish her a happy birthday on Tuesday - and enjoy this conversation with Danielle Prince. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Guy Sebastian is a singer, songwriter and producer from Sydney, Australia.  He’s on instagram and twitter @guysebastian  The first winner of Australian Idol back in 2003, he and I have known each other for most of our careers.  We’ve had interviews along the way, at Channel [v] or on radio - but he and I have never spoken like we speak today.  Guy Sebastian has an incredible voice, and is a very, very successful recording artist in Australia because he works harder than almost anyone.  However along the way Guy has had his struggles, and in this conversation he and I unlock a massive catalyst for change that happened with Guy, and it only happened in the last 18 months.  To put it simply, daily physical exercise changed his life. I’ll let him take you through it, however the way he describes how hitting the gym every day has changed the way he works, thinks and feels, changed so many things outside of the gym - well, I related to it so much because that has been my experience too.  Guy is a very deep soul, a kind man, and a man who feels great empathy and love for his life and also those who enjoy his music.  He spent a few hours in my apartment and we could have chatted all afternoon, however I think in this one we really unlocked a few keys to what makes Guy Sebastian one of the greatest performers our country has ever seen.  He’s a complete inspiration to me, and I hope you get the same feeling when this conversation is over that I did. One of elation, and a desire to go and move my body.  Guy’s touring around the country in the next few weeks, tickets are available at guysebastian.com  Even if you’ve never seen him live, after hearing this I’m sure you’ll want to go just so you can spend time being in the same room as him, because hs’e a very special human.  Please enjoy this long-overdue conversation with Guy Sebastian.  You can book tickets for his upcoming tour http://www.guysebastian.com - if you liked the chat, please let him know on twitter or instagram. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Todd Sampson is an adventurer, award-winning documentary-maker, television presenter and businessman. Originally from Canada, he’s made a home for himself in Australia where he rose to become one of the most influential business executives in the country.  Known to Australians as the guy in the t-shirt on one of Australia’s most successful and longest-running panel shows “Gruen”, Todd’s TV career took on a life of it’s own.  Aside from his TV work, Todd's business resume is formidable. He’s the former CEO of the Leo Burnett ad agency, he currently sits on the board of Qantas and Fairfax, plus he’s an active investor and advisor in Australia’s start-up scene.  However first and foremost - Todd is an adventurer. As you’ll hear, his quest for adventure and finding what lies beyond where his is comfortable has lead him to every corner of the globe, putting himself in places and situations that push the limits of human endurance in an effort to see what is on the other side of where most other people would turn back.  Somewhere along the way, Todd began to film his adventures and that has lead him to an incredibly successful career as a documentary maker, writing and producing "Redesign My Brain", "Life on the Line" and most recently "Body Hack".  I’m fascinated by Todd. His constant quest to discover what else he and in a way all of us are capable of when we take ourselves outside of the climate-controlled, low danger, low energy output, constant caloric intake world we have built around ourselves - is so inspiring to me. In the last few months I’m discovering what can happen for me when I go beyond what I thought I was capable of, and it has been transformational.  With Todd, he’s doing it on another level altogether and you can see the results as he pushes himself into the limits of human endurance not just for great footage - but to see what else he will then be capable of with the knowledge that he can do such extreme things and come out the other side.  I could have talked to Todd for hours - but I think you’ll get a real kick out of this one. You might even need to listen twice.  The new season of Body Hack starts on Thursday night here in Australia, 8:30pm on Network Ten. Don’t miss it, it’s a life-changer.  If you enjoy this conversation please let Todd know, he’s on twitter @toddsampsonOz (https://twitter.com/toddsampsonOz).  Enjoy this adventurous conversation with Todd Sampson. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jamie Pride is a serial entrepreneur, Venture Capitalist and author on a mission to help shift the needle on startup culture. Find him on instagram @jamiepride  We’ve all heard the Cinderella story - two people create an iPhone app, sell their business to Google for $20M after 18 months and now everyone’s taking baths in Lambos and Bitcoin taking Uber Jets to Burning Man.  However that’s not the real story.  92% of startups fail.  And Jamie has a very real and personal experience of failure.  Jamie was formerly a partner at consulting firm Deloitte, and then the CEO of realestate.com.au.  He rode a rocket ship of success to the stars, founding more than six technology start ups, raising over $16M in funding and even listing his HR startup Refined on the ASX in 2015. Refined listed and went through the roof, within 30 weeks the stock shot up to a Market Capitalisation of over $200M, and overnight dropped to $20. He had investors who’d poured millions of dollars into his business turning up to his house in anger, and he even had to deal with death threats. Jamie self-medicated and his health plummeted before he hit a dangerous rock-bottom both mentally and physically which he goes into in this conversation. Now on a path of recovery, Jamie is committed to preventing other start-up founders from going through what he went through, by helping them not only understand the astronomical odds stacked against them - but also to help founders build resilience, so that they can fail, and then learn from that failure, then fail again and again until finally they succeed. He’s written a brilliant book on the matter - it’s called Unicorn Tears which is out now, and it focuses on mental health and resilience in the start up scene. It’s well worth a read if you’re an independent business person, there’s a lot of valuable content in there, I certainly resonated with the attribution of your product’s success to your self-worth - which he and I discuss in this show.  We may not all be coders or tech start up geniuses - but all of us have ambitions and goals, and all of us can learn from Jamie’s story.  He has a particularly excellent philosophy when it comes to mornings and about the use of his phone - I certainly have changed my game since I spoke with him, I hope that what he says can resonate with you too.  Enjoy this conversation with Jamie Pride. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Melissa Ambrosini is an Author, Podcaster and Motivational Speaker. You can find her on instagram @melissaambrosini. Her first book “Mastering your Mean Girl” was an absolute hit, and she’s just released a new book “Open Wide”. We might not all be authors, we might not all reinvent ourselves and work hard to become authorities on self-help and self-love : but all of us have been at rock bottom, and Melissa’s story of how she came back from a place of true darkness and peril is one that will move you. This one gets dark. This one gets emotional, however it’s ok. It has a happy ending. Melissa’s Podcast is a superb listen and you can find it where you found this one, just search The Melissa Ambrosini Show. If you like this episode, go let her know online - my guests always get a kick out of getting feedback from you. So let’s not waste any time. Settle in for a tale of coming into the light out of the darkness with Melissa Ambrosini.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Simon Hill is an entrepreneur and advocate for plant-based eating. Originally from Melbourne, he’s now based in Bondi Beach. You can find him on Instagram @plant_proof and online at plantproof.com - a guide to living a plant-based diet for people who like to be on the more active side of life.Simon’s story is just remarkable.He is one of Australia’s most successful young entrepreneurs, investors, and advisors.As we talked he was very humble about his businesses - just casually dropping that he started a “tea company” while he was working as a physiotherapist.The tea company he’s referring to is the absolutely massive YourTea.com, giving people access to herbs and teas used in traditional Chinese medicine.But you’d never know he’s one of my country’s most successful entrepreneurs, he’s also one of the people behind Organic Village Foods and Bean Body Care.Simon’s a very smart, very humble man.Devastatingly handsome with eyes like turquoise tropical lagoons, Simon’s focus now is on advocating for a plant-based lifestyle.If you look at a photo of him, you’ll notice that he is cut like a chopped salad.The man works out.And Plant Proof was inspired by Simon’s own experience with transitioning from eating animal foods to a plant-based diet.As we discuss, initially he shared many common fears among men and women, who are doing the same thing.If I stop eating meat am I going to lose muscle?With all those carbs will I gain fat and feel bloated? What about my iron?Will I get enough protein?There are answers to all of these questions, and we talk about most of them in this show.What I love most about Simon isn’t just his inspirational journey - but that he doesn’t throw health claims around willy nilly.He only talks about stuff that is backed up by hard science. He won’t make a claim that isn’t backed by a reference to a peer-reviewed journal study.And in this day of Instagram experts touting miracle cures - that is an important thing to have.To add even more clout to what he’s talking about, Simon is currently studying a Masters in Nutrition so that he can come at anyone with cold hard facts at fifty paces.He’s a great guy, I hope you enjoy getting to know Simon Hill. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

My guest today is elite cyclist Shane Perkins, you can find him on twitter @perkoperkins. Shane is an Olympic Games Bronze Medalist, a world champion team sprinter and a former Keirin track world champion.  Shane’s story is one of coming out from under his father’s shadow, committing to a goal and striving for what he wanted. We might not all be track cyclists capable of exploding an astonishing 2500w of power out of our legs, but we all have something that we want to get done. Shane’s story is so great because for him, those few seconds standing on the podium while the anthem plays - that’s not what he’s doing this for.  He’s doing it for the journey.  He’s doing it for what he’ll learn about himself on the way to stepping up on that small piece of oblong carpentry that stands on the edge of the track. That to me is the most inspiring part of Shane’s story - that the journey itself IS the reward. We caught up over Skype, thanks for allowing me to do more Skype chats guys. Enjoy this conversation with Shane Perkins. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fraser Bayley is a bodybuilder and trainer originally from NZ and now living in New Orleans, Louisiana. You can follow his adventures at @evolvingalpha on Instagram or FB.  Fraser’s story is a heroes journey if ever there was one.  From an unwell butcher who lived with a diagnosis of ADHD and then bipolar disorder, to a powerful bodybuilder who has achieved an incredible physique on a vegan diet.  However, Fraser’s transformation is way more than physical. The way he describes the dark place he was in during his teenage years, how he escaped a pattern of negative behaviour, how he identified ways to start to feel better and then simply worked on them every day, building momentum until he emerged from the chrysalis as a new man - this is a story that will show you the true gift we have as humans - the gift of being able to choose our next response and choose our next action.  That Fraser is a bodybuilder may not be something you aspire to - however, it is a physical manifestation of the focus and commitment he has to not only feeling better in his mind but also creating a new life for himself unrecognisable from his troubled past.  If you add on to that the extraordinary shift from being a butcher who did work in slaughterhouses, who worked every day cutting up animal carcasses for a supermarket meat section - to becoming the epitome of what masculinity celebrates when it comes to the “alpha” type - a fiercely competitive bodybuilder with an intimidating physique who trains and maintains that physique on a plant-based diet, that is truly astounding.  So much of the communication around health and fitness, and particularly muscle gain is all about eating meat - either the paleo diet or the keto diet - and when it comes to being a man, to expressing masculinity, one display of that we as a culture look toward is muscle.  Muscle that comes from eating animal products.  It’s touted as the only way to get that physique.  I’m here to tell you - it isn’t.  And Fraser is here to tell you too.  We caught up on Skype - so there are a few drops, but I hope you forgive the glitches and enjoy the inspiration that will come from this conversation with Fraser Bayley. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brett Robinson, or Robbo to his athletes and clients, is a high-performance coach who worked for years with the Australian Paralympic team. He’s since branched out into the wider community, hoping to bring his concepts and ideas that he learned and developed over the course of his incredibly successful career with elite athletes, and share them with the wider community. He has an excellent podcast that I highly recommend - Your Life Of Impact, which you can find wherever great podcasts are heard. Brett’s story does take some darker turns, but it’s ok, I promise he’s ok and found his way to Ok in a way that will inspire us all to live a life with more intentionality than before. I’m so grateful we got the chance to chat and to former podcast guest Rachel Neylan who made the introduction. Enjoy this introduction to the inspirational world of Brett Robbo. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bernie Black is the CEO of Brave Foundation, and the author of the book "Brave Little Bear: The inspirational Story of a Teenage Mother”.  Bernie’s story is not uncommon, but it’s something we don’t really speak about still.  Teenage pregnancy.  I know that Bernie’s story will resonate with many people listening, and I am sure it might even be confronting to some people listening.  Bernie has not only built an incredible life for her son, and now larger family - she’s risen to create an incredible career for herself as the CEO of Brave Foundation - and you’ll hear how she’s making a massive difference not only with stigma reduction and support for teenage parents, but on a broad policy level here in Australia.  You might not be trying to tackle a powerful social issue like teenage pregnancy, you might just be trying to tackle getting your kids to ease up on screen time and engage more in real time - it doesn’t matter, Bernie’s story will leave you inspired about what is possible no matter what circumstances face you. And that with support and a solid reframe, many situations can turn out way better than you thought in the first place. You can find out more about the incredible work that Brave Foundation does for expecting and parenting teens at http://bravefoundation.org.au/ Enjoy this conversation with Bernie Black. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Luke Heggie is a comedian from Sydney Australia. I’ve known Luke since we were eight and growing up with him and watching his career flourish has been one of the true pleasures of my life. One new year’s day he decided he’d give stand up comedy a go. Less than a month later he’d won his heat in JJJ’s high-profile national Raw Comedy competition, and soon after that had won the whole thing. Since then he’s worked tirelessly to hone his writing, his delivery and his work. He regularly tours internationally and is launching into his new show for 2018 “Tiprat” at the MICF. You can get tickets to the shows lukeheggie.com, and look out for shows in Sydney and Perth too. When you do go to his show, have a listen out to the intro voice over guy. He’s pretty good I reckon. Talking with Luke is always wonderful, and usually it takes place on the back of small folding bicycles as he and I ride around the south eastern suburbs of Sydney looking for a cafe to play some scrabble in, yet today you’re able to hear one of these chats and I couldn’t be more happy about it. Luke regularly gets 4 & 5 star reviews, and I would encourage you to go and see why. The thing about talking to comedians is that the conversations sometimes aren’t 100% funny from front to back - that’s because the things that they say on stage are meticulously crafted to be a precise delivery of thoughts and ideas to make you react in a certain way. This is more a chance for you to get to know what makes up the man that is selling out shows from coast to coast, and rightly so. Please enjoy this conversation with Luke Heggie. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

My guest today is Michael Cassel.  He’s an internationally acclaimed theatre producer - when you see Lion King or “Beautiful” the Carole King musical - he’s the man who put everyone together in the same place to make the show happen.  Hundreds of people didn’t suddenly decide to learn the same songs and dance routines and turn up in a theatre to perform them in synchronicity with thousands of people deciding to sit in that theatre - he’s the man that makes those moments happen.  And he’s been making those moments happen since he was fifteen years old.  Even if musical theatre is the furthest thing from fun in your mind, Michael’s Story of how he just saw what he wanted to do and went after it with a relentless passion is the stuff I love to soak up.  I need to hear stories like his, to get reminded of how success can work. To be reminded of how focus can work.  Now you and I might not be aiming to put on the most ambitious musical productions of our time - we might be just hoping to lose a few kilos, feed ourselves and our family a little healthier, or maybe get a little further ahead at work - regardless of your goal - hearing Michael’s story will put the fire under your feet to get focused on what you want in life, and you might even do it with a song & dance routine to make it a moment.  Michael’s current production “Beautiful: Carole King Musical” is playing in Melbourne until at least June, you can get tickets at beautifulmusical.com.au  As Michael describes, it’s nothing but hits.  Enjoy this chat with Michael Cassel.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today’s show is with Dr Elise Bailylew, founder of Mindful in May and you can find out about her work at Mindfulinmay.org (https://www.mindfulinmay.org) It’s no mistake that Dr Bailylew is on the show today, as you know I’ve been trying to work a mindfulness-based meditation practice into my day as a way to help me deal with life now I’m off meds. It is certainly not enough in itself, but it’s one of the things that I use to help my brain work things out. I wanted to get Dr Bailylew on to maybe help you understand a bit more about why mindfulness works and the science behind it.  And I should state my position pretty clearly here - I’ve done my time with people who are called “healers”. I’ve shown up to a granny flat out the back of a house near Byron Bay and made my way through the wind chimes to have someone lay hands on me while I inhale plumes of patchouli. While that may have been ok for me in the past - now I’ve gone through what I’ve gone through, now I’ve had the experience through psychosis of having my ability to perceive reality correctly dissolve into a shimmering mess around me - nowadays I can’t just go with faith and placebo. That might have worked for me in the past - but now for the most part, I need to know that what I’m doing is backed by research. And for me, Mindfulness Meditation has enough scientific clout behind it to warrant me using it as one of the tools that I have when it comes to living with the brain I’ve got. It’s important to tell you that for a long time I wasn’t well enough for this meditation to help, or even work. It was only after being on meds for a long time that my brain healed enough so that now I’m able to start to train my brain to use these techniques.  It’s hard work, not unlike training a puppy - but I am making progress.  When I was really sick - meditation didn’t make things better for me, in fact they made things worse because then I’d be trapped in this rumination spiral in a state of consciousness that I’d deliberately put myself into. It was not ok. So let me underline that - don’t just stop taking your meds and download an app and think you’ll be right. You won’t. Everything I do that I tell you about it something that I’ve talked with my doctors about first, and that’s what I must insist on. I am no better at treating my own mental health as I am fixing a mechanical fault with my car. I know nothing about psychology or psychiatry - so I leave those decisions to the people who have studied and practised for years. Like I’ve said before - trying to make a decision about how you’re thinking using the thinking you’re thinking with is like trying to bite your own teeth. Clear? Clear. Ok. If you want to find out more about Dr Elise Bailylew and the work she’s doing, Mindfulinmay.org is the website. She’s a great human with a great story and she’s really helping a lot of people doing what she’s doing. I hope you enjoy the show. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Geoff Wilson is a noted figure in the Australian Finance industry, he’s the founder and chairman of Wilson Asset Management. In the last year Geoff was named an officer in the general division of the Order of Australia for services to the business and finance sector, professional financial bodies and the community as a supporter of charitable foundations. I never grew up knowing anything about finance, the stock market, investment - it just wasn’t around me. It was only later in life that I started to meet people who actually knew what all the little numbers and charts in the stock exchange mean. It was only later still that I started to realise that these were jobs that people had, that they worked their way up to, that they could make careers out of. And Geoff is one of those people. I wanted to talk to him because I was fascinated by not only his career path and how a life in the finance world can build into an incredible career - but also because of how he and I met. Geoff is the founder of a number of managed funds - we will get into the terminology in the chat - but two of the funds particularly, Future Generations and Future Generations Global, are ways for investors to not only see a return but also give back to the community. As Geoff explains - the way fund managers get paid is usually a percentage of the fund and a performance bonus. So Geoff created the Future Generation Investment company and the Future Generation Global Investment Company model as a way for the funds management and finance industry to make a significant and ongoing impact to the community. How it works is that The Future Generation fund managers do not charge management or performance fees, allowing the companies to donate 1% of assets to the supported charities each year. What that does is provide an ongoing source of funding for Australian charities, with a focus on children at risk (Future Generation Investment Company supports 14 charities) and youth mental health (Future Generation Global supports 8 charities including SANE Australia, which is where I met Geoff). Listening to Geoff’s story and how he built a career in an industry that I knew little about was fascinating to me. But then hearing how he was affected by time spent working as a Lifeline counsellor - that was truly the most incredible part of this conversation. He’s clearly a very successful man, he’s worked very hard to get where he is today - and yet he still found time on a weekday morning at 9am to come over to my apartment to talk about his career, his work, and why he does what he does. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tess Haubrich is an Australian Actor who you can find on instagram @tesshaubrich (https://www.instagram.com/tesshaubrich). She's currently starring in Wolf Creek 2, available on demand on Stan in Australia - she’s also in the Ridley Scott film Alien Covenant and kicking ass and taking names in the Jackie Chan film Bleeding Steel. She’s an absolute badass and proved this by showing up at the apartment with her 2yr old when the sitter didn’t eventuate. So, through this show you’ll hear the occasional interruptions of Tess’ kid who was a delight to have around - and you’ll probably hear a few sounds of parenting that occur as she effortlessly kept her child occupied while she and I talked. It would have been easy for Tess to cancel the chat - but she didn’t. She came around and we had a great chat and I can’t thank her enough for that. It speaks volumes to the kind of person that she is, and I can’t wait for you to get to know her. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sandra Sully is Australian Journalism Royalty.  She’s the Senior News Editor for Network Ten News and has been the Anchor of their afternoon bulletin for more than a decade.  She's on Twitter @sandra_sully (https://twitter.com/Sandra_Sully).  Sandra is an astonishingly focused person, her dedication and drive to do great work is undeniable as you’ll hear in this conversation.  In a time when news of varying reliability is coming at us from every angle ten times a minute through our phones, the role of a legitimate and well-resourced news anchor is in my opinion has never more important. And that’s where Sandra comes in.  De-legitimzing news sources is a tool that politics has used for decades - and in these times of Fake News being thrown about any time there’s a critique of policy, it’s never been more important to have staunch and solid news sources.  That means -​​ not Facebook.  So - without any delay, come to the boardroom at Network Ten in Sydney across from the fish markets to have a chat with the incredibly powerful person that is Sandra Sully. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.