The You Project

I hope my mum doesn't listen to this episode. Like, reaaaally, hope. Wait till you discover what tellydildonics are. And why people are 'marrying' robots. And how someone is Perth can use technology to give someone in Sydney (or New York) an orgasm. Again, don't listen Mary. Or Ron. People have long told machines what to do by pushing buttons. Now, with advances in technology, machines are pushing our buttons. In 'Artificial Intimacy' (my guest's book), evolutionary biologist Rob Brooks takes us from the origins of human behaviour to the latest in artificially intelligent technologies, providing a fresh and original view of the very near future of human relationships. Sex dollbots, digital lovers, virtual friends and algorithmic matchmakers help us manage our feelings in a world of cognitive overload. Apps can sense when users are falling in love, when they are fighting, and when they are likely to break up. These machines, the 'artificial intimacies', already learn how to exploit human social needs. And they are getting better and faster at what they do. So how will humanity's future unfold as our ancient, evolved minds and old-fashioned cultures collide with twenty-first-century technology? robbrooks.net@Brooks_RobSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I fu*king love Professor Beau Lotto. He's the least academic-y academic I know. He has an amazing ability to explain and explore - what can be - complicated stuff in an uncomplicated way. Among other things, we talk about destination disappointment (why achieving goals rarely equals satisfaction), the relationship between contentment and ambition, why we're addicted to certainty and why that's a problem (the certainty trap), the life of a scientific vagabond (him), why his company is called the Lab of Misfits, the idea of the world being a laboratory (taking research out of the lab), recognising and owning our bias, and lots more. Enjoy. **Bio: Dr. Beau Lotto is a neuroscientist and world-renowned expert in perception. His research explores the ways in which we experience the world through our own versions of reality. Beau is a three-time main stage TED speaker. He has spoken at the G8, Google's Zeitgest, Wired, Oslo Freedom Forum, Big Think and contributed to the BBC, National Geographic, Netflix and PBS. Beau is also the founder of the world's first neuro-design studio, Lab of Misfits. Part lab, part creative studio, Lab of Misfits takes a disruptive approach to research, partnering with brands to blend science, art and performance to explore pivotal principles in current culture. labofmisfits.com@labofmisfitsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 1,300 episodes, we’ve never had a conversation about respect. Not sure why, because it’s something we all want and value (nobody wants to be disrespected). I want it. So do you. But what are the variables, factors and determinants? Well, here are my thoughts on the thing we all want. EnjoySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I was recently on Mark LeBusque's podcast (Simply, Practically, Human) exploring the peaks and troughs, pleasure and pain, mayhem and magic of the human experience. This is our chat. Enjoy. The Simply Practically Human Podcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A full circle moment for me... The E-Myth was the first business book I ever read and it taught me about the concept of working 'on' my business and not just 'in' it. For me, it was enlightening, inspiring and transformational. And all these years later, I had the pleasure of chatting with the man who inspired me, Michael Gerber. I seriously love my job. Enjoy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Apart from being a three-time Olympian, two-time Olympic Gold Medalist, five-time World Championship Gold Medalist and five-time Commonwealth Games Gold medalist, Bronte Campbell is also a funny, interesting, intelligent, highly-focused and kind-of philosophical. That was my take anyway. This was an interesting chat with a super-athlete who, at times in her career, has been better than everyone in the world, except her sister. Enjoy. pbwithbronte.com@bronte_campbellSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I'm fascinated with the type of relationship people have with their jobs. For some people, it's something to be tolerated, survived and endured until the weekend. Or worse, retirement. For others, it's associated with more positive things like growth, learning, skill development, fun, connection, creativity and satisfaction. As a bloke who hasn't had a 'job' for thirty-four years, I f**king love my work but I'm saddened when I talk to people who seem to spend decades waiting for weekends and holidays, to experience joy. What if we got excited about Mondays?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Marc Cohen lives at the intersection of medicine, research, story-telling, education, creativity and business. He is a brilliant mind with infectious energy and curiosity and he's one of my all-time favourite guests. Marc is a medical doctor, university professor, author, poet, entrepreneur, wellness trailblazer and perpetual student of life, trying to coax the world towards worldwide wellness. He has spent more than 30 years practicing and researching holistic health and published more than 100 peer-reviewed scientific papers and many books and technical texts on wellness and natural medicine. Enjoy. drmarc.coLinkedin: profmarccohenSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Marc Cohen lives at the intersection of medicine, research, story-telling, education, creativity and business. He is a brilliant mind with infectious energy and curiosity and he's one of my all-time favourite guests. Marc is a medical doctor, university professor, author, poet, entrepreneur, wellness trailblazer and perpetual student of life, trying to coax the world towards worldwide wellness. He has spent more than 30 years practicing and researching holistic health and published more than 100 peer-reviewed scientific papers and many books and technical texts on wellness and natural medicine. Enjoy. drmarc.coLinkedin: profmarccohenSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Doctor Hannah is back for part 8 of our Brain Series (okay, I've been a little slow wheeling them out) and this time, we take a look at what's happening in the brain, mind, body and life of somebody dealing with burnout. We also explore what we might do about it. Enjoy. @nobullpsych See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I loved this conversation with Kate Seselja. So real, raw, vulnerable, educational and to be totally honest, f***ing fascinating. If you don't understand how addictive, powerful and destructive gambling can be, this conversation will enlighten you. [email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our resident nerd (Patrick) is back and this time we chat about all-things tech, your bacteria-laden phone, convenience, hygiene, stupidly-fast cars, fake engine noises (in electric cars), home robots for oldies, Google's 25th birthday and lots more. Enjoy.websitenow.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sometime I chat with someone and, despite the fact that we've never met, there's an immediate connection, the conversation just happens organically and I feel like I'm hanging out with someone I've known for years. This episode is exactly that. Michael and I covered a lot of interesting territory in the space of business development, the journey to professional speaking, creating and providing value, the psychology of spending, being broadly relevant, the illusion of objectivity and lots more. *BIO: Michael McQueen is a multi-award winning speaker, trend forecaster and bestselling author of ten books. With clients including KPMG, Pepsi and Cisco, he has helped some of the world's most successful brands navigate disruption and maintain momentum. In addition to featuring regularly as a commentator on TV and radio, Michael is a familiar face on the international conference circuit having shared the stage with the likes of Bill Gates, Dr. John Maxwell and Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak. michaelmcqueen.net See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this freestyle rant, I talk about the power of your mind to impact your body in both positive and negative ways.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Super-Coach and new dad, Pete Shepherd is back and not surprisingly, we talk about parenting (what the f**k would I know?), sleep deprivation, the unexpected health benefits of being a parent (for Pete), the parenting equation for letting kids solve problems and experiencing (some) adversity vs. protecting them from the 'big nasty' world, dreading Monday mornings (work), upgrading our brain, the importance of new and diverse experiences, the futility of people-pleasing and trying to keep everyone happy, when things in our life (job, relationships, habits, etc.) have reached their 'use-by' date, the importance of curiosity and lots more. Enjoy. humanperiscope.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lucas Aoun is a Biohacker, Naturopath, You-Tuber and world-class Feather-Ruffler. This time we chat about responsible self-experimentation, the value of tracking choices, actions and outcomes (especially with health goals), our propensity to keep doing what doesn't work, the truth about artificial sweeteners, eating for performance (over pleasure), the pros and cons of coffee, nootropics and psychobiotics (for improving cognitive performance), the beauty and terror of Al and lots more. Enjoy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of TYP, Geoff Jowett and I talk about the propensity we humans have to keep doing what doesn't work (despite the overwhelming evidence), Geoff's new and improved approach to business and work, creating opportunities (versus hoping they come along), being solution-focused (while acknowledging the problem), the chasm between knowing and doing (theory, application), recognising (and meeting) a gap in the market and as always, there's a liberal smattering of 'Geoff-isms'. Enjoy. thegoeffjowettmethod.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Carly Taylor and I talk about getting better with age, being a conscious creator rather than an unconscious passenger (in our lives), staying calm and composed in the sh*t storm, the pressure on teenagers and young adults to know what they want to do with the rest of their lives, value-driven choices and actions, where identity comes from, what we waste energy on, the power of focus, proactive versus reactive living and lots more. Enjoy. carlytaylorcoaching.com.au@carly_taylor_coachingSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In seven years of podcasting and twenty years of radio, this conversation is in my all-time top ten. Justin Wren is a both a cage fighter and freedom fighter, who has fought on the world-stage in the UFC and in the jungles of the Congo, championing the cause of one of the most marginalised groups of people in thew world; the Mbuti Pygmies. Justin's personal story (as an elite athlete battling all kinds of problems) and the story of his mission and purpose to liberate, empower and love the Mbuti, is both inspiring and confronting. Enjoy. *Warning: parts of this conversation might be confronting for some.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is a somewhat-unscientific but interesting and broadly-relevant freestyle chat between Tiff and I exploring the psychology, sociology, physiology and emotion-ology (not a word - lol) of self-destructive eating. As someone who has worked with hundreds of people with eating disorders and (potentially) thousands of people with disordered eating, this topic is something l'm very familiar with. And, as many of you know, l've spent much of my life managing my own not-insignificant eating issues. Enjoy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sam Tait is a self-confessed adrenaline junkie who broke his back (T11 vertebrae) riding his motorbike at twenty-two, leaving him a paraplegic. Naturally, he went from there to racing (as a sit-skier) down mountains at terrifying speeds all over the world. Sam is a combination of craziness (the good kind), inspiration, wisdom and fun. Enjoy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

According to multi-award winning neuroscientist, researcher, speaker and University of Tasmania lecturer Dr Lila Landowski, after twenty-five our capacity for learning, typically falls of a cliff. That's the bad news. The good news is, we don't need to be typical and effective learning is still possible as we age (and the fifty-nine year-old PhD student breathes a sigh of relief). This is a chat about avoiding the slide, optimising our physical and mental health and lots more. Enjoy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We continue our ten-part series exploring the brain with our favourite Neuropsychologist, Dr. Hannah Korrel. In part seven, we talk about IQ (what is it?) and other types of intelligence, the potential dangers of 'rating' people's intelligence, Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, strategies for improving cognitive performance (brain function), emotional and social intelligence, my ever-fluctuating IQ and cognitive skills and lots more. Enjoy. @nobullpsychSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our favourite Hybrid (Lawyer, Author, Researcher, Podcast Regular, Shit-Stirrer) is back at TYP and he doesn't disappoint. This time David and I talk about why cancer rates are up by eighty percent in people under 50, the oils we should avoid and those which get David's tick, the dangers of breathing in the smoke (fumes?) produced when cooking with seed oils, why endometriosis numbers are on the rise and what might be behind it, and lots more. Enjoy. https://sweetdavidg.substack.com/p/endometriosis-is-it-being-caused?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=webSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Comparing 'hards' (dumb idea), coming out of the closet (not just the gay closet), lessons from failure, growth through pain, building mental and emotional resilience, person versus persona, the trauma of trying to 'fitting in' defining our purpose (and living ours) and authenticity; Ash Beckham and I spoke about all of it, and more. BIO: Ash Beckham is an inclusion activist, inclusive leadership expert, professional trainer, workshop facilitator, motivational speaker, business leader and author of 'Step Up: How to Live with Courage and Become an Everyday Leader'. Known for her unique voice, intrepid, relatable and intrinsically comic style, and powerful guidance, Beckham's TED Talk "Coming Out of Your Closet" became a viral sensation. ashbeckham.comTEDTalkSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We continue our ten-part series exploring the brain with our favourite Neuropsychologist, Dr. Hannah Korrel. In part Six, we talk about calming the (cognitive and neural) farm, mindfulness, toilet meditations (really), how our fight or flight response works and how we can access our 'rest and restore' (parasympathetic) mode. Enjoy. @nobullpsychSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This was a fun chat with one of our favourites. Matty and I spoke about why we get dumber after we eat (really), why he eats steak for breakfast, why food allergies are on the rise (super interesting), the fascinating relationship between jaw muscles, diet and wrinkles, six meals (per day) versus three, the down side of low-fat eating, why dietary fat (the right kind) is so important for so many things, the psychology and sociology of food, how our ancestors ate and the dangers of raising kids in a germ-free, super-sanitised and clinically-clean environment.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On some level we all want to be different, do different and create different. Change is a multi-dimensional process (psychological, emotional, physical, practical) and in this mini workshop I do a deep dive on the very present challenge of creating (and sustaining) positive change in our lives.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this freestyle chat with Tiff, we talk about the reason behind our goals (the 'why' behind our 'what'), the peaks and troughs of my academic journey, whether it's a good or bad idea to niche in business, destination-disappointment (why we're not always happy or content when we achieve our goals), the challenge of building rapport, changing careers later in life, how our social group shapes our thinking and behaviour and lots more. Enjoy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you've been 'almost’ getting in shape for too long, listen to this.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Joshua Pate is a pain science educator, researcher, author and highly-regarded expert. As a Senior Lecturer at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), and with a PhD from Macquarie University, Josh is dedicated to bringing pain science education to the masses. This was bloody a fascinating chat. Enjoy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sophie Matterson is an adventurer currently based in the Flinders Ranges, South Australia. In 2020 and 2021 Sophie solo-trekked 4,750 kilometres across the width of Australia, from Shark Bay, Western Australia, to Byron Bay, New South Wales, with her five camels, Jude, Delilah, Charlie, Clayton and Mac. This was a fascinating chat full of interesting and surprising stories and insights. Sophie's book 'The Crossing' is now available. Enjoy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

'Self-help' has become a mis-used (but widely accepted) term for programs, products; services, workshops, books and even podcasts, selling (literally or metaphorically) ideas, concepts, techniques and tools but the 'actual helping of the self' (maybe we should call it 'self-helping') lives in the application, the action, the work, the effort, the sweat and the courage; the doing not just the knowing. Process not product.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What can twins (identical, fraternal and virtual) teach us about the roles of genetics, lifestyle, environment and sociology in terms of 'who' (and how) we become? Professor Nancy Segal is an internationally-renowned researcher, academic, author and speaker, who's appeared on Oprah, CBS Sunday Morning, the Martha Stewart Show, Good Morning America, 20/20, Discovery Health and countless other national and international shows. And now, at the pinnacle of her media career, she chats with the sweary Bogan from Bayside Melbourne. Enjoy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lucas Aoun is a Biohacker. Driven by curiosity and passion and guided by logic, research, data and evidence. All for the purpose of understanding and optimising physical health, day to day function and athletic performance. Lucas and I chat about various supplements, substances, tools and protocols that are currently being used to improve performance, recovery, energy, health, immune function and more. And no, none of this is medical advice or personal recommendation. Enjoy. boostyourbiology.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Patrick and I talk about the great firewall of China (as per the title), analog Tinder, being entrepreneurial in a communist country, Google Maps getting people lost, 3D printed pills, cheeky sat-nav and my aversion to horror films.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sasha DiGiulian is one of the best professional rock climbers on the Planet. She's a world champion, three-time US National Champion, Corporate Speaker, Author, Entrepreneur and to be honest, I found her to be fascinating, inspirational, wildly-courageous and super intelligent. Among other things, we talked about managing fear, pain, uncertainty, risk, vulnerability and potential. Enjoy. YouTube: Sasha DiGiulianSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Sanjay Juneja is a highly-regarded Doctor (Oncologist), Researcher and Science Communicator, who also happens to be funny, fascinating, compassionate, curious and by the end of our chat, a little bit sweary (that's what happens when I open the 'f*ck door'). You might think talking about cancer (we also cover other topics) could be a little depressing but in fact, it was enlightening, entertaining and educational. *BIO: Dr. Sanjay Juneja is a practicing triple board-certified hematologist and medical oncologist known nationally as "TheOncDoc," where he boasts over half a million subscribers across his social media platforms. He is also the host of the innovative "Target: Cancer Podcast," with distinguished guests including experts, bestselling authors, and Pulitzer Prize winners, discussing novel advancements and conceptual challenges of cancer as a whole.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this chat with Curtis Bateman, we talk about the evolution of training, education, professional development and leadership in the work place. So often in the corporate training and development space, there's an overwhelming focus on the welfare of business itself and an underwhelming focus on the welfare of the humans who make the business work. *Curtis Bateman is FranklinCovey's vice president of international direct offices. With over twenty-five years of experience in the training industry, Curtis is an internationally recognized presenter, content developer, change consultant, business leader, and coach. LinkedInSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This was a fascinating chat with a great bloke, who has spent a significant portion of his career navigating terror, horror, chaos and tragedy, inflicted by both nature, and people. And it's fair to say that Dean Yates didn't escape unscathed. He was the ideal warzone correspondent: courageous, compassionate, dedicated. After years of facing the worst, including the Bali bombings and the Boxing Day tsunami, one final incident undid him. In July 2007, two of his staff members were brutally gunned down by an American helicopter in Iraq. What followed was an unravelling of everything Dean thought he knew of himself. His PTSD was compounded by his moral wound - the devastation of what he thought he knew of the world and his own character and beliefs. After years of treatment, including several stints inside a psychiatric facility, Dean has reshaped his view of the true meaning of life and thankfully, these days his family doesn't need to walk on eggshells. Enjoy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode with Peter Baines starts out at a lazy conversational pace and builds into a captivating insight into the some of the amazing work that 'Hands Across the Water' (the charity Peter started) is doing with Kids born into extreme adversity and disadvantage. Towards the end, he tells an amazing story that almost brought me to tears. *Peter Baines OAM is a crisis and disaster management expert, philanthropist, and international keynote speaker on the topic of leadership. He has worked globally responding to acts of terrorism and humanitarian disaster zones and offers unique insights from his time leading counterterrorism initiatives. Peter is known internationally for his humanitarian work in the building of Hands Across the Water, a charity committed to enriching the lives of children and communities they support in Thailand.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, David and I chat about the line between occasional bouts of anxiety, sadness and depression (normal human stuff) and being diagnosed with clinical depression and/or generalised anxiety disorder. When do 'periodic emotional troughs' become a 'mental illness' that potentially, needs to be medicated? All that, and more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's episode is the continuation of our 'getting to know your brain' (type) series with Dr. Hanna Korrel and this time we explore the frontal lobe, also referred to as our adult brain. Super fascinating!! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's episode is the continuation of our 'getting to know your brain' (type) series with Dr. Hanna Korrel and this time we explore the reptilian brain. Dinosaur anyone?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's episode is the continuation of our 'getting to know your brain' (type) series with Dr. Hanna Korrel. The limbic system is the part of the brain involved in our behavioural and emotional responses. This episode is very relevant for most of us. Also, super interesting! Enjoy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lynda Petterwood is one of ten children, who grew up a toxic and unhealthy environment and situation, which she desperately wanted to escape. At the age of sixteen, Lynda left home and simultaneously worked (financing her own existence), put herself through school and found a way to pay rent, feed herself, pay bills and deal with very 'grown-up' responsibilities while still being a teenager. These days, Lynda spends much of her time helping others to navigate their own challenges, explore their potential and build their best lives. Enjoy. Facebook: Lynda Petterwood lyndapetterwood.com.au See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We don't typically 'feel courageous', we feel scared and it's only in that fearful state, that we can choose to be courageous. Courage can only operate in the presence of fear. Being scared is normal and unavoidable, but being courageous is optional. Fear is a psychological and emotional response to a certain stimulus (thought, experience, event, outcome) but in the middle of the fear (that we didn't choose), we can choose to be courageous. Not fearless, courageous. By the way, I’ve never been fearless.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Treading water. Spinning our metaphoric wheels. Stuck in a Groundhog Day of mediocrity, dissatisfaction and frustration. Wasted time, talent and energy. Thinking, habits, behaviours, rituals and fears that keep us trapped in a prison of our own making. This episode is a workshop (of sorts) about stepping up, breaking through and getting unstuck. Enjoy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Treading water. Spinning our metaphoric wheels. Stuck in a Groundhog Day of mediocrity, dissatisfaction and frustration. Wasted time, talent and energy. Thinking, habits, behaviours, rituals and fears that keep us trapped in a prison of our own making. This episode is a workshop (of sorts) about stepping up, breaking through and getting unstuck. Enjoy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I had this chat with Johnnie Ruffo a while back but it’s still one of my all-time favourite TYP episodes. He is courageous, funny, talented and incredibly inspirational. Enjoy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.