The You Project

I thought this chat with Olympic gold (and bronze) medallist and five-time Olympian Lydia Lassila would be all about high-performance, mindset and winning… but it wasn’t. It was better. It was about her super fascinating life in Northern Finland with her two boys and hubby. Enjoy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andrew Sissons is a Tactical Commander and Visionary Leader of high-performance teams. He has an unparalleled depth of experience having led numerous teams into over 1,500 of New Zealand’s highest risk situations and numerous overseas operations, over his thirty-year career in policing. This was a great chat with a bloke who has spent decades putting his life on the line (literally), being shot at, catching crooks, protecting the public, solving high-level problems and dealing with the mayhem of high-risk, volatile and unpredictable situations. I loved our conversation and I’m now sure I didn’t pick the wrong career. Enjoy. asconsulting.co.nzSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is a coaching session about you and your potential. How to understand it, develop it and optimise it. It’s also about getting out of your own way and not allowing your BS to stand between you and what’s possible (for you). If you’re ready to step out of the holding pattern and into your potential, listen up. If you’re after some warm, fluffy, feel-good, everyone-gets-a-ribbon (type of) message, this ain’t for you. Check Out My New Podcast HereSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode was fun. And a little scary. There’s some concerning sh*t on the technological horizon and one day soon, fake Harps might well be hosting the show and nobody will know the difference! Scary. Among other things, we talk about computers being developed using human brain cells (WTF!), the world of fake audio, video and imagery that’s about to hijack our lives, super clever phone scams, Patrick’s dog addiction, dry-needling, what an unreliable friend I am and lots more. Enjoy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode with money expert Jason Cunningham was not what either of us expected it to be. It was much better. As much as possible (and is practical) I try not to plan the conversations I have with guests but I guess we both thought we’d talk primarily about money, business, career, etc. We didn’t. What transpired was a deep and philosophical about dealing with hard sh*t (which he has been for the last few years), coming out the other side, the lessons we learn along the way and how we change in the middle of it. Enjoy. jasoncunningham.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

David Gillespie, one of Australia’s best-selling Authors, is back and this time we talk about the potential relationship between ADHD and addiction, how quickly we become adapted to certain drugs (and need more and more), the drugs used (and supplied by governments) during the first and second World Wars to ‘keep the soldiers focused’ (amazing stuff), why breaking an addiction is so difficult (which most non-addicts don’t understand), what happens to us when we don’t get enough dopamine, when Australia used more cocaine than any other country in the world (per capita) and lots more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Karen Jacobsen is ‘Siri’. Well, more accurately, she’s the voice of Siri. She’s also the Sat-Nav lady. She’s been telling me (and a billion others) where to go for years and I didn’t even know it. No wonder she sounded familiar. Karen is also a brilliant musician, songwriter and performer who has played all over the world with huge names (Norah Jones, Neil Sedaka, Jon English and Christopher Cross) and at huge venues (Madison Square Garden, Fenway Park, Dodger Stadium, Giants Stadium, Suncorp Stadium). This was an interesting chat. Enjoy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Lillian Nejad is back at TYP and this time we unpack mind fads, cliche memes, self-help that doesn’t help, delaying gratification, why I’m not special, how much empathy is too much, pushing the pleasure button, doing hard things, being positive but also practical and lots more. Enjoy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Claire Turnbull is the founder of Mission Nutrition, a TV presenter, professional speaker, wellbeing educator and a published author. And like me, she has dealt with a sh*t-fest of challenges around body image, eating issues, self-sabotage, unhealthy habits and behaviours, self-esteem, self-worth and toxic thinking (about it all). These days she’s out the other side and uses her considerable knowledge, academic training and personal experience to empower others to understand the mind-emotion-body relationship and to create an operating system that works optimally for them. Enjoy. claireturnbull.co.nzSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After way too long, Pete Shepherd is back at TYP and this time we discuss the pain and pleasure, peaks and troughs, breakdowns and breakthroughs of tapping into our power, potential and possibilities. This was a fun chat and I think it will resonate with most of you. Enjoy. humanperiscope.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After way too long, Pete Shepherd is back at TYP and this time we discuss the pain and pleasure, peaks and troughs, breakdowns and breakthroughs of tapping into our power, potential and possibilities. This was a fun chat and I think it will resonate with most of you. Enjoy. humanperiscope.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When the term ‘High Performance’ is used, it’s typically referring to people, teams and organisations who are at the top of their respective field (sport, business, science, entertainment) and those who are doing something that the majority won’t or can’t. And while I’ve worked with many of these types of ‘high performers’ (and had a great time), the type of high performance that fascinates me is a much bigger concept and one that is relevant to all of us. You. Me. Us. This is a conversation about that.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When the term ‘High Performance’ is used, it’s typically referring to people, teams and organisations who are at the top of their respective field (sport, business, science, entertainment) and those who are doing something that the majority won’t or can’t. And while I’ve worked with many of these types of ‘high performers’ (and had a great time), the type of high performance that fascinates me is a much bigger concept and one that is relevant to all of us. You. Me. Us. This is a conversation about that.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I was recently on Simply Practically Human with Mark LeBusque and we enjoyed a meandering chat about fear, motivation, cheerleaders, talent, potential, values, feedback, self-regulation, mediocrity and what we can achieve with what we’ve been given. The Simply Practically Human PodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of ‘Geeks R Us’ with TYP’s head geek Patrick, we talk about the demise of petrol and diesel powered cars (and the government’s plans), the option of converting your petrol car to electric, the ‘doorway’ effect, being able to constantly travel with the flexibility of being able to work from anywhere (I could almost pull that off), flying taxis (they’re on their way), a weird climate change solution and lots more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

While ‘Goal Setting’ might seem like an old-fashioned concept in a world of apps, tech, wearables, instant-this, two-minute-that, virtual-living and ChatGPT, for this personal-development dinosaur, the idea of finding clarity, choosing a path, setting goals, creating a plan and timeline around those goals, executing the plan, improvising and adapting along the way and creating real-world results, will never go out of fashion. This episode is a chat about that.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Doctor Denise (geneticist, nutritionist, educator, speaker, researcher) is back at TYP sharing her considerable knowledge, wisdom and energy about all-things biological ageing, epigenetics, cellular health, the impact of grief on our body (and mind), running our own experiments, creating and maintaining good habits, being a yes person, time-management and being able to ‘switch off’. Enjoy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Doctor Denise (geneticist, nutritionist, educator, speaker, researcher) is back at TYP sharing her considerable knowledge, wisdom and energy about all-things biological ageing, epigenetics, cellular health, the impact of grief on our body (and mind), running our own experiments, creating and maintaining good habits, being a yes person, time-management and being able to ‘switch off’. Enjoy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I hadn’t really thought deeply about the impact that light has on me until I had this chat with Dr Shelley James. The type of light I’m exposed to (natural or artificial) and the duration of that exposure has an impact on everything from my cognitive function, mood, memory, emotional state and mindset to my physical health, nervous system, brain chemistry, productivity, creativity and the outcomes that I produce on Planet me. Shelley suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury and one of the consequences was that she spent years in darkness and quiet due to her extreme sensitivity to light, noise and various other stimuli. She is an international expert on light and well-being, TedX and keynote speaker, WELL Advisor and Visiting Lecturer at the Royal College of Art. She is also a trained glass artist and electrician. Light is as important to the healthy function of every cell in our bodies as food, water and air and Shelley is on a mission to inspire others to harness the power of light to be healthier, happier and save the planet too. ageoflightinnovations.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Marc Cohen prescribes cuddling, laughing, lying on the floor with your dog, yoga, dancing, barefoot walking, writing poetry, sunshine and every now and then, if there’s no other option, he prescribes a drug. Marc is a registered medical practitioner with degrees in western medicine, physiology and psychological medicine along with PhDs in Chinese medicine and biomedical engineering. He’s a doctor three times over. Literally. In 2002 he became Australia’s first Professor of Complementary Medicine and Head of the Department of Complementary Medicine at RMIT University, which was by far the largest such department in the country with around 100 staff and 1000 students. 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. He is one of Australia’s pioneers of integrative and holistic medicine and has made significant impacts on education, research, clinical practice and policy. Enjoy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bobby is always brilliant but sometimes when we chat, the best thing I can do for the podcast is shut the f*** up and try not to get in the way. He was in rare air for this episode (maybe my favourite with him) and once he hits that conversational flow state, I sit there with my face in my hands like a little kid, completely engrossed. Honestly, sometimes when he stops talking, I’m not ready because I’m out of ‘podcast host’ mode and into ‘captivated audience member’ mode. Fortunately, Melissa can edit out the awkward silences. Enjoy. robertcappuccio.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bobby is always brilliant but sometimes when we chat, the best thing I can do for the podcast is shut the f*** up and try not to get in the way. He was in rare air for this episode (maybe my favourite with him) and once he hits that conversational flow state, I sit there with my face in my hands like a little kid, completely engrossed. Honestly, sometimes when he stops talking, I’m not ready because I’m out of ‘podcast host’ mode and into ‘captivated audience member’ mode. Fortunately, Melissa can edit out the awkward silences. Enjoy. robertcappuccio.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andrew Hessel is a micro-biologist, geneticist, entrepreneur, author and speaker and this was one of those podcasts where I was just hanging in there by one or two neurons. The metaphoric ‘skin of my intellectual teeth’. And while it might sound too sciencey, the conversation is actually a fascinating (and mildly terrifying) peak into the future (and present) of genetic engineering, synthetic biology (it’s a thing), programming cells, the probability of (actually) winding back our biological clock and personalised drugs created specifically for your DNA. Amazing stuff. Enjoy. LinkedIn: Andrew HesselSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our favourite Anxiety Expert, Dr. Jodi Richardson, is back and as always, this was a fun and fascinating conversation. Among other things, we spoke about the idea of being open to feedback (in theory) versus the not-always-fun practical experience of receiving feedback. We talked about the idea of being teachable in a world where so many people seem to live in an echo chamber of thought, belief and behaviour. We discussed the not-very-effective concept of ‘waiting to feel confident’ before we start something new. The idea of being comfortable with initially ‘being bad’ at something (including the ‘me in a Yoga class’ story) in order to ‘get good’ at it (skill development, confidence, competence, mastery). The power of story-telling to share what-can-be complicated and/or confusing information. The amazing ‘ability’ we have to waste potential. The awareness of ‘who we’re becoming’ in the middle of what we’re doing. And lots more. Enjoy. drjodirichardson.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Talking with Celeste Headlee was a little like interviewing myself. We had never met (until this chat) but it felt like we are somewhat kindred spirits and it very quickly turned into an organic meandering conversation, rather than an ‘interview’ for a podcast. Celeste is an award-winning journalist, professional speaker, author of four best-sellers, TED presenter, radio host and producer and renowned expert in human nature. I loved this chat. celesteheadlee.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Science can be overwhelming. Data. Studies. Research. Models. Graphs. Tables. Interpretations. Divergent theories. Confusing language and terms. And sometimes, it’s boring AF. In this chat, David and I discuss the ever-present challenge we have as speakers, authors and educators (of sorts) to share scientific information and ideas in a way which informs, resonates and connects (makes sense) with as many people as possible. He’s just submitted his latest book (to his publisher) and for the first time, he uses stories, examples and cases studies to explain and bring to life, the sciencey-stuff. Oh.. we also talk about psychopaths (of course) and David shares his thoughts on the potential good and bad of Artificial Intelligence moving forward. Enjoy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fergus Watts is a high-level problem solver. He’s an entrepreneur, team-builder, brilliant communicator, visionary and inspirational leader who asks great questions, makes hard decisions, thinks clearly, turns ideas into realities, leads with passion and most importantly, does great work with, and for, people who need it most. Fergus is a former AFL footballer with St Kilda and Adelaide Crows, the CEO of The Reach Foundation (empowering and supporting young people), the founder (and current Chairman) of the Bastion Agency (employing over 300 people across Australia, New Zealand and the USA), father of three (all under 4) and husband of one. No wonder he’s tired. I knew Ferg when he was a kid and young man, and to catch up with him twenty years later and see what he’s done, who he’s helped, what he’s created and who he’s become, was the highlight of my week. Enjoy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Russ Jarrett is back at TYP and this time we dust off our Exercise Science hats and discuss the ins and outs of training our bodies at a higher level. Specifically, we talk about strength and conditioning for people (competitive athletes or not) who are training at (or want to be training at) a level somewhere between intermediate and elite. That is, anyone who wants to optimise what they have to work with. Not the worst plan.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kate Save took her business idea onto Shark Tank (the TV show), found herself a high-profile Business Partner and Coach (Janine Allis) and when the show aired, things went totally crazy in both good and bad ways. Kate is a high-performer who keeps finding a way to succeed. She is an Entrepreneur, Exercise Physiologist, Dietician, Founder and CEO of ‘Be Fit Food’ and in this episode we talk about the numerous peaks, troughs, triumphs, disasters and near misses that have been part of her personal and professional journey over the years. From a somewhat underwhelming and almost-catastrophic beginning in business, Kate and her team are now a multi award-winners, with her products sold in over a thousand outlets around Australia. This is a chat about growing something from the ground-up. Turning a plan into an outcome, a thing in your head into a thing in the world and building a multi-million dollar company in a highly-competitive market. Enjoy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Imposter syndrome. Feeling inadequate. Self-doubt. Self-sabotage. Insecurity. Anxiety. You. Me. All of us at some stage. Despite the fact that, Tiff and I have known each other and worked together for years and despite the fact that I coach her, support her, cheer her on and want her to succeed… despite all that, there are times and situations where she still feels uncomfortable, nervous and even anxious around me; the bloke who’s on her side. This interesting revelation is the starting point for this conversation. Lots of good and broadly relevant stuff in this one. Enjoy. *This chat is a TYP-RWTP (Roll with the Punches) co-share.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It can’t always be the other person or the other thing can it? There was a period of my life when, on a regular basis, certain components of my existence (for eg. finances, study, weight, relationships, career, training, diet) were going to sh*t but amazingly (wait for it), I was never the problem. Incredible huh? The f*cking Universe was always conspiring against me. My genetics. People who didn’t understand. My lack of opportunities. Lack of resources. Bad luck. The weather. Time. The government. Cops. Teachers. Bosses. God. And the beauty of me never being at fault was that I never had to change because clearly, I was never the problem… This episode is a solo chat by me (Harps) about being the problem (and solution) in our own lives. If you’re after a feel-good interview, this ain’t it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This was probably the funniest chat Patrick and I have had. There’s some tech talk, a few stories, some alarming admissions (Patrick has a remote-control dog that is synced to his phone and he also thinks that ‘everyone’ is talking about the new Hogwarts game), some inappropriate humour, some sound advice (not much), a little philosophy and psychological about the potential social and developmental impact of tech-overload on young minds, what schools are doing (and thinking) about ChatGPT and lots more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is part two of my Q and A sesh. I apologise in advance to the people whose questions I didn’t get to. I answered them in the order I received them and simply ran out of time. Here’s what I explore this time (and who asked).. MAGDA: Vibrational energy. Quantum physics. Please explain, I just want to know a true Aussie bloke’s take on this. *BTW (Harps here), asking me this question is liking asking your toaster to explain time travel. Prepare to be underwhelmed. ALISON: You don’t eat lunch so interested to know what sort of breakfasts you have to keep you going all day? JAIMEE: Thoughts on GP’s prescribing exercise literally on a script pad and visiting and exercise physiologist and exercise equipment purchases (eg. TheraBand) instead of leaving with a script for medications from a pharmacy. KYLIE: Piggy backing off Martin and Matt in regards to purpose. I have heard Harps talk some about purpose and purpose does come up in my own discovery of myself and journalling and with professionals. I'd like to hear Harps view on… Is your purpose and goals the same or are they different things? Is purpose what you are on earth to do and goals ways of achieving this purpose. ERIN: What are your best ideas for breaking out of a funk? Random ones, not run-of-the-mill stuff like sleep or exercise or meditation or the like. KYLIE P: What are you views on “manifestation” after Geoff’s views on part 2 of his podcast. FRANK: What do you do for your rotator cuff that brings relief? Op or no op.. that is the question! Enjoy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A few times a year, I record a Q & A episode, exploring listener questions. This is part one (of two) and here are the questions I ponder (and from whom)… ANDREA: What are your top 5 most influential books? What will you do when your become Dr Harps? MIKE: Why do so many men over 40 still fail to manage, focus on, prioritise their wellness (food / movement / sleep / mindset) despite the overwhelming evidence of the impact on relationships, physical and mental health? CORRINNE: What podcast episode would you direct someone to who is starting their journey with personal growth and metacognition. EM: What do you feel is the best method for prompting a behaviour change in people? What motivates people to change behaviour when education and information provided doesn’t result in the desired behaviour change? BEE: How do you remain staying positive when you're going through a really tough time, I know it can't last forever but so hard to see through it when in the middle of it. SARAH: How to stay fit with a chronic illness? CARLY: If you didn't have to work to earn money, how would you spend your time? Enjoy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, I talk about the idea of running an experiment with you (or some component of your life) being the focus of your experiment. Things like lifestyle, food, exercise, sleep, health, habits, rituals, choices and typical behaviours. And not in a weird Frankenstein (type of) way but rather, in a ‘what can I tweak, change and/or adjust to produce better results on Planet Me’ type of way. My first self-designed and executed experiment at fourteen resulted in me losing about thirty kilos in four months by changing two key variables. I had limited knowledge, zero coaching or support and virtually no resources, but it worked because I paid attention to the data (my results) and didn’t stop. Enjoy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two fitness industry dinosaurs get together to bang on about training, function, physical optimisation, the healing power of fun, joy and laughter, human potential, fitness and food echo chambers, learning and unlearning, creating an integrative approach to health and the importance of play at any age. This episode was essentially a chat between two Mates which happened to be recorded. Enjoy. feelsoma.com/eventsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Going into a conversation with Geoff Jowett is something you don’t want to plan for. There’s no real point. Just strap in, hold on, try to keep up and don’t get in the way. As a host, I endeavour to have a vague idea of topics and ideas that I might explore with a guest but a podcast with Geoff is the conversational equivalent of trying to herd cats. I’m just a passenger on the Geoff bus. A happy passenger. This two-parter covered vast territory as usual and we had fun but I will warn you that the great man gets a little intense, direct and sweary towards the end. Perfect.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Going into a conversation with Geoff Jowett is something you don’t want to plan for. There’s no real point. Just strap in, hold on, try to keep up and don’t get in the way. As a host, I endeavour to have a vague idea of topics and ideas that I might explore with a guest but a podcast with Geoff is the conversational equivalent of trying to herd cats. I’m just a passenger on the Geoff bus. A happy passenger. This two-parter covered vast territory as usual and we had fun but I will warn you that the great man gets a little intense, direct and sweary towards the end. Perfect.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When it comes to the science of ‘reading physiology’ (like body language and facial expressions), a scowling face would typically be classified (by an observer or computer program) as representing a person who is either sad, mad, or angry. Well, it might surprise to know that seventy percent of the time, when someone is scowling, they are neither sad, mad, or angry. They could be confused. Or scared. Deep in thought. Focused on a task. In pain. Or something else. Dr. Lisa Feldman Barrett is an academic feather-ruffler, and in this chat, she shares with us that, for the most part, none of us can truly predict (with consistency and accuracy) the emotional and/or psychological states of others based on some physical observation we make. We can’t (reliably) read people because the exact same expression can represent a myriad of different internal states for different people across different ages, personality types, groups, cultures, and backgrounds. In this episode, Lisa and I go deep on the brain, emotions, flawed science, cognitive function, and lots more. *Bio: Dr. Lisa Feldman Barrett, PhD, is among the top 1% of most-cited scientists in the world for her research in psychology and neuroscience. She is a University Distinguished Professor of Psychology at Northeastern University, with appointments at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital. She is also Chief Scientific Officer for the Centre for Law, Brain, & Behaviour at Harvard University. lisafeldmanbarrett.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Did you know that being attracted to someone’s body odour via smelling a T-shirt they’ve worn for 14 days without showering (from a selection of smelly strangers, by the way) and then producing a child with that someone, could be great for your hypothetical kid’s health, immune system and longevity? And more broadly, great for the proliferation of the species? And yes, that 14-day stench-fest study is actual research. Did you also know that people spend more money shopping when they’ve recently had coffee (and that some companies exploit this)? And that judges are less likely to grant parole when they’re hungry (just before lunch)? Did you know that your taste buds change (often dramatically) over time? Or that 25% of people are genetically wired to hate broccoli? Did you know that our behaviours and environment (and maybe our thoughts) can change the way our genes work (for good or bad)? Fascinating chat. Again. Dr Bill is a Professor at the Indiana University School of Medicine in Indianapolis, Indiana, who specialises in Molecular & Cell Biology but his broad science knowledge is vast and luckily for us, entertaining. Enjoy. authorbillsullivan.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Did you know that being attracted to someone’s body odour via smelling a T-shirt they’ve worn for 14 days without showering (from a selection of smelly strangers, by the way) and then producing a child with that someone, could be great for your hypothetical kid’s health, immune system and longevity? And more broadly, great for the proliferation of the species? And yes, that 14-day stench-fest study is actual research. Did you also know that people spend more money shopping when they’ve recently had coffee (and that some companies exploit this)? And that judges are less likely to grant parole when they’re hungry (just before lunch)? Did you know that your taste buds change (often dramatically) over time? Or that 25% of people are genetically wired to hate broccoli? Did you know that our behaviours and environment (and maybe our thoughts) can change the way our genes work (for good or bad)? Fascinating chat. Again. Dr Bill is a Professor at the Indiana University School of Medicine in Indianapolis, Indiana, who specialises in Molecular & Cell Biology but his broad science knowledge is vast and luckily for us, entertaining. Enjoy. authorbillsullivan.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I wasn’t sure what to expect going in to this chat because unlike a lot of people, I knew virtually zero about farmer Dave (my bad) but what ensued, was an hour of captivating conversation with a bloke who’s had (and continues to have) a fascinating life. After years navigating all kinds of darkness and eventually finding his way into the light of happiness, purpose, love and connection, he’s now helping others do the same. A movie could literally be made about Dave’s journey. Here are a few snippets. He was in charge of feeding, cleaning and caring for twenty farm dogs when he was 3. He is the youngest of 11. Was an international model at 19. Grew up on 100,000 acre farm. ‘Came out’ on national television (Big Brother). Has travelled to more than 80 countries. Was crippled with depression and anxiety as a teenager. Is a father of five. Currently lives on his farm in the country with twenty-something dogs, guinea pigs, rabbits, dwarf goats, alpacas, ducks, goose and a horse. Created RuffTRACK: a farm-based youth charity that protects kids, keeping them out of prison and up skilling them for a secure future (the story he shares around this is amazing), is an animal behaviourist, TV Presenter, speaker and good bloke doing good things. Enjoy. rufftrack.com@rufftrackSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

So much talk about ‘finding our purpose.’ ‘Living with purpose.’ Having a ‘purpose-filled’ existence. So little agreement on what that actually means. Like, do we have one (single) purpose? Or can it be many? Does it change over time? Is it pre-determined or me-determined? Does it choose us or do we choose it? Does it need to be a profound save-the-world (type) thing? Or can it be something simple (but beautiful) like being a kind person? Are there rules? Do we need to meet some moral, ethical or behavioural criteria? And if so, who says? Who are the ‘purpose’ police? Well, like many ideas and concepts in psychology, sociology, theology and philosophy, ‘purpose’ is a concept for which there is very little consensus or consistency between, not only ‘experts’, but also between the different fields of research (see above). And now, reading over what I’ve just written, I wonder why I ever thought it would be a good idea for the ex-bouncer and the nerd to record a podcast about purpose. Oh well, I guess we’re as qualified as anyone. Enjoy. oksmartass.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Emily Balcetis, PhD, is an Associate Professor of psychology at New York University, who dropped by TYP to share some amazing insights, research, ideas and strategies for making our lives better, and ourselves better, in the middle of those lives. Like many great teachers, Emily has a gift for making the potentially-complicated, easy to understand through her use of stories, metaphors and real-life experiences. Enjoy. @emilybalcetisSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rabbi Dr. Mordecai Finley is the only Rabbi in the world who has a black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, so not only can he teach me Torah, provide spiritual guidance and explore philosophy with me but he can also D’arce choke me, Armbar me, Ezekiel Choke me (quite Old Testament), Heel Hook me and Omoplata the sh*t outta me (although he might not articulate it that way). The Rabbi is a spiritual psychologist, historian, philosopher, co-founder of Ohr HaTorah Synagogue in Los Angeles and holds a doctorate in Religion and Social Ethics from the University of Southern California. Oh (I nearly forgot this bit), he was also a Marine (straight out of school) for three years and single-handedly took down a gunman in a shopping centre with an automatic weapon and bad intentions. We both loved this chat so much that we decided to stay in touch moving forward. I made a new friend! That’s five now. As you’re aware, this episode is in two parts, the first one is a slower build (and us getting to know each other) but part two was super interesting and Rabbi Finley literally gave me a not-so-private coaching session. I hope you enjoy it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rabbi Dr. Mordecai Finley is the only Rabbi in the world who has a black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, so not only can he teach me Torah, provide spiritual guidance and explore philosophy with me but he can also D’arce choke me, Armbar me, Ezekiel Choke me (quite Old Testament), Heel Hook me and Omoplata the sh*t outta me (although he might not articulate it that way). The Rabbi is a spiritual psychologist, historian, philosopher, co-founder of Ohr HaTorah Synagogue in Los Angeles and holds a doctorate in Religion and Social Ethics from the University of Southern California. Oh (I nearly forgot this bit), he was also a Marine (straight out of school) for three years and single-handedly took down a gunman in a shopping centre with an automatic weapon and bad intentions. We both loved this chat so much that we decided to stay in touch moving forward. I made a new friend! That’s five now. As you’re aware, this episode is in two parts, the first one is a slower build (and us getting to know each other) but part two was super interesting and Rabbi Finley literally gave me a not-so-private coaching session. I hope you enjoy it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Julie Goodwin is a household name in Australia. She is a much-loved Australian cook, author, radio and television presenter, who came to public attention when she won the inaugural season of MasterChef Australia in 2009. She has since published six cookbooks, with one of them selling over 200,000 copies, worked in breakfast radio, hosted her own TV show, owned a cooking school and even re-appeared on MasterChef for the 2022 season, as a competitor among other champions and high-performers. We open lots of doors in this chat and Julie courageously talks about, not only the peaks, but also the troughs. She is one of the most authentic, humble and open people I’ve interviewed and although she’s well known, there’s nothing about her that screams ‘celebrity’. And maybe that’s why she is so popular. Enjoy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is the end of ‘actual’ food drawing nigh? It may be closer than we think. After a few recent stand-out appearances, Scientist, Nutritionist and Food Educator, Matty Lansdown has been the ‘flavour’ of the month at TYP. See what I did there? Lots of nice feedback, plenty of questions and a liberal smattering of “can we have Matty back soon?” requests. So... you’re welcome. This time we chat about good ol’ sausages (snags, bangers), why pasta puts me into a coma, cooked vs. raw veggies, mineral vs. soda water, air fryers, fibre, pooing, carnivore diets, super interesting research looking at our beliefs about what we’re eating and the subsequent impact those beliefs have on the way our body metabolises that food (in a completely atypical way) and finally, we chat about the atrocious new food guidelines (food pyramid, of sorts) funded and endorsed by the US government which says that Lucky Charms, chocolate covered almonds, Honey Nut Cheerios and sweet potato fries are all healthier options than steak. WTAF? Enjoy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nearly a thousand episodes ago (pre-pandemic), TYP favourite Paul Taylor and I got together for our first podcast chat and to this day, it is still a conversation people talk to me about as being one of their all-time favourites. Knowing that many of you have not heard it, have forgotten what was said (it was four years ago) or didn’t know about it, we decided to wheel it out for an encore, with a little bit of post-pandemic (kind-of) 2023 Melissa and I commentary at the start. Enjoy. @mindbodybrainpiSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For a range of different reasons - some of them business, some of them personal - many of us are keen to build our level of social media ‘engagement’. Put simply, we want more people to watch, hear and interact with us. A drive for more reach, influence, sales, likes, comments, awareness, attention, credibility, interaction and/or social connection (and probably lots more). Well, the social media go-to guy on Planet Harps is Tommy Jackett; one of my five (or-so), pseudo sons. For this episode I pitted the virtual brain (Open AI) against Tommy’s organic brain to see where their ‘thinking’ diverged and converged. It was fun. Enjoy. vidpod.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.