The You Project

Axle Whitehead is an interesting bloke, with an interesting background, who has, for reasons both good and.. er, interesting, caught the public eye as a talented singer, musician, actor, TV host and occasional wild man. Apart from his musical achievements, Axle has worked on Home and Away, Shameless (US TV series), The Wall (a game show he hosted), Video Hits (TV host), World’s Strictest Parents (TV host) and quite a few more. While I try to go into every chat with an open mind, I will say, I may have had an impression of what and who to expect. I was quite wrong. In fact, we’re catching up next week for coffee and a chat, because we’re both fascinated with human behaviour and the mind. And we like coffee. Enjoy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. As Beau says, "the brain never sees the world as it actually is, only the world that is useful to see." By illuminating these principles of perception he has helped individuals and companies transform their approach to creativity and innovation. 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. Their "experiential experiments" invite consumers to engage with brands and offer brands science-backed insights that foster innovation. beaulotto.comlabofmisfits.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. As Beau says, "the brain never sees the world as it actually is, only the world that is useful to see." By illuminating these principles of perception he has helped individuals and companies transform their approach to creativity and innovation. 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. Their "experiential experiments" invite consumers to engage with brands and offer brands science-backed insights that foster innovation. beaulotto.comlabofmisfits.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Some people think I’m weird. And depending on whose definition of normal, conventional or weird we’re going by; they may well be right. Some people struggle to comprehend that a 58 year-old, never married, non-smoking, never used recreational drugs or drunk booze, gym-going, motorbike-riding Aussie bloke, who’s lived alone for 41 years, could somehow be functional, fulfilled and genuinely happy. Many times people have told me (a year or two down the track) that when they first met me, they thought I was weird, not because of anything I did or said (to them) but rather, because of how I live. This four-part (that’s not a typo) TYP instalment is the result of hundreds of questions I’ve received from people wanting to know more about behind the scenes me. I honestly don’t think it’s fascinating but according to Melissa, some of you will be interested. I open the door wide on a lot of things I’ve never spoken about to an audience. Thanks for supporting the show everyone. I appreciate you. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Some people think I’m weird. And depending on whose definition of normal, conventional or weird we’re going by; they may well be right. Some people struggle to comprehend that a 58 year-old, never married, non-smoking, never used recreational drugs or drunk booze, gym-going, motorbike-riding Aussie bloke, who’s lived alone for 41 years, could somehow be functional, fulfilled and genuinely happy. Many times people have told me (a year or two down the track) that when they first met me, they thought I was weird, not because of anything I did or said (to them) but rather, because of how I live. This four-part (that’s not a typo) TYP instalment is the result of hundreds of questions I’ve received from people wanting to know more about behind the scenes me. I honestly don’t think it’s fascinating but according to Melissa, some of you will be interested. I open the door wide on a lot of things I’ve never spoken about to an audience. Thanks for supporting the show everyone. I appreciate you. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I liked my first chat with Kute Blackson but I loved this one. This is the bloke who walked away from his church upbringing (and his likely life as an evangelist) after preaching to an audience of 3,000 at 8, being an ordained minister at 14 and being the son of a Japanese mum and a famous Ghanaian preacher father, who had a clear plan for his son’s life. Well, in this chat Kute dropped some knowledge, wisdom and inspiration and (for the woo-woo brigade) a few spiritual insights (like the concept of the mind serving the soul). We also spoke about.. structure and planning vs. freestyle and instinct, the myth of logic, keeping others happy, the nature of the ego, personal reality, confirmation bias, surrendering, conditional love (which isn’t actually love), the mind as a tool and a barrier and lots more. Enjoy.  kuteblackson.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Jemma King has a PhD in Human Behaviour, is a Stress and Emotional Intelligence expert, works as a specialist advisor to the Australian Defence Force, the Australian Institute of Sport, the Australian Olympic Swim Team and global management consultancy firms. Other than all that, she’s a dud (lol). I enjoy chatting with academics who can share their vast knowledge in a manner which is user (podcast listener) friendly and not overly academic. Jemma certainly delivers and there were some gems in this chat. Enjoy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are times when life is about navigating detours, solving problems, inhabiting uncertainty, dealing with pain (of all kinds) and being the calm in the chaos. It could be argued that this is much of life. This conversation with Kristina Mand-Lakhiani is largely about these very human challenges. Kristina is an entrepreneur, international speaker, author and the co-creator of Mindvalley; a global educational organisation providing training for peak human performance to hundreds of thousands of students all around the world. We also spoke about.. what time of the day we’re most productive, how our thinking and priorities change as we age, judgement (of self and others), perfectionism (that’s a self-created burden), self-acceptance, giving things meaning, being wrong, what is truth? (that’s a slippery slope), cognitive dissonance, her recent conscious uncoupling with her husband and finally, living in Estonia (bordering Russia), which she does with her two young kids. Enjoy.  @kristinamandSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We all want to belong, to be part of something bigger than us, to be connected with others and to be part of a ‘tribe’ (group, club, team, family, organisation, family, religion). And while this all makes sense because we humans are social creatures, what are the potential risks of desperately wanting to belong? These days there’s a lot of discussion around the virtues and values of being part of a tribe. But is it true? Are all tribes love, light, puppies and unicorns? Are they altruistic and well-meaning? Are they about the welfare of the individuals or the welfare of the group (brand, profit, growth)? In order to belong and make no waves, are you periodically required to over-ride your own thoughts, insights and instincts because they don’t align with the group’s ideology, philosophy and/or theology? Without giving to much away, I think belonging to a tribe can be both good or bad, depending on a bunch of variables. Some groups might save your life, some might ruin it. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of TYP, our legal drug dealer is back and this time, we talk about the current flu that’s doing the rounds, Monkeypox (I think I may have it), anti-inflams (the good, bad and cautionary), building a tolerance to prescription medication, Nima’s thoughts on appetite suppressants, using antidepressants and anxiety medication safely (is that possible?), melatonin for sleep issues, over-the-counter cocaine and shady characters with dodgy scripts. As always, we had fun. Enjoy. comocompounding.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Some people think I’m weird. And depending on whose definition of normal, conventional or weird we’re going by; they may well be right. Some people struggle to comprehend that a 58 year-old, never married, non-smoking, never used recreational drugs or drunk booze, gym-going, motorbike-riding Aussie bloke, who’s lived alone for 41 years, could somehow be functional, fulfilled and genuinely happy. Many times people have told me (a year or two down the track) that when they first met me, they thought I was weird, not because of anything I did or said (to them) but rather, because of how I live. This four-part (that’s not a typo) TYP instalment is the result of hundreds of questions I’ve received from people wanting to know more about behind the scenes me. I honestly don’t think it’s fascinating but according to Melissa, some of you will be interested. I open the door wide on a lot of things I’ve never spoken about to an audience. Thanks for supporting the show everyone. I appreciate you. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Some people think I’m weird. And depending on whose definition of normal, conventional or weird we’re going by; they may well be right. Some people struggle to comprehend that a 58 year-old, never married, non-smoking, never used recreational drugs or drunk booze, gym-going, motorbike-riding Aussie bloke, who’s lived alone for 41 years, could somehow be functional, fulfilled and genuinely happy. Many times people have told me (a year or two down the track) that when they first met me, they thought I was weird, not because of anything I did or said (to them) but rather, because of how I live. This four-part (that’s not a typo) TYP instalment is the result of hundreds of questions I’ve received from people wanting to know more about behind the scenes me. I honestly don’t think it’s fascinating but according to Melissa, some of you will be interested. I open the door wide on a lot of things I’ve never spoken about to an audience. Thanks for supporting the show everyone. I appreciate you. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Jason Sonners is the Clinic Director of NJ HBOT and HBOT USA and a Certified Hyperbaric Practitioner. He supports patients with a variety of autoimmune and neurological conditions, allergies, autism, cancer and many others. He combines Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, Nutrition, Exercise, Detoxification programs and much more to help naturally support patients and guide them through their health challenges. I learned a lot in this chat. Enjoy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tim Reid is the founder and host of Australia’s most popular marketing podcast, The Small Business Big Marketing Show, author of The Boomerang Effect, accomplished corporate speaker, marketing guru and legit funny bugger. He and I had an almost-adversarial (but totally fun) conversation, which had very little to do with marketing. And while it sounds unreasonable to say, he may even be looser (not loser) than me. Among other things, he pointed out my propensity (capacity, tendency, inclination) to speak in lists (see what I did there). Enjoy Tim. I didn’t but you might (lol).  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Helen Street is one of Australia’s most highly respected educators. With a passion for educational reform and for challenging the status quo, she has become known as a powerful advocate for children’s rights as well as a pioneer in the support of learning engagement, motivation and wellbeing in schools. In 2009, Helen and Neil Porter founded the Positive Schools Initiative which advocates for educational reform to better support equity, motivation and wellbeing in young people. This chat was super-interesting, entertaining and broadly relevant and the good Doc is a delightful mix of cheekiness, down-to-earth-ness and inspiration. Enjoy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jeremy Meltzer is a socially and environmentally conscious entrepreneur and he is the Founder of i=Change (the world’s first cause-marketing platform and Australia’s fastest-growing social enterprise tech start-up). Through i=Change, Jeremy has created an amazing model where companies (lots of them), donate one dollar for every online sale (without marking up their products) and the best bit is, the customer gets to decide where (which charity or cause) that money will go. Among others things, we discussed empathy and kindness in business, career vs. purpose, our growing disconnection from both nature and other humans, an amazing bloke called Dr. Barry (great story), ethical condoms (ergo, the title), being on the telly with Martha Stewart, life-shaping moments (we all have them) and lots more. I really enjoyed meeting Jeremy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Denise is back and true to our historical form, this was a conversational fruit salad. We spoke about… how hugging can produce good and bad chemical responses, depending on the hugger and huggee (is that a word?), the role of pheromones in physical attraction, couples you think won’t last but do (and vice-versa), white coat hypertension (Denise and I both have it), caffeine and anxiety, why Denise wants her bloke Ryan to be more like her (hilarious), how human connection affects physical health, moving past mistakes, knowing vs. doing, cold therapy and lots more. Enjoy. drdenisefurness.com.auFacebook Group: Your Genes and Nutrition CommunitySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Denise is back and true to our historical form, this was a conversational fruit salad. We spoke about… how hugging can produce good and bad chemical responses, depending on the hugger and huggee (is that a word?), the role of pheromones in physical attraction, couples you think won’t last but do (and vice-versa), white coat hypertension (Denise and I both have it), caffeine and anxiety, why Denise wants her bloke Ryan to be more like her (hilarious), how human connection affects physical health, moving past mistakes, knowing vs. doing, cold therapy and lots more. Enjoy. drdenisefurness.com.auFacebook Group: Your Genes and Nutrition CommunitySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Darryl Lovegrove is a blend of corporate speaker, entertainer, storyteller, stage performer, musician and full-contact opera guy (it’ll make sense). He is one of Australia’s most in-demand speakers, headlining many Top 500 company conferences, including the famed ‘Million Dollar Round Table’ in the USA. Inspired by the world’s greatest opera singers The Three Tenors, Darryl and his business partner established the operatic corporate entertainment phenomenon ‘The Three Waiters’ which quickly became the most performed corporate entertainment act in the world, experienced by over three million people in 70 countries. Darryl was in the original Australian casts of ‘Les Miserables’, ‘Chess’ and featured with Sarah Brightman and Anthony Warlow in The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber. He received critical acclaim for his portrayals of John Lennon in ‘Looking Through a Glass Onion’ and Jesus in ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’. Enjoy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The collective noun for a group of rhinos is ‘crash’ (for real). You’re welcome. And zebras? A ‘dazzle’. And hippos? A ‘bloat’ (also real, also hilarious). And finally, tigers? A ‘streak’. Totes true. All of it. I learned all this and more talking with Ian Schubach. Some people are just really interesting to chat with and this bloke is one them. I try not to plan or research too much before I talk with a guest, partly because I’m lazy but mostly, because I want a genuine, unscripted and organic conversation, that just happens to be recorded. Chatting with the former African safari guide and adventurer was both fun and educational. I loved it and learned plenty. Enjoy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

David Gillespie is annoyingly smart. Sometimes I think I’ve almost got him (with a question) when in fact, he’s got me. Nonetheless, I love our encounters and I enjoy his mind and vast knowledge. This time we discuss doing a speaking gig with an interpreter (which I did today), the idea of having nothing to worry about but worrying anyway, his definition of success (it is like none I’ve heard, of course), how trauma lives in our brain chemistry and ‘remembers’ even when our mind doesn’t, how we’re addicted to dopamine, how marketing companies and social media platforms are using brain science to sell us stuff, manipulate us and get us addicted. Other than that, it’s all good news (lol). Enjoy. davidgillespie.orgThe Little Albert ExperimentSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This chat starts well but gets progressively better. The last third of this conversation was touching, inspiring and emotional. I genuinely loved this episode. Ryan Campbell was born to fly, with a passion for aviation running deep in his family. At only six, on his first commercial flight, he knew what we wanted to do for the rest of his life. He could fly a plane before he could drive a car and at 15 Ryan became the youngest pilot in Australia, at 18 he had a commercial pilot’s licence and a little over a year after that he made international headlines. In June 2013, just 19 years old, Ryan set off from Wollongong in NSW in a bid to become the youngest pilot – and first teenager – in history to circumnavigate the world solo in a single engine aircraft. Seventy days later, on 8 September 2013, after stopping 34 times in 15 countries and covering more than 24,000 nautical miles, Ryan’s Teen World Flight became a reality. Just two years later, the young Australian’s world changed in an instant. While piloting a vintage biplane, Ryan suffered a mechanical failure that left him paralysed. Ryan’s story of how he has defied the odds to walk and fly again is truly inspirational. It’s a story of the highest of highs and the lowest of lows and how determination and courage can drive success. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tiff and I sat down and did our best to simplify and answer the ‘how do I change stuff and keep it changed’ question. It’s kind-of a mini-workshop and I may have hogged the conversation (shocker, I know). We unpack a relatively simple (but effective) process for stepping out of the cycle of ‘almost’ getting stuff done. Enjoy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Some people will love this chat and some will be… “nah, Bro.. too weird, cosmic and spiro for me”.. and I get it. See you next ep. I guess the first twenty minutes (or so) are pretty ‘normal’ (by TYP standards) but after that, we do unpack a few curly questions like.. What is the mind? Where does it live? What does inexplicable (and sometimes, spontaneous) healing from (apparent) ‘incurable illnesses’ tell us about human potential and how much we don’t (actually) understand? Can wisdom, awareness and insight come from somewhere other than the mind? Can we know things that we’ve never been taught, told or trained to know? Is ‘spirituality’ real or is it a creation of the mind, that gives us a level of comfort? And what about the ‘soul’.. is that a thing, or is it just a feel-good concept created to fit a religious narrative? What is the role of faith? Is it okay to believe in the power and potential of something we don’t fully understand? And finally, can we tap into that ‘something’ to help us navigate life, even though we don’t really comprehend it? I’m not sure that we came to any life-changing conclusions or revelations in this chat but at the very least, we provided some food for thought. Enjoy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nutritionist Matty Lansdown is back and this time we talk about meal frequency (is 6 smaller meals better than 3 bigger ones?), flawed science (BMI, RDI and other acronyms), calorie counting (good or bad?), lazy PT’s and lazy programming, being under-muscled, managing blood sugar, why walking is awesome, binaural beats (they’re a thing), hunger vs. craving and lots more. Enjoy. mattylansdown.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Jodi is back and this time we explore weird (like, totally weird) thoughts and where they come from, the good and bad of stress, conflict between our thoughts and values, suicidal ideation, dragging our past into the now, obligatory guilt, defining anxiety (are we all talking about the same thing?), positive and negative rituals, becoming the observer of our thoughts and lots more. Enjoy. drjodirichardson.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Martin Lindstrom is one of the world’s foremost branding and business transformation experts. He's also the author of 8 New York Times best-selling books, translated into 47 languages, with sales well in excess of one million copies. This dude is super interesting and we went deep on everything from defining happiness, to neuro marketing (it’s a thing) to being given the responsibility of branding an entire country (changing their global image and the country will surprise you), to the relationship between famous brands (and logos) and people’s self-esteem (it’s probably not what you think), to why smoking warnings on packaging don’t work (at all), to the value of disrupting your life, to ethical marketing and lots more. I learned a lot in this chat. Enjoy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our resident pharmacist Nima Alavi is back and this time we talk about the old days when heroine and cocaine were over-the-counter products (Sigmund Freud used and promoted cocaine as a tonic to cure depression and sexual impotence). We also talk broadly about compounding medicines, evidence-based medicine, fasting, smart drugs, alcohol and tolerance, my experience with Lyrica (a drug to treat nerve pain), opiates, why I’d be a one-beer drunk and lots more. Enjoy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This first half of this chat with Kute Blackson was interesting and enjoyable but it was in the second half, that the famous preacher’s kid from Ghana, who grew up in England and now lives in the U.S., let loose with some inspiration, insight and podcast gold. I literally just sat there listening and almost forgot I needed to fill in the gaps when he stopped speaking. Having spoken to an audience of 3,000 at age 8 and not stopping since, has seen him become a beloved inspirational speaker and transformational teacher. He is author of the bestselling book You.Are.The.One. and The Magic of Surrender, he is widely considered the next generation leader in the field of personal development and he has been featured on Larry King Now, Fox and Friends and Dr. Drew. ‘Inc’ magazine calls him ‘The Mindfulness Guru Billionaires Go To For Advice’. Enjoy.  kuteblackson.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Most of my income comes via speaking to humans. In auditoriums with big groups. In boardrooms with small groups. At sporting clubs with athletes. With first responders. The general public. Students. Fitness and health professionals. Corporates. On podcasts. On Zoom calls with organisations around the world. Online workshops. And in the past, lots of radio. This episode is a brief snapshot of some of the lessons, challenges and insights gleaned from a very long (and continuing) journey of getting paid to say stuff. Based on what you do or want to do, some of you will find this helpful and valuable and hopefully, the rest of you might find it interesting. Enjoy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Most of my income comes via speaking to humans. In auditoriums with big groups. In boardrooms with small groups. At sporting clubs with athletes. With first responders. The general public. Students. Fitness and health professionals. Corporates. On podcasts. On Zoom calls with organisations around the world. Online workshops. And in the past, lots of radio. This episode is a brief snapshot of some of the lessons, challenges and insights gleaned from a very long (and continuing) journey of getting paid to say stuff. Based on what you do or want to do, some of you will find this helpful and valuable and hopefully, the rest of you might find it interesting. Enjoy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Lauren Burns (OAM) is an Olympic gold medallist, who is not impressed with my grade five egg and spoon race victory. Lauren won Australia's first Olympic gold medal in taekwondo at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, competing in the women's under 49 kg class. Apart from having earned a PhD and being a 3rd dan black belt, Olympic champion and straight-up Lady Ninja, I’m pretty sure I could take her. But then, I’m delusional. Seriously, this was a fun chat with a super down-to-earth woman, who shares great stories, insights and inspiration. Enjoy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Michol Dalcourt is an internationally recognised leader in health and human performance. He is the founder of the Institute of Motion, inventor of ViPR PRO (a big deal), a former Adjunct Professor at the University of San Francisco, a fitness industry superstar (he wouldn’t say that) and an old Mate of mine, who consults with companies like Equinox, Microsoft and Nike. Apart from all that impressive stuff, he’s just a ripping human with great insight, passion, compassion and drive to help people. When I say “hang out with people who drag you up”, for me, Michol is one of those people. Enjoy.  instituteofmotion.com@micholdalcourtSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“You’re probably an addict”, David Gillespie informed me during this chat. He seems to think I may have a slight predisposition to obsess, overdo and deny. But.. pfft, what does he know? As always, this was an informative, fun and thought-provoking chat. Among other things, we spoke about Aussies being the biggest gamblers in the world (per capita), how profitable people’s addictions can be (for others), uncertainty, expectation and dopamine, how pigeons can develop superstitions (for real), my recent ten-day obsession to a game in my phone (I had to delete it) and lots more. Enjoy.  davidgillespie.orgSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Apart from being a multi award-winning designer, researcher, columnist, keynote speaker and Certified Facilitator of Lego (a methodology used by global brands like IKEA, Virgin and Samsung to boost innovation, creativity, human connection and problem solving), Dr. Kate (who has an actual PhD) is also a conversational breath of fresh air. Enjoy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Judith Fordham is a high-octane, high-energy, blunt, direct, take-no-BS, funny and fascinating success story. She has worn zebra-print shoes to court, represented bikers, alleged murderers, armed robbers and rapists and raised four children on her own. Once a battered wife who struggled to feed her family, she is now one of Western Australia’s best known criminal lawyers. She is also an expert in forensic science, an internationally known jury researcher and a successful author. Oh, and she began her law degree as a single thirty-year-old mum, with three of her four kids, younger than five (in the old days when online study didn’t exist). Enjoy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This was something of a trip down memory lane (fitness lane?) because like me, Greg Sellar is an old-school fitness bloke. Back when I was wearing short shorts, writing exercise programs and teaching people how to lift heavy things, Greg was travelling the globe as one of the world’s premiere Group Exercise teachers, grape-vining, box-stepping and step-touching his way around fifty-five countries. These days (also like me) he’s shifted into the corporate speaking and coaching space and doing some great work. This was like catching up with a more coordinated, better looking and better dancing version of me. Enjoy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For this episode of TYP Tiff and I explored the multidimensional process of optimising our body. It’s not so much a prescription, as it is a conversation around the numerous variables that impact, influence and ultimately, determine our health. Enjoy!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For this episode of TYP Tiff and I explored the multidimensional process of optimising our body. It’s not so much a prescription, as it is a conversation around the numerous variables that impact, influence and ultimately, determine our health. Enjoy!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last week Tiff’s best mate (Coach the six year-old wonder whippet) went to the Vet for a very minor operation on her toe and tragically passed away under anaesthetic. Exactly a week later (almost to the minute), Tiff and I sat down to debrief on one of the saddest weeks of her life. Our chat is a little sad in places but honestly, it’s not depressing, neither of us cried (amazingly) and we even have a laugh and some feel-good moments. Enjoy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Matt Church is like a better version of me. Craig 2.0, perhaps. He is a leadership expert, author of 13 books, founder of Thought Leaders, recognised as one of the best professional speakers on the planet and most importantly, he’s a kind, generous and conscious human who swung the vulnerability door wide open for our chat. At the risk of being presumptuous, I’m guessing that this episode will resonate with many of you. Enjoy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I absolutely loved this chat and loved Anna. Smart. Funny. Fascinating. And super kind. She is the Founder and CEO of Bambuddha Group who believe the power of Kindness is world changing. With a deep commitment for creating equality based on her lived experience, Anna began Bambuddha Group to empower corporate leaders and their teams on how to ‘work kinder’. Anna grew up in a caravan park on the northeast coast of England and is one of five sisters, several of whom have physical and learning disabilities. As a child, Anna spent most of her childhood fighting prejudice and finally went into the care system for a short time before braving the world alone, at the young age of 16. As a neurodiverse gay person, fitting into the various systems in life has always been a challenge. The good news? Anna was lucky enough to have found and understood her ‘why’ from a young age. Early life experiences helped her develop a strong passion for equality and a vision for change. Despite having ADHD and Dyslexia, Anna worked tirelessly putting herself through college, university and a master’s degree. Enjoy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

John Cantor is an adventurer, thrill-seeker and explorer of human limits, who achieved his long-held dream of traversing the Brooks Range solo; a 1,600 km expedition across Arctic Alaska, considered to be one of the toughest solo expeditions on earth. Almost completely devoid of human presence, this environment is full of grizzly bears, wolves and countless other animals. With no previous experience and only blind self-belief, this young surfer from Noosa Heads set himself a near-impossible goal. There were only four documented solo traverses of the range prior to this, all of whom were Americans. After failing on three successive attempts in three consecutive years, John realised he was banging his head against a brick wall, so he took a year off and adopted a completely different approach to the expedition. He broke it down into little battles and worked on perfecting each element. John finally completed the expedition in 31-and-a-half days, setting a speed record for the traverse. During this time, John also battled chronic knee and back injuries, severe anxiety and huge financial costs, working up to three jobs at a time. John’s expedition was featured on the ABC’s Australian Story. Enjoy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ken Mogi is a Japanese neuroscientist, senior researcher at the Sony Computer Science Laboratories and a visiting professor at the Tokyo Institute of Technology. He has written more than a hundred books (what!) on a range of topics, including brain science, philosophy, history, art, education and linguistics and I loved chatting with him. Apart from being an accomplished academic, author, speaker and media performer, he’s also funny, cheeky and has incredible energy. In this episode, we speak about Ninja and Samurai (types) and it turns out that I’m a Ninja, not a Samurai. More introvert, than extravert. And yes, anecdotal evidence would suggest otherwise. Shy little wallflower that I am. Oh, and in breaking news… Einstein’s first wife (Mrs Einstein) was the smart one. Who knew? Okay, he went alright as well. Not surprisingly, we also chatted about all-things brain, mind, human behaviour and consciousness. And also, Mozart’s sister. Apparently, she was as talented as her brother. Again, who knew? Enjoy.  The Way Of NagomiSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is a conversation with Tommy about your past. And mine. And his. We talk about the relationship we have (in the present) with the events, outcomes and experiences of our past. We consider the impact (good and bad) of our historical events. The lessons and insights. The blessings and the damage done. The resultant anxiety and over-thinking. The resilience, awareness and skill gained. We talk about reframing; a different mental representation (or story) of things past. We consider how our past can live (a present-tense verb) in our present. We talk about doing a ‘treasure hunt’ on our past and finally, we each share stories from our past(s) and explore how they impact us now. Enjoy.  vidpod.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Every hundred shows (or so), Melissa, Tiff and I get together to chat about everything and nothing. This episode was part staff meeting, part planning session, part informal catch-up, part human-behaviour workshop and part counselling session. Enjoy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lisa Saygun is one of Australia’s best female bodybuilders and last weekend she won her ‘Pro Card’, in her 51st (!) competition at forty-one years of age. Of course, women’s bodybuilding is not everyone’s ‘cup of tea’ (as Mary would say) but at the very least, this conversation is interesting, eye-opening, educating, funny and towards the end, very inspiring (you’ll know when you get there). Our intended fifty-minute chat turned into an almost two-hour deep dive, so I definitely enjoyed it. Hope you do to.  lisasaygunbodyfit.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lisa Saygun is one of Australia’s best female bodybuilders and last weekend she won her ‘Pro Card’, in her 51st (!) competition at forty-one years of age. Of course, women’s bodybuilding is not everyone’s ‘cup of tea’ (as Mary would say) but at the very least, this conversation is interesting, eye-opening, educating, funny and towards the end, very inspiring (you’ll know when you get there). Our intended fifty-minute chat turned into an almost two-hour deep dive, so I definitely enjoyed it. Hope you do to.  lisasaygunbodyfit.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

David Gillespie and I had planned to chat about a particular topic. It didn’t happen. Instead, I ended up opening the David Gillespie door (it needed a little verbal WD-40) to get an insight into what drives and inspires the renowned Author, Lawyer, Researcher and Tech Guy (I just discovered that) to do what he does. Among many fascinating things, I discovered he started a not-for-profit online resource for Australian students (freeschool.org.au), delivering free education (of current curriculums) by exceptional Australian Teachers (35 of them), with over 8,000 lessons available. We also spoke about Universal Basic Income, his parenting style (terrifying), his tech start-up (in the old days), the relationship we have with our job, why he didn’t become a doctor and much more. Enjoy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How lucky am I that I get to chat with people like Tony Wheeler who, along with his wife Maureen, created the Lonely Planet guidebook company and spent decades exploring countries, cultures and cuisines. Apart from realising how boring my life is, I loved chatting with this much-loved and world-renowned travel writer. Enjoy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.