The You Project

This is the last bit of three. Among other questions, we explored… what’s the one trait that you keep seeing in people who start their own business? How do you trust again when all trust is broken? How to get past the guilt of putting yourself first? What’s more important work on; the body or the mind? How do we know we are living in alignment? How do you know that enough is enough and it’s time for change? What’s the most effective way to cut out negative people from your life? What’s the one lesson you think every 17 year-old should have? Every 30 year-old? Every 50 year-old? Do you ever treat yourself to "bad foods"? How to best deal with conflict? To grunt or not to grunt when the weights get heavy? And plenty more. Enjoy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Energiser Bunny that is Richard Beddie (Head Honcho of Exercise NZ) is back going deeper and harder on all things fitness, training, performance, health and mindset. BTW, he does speak ridiculously fast, so you may want to have a coffee (or some other stimulant) before you listen.exercisenz.org.nzrichardbeddie.co.nzSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is the second bit of three. Among other questions, we explored… what’s the one trait that you keep seeing in people who start their own business? How do you trust again when all trust is broken? How to get past the guilt of putting yourself first? What’s more important work on; the body or the mind? How do we know we are living in alignment? How do you know that enough is enough and it’s time for change? What’s the most effective way to cut out negative people from your life? What’s the one lesson you think every 17 year-old should have? Every 30 year-old? Every 50 year-old? Do you ever treat yourself to "bad foods"? How to best deal with conflict? To grunt or not to grunt when the weights get heavy? And plenty more (this very long session was broken into 3 parts). Enjoy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jon Levy is a behavioral scientist best known for his work in influence, human connection, and decision making. Jon specialises in applying the latest research to transform the ways companies approach marketing, sales, consumer engagement, and culture. His clients range from Fortune 500 brands, like Microsoft, Google, AB-InBev, and Samsung, to startups. Enjoy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I’m loving TYP at the moment; we seem to be on a roll with great guests and conversations and while this bloke has been on a bunch, this chat was refreshing, revealing and as always, amusing and authentic. He was definitely ‘up and about’ (as he would say) for this chat. Among other things, we spoke about Geoff’s ‘life re-set’, coming out of the ‘mania’ of obsession and addiction and into the calm, blowing 30K a week partying (not a typo), knowing when we’re in the ‘wrong job’, taking steroids to look like a ‘stocking full of walnuts’ and compete in the Mr. Oz (after giving up cocaine) and finally, the time he recommended me to the producer of a reality TV dating show. This was fun and funny.@geoffjowettSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Among other questions, we explored… what’s the one trait that you keep seeing in people who start their own business? How do you trust again when all trust is broken? How to get past the guilt of putting yourself first? What’s more important to work on; the body or the mind? How do we know we are living in alignment? How do you know that enough is enough and it’s time for change? What’s the most effective way to cut out negative people from your life? What’s the one lesson you think every 17 year-old should have? Every 30 year-old? Every 50 year-old? Do you ever treat yourself to "bad foods"? How to best deal with conflict? To grunt or not to grunt when the weights get heavy? And plenty more (this very long session was broken into 3 parts). Enjoy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Victor Brick has 35 years of success in the fitness industry and is CEO of Planet Fitness Growth Partners (PFGP), the largest privately owned Planet Fitness franchise with 80+ clubs in the US and Australia. He’s chairman of the John W. Brick Mental Health Foundation and a Global Wellness Summit Advisory Board member.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is one of my favourite episodes this year. Maybe, all the years. Harry Sanders is an extraordinary young man, doing extraordinary things. I don’t want to give too much away (and ruin the story) but I came away from this conversation feeling inspired, energised and to be honest, somewhat amazed. Enjoy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode was a conversation between Melissa and I about the peaks and troughs, challenges and lessons, wins and losses, breakdowns and breakthroughs of our podcasting journey with The You Project (our fourth attempt at a podcast). It’s fair to say that, four hundred episodes in (plus a hundred or so pre TYP), we still don’t have it all sorted and we’re still learning but thankfully, we seem to be doing something right. I gave us a B-minus; going okay but still work to do. BTW, this episode is about the most relaxed and talkative Melissa has ever been on a podcast. Enjoy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Tami Roos has a PhD in Parapsychic Science, so it’s not surprising that we slid into some ‘woo-woo’ moments during this chat. Among other things, we spoke about the metaphoric intersection where all things logical, rational and practical collide with all things intuitive and spiritual, or as Tami calls it, ‘The Divine System’. She even took us through a meditative, calming breathing exercise in the middle of the podcast and as I write this, I may or may not be wearing a Kaftan. Enjoy.tamiroos.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I loved this conversation with Barbara Arrowsmith Young. Such a privilege to chat with someone who is a world-renowned pioneer, researcher and authority in the area of brain training, brain science and neuroplasticity. At the age of six (in the 1950’s) Barbara was diagnosed as having a ‘mental block’, which these days would more accurately be described as, a severe learning disability. Since that time, her life has been an ongoing journey of learning, experimentation, teaching and helping others to maximise their ‘brain potential’. Enjoy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mel Tempest is a strong, powerful, no BS woman who grew up in the middle of danger, violence and uncertainty, who was discarded by her mother at eight, who left school at fourteen, who dealt with constant rejection and fear and who, at the age of eighteen, experienced the death of her first child; passing away thirty minutes after being born. Mel is a cancer survivor, a disruptor, a gym owner, award winner, international presenter, fitness industry powerhouse, podcaster, mum of three and she is anything but a cookie-cutter fitness pro. Enjoy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bobby Cappuccio is back to discuss what frustrates him about the self-help ‘industry’ (programs, products, promotions, promises), how we might navigate our way through the industry bullsh*t (and bullsh*tters) and why he’s started a podcast called ‘The Self-Help Antidote’.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of TYP, Nick Bowditch and I discover that we might be brothers from another mother. It’s seems we have a lot of the same issues, idiosyncrasies, stories and self-doubt. Along the way we discuss the importance of training our brain, age-appropriate behaviour, dealing with praise, self-promotion, starting a speaking career, being a loner, avoiding intimacy and lots more.nickbowditch.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jason Cunningham (The Practice, Sen Radio, Network Ten and a few books) is a money and business bloke who doesn’t complicate the s**t out of things, doesn’t speak jargon and understands that we (the audience) don’t want a financial lecture but rather, useable, practical and relevant advice about optimising our career, business, money, energy and time. He’s also twenty percent Bogan and twenty percent Monk, which I like.thepractice.com.auInsight Timer Meditation AppSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Yet another fascinating chat with TYP favourite Ashok Gupta, exploring physical, mental and emotional health, healing and recovery. Enjoy.guptaprogram.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s fair to say that Don Wood (PhD.) could be considered (by some) to be something of a disruptor when it comes to the understanding, management and treatment of, things like intrusive thoughts, anxiety, depression, PTSD, panic attacks, addiction and even some chronic illnesses such as, auto-immune disorders, thyroid problems, cardiac and gastrointestinal diseases, and even, cancer. I honestly didn’t know what to expect going in to this conversation but at the risk of sounding like a ‘promo’, I really enjoyed it.gettipp.com/youSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Curiously, sometimes friendships don’t feel very ‘friendly’. You know what I’m talking about. We’ve all been in relationships that felt more like some kind of competition, painful obligation, situational necessity or community outreach project, than a healthy friendship. This brief episode is a quick dive into the ins and outs of friendship in all its’ weirdness, complexity, contradiction and sometimes, joy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Like (nearly) all of our guests, Dr. Amy Silver is ace. Great communicator, story-teller and educator and she has a capacity to explore (what can be) complicated topics in a fascinating, relatable and user-friendly manner. I loved this chat (mainly about fear). Amy has a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, Masters in Forensic Psychiatry, Masters in Performance, Bachelor with Honours in Psychology and further therapeutic training in cognitive therapies such as Cognitive Analytic Therapy, Compassion Therapy, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy. She also has a new book out called ‘The Loudest Guest’. Enjoy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is happiness the same as joy? Or ecstasy (the feeling, not the drug)? Is excitement a version of happiness? What about contentment? The absence of anxiety? What about ‘bliss’? What’s that? Is happiness sustainable? Temporary? What role does our mind play? And what about relationships, career and money, what’s their role? Is there a biological component? Are some people genetically predisposed to be more or less happy because of their unique brain chemistry? Can we manipulate our ‘happy hormones’ in a healthy way? And why did walking through the jungle on a tropical island, hand-in-hand with a six-foot-four dude make me so uncomfortable and then happy, all on the same day (true story)?drjodirichardson.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode is part two of our conversation about high-performance. Enjoy. 🙂 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When we hear the term ‘high performance’ what often springs to mind is the uber-successful, high-profile, annoyingly-talented superstars of business, academia, the military, sport, music, media, science, film, politics and so on. But for me (a not-super-talented human), high performance is really about our ability to get the most out of what we have (time, talent, energy, potential, skill, genetics, opportunities, resources), wherever we are. It’s not about running 100 metres in 9.5 seconds, joining the space program, curing cancer, winning a Nobel Prize, making millions, winning a Grammy or making movies (all good things though), it’s about being the person who perseveres, who adapts, who gets uncomfortable on purpose, who is courageous, who faces their fear and who is willing to do what most only talk about. Well, this is an episode about that. Enjoy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Steve Holmes’ company (Springfree Trampolines) makes the world’s safest trampolines and the evolution of their brand and business is a story of creativity, design, engineering, collaboration, innovation, passion, perseverance, courage and significant financial risk. Over the last two decades, Steve and his business partner (Dr. Keith Alexander), have built an amazing organisation, team, culture and reputation as being world leaders at what they do. About half way through this chat, the conversation switched from trampolines and business, to dealing with rejection, overcoming setbacks, love languages, leadership, tapping into potential, communication and being a Preacher’s kid. Steve is awesome and I loved this chat.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For this episode of TYP, I sat down (cyber-sat) with gym owners, Russell Jarrett and Brad Cunningham and the three of us waxed lyrical (whatever that means) about thriving, surviving, adapting and dying in the fitness industry. We spoke about the ongoing evolution and changing landscape of fitness in Australia (and beyond), what people want, need and expect from their fitness-health professional, what makes some professionals stand out in an (expanding) ocean of competitors, how gyms have become some peoples’ ‘third place’, the ever-expanding range of getting-in-shape options, some of the more ridiculous fitness offerings, Brad’s compassionate approach to coaching vs. my…. er, not-so-compassionate approach and lots more. Enjoy.thefitshop.com.aurusselljarrett.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What happens when we die? What’s on the other side? Is there another side? Maybe this is the only one? According to my training partner (the Crab) who died for 17 minutes at the gym… “there’s f*ck all.” According to my primary school teachers, there’s heaven (for the good kids), hell (for the bad kids) and purgatory (like an eternal halfway house), probably the best I could hope for. Depending on which theology, philosophy, ideology, institution or individual you pay attention to, there might just be a smorgasbord of eternal options. Or, if you listen to science (which relies on evidence), the Crab could just be right; f*ck all. We also discussed purpose versus values, Catholic guilt, my mum lighting candles (for my soul), Bobby’s multi-religion theological odyssey (as a young person), identity through beliefs, the emotional and psychological benefits of having faith and lots more. Enjoy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lisa Tamati is one of the world’s best ultra-endurance athletes, a coach, podcast host, author, speaker and as it turns out, she’s also biohacker (somebody who uses science and technology to improve physiological function, performance, efficiency and outcomes). I can’t give away too much but, I may or may not be buying a hyperbaric chamber, having daily infusions of vitamin C and sleeping upside down like a bat. Enjoy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At nineteen, I was an insecure man-child bench-pressing my way to nowhere in particular but at the same age, Ricardo Martinez was working at the coal face of chaos, taking 911 emergency calls, talking with highly-volatile people in extreme situations, informing and directing police officers, assessing dynamic and evolving scenarios in real time, making in-the-moment judgements and somehow, managing to be the calm and the clarity required in the middle of such chaos. Once again, this is an interesting chat with someone who has had a fascinating journey. Enjoy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The last episode we did with Dr John Demartini almost saw me pull a cognitive hammy, just trying to stay in the conversation. We knew you’d love him as much as we do (and you did), so he’s back again. This time round we wind it back to a slightly easier-to-digest smorgasbord of insights. I even threw in a d*ck joke along the way and the good doc laughed. We talk about our relationship with out job, performing under pressure, maintaining high energy amidst high output, why we care what people think and the concept of ‘age appropriate’ behavior. Yet again, a privilege to have such caliber of human on TYP, enjoy the show.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Secondary Teacher, Exercise Physiologist, Author (Anxious Kids and Anxious Mums), Speaker, Mental Health Consultant, Wellbeing Coach and life-long anxiety sufferer, Dr. Jodi Richardson is back at TYP Central. She always brings great care, compassion, insight and common sense to the show, and this time was no different. Enjoy.drjodirichardson.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is the idea of retirement better than the reality of it? Are people happier when their career is over? Is it a bad idea for some people? Should it be a graduated thing over time or a ‘finish work on Friday and be retired on Monday’, type of thing? Of course, there’s no single answer to these questions but it’s safe to say that the experience of retirement, is not always the theoretical fun-fest it’s made out to be. In this chat, Dr. Ingrid Nielsen and I talk about the pros and cons of retirement, how to do it well, why some people slide into depression and the post-career need for connection, purpose, focus and challenges, combined with a level of physical, mental, emotional and social stimulation. Enjoy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cancer Survivor, Cancer Related Cognitive Impairment sufferer (Chemobrain), Advocate, Legal Warrior, Fighter of Injustice, Medical Detective, Feather Ruffler, Disruptor and Author of the book ‘Chemobrain’, Tracy-lea Connor has had a fascinating journey and in this episode of TYP, she shares some important messages. [email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mark Kluwer, former tradie living in suburban Melbourne, now lives off the grid amidst 70 acres of nature; a facility he’s called Elevated Springs in country Victoria, where he has built (much by hand) a retreat space for people like you and me to escape the 2021-ness of life and get back to the basics. Disconnection from tech and busy-ness, to connection with ourselves and ‘Mother Earth’. Think ice baths, exercise, breathwork, axe throwing and good tucker. Mark’s energy and passion is undeniable as he shares what for him, were life-changing experiences. I might just see you at Elevated Springs soon.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It turns out that Dr. Ingrid (our resident Psychiatrist) might have a few obsessive issues of her own. She may even be something of a perfectionist. How dare she be human. This is a fun chat about some interesting topics and along the way, the good Doc shares some personal details for the first time in public. Enjoy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I recently sat down with Russell Jarrett from The Australian Fitness Podcast and we discussed the ins and outs of strength training. Along the way we explored strength training for everyone from teenagers through to our more ‘experienced’ citizens, recovery, intensity, volume, frequency, program design and lots more. Enjoy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

John Lee Dumas (JLD) is the founder and host of one of the world’s most successful business podcasts; Entrepreneurs On Fire, an award-winning show where he has interviewed people like Tony Robbins, Seth Godin, Gary Vaynerchuk, Barbara Corcoran, Tim Ferriss and many more about all-things entrepreneurial, business and success. JLD is pioneer in the podcast space, having created the first show committed to chatting with successful Entrepreneurs (in 2012). This episode of TYP is a brief but interesting chat with a high-performance, high-energy human who, this week (as I write), is doing fifty-four interviews to pump his new book, ‘The Common Path to Uncommon Success’. Strap in.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Gemma Foxall (PhD.) is a University Lecturer, Researcher, Advocate, Speaker, Consultant and Service Provider supporting children aged 0-16 years old pending a diagnosis, or already diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. She also informs, educates and inspires parents, teachers, carers, employers and the broader community to better understand and support people on the spectrum. Gemma is a passionate advocate who is all about loving, serving and empowering people in our community who really need more support, resources and understanding.actforautism.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This conversation with Bianca Chatfield was quite different to our previous TYP encounters. It seems that our high-performing (ex)Elite Athlete, TV Host, Sports Commentator, Corporate Speaker, Author and one-time Reality TV Person (The Block) has recognised that busy-ness and box-ticking might not always be the best strategy. After an interesting year, it’s a much more reflective, contemplative and vulnerable Bianca who sits down to chat this time. I think this is my favourite chat with her.@biancachatfieldSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I’ve never spoken less in a podcast and I enjoyed every minute of it. Fortunately, everything Richard Beddie (the boss of Exercise New Zealand) had to say was worth hearing. He is possibly the most passionate and enthusiastic Fitness Professional I’ve ever met and that’s saying something, because I know some total maniacs! We covered vast territory in this chat and I think you’ll enjoy it.exercisenz.org.nzrichardbeddie.co.nzSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brad McEwan is an interesting fella, great communicator, deep thinker and semi-regular on TYP. Of course, he’s well-known for his decades of work as a Sports Journalist, Presenter and Host on a multitude of platforms but mainly for his work on the Ten Network. This was an interesting chat about all things perspective, mindset, attitude and subjective reality but in the last fifteen minutes (or so), Brad and Melissa go deep with their own ongoing Obsessive Challenges and it’s absolutely fascinating listening. Enjoy.satellitefoundation.org.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Steph Tisdell is a comedian, actor, storyteller, deep thinker and half a lawyer, who, like most of us, is working through her sh*t, navigating the complexities of life and having some laughs along the way. Enjoy.@stephtisdellcomedy@thejourney_stephtisdellSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of TYP, Paul Taylor and I do a deep dive into his PhD research, which is all around performing under pressure, keep our sh*t together in the mess and mayhem, psychological and physiological responses to stress, the impact of anxiety on skill level, concentration and performance, how he’s conducting his research and his fascinating work with the military. It’s a little sciencey but I think you’ll dig it. Enjoy.mindbodybrain.com.auThe Mind Body Brain ProjectSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Apart from being one of the smartest people I know, a brilliant communicator, renowned speaker, published author, expert in human behaviour and genius at simplifying (what can be) complex ideas and concepts, Bobby Cappuccio is also one of my best mates. This episode of TYP is a ‘share’ of a conversation we had recently on his new Podcast; The Self Help Antidote. I loved it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

To say Ron and Sharyn Smith have had (are having) an interesting life together doesn’t come close to doing their story justice. Peaks, troughs, alcohol, drugs, pain, joy, professional boxing, a thirteen year-old jockey, a young nurse, massive weight loss, reversing diabetes, trouble with the police, personal tragedies, cancer, marathons, ultramarathons, writing books, inspiring others, physical transformation, changing careers (in his 50’s), personal training at 77 (Ron is booked out), recovery, healing, nutritional therapy and lots more. It sounds like mayhem (and some of it was) but ultimately, theirs’ is a story of connection, love and hope. [email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Melissa, Tiff and I have never done a podcast together and to say this episode wasn’t what I thought it might be, is an understatement. While it didn’t go where I expected, it turned out to be a raw, emotional and confronting conversation that will definitely resonate with (and be helpful for) some. As many of you know, Melissa is naturally quiet and doesn’t really like talking about herself. Well, it’s fair to say that, during the course of this episode buttons were pushed, tears were shed, the conversation came (momentarily) to a halt and at one stage, it looked like the episode would be scrapped. All of which has remained in the recording. There’s no pretending, role-playing or sugar-coating here and while some moments are uncomfortable, they are also powerful. And authentic. The reality of life is that sometimes conversations are hard, things get emotional, issues arise and without planning or intending, we find ourselves in the middle of something messy, magical and important. Thanks Tiff for asking good questions and thanks Melissa for being brave and vulnerable. Enjoy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For this episode, I momentarily stepped back in to Personal Trainer, Exercise Scientist and Fitness Educator mode, with Tiff firing a barrage of questions at me about all things training, exercise programming, physical transformation, the fitness industry, the early days of PT (the 80’s), hourly rates, perceived value, how to find a good PT and lots more. As always, we veer off course multiple times. I blame Tiff. Enjoy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joelene Lavrick was a classroom teacher who now works with primary school-aged children (in person and online in seventy-four countries!) to improve their emotional health and manage their mind. Her program (Mind Ninja) was designed to help kids build confidence and self-esteem, understand, manage and reduce anxiety, learn to be mindful, improve social interactions, understand the feelings of others and to be ‘present’. Apart from the obvious messages (around helping and empowering kids), there’s also an equally interesting story in this episode about a woman (who still suffers from anxiety), with no business background and limited confidence, who turned an idea in her head and a passion in her heart into, not only a valuable service, but also a thriving and growing business. Enjoy.lifelessonsglobal.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I always love connecting with Geoff Jowett but this chat was extra raw, real and revealing. Geoff shares about his depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive behaviour, addictive nature, self-destruction and the fact that, without his two beloved dogs (William and Harry), he might not “be around”. We also discuss turning down the internal noise, redefining success, finding our bliss, effectiveness vs. busy-ness, the elusive nature of satisfaction and whether or not contentment and ambition can co-exist. Enjoy.@geoffjowettSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mark Victor Hansen is an American inspirational and motivational author and speaker, best known as the founder and co-creator of the ‘Chicken Soup for the Soul’ book series. Along with business partner, Jack Canfield, Mark created what Time magazine called "the publishing phenomenon of the decade". Chicken Soup for the Soul books are one of the most successful publishing franchises in the world today, with more than 500 million books sold internationally and more than 100 licensed products. Mark has appeared on Oprah, CNN and The Today Show, was featured in Time, U.S. News & World Report, USA Today, The New York Times and Entrepreneur Magazine and now he’s (obviously) peaked, with an appearance on The You Project. Mark’s amazing wife (Crystal Dwyer Hansen) joined him for this chat and it’s fair to say that they’re a formidable duo. Crystal is an international speaker, researcher, corporate consultant, author, entrepreneur and is a powerhouse in her own right. Enjoy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lisa Tamati is an extreme ultra endurance athlete with 25 years competing in the world's toughest endurance events, running in more than 140 ultra marathons and is someone who has consistently explored the outer limits of human performance, on a physical, mental and emotional level. She is a curious mix of brilliant, crazy, terrifying, courageous and inspirational. Apart from being a world-class athlete, Lisa is also a best-selling author, speaker, biohacker, podcaster, researcher, high-performance coach, non-conformist and disruptor (all is revealed in the conversation). This episode contains one of the best stories ever told on The You Project and there is a spontaneous moment with an unplanned guest, which is complete gold. This episode goes straight into my top 10. Love her. Enjoy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I love Pete Shepherd because he’s a Coach who doesn’t sound ‘Coachy’. He’s just an interesting dude who loves going deep, loves people, is empathetic, has a gentle and humble way of sharing ideas and is one of the most ‘present’ guests to have a conversation with. Enjoy.humanperiscope.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.