The You Project

For the bloke who’s allegedly our resident ’Tech Expert’, Patrick has quite the ability to not talk about technology for most of the episode. I blame Tiff. And Patrick. It’s definitely not me. Nonetheless, this was a lot of fun. Enjoy.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For this TYP instalment I sat down with Dr. Avi Charlton and talked all-things wellness, nutrition, optimal health and why she stepped away from the mainstream medical model to better treat and serve her patients. Dr. Avi is a GP, speaker, author, and thought leader in lifestyle medicine. She is the founder of Melbourne Low Carb Clinic and Breathe in Health, where she helps people reverse chronic conditions and improve wellbeing through nutrition, functional breathing, and lifestyle interventions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This time at TYP Central, Bobby and I chat about the myriad of variables which impact the way our brain works (or doesn't work), with a specific focus on the relationship between nutrition and cognitive performance. Oh, and lots of other stuff. Enjoy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

So, it seems that three-hours is quite the time commitment, especially when it comes to listening to a single podcast, like episode 2,000. With that feedback ringing in my ears, today I'm sharing just the 'Melissa part' of that verbal marathon as a stand-alone episode for the many who missed out on the Queen of TYP (AKA my boss). For my newer listeners, Melissa is my Business Partner who prefers to be off-mic and behind the scenes, but just like the super shy Red Panda of the Himalayas, every now and then I manage to coax her out of her natural habitat (the TYP subterranean bunker) and into the studio (usually by dangling some kind of new Apple product in her face). Enjoy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sometimes it feels like we're doing life on autopilot and often, that's because we are. Same habits, patterns, choices, actions, conversations, broken promises (often to ourselves) and outcomes that didn't really 'work' the last ten thousand times. But nonetheless, we find ourselves in day ten thousand and one, like a character in a story we didn't write, unconsciously stepping back into our very own mental, emotional, social and behavioural Groundhog Day. Consciously and intentionally changing our 'personal operating system' (the way we typically do things) is easier said than done (of course) but totally worth the effort.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This was a fascinating conversation about some medical news (controversy?) currently doing the rounds about pregnant women supplementing with folate and a potential link to gestational diabetes and (in other news...) pregnant women using paracetamol for pain management and a potential link to Autism (according a certain President). I'm sure you know what I'm talking about but before you dive in, let me remind you that two dudes (and Tiff) chatting on a podcast about this stuff on no level qualifies as medical advice. Interesting though.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why is meaningful discussion between people with different views so rare? I think this is an important and timely question, so I decided to unpack it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From the outside looking in, some people appear to be winning at life. But sometimes the curtain gets pulled back only to reveal that things aren't as they seem. At all. A picture of success externally, but chaos, mayhem and discontent internally. So, is success about what people can see, or what they can't? Or maybe it's a combination of the two? Bobby and I explore those questions and lots more. Enjoy.theselfhelpantidote.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Not too long ago, biohacking was the (apparent) domain of weirdos, whack-jobs and cultural outliers. In 2025, it's moving from weird to normal and from "that's ridiculous" to "tell me how that works again." In this episode, Dr. Jeff and I explore the ever-evolving development and acceptance of biohacking - and some other related topics. **Biohacking is the practice of intentionally altering your biology to improve health, performance, and longevity. It can involve lifestyle changes (diet, exercise, sleep), supplements, technology (wearables, neurofeedback), or even experimental methods (genetic tinkering, nootropics, stem cells). At its core, biohacking is about self-experimentation - using science, data, and habits to optimise the body and mind. Enjoy.recellebrate.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Of course I'm talking about episode duration and I guess we're about to find out if almost three hours is excessive, because that's how long it took us (Tiff, Melissa, Me) to reflect on eight years and two thousand episodes of The You Project. As objective as I can be (not very) about something I was in the middle of, I think this might be in our all-time top ten. I loved it and love all of you for supporting me, us and this for so long. Thanks. Harps. xxSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rachel Pope is back at TYP Central exploring one of the most misunderstood and misrepresented of human experiences - grief. These are tough, but important and helpful conversations, which are - unfortunately - relevant to all of us at some stage. Rachel's book is called 'Gifts from Grief: A Journey Back Home.’See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I recently heard Tom Cruise (that great philosopher) say "I'm not afraid of being afraid." I know it's simplistic, but I love it. It really resonates with me. It's a statement, a lightbulb moment, and a piece of advice, wrapped in six words. I love the mindset that says "of course I'm scared, and that's totally fine." The idea that we can co-exist with our fear without being controlled by it. The idea that we can be both scared and courageous. The idea that fear is an unavoidable part of the human experience, not a weakness. This is a chat about that. Enjoy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Another amalgamation of tech talk, laughs, health stuff, Al, inappropriate innuendo (of course), and an uncharacteristic amount of philosophical conversation. Enjoy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The reason for the weird title will become apparent but I can tell you that it has something to do with Tourette's. Well, that cleared that up. And in other news.. Mr Tourette's (and OCD and ADHD) joined me from San Diego and not surprisingly, it was a conversational version of fifteen puppies being unleashed in a Yoga class (you've seen that video). Proceed with caution.theselfhelpantidote.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our favourite Geneticist - Dr. Denise Furness - is back and this time we throw the door wide open on all-things human optimisation, with a specific focus on how we might lower our biological age and 'get younger.' We discuss the variables and factors that influence and determine whether or not we are old (or young) for our age. That is, chronology vs. biology. Enjoy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When and what, is enough? How do you personally define "enough," and why is it such a slippery concept for most people? What psychological or evolutionary forces push humans to constantly seek "more"? How does hedonic adaptation play into our perpetual dissatisfaction with achievements or possessions? In what ways do social media and comparison culture distort our sense of sufficiency? What are the most common warning signs that someone's drive has tipped into self-sabotage or burnout? How does tying self-worth to achievement affect relationships and emotional wellbeing? Such good questions and such a fresh and interesting chat with young Tiff. Enjoy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Bill Sullivan is not only a TYP regular (lucky us), but he’s also a world-class geneticist and infectious-disease researcher, from Indiana University School of Medicine. This time the Prof and I chat about new research from Harvard that could be life-changing for Alzheimer's sufferers. Enjoy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Part of my life-long journey, has involved me trying to talk louder than my self-doubt and inner critic, overcoming my imposter syndrome, working through my fear, starting things even when I didn’t 'feel' ready (never ready), choosing the narrow path, reprogramming my mind, and working relentlessly to develop a level of confidence, in order to succeed. Of course, I'm well aware that l'm not the only one so for this episode, I thought I'd explore the idea of confidence.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hi Team, I’m a bit under the weather today, but I’ll be back tomorrow with a brand new episode. In the meantime, we’re revisiting one of my all-time favourite conversations with TYP regular, Geoff Jowett. I’ve known Geoff for a long time; through his mayhem years of drugs, booze, big business, bodybuilding, TV appearances, self-destruction and instant gratification through to Geoff, the clean, sober, inspirational bloke who lives on a farm with four dogs, a family of ducks, two horses and is in bed by 8.30. This was a fascinating chat.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What or who, makes a good friend? Is it someone who says nice things behind your back? What are the attributes of healthy and unhealthy friendships? Does your friend always need to tell you what you want to hear? What if their honest feedback is something you don't want to hear? Should they hold back or speak up? And what about those 'friends' who vanish when you're no longer valuable to them? When you've reached your use-by date? And when does a relationship progress from someone 'you know' (via circumstance, situation or proximity), to a friendship built on trust, respect and love?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode revealed to the world that Tiff has a history of dating psychopaths. Fortunately, it seems to be a phase she's now moved through but nonetheless, our resident Rain Man (Gillespo) was able to provide Tiff with some insights into (1) why she may have done that and (2) how to avoid it happening in the future. We also covered a range of weird and interesting, but unrelated topics. You know when you get a bunch of random things from the fridge, throw them all together and make a meal that nobody has ever made before? Well, this show was a conversational version of that meal.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This was a fascinating chat about the way that two tradies (and their tribe) have used a personal tragedy (the suicide of a Mate) as the impetus to create something quite unique - a social impact workwear brand (I didn't even know they were a thing!). Over the last nine years they have helped thousand of tradies, truckies and in broad terms, blue collar workers to not only look great, but they have also created an ever-expanding team of mental health professionals to work and walk alongside people who need help. Amazingly, all at zero cost to the people being supported. Enjoy.trademutt.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Doctor Lillian Nejad pulled the ‘ol Switcheroo this time around at TYP Central. She sat herself in the host chair and fired a bevy of questions at me, in order to gain some insight into the inner workings and dark recesses of my mind. And while I'm accustomed to being interviewed, it's a different proposition when the 'interviewer' crawling down those psychological and cognitive tunnels is a Clinical Psychologist with a PhD. Enjoy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hi TYP’ers. Today we’re revisiting one of my favourite chats with Debbie Millman. She was a delight; super smart, awesome energy, engaging, creatively brilliant and despite her enormous success, totally grounded and authentic. I loved this chat. Graphic Design USA named her one of the most influential designers of our times. She is the president emeritus of AIGA, the professional association of designers in the US, and one of the five women to hold this position in the organisation’s 100-year history. Debbie co-founded the world’s first graduate program in branding at the School of Visual Arts in New York City in 2010, she is the editorial and creative director of Print Magazine, the oldest magazine on design in the States, she has written seven books, is a world-renowned educator and hosts one of the longest-running podcasts on the planet; the super successful ‘Design Matters’. Growing up, Debbie’s family life was difficult and traumatising, with frequent episodes of violence and sexual abuse. “I had a lot of brutality in my life, for the first 18 years I lived in a state of constant terror and compensated with art”, she says. This lady is an inspiration who has succeeded, despite her circumstances and experiences. I loved her and you might too. Enjoy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Tiff, Patrick and I talk about the f**kery that's afoot with the government making electric vehicles not such an attractive proposition and moving the goalposts a little. We discuss the downside and danger of social media 'vigilantes', the impending social media ban for kids under sixteen (what sh*t storm?), why you might need to cut back on sending your nudie pics, Meta scanning your personal photos, electric Porsches with fake engine sounds, why you shouldn't rush to an Al medical diagnosis, a three-minute test to detect Alzheimer's Disease, which Chinese brand just overtook Tesla, and lots more. Enjoy!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tim Jack Adams' parents couldn't settle on a first name, so they gave him three. Alright, I'll stop. Sorry Tim. And in other news... we actually had a great chat about finding our career path and purpose, exploiting our potential, why we were both sh*t employees, Tim's winding path into supporting and empowering Aussies on their wellness journey, escaping the urban jungle and healing in nature, his new book - 'Energised' - available in all good book stores and a few sh*t ones, and lots more. You know those dudes that you just 'believe' because there's no 'show'.. that's Tim. You'll like him.timjackadams.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this instalment of TYP, Pete Shepherd, Tiff and the Problem Child talk about Seth Godin's Purple Cow concept (what it is and why it matters), the 'um' epidemic (the Spakfilla of conversation), how crazy-fast little kids learn (Pete has a two-year-old), knowing when and how to change the direction and energy of a conversation (or presentation) which is dying a painful death, building interpersonal connection with story, metaphor and humour, learning styles, and how to create rapport with an audience in under a minute. Enjoy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This was an interesting and fun chat with Dr. Cam and Tiff, where we explored the concept of learning in safe and unsafe spaces, exercise induced orgasms (they're a thing), the risk of giving only positive feedback, intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, kids giving 'feedback' to their parents (would it work?), the changing landscape and culture of education, why Dr. Cam did this interview in some dodgy dark alley, and plenty more. Enjoy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When we're in the middle of stress, anxiety, pressure and all the mental and emotional mayhem that comes with it, sometimes it feels like we re going to die. But according to Dr. Rebecca Heiss, we can actually use stress and fear to improve our lives. We can build a different relationship with it and use it as a positive, a tool for change and even, as a teacher. In her new book, 'SPRINGBOARD: Transform Stress to Work For You', the self-proclaimed "PR agent for stress" challenges conventional wisdom: to frame stress, not as an enemy, but as a co-creator for a meaningful life. This was fun, as was Rebecca. Enjoy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This was perhaps the deepest I've ever gone, and the most vulnerable l've ever been in twenty-plus years of broadcasting on radio, TV and of course, podcasts. It's not a sale's pitch for God or religion - so panic not - but it is a conversation that I believe asks and explores some really big questions, ideas, and issues. I think this will be some people's favourite episode, some will find it mildly interesting, and some will turn off five minutes in. Enjoy. Or don't.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dear Kate Weaver, hi (waving emoji), it's Harps from The You Project. So, last week I did an episode about exercise and you messaged me via our TYP Facebook page. You quite rightly pointed out that I typically aim those (training-type) episodes more towards beginners. With that in mind, you asked if I could record something for people with a few more miles on the training clock. That is, people who are more advanced. The answer is, f*ck yes and here it is. I hope you get something out of it...  Best, Harps.  *Note: If the rest of you want to listen, I guess Kate will be okay with that. Probably.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Sam and Tiff joined me for another dive into the human experience in all its wonder and weirdness, and we spoke about the increasing prevalence of burnout and what we might do about it. We also discussed 'choosing your hard', the weird social credits that (seem) to come with proudly wearing the 'busy badge', the idea of things - other than food - having a 'use-by-date' (like careers, relationships, habits, workouts), and we also discussed the PH360 Health Types, their individual characteristics, understanding 'how we work' and what might be the best operating system for us as individuals. Enjoy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Gillespo describes boys and men as the four-wheel drive (4WD) version of humans. It was kind of an insult-compliment combo. It'll make sense when you listen. This was a comfortable and very informal ramble but I think you'll enjoy it. Among others things, we spoke about similarities and dissimilarities between the males and females of the species as they move from childhood to adolescence - looking through a biological, cognitive, cultural, social, and behavioural lens. Enjoy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For some of you who are reasonably advanced with your training, knowledge and results, this episode might not be for you. Having said that, I think there's something in here for anyone at any level - even if it's as a reminder, reinforcement or perhaps to consider something familiar through a different lens. The language is non-jargon-y, beginner-friendly and there's only a light smattering of f**ks. You're welcome.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Helping people to help themselves is broadly speaking, my job description. The same is true for Dr. Lillian and Tiff. It’s literally what I (try to) do every day. Every podcast. Speaking gig. Coaching session. Social media message. And back in the day, every one of my 50,000 (plus) PT sessions. So the Doc, Tiff and I got together and chatted about the myriad of factors and challenges around this mission of supporting people to better understand and operationalise their own potential. Enjoy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

To what extent should we let Al 'think' for us? What are the myriad of ways we'll use it, in an attempt to make our lives easier? To do less work? Invest less energy? Use less brain power? And what might the potential ‘handing over of power, responsibility and work' do to our minds? Specifically, our cognitive function? Our resilience? Our mental and emotional health? Our memory? Our problem-solving skills? Our creativity? Personally, I don't think it's panic time, but it's definitely caution time. Awareness time. Kelly and I did a deep dive on this and lots more. Enjoy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode is a kind-of coaching sesh that some will dig, and others, not-so-much. This type of content and thinking-out-loud is the sh*t that lights my fire. I have a different take on high performance to most. Not better or worse, just different. For me and many people I've worked with, it is a more practical, relatable and useful approach. But then it's my model, so of course I'd say that (lol). Enjoy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Patrick's back pumping up the tech-talk and while we enjoyed some of our regular conversational mayhem and silliness, I will say that this time around, we also tackled so of the less pleasant issues, topics and problems arising in the Al - and more broadly speaking, tech-space. While Al is an incredible resource with ever-expanding capabilities, it's not all good news when bad people with bad intentions use the technology. We dug into the risks, the ethical dilemmas, the unintended consequences, and the very human challenges of keeping up with machines that never sleep. A fun, fascinating, slightly unsettling chat about the double-edged sword that is Al.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Well, this was R-rated straight outta the gate, so if you're easily offended don't f**king listen to this. Dr. Jodi and Tiff did their best to keep the chat on track, but the only child kept yanking on the conversational wheel. Shocker. Fortunately, out of the mayhem came a conversation that I think most people will enjoy; one where we explored the potential negative impacts of health and fitness 'tech', when our emotions hijack our mind and body, moments that shift perspective, the value of gratitude in an entitled culture, and when the healthy thing becomes the unhealthy thing. Enjoy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shirzad Chamine is a Stanford lecturer, NY Times bestselling author of 'Positive Intelligence, brilliant thinker, communicator, and teacher, and I loved getting to meet and chat with him. If you don't ever self-sabotage, self-loath, over-think or get in the way of your own ambitions, potential, or happiness, then don't listen to this. But... you know.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's the week of the co-share, here at TYP. First it was the Andrew May experience, and now we open the Tiff Cook door, as Roll With The Punches and TYP collide in a symphony of information, education, philosophy, psychology, and story-telling, mixed with a liberal smattering of conversational bulls**t. Of course. Enjoy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The other day I sat down (virtually) with the brilliant Andrew May on his ‘Performance Intelligence’ podcast and because it was interesting, insightful and fun, we decided to do a ‘co-share’ - on Channel Craig and Channel Andrew - so the world wouldn’t miss the gold. And the egos. Nah, I’m pretty sure it was a very listenable chat. Enjoy.andrewmay.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Another casual and illuminating ramble with the great man from the other side of the globe. This time Bobby and I explore self-awareness, uncertainty, 5-year plans, building confidence, competence, and skill. And we also discuss the logic behind the co-existence of kindness, empathy, and a little bit of - "don't f**k with me" (when required) - all in the same person. Enjoy.theselfhelpantidote.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you suffer from migraines, or you know someone who does, please listen to this episode (or get them to). I don't want to spoil the show, so I'm going to opt for "less is more" but the I think the information, insight, and science that Gillespo downloads in this chat could - for some people - be life-changing. The only story l'll share here is that Gillespo's wife - who experienced multiple debilitating migraines every month over the course of her entire life - made one simple change (no drugs) in 2014, and since that time, has not had one single migraine (zero!) in eleven years. Obviously, people can respond differently to the same 'treatment' but there is also some amazing recent research (which we discuss) from The British Medical Journal which aligns with Gillespo's hypothesis. Enjoy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is a fascinating conversation with a bloke who has experienced some of the 'hardest' days at the office, conceivable. Grant Dooley was posted to Jakarta during the mid-2000s, one of Indonesia's most turbulent periods, where he survived the terrorist bombing of the Australian Embassy, was a first responder to the Garuda plane crash, and worked through the aftermath of the Boxing Day tsunami - along with major diplomatic incidents like the Bali bombings, the Schapelle Corby case and the arrests of the Bali Nine. Throughout it all, Grant and his wife Kristan (also a DFAT consular officer) had to keep it together - not only for themselves and their jobs, but for their young family. But the years in Jakarta took their toll on Grant and, diagnosed with PTSD after his service in Indonesia, he began to write journal entries, in an attempt to process his trauma. Those initial writings have now been turned into a book; Bomb Season in Jakarta. It’s Grant's up-close-and-personal account of his Indonesian posting, raising the lid on the personal side of diplomatic service. I think you'll enjoy this.Book: Bomb Season in JakartaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Of course I'm going to love a guest who wrote a book called "Let's Talk Shit." This chat with world-renowned gut health, microbiome expert and let's be honest - poo-ologist - Dr. Sabine Hazan, was eye-opening. Among other fascinating things, we spoke about Autistic identical twins, who were both nonverbal and aggressive, who had identical elevated harmful microbes. After targeted treatment (faecal transplants) to restore their microbiomes, these twins, now 7, are fully verbal and non-aggressive. Dr. Hazan emphasizes: "The microbiome is the key. These microbes travel from the gut to the brain via the vagus nerve, influencing behaviour.” If you're not up for poo talk, definitely don't listen. Lol.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Failure is such an interesting concept. One person's failure is another person's lesson. One person calls their 10k race time a failure, someone else calls it a PB. John considers his return on investment (ROl) a disappointing outcome, Sally sees it as a nice gain. Failure is a construct. An idea. A story we tell ourselves. An interpretation. It's not an objective reality; it's a human-made category. An outcome happens, and we decide - based on our expectations, values, and cultural narratives - whether to call it "failure" or something else. This is a conversation about that. And more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You and I are creatures of habit, good and bad. We don't always do things because they 'work', we do them because we did them Yesterday. Last week. Month. Year. We do them because, we're sleepwalking through (parts of our) life. We do them because they're familiar, not effective. Because our parents did them, so now we do. We do them because they are habits we unconsciously adopted, not actions we consciously chose. And then one day, we find ourselves trapped in a psychological, emotional and behavioural operating system that keeps us in holding pattern of... blah. Not optimising our time, talent, creativity, intellect or genetic potential. This is a chat about waking up. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This conversation was a roller-coaster of humour, information and emotion, as well as a convergence and divergence of ideas and perspectives. What I love about TYP, is that it's not an echo chamber of ideologies and opinions. With these chats, the goal is not agreement or alignment, or feel-good conversational fairy floss but rather, critical thinking, authentic conversation and maybe a few lightbulb moments. These was plenty of laughter and silliness in this episode, but there were also some moments where I put down the funny stick and got a little serious about things that matter to me (and l'm sure, some of you). As always, Patrick and Tiff, were great (but that f***ing Craig, he can get a little intense). Enjoy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bobby drops some gold in this chat, including the idea that we're not rational beings but rather, rationalising beings. Love it. We chat about the different kinds of intelligence, being controlled by our beliefs (even the sh*t ones), anger alchemy, psychological safety, the happiness scam, the expectation-disappointment correlation, people who are bothered by your success, understanding someone else's thinking, frenemies, when logic isn't logical and lots more. Enjoy.theselfhelpantidote.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.