The You Project

Pete Shepherd is a Coach who helps people get the most out of what they have to work with; skill, talent, potential, resources, time, knowledge, energy and mindset. He works with people all over the world, from Creative Artists and Performers to Entrepreneurs and CEOs to those starting out (or perhaps starting again) and looking to change the direction, quality and experience of their life. That is, people looking to think better, do better, perform better and create better. In this episode, Coach Craig and Coach Pete share thoughts, stories and ideas that will resonate with many of you.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Victoria Mitchell is a two-time Australian Olympian (training for a third games) and three-time Commonwealth Games athlete, who has a story much bigger than her obvious sporting talent and achievements. While part of her story revolves around survival, rejection, disconnection and abuse, ultimately (and thankfully), her story is one of potential, possibilities, courage, hope and personal triumph. This is a fascinating conversation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode is awesome but you might need a pen and notepad as Craig sits down with a legit smarty-pants (Paul Taylor) and they go deep on everything from sociopaths, psychopaths, stoics and vegans to anxiety, addiction, fear, self-regulation, box breathing and the health risks of loneliness. *Also, two-part language warning: (1) there are plenty of ‘fucks’ and (2) Paul is Irish as-fuck and speaks quickly (in parts).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For most of the last twenty-five years, Brad McEwan was a bloke on the telly, keeping Aussies informed about all-things news, current events and sport. Okay, mainly sport. Well, eighteen months ago, the TV bloke chose to step away from the cameras, the public attention, the not inconsiderable wage and the successful media career, to build a different life (both professional and personal) based on kindness, purpose, connection and service. In early 2018, Brad walked away from the security, predictability and comfort of a ‘great career’ and into the unknown, the unpredictable and the discomfort of being a bloke with a passion, an idea and no job.In this (long) episode, Brad and Craig explore the peaks and troughs, lessons and lightbulbs, pain and pleasure of (1) searching for meaning and purpose (2) creating and living a life aligned with our values (3) stepping into the unknown (4) embracing vulnerability and (5) turning our back on comfort and convenience.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of TYP, Craig meanders his way through a broad range of issues, topics and hypotheticals, and as is often the way, he gets side-tracked twenty-seven times.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bathurst winner, Dave Reynolds has to be one of the most likeable, laid back, freestyle, give zero-fucks, anti-establishment professional athletes in Australia. In fact, it’s incredible that a guy who competes under such immense pressure (sponsors, fans, team expectations, driving demands, high speed thrills and spills, extreme in-car temperatures) can be so calm, relaxed and easy-going. Among other things, Dave shares how he (1) lost 6 kilos in a race (2) was fined $25,000 for a comment in a press conference (the biggest ever fine for a driver) (3) hated school (4) doesn’t have a plan B (5) hates media training and (6) is starting an anti-road rage campaign after an irate woman assaulted him with her stiletto (really). This is possibly the funniest podcast Craig has done.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Craig, Melissa and Bianca Chatfield (ex. Aussie Netballer, TV presenter, Author) share their thoughts, ideas, stories and personal experiences, unpacking and dissecting what can be, an emotive and delicate topic. This is a conversation that is relevant for many and one that needs to be had more often.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From hero to zero in a week. Or so it seems for some professional athletes who are forced to retire (through age or injury) or are simply, ‘no longer required’. Friday: athlete. Monday: unemployed. When your sport has been your complete focus and identity for decades (and your club has been your ‘family’) and then, in the space of a day you’re no longer an athlete or team member, what happens to the human behind the role, the reputation and the identity? In this episode, Craig goes deep with ex-AFL player, Jamie Shanahan (162 games, St. Kilda, Melbourne) exploring this question and some of the relevant issues and challenges.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Craig was one of Australia’s first PTs (1986), established Australia’s first PT Centre in 1990, employed hundreds of Trainers and also (personally) facilitated more than 50,000 PT sessions over three decades. In this episode of TYP, he shares stories, insights and lessons that shaped the way he thinks, communicates and coaches today.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former AFL Champion Nathan Burke (323 Games, 4 times all-Australian), is back in the studio and he and Craig talk about what’s required (skills, qualities, attributes, mindset) to become a high-performer is sport, business and life. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Geoff Jowett. What a story. From the high-flying, fast-talking, money-making, money-wasting, drug-taking, reality-avoiding, ego-driven, insecure millionaire entrepreneur… to the broke, broken, depressed, suicidal, anxiety-riddled man-child… to the bloke who found peace, purpose, sobriety, contentment and himself in the things he once avoided; stillness, quiet, reflection, isolation and the company of a few animals. This is a great conversation with a bloke who’s had (and continues to have) a fascinating journey.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Just be you. Is that not the most over-used self-help cliché ever? And what does it even mean? After all, you’re you aren’t you? How can you not be? You’re one hundred percent you, one hundred percent of the time. There hasn’t been one second of your life when you’ve been someone else. Of course, you can dress, talk and act different(ly) but it’s still you. All you. Or is it? Maybe in the changing of thought, emotion and behaviour, you can become ‘someone else’ or perhaps more accurately, a ‘different version of you’. Perhaps ‘you’ can morph, evolve, transform and perhaps the ‘you’ of ten years ago, is unrecognisable to the ‘you’ of today?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the title suggests, in this episode Craig answers listener questions, explores a broad range of subject matter and along the way, goes off at a few tangents. As he does. He eventually finds his way back to the topic at hand. If you are sensitive to swearing, this might not be the episode for you.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of TYP, rebel Dietician Vicky Kuriel pulls no punches when she takes aim at the thinking, philosophy and information being disseminated by most professionals working in the nutrition space. She also provides some great practical advice for anyone looking to change their current ‘nutritional operating system’. Oh yeah, and she tells Craig why his much-loved breakfast is not so awesome after all.Further info on Vicky's services can be found at lowcarbchallenge.com.au.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of TYP, Cameron Schwab (former Richmond, Fremantle and Melbourne Football Club CEO) returns and he and Craig explore the fundamentals of communication, connection, emotional intelligence and effective leadership in business, sport, parenting and life.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of TYP, Nima Alavi (Compounding Pharmacist) and Craig talk all-things peptides, nootropics (smart drugs), fat-loss, low testosterone, depression, dopamine, detoxing from addiction and an industry dependant on people staying sick. Craig also shares a story about his (one-time-only) experience with a smart drug.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is possibly the deepest, rawest and realest (not a word) Craig has ever gone on the Podcast. It is a teaching, coaching and mentoring session. Alex asks some great questions and Craig freestyles on everything from social media, religion, happiness, critical thinking and dick jokes to behavioural cults, fitting in, insecurity, self-loathing, role models, developing a personal philosophy and some fascinating spiritual stuff. This episode will be a favourite for some.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For fourteen years, Gavin Crosisca was simultaneously a professional footballer (in the AFL) and an addict. An addict playing 246 senior games with Collingwood, winning a premiership, using drugs on a daily basis, pretending to be ‘normal’ and living a lie to his family, friends and team mates. Sadly, his addiction lasted way longer than his football career but these days he’s clean and sober and helping others climb out of the hole he inhabited for more than twenty-five years.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this Episode of TYP, Craig sits down with Sam Wood (again) and the boys talk all things personal development, mindset, getting in shape, business, health, fitness and of course, happiness. They also talk about ‘The Bachelor’ a few years down the track, the longest ever fake ‘PR marriage’ (he and Snezana) and the impending birth of their new ‘PR baby’ (due in six days at time of recording).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Professor Ian Brighthope is a seeker, pioneer, rebel, educator and in many ways, a square peg in a profession of round holes. In this fascinating chat about all things health, healing, medicine, big pharma, big lies and agendas, the good Prof. drops some truth bombs, shares his story and passion, dispenses some awesome advice and takes aim at some of the people, organisations and issues standing in the way of a more effective, compassionate and holistic model for health.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode is a share-cast. Craig was recently on the Daily Talk Show with Josh and Tommy and as always, the boys covered plenty of territory in what turned out to be a mix of casual conversation, philosophy, business advice, story-telling and coaching. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our mind is the platform from where we observe, process and give meaning to, the world around us. It is our operational headquarters. It is the window through which we view and understand life and all its magic, mayhem and messy-ness. Our thoughts are the conduit between our external reality and our internal experience, and in this thoughtful episode (pun intended), Craig shares stories, ideas and strategies to help you create a healthier (more positive and productive) cerebral landscape.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rounding off this week's theme of amazing people and their incredible journeys back from the brink, on this episode Craig chats with Terry Mitropoulos: A brain tumour. 13 brain surgeries. A stroke. Temporary loss of speech, sight and hearing. Paralysis. 72 different medications. Depression. 4 years in hospital. Devastated by a superbug. Given 5% of survival and 0% chance of walking and now he's serving others by walking from Adelaide to Melbourne to raise money for the Black Dog Institute. Fucking Champion.For more info on Terry’s mission please visit walkandshine.org.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is not so much a podcast as it is, Craig thinking out loud for a few minutes. It’s something he thought might resonate with his fellow seekers, searchers, students and works-in-progress. And it’s something he hopes will stimulate thought, contemplation, self-awareness and perhaps even a change in thinking, doing and being. Enjoy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Craig has finally met his match. She’s funnier, cheekier, chattier, smarter and says fuck more than him. She’s also nineteen years old. Her name is Ciara Nelson and at the age of sixteen, she was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour and given virtually no chance of survival, until she met Neurosurgeon Charlie Teo. Hers is a remarkable story of resilience, courage, love, healing and research (by her mum). Despite the basis of Ciara’s story, this is an uplifting and fun podcast. Did I mention she’s sweary? (Craig couldn’t be prouder).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

John Portelli wasn’t expected to live. On December 1, 2017 he was driving a work vehicle with gas bottles in the back. Those gas bottles exploded, tearing the roof of his ute and shattering windows in surrounding houses. So devastating was the event that, when the emergency services arrived, they suspected it had been an act of terrorism. And so extreme were John’s injuries that he was given almost zero chance of survival. He was given the last rites and his family were called to say goodbye. In this episode, Craig sits down with John and his wife Jenny, to unpack this incredible story of pain, struggle, survival, possibilities, hope and love.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode has been stolen from Craig’s ‘Renovate Your Life’ audio program (one of thirty sections) and in it, he talks about the idea of visualising what our life might look, feel and function like a year from now if everything goes to plan (we achieve our goals) and how we might turn that theoretical construct (plan, intention, goal, idea) into a real-world experience and practical outcome.If you'd like further details on Craig's audio program visit https://www.craigharper.net/product/renovate_your_life/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The youngsters call this a ‘share cast’. On it, Craig is interviewed by Russell Jarrett from the Australian Fitness Podcast and discusses staying productive when we can’t be bothered, the need for focus, purpose and meaning, whether we might all be addicted to something, the downside of retirement, the value of doing the hard stuff and lots more. Enjoy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is a coaching session that most people will find relevant, if not, invaluable. Possibly, a little confronting. In this episode, Craig talks about everything from self-talk, self-awareness, self-sabotage, self-pity and self-management to metacognition (thinking about thinking), creating a new operating system, cognitive and behavioural programming and taking back your power. Depending on your learning style, you might want to listen to this one with a note pad.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Getting Mary (who is somewhat private and averse to any kind of limelight) on to TYP is one of Craig’s greatest achievements. It’s fair to say ‘The Old Darl’ (as Craig calls her) wasn’t excited at the idea but warmed up as they discussed everything from never having a mum (Mary’s mum died giving birth), being raised by nuns from the age of four at a boarding school, winning ‘Miss Dairymaid’ and going on a date with Bert Newton through to Craig’s pirate phase, his dubious school years and his unusual punishment for being suspended. Twice. They also talk about love bites (on Craig, not Mary), love languages and Mary’s thoughts on ageing well. If you’re after a strategic, high-performance, change-your-life (type) of podcast, this might not be for you. But if you’re keen to hear a freestyle chat between Craig and his mum around a range of interesting topics, you might love it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Doctor Kal Fried (pronounced Freed) is back on TYP sharing his medical wisdom, stories and insights around health, healing and hysteria. He and Craig go even deeper (than last time) on the ‘what is pain and how does it work’ conversation. For reasons explained during the show, this is a non-swearing episode. You’re fucking welcome. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Craig shares stories from his journey as a fitness industry pioneer. For those of you who don’t know, he opened Australia’s first Personal Training Centre in 1990, wrote the first PT certification course, employed over five hundred trainers, owned four studios (including the largest in the Southern Hemisphere) and personally facilitated over forty thousand PT sessions. Considering he had almost no understanding of business development, branding, marketing, employing people, administration or leadership when he started, he did okay. Fair to say it was a steep learning curve. Enjoy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nick Farr is co-founder of Resilience Builders and is widely regarded as one of Australia’s most accomplished high altitude athletes and leadership development coaches. He has climbed many of the world’s highest mountains (including Mt Everest) and has led and coached more than one thousand people in challenging high altitude environments. On this episode of TYP, Nick and Craig talk all things mindset, adversity, self-management and of course, resilience.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wow, that’s a lot of P’s in one title. Here’s another… Paul O’Brien (Leadership Coach, Ex Police Inspector, Author and Endurance Cyclist) is back on TYP and once again the lads get deep and philosophical, exploring the peaks and troughs, the simplicities and complexities, the light and shade of the human experience.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fitness industry pioneer, Tony Doherty has been innovating, creating, contradicting the norm and calling a spade a fucking shovel for three decades. He has a Ph.D in getting shit done and is simultaneously compassionate, terrifying and inspirational. Tony and Craig have been mates for years and as always, they had a great chat. Enjoy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Craig sits down with Australia’s best bodybuilder, Josh Lenartowicz, and the boys talk about prepping for the Mr. Olympia, the mind in bodybuilding, dealing with grief (losing his friend Dallas McCarver), his popularity in China, shrinking plane seats, being hangry, his understanding wife (Liz), life post-bodybuilding (with smaller muscles) and impending fatherhood.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For some people, Pastor Rob Buckingham is not ‘Christian enough’. And more than likely, some of those same people will get mad at him for chatting with the bloke who says fuck. Although Craig commits to a non-swearing Podcast at the start, he only lasts ten minutes. There’s a shock. The boys talk about Rob’s work with Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran (from the ‘Bali Nine’) leading up to their execution in 2015, the Israel Folau controversy, whether or not Christianity has a PR problem, raising kids and being the spiritual coach to over a thousand people (his congregation). And before anyone runs away, he’s definitely not a bible-basher.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The other day Craig sat down with Maritza Barone on her Podcast (‘Things You Can’t Un-Hear’) and continuing on with his current pattern of laziness, he’s decided to call her great work, Episode 71 of The You Project. He has no shame. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Craig recently chatted with Jarrod L'estrange on ‘The Super Dad Show’ and because he’s essentially lazy, he said to himself… ‘self, why don’t I put a different label on Jarrod’s podcast and call it Episode 70 of TYP and give m’self an hour off?’. Lazy? Resourceful? Time efficient? Who cares? Enjoy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Damon Hayhow has been a Trailblazer, Lateral Thinker, Challenger of Convention and Shit Stirrer in the Australian Fitness industry for more than a decade. While he challenges the status quo, cuts through the BS and ruffles feathers, he also cares deeply about helping people understand and realise their physical potential. To say he is somewhat direct is like saying the ocean is a bit wet. In this episode of The You Project, he and Craig have a spirited conversation and see eye-to-eye on ‘almost’ everything.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of TYP, Craig talks about the way he manages himself (physically, mentally, emotionally, practically). He doesn't always succeed (of course), so maybe 'intentions' would be a better word than 'rules'.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode, Craig sits down with media presenter, author, speaker, sex-pert and highly regarded health commentator, Doctor Sally Cockburn (yes, her real name, pronounced ‘Co-burn’ and yes, she sees the irony), also know in the media as Dr. Feelgood. They cover a broad range of topics and it’s fair to say, the Doc’s not shy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Craig explores the way we sabotage ourselves emotionally and along the way, derail our own potential, purpose and happiness. He also discusses some ideas and strategies to take back our power, to stop waiting and wasting, and to step into our potential.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Craig sits down with leading Sport Psychologist, Jacqui Louder to discuss everything from anxiety, loneliness, self-awareness, identity and seeking parental approval, to Jacqui’s job working with elite athletes, social media traps, self-management and the idea of success. Jacqui also opens up about some of her personal challenges. This conversation is very relevant and relatable for most of us.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is an unplanned and impromptu mini Podcast that Craig recorded in a moment of inspiration after writing about the impossibility of ‘being objective’. It is a brief exploration into the way we process and understand (1) ourselves (2) others and (3) the world around us. If you love ‘mind stuff’, you’ll enjoy this.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode Craig shares his thoughts on BMI, using scales, rapid weight loss, body composition, fitness cults, testing, finding the best program, different types of fitness, developing a personal blueprint for our body and the importance of tracking the physical transformation process.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode, Craig chats with Professor Sharon Ricardo (head of Biomedicine at Monash University) about living longer, stronger, happier and healthier. He also discovers that he needs to eat blueberries. And avoid marathon running. And get longer telomeres.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode Craig talks about his peaks and troughs, lessons and light bulbs, highlights and lowlights as a professional speaker. He also shares key insights, strategies and advice for anyone who might be considering standing in front of an audience (paid or not) in the future. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Navigating life can be a tricky (and sometimes, overwhelming) task. And in the middle of that responsibility, there’s the equally important challenge of managing ‘us’. Specifically, our mind, emotions, self-talk, choices, behaviours and overall ‘operating system’. In this episode, Craig sits down with cancer survivor, leadership coach, endurance cyclist, author and former police inspector, Paul O’Brien. The boys explore everything from passion, purpose and path (as per the title), to insecurity, self-doubt and depression (which Paul has battled for years). It’s a great conversation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Champion Netballer, TV Host, ‘Block’ competitor, Leadership Coach, Corporate Speaker and You Project regular, Bianca is back chatting with Craig about everything from school kids medicating their anxiety, awkwardness around self-promotion and teaching kids how to self-manage (mentally and emotionally) as a school subject, to vulnerability, trust and Bianca’s issue with dating men shorter than six-two.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.