The You Project

Sharelle McMahon is maybe the best athlete I’ve worked with, and that’s saying something. Fierce, gifted, passionate, courageous, well prepared, wildly competitive and an amazing work ethic. Apart from Captaining the Australian Netball Team, Melbourne Phoenix and Melbourne Vixens, Sharelle also won two world championship, two Commonwealth Games Gold medals and represented Australia 118 times over thirteen years. In this episode, we discuss eating disorders and body dysmorphia in sport, dealing with stress and anxiety at the elite level, superstitions and rituals, building confidence and self-belief, feeling like a fraud (yep, her too) and she even throws an ex-boyfriend under the bus. This is a fun and revealing chat. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lisa Alexander is the Coach of one of Australia’s most successful sporting teams; The Diamonds (our National Netball Team). She is a Coach, Teacher, Mentor and Leader at the highest level. In this episode of TYP, Lisa and Craig talk about performing under pressure, what makes a great coach, developing potential, lessons in failure, who succeeds and why and knowing when to ‘hang it up’.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Speaker, Author and former Police Inspector Paul O’Brien returns to chat about a broad range of subject matter, including Imposter Syndrome, self-doubt, resilience, middle-of-the-night weird thoughts and freak-outs… and much more. Paul also takes Craig to task regarding the way he puts himself down.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Ali Walker is an author, social scientist and media presenter in the fields of sociology and social psychology. In this episode of TYP, Craig and Ali talk about the weirdness and wonder of being human. Ali’s latest book is called 'Get Conscious: How to Stop Overthinking & Come Alive'.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A few years ago, I wrote a silly little list in about ten minutes. That list became the most read, commented on, shared, translated and plagiarised thing I’ve ever written. People have even turned it into products without permission. Calendar anyone? In this episode of TYP, Melissa and I talk about the idea behind, the value of, and the implementation of each rule.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

John Young spent most of the last twenty years doing a job he didn’t really enjoy. At all. A little over a year ago, he decided to step out of the security, familiarity and predictability of his well-paid career and into the uncertainty of ‘re-training’ in fitness, putting on the ‘L plates’, starting at the bottom, making way less money and re-inventing himself professionally (as a PT) in his mid-forties. John is listener number four to visit the podcast and in this episode, he and Craig discuss the myriad of challenges and issues that come with changing careers later in life. *Also, Craig shares a story which is possibly the funniest in TYP history.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thirteen days before I recorded this chat with the Crab (my training partner, Mark), he died. Well, for seventeen minutes anyway. It happened while we were training and it’s fair to say that those seventeen minutes, and all the minutes since, have been interesting. Getting him into the studio was almost as miraculous as his return from the other side. Public speaking is not his favourite thing but nonetheless, he said yes. This episode is not really ‘personal development’ (although there are lessons and take-aways) but plenty of you asked for it and it’s a really interesting conversation. *Note: I apologise for the audio peaks and troughs. The Crab is not as loud as his training partner and despite my coaching, not particularly interested in talking into the mic.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In instalment 3 of our ‘come and chat with Harps’ series, James travels all the way from Queensland for a little coaching, connecting, coercing and conversing. Among many things, the boys speak about dealing with anxiety, leadership, self-awareness, identity, letting go, business ownership, finding clarity and wanting ‘different’, while not really knowing what that different might look like.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan and Ian Frazer are funny, inspiring, wise, fit AF and have been married for 52 years. At 79, Jan exercises daily, doing a mix of cardio, strength, stretching and boxing. She also works as a voice-over artist (one of Australia’s best) and part-time PT. At 81, Ian mountain-bikes (in the bush, not suburbia), lifts weights (still does 15 full over-hand chin-ups), snow skis and does stand-up paddle-boarding several times a week. They cover plenty in this chat but nothing more amusing than Craig’s most embarrassing day at Harper’s (his gym)’. Jan was there and it involved a stripper.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Alex Koefman is one of Australia’s youngest Neurosurgeons. He and Craig met at one of Craig’s events, got to chatting and decided to continue that chat on TYP. The boys discuss everything from turning a dream into a career, working under extreme pressure, ageing well and neuroplasticity to the value of mentors, starting at the bottom, slowing down, kids playing contact sports and whether or not the spiritual world is ‘real’. This is a super interesting conversation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lola Berry has had a busy 34 years. Ten books, TV Presenter, Yoga Teacher, Social Media Personality, Reiki Practitioner, Health Science Degree, Nutritionist, a public scandal and a hint of career suicide (according to the media). In this episode of TYP, Craig and Lola discuss everything from dating a narcissist, weekly therapy sessions, back-up careers, changing careers and bad professional decisions, to dealing with keyboard warriors, social media haters, exploring potential, fearlessly failing, Craig’s incredible flexibility and Lola’s life-long aspiration to live in a tree house.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A few weeks ago I wondered (out loud) if any listeners (of The You Project) would like to sit in the number 1 chair and ask me a few questions. I certainly didn’t anticipate the response of a hundred plus emails in a few hours! Anyway, instalment 2 is with TYP listener Kelly Smith and she interviews me like a pro!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I have about seventy thousand followers across my various platforms. Not many compared to some but enough for feathers to be ruffled and noses put of out of joint regularly. Not a shock considering that each of those seventy thousand individuals has an ego, attitude, beliefs, expectations, biases, likes, dislikes and ideas about what’s right and wrong, interesting and boring, funny and rude, offensive and harmless. And as we all know, the same message can be the catalyst for a huge cross-section of reactions, ranging from head-nodding, agreement and laughter to outrage, offence and anger. Which begs the question… what causes offence? FYI, this is an impromptu recording in my office (not studio), so I apologise for the less-than-studio quality production value. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nima Alavi is back and this time the lads discuss (1) vaping vs. smoking (2) nicotine as a nootropic (smart drug) (3) male menopause (4) regenerative medicine (5) depression and low testosterone (6) the medical applications of botox (7) beauty pageants for camels (really) (8) Nima’s fascinating childhood including escaping Iran, being a refugee, being imprisoned and his Baha’i faith. This episode is a smorgasbord of conversation. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A few weeks ago I wondered (out loud) if any of my listeners would like to sit in the number 1 chair and ask me a few questions. I certainly didn’t anticipate the response of a hundred plus emails in a few hours. I apologise for not getting back to everyone but just because you haven’t been contacted, doesn’t mean you won’t be. I’m thinking about making these a semi-regular thing. Keep in mind that most of these listeners have never been in a studio or spoken into a microphone, so all things considered, they did great. Instalment 1 is with Shelby Hamilton from Warragul (country Victoria) and btw, who knew I have 21 year-old listeners!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jacqui Louder is one of Australia’s leading Sport Psychologists, having worked with some of Australia’s best athletes for almost two decades. In this episode of TYP, Jacqui sits down with Australia’s worst athlete and talks about the head stuff, emotional stuff, body stuff and the life stuff.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Steph Prem is a former Winter Olympian, Professional Athlete and International Snowboarder. Craig is none of that. In this episode of TYP, Steph sits in the host seat and picks Craig’s brain.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Paul Taylor has a Master’s Degree in Exercise Physiology, a Master’s in Nutrition, a Post-Grad in Neuroscience and he’s currently completing a PhD in Psychology. Apart from that, he’s a complete dummy. He’s also been one of our most popular guests ever, so at great expense to the management, he’s back. This time around, he and Craig continue their conversation exploring the weirdness and wonder of the human condition.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tony Mantz (AKA Jack the Bear) has done plenty. Worked with some of the best musicians in the world. Built a successful mastering business. Lived and worked illegally in the States (for years). Overcome a twenty-five year cocaine addiction. Lost 70 kilograms. Covered most of his body in ink. Navigated mental health issues. And spent much of his adult life on a spiritual, philosophical and existential search for meaning, purpose, acceptance, connection and happiness. This is an interesting chat with an interesting man.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dietician Vicky Kuriel is back and as always, she pulls no punches. This time Craig and her explore the following topics and questions (1) is cholesterol really bad? (2) should we count calories? (3) is soy good or bad? (4) yoghurt, yes or no? (5) artificial sweetener (6) non-animal protein (7) misleading labels and marketing (8) menopause and diet (9) best and worst oils (10) is there an acceptable bread? (11) how many eggs? (12) are all calories equal?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Michael Ray became a dad for the first time at forty-nine. At fifty-one, the bloke who had worked most of his adult life as a Stripper, Bouncer and Trainer became a full-time single parent, raising his two year-old daughter Charlie on his own. To say he was under-prepared, ill-equipped and overwhelmed, would be something of an understatement. Charlie is now almost eight and it’s fair to say that the last six years have been a steep learning curve and a transformative experience for the big softie who has shifted his attention from bodybuilding, barbells and biceps to ballet, braids and buns. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pete Shepherd is back for round two and Craig discovers that his nickname growing up was Two Metre Peter. Both hilarious and awesome. In this chat, the tall one and the old one talk about the upside of imposter syndrome, cultivating empathy, leadership, morning routines, the value of fucking up, Pete’s TED Talk experience and magic foods.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shannah Kennedy and Lyndall Mitchell help people to help themselves. They are both Authors, Teachers, Presenters and Coaches who work mostly in the corporate space and in this chat with Craig, they explore everything from burnout, chronic fatigue, mental health and vision boards to exercising in the rain, choosing our purpose, wrangling teenagers and consciousness. It’s quite the conversational fruit salad! Lyndall even takes Craig (and the audience) through a quick anxiety-reducing breathing exercise.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of TYP, Melissa interviews Craig and they explore (1) unconscious living (2) how disappointment ‘works’ (3) weakness vs. kindness (4) the idea of an internal Sat-Nav (5) Craig’s churchy background (6) why retirement can be a health hazard (7) the problem with ‘work-life balance’ (8) the danger of belonging to a group (9) being an emotional doormat and (10) the problem with success. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sharon Ricardo is a Mum of two, Ex-Dancer, Figure Competitor, Researcher, Professor and Head of Biomedicine at Monash University. She’s also jacked AF. Her and Craig discuss everything from growing organs in labs, gut biome and anti-ageing to training supplements, manipulating metabolism and her daily eating regime.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For more than a decade, Mick Hall slept in four key places: men’s shelters, the streets of Melbourne, rehabilitation facilities and various prisons. These days, the convicted felon is a successful business man, media presenter, father of three and owner of a private hospital, treating people with addiction issues. Perhaps most significantly, he is now approaching twenty years clean and sober. In this episode of TYP, Craig talks with Mick about his journey out of the mayhem and into sobriety, sanity and success.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

SELF-AUDITING is a worthwhile, if not always comfortable, component of the personal transformation journey. It is largely about self-awareness and the recognising of habits, patterns, behaviours and choices which can fit anywhere on the scale from toxic and destructive, to positive and life-enhancing. This process is not about self-loathing or over-thinking but rather, self-awareness, self-management and self-determination. It is a strategic, rational and productive exercise, not an emotional or destructive one. In this two-part episode of TYP, Craig walks (talks?) you through some Self-Auditing (type) questions.10. Do I invest more of my time and energy in problems or solutions?11. What am I currently avoiding, delaying and/or lying about?12. What fear is currently holding me back?13. What is my most limiting belief?14. Am I living my values?15. What is my body telling me?16. What are my overall results telling me?17. What do I waste energy on?18. What is the ‘me experience’ like for others?19. Are my beliefs, mine?20. What do I need to put on hold? Or maybe let go of?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

SELF-AUDITING is a worthwhile, if not always comfortable, component of the personal transformation journey. It is largely about self-awareness and the recognising of habits, patterns, behaviours and choices which can fit anywhere on the scale from toxic and destructive, to positive and life-enhancing. This process is not about self-loathing or over-thinking but rather, self-awareness, self-management and self-determination. It is a strategic, rational and productive exercise, not an emotional or destructive one. In this two-part episode of TYP, Craig walks (talks?) you through some Self-Auditing (type) questions.Questions1. Am I doing what success requires?2. What will my look like in a year if I stay on my current trajectory? Is that what I want?3. What do I want more: success or comfort?4. Based on what I want to do, be, create and change, what needs to be non-negotiable for me?5. What part of the problem am I?6. What am I doing well?7. What am I grateful for?8. What am I currently doing which is essentially a form of self-sabotage?9. If 10 (out of 10) is me using all of my potential, what’s my current number?10. Do I invest more of my time and energy in problems or solutions?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.