LATEST EPISODES

Professor Lisa Feldman Barrett is not your cookie-cutter academic. For starters, she swears. Tick. She a Scientific Pioneer, Researcher, Non-Conformist, Author, highly regarded Academic and world-renowned Researcher, exploring the science of emotion. The good Prof. has been ranked in the top one percent of the most-cited scientists in the world over a ten-year period (a huge deal in Academia) and her work and discoveries have challenged much of the ‘old’ science. I totally loved our conversation. Enjoy.

No, it’s not a metaphor, I’m literally talking about the prospect of living on Mars. Josh Richards is a Physicist, Explosives Engineer, Soldier, Stand-Up Comedian, Cave Diver, Author and an Astronaut Candidate for MARS ONE. Selected from over 200,000 initial applicants, Josh is now one of 100 worldwide astronaut candidates short-listed to leave Earth forever and become the first to colonise Mars in 2025. I felt distinctly boring and lazy after chatting with Josh. Enjoy!

In almost three decades of law enforcement, Ernie Stevens served in various roles throughout his police career, including the DWI task force, Tactical Response Unit (TRU), Street Crimes Assistance Team (SCAT) and Field Training Officer but perhaps his most important role was to develop the San Antonio Police Department Mental Health Unit in 2008; a concept which was so effective and successful that HBO created an Emmy award winning documentary (Ernie and Joe: Crisis Cops) about the work he and his partner did. This was an important and inspirational conversation but I will let you know that parts of our chat might be confronting for some.

It seems that Gretchen Rubin and I were somehow separated at birth. This chat revealed that we are pretty much the male and female version of the same person (with her being the successful, popular twin). Gretchen is the author of several uber-successful books, including the blockbuster New York Times bestsellers, The Four Tendencies, Better Than Before, The Happiness Project and Happier at Home. Her books have sold over 3.5 million copies worldwide, in more than thirty languages. She’s been named on the list of Most Creative People in Business, been interviewed by Oprah, walked arm in arm with the Dalai Lama, been an answer on the game show ‘Jeopardy’, been called “the queen of the self-help memoir” by the New York Times and now the pinnacle of her career is clearly… appearing on The You Project. Well, that’s my story. Enjoy.

TYP Favourite, Dr. Denise Furness is a geneticist, nutritionist and fitness professional who helps people identify triggers and underlying causes of their health challenges, so they can live a more balanced and fulfilled life. She specialises in nutritional genomics and epigenetics and believes there is no one-size-fits-all formula when it comes to health, diet, lifestyle and physical performance. To say this episode covers a bit of territory is like saying the ocean is a bit big. There is a mix of education, inspiration, science, story-telling and towards the end, complete ridiculousness. Ergo, the title.

Mark LeBusque from the Simply Practically Human Podcast has been kind enough to tolerate me on his show for a six-week series which we’re recording each Saturday morning at coffee o’clock. Every session is a casual, thoughtful and totally unscripted exploration into the human condition. Enjoy.

Dr. Lillian Nejad is a Clinical Psychologist, Author, Educator and super interesting podcast guest. Our intended 45-minute chat, turned into an hour and a half double episode. Among other things, we spoke about (1) the positive role of anxiety (it has one) (2) our obsession with comfort (3) the role of motivation (4) what clients and patients want from their health-medical professional (5) why we keep ‘moving the goal posts’ (6) sociopathic CEO’s (7) building rapport (8) why contentment is so elusive (9) why Melissa has avoided social media (for personal use) for a decade and (10) the ‘unfairness’ of life… and lots more. Enjoy.

Dr. Lillian Nejad is a Clinical Psychologist, Author, Educator and super interesting podcast guest. Our intended 45-minute chat, turned into an hour and a half double episode. Among other things, we spoke about (1) the positive role of anxiety (it has one) (2) our obsession with comfort (3) the role of motivation (4) what clients and patients want from their health-medical professional (5) why we keep ‘moving the goal posts’ (6) sociopathic CEO’s (7) building rapport (8) why contentment is so elusive (9) why Melissa has avoided social media (for personal use) for a decade and (10) the ‘unfairness’ of life… and lots more. Enjoy.

I get tired just thinking about all the amazing stuff Janine Allis has done and continues to do. She is the founder of Boost Juice and part-owner of Retail Zoo, which is the parent company of Boost Juice, Salsa’s Fresh Mex Grill and Cibo Espresso. Janine has one of those minds which is a rare mix of curiosity, creativity, strategy, intellect, problem solving, inspiration and fun. Oh, and she has ridiculous energy, which is how she managed to work on the TV shows ‘Shark Tank’ and ‘The Celebrity Apprentice Australia’ and also kick some butt on ‘Australian Survivor’. She’s written books, won awards, built businesses all over the world, raised kids, married a good bloke and in the middle of it all, is amazingly down to earth. Enjoy.

A few weeks ago, I chatted with Shaun and Gareth from the ‘My Home Vitality’ Podcast; two curious British lads who are deep thinkers, ask good questions, have great energy and are loads of fun. I enjoyed my time with them and I hope you do too. Enjoy.

Sheila Vijeyarasa has mastered the art of blending two diametrically opposite careers: she is a corporate leader as well as a spiritual teacher and mentor, medium and psychic reader. She holds an MBA and has fifteen years of experience in publishing and media, preceded by a foundation of eight years of experience in chartered accounting and banking. She was also the CFO of a global publishing company. Sheila is the founder of Empowering Intuition. Her natural mediumistic and psychic abilities were passed down through multiple generations. This was a weird, interesting and fun episode with a really nice person. I’m not too sure about the whole ‘taking to the dead’ thing (maybe I’m scared?) but I totally enjoyed our chat.

Sarah Wilson is a former journalist and TV presenter, author and activist. She wrote the New York Times bestsellers ‘I Quit Sugar’ and ‘First, We Make the Beast Beautiful’, which Mark Manson described as “the best book on living with anxiety that I’ve ever read”. She is the author of another 11 cookbooks which sell in 52 countries. Previously she was editor of Cosmopolitan Australia, host of Masterchef Australia and founder of the largest wellness website in Australia, IQuitSugar.com. In 2018, Sarah closed the business and gave all the money to charity. Sarah lives minimally, rides a hand-built bike and is known for traveling the world for eight years with one bag. This was another great chat with yet another inspiring woman. Enjoy.

Mark LeBusque from the Simply Practically Human Podcast has been kind enough to tolerate me on his show for a six-week series which we’re recording each Saturday morning at coffee o’clock. Every session is a casual, thoughtful and totally unscripted exploration into the human condition. Enjoy.

Kavya Raj is a researcher, curious mind, Psychology graduate and periodically-exhausted student on the home straight of her PhD journey in Cognitive Psychology. Like someone else we know, Kavya is part of BrainPark at Monash University. Her research is exploring the way internet use influences how students think, feel, behave and self-manage around the unavoidable and ever-expanding electronic goliath that is, the internet. Enjoy.

Chithrani Palipana is an inspirational and selfless woman, dedicated to serving, protecting and guiding people with disabilities, in order for them to receive the care, love and resources required to live their best lives. Among others things, she is a counsellor, advocate for people with disabilities, has a Master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counselling and is the gorgeous Mum of one of our all-time favourite TYP guests, Dinesh. Enjoy.

Dr. Hannah Critchlow is a British Scientist, Writer and Broadcaster. She is an internationally-acclaimed Neuroscientist with a background in Neuropsychiatry and is best known for demystifying the human brain on regular radio, TV and festival platforms. This was another fun and fascinating TYP chat with yet another brilliant woman. Enjoy.

Bobby Cappuccio is a popular and inspirational TYP regular but this episode is different to our normal chats. Sure, we talk (a little) about all the normal do-think-be better (personal development) stuff but not long into this unscripted (as always) chat, Bobby began to go deep into some of his personal journey. It’s not always easy listening but ultimately, his story is one of resilience and survival that is simultaneously uplifting, confronting and inspiring. Among other things we talk about (1) growing up in a violent house devoid of love and care (2) being born with a severe facial deformity (3) his multiple reconstructive surgeries (4) looking for love in the wrong places (5) being given up for adoption (6) using drugs and alcohol from the age of ten (7) navigating life with Tourette’s, ongoing rejection and massive insecurity (8) being medicated to the point of social dysfunction (9) being pigeon-holed as an idiot and (10) how he saved himself through education, curiosity, work ethic and compassion for others. This ‘idiot’ is one the smartest, most evolved and loving people I know.

Bobby Cappuccio is a popular and inspirational TYP regular but this episode is different to our normal chats. Sure, we talk (a little) about all the normal do-think-be better (personal development) stuff but not long into this unscripted (as always) chat, Bobby began to go deep into some of his personal journey. It’s not always easy listening but ultimately, his story is one of resilience and survival that is simultaneously uplifting, confronting and inspiring. Among other things we talk about (1) growing up in a violent house devoid of love and care (2) being born with a severe facial deformity (3) his multiple reconstructive surgeries (4) looking for love in the wrong places (5) being given up for adoption (6) using drugs and alcohol from the age of ten (7) navigating life with Tourette’s, ongoing rejection and massive insecurity (8) being medicated to the point of social dysfunction (9) being pigeon-holed as an idiot and (10) how he saved himself through education, curiosity, work ethic and compassion for others. This ‘idiot’ is one the smartest, most evolved and loving people I know.

This was instantly one of my favourite TYP chats. Ever. Even in the middle of it, I didn’t want it to end. After five hundred plus episodes, it’s straight into my all-time top 5. Moran Cerf is one of the most fascinating, interesting and brilliant people I’ve ever interviewed. He is a professor in both Business and Neuroscience, a researcher, author, speaker and something of a scientific adventurer. Here’s some of what we spoke about… (1) His time robbing banks (2) Working on Hollywood movies and TV shows as a science consultant (Limitless, Bull) (3) Defining ‘the mind’ (4). Dream research, including the goal of learning while we sleep (5) His time as a hacker (6) How and why placebos work (7) The impossibility of ‘being’ objective (8) Nootropics (cognitive enhancers) and (9) his research where he puts wires (of sorts) into people’s brains (literally) while they are awake to better understand brain function. All that and lots more. FYI, Moran talks quickly and has quite a strong Israeli accent, so you may need to listen closely at times. Enjoy.

Mark LeBusque from the Simply Practically Human Podcast has been kind enough to tolerate me on his show for a six-week series which we’re recording each Saturday morning at coffee o’clock. Every session is a casual, thoughtful and totally unscripted exploration into the human condition. Enjoy.

The Simply Practically Human Podcast

In this episode of TYP, Kyle Riley from PH360 is back going deep into the way our genetics influence, not only our physical size, shape, function and appearance but also the way we think, learn, feel, communicate, socialise, work, solve problems, express creativity, deal with stress, sleep and lots more. Enjoy.

Martin Rooney is the founder of Training For Warriors and an internationally recognised trainer, speaker, author and pioneer of strength and conditioning. He has a Master’s degree in Health Science, Bachelor of Physiotherapy and a Bachelor of Arts in Exercise Science. Martin has written 12 books, trained some of the best athletes in the world (130 of them drafted into the NFL), been a member of the US bobsled team, is a black belt in Judo, a brilliant communicator and story teller and has consulted to the New York Giants, Carolina Panthers, Cincinnati Bengals, Arizona State University, University of Alabama, Oregon State University, Rutgers University and many more. Other than that, he’s done not much at all. Enjoy.

For episode 500 of The You Project, Melissa, Tiff and I got together to chat about some of our favourite (and not-so-favourite) guests, moments, surprises and lessons. Thanks for being part of our journey.

The one-time high-flying, deal-making, fast-talking business mogul turned part-time golfer, equestrian, philosopher, deep thinker, coach, dog dad (that’s full time) and TYP favourite, Geoff Jowett is back sharing his thoughts around living consciously and intelligently. Enjoy.

Mark LeBusque from the Simply Practically Human Podcast has been kind enough to tolerate me on his show for a six-week series that we’re recording each Saturday morning at coffee o’clock. This was instalment one and because I recorded it eight days ago (as I write this), I have no idea what it’s about. Probably stuff about humans, behaviour, thinking, transformation and growth. There’s a shock. Pretty sure it’s good though. Enjoy.

The Simply Practically Human Podcast

Nir Eyal is an Israeli-born American author, lecturer and investor known for his bestselling books.. ‘Hooked’: How to Build Habit-Forming Products and ‘Indistractable’: How to Control Your Attention and Choose Your Life. Nir’s expertise lies in exploring what exists at the intersection of psychology, technology and business. This was super interesting. Enjoy.

I don’t even know where to begin with this episode overview because Paul Taylor and I covered about a thousand topics in this lengthy (two-part) conversation. What I will say is, it’s good, he’s a genius and you may need to listen to some bits twice. As may I. Enjoy.

I don’t even know where to begin with this episode overview because Paul Taylor and I covered about a thousand topics in this lengthy (two-part) conversation. What I will say is, it’s good, he’s a genius and you may need to listen to some bits twice. As may I. Enjoy.

I’m not gonna lie, when Tiff told me I’d be interviewing a world-renowned singing coach for TYP, I didn’t exactly punch the air with excitement. Well, that was my bad because Andrew Byrne is a fascinating New Yorker who has a deep understanding of Neuroscience, Human Performance, Effective Learning, Optimising Potential, Skill Development (all the shit I love) and he’s also pretty good at teaching people to sing. For me, this was one of those surprise conversations. I loved it. Hope you do too.

If a Movement Guru, Philosopher, Healer, International Presenter, Wizard and Teller of Shit Jokes all lived in one body, that body would belong to Ian O’Dwyer. As always, this was an insightful and fascinating conversation with one of my great Mates and as always, there was a fair degree of silly-ness and laughter. When it comes to treating, healing, training and optimising the human body, OD is possibly the most intuitively gifted person I know. And I know many. Enjoy.

Dr. Jodi Richardson is a favourite at TYP CENTRAL because, as well as her professional knowledge, academic research, vast clinical experience and awesome advice, she’s also real, vulnerable, honest, humble and highly relatable. Jodi has dealt with her own mental health issues since childhood, so when she speaks, it comes not just from a place of education and training but also, lived experience. I love experts who don’t bring ‘expert energy’ to the show and Jodi is definitely one of those people. I think many of you will find this a highly-relatable and relevant conversation. Enjoy.

This is a coaching session of sorts. And not surprisingly, it is a conversation around making the ‘hard’ thing, easy. Or perhaps, easier. In it, I explore the idea of hard, the potential benefits of hard, the lessons to be learned from hard, the recalibration of hard, the stories we tell ourselves about hard, the language we use to create hard, the subjective nature of hard, changing our relationship with (and response to) hard and the times in my life when I have used hard to my advantage.

Craig Johns is fascinated with human behaviour, high performance, business and leadership (maybe it’s a Craig thing). He competed at an elite level in multiple sports and has worked as an elite coach around the world. Finding himself hospitalised multiple times through stress related heart problems and burnout, flat-lining on one occasion and undergoing a hip replacement and second pacemaker by the age of 30, he shifted his focus to leading, teaching and building businesses. This is an interesting conversation around some of the topics I love exploring.

Rachel Berger is funny. Which is handy because funny-ness has been her job for a long time. Apart from being a comedian, she’s also a writer, therapist (of sorts), deep thinker, workshop facilitator and amazing teller of stories (hence the title of this episode). In the middle of her brilliant insights, humour, wisdom, compassion, down-to-earth-ness and a few self-identified issues, Rachel shares with us one of the most powerful stories ever told on TYP (and we’ve heard many). Enjoy.

Kyle Riley is back at TYP Central and this time we talk about confirmation bias, life in the echo chamber, the impossibility of objectivity, food and fitness cults, unconscious operating systems, finding ‘optimal’ for our unique physiology, why the generic approach doesn’t work, why there is no ‘average’ human, how genetics influence personality, thinking and behaviour, why inconvenience is often the answer and lots more. I loved this chat. Enjoy.

When Rhys Mitchell moved to the US to pursue his acting, writing and producing dream, he literally slept in a cupboard at a friend’s house. Not a small bedroom, no, an actual cupboard. For months. Perhaps even more remarkable is that, after a night of socialising, he brought a girl home… to his cupboard! These days Rhys is best known for his work on the award-winning series, Upper Middle Bogan, Barracuda and Glitch. For his US debut, he completed a leading role in the FX series, CAKE. This was before starring in a leading role in the David Lynch produced feature film, The Happy Worker. Rhys completed a Bachelor with First Class Honours in Film & TV at University and as a screenwriter and producer and has gone on to make a number of films, some winning major international awards including the Best Live Action Narrative at the Academy Award qualifying, Palm Springs Film Festival. Rhys is in development on a number of projects as an Actor, Writer and Producer. He’s also a musician and member of the band, Mouth Tooth. Oh, and his dad is Con the Fruiterer (aka Mark Mitchell). Enjoy.

For this episode, Russ Jarret and I reconvene at TYP Central to talk about some out-of-the-box exercise ideas, why variety is crucial for progress, how adaptation happens, micro workouts, doing old things in new ways, optimal results with suboptimal resources and lots more. Enjoy. *Oh, and by the way, there’s a highly embarrassing story (shared by Russ about me, near the start) that I wanted edited out but apparently, it stayed in because Melissa and Russ think it’s hilarious.

Resident TYP Exercise Physiologist Russ Jarrett and I sit down and discuss the science and philosophy of living in a healthy body for as long as possible; thriving (instead of surviving) into old(er) age. Lots of nuggets in this one. Enjoy.