LATEST EPISODES

Dr. Paul Liknaitzky and I both work (okay, I study) in the same building at Monash University and are both part of the School of Psychological Sciences but that’s where the similarities end. Unlike me, Paul is an actual academic doing ground-breaking research, while I’m fumbling my way through my second year of PhD student life (thanks to the awesome team at @brainparkmonash). Paul is head of the Psychedelic Research Group at Monash, Chief Principal Investigator, Research Fellow and has Adjunct or Honorary appointments at St Vincent’s Hospital, Macquarie University, Deakin University, and the University of Melbourne. He’s also Principal Investigator across a number of Australia’s first clinical psychedelic trials. Paul is currently establishing a rigorous program of research in psychedelic medicine at Monash that seeks to evaluate therapeutic effects, innovate on treatment design, mitigate known risks, explore potential drawbacks and understand therapeutic mechanisms. This was a fascinating episode, he’s a fascinating bloke and I loved our chat. Enjoy. *FYI.. BrainPark (where I’m based) is a world-first neuroscience research clinic dedicated to creating better outcomes for people with compulsive behaviours; from unhealthy habits through to addictions and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Perry Venakis has been working with humans and their bodies for more than two decades, helping his clients optimise their genetic potential, create their best health state, exercise intelligently, achieve their competitive (and non-competitive) goals, eat optimally and of course, function well and feel awesome. Apart from being an elite Trainer with vast experience and a Coach who preps people to get on stage and flex, Perry also has a Master’s Degree in Nutrition, so for this episode of TYP (parts 1 and 2), we dive down the rabbit hole that is… food. And you. Enjoy.

Perry Venakis has been working with humans and their bodies for more than two decades, helping his clients optimise their genetic potential, create their best health state, exercise intelligently, achieve their competitive (and non-competitive) goals, eat optimally and of course, function well and feel awesome. Apart from being an elite Trainer with vast experience and a Coach who preps people to get on stage and flex, Perry also has a Master’s Degree in Nutrition, so for this episode of TYP (parts 1 and 2), we dive down the rabbit hole that is… food. And you. Enjoy.

Dr. Elizabeth Yurth is a fascinating, unconventional and can I say… jaaacked.. Medical Doctor, who is passionate about empowering people to live in a healthy, functional, high-performance state for as long as possible. These days, her primary focus is around functional medicine, regenerative medicine, integrative medicine and of course, longevity. During this chat, we cover plenty of territory, including fat-loss, sleep, building muscle (after 50) and big picture thinking (when it comes to health) but perhaps the area some of you will find most interesting, is her thoughts on hormones and peptides (not what you might think) and why many of her female patients are prescribed testosterone and seeing amazing results.

Dr. David Buttifant is one of Australia’s most well known and respected High-Performance Coaches, Sport Scientists and Pioneers in the area of preparing and conditioning elite athletes. For 13 years, he was the Director of Sport Science at Collingwood Football Club, working mostly with Mick Malthouse and playing an important role in their 2010 premiership. In 2021, David is still Coaching all-things performance, potential and resilience but these days works primarily with those of us who run slower and jump lower. Enjoy.

In the world of Personal Development, we’re always banging on about being strategic, committing to the process and having a plan. And of course, planning is good.. right up to the point where it isn’t. Like when it isn’t working. So, when do we adapt the plan, modify the plan or maybe even, ditch the plan altogether? What about being intuitive? Flexible? What about paying attention and being spontaneous, creative and adaptable as we go, depending on data, results and feedback? Maybe we need an over-arching goal and focus (to change our body, break a habit or start a business, for example) but maybe our plan needs to be more flexible, fluid and organic and less rigid and non-negotiable?

What if your best years are yet to come? What if your peak hasn’t come and gone? What if you can be more successful, fulfilled and empowered in the second half of your life? What if thinking (about age) is more of a limitation, than age itself? What if you could be physically, mentally and emotionally ‘better’ in your fifties, sixties and seventies (you can, by the way)? What if you started a new business or career post-fifty? What if you went back to study thirty years after you finished? What if you stopped living ‘age-appropriately’ and started living passionately, courageously, curiously and… inappropriately? I’ve been inappropriate for decades. F**k the calendar.

Well let’s be honest, Marc Randolph ‘only’ co-founded Netflix. So not impressive at all. He was also the first CEO of the company, has created a bunch of other successful organisations and has also done amazing work with numerous not-for-profits, serving the community and the planet. I love it when I chat with people who could quite rightly think they’re a big deal, but absolutely don’t. Marc is that guy. In this episode of TYP, he shares his thoughts on everything from business, entrepreneurship, lawn-mowing rounds and technology (of course), to creativity, courage, potential, helping others, how he prioritises his family, why he only works two days a week and how to consciously create a life which reflects our values and purpose.

The world’s most reluctant, loveable and talented, podcast guest is back. Many of you ‘know’ Dylan Keys because I bang on about him but for those of you who don’t, Dylan and I collided a while ago when I spied his beautiful art, learned a little of his story and decided to insert myself into his world. Poor Bloke. Despite an ongoing battle with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Anxiety, Agoraphobia, Periodic Depression and ongoing pain (from the CFS), Dylan is an inspirational artist, a gentle soul, a deep thinker and I love connecting with him. This chat was really a ‘catch up’ to see how he’s travelling. Enjoy.

This chat with Bobby Cappuccio meandered from the deep and philosophical to the shallow, comical and silly. We covered everything from working out (and getting injured), creating context, the value of curiosity and the difference between sympathy and empathy, to building confidence, competence and skill, failing happily and Bobby explored some weird metaphor from the movie, Midnight in Paris. He loves a good metaphor. Enjoy.

Katie Spotz is an adventurer and the youngest person to row solo across the Atlantic Ocean (4,534 km). Did I say… row… a boat…alone? No support boat! No medical support. Whales. Sharks. Flying fish (really). Huge waves and swells. Dehydrated meals. Making fresh water using a desalinator. Extreme heat (she was near the equator). Ever-present pain from rowing all day, every day. A high chance of failing (as most have done) and reasonable chance of dying (as some have done). When you consider that the distance from Melbourne to Perth is a tiny 3,420 km, you get an idea of the enormity of Katie’s achievement. Enjoy.

In 2017, Marie Nilsson fell off a mountain. Literally. She was 500 metres from the summit of the highest mountain in Poland (Mount Rysy) when she slipped and fell 450 metres, hitting rocks and shattering her body along the way. By some miracle, she survived the fall but was perilously close to death, when medical help arrived. Multiple skull fractures. A broken neck (C3). An internal brain bleed. External brain bleed (inside the skull, external to the brain). Facial paralysis. 15 broken ribs. Shattered collarbone. Multiple organ failure (liver, kidney and lungs). Loss of hearing (left ear permanent). Loss of taste. Damaged intestines. Broken foot. Dislocated jaw. Significant nerve damage. And of course, brain damage. 7 weeks in ICU, 5 weeks in a coma, ongoing rehabilitation and recovery and now, 4 years later, we chat. Interestingly, before her accident, Marie worked as an Exercise Therapist, specialising in rehabilitation. She is a special woman with a remarkable understanding of physical, mental and emotional healing. *Note: Marie, experiences slight cognitive delay due to her brain injury and still struggles with physical and mental energy, so compared to some TYP conversations, this one is a little more leisurely. Which is nice, so enjoy.

For this two-part chat, I slip into Exercise Science mode and resident TYP Exercise Physiologist Russ Jarrett and I talk about the multi-dimensional nature of Fitness. Apparently, there’s more to it than running around the block. Being ‘fit’ is not a single thing but rather, many things. Fit for what?.. is the smart question. Fit to shovel dirt? Run a race? Live pain free? Move furniture? Complete a triathlon? Play tennis? Lift heavy things? Play with the grandkids? Do push-ups? Compete in elite sport? Do the splits? Dance all night? Fitness is about an individual’s ability to be able to meet the physical requirements of specific sports, tasks, skills, roles and activities. This is an interesting (and valuable) conversation. Enjoy.

For this two-part chat, I slip into Exercise Science mode and resident TYP Exercise Physiologist Russ Jarrett and I talk about the multi-dimensional nature of Fitness. Apparently, there’s more to it than running around the block. Being ‘fit’ is not a single thing but rather, many things. Fit for what?.. is the smart question. Fit to shovel dirt? Run a race? Live pain free? Move furniture? Complete a triathlon? Play tennis? Lift heavy things? Play with the grandkids? Do push-ups? Compete in elite sport? Do the splits? Dance all night? Fitness is about an individual’s ability to be able to meet the physical requirements of specific sports, tasks, skills, roles and activities. This is an interesting (and valuable) conversation. Enjoy.

So much talk about change. So little actual change. So much starting and stopping. Over and over. So many excuses dressed up as reasons. So much talk. So many intentions. So many goals. So many pointless resolutions. So many words. So much temporary change. So little permanent change. So many broken promises. Yep, some people have been ‘almost’ changing their lives for decades but how do we actually get it done? As in, forever? Why do we keep looking for an external solution, when we really need an internal revolution? Why are we so addicted to instant gratification, magic pills and shortcuts? And finally, how do we persevere through the fear, the discomfort, the motivational troughs and the uncertainty? This a broadly relevant conversation and it’s fair to say that, in parts, it’s somewhat direct. Shocking, I know. Enjoy. 

Calling Dr. Aaron Tressler a Chiropractor (which he is) is somewhat underselling him. He is a wealth of knowledge, inspiration and energy, who has written five books, hosts a successful podcast, lives on a farm with cows, sheep and chickens, treats patients daily, is a dad of five, grandfather of three and at fifty-five is still playing competitive rugby; not ‘old-man’ rugby with modified rules… no, regular full-contact rugby with twenty year-olds animals! Along the way, we chat about Aaron’s thoughts around aging well, the joy and value of competition, injury prevention and recovery, the role of doctors, training past fifty, reactive vs. proactive health management, why (some) people are sceptical of Chiros and my neck-cracking experience. Enjoy.

TYP Favourite Carly Taylor is back and this time we go deep on everything from stoicism, journaling, metacognition, virtues and values (the difference) and choosing discomfort to parenting, doing a ‘belief’ audit, cold showers, the unhealthy need for approval and the physiology of fear. Enjoy.

TYP Favourite Carly Taylor is back and this time we go deep on everything from stoicism, journaling, metacognition, virtues and values (the difference) and choosing discomfort to parenting, doing a ‘belief’ audit, cold showers, the unhealthy need for approval and the physiology of fear. Enjoy.

The charming, funny and brutally honest Tracy Bartram is back on TYP and this time we cover everything from addiction, obsession, ADHD, the oldest profession in the world and Tracy’s ideal bloke (whom she hopes to meet at the TYP Conference later this year), to making amends, making people laugh, the need for germs and her upcoming foray into the world of Podcasting. Enjoy.

Jacqui Louder is one of Australia’s most respected Sport Psychologists, a former radio colleague of mine and a good Mate. This was a fun conversation with an expert who pulls no punches, drops F bombs and has a gift for explaining human behaviour in a user-friendly manner. Jacqui currently works with the Collingwood Netball Team in the National League, Collingwood Football Club (men and women’s teams), Melbourne Storm in the NRL and a bunch of Olympians. This chat went forever, so we’ve broken into two parts. Enjoy.

Jacqui Louder is one of Australia’s most respected Sport Psychologists, a former radio colleague of mine and a good Mate. This was a fun conversation with an expert who pulls no punches, drops F bombs and has a gift for explaining human behaviour in a user-friendly manner. Jacqui currently works with the Collingwood Netball Team in the National League, Collingwood Football Club (men and women’s teams), Melbourne Storm in the NRL and a bunch of Olympians. This chat went forever, so we’ve broken into two parts. Enjoy.

This episode is what happens when it’s Saturday arvo and the guest for our Sunday episode pulls the pin an hour earlier. It probably won’t change your life, solve your problems or inspire you to greatness, but I always enjoy having a casual on-air chat with the poster girl for introverts; Melissa. Among other things, we speak about our individual eating issues (there are plenty), Melissa (who hates coffee) deciding to drink.. coffee (daily), aggro people on social media, wasting time and energy on crap that doesn’t matter, Melissa’s full moon issues, me unintentionally terrifying a stranger this morning (for real), a few TYP updates and lots more. Enjoy.

Imagine a Pharmacist who actively discourages people away from the chemical highway and towards a path of something far less synthetic and pill-shaped. A Bloke who spent years learning and training, only to discover that the ‘job’ didn’t resonate with his heart, connect with his soul or align with his inner guidance system. Well, Niraj Naik is that bloke. From pills, powders and prescriptions, to meditation, retreats, breath work, natural healing and music therapy, it’s been quite the journey. Niraj does this crazy demonstration mid conversation and while sitting totally still, he self-regulated his heart rate from about 65 up to 120 and then down to 55, all in about forty seconds (with a finger pulse oximeter on, that I could see). Amazing. Enjoy.

somabreath.com

Lisa Westlake is something on an icon of Australian Fitness and Health. And a friend of mine. As both a highly-regarded Physiotherapist and a nationally recognised Fitness Professional, Lisa has been working at the coal face of health, healing, function and fitness for more than three decades, empowering Aussies to live their best lives, through optimal health. This was a fun chat with a nice mix of info, inspo and silliness. Enjoy. Yes, I wrote inspo.

This is my surprise episode of the year (so far). To be honest, I was wondering how I might fill an hour talking to a bloke about breathing but in the end, we literally ran out of time and I was totally fascinated with what Patrick McKeown had to say. So, we’re all pretty good at breathing. Most of us have been doing it for quite a while but who knew that the ‘way’ we breathe (you mean there’s a better and worse technique?) can impact everything from athletic performance, recovery, sleep quality and energy levels to anxiety, depression, attention, concentration and more broadly, emotional and cognitive function. This episode gets better and better the further it goes but I will warn you that it’s a little ‘sciencey’ in parts. Enjoy.

A few years ago, I turned some of my words into a video. Well, Tommy Jackett did. Anyway, those words seemed to resonate with quite a few people and that video went (kind-of) viral, with almost a million views through (mainly) Facebook. Today’s mini-podcast is the audio from that video (with a backing track) and I don’t often say that I like my own work but, after hearing it today for the first time in a few years (and forgetting most of what I wrote), I enjoyed it and weirdly, got a little inspired. If you know someone who needs some inspiration, please share it with them. Thanks.

The inspiration behind the title will become apparent during the conversation. Apart from being one of my Mates, Francis is also one of Australia’s most respected journalists, working in all mediums (TV, Radio, Newspapers, Online) and inhabiting spaces as diverse a politics, music, sport and industry. In this interesting chat, Francis and Craig talk about everything from echo chambers, keyboard warriors, meaningful conversation with people we don’t agree with and song-writing, to open-mindedness (is it possible?), how our thinking changes as we age and of course…. the pyjama story.

To be honest, this was something of a conversational smorgasbord that neither Melissa or I were really in control of. We finally got around to the intended topic (communication) but beforehand, we covered a lot of weird territory, including Melissa’s girl-crush on Oprah, me being dragged to a Tony Robbins gig, Eckhart Tolle doing my head in at a live event and the science of writing a self-help book for people who don’t like self-help.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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