Wise Guys

On this episode, we had a conversation with former star from The Bachelor, Thomas Malucelli. The discussion primarily centered around how, as young men, we can be selfish and fail to represent our best selves during our early relationships. Thomas used himself as a case study to illustrate how he turned himself around, now becoming a man he's proud of and open to love. We delved into topics such as relationship attachment styles, modern dating, love languages, and all that stuff. It was a very insightful conversation, and we hope you all enjoy listening.

Wise Guys is making a return in 2024, and our first episode features an incredibly powerful story. We had the privilege of hosting Russell Manser, a survivor of child sexual abuse. Russell takes us through his journey, starting with stealing a Porsche and landing in a government-run rehabilitation center for youth. Unfortunately, it was in this facility that he, along with his peers, experienced sexual abuse from the staff. This traumatic period led Russell down a dark path of heroin abuse and bank robbery, resulting in a hefty 20-year prison sentence. Against all odds, Russell has managed to turn his life around. Today, he works directly with victims of institutional sexual abuse, offering support and understanding. Join us for this eye-opening episode as we explore Russell's extraordinary tale of resilience and redemption. It's a story of hope and survival.  Hope you enjoy. 

On this episode we spoke with Byron Dempsey, founder of Driven Young.  Driven Young is a company that runs programs to bring together people in there 20s to help build new relationships, learn practical life skills and also have fun.  Byron is also a contributing author of a book, runs a successful podcast series and on personal development standpoint is miles ahead of most 25 year olds we have met.  This was a great episode discussing some of the pitfalls of being young and also how to get ahead in your career.  Hope you enjoy. 

On this episode we spoke with reformed criminal and drug addict, Ron Isherwood.  Ron was born into a criminal family which led him to a life of theivery, drug dealing and gem smuggling across the globe. After spending many years in prison Ron was able to change his life around by helping other drug addicts break their addicitons.  Ron takes us through the journey he took to clean his soul and shared all the valuable lessons he has gained from what was a very unadmirable life.  It was a great chat and we hope you enjoy.  Follow Us on Instagram: @wiseguyau Follow Ron on Instagram: @thetruthabout_addiction

On this episode we chatted with Bondi's very own, Abstacker.  Holder of two world records he has raised tens of thousands of dollars for charities through completing fitness challenges that are David Goggins esque. Abstacker also runs a fitness community at Bondi beach and is a familiar face for all of the locals.  We spoke about all things health and fitness, the Bondi lifestyle, mindset and his personal outlook on life. Abstacker is truely unique and full of energy, making for a great conversation.  Hope you guys enjoy. Follow Abstacker on Instagram: @abstacker Follow Us on Instagram: @wiseguysau  

On this episode Sam and I debrief on our 24 running challenge "Run Grateful" with the organiser of Run Grateful, Mark White.  Mark traveled from the UK to do his organisations first Australian run with collaboration from the founder of the 440 Run Club Trent Knox.  It was great to debrief how this chat impacted us, the things we learnt, Mark shared his personal struggles and we emphasised why it's importnat for men of all ages to involve themselves in initiatives like this one.  Hope you enjoy Follow us Here: @wiseguysau Follow Run Grateful: @rungratefulofficial

On this episode we chatted with Jeffrey Morgan.  Growing up in Redfern Jeff became a product of his environment, which led him to a lifetime of crime. Serving 18 years in prison due to bank robberies and other criminal activity Jeff decided one day that he had enough and changed his whole life. Now Jeff with his winning formula spends his time helping other people change their lives.  We chatted about relationships, mental health, showing up for your friends and the lessons Jeff learnt along the way.  I hope you guys enjoy. 

This episode Sam sat down with Keegan Hipgrave, former NRL player and host of the Keegan and Company podcast.  After fulfilling his dream of playing first grade rugby league, Keegan was forced to medically retire at 24 due to concussions. Since then Keegan has worked with the whatability foundation, launched a mental health podcast featuring guests such as Ariarne Titmus, Pat Carrigan and Jarrod Wallace, and is about to begin a degree In psychology to gain a greater understanding of mental health and to help prevent tragic losses in the future, like Keegan experienced when losing his friend & teammate to suicide as a 17 year old. For only being 26 Keegan had so much knowledge to share and we are sure you will enjoy this one.  Follow Keegan On Instagram: @keeganhipgrave Follow His Podcast: @keeganandcompanypod Follow Us: @wiseguysau

On this episode we sat down with a wheelchair rugby league star, Stephan Rochecouste. Stephan spoke to us about his experience living with a disability, his time playing with the Australian and NSW wheelchair rugby league teams, dating with a disability and more. Hope you guys enjoy this one.  Follow us on Instagram @wiseguysau

On this episode we chatted with celebrity chef Jason Roberts.  In the early 2000's Jason had his own cooking show on Channel 9 5 days a week and also worked in the US on popular shows such as Good Morning America and E.  Jason started his professional cooking career here in Sydney and became one of the nations most notorious chefs.  He has had an incredible life journey and shared with us some amazing advice.  Hope you guys enjoy.  Follow Jason on Instagram: @chefjasonroberts Follow us on Instagram: @wiseguysau

On this episode we speak with a drug and alcohol expert Paul Dillon. We had a lot of questions... Paul broke down some of the harsh truths about drug and alcohol abuse, statistics around drug use, what is really inside a lot of the drugs being consumed, the drink and drug culture within Australia and how it has evolved and much more.. A very interesting discussion. Follow Paul on Instagram: @dillonpauldarta Follow us on Instagram: @wiseguysau

On this episode Sam and I speak with two brothers Alex and Zac Noble. Alex at the age of 16 became a quadriplegic after being tackled during rugby training while representing his state. Since then Alex has continued to inspire those around him through his positive mindset, incredible work ethic and his ambition to leave a mark in this world that will out live himself.  As a quadriplegic Alex is currently writing a book, finishing his uni degree, works in finance, starting up his own boat chartering business and does motivational talks. Truly the wisest 21 year old we have ever met and the definition of what we consider a Wise Guy.  Alex and Zac both went to the same high school as Sam and I, and both brothers are succeeding and excelling despite the obstacles life have thrown their way. We hope you enjoy this powerful story. Follow Alex on Instagram: @ifightyoufight  Follow us on Instagram: @wiseguysau

On this episode Sam sat down with Trent Maxwell, or as others know him as Lifeguard Maxi.  Sam and Trent, spoke about his time on the hit show Bondi Rescue, his role as a firefighter battling blazes around Sydney and most notably the large bush fires we had in 2019-20. Maxi is also an author of childrens books about safety and travels the world educating people on how to respond/handle life or death situations.  Most importantly Maxi is just a great bloke and we hope you enjoy this episode.  Follow Maxi on Instagram: @lifeguardmaxi Follow Us on Instagram: @wiseguysau

"Don't wait for things to be perfect because they never will" On this episode we sat down with Louie Collins, the founder of an up and coming contemporary based fashion and lifestyle brand, Five By Flynn. Louie started the brand when he was just 22 years old and he has done an amazing job building it from the ground up and now has his own store front in Paddington. He has got big plans for future and is surely building an Australian clothing brand that will be around for the future. It was great conversation chatting with a young ambitious entrepreneur so we hope you guys enjoy. Follow Five By Flynn on Instagram: @fivebyflynn  Follow Us On Instagram: @wiseguysau

 On this episode we spoke to the founder of the 440 Club in Bronte, Trent Knox. Trent spoke to us about what the 440 means to his community and himself, his battle against alcohol/substance abuse and his advice on how to start living a better life. Trents philosophy around starting your weekend right by getting up at 5am on the Saturday has not only changed his life for the better but many people within his local community. Hope you guys enjoy this one. Follow the 440 Club on Instagram:@the_440 Follow Us on Instagram: @wiseguysau

On this episode we had the pleasure of talking to a 2 time boxing world champion Billy Dib. Not only has Billy reached the pinnacle of his chosen career as an athlete but he has overcome more adversity then anyone we have spoken to yet. Growing up as a young boy Billy dealt with racism and bullying, the passing of his wife at the age of 28 to cancer, being robbed and stolen from during his career and now most recently overcoming a cancer battle of his own where he was told he only had 6 months to live. Billy is one of the strongest men we've ever met, but the thing that stood out the most is his amazing nature and desire to help others around him. This is a very inspirational episode and we hope you enjoy. Follow Billy on Instagram: @billydib Follow Us on Instagram: @wiseguysau

On this episode we talk with NRL Legend Anthony Minichiello. We spoke about the ups & downs of his career, the greatest players he played with, his injury troubles, retirement, diet/nutrition, fasting and much more in what is the most exciting podcast we have recorded thus far. We are sure you will all enjoy this one as much as we did. Follow Mini on Instagram: @minichiello001 Follow Us on Instagram: @wiseguysau 

On this episode we had 2 guests at once Troy Douglas & Lockie Cooke, who are both incredibly successful entrepreneurs who started businesses at a very young age.  Troy founded his business Nexpa when he was 21 years old and has now turned that into Goodness Group Global which is one of the worlds largest providers of Sugar Free sweet tasting beverages. Lockie has also started a business called IYarn which is an evidence based performance and wellbeing platform and is also officially our podcasts first ever sponsor.  This was an amazing chat about the entrepreneurial journey and these guys were full of great advice.    Follow us on Instagram: @wiseguysau  

On this episode we sat down with Brad Gimbert, a 27 year old indigenous Australian who's inspiring story has been doing it's rounds lately, with some of the biggest podcasts in the country booking him on. Before all this recent success Brad was born as a heroin baby who still has never met either of his biological parents, he was adopted at a very young age, living in housing commissions in his late teens and struggling to stay out of trouble. Brad also became a prodigy boxer and was always smart gifted kid, but as his life was finally turning around he got sent to prison for beating a pedophile into a coma who was sneaking into his nieces bedroom window. Brad is now running a successful business called Indigenous Wealth, which is a fully run indigenous organisation that aims to create 100 indigenous millionaires by 2025 and he's got much bigger plans for the future. This conversation was pretty mind blowing hearing how much this guy had to overcome but we couldn't recommend it more. Follow Us on Instagram: @wiseguysau

On this episode we spoke with one of the most inspirational and disciplined individuals we have ever come across... Courtney Joyce. 4 years ago Courtney was living in a small mining town working in a mine 6 days a week and felt as if he was the same as everyone else. Fast-track 4 years Courtney has started and sold a business that had over 50 staff, he now founded a new business and owns multiple gyms, he is 2 years sober, he ran 200 half marathons in 200 days and is a true testament of how you can turn your life around. He had so much great advice and guidance for young people trying to be better and he knows first hand on how to get there. One of our favourite episodes we have done so we hope you enjoy. Follow Us on Instagram: @wiseguysau