Claim OwnershipThe Growth & Banter Podcast
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Where Ideas and Strategy Meet Brutal Honesty.
Growth & Banter isn’t your average business podcast. It’s raw, intelligent, and built for ambitious founders, operators, and creatives who’ve outgrown the fluff.
You’ll hear unfiltered conversations with real business and organisational builders—not just influencers—who’ve faced the chaos, cracked the code, and came out sharper. Every episode fuses elite growth strategy with hard-won personal lessons.
If you’re tired of motivational nonsense and craving real talk with depth, this is your place. Subscribe and binge episodes that hit different: tactical, honest, and just unpolished enough to keep it real.
New drops every month. Highlights weekly. Banter guaranteed.
Growth & Banter isn’t your average business podcast. It’s raw, intelligent, and built for ambitious founders, operators, and creatives who’ve outgrown the fluff.
You’ll hear unfiltered conversations with real business and organisational builders—not just influencers—who’ve faced the chaos, cracked the code, and came out sharper. Every episode fuses elite growth strategy with hard-won personal lessons.
If you’re tired of motivational nonsense and craving real talk with depth, this is your place. Subscribe and binge episodes that hit different: tactical, honest, and just unpolished enough to keep it real.
New drops every month. Highlights weekly. Banter guaranteed.
28 Episodes
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In this episode, we are joined by professional surfer and world record holder Blakey Johnston to unpack how the ocean became his anchor for mental health resilience. In this raw and empowering conversation, Blakey shares the mental frameworks that helped him conquer both the sea and himself. You’ll learn how discipline, community, and presence build mental health resilience that outlasts any challenge, on land or in water. Expect stories that hit deep: the 40-hour world record surf at Cronulla, 4,097 waves at the wave pool, and how each became a metaphor for life’s waves of emotion. Blakey breaks down how routine, breathwork, and curiosity fuel elite performance and mental well-being. This episode isn’t about surfing—it’s about surviving. It’s a reminder that the most important record you’ll ever break is the one inside your head. Tune in now!
From building an iPhone app that hit #1 in five countries at just 19, to scaling Jack Nimble into Australia’s Production Company of the Year, this is the story of a founder who’s made every second count. In this episode, we unpack the journey of creating and selling one of Australia’s top content studios, producing viral campaigns for Netflix, Spotify and eBay, scaling a 35-person team, and navigating a three-year earn-out post-acquisition. We dive into the “secret sauce” of great partnerships, the future of production in a creator-led world, and the identity shift that comes after exiting the company you built. But the story doesn’t stop there. We explore what it means to start again with SUB3, a performance fuel brand born from a love of running, all while embracing fatherhood and training for a sub-3 marathon in Sydney, raising $12,000 for dementia research in honour of his dad. With reflections on leadership, resilience, and spotting market gaps, this conversation blends business insights with personal lessons on growth, grit, and making time matter.
How do two lads from Western Sydney flip the streetwear game on its head and build a cult brand without selling out? In this brutally honest convo, Jake and TK from Geedup Co. take us deep behind the curtains of Australia’s biggest streetwear label. No hype, no fluff—just the raw truth of what it takes to build community-led fashion that actually moves culture. From bootstrapping with bootlegs to orchestrating six-figure drops that sell out in under an hour, this episode unpacks every high-risk decision, every silent loss, and the precise strategy that made them untouchable. Expect insights on brand loyalty, pre-sell psychology, ecom fundamentals, and how to grow a fashion label without chasing trends. If you’ve ever wondered how to market without ads, how to turn customers into believers, or how to make your brand stand for something, this is it. You’ll also hear why Geedup refuses to restock, how they’ve created generational loyalty out of Western Sydney, and why most competitors will never catch up. Spoiler: It’s not just the product, it’s the presence, the people, and the positioning. This one’s not just for fashion heads. It’s for every founder, creative, and strategist who wants to build something real and make it last.
In this episode, I sat down with Leo, Jayden, and Taki—co-founders of Pool Party, one of Australia’s fastest-growing creative production agencies. What started as a humble passion project has grown into a multi-faceted brand spanning video, photo, events, and music. The boys share the wild ride, from grassroots beginnings running a local run club, to scaling a full-service creative agency trusted by global brands. We get into the highs and lows of building something from scratch: the lessons they’ve learned about branding and rebranding, navigating client briefs, managing team dynamics, and showing up consistently, even when things aren’t going to plan. There’s also plenty of candid conversation around personal growth, the power of storytelling, and how creativity—done right—builds trust that turns into long-term business. And yes, we even talk about how throwing a party can sometimes land your biggest client. It’s raw, hilarious, and packed with insights for creatives, entrepreneurs, and anyone chasing something bigger than themselves. Tune in now—whether you're building a brand, leading a team, or just need a reminder that it can all start from a simple idea and the right crew around you.
Resilience in sports isn't just about what happens in the ring. It's about the moments outside of it, the personal battles, the doubts, and the decisions that shape an athlete's path. Welcome to The Growth and Banter Podcast. In this episode, I had a chance to sit down with Olympic medalist and professional boxer Harry Garside. Harry’s story is as raw as it is inspiring. After winning gold at the 2018 Commonwealth Games and taking home bronze at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, his rise was fast. But after stepping back from professional boxing for three years, his return is about more than just training. It's about regaining self-respect, rediscovering purpose, and facing the distractions that pulled him off course. Harry shares what drew him to the sport at just nine years old, how he stayed focused through Olympic competition, and what it was like stepping into the world of media and television during his break from the ring. He talks openly about losing momentum, what snapped him back into gear, and why the next three years matter more than ever. This is a conversation about finding strength in vulnerability, learning from detours, and coming back to the core of who you are. If you're interested in the mindset behind high performance and what true resilience in sports really looks like, this one’s for you.
Episode #23: Sam Gordon – How to Build a 130+ Property Portfolio In this episode, I sit down with Sam Gordon, founder of Australian Property Scout and one of Australia’s most accomplished property investors and educators. With over 130 properties under his belt before the age of 34 and a rapidly growing education platform, School of Property, Sam is reshaping what’s possible in the property game. We dive deep into Sam’s journey, from humble beginnings to becoming Buyer’s Agent of the Year in 2024. He opens up about the misconceptions around building large portfolios, navigating market shifts like rising interest rates, and the strategies that set his team apart in a competitive space. We also get personal, chatting about the importance of mindset, culture, and building a trusted team to fuel growth at both APS and SOP. Sam shares how he leverages personal branding, social media, and strategic marketing (including our work together at GMS) to scale impact and trust online. You’ll learn: - How Sam built a 130+ property portfolio starting in his early 20s - The pros and cons of renting vs. owning as an investor - Key investment hotspots Sam believes will outperform in the next 3–5 years - The biggest lessons and challenges he’s faced in his career - Why having a strong network and mentor circle is essential to success Sam’s story is a masterclass in mindset, strategy, and scale. Whether you’re starting out or already in the game, there’s something here for every investor.
In this episode, we're joined by Eddie Nelson from Bred, and she's going to teach us how to harness the power of breathwork and the connection between the mind, body, and soul through breath. Eddie is a breathwork and Pilates practitioner committed to helping others reconnect with themselves in a fast-paced, often overwhelming world. Her own journey with breathwork began as a path to healing, and now she guides others toward that same sense of inner calm and clarity. Through conscious breathing, Eddie shows us how we can ease stress, restore balance, and come back to a more grounded, present way of being. Whether you’re new to breathwork or looking to deepen your practice, this conversation offers thoughtful insights and practical tools to support your well-being. I hope you enjoy!
In this third sit-down, I’m joined again by my good friend Daniel Hakim, founder and CEO of Club of United Business (CUB), Australia’s largest network for business owners and entrepreneurs. I’ve personally been a member since 2016, and I can wholeheartedly say that I credit a lot of my own entrepreneurial journey and success with GMS Media Group (and other ventures in the works) due to the network I’ve built within CUB. From gaining lifelong friends, clients, mentors, and partnerships, CUB has given me the toolkit to tap into the brightest minds across all facets of industries and skills in Australia. Daniel is a true champion of founder-led growth, and he’s built CUB on the core values of community, trust, and meaningful connection. What started as a bold vision has now grown into Australia’s largest and most influential business network, with 4 clubhouses in 🏠 Sydney 🏠 Parramatta 🏠 Melbourne 🏠 Brisbane With further rapid national expansion on the horizon, and also the recent launch of the Boa app for early-stage business owners with high-profile stakeholders, including Mark Bouris. We dive into his journey, the power of authentic business relationships, and how CUB is transforming the way entrepreneurs connect and grow. As the old saying goes, “your network is your networth”. 🎧 Tune in now to hear how Daniel is redefining networking in Australia.
In this episode, I’m joined by Dain Walker, founder and brand strategist behind Rivyl, one of Australia’s fastest-growing branding agencies. From working out of his bedroom to leading a team creating brand identities for global clients, Dain has built a reputation as a bold thinker with a unique eye for strategy, storytelling, and social influence. Dain’s journey started with a deep curiosity about psychology, persuasion, and the mechanics of branding. Armed with nothing but a laptop and a vision, he began posting educational content on Instagram, growing his personal brand to over 600,000+ followers. That online presence became the engine behind Rivyl’s rapid rise, attracting clients from startups to ASX-listed companies. Some recent highlights for Dain and Rivyl include: Over 1 million impressions per month across social media Winner of the 2024 Australian Business Award for Brand Excellence Global client roster spanning the US, UK, UAE, and beyond Tune in for an unfiltered look at what it takes to build a brand that turns heads, earns trust, and drives results, plus the mindset shifts that helped Dain go from solo creative to branding powerhouse.
In this episode, I’m joined by Theo Chambers, co-founder and CEO of Shore Financial, Australia’s No.1 independent brokerage. Under his leadership, Shore has grown from writing $5 million to over $300 million in home loans each month, picking up major awards along the way, including Champion Brokerage of the Year seven years in a row. Theo’s story started at just 19, door-knocking to sell Foxtel. A chance run-in with a CBA manager led him into banking. But after using a broker to buy his first property, he realised he was on the wrong side of the game and made the leap into broking. Fast forward to today, and Shore Financial is a powerhouse in the industry. Some of the accolades achieved by Shore Financial include: 6 brokers named in AFG’s Top 50 Brokers of 2024 Finalist for Customer Service of the Year (Office) – Australian Broking Awards 2023 MPA Rising Star 2025 In this episode, Theo dives into: How soaring interest rates have shaken up borrowing power The tech and team structure fueling Shore’s explosive growth Why media hype and buyer sentiment can swing the market What it takes to build a winning team and keep clients coming back Tune in for an inside look at what it really takes to scale a top-performing brokerage in today’s fast-paced market and why a strong personal brand and streamlined systems make all the difference.
From 0 to over 3 million followers in over 2 years. Discover the story behind Tor Minell and her famous food recipe brand Recipes by Victoria. What started out as a hobby, turned into a viral sensation amassing over 1.4M on Instagram, 1.6M on TikTok and 100,000 Substack subscribers with 1 video alone generating over 175M views! All in under 2 years. Want to find out how she turned this passion into a thriving business and left her full-time job? Tune in to the full episode.
In this episode, we are joined by Richard Bell, a prominent Australian entrepreneur known for his leadership in the early childhood education sector and his ventures in business investment. He currently serves as the CEO of Little Zak's Academy, a leading early childhood education and care provider in Australia. Under his leadership, the academy has expanded to employ over 1,800 staff members and operates multiple centers across the country. His leadership has driven the academy’s commitment to a play-based curriculum, high-quality child care, exceptional extracurricular programs, and a strong operational framework—all aligned with the National Quality Framework. Beyond his role in education, Richard is also the founder of Business Leaderz Group, a boutique investment and advisory firm dedicated to helping businesses scale, strategize, and succeed. His entrepreneurial excellence was recognized in 2020 when he was honored with Sydney’s Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award in the Finance category. Through his ventures and thought leadership, Richard Bell continues to shape Australia's business landscape, particularly in education and investment. Tune in to gain insights from his journey and learn how strategic leadership can drive success!
From a Spare Room to an International Activewear Empire! In this episode, we’re joined by Don & Matilda Robertson, the power couple behind STAX - Australia’s No.1 all-inclusive activewear brand What started in a spare room in Perth has now grown into a global empire - proving that passion, persistence, and hard work pay off. Now with over 160 staff and 10+ retail locations. STAX has even been worn by global icons like Jennifer Lopez, Lizzo, and Megan Fox. Tune in as they share: How STAX was built from the ground up to a team of 160+ The transition from e-commerce to retail with 10+ locations What it takes to scale a business internationally and worn by celebrities This episode is packed with insights for entrepreneurs, dreamers, and anyone chasing their passion. Don’t miss it!
Episode 15 with Jane Lu aka “The Lazy CEO” Founder & Owner of ShowPo and Shark on Shark Tank Australia What started with a laptop and two shelves of clothing in her parent's garage in Sydney in 2010 is now a $100M+ global fashion empire, offering thousands of trend-driven styles to 120+ countries. In March 2023, Jane’s expertise and entrepreneurial spirit earned her a spot on Shark Tank on Network 10 as one of the esteemed “sharks.” Jane’s incredible journey has been recognised with numerous accolades such as: 🏆 2015: Named Cosmopolitan Entrepreneur of the Year. 🏆 2016: Included in the Forbes Asia “30 Under 30” list. 🏆 2016 & 2017: Featured in Smart Company’s “Hot 30 Under 30” list. 🏆 2017: Ranked among the most-viewed fashion professionals on LinkedIn. 🏆 2017: Debuted on The Australian Financial Review “Young Rich List.” 🏆 2018: Online retailer of the year, Excellence in International fulfillment, and top social retailer 🏆 And the list goes on! Jane shares her inspiring journey of transforming an idea into a global success and what it takes to continue to innovate with fast paced market demands. She also reveals the challenges she overcame during startup and most recently during the COVID lockdowns, the lessons she learned, and her secrets to building a global business empire. She also talks about juggling family life, now being a mother of 2 whilst still living life to the fullest. Don’t miss this chance to learn valuable insights and tips from one of Australia’s top female entrepreneurs.
Allan Dib, a serial entrepreneur, innovative marketer, technology expert, author of The Lean Marketing Plan and The 1-Page Marketing Plan, and #1 Best Seller on Amazon, has a proven track record of building, scaling, and exiting successful businesses across diverse industries. Notably, his last venture in the highly competitive telecommunications sector grew from a startup to being named one of Australia’s fastest-growing companies, earning a spot on the prestigious BRW Fast 100 list within just four years. As a sought-after business coach, consultant, and public speaker, Allan regularly shares his cutting-edge strategies and actionable insights with audiences worldwide. Now, he’s ready to share his proven techniques for becoming a top seller on Amazon. Get ready to learn from the best!
Episode 13 features Alexander Phillips, partner at PPD and recognised as the top sales agent in Australia for an impressive 9 consecutive years from 2016 to 2024. With over 200 sales each year and having sold $1 billion of property in 2023 within his core team, Alex maintains the same high level of service and dedication, whether a property sells in one day or takes three months. Since 2016, his listings have averaged just 21 days on the market—less than half the Sydney average—with nearly 50% sold to buyers from his database. By utilising targeted campaigns and engaging marketing strategies, along with his negotiation skills and ability to instill confidence, Alex has established himself as Australia’s premier real estate agent. Alex shares his insights on personal growth and discusses the upcoming trends in the property market over the next 3-5 years. This podcast is perfect for anyone eager to gain insights and strategies on how to lead a successful full-rounded career and life. Tune in and enjoy the episode!
Episode 12 is now LIVE, featuring Kelly Phoenix Rose, an Integrated Therapist and Spiritual Advocate for cancer, women’s health, and chronic illness. With a focus on detoxification, purification, sacred feminine energy training, and healing trauma and illness, Kelly offers her wisdom through private sessions, programs, and podcasts. This episode is perfect for anyone seeking valuable insights from industry leaders on building a successful life. Kelly explores detoxifying the mind, body, and soul, emphasizing the importance of living a high-performance life. Tune in and enjoy the episode!
Taryn Williams is a multi-award-winning founder & CEO, and over the course of 20+ years has earned a reputation as one of Australia’s most prolific entrepreneurs at the intersection of talent, media, and technology. Her latest project is #Gifted, a Shopify plug-in enabling brands to manage their influencer contra gifting at scale, which is already being used by some of Australia’s biggest brands including Accor Hotels, PE Nation, Estee Lauder, and Panasonic. Co-founded with early-stage Canva and Atlassian employee, James Dumay, this SaaS business launched in 2023. Among numerous awards & accolades – 2018 Mumbrella Award for Innovation, 2017 B&T Women in Media Tech Leader, B&T Hot 30 under 30, & SmartCompany 30 under 30 to name a few – Taryn has also been named as a finalist for leading national awards including Female Entrepreneur of the Year Award, Women's Agenda Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year, and AIM Young Entrepreneur of the Year. Taryn is a sought-after commentator on tech, entrepreneurship, and business disruption. In this session, she will share her entrepreneurial journey and valuable insights on how you can leverage influencers to make your brand go viral online!
Join us for an inspiring conversation with Christian Stevens as he shares his journey from becoming Australia’s top mortgage broker 3 years in a row to founding his own firm - Flint - which already boasts a team of 60 in its first year. This podcast is perfect for anyone seeking valuable insights and strategies from industry leaders, as well as the highs and lows of building a successful life.
Join us for an inspiring conversation with Australian Fashion Authority, Pip Edwards, the incredible Founder and Creative Director of PE Nation. 🙌 Pip will take us on her journey of turning a dream into a thriving business, sharing the ups, downs, and everything in between. Plus, she’ll dive into the exciting rebrand of PE Nation, revealing the strategies and lessons she’s learned along the way. Don’t miss this chance to learn from one of the best in fashion and business.
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