The Happiest CEO Podcast

In this episode of The Happiest CEO Show, we sit down with Nathan Folkes, founder of MojoSurf, one of Australia’s most iconic surf and adventure companies. What started in 1998 as a passionate, roaming surf lifestyle became an international business helping thousands of people catch their first wave across Australia, Bali/Indonesia, Portugal and beyond. Nathan shares the real story behind building MojoSurf — from leaving school at 14, carpentry trade life, and launching a “totally rogue” pop-up surf trip from Sydney to Byron, to scaling a complex multi-location operation built on fun, freedom, and community. We also dive into the less glamorous realities of growth: cashflow pressure, hiring the right people, and learning to outsource your weaknesses before they swallow your passion. Then comes the wild pivot: when COVID hit and tourism stopped overnight, Nathan and the team had to adapt or disappear — transforming their resources (beds, buses, and a whole lot of grit) into a large-scale accommodation and transport solution supporting Pacific Island workers in Australia’s farms. That unexpected chapter sparked something bigger: a long-term commitment to Pacific communities, sustainability, and responsible tourism — including projects in Indonesia and exploratory work in places like the Solomon Islands. This is a conversation about adaptation, resilience, purpose-led growth, and what it really takes to build a business that still feels like you. What You’ll Hear In This Episode Surfing as a metaphor for business: timing, persistence, and “paddling out the back” How MojoSurf began: a phone, a cartoon brochure, and a bus headed north The truth about scaling: staff culture, systems, and outsourcing your weak spots Sustainability + responsibility: “people, planet, purpose, profit” The COVID pivot: from surf camps to supporting farm workforces and Pacific communities Lessons from “failing forward” — and why showing up matters more than perfection Nathan’s best advice: “Keep breathing. Find a way.” Nathan Folkes — Founder, MojoSurf Learn more: www.mojosurf.com

What does it really mean to live — and lead — an exceptional life? In this episode of The Happiest CEO Podcast, Sebastian chats with Marcus Pearce — speaker, author, podcaster, and co-host of the globally acclaimed 100 Not Out: Mastering the Art of Ageing Well — for a powerful conversation about purpose, performance, and redefining success. Marcus’s journey is anything but ordinary. From a high-pressure career in elite sports media (Channel Nine, AFL Footy Show, Olympic Games, World Cups) to becoming one of Australia’s most trusted voices in health, wellbeing, and personal growth, Marcus shares the wake-up calls that reshaped his life — and how leaders can avoid burning out while building something meaningful. We explore: Why exceptional standards matter more than chasing balance How CEOs can design a life that supports long-term energy, health, and happiness Lessons from 400+ conversations with the world’s greatest “graceful agers” What business leaders can learn from longevity cultures like Ikaria How to make the rest of your life the best of your life — without sacrificing ambition This episode is a must-listen for founders, CEOs, and high performers who want success that actually feels good — now and in the decades to come. 🎧 Listen in and discover how to build a business, a body, and a life that truly lasts.

In this expansive and soul-stirring episode of *The Happiest CEO*, host Sebastian invites Boris Walter: a psychotherapist, hypnotherapist, and spiritual mind guide—to share his transformational journey from life as a boilermaker to becoming a deeply attuned practitioner of healing and consciousness work.

In this illuminating episode of The Happiest CEO Podcast, Sebastian sits down with gut health educator and functional practitioner Charley O’Halloran, founder of Holistic Gut Health. Known for his popular educational content on Instagram and TikTok, Charley shares how his own battles with chronic fatigue, anxiety, and poor digestion led him to discover the power of functional medicine and holistic gut repair.

In this transformative episode of the Happiest CEO, Sebastian speaks with internationally renowned breathwork trainer John Stamoulos, a pioneer in conscious connected breathing. With over 30 years of experience, John has worked across the globe guiding individuals through profound emotional healing, trauma release, and personal breakthroughs using nothing but the breath.

In this deeply honest conversation, Sebastian welcomes Theo Bergmann, former professional footballer turned health coach, to the Happiest CEO podcast. Theo walks us through his journey from the elite world of German soccer into a courageous inner quest to reclaim his health.

In this powerful conversation, Sebastian Mierau reconnects with Pete Evans, chef-turned-wellness advocate, to trace his winding path from the kitchen to deeper explorations of health, identity, and purpose. Over the years, Pete has shifted from extreme dietary ideologies to a more fluid, embodied approach. What emerges is not a rigid system, but an invitation: to live more attentively, courageously, and in alignment with one’s deeper nature.

Tara Shields joins Sebastian in this episode to share her journey from a high-pressure fashion career in Melbourne to becoming a kinesiologist based in Byron Bay. Through kinesiology, emotional work, and energy healing, Tara guides people to unlock deeper truths, clear old beliefs, and live with more alignment, vitality, and authenticity. Her story is a powerful example of how one can move from numbing pain to cultivating self-love, purpose, and resilience.

In this deeply reflective and candid episode of the Happiest CEO Podcast, Sebastian Mierau welcomes Michael Kohan: an ICF-certified Life, Performance & Executive Coach and founder of the Elevate Life Project.

In this episode of the Happiest CEO Podcast, Joel Olsen, a seasoned myotherapist with over 20 years of experience, shares his journey into the world of muscle therapy, along with the unique techniques that define his practice.

In this deeply resonant episode of the Helsi Show, Sebastian welcomes Benny Berry, a former underground Search & Rescue team leader, firefighter, and lifeguard, who has transformed a life of service into a path of holistic healing and breath-led transformation.

In this episode of the Helsi Show, Sebastian sits down with Shae Phillips, a colon hydrotherapist whose approach to gut health extends far beyond digestion.

In this thought-provoking episode of the Helsi Podcast, Sebastian sits down with Dr. Ron Stotts, a pioneer in the field of conscious leadership and personal transformation.

In this enlightening episode of the Helsi Show, host Sebastian sits down with Dr. Libby Weaver, a renowned biochemist, nutrition specialist, and founder of Bio Blends.

In this powerful episode of the Helsi Show, Sebastian is joined by Jesseca Banchy for a candid and deeply insightful conversation about trauma, healing, and the complexity of human relationships.

In this energizing episode of the Helsi Show, Sebastian is joined by Coach Josh Wood, who shares his unconventional journey from a self-proclaimed computer nerd to a health coach with a holistic approach to long-term wellbeing.

In this episode of The Helsi Show, Sebastian sits down with Katie Gregory, founder of Whole Alchemy, for a powerful and wide-ranging conversation on the role of natural medicine in modern healthcare.

Meet Ruby Rose, a healer specializing in sound healing and mantras, as she shares her personal journey of healing and self-discovery.

In this episode, Sebastian chats with Grant Giles, a top-notch coach for athletes. They dive into why grounding is key and explore Grant's unique ways to help athletes hit their targets.

In this episode, we sit down with Tom Keily, a poet, ghostwriter, and storyteller whose work delves into love as a spiritual practice. Tom’s unique journey includes studying economics, working at a central bank, and eventually transitioning to become a cabaret director. His time spent in Turkey with a Sufi community profoundly influenced his perspective on life, creativity, and connection.