The You Project

The title is in no way indicative of the majority of the conversation but Carly used the term in our chat and it made me laugh. Apparently, it's what she does when her husband (Paul) is away. And in more serious news... Carly and I chat about dealing with their son’s rare medical condition, raising an entrepreneurial daughter who started a proper business at 14 (and is now 18), the concept of can't vs. won't, good old-fashioned hard work, finding the ‘right medicine' (diet, psychotherapy, exercise program, lifestyle) for you, stoicism in the home, preparing for the inevitable sh*t-storm (it comes for us all), re-training in your 60's and the inspirational woman who just finished her nursing degree (and started nursing) at 70! Enjoy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Did you know that, while psychopaths can understand the theory of empathy (that's a weird term isn't it?) and the social currency of being 'seen' as a kind and caring person, they don't actually have the capacity to experience empathy for others. That is, they can have the intellectual understanding (of it) but not the emotional experience (of it). Accordingly, they will often use their intellectual insight to 'role play’ (fake) empathy, all-the-while orchestrating some kind of social, emotional and psychological manipulation for their own benefit. Not scary at all! As David and I take a leisurely stroll down 'Psychopath Lane', we talk about gaslighting (and the origin of the term), the most-read book in the US prison system, a thing called consensus effect, the tell-tale signs of psychopathy and he offers five strategies for surviving personal and professional interactions with your garden-variety psychopath. Enjoy. davidgillespie.orgSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Let’s be honest, some of us have been waiting for the mystical, magical, mysterious ‘right time’ to change our lives (situation, circumstance, lifestyle, career, habits, health, outcomes) for decades. Wanting to change our reality for the better, while simultaneously doing stupid sh*t that actually makes our situation worse. Wasting time, talent, energy and opportunities in the ultimate act of self-sabotage and self-destruction. Maybe it’s time to stop?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This chat with Gavin McCormack and Dan Lakis about how to inspire, encourage, support and guide kids through an optimal learning experience is both enlightening and inspiring. They're both great blokes doing great work, having a big impact and shaping young lives in a powerful way. I love how they think, I love their energy and intent and I feel like we’re kindred spirits. Enjoy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's 'self-help' the product (book, program, course) and then there's 'self-help' the process; literally helping yourself by making brave choices, doing hard things, asking great questions, owning up to your BS, being resilient, getting back up when most would give up, being consistent with your effort and completely committing to the practical process of changing yourself and your life for the better, no matter how uncomfortable, uncertain, unfamiliar or inconvenient that journey may be.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brad and Carly Cunningham are friends and regulars on TYP. They own an amazing business called 'The Fit Shop' and 6 days ago (as I type), their beautiful facility burned to ground, leaving them, their staff and their members 'homeless'. As I always say, bad things happen to good people and life gives no f**ks about you, your feelings or (in Brad and Carly's case) your business, financial security or the three young kids you have to feed. I think it's important to have conversations with people when things aren't going great. When stress, anxiety, uncertainty and fear abound. Why? Because it's real. It's where we spend much of our lives; in the mayhem, madness, unfairness and complexity. Despite their sh*t week, they have an incredible outlook and I think you'll enjoy this chat. thefitshop.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Patrick's back talking about 'sharenting' (the practice of parents posting pics of their kids online), the drone version of home deliveries (it's happening), the comeback of vinyl records, the death of certain professions courtesy of Al, a paintball-blasting home security system (I want one), how insurance companies are using drones to find reasons to void your home insurance, our lunch 'date’ and lots more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hardiness (n): the ability to endure difficult conditions. Our favourite Irishman is back quoting the stoics (okay, mainly Epictetus), talking about raising hardy kids, Pollyanna Optimism, the impact of our thoughts on our body, embracing what most avoid, choosing the narrow path and in general, telling us why we need to harden-the-f**k-up. As he does. Enjoy. paultaylor.bizSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At the youthful age of sixty, Tony Mantz (Jack the Bear) is figuring out what he wants to do with the rest of his life. The guy who once tipped the scales at 170kgs and consumed eight litres of coke daily (216 teaspoons of sugar), while having an actual coke (cocaine) habit is back and we had a great chat about reinvention, possibilities, ageism, retirement, getting better with age, the psychology of age, starting over, building a new career (at sixty) and lots more. Enjoy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A hundred years ago (feels like) I read Stephen Covey's 'The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People.' Habit 5 is the title of this episode and over the years this directive (to understand others) has proven to be one of the most powerful, relevant and helpful ideas across a broad range of situations, contexts and roles (for me). Not only has it been invaluable in my capacity as a Coach, Professional Speaker, Exercise Scientist, Business Owner, Author, and Podcaster, but also, it is the cornerstone of my PhD research; understanding ‘The You Experience' (for others). Keep in mind that 'to understand' does not mean to agree, align or condone; no, it just means to have (some) insight into the thoughts, feelings, drivers and actions of others. Enjoy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Turns out that Cameron Schwab and I have a few things in common; (1) we were born in the same year (2) we're both fascinated with human potential and high-performance (3) we've both worked at AFL clubs (him in much more important roles than me) (4) we've both dealt with ongoing self-doubt and imposter syndrome (5) we've both led big teams/groups and (6) we've both felt (and maybe, been) wildly out of our depth, while trying to appear totally in control (lol). In a nutshell, two average blokes trying to do better than average.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

And no, I'm not suggesting you take up smoking! This is another fun and insightful chat with Dr. Michelle Woolhouse where we explore the healing power of love, kindness and connection. We also chat about the social status symbol that is ‘the busy badge’, owning up to being part of the problem, the stories we tell ourselves and the impact those stories have on our health, healing outside of the traditional medical model, feeling guilty about resting or having a day off, moving the metaphoric goal posts, the epidemic of discontent and lots more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode is essentially me sharing something that l have written over the last few days about gratitude, contentment, and the idea of 'enough’. When I started writing it, I had no intention of turning it into a TYP episode but as it grew, it became apparent that it was way too hefty (can words be hefty?) to be shared in written form on any of my platforms. So here it is in audio form; somewhat scripted, somewhat freestyle, and hopefully of interest and value. Enjoy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The following excerpt is from David's latest article posted on World Parkinson's Day (April 11): “Imagine watching a loved one's hands tremble uncontrollably, their steps falter... This heartbreaking reality confronts the families of over 200,000 Australians battling Parkinson's disease. In Australia, someone is diagnosed with Parkinson's every 27 minutes. These aren't just numbers - they're stolen futures. This isn't a mysterious affliction, it's a mass poisoning, and the culprits line the aisles of every supermarket.” This is a terrifying and enlightening conversation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This chat with Dr. David Wiss is an eye-opener and our deep dive into the psychology, sociology, physiology and practicality of the 'way we eat' was one of my favourite episodes this year. *Dr. David Wiss, Ph.D., RDN is the founder of Nutrition in Recovery and Wise Mind Nutrition, a group practice in Los Angeles specialising in substance use disorders, eating disorders, body image, mental health, and general wellness. If you have let's-call-them 'food challenges' (like me), you might love this conversation. I did. Enjoy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Among other things, Cameron Schwab has been the CEO of Richmond, Melbourne and Fremantle Football Clubs. In 1988, he became the youngest CEO in VFL/AFL history at the ripe old age of 24 (at Richmond FC). This time around, Cameron and I chat about giving and receiving feedback, interpreting the 'data' in your life, turning the theory of success into a sustainable practice, his current work coaching Carlton coach Michael Voss (coaching the coach), the prevalence of successful people feeling like failures and frauds, the potential emotional and psychological letdown after we achieve a goal (what now?) and lots more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I was recently on Tiff's show (Roll With the Punches) and naturally, I was the interviewee, not the interviewer. In this tables-turned version, she definitely seized her moment to ask some hard questions, push a few buttons and knock on a few personal doors that I haven't really opened on a podcast. I'm not sure that it's a particularly inspirational chat but it's about as vulnerable as I've been in any public interview. Hopefully there's some value in it for you. Enjoy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Judoka Nathan Katz is a two-time Olympian, his brother is an Olympian, his mum is an Olympian and his dad is a Coach of numerous Olympians. In the world of Judo, the Katz family is something special. This chat with Nathan was an eye-opener into the world of an elite combat sport. Forget the training, the exhaustion, the injuries and the pain of being choked out by a gorilla, I couldn't even deal with the diet or the extreme weight-cutting. Enjoy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you're up for a mini workshop and some reflection on whether or not the things that you say matter to you (beliefs, values, goals, actions, purpose, etc.) align with your typical choices, behaviours, habits, communication and lifestyle, then this is for you. If not, see you tomorrow.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mares Van Lambaart is back talking all-things mental health and it's fair to say that we covered lots of territory. 'Most people are familiar with the idea of physical first aid courses that teach the skills and knowledge required to recognise and respond to life-threatening emergencies and provide a first aid response across a range of different situations. Mental Health First Aid training adopts a similar approach. Using a practical, skills-based action plan, participants learn the skills to recognise and respond to someone experiencing a mental health problem or mental health crisis, until professional help is received or the crisis resolves. Individuals who complete Mental Health First Aid training are known as MHFAiders. Equipped with the skills to listen, connect, and offer support when it matters most, MHFAiders play a vital role in reducing stigma and promoting pathways to support for those experiencing mental health problems in our workplaces, communities, schools, and tertiary institutions.' *Copy courtesy of the MHFA website.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.