Straight Talk with Mark Bouris
Too often, we avoid real conversations. Entrepreneur Mark Bouris sits down and gets to know people, understands what makes them tick, and shares the great and unusual things they’re doing. There’s no sugar coating. There’s no hiding behind fancy marketing slogans. Just an honest conversation.
Episodes
Economist Chris Joye WARNS: "We're Going Into Recession" And How We Fix It
In this episode of Straight Talk, I sit down with economist Chris Joye for round five, a frank conversation about government spending, immigration, productivity and Australia’s economic future. Chris argues that Australia’s challenges run deeper than events in the Middle East. He examineswhat he describes as $660 billion in additional government debt since 2022, the pressure population
Property Experts Warning: Australian House Prices Could Fall Another 10%
Australian house prices are down 7% from their national peak — and according to SQM Research’s Louis Christopher, there’s an 80% probability they’ll fall another 5–10% over the next six months. In this Straight Talk roundtable, Mark Bouris sits down with Louis and auctioneer Tom Panos to unpack what’s happening in Australia’s property market, why buyers ar
Adam Gilchrist: “Have I Been A Hoax?” — The Truth Behind His Cricket Career
Adam Gilchrist built one of the greatest cricket careers Australia has ever seen — and almost nobody knows how close he came to losing it. In this episode of Straight Talk, Mark Bouris sits down with Gilly to unpack the mindset behind elite performance: what it's like to get booed onto the field at 22, how a single email from a mate mid-Test-match changed the way he thinks forever, and why t
Wallabies Coach Les Kiss: The Road Ahead for Australian Rugby & the 2027 World Cup
Australian rugby has a massive opportunity ahead of it. A home World Cup in 2027, a new Wallabies coach and a chance to rebuild one of the great sporting teams in the country. Les Kiss is the new head coach of the Wallabies, a former Queensland State of Origin player and one of the few coaches to have worked at the highest level across both rugby league and rugby union. In this episode of Straight
UFC Champ Alex Volkanovski on Retirement, His Next Fight & Life Outside the Ring
Alex Volkanovski walked into Mark's studio years ago with no idea what his brand was. Now he's a former UFC featherweight world champion, part-owner of a fight gear company, building a media presence through Cooking with Volk, and defending his belt at 38 — by choice, not necessity. This is a conversation about identity, purpose, and what happens when elite athletes build something that last
Johnathan Thurston "I was going down the wrong path": The Decision That Changed My Life
Johnathan Thurston didn't make the Broncos academy as a kid — and that rejection lit a fire that carried him to four Dally M Medals, three Golden Boots, and the most iconic grand final moment in NRL history. But this conversation goes well beyond football. JT breaks down the chess match inside rugby league in a way you've never heard before — body language reads, defensive line manipul
The Atlassian Story: The Rise of the Tech Bros & the Ultimate Broken Partnership
Two journalists from The Australian spent years digging into the real story behind tech giant Atlassian, and turned it into a book. It traces how two UNSW graduates built a global software company from a Glebe share house into a NASDAQ listed giant worth more than $100 billion at its peak. Along the way, Mike Cannon-Brookes and Scott Farquhar became best men at each other's weddings and eventually
James Tedesco: The Mindset that made him an NRL Great & the life he's building after footy
James Tedesco has won grand finals, captained his state and country, and collected more Jack Gibson Medals than anyone in Roosters history. But what drives a man who's already achieved everything rugby league has to offer? In this episode of Straight Talk, Teddy discusses the self-doubt that never goes away, the mindset work he's done since 2015, and the brutal discipline of consistency that separ
Punters Politics' Konrad Benjamin: "Politicians Fear Lobbyists More Than They Fear Us"
Konrad Benjamin is the creator of Punters Politics, one of Australia's fastest-growing independent political commentary channels, and a former economics and PE teacher who taught across Victoria, New South Wales and China. In this episode, he sits down with me to dissect the incentive structures that shape Australian politics, corporate power and the housing crisis. The conversation moves from cla
The $1.6 Billion Founder: The Slow Decline of Australia Nobody Wants to Talk About & How We Win!
Charlie Gearside co-founded a $1.6 billion telehealth empire from scratch. No medical background, no blueprint, just a bet that Australians deserved better access to healthcare. But now he's turned his attention to something bigger, a cultural movement to remind Australia how to take risks again. This episode covers how Eucalyptus went from a $2 million Blackbird raise to a US acquisition, why Aus
F1 Legend Mark Webber: The Crash That Nearly Killed Me, Oscar Piastri, & rival Sebastian Vettel
Mark Webber is 1 of only 5 Australians to win a Formula 1 Grand Prix and a 9-time race winner who competed at the highest level of motorsport for over a decade alongside Michael Schumacher, Sebastian Vettel, and Lewis Hamilton. In this episode, Mark traces his journey from being a ball boy for the Canberra Raiders in Queanbeyan to holding up that 1st-place trophy on the infamous Monaco podium... t
NRL Boss Peter V’landys on the Historic $5.3B Broadcast Deal, PNG & the Future of Rugby League
Peter V'landys is the Executive Chairman of the NRL and one of Australia's most decorated sports administrators, having previously led Racing NSW through a comparable transformation. In this episode, he joins me to break down how he turned a financially fragile NRL, two months from insolvency during COVID, into a $500 million asset base backed by a record $5.3 billion broadcast deal. The conversat
Michael Cheika on the Sydney Roosters, Building Winners & Coaching Culture (round 2)
Most coaches talk about culture. Michael Cheika has actually built it — across five countries, two codes, and some of the hardest turnaround jobs in world rugby. In this live podcast at the Sydney Roosters Business Club, MB sits down with Cheika to unpack what real alignment looks like from the inside, why pressure is an illusion, and what it actually takes to build a team that knows how to
Nikki Osborne (Bush Barbie): The Aussie Comedian who broke the internet!
It’s all very serious today, so it was refreshing to have a funny conversation. Nikki Osborne didn’t just get the Prime Minister on her podcast. She DMed him, turned up at the Lodge in Canberra wearing a pith helmet, and got him talking about things you’d never hear in a press conference. In this episode of Straight Talk, I sit down with the comedian behind Bush Barbie to find ou
David Pocock on Life before politics, gas, gambling and taking on the major parties
David Pocock is a former Wallabies captain turned independent Senator for the ACT. Born on a farm in Zimbabwe, he arrived in Australia at 14 after his family lost their land in the seizures of the late 1990s, found his feet through sport, and went on to represent the Wallabies before swapping the ruck for the red benches of the Senate. I sat down with David for an honest conversation about where h
Ex-Army Soldier & Defence Investor Steve Baxter on how War has changed forever
Steve Baxter is a former Shark Tank investor, ex-Army guided weapons technician, and founder of Beaten Zone Venture Partners, a fund backing Australian defence startups and pushing them into the US market where the real money is. In this conversation, Steve takes us from growing up in outback Queensland and joining the army at 15, through building and selling one of Australia's biggest dial-up int
Gerard Rennick on How Australia’s Economy Is Broken and How We Fix It
Gerard Rennick, founder of the People First Party and former Queensland senator, joined me to discuss his journey from rural Queensland to politics and why he believes Australia needs more leaders with real-world experience. Drawing on his background in finance and a Master’s in Tax Law, Rennick shared his views on the economy, housing, taxation, productivity and capital markets. He has
Dr Nick Coatsworth: COVID Mistakes, Big Government & The Future of Australia
Former Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Nick Coatsworth joins me for a wide-ranging conversation on leadership, healthcare, and the future of Australia. Drawing on his experiences in humanitarian medicine, the COVID pandemic, and the health system, Dr Coatsworth shares his perspectives on public policy, economic challenges, and what Australia needs to do to build a stronger future. It’s a tho
Communication Expert: The 4 Psychological Drivers Behind All Self-Doubt
Most people think self-doubt is the problem. Dr. Shadé Zahrai says it's not... it's what's underneath it. In this episode we sit down with communication expert and PhD researcher Dr. Shadé Zahrai to unpack the four psychological drivers that either fuel your self-doubt or build what she calls "Big Trust." This isn't therapy-speak, it's research-backed, practical, and built for people
Exercise Expert: Dr Stacy Sims On The Best Way to Train, Eat & Age Well (Project 100)
Dr Stacy Sims is one of the world's leading exercise physiologists specialising in women's health, and she joins Project 100 to explain why the science women have been given is largely based on male data and what that means for how women should actually train, eat, and protect their healthspan. From the cellular differences between the sexes, to perimenopause, creatine, protein timing, Alzheimer's
Jim Jefferies on Albo's Joke Scandal, His Nephew's Tragic Death & America's Madness
Jim Jefferies has done 6 Netflix specials, more than any comedian on earth. But this conversation goes well beyond comedy. Jim opens up about his nephew Lieutenant Maxwell Nugent, one of four soldiers killed in the Whitsundays helicopter crash, and why he believes both Liberal and Labor governments closed ranks to bury the truth. From ICE raids to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's joke scandal, Oz
Property Expert: Why Australian House Prices Are Falling Faster Than Expected
Tim Lawless is Australia's most closely watched property data analyst and right now, the market is moving faster than anyone predicted. As Head of Research at Cotality (formerly CoreLogic), Lawless sits at the centre of every major shift in Australian housing. In this conversation, he and Mark Bouris go deep on what the federal budget has done to investor confidence, why the numbers are deteriorat
"It was a Disaster" Chris Joye on the Budget, Australia’s Property Correction, Trump & Bitcoin
Chris Joye is one of Australia's sharpest economic minds. He's a fund manager, AFR columnist, and architect of the indices used to measure Australian house prices. In this conversation, Joye delivers a blunt assessment of where Australia is headed economically. He argues the federal budget was a defining moment that exposed the government's agenda: taxing the private sector to fund an expanding pu
Socceroos Legend Mark Schwarzer on World Cup 2026, Egypt & the Italy Heartbreak That Still Stings
Mark Schwarzer is one of the greatest goalkeepers Australia has ever produced — 109 caps, a Premier League career spanning two decades, and a front-row seat to some of football's most defining moments. Recorded during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, we break down Australia's chances against Egypt, what it actually feels like to face a penalty shootout, and why he believes the current Socceroos squa
Dave Hughes: "You've lied to us all" Comedy Legend unloads on the budget & the capital gains tax & why he can't keep quiet
Dave Hughes is one of Australia's most recognisable comedians — but for the past six weeks, he has been one of the country's loudest voices on the budget changes to the Capital Gains Tax. Subscribe to the Mentored newsletter here: https://the-mentored-platform-pty-ltd.myklpages.com/l/WWJGc5 Join my exclusive Mentored+ community: https://mentored.com.au/become-a-member/ See
Shark Attack Hero Shares the Story of the Terrifying Coogee Rescue
Hi guys, there is a GoFundMe for the woman injured in the attack, to help with her recovery and ongoing expenses. If you're able to, please consider donating: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-leah-stewart-victim-of-shark-attack-in-coogee Less than a fortnight after rescuing a woman during the great white shark attack at Coogee Beach, Charlie Verco joins us to reflect on what happened. Charlie sh
Alan Kohler: "This Is Who Controls the Economy", Elon Musk & the Signals of an Economic Crisis
Alan Kohler has spent more than 50 years at the centre of Australian financial journalism — and few people alive have watched this country's booms, busts, and policy shifts with more clarity. In this conversation, Mark and Alan trace the arc of Australian capitalism from the Poseidon nickel boom of 1969 through to the rise of Elon Musk and the AI era. Alan draws striking parallels between th
Pro Boxer Liam Paro on Fighting for a World Title, Redemption & Dealing with Adversity
Liam Paro is an Australia's leading professional boxer who is fighting for the IBF Welterweight World Title on June 24, and he's never been more ready. Exclusive to Main Event on Kayo Sports – next Wednesday on the 24th!Purchase the PPV here: https://kayosports.com.au/en-AU/welcome/ppv/paro-v-crocker?extcamp=parovcrockerorgsoc-soc-kyo-lnk-kayo-acq-mma-straighttalk&channel=straighttalk&am
Michael Chammas: Building the NRL's PNG Team, Leaving Journalism & Taking Opportunities
Michael Chammas is the general manager of rugby league's newest expansion team, the PNG Chiefs, in what could be the NRL's most ambitious venture ever. The former Sydney Morning Herald journalist traded his media career for the challenge of building Papua New Guinea's first NRL club from the ground up. Chammas reveals the complex recruitment strategies needed to convince players to relocate their
Kellie Sloane: NSW Opposition Leader's Pitch to New South Wales
In this conversation with NSW Opposition Leader Kellie Sloane, she explains why she believes New South Wales has gone from the nation's top-performing economy to the bottom of the pack under Labor's watch. Kellie discusses her journey from country journalism to opposition leadership, her experience during the Bondi terror attack, and her strategy for defeating a first-term government. She also add
Business Expert on the Budget, the Housing Crisis, and Intergenerational Inequality
Naomi Simson is the founder of Red Balloon and co-founder of the Big Red Group. In this conversation, Naomi breaks down how she built a business that now delivers an experience every 16 seconds to small businesses across Australia and New Zealand. Simson also delivers her unfiltered assessment of the recent federal budget, arguing that too many changes implemented too quickly will cripple bu
Brain Expert: Why Dementia Is Australia's Number One Killer (Project 100)
All content and media by Project 100 is created and published online for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice and should not be relied on as health or personal advice. ****Professor Matthew Kiernan is CEO of Neura Australia and one of the nation's leading neurologists tackling the growing dementia crisis. Kiernan explores why dementia i
The Federal Budget Reality Check with Economist Leith van Onselen
Leith van Onselen is one of Australia's most credible economists and a straight-talking critic of government policy. In this episode, we dissect the Albanese government's latest budget and its real impact on inflation, housing affordability, and living standards. Leith explains why this isn't tax reform but simply a tax grab, how immigration policy is driving the housing crisis, and why Aust
Cooper Cronk on Craig Bellamy, NRL State Of Origin & the mindset to be great
Cooper Cronk is one of rugby league's most cerebral players and a four-time premiership winner who transformed from a modest rugby union schoolboy into one of the game's greatest halfbacks.In this conversation, Cronk reveals the mental frameworks that drove his success, from Craig Bellamy's obsession with fundamentals at Melbourne Storm to his legendary 2018 grand final performance with a broken s
2026 Federal Budget Reaction with Economist Chris Richardson
Chris Richardson is one of Australia’s most quoted economists and the founder of Rich Insight, bringing decades of expertise from his time at Deloitte Access Economics to decode complex fiscal policy. Chris and I might not agree on every aspect of this budget, but that is what makes this conversation worth having. In this analysis of Australia’s latest budget, Richardson re
Ellyse Perry: Australia's Greatest Dual-Sport Athlete on What Two Decades of Elite Sport Really Takes
Ellyse Perry is arguably Australia's greatest dual-sport athlete, the only person to have represented Australia in both cricket and football at an international level. In this conversation, she reveals the mental framework behind scoring a Test double century, why she finds deeper meaning in team sport than individual achievement, and how a competitive childhood on Sydney's North Shore set the fou
Politics Expert on the the Rise of One Nation & Gen Z’s Voting Shift
In this conversation, political strategist and pollster Kos Samaras explains how Australia’s political landscape is fragmenting beyond recognition. He reveals why traditional Liberal and Labor voters are abandoning both major parties, how disillusioned Australians are turning to One Nation and the Greens, and why the country is heading toward a more divided political future. From the c
Australia's First Astronaut: The Artemis Program, Mars Mission and Elon Musk.
Dr Katherine Bennell-Pegg is the first astronaut to be trained under the Australian flag and a critical voice in the nation's emerging space ambitions. From her headquarters at the Australian Space Agency in Adelaide, Katherine reveals how Australia is playing an essential role in the Artemis moon programme and why space exploration delivers genuine economic returns. She discusses the rigorous pro
How Did We Get Here? Australia’s Economic Reality Explained by Chris Joye
Chris Joye is one of the most influential voices in Australian finance — a fund manager, economist, public policy thinker, and weekly Australian Financial Review columnist. In this conversation, Joye delivers his starkest warnings yet about Australia's economic future. He explains why the Reserve Bank's humiliating policy reversals have set us up for a multi-year recession, how record immigr
SAS Veteran on Ben Roberts-Smith, ANZAC Day & the Truth About Afghanistan
Mark Wales is a former SAS soldier who served multiple deployments in Afghanistan, including intense combat operations that tested the limits of human endurance.In this profound conversation, Wales opens up about the psychological realities of combat, the bonds forged between soldiers under fire, and the complex moral terrain of modern warfare. He discusses the transition from military to civilian
Ben Roberts-Smith Arrest: Law Expert Reveals What’s Really Going On
James Glissan is a criminal defence lawyer who has stood on both sides of the courtroom as a former police officer and prosecutor, giving him unique insight into how Australia's justice system actually works. In this conversation, we examine the controversial Ben Roberts-Smith case and what it reveals about prosecutorial decisions, media influence, and the fundamental challenges facing our legal s
Hamish Blake on What Matters Most in life, Kyle & Jackie O, & working with Andy Lee
Hamish Blake is one half of Australia's most enduring comedy partnership and a creative force who's turned curiosity into a multi-decade career. In this conversation, Hamish opens up about his Melbourne childhood, the mathematical thinking behind his comedy, and how boredom shaped his creativity. He reveals the inner workings of his partnership with Andy Lee, from their first meeting at Melbourne
Bob Katter on Taking Down Prime Ministers, 50 years in politics & Australia Selling Itself Out
Bob Katter is one of Australia's longest-serving politician with 51 years in parliament and one of the most recognisable figures in the country. In this conversation, Katter reveals how he brought down Prime Minister Julia Gillard over the live cattle export ban, explains why he left the National Party, Australia's problem with selling out, rise of One Nation and details the structural collapse he
CIA Whistleblower Speaks Out "This is how the US & Iran war will end"
John Kiriakou is a former CIA counterterrorism officer and the only intelligence official to blow the whistle on America’s torture program and ultimately pay the price with prison time. In this revealing conversation, Kiriakou takes us inside the world of spy recruitment, from spotting targets at diplomatic parties to the devastating personal costs of intelligence work. He explains how a chi
Michael Clarke: Australia’s Most Polarising Cricket Captain on Controversies, Loss & Leadership
Michael Clarke is one of Australian cricket's most successful yet polarising captains. In this revealing conversation, Clarke opens up about his leadership philosophy, the weight of captaincy, and the personal costs of life in the spotlight. He discusses the tragic loss of teammates including Phil Hughes, Shane Warne and Andrew Symonds, shares insights on modern cricket's evolution, and reflects o
SAS Commander Breaks Down the WW3 Threat & Australia’s Role in a Global Conflict
Mark Wales is a former SAS soldier who served multiple tours in Afghanistan and Iraq, now providing strategic analysis on the unfolding Middle East conflict and Australia's defence vulnerabilities. Wales breaks down the current Iran operation, explaining how it differs from previous Middle East campaigns and why traditional military technology still requires boots on the ground. He discusses
AI Safety Expert: Warfare Will Never Be The Same & Which Jobs Will Go Next
Toby Walsh is one of the world's foremost artificial intelligence researchers — a professor at UNSW, author of multiple books on AI, and a regular voice at the United Nations on the governance of autonomous weapons. In this conversation, Mark Bouris and Walsh cover the full arc of AI: from Alan Turing's original question about machine intelligence, to the way ChatGPT actually works, to the c
The problem with Australian politics! Craig Laundy on Energy, AI and Australia’s Next Crisis
Craig Laundy joins me in Las Vegas for a direct conversation on business, politics and legacy, from the Bulldogs’ resurgence to the Laundy family’s investment in 2GB. We unpack the future of Australian politics, the role of AI, economic pressure points and what it takes to build long term impact across generations. Join my exclusive Mentored+ community: https://mentored.com.au/bec
#230: Braith Anasta: Footy, Fatherhood & The Pain That Shaped Me
NRL star turned Fox League host Braith Anasta joins me for an honest, wide-open conversation about footy, family, mental health and life after the game. We get into:• Losing his dad to suicide at 15• Mental health• NRL career highlights• Who scared him the most in the game• What he learned from the Johns brothers• Dealing with controversy• Fatherhood• Transi
#229 Elvis Smylie: Australia’s Next Golf Superstar on Winning Big & Thinking Bigger
At just 23 years old, Elvis Smylie is already making serious noise in world golf. Fresh off a breakthrough win and a multi-million dollar payday, Australia’s most exciting young golf prospect sits down to unpack the mindset behind his rapid rise. Elvis opens up about the independence required in golf, the pressure of performing on global stages, and why ownership of your career matters more
#228 Chris Kohler: "Australia’s Economy Is Controlled By A Few Giants!" THIS Thing Making You Poorer.
Chris Kohler is a 35 year old Australian financial journalist, author, and content creator, currently serving as Finance Editor across the 9News network. As one of the most recognisable faces in Australian business reporting, he is known for making complex economic issues clear and accessible to everyday Australians. Purchase Chris's book here: https://www.penguin.com.au/books/how-they-get-you-978
#227 Anthony Mundine: The Most Controversial Personality in Australian Sports History
Anthony Mundine is one of the most talked about and polarising figures in Australian sporting history. Known as The Man or Choc, Mundine’s career spans elite rugby league, world title boxing, music and outspoken views on politics, health, and culture. Few athletes have crossed as many boundaries or challenged as many institutions while staying true to themselves. In this conversation, Mundin
#226: The Business of the UFC | Inside the Fight Game with Tim Simpson
Just in time for the UFC in Sydney, one of the most iconic fighter managers, Tim Simpson, joins us for a deep dive into the business of the fight game. We get into how Tim became one of the most prominent managers in the sport, what it really takes to be smart in this game, the new broadcast deal, what fighters actually go through, some wild behind-the-scenes stories, the White House card, and muc
#225 Big Chocky: Australia’s New Controversial Voice on Why Politics Is Failing Us
Chris Katelaris, known online as Big Chocky, brings a perspective you don’t hear often.Adopted from Colombia at just two months old by a Greek-Cypriot Australian family, Chris has a deep love for Australia and grew up navigating questions of identity, belonging, and purpose. That lived experience now sits at the centre of why his content is striking a nerve with so many Australians.In this c
“It’s Been Kept from the Public”: TV Journalist Ross Coulthart Didn’t Believe in UFO's until…
Ross Coulthart is one of Australia’s most prominent investigative journalists, known most recently for his fearless reporting on unexplained aerial phenomena (UAPs) or UFOs. He joins the podcast to discuss his career uncovering hard truths, the role of curiosity in journalism, declining trust in governments and media, and his deep investigations into UAPs, military encounters with unidentifi
#223 Cooking Up Change: Shiza Shahid on Non-Toxic Cooking, Malala & Girls’ Education
Shiza Shahid is an entrepreneur, investor, and social activist dedicated to advancing girls’ education and women’s rights. Shiza co-founded the Malala Fund in 2013 alongside Malala Yousafzai, helping build a global movement for girls’ education while navigating complex political and cultural realities. She later co-founded Our Place, a modern kitchenware brand focused on connecti
BEST MOMENTS OF STRAIGHT TALK 2025 (PART 2)
So thankful to speak to all these legends this year. There were so many great Straight Talk episodes .Who would you love to see on next year? Check out some highlights and let me know which was your favourite in the comments! 0:00:00 Greg Norman00:16:02 Andy Cooks00:30:03 Tony Abbott00:42:18 Matt Ford & Jack Steele (Inspired Unemployed)00:50:21 Michelle Payne01:03:30 John LawsSee omnystu
BEST MOMENTS OF STRAIGHT TALK 2025 (Part 1)
So thankful to speak to all these legends this year. There were so many great Straight Talk episodes. Who would you love to see on next year? Check out some highlights and let me know which was your favourite in the comments! 00:00:00 — John Howard00:16:09 — Dana White & Premier Minns00:23:54 — Prime Minister Anthony Albanese 00:34:03 — Delvene Delaney 00:44:00 —
#222 Richard de Crespigny: The Pilot Who Saved 440 Qantas Passengers
Richard de Crespigny is the former Qantas A380 captain who was pilot-in-command of Qantas Flight 32, which suffered a catastrophic uncontained engine failure shortly after take-off from Singapore in 2010 with 440 people on board. In this episode, Richard takes us inside the cockpit to explain how leadership, teamwork and disciplined decision-making prevented disaster when the aircraft experienced
#221: Greg Norman on LIV Golf, disruption, playing with US Presidents & Australia’s Best PM
Greg Norman changed the game of professional golf forever, both on and off the course. Greg is Australia’s most iconic golfer, who has disrupted the game of golf with LIV. Greg was world No.1 for 331 weeks through the 80s and 90s, and used his nickname to create the Shark brand, which has gone on to become an extremely lucrative global business. We spoke about:• Disrupting golf forever
#220 Wyatt Roy: Australia’s Youngest Ever MP on Saudi Arabia’s Vision & the Future of Innovation
Wyatt Roy might not be a household name like our famous sportspeople, politicians or actors, but he is a young Australian playing a major role in one of the most innovative projects of our time. Wyatt is Australia’s youngest ever federal MP and was a key leader driving innovation inside Saudi Arabia’s NEOM project, one of the most ambitious city building visions in modern history. In t
#219 Larry Emdur: 40 Years in TV, Staying Relevant & a New Chapter in Business
Larry Emdur has been a household name and TV icon in Australia for decades. In this conversation, Larry talks about growing up in Bondi, breaking into television, and the highs and lows that shaped his career. He opens up about what it takes to stay at the top of the media game, the importance of connecting with an audience, and why he still loves getting up early for the morning show. We also div
#218: Ricky Ponting on the Ashes, Pat Cummins, Indian cricket & stories you’ve never heard before
Ricky Ponting is a 50-year-old Australian cricket legend, former national captain, coach, commentator, and one of the most accomplished batsmen in the history of the sport. It was awesome to get him in here just in time for the Ashes period. We spoke about his childhood, mindset, iconic career, leading one of the greatest ever cricket teams, managing big personalities like Shane Warne, his wine bu
#217 Nathan Stafford: Why This Lawn-Mowing Star Helps People Doing It Tough
Hi guys! We were undergoing unexpected renovations in this podcast. So apologies for the audio for this one. Thanks everyone for listening. Nathan Stafford is a Sydney-based gardener and social media personality, best known as the face of Nathan’s Lawns and Gardens. He is best known for regularly restoring neglected gardens for free, especially for people doing it tough such as seniors and s
#216 Ita Buttrose: The Unapologetic Woman Who Changed Australian Media
Ita Buttrose is one of Australia’s most influential journalists, editors, and businesswomen. In this conversation, we trace her remarkable journey — from her early days at The Australian Women’s Weekly and Cleo to leading the ABC and becoming a national icon. Ita opens up about John Laws, her family influences, the women’s liberation movement, and the challenges of breaking
#215 Tony Abbott: Australia Has Lost Its Courage & It’s Costing us
Tony Abbott, Australia’s 28th Prime Minister, joins me to talk about leadership, courage, and conviction in an age where those qualities are under siege. We unpack his views on what makes a great leader, how Australia has changed, and why he believes we’ve lost our national confidence. We also spoke about : His Early life and education Understanding Leadership and Courage Challe
#214 Michelle Payne: The Melbourne Cup winner on making history, tragedy & the dark side of fame
Michelle Payne is an Australian horse racing icon and the first female jockey to win the Melbourne Cup in 2015, riding Prince of Penzance to victory and breaking barriers in a male-dominated sport. Ten years on from that magical win, I speak to her about: Growing up with ten siblings Making history as the only female to win the Cup The dark side of fame Brain injuries from her career Dealing with
#213: Mick Fanning Reveals the No.1 Reason Behind His Winning Mindset in Surfing, Business & Life
You might know Mick Fanning as one of the greatest surfers of all time, but there’s a lot more to him than that. He’s a sharp businessman who helped build and sell Balter Breweries for a reported $200 million. Mick’s a three-time World Champion, one of the most respected figures in modern surfing, and someone who’s lived one hell of a life. I sat down with him at his latest
#212 Kate Reid: What Formula 1 Taught Me About Building a Bakery Empire
Kate Reid built her career as an aerodynamicist at Williams Formula 1, before stepping out into the world of pastry making. In this episode, she opens about obsession, burnout, mental illness, and finding a new purpose, realising that her dream job wasn’t the dream life. She talks about rebuilding her life through baking and creating Lune Crossainterie, applying the same engineering mindset
#211 Former Prime Minister John Howard on Australia’s Future, Political Rivals & Immigration Policies
In this episode of Straight Talk, I sit down with former Prime Minister John Howard — Australia’s second-longest-serving PM — for an unfiltered conversation about leadership, politics, and the lessons that shaped his life. We start from the beginning: his early years in Earlwood, his education and early professional life, and how his interest in politics led him from a legal care
#210 The Untold Stories of The Footy Show: Behind the Scenes with Glenn Pallister
Glenn Pallister was one of the original producers of Rugby League's The Footy Show. In this episode, he takes us inside his incredible career — from the early days of building one of Australia’s most iconic TV shows, to what made it a cultural phenomenon. Glenn shares untold behind-the-scenes stories, working with Matty & Fatty, producing Shane Warne's interview show, and reflects
#209 The Truth About SAS Soldiers with Ex- Team Commander Harry Moffitt
Anthony “Harry” Moffitt served nearly 30 years with the SAS, completing 11 combat tours before becoming Director of High Performance. Wounded in action in 2008, he later trained as a psychologist and now advises elite teams worldwide. In this episode, Harry reflects on SAS selection, risk-taking, modern stoicism, military diversity, technology in warfare, and the “fourth pillar&r
#208 Mindset Expert: Signs You're Burnt Out & Don't Even Realise It! Sarah Grynberg
Sarah Grynberg built her career behind the mic as Executive Producer of Hamish and Andy and on breakfast radio, before stepping out front with her own hit show A Life of Greatness. In this chat, she opens up about burnout, personal growth, the role of community, her spiritual journey, becoming a mindset coach and why podcasting can be as therapeutic as it is powerful — including her experien
#207 Peter Freedman: The Aussie Billionare who changed Podcasting forever
Peter Freedman AM is the founder and chairman of RØDE Microphones, the Australian audio powerhouse that revolutionised podcasting and the global creator economy. Was awesome to have him in the studio to talk about his life story. Coming to Australia as an immigrant at a young age, experiencing rough bullying, dropping out of high school, going through hell before finding success and ultimat
#206 Josh Szeps returns for another Uncomfortable Conversation
Josh Szeps is an intellectual, comedian, and host of the podcast Uncomfortable Conversations. Josh is known for his nuanced takes — which often spark backlash. In this episode, we get into his recent article on Israel and Palestine, his views on gay parenting, identity, tribalism, media manipulation and much more. Check out his podcast here: https://podcasts.apple.com/uncomfortable-conversat
#205 Westpac CEO Anthony Miller: My First Podcast with a Major Bank Leader
Anthony Miller is the CEO of Westpac Group, appointed in December 2024. In this episode, we cover his story from family and siblings to his swimming career, personal growth, and early professional path before making the move into banking and leadership. Anthony talks about the challenges and opportunities in the industry, why stakeholder management and corporate responsibility matter, and how inno
#204 James Magnussen Returns: Life on PEDs, Enhanced Games & the Anti-Aging Industry
Exactly a year since our last chat, I sit down again with James Magnussen — and this time he’s a very different man, physically and mentally. With his recent PED protocols for the Enhanced Games, James opens up about the rigorous systems, medical oversight, and personal transformation behind his preparation.From peptides and TRT to tailored training, we dig into how science is redefini
#203: NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey's life Story, Political Beginnings & the latest Budget
In this episode, Daniel Mookhey shares his journey from his family’s history and early life to becoming a key figure in New South Wales politics. We discuss his path into the Labor Party, how he balanced political and union roles, and the thinking behind NSW’s latest budget and economic strategy. Daniel also unpacks significant investments in child protection and other budget highlight
#202: Chalky’s Boxing Gym with NSW Premier Chris Minns, Johnny Lewis, Jeff Fenech & Robert Burton
Apologies for the audio guys!! These things can happen with live events. Last week I had the pleasure of hosting a charity breakfast with Premier Chris Minns to raise funds for Chalky’s Gym in Moree. Chalky’s isn’t just a boxing gym — it’s a place where young people in the community learn confidence, discipline, and character. Boxing has changed the lives of many out
#201 John Laws: A candid conversation with Australia's King of Radio
John Laws is known to generations of Australians as the man with the "Golden Tonsils" — sits down for a rare and candid conversation spanning over six decades of broadcasting. In this rare conversation, we go back to where it all began — growing up in Bendigo, breaking into radio, and building a career that saw him become one of the most influential voices in the country. He talks open
