The Messy Middle

This global pandemic is a plausible reason for all of us to be feeling a little flat. And while this episode of The Messy Middle with lifestyle physician Dr. Jenny Brockis doesn’t solely focus on COVID, our conversation will certainly help you navigate the Corona coaster, as well as life’s ups and downs, a little more easily and effectively. With insights and advice taken from her latest book Thriving Mind, Jenny’s counsel is practical, insightful, and comes at a time when many of us are looking for ways to rise above the current difficulty and demands, to cultivate a better life. So whether you are ready for some change, are looking to maintain a high level of performance, or simply want to embrace some new ideas, this conversation offers some practical strategies that will help you succeed. Please enjoy this conversation with the author of Thriving Mind, Dr. Jenny Brockis.

Damien Fleming made an immediate impact on the Australian Cricket Team on his debut and went on to become an important part of the team during their most dominant period under captains Steve Waugh and Ricky Ponting. In this conversation, we talk about what it took to reach the pinnacle of his chosen sport, and how he sustained that success after being selected to play for Australia. We also talk in depth about the infamous Semi Final at the ’99 World Cup where he shares some brilliant insights about performing in the moments that matter. Super fun, and full of insights that can be transferred to business and life, I hope you really enjoy this conversation with author, commentator, and the world’s first Bowlologist, Damien Fleming.

When we’re stretching ourselves for something worthwhile, fear, doubt and difficulty inevitably turn up to drain our energy and derail our effort. Rather than just accept the struggle and status quo, Janine Garner, in her new book Be Brilliant, shares how we can harness the potential that already exists within us, to lead a life of influence. Janine is a global thought leader on networking, collaboration and leadership who has written two other books, but her most recent Be Brilliant, broke into the global Top 20 business books in the first month of its release. This book is being noticed because we need leaders who can solve complex problems, collaborate with other people and capture new opportunities. And in this conversation with Janine, we discuss how being an authentic leader will help you deliver on such a demanding requirement. Please, enjoy this conversation, with the author of Be Brilliant, Janine Garner.

A long time ago before giving a speech, my father gave me the advice to be sincere, be brief, and then be seated. And while this was good advice at the time, it appears a little light on, based on this conversation this month, with Storytelling expert, Gabrielle Dolan. Gabrielle is a highly sought-after keynote speaker, educator and author who has helped countless of Australia’s Top 50 companies humanize their communications. In this episode we discuss why storytelling is important, how to structure a good story, and what makes the difference between a good story and self-indulgent waffle. Ral also shares her passion, and challenges the host, about using less jargon in the way we communicate in our everyday lives. A practical and insightful conversation, please enjoy the wit and wisdom of storytelling expert, Gabrielle Dolan.

The world is a little topsy-turvy right now and we are all trying to navigate a new normal. This month, I am talking to peak performance researcher Dr. Adam Fraser about his new book Strive. In this episode, Adam shares why we must embrace the gift of struggle in order to find more fulfillment in our lives. In this conversation, we talk about our bias for happiness, how avoiding difficulty can be detrimental to our personal growth, how we can balance striving with strong mental health; and how we can identify those areas of our life that we might just need to lean in a little more, to pursue the things that matter to us and motivate us. Please enjoy this conversation as we listen and learn, from peak performance researcher, Dr. Adam Fraser.

Ever since I read the book Yellow and Black by Konrad Marshall, I wanted to sit down and have a conversation with this month’s podcast guest, Shane McCurry. Shane is a sort after consultant in the areas of culture, leadership and performance, and was part of the leadership team that helped Richmond Football Club evolve into the strong and successful club we know today. Our conversation was deep and didn’t disappoint, as the reasons he has a strong reputation for building strong people and cultures became self-evident. This conversation is wide ranging with applications well beyond the boundaries of sport and will resonate if you are looking to have greater influence and impact in your personal and professional life. Please enjoy the powerful, insightful and accessible wisdom that Shane McCurry offers throughout this entire conversation.

Layne Beachley is best known for her feats in the water. Being the only surfer to claim six consecutive world titles, she has the rightful reputation for being regarded as the most successful female surfer in history. But that success didn’t come without hurdles, set backs and struggle.

Being a parent can often feel like you are in a perpetual messy middle. Constantly questioning if what you are doing is working, and what you might do differently, to better navigate the muddy waters of being a modern day parent. Fortunately, for those of us asking these types of questions, there are people like parenting educator Steve Biddulph in the world. Steve has an impressive backlog of best selling books, including Raising Boys, Raising Girls, Manhood and The Secret of Happy Children. Apart from being a prolific author, he was also voted Father of the Year in 2000 and awarded an Order of Australia medal for his work in youth mental health in the Queen’s Honour list. This thought provoking conversation reflects thirty years of research and practical experience that Steve has gathered in working to make the planet a better place for families, parents and children. Please enjoy this conversation with well renowned parent educator, Steve Biddulph.

Shaun Seymour is the owner of Everyday Athletes. A motivating training studio in Melbourne helping people to build healthy happy bodies. With the New Year just ticking over, this is a timely conversation for anyone who wants to find a fitter version of themselves in 2020. In this conversation, we sit down and discuss why you should get some callouses and care about your health, how to curate the conditions to facilitate your success, and the important role nutrition plays in our health and well being. Shaun also shares four elements he believes  are critical to any effective training program. Packed with practical insights and wisdom, this episode will help you start to map a path to achieving a stronger mind and healthier body. It’s time to listen and learn from Everyday Athletes, Shaun Seymour.

Young, talented and infectiously energetic, Dan Churchill is one of the world’s most exciting celebrity chefs. In this episode we talk about how Dan has built a business with impact, the keys to forming a functional team and bridging the gap between wanting to and willing to. Please enjoy this fun and insightful conversation with inspiring Aussie, Dan Churchill.