Raise The Bar Radio

Today we speak to Jack Mclean from @preparelikeapro a hybrid online and in person coaching business that has really found their niche. They offer coaching and programming to every day footballers along with the futures elite. Jack credits his pedigree from the @hawthornfc to his success. His ability to take risks and seek out experts has given Prepare Like A Pro an opportunity for amazing growth. Learn how you can take a startup in a worldwide pandemic and create serious revenue using Jack's advice. #RTBR #podcast #fitness #gym #gymowner

Today I’m joined by a repeat guest in @seanbell__ from @first42k. Its always an absolute honour to speak to Sean as he is one incredible human. His big goal to run around Australia in 2022 is coming together and he hopes to raise over $100,000 through his charity initiative Run For Wishes. Today we talk about Sean’s new business, an online training program for people wanting to take on their first marathon. We learn how this concept has come together and how the skills Sean has developed through running is now helping him succeed at business. #RTBR #podcast #fitness #gym #gymowner

@damocrossfit hits us in the feels as he walks us through his 10 year journey of gym ownership. We discover lessons about shooting first and aiming later, why you can’t do one thing when your purpose is another and why it’s so important to make your own mistakes. We finish with how Damo got help from @willnelson_fitcoach to get some structure on how to go online and have clients kicking down his door ready to go. Shoutout to @tyearnettphoto along the way for helping us both. If you’re a gym owner full of passion and fitness but need to level up your game, be sure to check out @raisethebar_gymcoaching

Stacey is incredibly passionate about helping people improve their health and well-being around body image and mindset. Stacie is a clinical psychologist but her real value comes from being open and vulnerable about her eating disorder and all the way through to her recovery. Stacie comes from a place of compassion and empathy and shares her clients success stories. Learn how she uses Instagram for her business and how she has built her coaching portal. Discover the challenges and achievements of her start up business Heart Space as well as her vision for the future.

The Raise The Bar Radio Team is back but in a much different format. Today Nick puts Stu and his business Valor under the spotlight. We discuss the following lessons throughout Stu’s career. - Supplementing your income during startup - Making the jump and going all in - Building systems - When to stop cleaning the toilets - Recruiting and retaining amazing staff - What’s the right amount of gym floor hours for gym owners - Gratitude - Lead generation - Stu’s best advice to create a successful gym - Our plugs for each of our businesses

In this little snippet of an episode Nick shares some exciting news on how our podcast will look and feel into the future. WE ARE BACK!!!

What a crazy couple of weeks it has been. In a flash all gyms across the country have had to close their doors, with most quickly flipping their entire business model to go online. With minimal time to prepare, gyms have all set up their own unique interpretation of online training. Nick and Stu share their stories and methods as to how they managed their gym closure and what their business looks like now.

Josh from the Just Be Nice Project is an extraordinary human! He is many things but today we uncover his philosophical views on how we should be helping one another. The Just Be Nice Project redefines what it means to give back and Josh gives us a lesson on how we can effectively give back to our community and how each of us can make an actual impact. This episode shares so much light on why there is such a massive gap between people that want to help and the actual help people need. Josh is incredibly articulate and challenges the status quo. He is also just a great bloke as there are plenty of laughs throughout this episode. Being a part of this episode has truly reshaped the way I will help people in the future and I hope it has the same impact on you as well. A little but about the Just Be Nice Project. BNProject is our mission to improve equality of opportunity. We believe that the best starting point is to ensure that everyone is housed, employed and has good mental health. We believe everyone deserves access to help, regardless of how they come to need it. Regardless if you are 15 or 50 you are unable to make the most of opportunities without being housed, employed and having good mental health. We're for people who want to do good and don’t know where to start. We're for people who have worked hard and developed skills and resources but feel disconnected from their abilities and their ability to do good in the world. We're for people who are dissatisfied with the current paradigm of charity and social help, people who wonder how in a time of prosperity, such as ours, so many people go without. We're for people who want to improve equality of opportunity for everyone. We're for people who are good at things. Because people who are good at things can do more good than people who aren’t good at anything…yet. We're for people who aren’t sure what they are good at and they want to find out. We're for people who need permission to carry on their journey of being good. We don't want organisations and individuals to feel like they need to stop pursuing excellence because it might be seen as selfish, not knowing that their amazing capacity for impact lies on the other side of their excellence. We are here to encourage excellence and then harness it for the largest benefit. We're for people and organisations who don’t simply think that they need to ‘be the change’, but think that they need to ‘be the whole change’. Teaching them that you can be a part of extraordinary impact through making very ordinary positive change… if you do it alongside others. We're for revolutionaries, for people, organisations and communities that believe that a world where extraordinary positive change is possible, just not by going about it the way we’ve been doing it so far.

Sheena is a young philanthropist in the making. An avid CrossFitter with a heart of gold, Sheena is on a mission to bring the sport of weightlifting to the struggling kids of the Philippines. Many people in areas of the Philippines live without much opportunity, especially youths. Sheena started the organisation Project Philz (@projectphilz) in early 2019 with a goal to help youths not only find something to do but find purpose, support and connection within a positive community. Sheena’s story is incredibly inspiring. If you wish to get involved or send support, you can contract Sheena directly on the Project Philz Instagram page @projectphilz

Business masterclass and the new age of service marketing. Nick and Stu live a life full of purpose because they are driven to help people. That purpose has lead them both to create multiple business. You can't be successful at business unless you get some help along the way. This episode we chat to Matt who is the owner of a business coaching / consulting company. He has a great insight about where the fitness industry is heading and how we need to adapt in the future. We go back to our roots in this episode and get a little CrossFitty along the way. This episode provides great value for anyone who has any involvement at any level of business.

On this day one year ago, Sean Bell was 31 marathons in on his mission towards achieving 50 marathons in 50 days straight. His outstanding effort wasn’t for him, it was for the memory of his good mate Joey, who passed away suddenly in his sleep. Sean’s story is incredible and inspiring. With such a wise head on his young shoulders, even the oldest listener will take something from the way Sean views the world. To follow along to Sean’s journey and all his upcoming events, click here: https://sean-bell.com.au/ Follow here: @seanbell_

Do you struggle with motivation or find it really hard to stick to a plan? Stu talks about how shifting our mindset and viewing the world differently can have a massive impact on achieving your goals. Topics: Motivation Mental toughness Dealing with struggle and adversity Control the Controllable's Fixed vs Growth Mindset Setting a Goal

If there was one single podcast episode to listen to from 2019. If you’ve never listened to a podcast and need somewhere to start. If you want to cap off 2019 the right way, or kick off your 2020 with a bang... This is the episode. Back in March, Martin of The Resilience Project blew our socks off with his incredible storytelling and his compelling messages of gratitude, empathy and mindfulness. Nick and Stu left that chat as better people, and the many many people that have reached out to us after listening to this episode spoke the same tune... This episode is life changing. Happy New Year

Claire Ashman spent the first 36 years of her life in two different strict religious movements. After defying her husband, the cult “leader” and the entire group by asking too many questions, Claire and her family found themselves evicted from the infamous ‘Order of St Charbel’ religious group. Claire takes us through the whole roller coaster journey, going deep on what goes on in religious cults and how ‘leaders’ manage to convince people of their power and trust their guidance. The most intriguing part of our chat is when Claire details her transition back into ‘normal’ life. When you’ve been brought up on a completely different reality, how do you cope? If you don’t attend church on Sunday, will the world implode?

The 'It's Okay, Not to Be Okay' movement is rapidly growing into a leading mental health foundation in Australia and across the globe. Sisters Georgia, Maddi and Hayleigh are the three minds behind the cause. In this very open and very raw episode, the girls bravely share their tragic story which led to the creation of this movement. The girls share all of their knowledge and experience in the mental health space, including discussing techniques and methods for overcoming depression and anxiety. One of our most moving, most compelling discussions to date, this is an episode not to be missed. If you ever find yourself struggling with mental health, please reach out to Lifeline on 13 11 14.

The story of how little Everlie came into this world is not unique and beautiful, but one full of lessons in relationships and communication. To have a baby through surrogacy, it takes a little more than just finding a host and 3..2..1 let's go! The social and emotional logistics are vital for a successful surrogacy. David and Lauryn Jordan share all of their wisdom and insight into how not just 2, but 4 people must communicate and work together with complete and raw honesty and vulnerability to create a baby via surrogacy — providing many takeaways valuable to our relationships.

Today we talk to Sexologist (yes that is a real thing), Lauren White. Lauren's job is to open up the conversation and help women find or reclaim their libido. She is a qualified counselor, sexologist and often features as the resident expert on Triple J's The Hookup. We get into all areas about sexual health and wellbeing and discover why someone may need to reach out for sex therapy. Yet again Stu and Nick delve into a world that might seem a little uncomfortable for two regular blokes. We talk all things sensual, women's biology and even find out how a cup of tea might just be the best aphrodisiac available. Of course, we ask the hard (pun intended) questions and this episode is guaranteed to improve your life in the bedroom. visit us for more quality content on http://www.raisethebarradio.com/

Two years ago, Brendan Saker dropped a barbell right into the middle of his back. Immediately losing all feeling in his legs it was pretty clear that his life was about to change. Brendan’s amazing story of coming out the other side of a serious spinal injury in a better place than beforehand is inspirational. How does someone achieve such after what could have been a turning point for the worst?

Get a look into a new seminar developed by Stu, presented to Nick's gym, Renegade. What do you do when you are faced with problems? Do you shudder and hide away in fear? Do you give up and try again later when the obstacle has faded? Are road blocks standing in your pathway to success every damn time?? Stu puts a spin on 'problems' and how problems can not only be overcome, but used as tools and fuel for success and opportunity.

Welcome to Wolfe Den CrossFit, Mornington, hosting the ‘Battle of the Wolves’ Pairs Competition. A grassroots fitness event for the everyday CrossFitter. In a multi-guest episode, Stu meets an array faces at the event, sharing valuable snippets of their story in a shortened chat format. 00:40 - Jeremy Wolfe - Owner of CrossFit Wolfeden - From humble beginnings into a thriving hub, enjoy the story of the Wolfe 17:33 - Jon Park - Sports Physiotherapist - CrossFit through the eyes of a physio. Jon shares some great take home advice for our active listeners. 34:27 - Tiff & Sammy Chapman - Flying Helicopters & Driving Tanks - These heart of gold sisters love a badass life in the Airforce and the Army respectively. Be blown away with the drive and passion Tiff and Sammy have to achieve what they love most. 57:46 - Molly, Em & Jolie - CrossFitting Kids - Our youngest ever guests shared their experiences with CrossFit as kids and teens. The girls talk about the impact CrossFit has on the rest of their lives, how they could never give it up, and their future aspirations.

Stu catches up with Vive Group founder Tye Arnett for a collaboration episode. The Vive Group is a business coaching company with the main goal to help small gyms and CrossFit boxes thrive. By teaching gym owners how to implement systems, build a sustainable culture and run a kick arse facility. But running a gym can be a challenging battlefield. Finding members, keeping members, losing members, paying bills, delivering quality classes, being there for each and ever member as a shoulder to cry on, paying yourself... it can be a tough gig and one hell of a lonely place. Stu and Tye share their own stories of success and struggle, and talk about how to manage your own inner battles as a small business owner. A very deep episode on mental health and a topic both Stu and Tye are incredibly passionate about. This episode will not only hit home with gym owners, but with everybody who faces struggle from time to time.

Adopted shortly after birth, Suse has to lead a very interesting life. Growing up in a typical British life with her adopted parents, Suse had never realized how much of an impact being adopted had on her subconscious and her mental health. Suse’s journey of self-discovery, learning to develop her own self-belief and self-acceptance is an intriguing journey. One which has to lead her across the globe where she has called Bali home for the past 3 years.

Breast Implant Illness is a hugely trending topic in the world of cosmetic surgery. But is it a real thing? Suse, a coach at CrossFit Wanderlust in Bali, and Court, Stu’s wife and long-time CrossFit participant and athlete, both share their stories and experiences living with breast implants, why they originally decided to get them, the pros, the cons, and then why they both decided to have them removed. Breast implant surgery, as well as all cosmetic surgeries, are becoming more common and more accepted today. Suse and Court go deep on the highs and lows in an episode that will intrigue both men and ladies alike, but will certainly resonate, inspire and educate many women thinking about getting implants and those thinking about removing them.

When Will & Carrie met their lives were completely flipped on their heads. American born Will met Canadian Carrie while he was serving in the military, based in Germany. 5 months later they were married. 8 Years on they now live in Bali, run fitness retreats, flip homes to lease out in Bali, deliver online gym programming and life coaching and have an online skincare business. They have plenty going on, but the story of how they got there, how they make big decisions, how they overcome endless challenges and how they manage their lives is an incredible and inspiring story. Enjoy what was a fantastic chat in Canggu, Bali, with Will and Carrie. See links to all things W & C below: Carrie - @carrie.henke Will - @wjhenke Wanderfit Retreats - @wanderfit.retreats www.wanderfitretreats.com The Program by Wanderfit - @wanderfit.theprogram www.theprogrambywanderfit.com

Truman is a highly loved and hugely respected coach at Stu’s gym, Valor: Fitness. Nutrition. Mind. Tru is a natural leader with a rare knack to foster positive community culture so effortlessly. But this career was not planned and never intended, Tru’s life could have taken him down a completely different path. Born and raised in the “Dirty South” of Auckland, New Zealand, we learn about how the lessons learned growing up in a tough neighborhood can be taken and turned into an abundance of opportunity.

Kris is a member at Stu’s gym and the in-house Myotherapist. People are drawn to him for his incredible ability to fix their muscular problems with minimal effort, but they go back to him over and over because of the person he is. Plus he has an amazing ability to tell a story or 6. Despite being a European rock star in his late teens, Kris is incredibly grounded and goes above and beyond for just about anybody... why? Because he loves to. We chat about the world of Myotherapy and all specialist services, go deep on the current state of the medical and general practitioner world and head down a tonne of interesting and fulfilling rabbit holes, with Kris dropping valuable message after valuable message along the way. An episode you’ll be sucked into right from the first sip of filter coffee.

Stu has just turned 30, this week he discusses 30 life lessons he has discovered over his 30 years on this planet. Stu’s ‘30 at 30’ blog and email subscription http://eepurl.com/gv0OGn

Kate Gordon is one lovely human. From being heavily involved at a highly professional standard in so many areas of the CrossFit and general health and fitness world... CF seminar staff, coach, nutritionist, CF Games Athlete... and having lived in many parts of the world, it is no doubt that Kate’s incredibly confident and welcoming nature has played a huge part in her success. An episode choc is full of interesting conversation. You’ll be left screaming for a follow-up chat!

Lester Ho is the owner of TG Strength, a gym with the goal to educate and inspire the science and the beauty of Weightlifting to all walks of life. Lester’s passion for Olympic Lifting is so strong, but not as strong as his passion for helping people and having a positive impact on others lives. In this episode, Lester shares his passion for weightlifting, the sport, how weightlifting came to him, his coaching philosophies, and his unique “Lester-isms”. An episode with so many little lessons along the way, just like his gym, this is one is for all listeners.

Travis Blackley is a Melbourne born international professional baseball player. Dubbed ‘The Jersey Collecter’, Travis has played for numerous Major and Minor League teams across the USA, as well as globetrotting the best leagues in Mexico, Korea, Japan, and Australia. Experiencing endless ups and downs across this amazing 17-year career, Travis epitomizes what it means to never give up on a dream, stay determined and to stick to a plan even with complete uncertainty of the outcome and what the future may hold.

Krysten Pierre is a busy mum! Between her day job, her growing careers in nutrition and fitness coaching, being a mum as well as a new mum on the way, she still manages to make time to exercise, eat well, care for others and kick back and enjoy all the little things in life. We talk about Krysten’s competitive Taekwondo background, she shares her most important methods for improving your nutrition and we learn how she can manage to fit so much into her life while always keeping a skip in her step and a smile on her face.

Rikki Johnston was born with a lot of skill and talent but it’s how hard he has worked to maximize his potential that makes him unique. For a man who has played baseball at the highest national level and played in America from the age of 16, he has remained incredibly humble. After retiring from baseball he quickly filled that competitive hole with local football. He has truly made an impact during his playing career and he now continues to do so as a coach. We talk about his journey but also what are the important factors in building a culture that supports success. Tune in for some incredible insights and learn how to lead and build a team that demands the highest of standards.

For a big period of James ‘Hammer’ Harding’s life, he was a hard man. Hard jobs, lived amongst some of Melbourne’s hardest people, put on a hard exterior and had to deal with some pretty hard stuff. James dove into Melbourne’s underworld head first in various roles. He used his tough exterior to become a feared debt collector and drug dealer. But over time drug addiction took over and set him on a dark path. Today he’s a changed man. James has overcome his demons and now uses his powers to help other males going through the hard stuff. From prison inmates to ice addicts. James is on a mission to make a huge impact on men’s mental health and his heart and passion shine through in this episode.

This week Nick and Stu are talking to Lauren Curtain about all things women’s health and the practice of Chinese Medicine. We chat about EVERYTHING and discover how acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine is helping change people’s lives. We learn an incredible amount about cycles, hormones, contraception and even discover how women are attracted to different men when they are on the pill. This episode is not just for ladies. If there is a woman in your life you owe it to her to listen in.

Johnny Horrocks is an incredible character. This show bounces all around the place just like Johnny’s personality. He is pure passion and chases down any idea that comes to him. Johnny’s story is one of rebirth and reset. How to dust your self off and continue to move forward, both physically and spiritually. We go from Manchester dance music in the ’80s to Ultra Marathon running in the trails of Victoria. This episode was full of so many surprises. He is full of quirkiness and truly knows how to live a life of authenticity.

Can you make it as a woman in the fitness industry and still be your authentic self? Can you gain enough traction on Instagram to build a personal brand without selling your soul? Clare Green knows a few things about fitness and her passion for helping others is incredibly inspiring. Her journey and her beliefs are refreshing and she shares her hacks towards a healthier more fulfilling life. Listen in for some practical tips on how to make it as a trainer and how to level up your overall health and wellness

Stu challenges himself this week, by taking the podcast solo for the very first time. Stu discusses his views on fear and values and how they can positively or negatively influence your goals and pathways in life. Enjoy a change to our regular format and let Stu get you thinking about what it is you really want to achieve in life, and how to ensure you don’t let distractions or fears misguide you.

You would think stage IV ocular melanoma would change your outlook on life for the worst. Well that’s not how Jess Van Zeil responded. Sure she has had some dark days and as she puts it, having an armpit instead of an eye hasn’t been easy. However... Instead of allowing her circumstance to define her, she has unlocked the power of gratitude to make every day its very best. She inspires those around her and is currently influencing many people through social media, seminars and a soon to be released book.

Wykie is the owner of the highly successful Andfit CrossFit Auckland, is a globetrotting micro-gym business mentor with the Vive Group and is a passionate videographer. Recently Wykie closed down his second box, Andfit Gold Coast. We chat to him about the tough decisions he had to make and the reasons for closing his gym. We discuss the troubles other gym owners can endure when caught up in similar struggles... Should I close? Can I do it to my people? What does it say about me? Am I a failure? A very intriguing episode with a brilliant and humble guest.

Martin is a part of an incredible organisation making huge waves across Australia amongst national sporting groups, big corporations, but most importantly... in our schools. Teaching invaluable lessons in gratitude, empathy and mindfulness, Martin and The Resilience Project are delivering the messages that have gone missing from our communities and our culture for some time. Messages and lessons that will bring more value and love into your lives than ever thought possible. We hope you enjoy this very special episode, we wish we were able to talk for hours, and quite easily could have, because Martin CAN TALK! But what you will listen to today is absolute valuable gold. To learn more about The Resilience Project and how they can help you, check them out on the socials and at https://theresilienceproject.com.au/

This week we go a little out there... actually way out there. If you are open minded then tune in. We talk to Jayden Gardner who has just gotten back from his 2nd ayahuasca retreat. Ayahuasca is a plant-based hallucinogenic that Jayden refers to as physical and spiritual medicine. He has found his purpose and is on his way to becoming a Shaman. Be warned this episode is a mind warp! We learned about something that is very special and life-changing for a lot of people and can’t wait to share with you, our listeners. Nick and Stu will be back next week with CrossFitters, high performers and influences but for now, buckle up for an experience that you won’t forget.

- The Motivation Continuum - How to goal set without the bullshit - Double the benefits of a 1 hour class in 15 minutes - Hiring a VA and why you need one - The comparison cancer - unlocking the power of gratitude - mindfulness 101 - Extreme ownership - Fuck balance(Maybe) - Anti Hustle - time for your email to evolve - the software you can't live without - shoot, then aim - planning is overrated

To celebrate our 50th episode we had to go big. We don’t think we could get much bigger than 2008 CrossFit Games champion, absolute legend and OG of the sport of fitness, owner of the hugely successful and booming company NCFit, and now published author with the release of his first book, the AMRAP Mentality, Jason Khalipa. Jason shared an absolute tonne with us... We aren’t going to give a snippet away, listen on and enjoy what is one of our best episodes yet.

The term world class can be thrown around lightly but at Schwartz CrossFit Melbourne that is exactly what you have. Ben Schwartz is the man behind it all. Ben affiliated his gym in 2006 but has been in the game much longer than that. Training for most of his life and even winning The Teenage Mr Melbourne Award all the way back in 1994. Ben has led his gym and the individuals in it to many CrossFit Games appearances and Schwartz CrossFit Melbourne have been a mainstay on the Australian Competitive CrossFit scene for many seasons. There is no doubt Ben’s relentlessness towards high quality movement and the ability give people honest and sometimes brutal feedback has attributed to this success. We talk about how he has built such a centre of excellence and why he is still so passionate about it. Ben loves CrossFit but he is not blinded by that love and shares some of his critical thoughts into where the industry and the sport is going into the future.

Self awareness, is it a blessing or a curse? Living a simple life isn't for Bill. He questions everything and shares what he has discovered in his search for constant personal development. Bill is at the top of two companies Athena and AdventureFit which has provided him with a huge amount of wisdom. Listen up for what he has learnt at what the future holds for Bill.

Jeremy is the owner of Reebok CrossFit Gold Coast, one part of the CrossFit Games commentary team, partner and MC for the Allstar Affiliate Series as well as a long serving MC for prestigious competitive events including the CrossFit Pacific Regionals and most recently, the CrossFit sanctioned event, The Australian CrossFit Championships. We kick back with Jeremy at his box and chat all things CrossFit... The recent championship, the current state of the CrossFit Games, the direction it is headed and plenty more... Enjoy this competitive CrossFit fest is an episode!

Only a small percentage of people who seek meaningful lifestyle change actually achieve success. In this episode we define what success means but most importantly what it looks like. We draw on the thousands of people we’ve helped in the gym and then identify what processes the top 1% use to achieve their goals. In this episode we give our listeners a step by step guide on how to go from walking into a new gym to breaking through every self imposed limitation.

When you have a good feeling about a person, you don’t hesitate on the opportunity. This is exactly what happened when Emre reached out to Stu from his home in Turkey, looking to move across the globe, work as a CrossFit coach and experience a completely different culture to his own. Emre became a part of the CrossFit Cranbourne coaching staff in mid-August 2017 and was immersed in the community by late August. Fast forward 17 months, on his second last day before heading back home, Stu and Emre caught up to debrief over what has been an incredible journey. Not only for Emre, but for all of the people he made such an impact on due to the values and traits of such a wonderful person. Enjoy some great laughs during some great stories of cultural diversity, then completely immerse yourself in the values and outlooks Emre takes on in his life.

Jordan has been a mainstay in competitive CrossFit since the sport started maturing in 2011. His gym Schwartz CrossFit Melbourne has not only shaped him as an incredible athlete but clearly into an amazing human as well. Jordan walks us through his experiences through Regionals and Games appearances along with the different approaches he has had to change throughout his career. Recently he has decided to stop competing and his transition from that lifestyle makes for an incredible conversation. This episode is our longest yet, which is simply because you can feel the energy of the podcast lift in this episode. Jordan's passion for life is infectious and he certainly had an impact on Nick and Stu during the podcast.

We talk to Chris Ackland about his startup gym. Over the last 7 months he has poured his heart and soul into his new facility. Starting a business is hard but starting a new business with a brand new concept is almost impossible. Discover how much work it takes and how innovative his concept Iron Tribe truly is. Chris generously shares his weightlifting knowledge and teaches us what experience is required to compete in the sport.

Lachy is the owner of Virtus Human Performance, a gym with the intent to inspire its members to be excellent, but also love and enjoy the process along the way. With a background in sport science and having played high level Australian rules football, Lachy is incredibly passionate about his craft and wise well beyond his years. A tonne a takeaways in this absolute gem of an episode. Enjoy!