Talking Points

Matt Durrant is a film maker and host of the Gold Digger Podcast, a show that explores the issues with Australian Rugby and talks to some of the most influential people in the game, to understand the rise and fall of the code in Australia.One for the real Rugby tragics, in this episode, we discuss what happened to the game in Australia and work through how the game is getting back on its feet.An interesting discussion with a great bloke.

In a first for the show, I sat down for a great chat with the wonderful team from Gold Coast based Nonprofit organisation and Charity, Everything Suarve about the amazing work they do with disadvantaged and troubled youth.In addition to talking to the team behind ESuarve, I was joined by one of the program participants, to hear first hand about his behaviours, the experiences in his life that shaped his behaviours and his commitment to improve his life - a truly amazing young man and a profound experience.It is easy to judge a book by its cover and this discussion shows how wrong that is.A must listen!

Michael Gunn is a unique individual, succeeding in two demanding and challenging careers, having played played professional Rugby for the Qld Reds, whilst completing his Engineering degree.We talk about his Rugby journey and his vocational aspirations and how they come together. We explore his experiences, the thought process he goes through in determining his future and provide some insight into the mind of someone who has achieved in two highly functioning fields.

Alex Xinis is one of Australia's best chefs, having served as the Head Chef at renowned Melbourne institutions Hellenic Republic and Press Club. A chef and consultant, Alex is currently the Chef in Residence at Nostimo Restaurant in Brisbane and runs one of Melbourne's most successful remote restaurants, Almost Like Yia Yias (Aly Food) serving exceptional greek food.We talk about life as a chef, why he chose this career and the impact of Covid on the industry and how it forced him to adapt, among other things.A talented and great human being.

A raw, real, yet often lighthearted discussion with Haidee Jackson about her experience with Breast Cancer.We discuss the impact Breast Cancer had on her life and how it impacted her, her family and friends and her relationships. Despite what she has been through, she is one of the most amazing and positive people I have ever met and is someone that I consider a genuine friend.A humbling experience to talk to someone and have them share their experience so honestly and openly - an absolute privilege.

On this episode, I sit down for a fascinating discussion over Zoom with the great Rohan Cook. Rohan is a Shaman and certified nutritionist and we talk about how his work helps people identify and deal with their trauma, how they can reconnect with their true self and their true purpose in life. We go down a range of rabbit holes and explore the importance of diet and the possibility and hope associated with plant medicines.Rohan is insightful, intelligent and very passionate about his work and helping people, and that shines through in our discussion. I think people would benefit enormously from contacting Rohan and working with him and you can find Rohan's work and/or get in contact with him via the following:Website - https://www.rohancharles.comFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/rohan.cook.33 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rohancook555/Enjoy!

Jack is a Social Worker with a genuine curiosity towards people and their unique stories. As someone with first-hand experience of the potentials of psychedelics, he is excited to have the opportunity to walk alongside others on their own path of healing and change. Jack is a committee member of the Australian Psychedelic Society, and is passionate about building community for people to connect and grow together.Jack's own journey is one that's led him to confront his own history, intergenerational traumas, come to terms with feelings and emotions, and continually redefine his own value system.You can contact Jack and find his information here:https://theolos.com.au/homeYou can also find useful information on Psychedelics on The Australian Psychedelic Society's website and Facebook page as follows:https://www.psychedelicsociety.org.au https://www.facebook.com/AustralianPsychedelicSociety

Dr Kesten Green is an expert and leading researcher on forecasting methods and applications.Dr Green has testified to the Australian Senate Economics References Committee, provided submissions to the New Zealand parliament and US Congress, and has consulted for and worked with the US Department of Defence, Central Intelligence Agency, Federal Bureau of Investigation, National Security Agency and other organisations.We explore forecasting in the context of climate change, the contentious nature of the climate change debate and how the debate has a quasi-religious nature to it. We unpack some of the issues and flaws with the IPCC's approach to forecasting and even touch on the re-emergence of the Polar Bear.

Caleb is a professional Rugby Union player, currently playing in the south of France with Montpellier. Caleb formerly played for the Queensland Reds and played test Rugby for the Wallabies.Caleb currently co-hosts the Timu Time podcast, with his wife, where they courageously and openly explore a range of complex and personal issues including marriage, faith and their personal challenges with addiction and mental health.A wonderful human being doing great things on and off field and a thoroughly interesting discussion.

Paul is the founder of the Mentoris Group, a Brisbane based Business Strategy and Business Mentoring Firm. We discuss his work and the unique, personal way in which he creates meaningful change for clients, the thought process behind changing careers and venturing into the unknown and also squeeze in some Rugby banter.A fantastic bloke who is doing wonderful things for his clients.You can find Paul at:Website - https://mentorisgroup.com.au/Instagram - @brisbane_business_coachFacebook - @mentorisgroupYou can contact Paul via the above channels or email - strategy@mentorisgroup.com.au

Rebekah is an amazing young woman who has overcome serious adversity in her life, including being the victim of Coward Punch Attack, to come out the other side and help people succeed in their own lives.We talk about a range of issues including:What life was like growing up as a Lesbian woman;How an unprovoked Coward Punch Attack changed her life and the physical and mental health impacts that followed; andThe fun and frustration of raising children.For information and support in relation to One Punch / Coward Punch attacks, you can follow the "Stop. One Punch Can Kill" group on facebook @STOPonepunchcankill or via their website - http://stoponepunchcankill.org/You can also find information about the Kelly Family's "Stay Kind" work and the Thomas Kelly Youth Foundation on facebook at @staykindorg

Jayden Woolaston is the co-creator and co-host of the Couching the Mind podcast.We cover a range of issues including how near death experiences have impacted our lives and our mental health, the value of opening up and sharing your struggles with others and also delve into a heart breaking story of sexual assault.Jayden is a remarkable young man who is determined to share his experience and make a difference in the lives of others and even wrote a song about his struggles and his way through them.You can find/contact Jayden and Couching the Mind via the following:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGCQSxKLYtK0q04G0J2fj9A?fbclid=IwAR1LrM0E9fEJ33zX_4sMG68QZU6NUGqsHSWWLKqiq5f5rDqYk7QxNuU09Xohttps://www.facebook.com/CouchingTheMind/https://www.instagram.com/couching.the.mind/?igshid=czyyxqznt5lh&fbclid=IwAR1LrM0E9fEJ33zX_4sMG68QZU6NUGqsHSWWLKqiq5f5rDqYk7QxNuU09Xocouchingthemind@gmail.comYou can also listen to Jayden's song "Just Keep Moving On" via:https://soundcloud.com/couching-the-mind?ref=clipboard&fbclid=IwAR1LrM0E9fEJ33zX_4sMG68QZU6NUGqsHSWWLKqiq5f5rDqYk7QxNuU09Xo

Viliame Lea is a promising young Rugby Union player, having represented Queensland and Australia at junior levels.We cover a range of issues including Vili's aspirations to play professional rugby, the pressure that brings and the Mental Health challenges that exist in people his age. We also explore what it is like growing up in a Tongan family and living up to the standards of a father who was a very good rugby player.

On today's show I talk to Sophie Pidcock. Sophie is the Director of Strength and Conditioning at one of the most exclusive and prestigious schools in the country and we explore the challenges of being a female, the only female in a traditional, male oriented environment.We also talk about Strength and Conditioning more broadly and how good programs and athletes are developed.

Kal hosts the Creating Men podcast and is also the host of the Goju Guy on YouTube.We discuss a wide range of topics including mental health, martial arts, toxic masculinity and overcoming challenges and obstacles in life. We also explore what it means to pursue what is meaningful in life, not what is expedient.

On today's show, I talk with Chris Seipel about his work in the Mental Health space and his lived experience with severe anxiety. The discussion is confronting, illuminating and light-hearted.You can find/contact Chris via:Website - https://www.thementalhealthmentor.com/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/thementalhealthmentor/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/christianaldo.seipsInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/cseip/LinkedIn - https://au.linkedin.com/in/christopher-seipel-197a5045If you are experience anxiety, depression or another Mental Health illness, please reach out to the appropriate support providers, including but not limited to:Beyond Blue - https://beyondblue.org.auLifeline - https://www.lifeline.org.au/ or 13 11 14For those interested in undertaking the Mental Health First Aid training discussed in the podcast a simple Google search will yield a number of suitable options.