The Hope Initiative

“Running has become a genuine life force for me… This is me, this is my calling. It's what I was going to do.” Episode #194 of The Hope Initiative with Sean Bell A great chat with my mate Sean Bell. This legend came on the pod 5 years ago when we first met having just completed 50 marathons in 50 days and in the past 5 years has been building toward this moment. No, not coming on the pod again, running around (yes around) Australia, aiming for an average of 80km per day fore 170 days to break the record. We recorded this chat 10 days out from the start, and it's been a full on month for Sean as he now approaches the NSW/QLD border. Thank you all for listening and if you can take the time to share this with someone it would mean the world. Follow Sean on Instagram Learn more and donate via seanbellruns.com Follow and connect with The Hope Initiative on; Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/hopeinitiativepod/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@thehopeinitiative Music by Jess Fairlie - jessfairlie.com

“Steady, quiet, breathe. When I'm going fast, steady, quiet, breathe… I am aware of my environment and aware of my steps and I'm listening [to] how I am stepping… I remember there were a few guys complaining about the wind [during the Melbourne marathon]. I was just like ‘man, shut up and enjoy, go through it and don't complain about the wind. The more you complain the more you're going to get in your head.' And I can talk like that because I've done the work.” Episode #193 of The Hope Initiative with Andres Cubides Another guest appearance for Andres Cubides, who has had an enormous last 12 months. From completing what he said he would in the Goggins pull up challenge, to running a sub 3hr marathon in Melbourne, qualifying him for Berlin this year, as well as doing the Alpine Challenge - arguably Australia's hardest ultra marathons. No chance of slowing down. I caught up with him and dissected it all. A pleasure! I hope you enjoy. Connect with the guest Andres on Instagram Episode 208 of Real AF - 75 Hard + The Live Hard Program Our previous episode: #113 - Full Time Savage Follow and connect with The Hope Initiative on; Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/hopeinitiativepod/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@thehopeinitiative Music by Jess Fairlie - jessfairlie.com

Stranger in the Streets: V. 020 Guest: Christine Location: Bank of The Yarra River, Melbourne, Victoria. Follow and connect with The Hope Initiative on; Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/hopeinitiativepod/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@thehopeinitiative Music by Jess Fairlie - jessfairlie.com

“There's so many people that are sat in their houses right now working with some amazing idea that they'll never put it to work because they're so scared of what the results may be. I count my blessings that I just sort of went, ‘I'm gonna spend all my money on this for a little bit', because now coming into my future projects, I'm going with exactly the same approach, and I'll favor that over the one of buying a house or all the standard 1, 2, 3 things that you would be expected to do in society. I wanna put these things in place in a different position, and I would implore anybody who's got these sorts of ideas to just give it a go if you're in the situation too, because it can absolutely change your life. Whether it works or whether it just changes your mindset on certain things that you are used to working in.” Episode #191 of The Hope Initiative with Toby Simmons A super fun chat with Toby. He's a consistent fella and super patient with me in getting this episode out - we recorded it a week or so before the end of 2023. In it, we discuss his bias for extreme sports, suffering from ADHD and from a young age being called up by the world to be a consistent man. A battle with suicidal thoughts in 2018 and turning things around off the back of Covid which were his “thousand days”. Toby is now in the midst of training for his first Ironman 70.3 race and we chat business, social media and training for that plus plenty more. Super grateful for his time and all of you tuning in to listen. I do hope you enjoy as much as I have putting it together

Riff with Rien; This week: 5 years in the game. A few thoughts on the last 5 years. The struggle currently. The next 5 years. Follow and connect with The Hope Initiative on; Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/hopeinitiativepod/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@thehopeinitiative Music by Jess Fairlie - jessfairlie.com

“I think we get so far away from trusting ourselves. And, you know, when you do a breathwork session, or you go for a run, or you're in the shower, you have a download, and you're like, yeah, that's the fucking thing! And then an hour goes by, and then you convince yourself out of that thing, and you do a lesser thing… “I'm gonna reach out to Lewis Howes and get him on my podcast. Like that's too audacious. I'm going to go 20 people below him.” It's like, no fucking do the thing. You know, trust yourself!” Episode #189 of The Hope Initiative with Matt Allyn We're finally back for 2024 and I've been sitting on this epic conversation with Matt Allyn for a short while now. Stoked to have had it. We discuss storytelling, creativity, how Matt shifted his life after riding across America, and so much more! Thank you for your kind words and patience, my friend. Excited to race with you at some stage this year. Connect with Matt! Matt on Instagram - https://instagram.com/matthew.allyn Subscribe to Matt's email list - https://matthew-allyn.ck.page/ Listen to that epic conversation he had with Ryan Dreyer - https://open.spotify.com/episode/3aAY2Tx5o9mD5mIRDg8eH0?si=a47b7f995d61498d Follow and connect with The Hope Initiative on; Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/hopeinitiativepod/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@thehopeinitiative Music by Jess Fairlie - jessfairlie.com Made by RUKKUS - instagram.com/makearukkus

Stranger in the Streets: V. 019 Guest: Bonnie https://www.instagram.com/sydneyworkingholidaygirls Location: Circular Key, Sydney, Australia. Follow and connect with The Hope Initiative on; Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/hopeinitiativepod/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@thehopeinitiative Music by Jess Fairlie - jessfairlie.com Made by RUKKUS - instagram.com/makearukkus

Riff with Rien; This week: The Rule of 1,000. Whether it be 1,000 true fans, or 1,000 days, the rule of 1,000 seems to apply in many areas. Kevin Kelly on 1,000 True Fans - https://kk.org/thetechnium/1000-true-fans/ Andy Frisella on 1,000 days - https://open.spotify.com/episode/16ltB2sJU7OBavDiNKMkY1?si=e57eb1d851bf4e30 Follow and connect with The Hope Initiative on; Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/hopeinitiativepod/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@thehopeinitiative Music by Jess Fairlie - jessfairlie.com Made by RUKKUS - instagram.com/makearukkus

“I've just got this belief that if I can keep going at the rate that I'm going every single day and I keep working at the capacity that I'm working every single day, it has to work. “If not you, who?” Which is a really interesting quote that someone told me. It's like, if not you, who? Okay, I'm just prefacing this, I don't really care to win any awards. I just want to be the best in my industry. And this is just a metaphor, but if it's not you standing up there getting an award for something you've done, or having someone come up to you and say, hey, you really inspire them, if it's not you up there, who else is it gonna be? And there's no reason why it couldn't be you.” Episode #186 of The Hope Initiative with Matthew Thomas Matthew Thomas is an incredible artist in the world of visual story telling, whether it be through photography or videography. In this conversation, we discuss how he got into photo and film, his mission, struggles he faces and where he's heading. A well overdue guest, stoked to make it happen. It won't be the last time he's on either. Enjoy the chat! Matthew on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/met_dop Follow and connect with The Hope Initiative on; Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/hopeinitiativepod/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@thehopeinitiative Music by Jess Fairlie - jessfairlie.com Made by RUKKUS - instagram.com/makearukkus

Stranger in the Streets: V. 018 Guest: David Location: Circular Key, Sydney, Australia. Follow and connect with The Hope Initiative on; Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/hopeinitiativepod/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@thehopeinitiative Music by Jess Fairlie - jessfairlie.com Made by RUKKUS - instagram.com/makearukkus

Riff with Rien; This week: More chaos requires more calm. Forever waging the war. Follow and connect with The Hope Initiative on; Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/hopeinitiativepod/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@thehopeinitiative Music by Jess Fairlie - jessfairlie.com Made by RUKKUS - instagram.com/makearukkus

Stranger in the Streets: V. 017 Guest: Mel Location: Circular Key, Sydney, Australia. Follow and connect with The Hope Initiative on; Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/hopeinitiativepod/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@thehopeinitiative Music by Jess Fairlie - jessfairlie.com Made by RUKKUS - instagram.com/makearukkus

Stranger in the Streets: V. 016 Guest: Tom Location: Circular Key, Sydney, Australia. Follow and connect with The Hope Initiative on; Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/hopeinitiativepod/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@thehopeinitiative Music by Jess Fairlie - jessfairlie.com Made by RUKKUS - instagram.com/makearukkus

Riff with Rien; This week: Not delaying. Doing things now. Stop delaying. Cease the moment. Follow and connect with The Hope Initiative on; Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/hopeinitiativepod/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@thehopeinitiative Music by Jess Fairlie - jessfairlie.com Made by RUKKUS - instagram.com/makearukkus

Stranger in the Streets: V. 015 Guest: CT Location: Circular Key, Sydney, Australia. Follow and connect with The Hope Initiative on; Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/hopeinitiativepod/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@thehopeinitiative Music by Jess Fairlie - jessfairlie.com Made by RUKKUS - instagram.com/makearukkus

Stranger in the Streets: V. 014 Guest: Dimitri Location: Circular Key, Sydney, Australia. Follow and connect with The Hope Initiative on; Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/hopeinitiativepod/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@thehopeinitiative Music by Jess Fairlie - jessfairlie.com Made by RUKKUS - instagram.com/makearukkus

Riff with Rien; This week: Reps How many reps does it take to see a return? Follow and connect with The Hope Initiative on; Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/hopeinitiativepod/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@thehopeinitiative Music by Jess Fairlie - jessfairlie.com Made by RUKKUS - instagram.com/makearukkus

“Give them hell. Give them hell. Really rip into it. Push that little bit harder when I was younger, but give them hell. Because you're destined for it.” Episode #177 of The Hope Initiative with Dylan Johnstone Stoked to welcome back Dylan Johnstone to the podcast. After meeting Dylan in 2018, I had him on for episode 29 of the podcast in late 2019. 1,455 days later, he joined me for the second time to chat about all that has happened since! We discuss a wide range of topics from Taking Action, Raising the Standards, Non Negotiable's in life, plus what his past 1,000 days have looked like. Thanks for being here. Enjoy the episode. Connect with the guest Follow Dylan on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thereallifeofdylan Listen to Episode 29 when Dylan first appeared on the pod - https://open.spotify.com/episode/3euGPuq6o6YxkKoxtDjS7Z?si=86ad5660ff6146ef Dylan's Linktree - https://linktr.ee/DylanJohnstone Real AF Episode 58 - 1,000 Days - https://open.spotify.com/episode/16ltB2sJU7OBavDiNKMkY1?si=fa34b531c2cd4fc1 Follow and connect with The Hope Initiative on; Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/hopeinitiativepod/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@thehopeinitiative Music by Jess Fairlie - jessfairlie.com Made by RUKKUS - instagram.com/makearukkus

Stranger in the Streets: V. 013 Guest: Elora Location: Circular Key, Sydney, New South Wales. Follow and connect with The Hope Initiative on; Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/hopeinitiativepod/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@thehopeinitiative Music by Jess Fairlie - jessfairlie.com Made by RUKKUS - instagram.com/makearukkus

Riff with Rien; This week: Compromise Compromise with others, but never yourself. Follow and connect with The Hope Initiative on; Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/hopeinitiativepod/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@thehopeinitiative Music by Jess Fairlie - jessfairlie.com Made by RUKKUS - instagram.com/makearukkus

“Another lady got on, a lovely lady, born again Christian lady. And she was abusing me for not going to church every Sunday. And I wasn't going to have an argument with her. And then she got on one day and she started again and I said, “You go to church every Sunday?” She said yes. I said, “Well that's really good, I'm glad and I'm happy for you to go, but I don't need to go to a church.” She said, “What do you mean?” I said, “A church is made by man. Look at all around you. This is God's Cathedral. The trees, the sky, everything that you look at is God's creation. Why would I need to go into a man made creation for it?” And she must have thought about it when she got on the bus the next time. She apologised to me for being rude to me and said, “You're right.” It's just not making her wrong, but making people look outside the square. Making people realise that there's a lot more going on.” Episode #174 of The Hope Initiative with Stewart Heggie Born in the UK in 1946, Stewart Heggie moved to Australia in his mid 20's seeking a better life and found that driving buses, communicating with his passengers and following his curiosity. In this wide ranging chat, we discuss the importance of communication, taking responsibility in life, setting the example, the education system and family unit, plus much more. Thanks to Stewart for joining me and thank you to listening! Enjoy Follow and connect with The Hope Initiative on; Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/hopeinitiativepod/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@thehopeinitiative Music by Jess Fairlie - jessfairlie.com Made by RUKKUS - instagram.com/makearukkus

Stranger in the Streets: V. 012 Guest: Angela Location: Circular Key, Sydney, New South Wales. Follow and connect with The Hope Initiative on; Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/hopeinitiativepod/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@thehopeinitiative Music by Jess Fairlie - jessfairlie.com Made by RUKKUS - instagram.com/makearukkus

Riff with Rien; This week: Pivot How a simple pivot can keep you on course with the Vision, as opposed to changing everything all at once. Follow and connect with The Hope Initiative on; Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/hopeinitiativepod/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@thehopeinitiative Music by Jess Fairlie - jessfairlie.com Made by RUKKUS - instagram.com/makearukkus

Stranger in the Streets: V. 011 Guest: Ian Location: Fitzroy Gardens, East Melbourne, Victoria. Follow and connect with The Hope Initiative on; Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/hopeinitiativepod/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@thehopeinitiative Music by Jess Fairlie - jessfairlie.com Made by RUKKUS - instagram.com/makearukkus

Stranger in the Streets: V. 010 Guest: Sumeet Location: Little Bourke Street, Melbourne, Victoria. Follow and connect with The Hope Initiative on; Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/hopeinitiativepod/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@thehopeinitiative Music by Jess Fairlie - jessfairlie.com Made by RUKKUS - instagram.com/makearukkus

Riff with Rien; This week: Tangibles and Intangibles Challenging things are easier when there's a tangible finish line. The game of life is intangible, so perhaps it's about getting comfortable with the unknown. Follow and connect with The Hope Initiative on; Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/hopeinitiativepod/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@thehopeinitiative Music by Jess Fairlie - jessfairlie.com Made by RUKKUS - instagram.com/makearukkus

“I think energy transfer is a massive thing. If you can embody and listen really deeply, be curious, be attentive, reflect, and then speak, but transfer in a way in which you know it will be received, rather than just like, this is the energy I have, take it. There's this dynamic of like, it's more welcoming, it's more interesting, you connect on a deeper layer, and it was fascinating, like, yeah, I'm still in shock that you brought it up, it's epic.” Episode #168 of The Hope Initiative with Chad Cohen. Chad is a founder, curious human and soon to be marathon runner. We met in 2021 and this conversation has been over a year in the making and couldn't have come at a better time. In this conversation we talk about how he has facilitated creative powerhouses and built his company Fortem Media into what it is today. We discuss the importance of intangible and tangible finish lines, as well as Energy Transfer. Thank you to Chad for allowing me into his place of work for this! If you enjoyed this conversation, I would love for you to share it with someone that you feel will get some benefit out of it that you feel may need some hope in their life. I hope it serves you listening also. Enjoy, much love, and keep creative! SHOW LINKS Chad on Instagram Fortem Media Follow and connect with The Hope Initiative on Instagram Watch on YouTube Music by Jess Fairlie Made by RUKKUS

Stranger in the Streets: V. 009 Guest: Milla Location: Fitzroy Gardens, East Melbourne, Victoria. Follow and connect with The Hope Initiative on; Instagram YouTube Music by Jess Fairlie Made by RUKKUS

Riff with Rien; This week: Back Yourself. How following your curiosity with no shame is where the gold is. Follow and connect with The Hope Initiative on Instagram Music by Jess Fairlie Made by RUKKUS

“This notion that life is finite is incredibly powerful. If life wasn't finite, then we wouldn't be able to attribute value to it. But once you start to understand the finite nature of life, and not be afraid of the finite nature of life, and the fact that it will end, we can start to see each day as an opportunity to have a new experience.” Episode 165 of The Hope Initiative with Caleb Plumridge Caleb Plumridge is a creative filmmaker and ripper human. Having met Caleb in 2022 at Feel Good Dips in Melbourne, he's always made me feel calm and welcomed in his presence. A man who shows up in all areas of his life with that assuredness, in this conversation we discuss his love of film and where it started, the power of journalling, having a higher purpose, faith, how to be a conduit of creativity, and the finite nature of life. It was a deeply personal conversation and one I'm honoured to have had with Caleb. Thank you again mate. I appreciate you and am grateful to call you a friend. I hope you all enjoy listening! Cheers SHOW LINKS Connect with Caleb on Instagram Follow his company, True South Films on Instagram (and LinkedIn?!) https://truesouthfilm.com.au/ Follow and connect with The Hope Initiative on Instagram Music by Jess Fairlie Made by RUKKUS

Stranger in the Streets: V. 008 Guest: Thibaut Location: Fitzroy Gardens, East Melbourne, Victoria. Follow and connect with The Hope Initiative on Instagram Music by Jess Fairlie Made by RUKKUS

Riff with Rien; This week: Birthday Reflections. It's been a challenging year. It's been a great year. Let's go again. Follow and connect with The Hope Initiative on Instagram Music by Jess Fairlie Made by RUKKUS

“Just keep going that way.” Episode 162 of The Hope Initiative with Rachael Dols I met Rachael running the St. Kilda 2XU Olympic distance in January 2023. As a child she grew up in the pool almost every day, and grew to play basketball, before her adventurous nature led her to the Northern Territory where she worked as a tour guide. Upon returning, Rachael marked the calendar with a 70.3 Ironman, which she completed in Geelong in February 2020. Since then, it's been a love / hate relationship, battling injuries whilst making the journey across many finish lines including Cairns Ironman and the 70.3 World Championships in Finland this past August to name a few. A fun conversation with Rachel, I hope you all enjoy it! Cheers SHOW LINKS Connect with Rachael on Instagram Follow and connect with The Hope Initiative on Instagram Music by Jess Fairlie Made by RUKKUS

Stranger in the Streets: V. 007 Guest: Jude Location: Fitzroy Gardens, Melbourne, Victoria. Follow and connect with The Hope Initiative on Instagram Music by Jess Fairlie Made by RUKKUS

Riff with Rien; This week; moving house. It sucks. It occurs to me that I need to live a life more in the direction of minimalism. So here's to that and doing less, more. Follow and connect with The Hope Initiative on Instagram Music by Jess Fairlie Made by RUKKUS

“I just wanted it to be where people could come, show up for themselves, and really challenge themselves. Even though in the back of my head, I was like, yes, I'm not making any money with this, but look how this is changing their lives. And I genuinely feel as humans, we have this duty to serve… I wasn't doing anything for other people. And now it's the complete opposite. I was making barely any money, just to survive, but that ability to run those ab sessions, those breathwork sessions, those community events and realising that people outside of that meeting up together, building friendships, that's priceless.” Episode # of The Hope Initiative with Darshan Lad. Darshan is a fitness trainer and online coach. Meeting Darsh earlier this year albeit briefly, it was clear to see he was a disciplined guy from his physique, but as I learned in this conversation, that wasn't always the case. Going from a comfortable life in England to throwing himself in the fire during the lockdowns in Melbourne of all places, he was able to build a thriving community of growth minded humans, and is growing more and more online. A fun and eclectic conversation, we discuss fitness, creativity, discipline, habits and his feeling of having a duty to serve. Thanks so much to Darsh for the chat, looking forward to all that is to come from you bro! Much love, and enjoy listening. SHOW LINKS Connect with Darsh on Instagram Follow and connect with The Hope Initiative on Instagram Music by Jess Fairlie Made by RUKKUS

Stranger in the Streets: V. 006 Guest: Bridget Location: Corner of Spring and Bourke Street, Melbourne, Victoria. Follow and connect with The Hope Initiative on Instagram Music by Jess Fairlie Made by RUKKUS

Another Riff with Rien on the week; When life doesn't quite go to plan, stay calm. Follow and connect with The Hope Initiative on Instagram Music by Jess Fairlie Made by RUKKUS

“My grandmother just looked at me in the eyes. She's like, ‘You should be happy that I'm alive. What are you crying for?' And then I was just like, I know, I know… But you know, it's like tears of joy. Maybe there was a different feeling of ‘Why did you abandon me or why did you leave me?' Maybe there was that sort of anger as well. But you know, it was more of, ‘I don't give a shit about that. You're here now…' The majority of my life, I just wanted my mom and my grandmother, I just wanted to be loved.” Episode #156 of The Hope Initiative with Ras-Samuel Welda'abzgi. Ras-Samuel is an actor, producer and part time savage. Hailing from Ethiopa, he moved to Australia with his father and 2 siblings before he was 10, and quickly yearned for his old life without the first world problems faced here in Australia. A life of crime ensued, until time spent in Juvie and a reconnected with his roots back in his homeland showed him the path to storytelling and acting. Living out his grandmothers prophecy day by day, this was a fun chat with Ras-Samuel! Thanks for joining me my friend. I hope you all enjoy! Stay hard xx SHOW LINKS Connect with Ras-Samuel on Instagram Subscribe to Ras-Samuel on YouTube Support his latest short film “A Good Boy” on IndieGoGo Follow and connect with The Hope Initiative on Instagram Music by Jess Fairlie Made by RUKKUS

Stranger in the Streets: V. 005 Guest: Alberto Location: Parliament Gardens, East Melbourne, Victoria. Follow and connect with The Hope Initiative on Instagram Music by Jess Fairlie Made by RUKKUS

Late ep, but it's out nonetheless. Had some chats and thoughts around life, death, and leaving something behind once we're gone. Along the lines of the previous two episodes this week too. Hope you enjoy!

“People should be more aware of their families. Because really, when all is said and done, when you get old, all you've got is your family and your memories. Really, nothing else matters. Because that's the main thing. And that's anybody and everybody. As you get older, you realise that your family is really your best friends.” Episode #153 of The Hope Initiative with Chloe Watkins. Granny was brave enough on the eve of her 80th birthday to join me for a conversation - after a few years of prompting. It was fun and wide ranging, one I'll no doubt treasure along with the family for years to come. I hope you all enjoy! SHOW LINKS Follow and connect with The Hope Initiative on Instagram Music by Jess Fairlie Made by RUKKUS

Stranger in the Streets: V. 004 Guests: George and Joan Location: Edinburgh Gardens, Fitzroy North, Victoria. Follow and connect with The Hope Initiative on Instagram Music by Jess Fairlie Made by RUKKUS

Another Sunday night Riff/Recall with Rien. Today I completed my 2nd 70.3 Ironman. It was an epic day. So grateful to have raced and had all the support along the way. These are a few of my thoughts and ideas around this week and moving forward. Apologies for the poor audio quality. I recorded visuals on my phone and forgot to hit record on my mic set up, so ended up using audio from the phone recording in the end - lucky! Lol to the brain after today. Hope you enjoy! x

“I don't think there was ever a chance I was, wouldn't do anything else. I've done a lot of trying not to do photography, but it shows you how sometimes it finds you. There was a period where I wasn't doing a lot of photography and I remember getting my hair cut, I was talking to my hairdresser and it's always like therapy going to a good hairdresser. And Liz had said to me, we were just talking about things in general and I was trying to work out what I was doing and everything. And she said to me, ‘Mark, how much of your time do you think about photography?' I said, ‘Oh, what do you mean?' She said, ‘Well, I love hairdressing so much that there is not a day that goes by where I'm not thinking about it.' And she said, when you get to the point where you are always thinking about it, she said, that's probably when you know that's how much you want to do it. There's that. And then another mate of mine, Alan, who I did Project Malta with, he said, ‘One thing he said to me once, just in passing, and he said, you know, a photographer is only as good as the work they do. And he said, ‘The more you shoot, the better you get at what you do. And that's like, the more you do a podcast, the better you get at interviewing… And they're two conversations I remember years apart and at different stages, those conversations were very good full stops to think and to sort of stand back and say to myself, ‘Why am I doing what I'm doing?' And I think without knowing it, they became the motivation to keep doing what I do, because they made me have to stop and think about how much of this is consuming you. How much of it is leading you to whatever it is.” Episode #150 of The Hope Initiative with Mark Avellino. Mark is a photographer, creative human and football fan from way back. With Maltese roots, it was only following the passing of his parents that led him to photographing what connected us, The World Game. An avid documenter of the game at Victorias top level, Mark has plenty of insight into creativity, dealing with imposter syndrome, mindfulness and dealing with the voice that tries to stop us all. Thanks to Mark for going deep and sharing! I hope you all enjoy. SHOW LINKS Follow Mark on Instagram Check out Marks website and learn more about his work Follow and connect with The Hope Initiative on Instagram Music by Jess Fairlie Made by RUKKUS

Stranger in the Streets: V. 003 Guest: Steve Location: Edinburgh Gardens, Fitzroy North, Victoria. Follow and connect with The Hope Initiative on Instagram Music by Jess Fairlie Made by RUKKUS

The 2nd sunday show. Riffs with Rien? Recall with Rien…? A short episode from yours truly, discussing the week, what I've learnt and a question or challenge for you to take into yours. This week; Infinite Games Is the game you're playing worth it? I'm curious to know. Reply on Instagram. Shoot me an email. Or reply directly if you're listening on Spotify (coming soon). Thanks for listening! Follow and connect with The Hope Initiative on Instagram Music by Jess Fairlie Made by RUKKUS

“It's insane. That noise in us, sometimes the world is so dark and we get so stuck in our pity, but it really just taught me that little flame is in there somewhere and it's just waiting to be ignited and for us to put aside our conditioning and lean into that flame. I think that actually making that conscious decision, like how deeply I meant that and just poured gasoline on it. And it was like today. Now. Not tomorrow. This is your life. It literally was like I was gonna die if I didn't do this… That was ‘Rock bottom had a basement…' Episode #147 of The Hope Initiative with Simi Gosling. Simi Gosling is a holistic relationship counsellor and woman on a mission to help us all build greater relationships. In this conversation we discuss a host of things personal to both Simi and myself, including finding healthy love, suicide, our dislike for dating apps, porn, casual sex and energy! Such a fun conversation. Thank you all for tuning in and I hope you find as much enjoyment out of it as I have in bringing it to you. Thanks again to Simi for being a total legend and coming on! Enjoy x SHOW LINKS Follow Simi on Instagram Simi on TikTok Connect with Simi and her work Follow and connect with The Hope Initiative on Instagram Music by Jess Fairlie Made by RUKKUS

Episode #146 of The Hope Initiative. Stranger in the Streets: V. 002 Guest: [Megan](https://instagram.com/blackbettytattoos) Location: Edinburgh Gardens, Fitzroy North, Victoria. Follow and connect with The Hope Initiative on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/hopeinitiativepod/) Music by [Jess Fairlie](https://www.jessfairlie.com/) Made by [RUKKUS](https://www.rukkus.com.au/)

A Sunday show! A short episode from yours truly, discussing the week, what I've learnt and a question or challenge for you to take into yours. This week; Build It and They Will Come. What is something you've been putting off doing? Have you been thinking about it for a few weeks, months? Perhaps even years, god forbid! But you're not alone. I put off the creation of this podcast for years before starting in 2019, and only now after 140 odd episodes, am I raising the bar to bring 3 episodes a week to the world. What does your version of this look like? I'm curious to know. Reply on [Instagram.](https://www.instagram.com/hopeinitiativepod/) Shoot me an email. Or reply directly if you're listening on Spotify (coming soon). Thanks for listening! Follow and connect with The Hope Initiative on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/hopeinitiativepod/) Music by [Jess Fairlie](https://www.jessfairlie.com/) Made by [RUKKUS](https://www.rukkus.com.au/)

“And I remember having no food, no preparation, just a pair of bloody runners and some board shorts on. Just no idea what I was doing. And it was in the middle of the night it rained and I thought about turning back a thousand times and it was just like this - I talk about it in my book, the conflicting voices in your head. So that one voice that's derogatory and brings you down and it's self-deprecating and it's belittling. And we have all got that voice that holds us back from doing those things. I remember that night I talk about it in the book that this other voice started to shine through that just said, “Benji, you gotta go, you gotta keep moving forward. You gotta just get there. Don't, don't worry. You've got, you've got some water. You're, you're not, you're not alone.” Even though I was alone in the, in the darkness. And it just like this conflicting two little voices in my head just firing away. And I got there. I got into camp after midnight or something and got to the southernmost point at Daybreak in the morning and hiked all the way back. And that was sort of the start of this crazy adventure that took me across Australia.” Episode #144 of The Hope Initiative with Benji Brundin.