The You Project

That term (scared sh*tless), is something l've heard many times. Even if you have zero interest in public speaking, you might find this chat interesting, as we explore the essence of communication, connection and rapport. And while we are talking in the context of public speaking, most of the content is relevant across a broad range of situations, with an audience of many or one. I get asked a lot of questions about public speaking, from people who want to do it for a job and makes lots of dough, to people who just want to be less terrified of speaking in front of any group in any situation, even at their own birthday. So, for this chat the old professional (me) and the new professional (Tiff) got together to share some thoughts, insights, suggestions and stories that might be of value to any would-be public speaker.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I’m back on deck with a new episode tomorrow after traversing the country to make a few bucks, but for today I’ve decided to reshare my most popular solo episode. I do go a little hard, so if you’re feeling a bit presh, maybe listen from behind a cushion (like I do with scary movies).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tracy-lea Connor has been on the show before talking about her journey with chemobrain and her book called... ‘Chemobrain’ (shocker, I know). This time we opened the door on her experience living with a psychopath for years. We spoke about red flags, gaslighting, people pleasing, being addicted to a person (it's real addiction and break-ups come with a literal biochemical withdrawal), love-bombing, manipulation, control, fake kindness and care, why people stay in toxic relationships, escaping and lots more. Enjoy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hi Team, I’m up to my eyeballs this week in corporate work, so I’m going to revisit one of my favourite conversations with one of my favourite actors and all-round good humans, Samual Johnson. Enjoy.Samuel Johnson (OAM) is an Actor (TV, film and stage), Gold Logie winner, regular Aussie bloke, co-creator of the charity ‘Love Your Sister’ and money-raising machine, who (to this point in time) has raised more than thirteen millions dollars for cancer research. Mid-way through 2021, Sam was hit by a car, breaking his skull (including his face), fracturing bones in his neck and suffering a significant brain injury. To say his life has an been interesting journey, is an understatement. This conversation went far and wide and I think you’ll enjoy it. I loved it (the chat) and him. Even if he’s not Samuel L. Jackson (in-show joke). loveyoursister.orgSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Well, this chat was equally fascinating and terrifying. According to David Gillespie, Artificial General Intelligence (Al that is as smart as, or smarter than, the average person) is just around the metaphoric corner and it may not be good news for us non-robots. In some ways, it seems like the rapid evolution of Al is hurtling humanity towards the edge of an existential cliff, that might do us more harm than good. According to some, Al is at the precipice of being sentient to the point where it can think, make decisions, deceive and manipulate (humans), train itself and experience the equivalent of what we call 'consciousness'. Until recently, I too thought this 'Al stuff' was exaggerated and mostly BS, but not anymore. By no means do I think we need to panic, but I do believe we need to open our eyes to what is happening. We would be naive (and can I say stupid?) to assume that all technological advancement equals human advancement.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For a range of fascinating reasons, we humans tend to hate the idea of 'being wrong' about beliefs, ideas and rituals (habits maybe?) that are important to us. Especially when those things are foundational and integral to who we think we are; our identity, our purpose, our sense of self and our self-worth. Ironically, we love to see ourselves as open-minded, considered and objective as long as you agree with our core beliefs and ideas (lol). So, what are the dangers of 'needing to be right?’ Take a listen.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tegan McKenzie is a Somatic Sex Therapist, working with women to help them navigate and explore their own sensuality, sexuality, emotional well-being and self-care. Well, l've had thousands of conversations (on this show and beyond) with people working in all kinds of fields and this chat, was a first for me. Having the opportunity to chat with Tegan and knowing that the majority of my audience is female, I thought it was a conversational door worth opening. Am I the most qualified person to have this chat? Probably not? Did I learn a lot? Yep. Was I amazing? Nope. Was it interesting? Definitely.  @bespoke_health_co/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Tai Chi-teaching, rural living, nature loving, tech geek, father of one (dog) is back, and this time we chat about the potential ban on kids under sixteen accessing social media, the pros and cons of our current digital world, the first bloke to have a Neuralink implant, how the new super-dooper Al programs aren't always super or dooper, headphones that allow you to clearly hear an individual voice (the person your chatting with) by blocking out all the other voices in a noisy room (I want those), a self-balancing motorcycle (ridiculous but Patrick loves the idea) and China's new robot dog that comes complete with a machine gun on its back. What could go wrong? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Intelligence is not 'a' thing but rather, a bunch of things. In some rooms I'm mildly smart, in others l'm wildly stupid. It's context, task and situation dependent. Want my advice on technology, you're in trouble. Ask me about biology or psychology, you're in with a chance. In this freestyle episode, Tiff and I talk about individual learning and teaching styles, getting better with age, exposing yourself to new and different stimuli (challenges, experiences, situations, information) and the issue of retention (remembering the stuff we learn). Enjoy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Amy Molloy and I agree, there's no five easy steps to virtually anything. Might be five hard steps. Or twenty-six. Or five easy and five hard. Might take you a month and me, a decade. The point is, different things work for different people. Whether it's grieving, getting in shape, making money, communication, growing a brand, reducing anxiety, a relationship model, lifestyle or even, hosting a podcast! My best job might be your worst nightmare. Your easy run might be my torture session. And your favourite meditation practice might give me anxiety! I loved this chat with the deep-thinking, incredibly articulate, super-smart (it's all true) story-teller that is, Amy Molloy. Amy is a journalist, editor and award-winning author who produces uplifting content for the biggest names in global publishing. Enjoy. The SpaceSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.