

Straight Talk with Mark Bouris
Mentored.com.au
Too often, we avoid real conversations. Entrepreneur Mark Bouris sits down and gets to know people, understands what makes them tick, and shares the great and unusual things they’re doing. There’s no sugar coating. There’s no hiding behind fancy marketing slogans. Just an honest conversation.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Mar 16, 2025 • 1h 14min
#175 Skye Nicolson: The rise of Australia’s new boxing superstar
Skye Nicolson is an Australian professional boxer and the reigning WBC featherweight world champion, with an undefeated record and a gold medal from the 2018 Commonwealth Games.Her story is one of resilience and inspiration.Skye's family has deep roots in boxing, with her late brother Jamie Nicolson being one of Australia’s greatest boxers, winning bronze at the 1990 Commonwealth Games and competing in the 1992 Olympics. Tragically, Jamie and his younger brother Gavin lost their lives in a car accident in 1995. Though Skye never met them, their legacy has profoundly shaped her journey in boxing.In the podcast, we discussed her training, her journey into boxing, the influence of her family, her upcoming fight against Tiara, her future goals, the rapid rise of women in the sport, and all the wild stuff in the world of boxing.You can purchase tickets to the fight she is on the co-main wth George Kambosos Jr here: https://premier.ticketek.com.au/shows/show.aspx?=You can watch it on the DAZN App here:https://www.dazn.com/en-AU/homeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mar 12, 2025 • 1h 24min
#174 Julia Morris Unfiltered: Life After Divorce, ADHD & A Ton of Laughs
Julia Morris is a powerhouse of Australian comedy, a celebrated TV host, and an all-around entertainer-and she's also a great mate. We had an absolutely hilarious chat about life after divorce, her career, her ADHD diagnosis, and plenty more.Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter & YouTube. You can subscribe to the newsletter here: https://lnkd.in/e7C8akgj.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mar 5, 2025 • 1h 3min
#173 Dylan Buckley: AFL’s Podcasting Pioneer on Footy, Mental Resilience & Building a Brand
Dylan Buckley is a former AFL player turned entrepreneur, founder of Clubby Sports, and host of Dyl & Friends. Through his podcast, he blends humour with deep conversations, unpacking career highs and lows, mindset, and success. With Clubby Sports, he’s redefining how athletes connect with fans and build a brand beyond the game.We got into his journey-his AFL career, how he stumbled into podcasting, and how he’s taken over the game. We talked about his childhood, the power of vulnerability, mental health, and a few bizarre but fascinating topics along the way. Enjoy!Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter & YouTube. You can subscribe to the newsletter here: https://lnkd.in/e7C8akgj.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 26, 2025 • 1h 16min
#172 Jeff Fenech: The life story of Australia's greatest boxing champion
Jeff Fenech isn’t just one of Australia’s greatest boxers—he’s one of my best mates, and a bloke I’ve got endless respect for. His story isn’t just about titles and belts; it’s about resilience, loyalty, and never backing down, whether in the ring or in life. From his early days stumbling into boxing to becoming a world champion, to now mentoring the next generation, Jeff’s always been about giving everything he’s got.Jeff has an incredible life story - one that needs to be turned into a movie. He’s got great, honest insight into the wild world of boxing, the politics, the battles inside and outside the ring, the mindset it takes to be a champion and a terrifying story he shared for the first time. Enjoy!Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter & YouTube. You can subscribe to the newsletter here: https://lnkd.in/e7C8akgj.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 19, 2025 • 54min
#171 The Happy Hour Duo: Lucy Jackson & Nikki Westcott on friendship, business & dating
Lucy Jackson and Nikki Westcott are best friends and business partners behind the fashion label Jagger and Stone and wine brand Who is Jackson West? They also host Happy Hour with Lucy & Nikki, one of Australia’s most popular podcasts.This one’s a cracker—Lucy and Nikki bring the energy as we dive into their journey, the influencer game, the chaos of entrepreneurship, dating, and plenty more.Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter & YouTube. You can subscribe to the newsletter here: https://lnkd.in/e7C8akgj.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 17, 2025 • 43min
#170 Alex Pereira on Fighting Oleksandr Usyk, moving up to Heavyweight & who the UFC GOAT is?
Alex Pereira is the reigning UFC light heavyweight champion and a former middleweight champion, widely regarded as one of the greatest combat sports athletes of all time.I spoke with Alex at the exclusive VIP AOA Global event at the ICC Sydney Grand Ballroom, where we discussed his time in Australia, cornering Sean Strickland, the possibility of a fight against Oleksandr Usyk, his upcoming bout with Magomed Ankalaev, the meaning of Chama, his early life and journey into MMA, his legendary UFC fights, who he considers the GOAT, and much more.Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter & YouTube. You can subscribe to the newsletter here: https://lnkd.in/e7C8akgj.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 12, 2025 • 54min
#169 Bruce Buffer: The Voice of the UFC on Life, Business & Wild Vegas Nights
Bruce Buffer is best known as the iconic voice of the UFC. The legendary octagon announcer is a true gentleman, a sharp entrepreneur, and a man with one hell of a life story. From discovering his long-lost brother, Michael Buffer, to the wild early days of the UFC and unforgettable nights in Vegas- this one’s got it all.Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter & YouTube. You can subscribe to the newsletter here: https://lnkd.in/e7C8akgj.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 5, 2025 • 32min
#168: UFC boss Dana White & NSW Premier Chris Minns talk UFC 312
Today, I had the chance to sit down with Dana White and NSW Premier Chris Minns ahead of UFC 312—an event that’s set to put Sydney on the global stage once again.Dana is one of America’s most successful entrepreneurs, taking the UFC from a struggling business into a global powerhouse. Chris, along with Destination NSW, played a key role in securing this event for Sydney, recognising the economic and cultural impact the UFC brings to the state.In this conversation, we covered everything—from the UFC’s influence on Sydney to the global appeal of the sport, fighter preparation, and what makes a great champion. Dana shared insights into how the UFC cultivates stars, the business of fight promotion, and his own approach to leadership, drive, and health.You can order UFC 312 live on Sunday, Feb 9, exclusively on Main Event via Kayo Sports.Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter & YouTube. You can subscribe to the newsletter here: https://lnkd.in/e7C8akgj.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 3, 2025 • 45min
#167 UFC Champion Dricus Du Plessis on war with Sean Strickland, Alex Pereira & who is the GOAT?
I spoke to the reigning UFC Middleweight Champion Dricus Du Plessis before his rematch this Saturday at UFC 312 in Sydney. We discussed his upcoming rematch with Sean Strickland, his journey to the top, what defines an elite champion, Alex Pereira being a cornerman for his opponent, his GOAT list, Conor McGregor, what’s next for him and much more.You can order UFC 312 live on Sunday, Feb 9, exclusively on Main Event via Kayo Sports.Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter & YouTube. You can subscribe to the newsletter here: https://lnkd.in/e7C8akgj.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 29, 2025 • 1h 11min
#166: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on upcoming election, the housing crisis & Australia’s future
Anthony Albanese, Australia’s 31st Prime Minister, shares his journey from humble beginnings to national leadership. He discusses his plans to tackle the housing crisis, including a bold target of building 1.2 million homes by 2030. Albanese reflects on the importance of authenticity in leadership and the impact of economic challenges like inflation and cost of living. He also touches on the cultural significance of rugby and pays tribute to his mother's sacrifices that shaped his values and drive for social justice.