
Straight Talk with Mark Bouris
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.
Latest episodes

4 snips
Jul 17, 2024 • 1h 39min
#139 Bedros Keuilian opens up on his Rags to Riches story & the looming threat of a US Civil War
Bedros Keuilian is a well-known entrepreneur, business coach, and author, recognised for his work in the fitness industry and beyond. Bedros has an inspiring backstory as an immigrant from Armenia. His family fled the Soviet Union to the United States when he was 6-years-old.We spoke about his early life and the hardships his family faced, his love for America, and his journey into fitness. Bedros shared details about his specific training and health routine, how he built a $200 million empire, and the healing he has undergone due to abuse in his youth. We also discussed the current division in the United States, the assassination attempt on Trump, and much more.Get tickets to Bedros' Australian tour here: https://www.rtg2024.com.au/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.

Jul 10, 2024 • 1h 25min
#138 James Magnussen: How the Australian Olympian became the face of the Enhanced Games
James Magnussen is gearing up for a new kind of swimming competition—one that's like the Olympics but with a major twist; no drug testing.In this episode, we dive deep into the concept of the Enhanced Games. James breaks down how he joined the controversial competition and all the aspects involved in the Enhanced Games. We also discuss his time competing in the Olympics and the shocking statistics about PED use in the Olympics. Tune in as we explore how the Enhanced Games could transform competitive sports forever, the possibility of world record-breaking performances, the ethical considerations involved, potential side effects, and whether James is ready for the public backlash.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.

Jul 3, 2024 • 52min
#137 Heston Russell: The Truth Behind Modern Warfare & His Legal Battle with the ABC
Heston Russell is a former Australian Special Forces Major with over 10,000 hours of leadership in combat operations in the Middle East.After over a decade of combat leadership, including taking the fight to ISIS, Heston Russell was proud to serve his country. Yet, he felt deeply abandoned when the ABC falsely accused his platoon of war crimes. Make sure to tune in, as the Aussie veteran offers a raw and honest insight into the complexities of modern warfare.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.

Jun 26, 2024 • 1h 4min
#136: Can Australian Rugby Union Be Saved? An In-Depth Analysis with Stephen Hoiles
We see all the headlines and outrage regarding Australain Rugby Union, and to be honest, I’m a bit bored with all the media antics. I want to understand the real intricacies of what created this mess.I sat down with Stephen Hoiles, a former Wallaby, grassroots rugby coach for Randwick, and TV analyst, who knows the current state of rugby inside and out. Drawing from his experience as a player, coach, and fan, Stephen provided an honest and interesting perspective on the numerous problems facing Rugby Union in Australia.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.

21 snips
Jun 19, 2024 • 40min
#135 Ryan Holiday: Make Philosophy Great Again
Ryan Holiday, a prolific writer known for his work on stoicism and modern philosophy, discusses the practical applications of virtues like courage and self-discipline. The conversation delves into the spread of stoicism through storytelling, challenges faced by modern leaders, achieving success through mentorship, and exploring the book 'Trust Me, I'm Lying'. They also touch on the virtues of justice and courage, as well as the practical applications of Stoic philosophy in daily life.

Jun 12, 2024 • 1h 6min
#134 Matildas Superstar Caitlin Foord: World Cup Reflections & 2024 Olympic Goals
The Matildas are absolute superstars in Australia right now, and they’ve earned every bit of that title.It was a great thrill chatting with Matildas star Caitlin Foord, and learning about her mindset and life story before she heads off to the 2024 Paris Olympics. Trust me, you don’t want to miss this one!We had a great chat about Caitlin's journey from Shellharbour to becoming a football superstar. She shared how her passion for rugby league, as a big Manly fan, shaped her fierce style on the pitch. We dove into her experiences playing for Arsenal, her recent injury, prep for the Olympics, and her insights on the Matildas' growth and the state of football in Australia. Plus, Caitlin shares a classic Cathy Freeman story and opens up about her mission to inspire the next generation of female soccer players.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.

Jun 5, 2024 • 1h 19min
#133 Josh Szeps: The Funniest Intellectual Down Under
Josh Szeps is an Australian-born broadcaster, writer, and commentator known for his work in media and journalism.Josh's curiosity and intellect has seen him interview some of the biggest names in comedy, journalism and politics. Like many working in the media today, he’s dealt with the consequences of discussing controversial issues and agendas.It was awesome to hear Josh’s unique perspective on the battle surrounding free speech, modern day movements, his departure from the ABC, how the hell he's managed to go on Joe Rogan’s podcast seven times 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.

May 29, 2024 • 1h 32min
#132 Rick Grossman Unfiltered: The Realities of the Rockstar Lifestyle
Rick Grossman is an Australian rock musician renowned for his role as the bass guitarist for two iconic Australian bands, Divinyls and Hoodoo Gurus.Rick's rockstar journey has seen incredible highs and challenging lows. He shot to international fame with the Divinyls but faced a tough battle with heroin addiction, which led to his departure from the band in 1987. After a long and hard-fought recovery, Rick made a remarkable comeback with the Hoodoo Gurus, with whom he continues to tour with today.In our conversation, Rick shared insights into his musical beginnings, his experiences with Divinyls and Hoodoo Gurus, what makes Australian rock bands special, the drug culture in the rock and roll scene, his recovery journey, his passion for rugby league, and much more.It's been quite a ride, and Rick has a wealth of wisdom and stories to share. 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.

May 22, 2024 • 1h 6min
#131 Perfectly Imperfect: Inside the chaotic & comedic mind of Millie Ford
Millie Ford is one of the fastest-rising creatives in Australia. Having amassed over 1.7 million followers online with her uncanny portrayal of everyday teachers, parents and shop assistants. Millie has also appeared on Home And Away and has recently made her musical debut, collaborating with Hellcat Speedracer on the summer anthem Lovestruck.We had an honest conversation on mental health, finding comedy in chaos, her creative process, the delusion of social media, modern dating 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.

May 15, 2024 • 1h 13min
#130 Stab Mag's Sam McIntosh: Riding the waves of change
As a kid from Punchbowl, I wasn’t your typical surfer, but I still became mad obsessed with the sport.One of my fondest childhood memories was heading to my local news agency to pick up a surf magazine. Surf media has evolved significantly since those days, far beyond those paper magazines.It was great chatting with the co-founder of Stab Mag Sam McIntosh to dive deeper into the surfing world.We discussed his family's impactful move from inland to the coast during his youth, his beginnings working at surf magazines, a crucial book project with Taj Burrow that was a career turning point, the origins of Stab Magazine, the craziness that exists in the surf industry, the creative process behind Stab''s projects, our shared love for risk-taking 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.