
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

Feb 28, 2024 • 55min
#119 The Unapologetic Willie Mason: From Rugby League Enforcer to Insightful Mentor
Willie Mason has observed the NRL for over 20 years as a junior player, NRL star, veteran, commentator and now as a coach.The 43-year-old's keen eye is now paying dividends as as a pathways coach for the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs and a co-host for one of rugby league's most popular podcasts on the 'Levels Network'.We discussed various topics, including the 2024 season launch of the NRL in Vegas, his childhood, the impact of his father's death, the highs and lows of his career, relationships with Wayne Bennett and Phil Gould, the success of his new podcast with Justin Horo, how he guides players today as a coach 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.

23 snips
Feb 21, 2024 • 57min
#118: The Aussie legend who ran from the North Pole to the South Pole
Pat Farmer, the Aussie legend who ran from the North to the South Pole, shares stories of his ultra-marathon journey, resilience in extreme conditions, weight loss experiences, and the importance of self-awareness for peak performance. He also discusses the inspiring story of Cliff Young, surviving in extreme heat, and enduring the brutal cold on a polar journey.

Feb 14, 2024 • 1h 12min
# 117 Melissa Leong: Inside The Mind of a Tasteful Intellect
Melissa Leong is an independent Australian food writer, critique connoisseur, and media personality. Driven by curiosity, Melissa has transitioned from writing books to becoming a star on television, marking a successful career journey. From judging on the Masterchef to interviewing UFC fighters, Melissa finds it easy to adapt in the media with her genuine fascination of human being's stories.Mark asks Melissa about her childhood and how she became such a lover for food. The two engage in a wide-ranging conversation on what makes a good meal, the alchemy in food, Melissa's multi-faceted media career, her randomness and why 2024 is the year of doing off-brand things.Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube. You can subscribe to the newsletter here: https://lnkd.in/e7C8akgj.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 7, 2024 • 1h 10min
#116 Eric Bana: Time is the biggest flex
An Australian film getting a sequel is a rare sight, but The Dry was such a good mystery-thriller that it demands a follow-up titled The Force of Nature.In an exclusive long-form interview, world-class Australian actor Eric Bana joins Mark Bouris to discuss the making of The Dry 2, directed by Robert Connolly and Eric's business partner.Bana talks about what it took to make the sequel, the importance of keeping the Australian filmmaking industry alive, and what makes him a successful international actor. The Force Of Nature: The Dry 2 is out now in theatres You can subscribe to the newsletter here: https://mentored.com.au/newsletter-sign-up/Join the Facebook Group.Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 31, 2024 • 53min
#115 From BS to Brilliance: Jeff 'Morgs' Morgan's Journey from Bank Robber to Mindset Coach
Jeff 'Morgs' Morgan is a former bank robber who has become a life and mindset coach. He had a difficult upbringing in Redfern but was able to transform his life by creating a program called "Cut the Bullshit". Jeff shares his insights into his past challenges and the principles that guide his coaching approach.In this conversation, you will discover how he overcame adversity, served prison time, and emerged as a person determined to create positive change in the world. Mark and Jeff delve into his workshops with NRL clubs, where he helps players understand their roles as role models and his groundbreaking 5-year contract with PKKP Aboriginal Corporate in the Pilbara region.This is a robust conversation about resilience, personal growth, and Jeff's impactful work that inspires others.You can subscribe to the newsletter here: https://mentored.com.au/newsletter-sign-up/Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 24, 2024 • 1h 2min
#114 How To Master The Art Of Winning The Room
Jonathan Pease, an experienced creative and communication expert, shares practical insights from his latest book “Winning The Room: Storyteller Tactics for Speeches, Pitch Meetings, and Everyday Life.” Jonathan will help you conquer your public speaking fears, captivate your audience and build trust in any room. He will share his proven strategies for turning nervous energy into charisma and provide tangible takeaways for immediate application. His book outlines a tight, actionable, and memorable system that you can use to master the art of Winning The Room. This is your ultimate guide to becoming a pro at impactful presenting.BUY THE BOOKWinning The Room by Jonathan Pease https://www.amazon.com.au/Winning-Room-Pitch-Unforgettable-Storytelling/dp/1684811228 You can subscribe to the newsletter here: https://mentored.com.au/newsletter-sign-up/Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 17, 2024 • 1h 11min
#113 "You learn more on the way down" Vincent Wong On Navigating Turbulence, Rebuilding, and Inspiring Others
Vincent Wong is a 37-year-old Chinese Australian who has faced varying degrees of adversity throughout his life. Despite a challenging upbringing in Auburn, he has risen to great heights of success in business as the Director of Astute Agency, showcasing his resilience. Vincent's survival mentality, the impact of his father, and the turbulent business journey led to an almost downward spiral.However, he has learned valuable lessons along the way and now shares his insights into rebuilding and the importance of therapy. Vincent also offers words of encouragement to those who are facing similar struggles. Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube. You can subscribe to the newsletter here: https://lnkd.in/e7C8akgj. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 10, 2024 • 59min
#112 Unveiling the Legend: Inside Wayne Bennett's Paradoxical World
Sports journalist Andrew Webster has authored a revealing exploration of Wayne Bennett, Australia's greatest rugby league coach. Webster delves into the intriguing life of Bennett, who has won seven premierships and unparalleled ability to manage players and the public eye.Webster uncovers the paradoxes within Bennett's character, revealing a self-professed introvert who effortlessly captivates audiences, an autocrat who aims to instil virtue in his young charges, and a family man who caused shockwaves when he ended a 42-year marriage. As other coaches criticise and emulate Bennett's tactics and players experience a rollercoaster of admiration and betrayal, the media paints a complex portrait of this iconic figure.Andrew Webster and Mark discuss the story behind those stories and provide unique insights into the complexities of coach champion Wayne Bennett.Buy The Wolf You Feed by Andrew Webster https://www.amazon.com.au/Wolf-You-Feed-Andrew-Webster/dp/1761268600 Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube. You can subscribe to the newsletter here: https://lnkd.in/e7C8akgj. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 3, 2024 • 1h 8min
#111 REVISIT: The Untold Story of Global Sensation Kayla Itsines
Disclaimer: This episode was first released on 22nd June 2023. ---Kayla Itsines is the co-founder of the Sweat app. Kayla Itsines has amassed an impressive following of 15 million on Instagram and has become a household name in the fitness world.As the co-creator of BBG, which later evolved into the popular Sweat with Kayla and now simply Sweat, Kayla revolutionised the fitness industry.From humble beginnings posting before and after photos of her clients, she has created the highly successful Sweat app, boasting over 30 million downloads and counting.Mark and Kayla discuss her journey from the early days of BBG (Bikini Body Guide) to the global success of SWEAT. Kayla shares insights into her personal life, the hurdles of being a fitness influencer, and her take on health culture in the digital age.Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube. You can subscribe to the newsletter here: https://lnkd.in/e7C8akgj.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dec 27, 2023 • 1h 5min
Your Top 5 Guests Of 2023
Thank you for the biggest year YET. Want to hear the full episode of your Top Five Guests for 2023? #99 Matty Johns #66 Ed Kavalee #66 Charlie Teo #92 Ben Crowe#85 Kayla Itsines Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube. You can subscribe to the newsletter here: https://lnkd.in/e7C8akgj.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.