In this episode of Apes on Tape, Benji takes a back seat while Fred sits down with his good friend Connaire for one of the most honest conversations they’ve ever had.

Con opens up about one of the most challenging periods of his life, navigating a lengthy legal battle while also being diagnosed with testicular cancer. We talk about how those experiences changed his perspective, forced him to slow down, and ultimately led him towards a simpler, more intentional way of living.

We also chat about buying a piece of land, building a sawmill, reconnecting with nature, relationships, resilience, and finding meaning after life’s biggest challenges.

Probably one of the most open and meaningful conversations we've ever had on the podcast.

Recorded face to face in Portugal, what started as an amazing trip slowly turned into feelings of guilt, insecurity and pressure to enjoy every moment. We talk about feeling like a burden, regressing into old dynamics, and the immense power of friendship and understanding.

Benji’s living off-grid in Portugal and somehow ended up with thousands of bees swarming around his new home.

We get into that, and a few other things along the way.

A new dog called Roger, and a new magic chapter.

Portugal storms, flooded fields, and some honest chat about optimism, relationships, and staying positive when life doesn’t go to plan.

Fred sits down with his good friend Mickey for a long overdue catch up and a candid reflection on one of the biggest years of Mickey’s life. From travelling the world and working on ambitious creative projects to living what many would call the dream, Mickey opens up about the real lessons behind the highlight reel.
They talk success, momentum, mental health, personal growth, and what it actually takes to keep going when things look great on the outside.

For anyone interested in Fred's year in review video after 7 years of paralysis, you can check it out here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7y2xpyig7M&lc=Ugw4pWe3f5Zq8jx-1HZ4AaABAg

Fuel leaks, ferry drama, wildfires and hernia ops, Benji is the luckiest unlucky man on this disaster of a road trip.

His story is pure carnage from start to finish.

Fred shares the full story of how a relationship retreat turned into one of the biggest moments of his life- proposing to Cris! Between deep chats, emotional breakthroughs, and a perfectly-timed romantic moment, it’s a story of nerves, laughter, and love.

Benji also fills us in on his homestead life in Portugal, from catching rainwater off the new roof to escaping the heatwave.

Benji opens up about the emotional journey behind his move to Portugal - the challenges, the pride, and the quiet satisfaction of building the life he always dreamed of.

Fred wheels out of his comfort zone with his first ever proper magic gig, sharing the nerves, surprises, and moments of connection that came with it. He also talks candidly about a bold entrepreneurial pivot - selling nudes online to devotees !

Lots of laughter in this episode - enjoy!

Fred and Benji catch up on the beautiful chaos of life’s latest chapters.

Benji shares the joy and hustle of working on his place in Portugal and pulling off a heartfelt birthday surprise for Roz.

Fred reflects on the emotional rollercoaster of moving house — the clarity that comes with decluttering, the stress of letting go, and the strange peace found in downsizing.

Benji encourages Fred to open up about his recent mushroom ceremony, the difficulty of holding space for himself, and what it taught him about showing up — especially as a son.

With trademark honesty and a lot of laughter, they both share ongoing battles with procrastination and motivation.

In this episode of Apes on Tape, Fred and Benji dive into some big life changes and deep conversations. Fred talks about moving into a new place, the challenges of downsizing, and how minimalism takes on a whole new dimension when you have a disability. Meanwhile, Benji reflects on his gratitude for becoming a Portuguese resident.

They also revisit a listener’s message about God—someone who found a similar sense of meaning in spirituality that Fred and Benji often discuss through the lens of psychedelics. This sparks an honest conversation about why religious language can feel so loaded, the similarities between mystical experiences and faith, and how to stay open to different perspectives without feeling like you’re being preached to.

It’s a thought-provoking, laid-back chat with plenty of insights, laughter, and a few existential tangents.