Better Bloke

From the outside, Brett "Knuckles" Hanly looks like a bloke who never stops.

On the day we recorded this episode, he'd flown in from Vietnam, driven from Brisbane to the Sunshine Coast for an IVF appointment with his wife, travelled back to Brisbane to sit down with us in the Better Bloke studio, and then headed straight to Brisbane Lions commitments. It was a full day by anyone's standards, but it also summed up the reality of juggling business, family and purpose.

Most people know Knuckles as the founder of Country Trucker Caps (CTC), one of Australia's biggest success stories to come from a simple side hustle. What started while he was working as a sparky in the mines has grown into a nationally recognised brand, but the journey wasn't without risk. In this episode, he shares what it was really like making the decision to walk away from a secure career and back himself.

We talk about the highs, the uncertainty, and the lessons learned from building a business that now employs a growing team and reaches tonnes of Australians every day.

But this conversation goes well beyond business.

Knuckles opens up about being a husband and father, and the deeply personal journey he and his wife are currently navigating through IVF. It's an honest discussion about the emotional toll fertility challenges can place on both partners, and why it's important for men to recognise that they're allowed to feel the weight of it too.

Fatherhood becomes a central theme throughout the episode, particularly the desire so many parents share, to give their children opportunities they never had themselves. It's a conversation every mum and dad will relate to, exploring the balance between providing for your family, staying present, and making sure success doesn't come at the expense of the people you're working so hard for.

We also unpack the pressure many Australian families are feeling in today's economic climate.

Both of us are speaking with countless hardworking blokes who feel like they're being punished for trying to get ahead, working longer hours, paying more tax, and simply trying to keep a roof over their family's head and food on the table. Knuckles shares his thoughts on why so many Australians feel left behind and offers some candid ideas about where he believes change needs to start.

No conversation with Knuckles would be complete without talking about Get Yourself Checked, the charity initiative that's encouraging Australian men to take prostate health seriously. With September marking Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, it's a timely reminder that looking after your health isn't a sign of weakness, it's one of the most important things you can do for yourself and the people who rely on you.

Of course, we couldn't finish the episode without talking about Podcast Royale 3.0. We share a few exciting updates, tease what's coming in the lead-up to fight night, and reveal a couple of firsts that hadn't been publicly discussed before.

Whether you know Knuckles from Country Trucker Caps, Get Yourself Checked, Proper True Yarn or simply admire what he's built, this episode is a reminder that behind every successful business is a bloke trying to navigate the same challenges many of us face... family, purpose, pressure, and finding the courage to back yourself when it matters most.

Find out more about Better Bloke Project: https://www.betterblokeproject.org/

Find out about Get Yourself Checked: https://www.getyourselfchecked.org

Find us on socials:

https://www.instagram.com/betterblokeproject/

https://www.facebook.com/thebetterblokeproject/

https://www.tiktok.com/@betterblokeproject

In October, Mitch Farlow will attempt to run the length of Tasmania, around 300 kilometres to raise awareness and funds for Beyond Blue.

Mitch is a lived-experience peer worker with Queensland Health, a former fringe professional footballer and someone determined to give life a red-hot crack.His motivation for taking on Tasmania is deeply personal. After watching his mum face her own struggles, Mitch found purpose in running for a cause and discovered how much meaning can come from doing something difficult for people beyond yourself.

We talk about the challenge ahead, the family story driving him and the role running now plays in his life. Mitch also opens up about becoming a “banned athlete” following some poor decisions during his football years and explains why the real story isn’t what most people might assume.

This is a raw conversation between two blokes getting to know each other: honest, occasionally uncomfortable and ultimately hopeful.

The episode itself nearly didn’t make it. Camera failures, missing footage and audio dramas made this one of our roughest edits yet, but we persisted. That’s all part of the game, and somehow it feels fitting for an episode about continuing to move forward when things don’t go to plan.

FOLLOW MITCH'S JOURNEY:

https://www.instagram.com/mitch.farlow/

Help us help the blokes who need it:

https://www.betterblokeproject.org/pages/donate-now

Find us on socials:

https://www.instagram.com/betterblokeproject/

https://www.facebook.com/thebetterblokeproject/

https://www.tiktok.com/@betterblokeproject

This week marks a new chapter for the podcast as Rob films, hosts and edits an entire episode on his own for the first time.

There’s no intro yet, things are a little raw and choppy, and the learning curve occasionally shows.

But that’s what the Better Bloke Project is all about: having a go, accepting that you won’t get everything right the first time and continuing to show up anyway.

Joining Rob is Kyle Van Der Poel-Ashburn, aka The Impact Sensation. Kyle is stepping in as Rob’s tag-team partner for their fight at Podcast Royale 3.0, and they use this episode to make it official.

Both Rob and Kyle lost their respective fights at Podcast Royale 2.0, but one loss doesn’t have to define what happens next. Instead of walking away, they’ve chosen to learn from it, join forces and come back with something to prove.

Between the redemption talk, the questionable fight strategy and an immense amount of shit-talking, this episode is also a reminder not to take life too seriously. Becoming a better bloke isn’t about being perfect or winning every time. It’s about how you respond when things don’t go your way, having good people in your corner and being willing to get back in the fight.

The podcast continues with Rob behind the mic and different guests joining him for a chat. It may be a little rough around the edges while he learns the ropes, but that’s part of the journey we’re going on together. You might fail. You might make mistakes. You might even look like a bit of an idiot along the way, but none of that matters if you keep showing up.

Help us help the blokes who need it:

https://www.betterblokeproject.org/pages/donate-now

Find us on socials:

https://www.instagram.com/betterblokeproject/

https://www.facebook.com/thebetterblokeproject/

https://www.tiktok.com/@betterblokeproject

Follow Kyle's instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/kvanderpoel/

Podcast Royale 3.0 Tickets here:

https://www.alpha-events.com.au

After more than 100 episodes together, every journey eventually reaches a point where priorities change.

In Episode 119 of The Better Bloke Project Podcast, Rob and Matty sit down for one final episode together as co-hosts.

This isn't a goodbye. It's the next chapter.

The boys discuss why now feels like the right time to make a change, with both of their lives and commitments growing to a point where something had to give. Moving forward, The Better Bloke Project Podcast will continue with Rob behind the microphone, while Matty shifts his focus towards his business and the opportunities ahead.

The conversation reflects on some of the moments that helped shape the podcast over the years, including the late Hayden's episode and the impact it continues to have. While Hayden may no longer be with us, his story remains, and both Rob and Matty are proud that it will always exist as a reminder of the man he was.

They also discuss what's next for Better Bloke Project, upcoming events, future plans, and a few things still waiting to be announced.

Of course, it wouldn't be a Better Bloke episode without a few detours along the way. The boys somehow find themselves discussing Bahn Mi, Uber Eats, and the finer details of eating out, proving that even in a farewell episode, some things never change.

Help us help the blokes who need it: https://www.betterblokeproject.org/pages/donate-now

Find us on socials:

https://www.instagram.com/betterblokeproject/ https://www.facebook.com/thebetterblokeproject/ https://www.tiktok.com/@betterblokeproject

Is there really a male loneliness epidemic, or are we simply talking about something that’s always existed?

In this episode of The Better Bloke Project Podcast, Rob and Matty unpack one of the biggest conversations surrounding men’s wellbeing today. They discuss whether men are actually more lonely than ever, or whether social media and increased awareness have simply made it more visible.

The conversation explores how COVID changed the way we socialise, the impact of working from home, and why many men can feel isolated despite being surrounded by people every day.

More importantly, this episode is about solutions.

The boys share practical ways to reconnect, from making time for your mates amongst work and family commitments, to finding new friendships through shared hobbies and interests. They also discuss why reaching back out to old mates after a breakup is often easier than your pride tells you, and why investing time in your friendships is one of the best things you can do for your wellbeing.

This is an honest conversation about friendship, connection and reminding blokes that they’re not the only ones looking for genuine mates.

Help us help the blokes who need it:

https://www.betterblokeproject.org/pages/donate-now

Find us on socials:

https://www.instagram.com/betterblokeproject/

https://www.facebook.com/thebetterblokeproject/

https://www.tiktok.com/@betterblokeproject

Most people know Jacob “Barnos” Barnfield from the Bondi terrorist attack and the footage that made headlines around the world.

But that’s only part of his story.

This week, Rob and Matty sit down with Barnos to talk about the life behind the headlines. He shares his battles with mental health, multiple suicide attempts, what helped him rebuild his life, and why he’s still here today.

The conversation also dives into his firsthand account of the Bondi terror attack, the reality of running towards danger while others fled, and why so many “armchair experts” have no understanding of what fight, flight or survival actually looks like in the moment.

The boys also discuss friendship, respectful disagreement, and why you don’t need to agree with someone on every issue to value them as a person.

This isn’t a political episode.

It’s an honest conversation about resilience, trauma, mental health, perspective and the importance of hearing someone’s full story before judging them by a single moment.

If this episode resonates with you, share it with someone who needs to hear it. Because sometimes the conversations we’re hesitant to have are the ones that matter most.

Follow Barnos here: https://www.instagram.com/barnos.au/

Help us help the blokes who need it: https://www.betterblokeproject.org/pages/donate-now

Find us on socials:

https://www.instagram.com/betterblokeproject/ https://www.facebook.com/thebetterblokeproject/ https://www.tiktok.com/@betterblokeproject

The Better Bloke Project is an ACNC-registered charity focused on reducing male suicide through connection, conversation and practical support for men, families and communities across Australia.

What is it about certain songs that can instantly transport you back to a moment in your life?

In this episode of The Better Bloke Project Podcast, Rob and Matty dive into Spotify’s viral “Divorced Aussie Dad Tunes” playlist, featuring iconic artists like Creed, Nickelback, 3 Doors Down, Switchfoot, Shannon Noll and Incubus.

More than just a music discussion, this episode explores how songs become tied to memories, emotions and different chapters of our lives. From heartbreak and resilience to fatherhood, mateship and growing up, we unpack why certain tracks continue to resonate long after they’ve left the charts.

Part nostalgia trip, part therapy session, and part celebration of the soundtrack that shaped a generation of Australian blokes.

Help us help the blokes who need it: https://www.betterblokeproject.org/pages/donate-now

Find us on socials:

https://www.instagram.com/betterblokeproject/ https://www.facebook.com/thebetterblokeproject/ https://www.tiktok.com/@betterblokeproject

The Better Bloke Project is an ACNC-registered charity focused on reducing male suicide through connection, conversation and practical support for men, families and communities across Australia.

At first glance, Mel Tolone is exactly what you’d expect from a bloke who’s built his life around strength sports and bare-knuckle fighting. He’s competed around the world, stepped onto strongman and powerlifting platforms, and built a career coaching others through his own gyms.

But spend five minutes with Mel and you’ll quickly realise there’s far more to him than what you see on the surface.

Known as “The Revenant”, Mel carries a nickname that reflects more than his fighting style. It’s a mindset forged through adversity, setbacks and the ability to keep getting back up when life knocks you down.

In this episode, we unpack Mel’s journey growing up in Port Macquarie, his path into strength sports and combat, his battle with addiction and time spent in rehab, and the life-changing experience of being diagnosed with testicular cancer and losing a testicle.

Despite everything he’s faced, Mel remains one of the calmest, most genuine blokes you’ll meet. If you’ve crossed paths with him at an event, you’ll know exactly what we mean.

This is a conversation about resilience, identity, purpose and what it really means to rebuild yourself when life forces you to start again.

Help us help the blokes who need it: https://www.betterblokeproject.org/pages/donate-now

Find Mel here:

https://www.instagram.com/mel_therevenant_tolone/

Find us on socials:

https://www.instagram.com/betterblokeproject/ https://www.facebook.com/thebetterblokeproject/ https://www.tiktok.com/@betterblokeproject

This week we sat down with Brando Peričić, better known as The Balkan Bear, the #14 ranked UFC Heavyweight. On the outside, fighters are often seen as tough, fearless and unbreakable. But this conversation goes far beyond what happens inside the cage.

Brando opens up about growing up without his father around, the sacrifices he continues to make in pursuit of becoming a UFC champion, and the role faith has played in shaping the bloke he is today. We spoke about identity, discipline, purpose and the reality that even the toughest men carry their own battles.

It quickly becomes clear that Brando isn’t just focused on becoming the best heavyweight fighter in the world. He’s equally committed to becoming the best person he can be and using his platform to help others along the way.

This is a raw and honest conversation that shows strength isn’t about hiding your emotions. Sometimes, it’s about having the courage to share them.

Help us help the blokes who need it: https://www.betterblokeproject.org/pages/donate-now

Brando's Socials:

https://www.instagram.com/balknbear/

https://www.facebook.com/balknbear/

https://www.tiktok.com/@balknbear

https://www.youtube.com/ ⁨@balknbear⁩

Find us on socials:

https://www.instagram.com/betterblokeproject/ https://www.facebook.com/thebetterblokeproject/ https://www.tiktok.com/@betterblokeproject

We are now accredited to deliver Mental Health First Aid training in-house, we discuss what this means for the future of the program and why we believe mental health doesn’t have an awareness problem, it has a communication problem.

We unpack how The Better Bloke Project aims to bridge that gap by delivering training and conversations in a way that actually resonates with everyday blokes.

It's not all heavy though, we also chat about coffee breaks, shitbox cars, social media outrage, and why negative content often gets more attention than the things that genuinely help people.

If you’re interested in Mental Health First Aid training for yourself, your workplace, sporting club or community group, or would like to support the First Responder Program, reach out to us at [email protected]

Help us help the blokes who need it: https://www.betterblokeproject.org/pages/donate-now

Find us on socials:

https://www.instagram.com/betterblokeproject/ https://www.facebook.com/thebetterblokeproject/ https://www.tiktok.com/@betterblokeproject