In this deeply powerful episode of Core and Commerce, host Perry Howell sits down with Rawson Kirkhope, founder of VRTUS Gym and a leading voice in men’s mental health and domestic violence advocacy.
From the outside, Rawson embodies strength—ex-military, business owner, and leader of one of Bondi’s most sought-after fitness communities. But beneath the surface lies a story marked by profound childhood trauma, growing up in an environment of severe domestic violence that culminated in a life-altering, near-fatal incident involving his mother.
In this raw and honest conversation, Rawson opens up about living with complex PTSD, navigating hypervigilance, and the long road toward healing. He shares how vulnerability—once something he suppressed—became his greatest strength, allowing him to reclaim his narrative and redefine what masculinity truly means.
Together, Perry and Rawson explore:
- The lasting impact of childhood trauma and breaking cycles of violence
- The realities of PTSD and learning to live alongside triggers
- Why vulnerability is a cornerstone of real strength
- How Rawson built VRTUS into more than a gym—a thriving, values-driven community
- The role of storytelling in healing and helping others feel less alone
This episode is both confronting and deeply inspiring—a reminder that true resilience isn’t about what you carry silently, but what you’re willing to face, share, and transform.
If you or someone you know is navigating trauma, this conversation offers hope, perspective, and a powerful sense of connection.
00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro
01:22 Vulnerability and Anxiety
02:57 Living With Complex PTSD
05:38 Childhood in Violence
08:58 Triggers and Hypervigilance
10:37 Facing Fears and Healing
11:48 Night of the Shooting
17:48 Aftermath and Testifying
22:09 Military and Seeking Validation
25:37 Finding Peace and Purpose
26:43 Sharing the Story Publicly
30:05 Community Heals Trauma
31:00 Posting Your Story First
32:28 Reclaiming Your Narrative
36:38 Building Virtus Bondi
43:18 Scaling Beyond A Gym
46:09 Why Bondi Feels Like Home
48:54 Rapid Fire Bondi Myths
52:06 Legacy And Next Year
Core & Commerce is the space where ambition meets wellbeing. Hosted by Perry Howell, marketing leader, wellness founder, and media powerhouse - and inspired by her own journey of redefining success, balance, and health. Bringing realness to wellness, each episode goes deep in honest, unfiltered conversations with the founders, creators, and innovators moving the wellness world forward.
If you enjoy the show, subscribing, rating, and leaving a review makes a real difference. It helps the podcast reach new listeners and allows me to keep creating intentional conversations like this one.
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