Curious AF

In this deeply reflective episode, Luke sits down with author, teacher, and compassion advocate Gissele Taraba to unpack the layers of conditioning that shape our self-worth, and how to break free from them.

From the relentless pressure to achieve, to the silent scripts we absorb in childhood, this conversation dives into what it truly means to feel worthy, loved, and enough, just as we are. Gissele shares powerful insights from her book Reimagining Work, as well as her upcoming documentary on how compassion can transform even the most extreme conflict.

They explore the ways we talk to ourselves, why our culture rewards burnout, and how learning to meditate, feel, and forgive can help us rewrite the story we've been handed. Luke also opens up about his own battle with overachievement and unworthiness, making this a vulnerable and empowering episode that will hit home for many.

Key Takeaways:

• How childhood conditioning wires us to seek worth externally

• Why even billionaires don’t feel “enough”

• What happens when we finally stop overworking for validation

• Practical strategies to interrupt spirals of self-doubt

• The truth about narcissism vs. healthy self-love

• Why boys are conditioned to suppress emotion, and the damage it causes

• Meditation, the “void,” and finding safety within

• Healing through curiosity, not shame

• How compassion transformed a white supremacist, and can heal the world

Guest Bio: 

Gissele Taraba is a TEDx speaker, bestselling author, professor, and founder of the Love and Compassion Podcast, which reaches listeners in over 45 countries. She’s currently producing a documentary titled Courage to Love: The Power of Compassion, highlighting stories of people who have chosen forgiveness in the face of deep pain.

Originally from Lima, Peru and now based in Canada, Gissele holds master’s degrees in Epidemiology and Social Work, and has spent over 20 years in nonprofit leadership. Her first book, Reimagining Work, explores how to create a more loving and spiritually aligned life. She’s now co-authoring Reimagining Education with her daughter, challenging how our current school system prepares children for a rapidly changing world.

ABOUT CURIOUS AF PODCAST

Curious AF is a podcast for people who want more out of life than just ticking boxes. Hosted by Luke Biermann, entrepreneur, father of three, and relentless explorer of human potential, the show dives deep into the conversations that matter.

From endurance sports and entrepreneurship to psychedelics, parenting, spirituality, and self-discovery, Curious AF explores how we can live with greater purpose, connection, and fulfilment.

Expect raw, unfiltered stories and thoughtful insights from people who are redefining success, breaking cycles, and choosing to live with intention.

For further information, contact:
General Inquiries: [email protected]
Instagram: @curiousaf.podcast

In this raw and powerful episode, Luke sits down with Dennis Espiritu, the man behind @runthatrehab, to unpack a life once ruled by heroin, crime, and prison, and how he turned it all around.

Dennis shares openly about growing up feeling isolated, the lure of belonging that led to drugs and street life, and the harsh realities of addiction and jail time. He speaks candidly about stabbing someone, battling withdrawal, the loop of detox attempts, and what finally made rehab stick after 25 years.

But this is also a story about redemption, structure, and self-worth. Dennis breaks down the internal shift it took to rebuild his life, the routines that saved him, and how Run That Rehab is now offering real community and tools for others seeking recovery.

This episode is a raw reminder that peace can feel foreign at first, but it’s worth fighting for.

Key takeaways:

• Addiction was rooted in early isolation and the search for belonging
• Detox alone failed without a structured plan and replacement habits
• Prison reinforced connection and brotherhood, making recovery harder after release
• Identity shift and daily discipline were essential for lasting recovery
• Purpose and accountability (e.g. Run That Rehab) became anchors for change

—---

ABOUT CURIOUS AF PODCAST

Curious AF is a podcast for people who want more out of life than just ticking boxes. Hosted by Luke Biermann, entrepreneur, father of three, and relentless explorer of human potential, the show dives deep into the conversations that matter.

From endurance sports and entrepreneurship to psychedelics, parenting, spirituality, and self-discovery, Curious AF explores how we can live with greater purpose, connection, and fulfilment.

Expect raw, unfiltered stories and thoughtful insights from people who are redefining success, breaking cycles, and choosing to live with intention.

For further information, contact:
General Inquiries: [email protected]
Instagram: @curiousaf.podcast

In this powerful episode, Luke sits down with former SWAT negotiator, motivational speaker, and author Terry Tucker to explore the hard-earned wisdom that has guided him through cancer, career transitions, and the challenge of redefining success.

Terry shares the four core truths he lives by, principles born not from theory but from lived experience. He unpacks what it means to truly control your mind, how embracing pain builds resilience, and why a life of service brings lasting significance. From powerful stories about Navy pilots and concentration camps to personal lessons in grit and vulnerability, Terry brings depth, humility, and real-life strategies to the conversation.

Whether you’re navigating burnout, chasing goals, or searching for more meaning, this episode offers a roadmap for showing up fully, even when life gets brutally hard.

Key Takeaways:

• The difference between success and significance
• How to take control of your mind (and why it matters)
• Using pain as a tool for personal growth
• Terry’s experience as a SWAT hostage negotiator
• The connection between service, legacy, and fulfilment
• What most people get wrong about resilience
• Cold showers, ice baths, and the mental side of grit
• Why “as long as you don’t quit, you can’t be defeated”

Guest Bio:
Terry Tucker is a former SWAT team hostage negotiator, cancer warrior, and the author of Sustainable Excellence and Four Truths and a Lie. Drawing on decades of experience in law enforcement, athletics, business, and personal adversity, Terry now speaks around the world about motivation, mindset, and living with purpose. Through his platform, Motivational Check, he inspires others to overcome obstacles, embrace discomfort, and live lives of true significance.

Connect with Terry Tucker:
Website: https://www.motivationalcheck.com
Instagram: @sustainableexcellenceauthor
Facebook: Motivational Check
Book: Sustainable Excellence: Ten Principles To Leading Your Uncommon And Extraordinary Life

ABOUT CURIOUS AF PODCAST

Curious AF is a podcast for people who want more out of life than just ticking boxes. Hosted by Luke Biermann, entrepreneur, father of three, and relentless explorer of human potential, the show dives deep into the conversations that matter.

From endurance sports and entrepreneurship to psychedelics, parenting, spirituality, and self-discovery, Curious AF explores how we can live with greater purpose, connection, and fulfilment.

Expect raw, unfiltered stories and thoughtful insights from people who are redefining success, breaking cycles, and choosing to live with intention.

For further information, contact:
General Inquiries: [email protected]
Instagram: @curiousaf.podcast

In this episode of the Curious AF Podcast, Luke sits down Dr Bruno Roque Cignacco  international business consultant and author of The Art of Compassionate Business. Bruno shares how his decades in traditional business strategy led him to a powerful realisation, people-first companies outperform the rest.

They dive into the practical ways leaders can build a more human workplace, think generosity, gratitude, forgiveness, and trust, and how these values can drive real business outcomes like profit, loyalty, and team performance. From handling appraisals and tough conversations to letting go of micromanagement, Bruno unpacks how to embed compassion into your culture without losing your edge.

He even challenges the way we see competitors, arguing that an abundance mindset can fuel collaboration, not just rivalry.

Whether you’re leading a small team or scaling a fast-growing business, this one will change how you think about leadership, culture, and success.

Key Takeaways: 

• Why compassion in business isn’t just ethical—it’s profitable
• How to build psychological safety and trust in teams
• Practical policies for embedding kindness into company culture
• Measuring compassion: can it be done?
• How to compassionately fire someone
• Shifting from scarcity to abundance mindset with competitors
• The link between fear and micromanagement

Guest Bio: 

Dr Bruno Roque Cignacco (PhD) is an international business consultant, TEDx speaker, author, and researcher with over 30 years of experience advising companies on international trade, marketing, and human-centred leadership. As a university lecturer and Senior Fellow of the UK’s Higher Education Academy, Bruno blends academic insight with real-world strategy to help organisations lead with empathy and purpose. He specialises in compassionate business practices that boost both wellbeing and performance.

Bruno’s latest book, The Art of Compassionate Business (Second Edition), explores how kindness, trust, and connection can drive sustainable success - Get a copy here.

ABOUT CURIOUS AF PODCAST

Curious AF is a podcast for people who want more out of life than just ticking boxes. Hosted by Luke Biermann, entrepreneur, father of three, and relentless explorer of human potential, the show dives deep into the conversations that matter.

From endurance sports and entrepreneurship to psychedelics, parenting, spirituality, and self-discovery, Curious AF explores how we can live with greater purpose, connection, and fulfilment.

Expect raw, unfiltered stories and thoughtful insights from people who are redefining success, breaking cycles, and choosing to live with intention.

For further information, contact:
General Inquiries: [email protected]
Instagram: @curiousaf.podcast

In this episode, Juen Phie shares his extensive experience in the business world, starting with his early days studying and working in accounting, to his adventures and challenges in Malaysia. Juen recounts his attempt to establish a Boost Juice-like business in Malaysia, subsequent sales roles, and a mentor-mentee relationship that influenced his business approach. He dives into the importance of sales skills and the value of learning from failures. Juen discusses his journey back to Australia, starting his own accounting firm, and the transformative impact of outsourcing work to the Philippines. He elaborates on the cultural nuances and recruitment strategies associated with outsourcing and shares personal insights on leadership, resilience, and the pursuit of business growth through strategic co-ownership and employee investment.

Key Takeaways: 

• The brutal reality behind Juen’s first failed ventures
• How a mentor’s tough love changed everything
• The cultural shift that made outsourcing work
• Tactical tips on hiring, training, and retaining global talent
• Why Juen’s business philosophy is rooted in gratitude and long-term impact

About the guest:

Juen Phie is a seasoned Chartered Accountant and entrepreneur with over two decades of experience guiding businesses through growth, reinvention, and transformation. His journey, from launching ventures in Malaysia and learning hard lessons through failure, to building a purpose-driven accounting firm supported by a loyal offshore team in the Philippines, is a testament to resilience, leadership, and vision. Juen combines sharp financial acumen with a deep commitment to empowering people, offering more than just advice, he delivers transformative, values-led guidance that drives sustainable success for both clients and his team.

ABOUT CURIOUS AF PODCAST

Curious AF is a podcast for people who want more out of life than just ticking boxes. Hosted by Luke Biermann, entrepreneur, father of three, and relentless explorer of human potential, the show dives deep into the conversations that matter.

From endurance sports and entrepreneurship to psychedelics, parenting, spirituality, and self-discovery, Curious AF explores how we can live with greater purpose, connection, and fulfilment.

Expect raw, unfiltered stories and thoughtful insights from people who are redefining success, breaking cycles, and choosing to live with intention.

For further information, contact:
General Inquiries: [email protected]
Instagram: @curiousaf.podcast

In this episode, Tyson Pratt shares what led him to step away from the day-to-day of running his business and take his family on a 12-month road trip around Australia.

He talks about the challenges of preparing to leave, the mental shift it took to truly switch off, and the unexpected clarity that came from slowing down. From juggling business responsibilities to being fully present as a dad, Tyson’s story is a powerful reminder of what matters most and how easy it is to lose sight of it when you’re deep in the hustle.

If you’ve ever thought about making a big life change, taking time out, or just rethinking your priorities this conversation is for you.

Key Takeaways: 

• The pressure to always be “on” in business
• Learning to switch off (and how long it actually took)
• The emotional highs and lows of leaving it all behind
• Building deeper connections with family
• The hard reality of returning to work and doing it differently

ABOUT CURIOUS AF PODCAST

Curious AF is a podcast for people who want more out of life than just ticking boxes. Hosted by Luke Biermann, entrepreneur, father of three, and relentless explorer of human potential, the show dives deep into the conversations that matter.

From endurance sports and entrepreneurship to psychedelics, parenting, spirituality, and self-discovery, Curious AF explores how we can live with greater purpose, connection, and fulfilment.

Expect raw, unfiltered stories and thoughtful insights from people who are redefining success, breaking cycles, and choosing to live with intention.

For further information, contact:
General Inquiries: [email protected]
Instagram: @curiousaf.podcast

In this deep and refreshingly honest conversation, Luke sits down with business coach, entrepreneur, and performance strategist Mike Scott to explore the power of self-awareness, identity, and discipline. They unpack why self-care is not indulgent but essential for showing up for the people you love, and how fundamental habits like sleep, movement, and mindfulness change everything.

Mike opens up about living with anxiety, navigating risk, the emotional cost of entrepreneurship, and the shift from performance for status to performance for presence. Luke shares his own journey with sobriety, stress, and fatherhood, and together they dissect the difference between pleasure and joy, action and identity, and strength and vulnerability.

Whether you’re a founder, leader, parent, or just trying to do better, this episode is packed with grounded wisdom and takeaways you can act on today.

Key takeaways:

• Why self-care is not about you
• Identity as a choice—and how to shape it
• The lie of “I’m doing this for my family” when your calendar says otherwise
• How to rewire your habits and manage anxiety without numbing
• Redefining wealth and success as time, relationships, and presence
• The importance of environment: who you surround yourself with matters
• Taking responsibility for your life, no matter your past

About the guest:

Mike Scott is a seasoned entrepreneur, business coach, and tech leader with over 20 years of experience building and scaling companies. He’s a two-time founder who’s successfully exited businesses, including one high seven-figure sale, and now dedicates his time to helping SMB founders grow with clarity and confidence.

As APAC Director at Warp Development, Mike leads the charge in delivering scalable, AI-powered software solutions to businesses across the region. He also works directly with founders and leadership teams through coaching and facilitation, helping them sharpen strategy, strengthen culture, and scale sustainably.

Mike is the host of the How to Be Moderately Successful podcast, where he shares honest, practical insights from his own journey—and the journeys of others navigating the real challenges of business and leadership.

ABOUT CURIOUS AF PODCAST

Curious AF is a podcast for people who want more out of life than just ticking boxes. Hosted by Luke Biermann, entrepreneur, father of three, and relentless explorer of human potential, the show dives deep into the conversations that matter.

From endurance sports and entrepreneurship to psychedelics, parenting, spirituality, and self-discovery, Curious AF explores how we can live with greater purpose, connection, and fulfilment.

Expect raw, unfiltered stories and thoughtful insights from people who are redefining success, breaking cycles, and choosing to live with intention.

For further information, contact:
General Inquiries: [email protected]
Instagram: @curiousaf.podcast

In this deeply honest and emotional episode, Luke sits down with Tyson for a raw conversation about addiction, masculinity, trauma, and the road to recovery. Tyson opens up about his struggles with shame, substance abuse, and self-loathing—and how hitting rock bottom forced him to take full accountability and choose a new path.

They unpack what it means to be a man in a world that doesn’t encourage vulnerability, how childhood wounds shape our adult decisions, and the power of honest self-reflection in healing. Tyson doesn’t hold back. This is a conversation about doing the real hard stuff—letting go of blame, sitting in discomfort, and rebuilding from the inside out.

Key Takeways:

• Tyson’s journey through addiction and the pivotal moment that changed everything
• The role of masculinity, ego, and emotional suppression in his story
• Why it’s so hard—but so necessary—to take responsibility
• Tools and practices Tyson uses to stay grounded in recovery
• A powerful message for anyone feeling lost or broken

About the guest:

Tyson Pratt is a business leader, father, and man in recovery who’s on a mission to live—and lead—with integrity. After facing the harsh realities of addiction, shame, and emotional suppression, Tyson made the life-altering decision to get sober and start doing the real inner work. He brings raw honesty and depth to conversations about masculinity, trauma, and healing.

With a background in leadership and professional development, Tyson has a deep understanding of what it means to show up fully in your personal and professional life. He doesn’t pretend to have it all figured out—but he’s committed to staying in the work, being accountable, and helping others feel less alone in their struggles.

In this conversation, Tyson opens up about his own turning points, the role of ego and self-worth in addiction, and what it really takes to rebuild from the ground up. His story is one of courage, responsibility, and radical honesty—and it's one you won’t forget.

ABOUT CURIOUS AF PODCAST

Curious AF is the evolution of what started as The Hard Stuff Podcast. Initially focused on guests who’d done hard things—ultra marathons, building businesses, overcoming personal challenges—it’s now becoming a broader platform to explore anything and everything I’m genuinely curious about.
The new direction is more personal and wide-ranging. I want it to feel like a space where I can follow my curiosity and have real conversations with people who inspire, challenge, or fascinate me.

For further information, contact:
Podcast Host - Luke Biermann
General Inquiries: [email protected]
Instagram: @curiousaf.podcast

In this deeply human and wide-ranging conversation, Luke sits down with Brian Njuguna to explore his incredible journey—from growing up in Kenya to practicing law in remote South Australia, and eventually founding one of the country’s most innovative mental health practices.

Brian shares stories of sleeping in creek beds to represent Aboriginal clients, unpacking systemic injustices, and learning the hard way how business success can pull you away from the very reasons you started. They dive into purpose, burnout, fatherhood, radicalisation prevention, VR therapy, and why Western culture might be getting happiness all wrong.

This episode is a masterclass in identity, legacy, leadership, and redefining success on your own terms.

Key Takeaways:

• Naming traditions in Kenyan families and cultural identity
• The reality of remote legal work in Australia’s outback
• Mental health struggles that redirected Brian’s career
• Starting a purpose-led business—and how it nearly broke him
• VR therapy as a powerful new tool for healing
• Being a present father while running multiple companies
• Understanding the cost of chasing the next goalpost

About the guest:

Brian Njuguna is a former criminal lawyer who transitioned into the mental health space after overcoming his own challenges with anxiety and depression. He is now the Director of two nationally recognised, award-winning organisations: BCOGNITIVE, known for its inclusive workplace programs, and Virtual Reality Therapy Australia, which brings cutting-edge therapeutic tools to regional and remote communities. Brian is also the founder of the Men’s Mental Health Gala and an NDIS business growth coach, passionate about building accessible, innovative support systems and helping other organisations thrive in the mental health sector.

ABOUT CURIOUS AF PODCAST

Curious AF is a podcast for people who want more out of life than just ticking boxes. Hosted by Luke Biermann, entrepreneur, father of three, and relentless explorer of human potential, the show dives deep into the conversations that matter.

From endurance sports and entrepreneurship to psychedelics, parenting, spirituality, and self-discovery, Curious AF explores how we can live with greater purpose, connection, and fulfilment.

Expect raw, unfiltered stories and thoughtful insights from people who are redefining success, breaking cycles, and choosing to live with intention.

For further information, contact:
General Inquiries: [email protected]
Instagram: @curiousaf.podcast

Guest: Jess Peil, a multi-time ultra marathon runner, endurance athlete, and passionate advocate for Bravehearts. She is best known for completing Triple 7—seven marathons in seven states in seven days, seven years in a row, using each run as a platform to raise funds and awareness for child protection. With over $300,000 raised to date, Jess combines her love for long-distance running with a mission to make a lasting impact. Whether she’s tackling a 100-mile race or rallying community support, Jess leads with grit, heart, and purpose.

Host: Luke Biermann, Managing Director of Mechanical Seal Engineering Pty Ltd, Councillor of Pump Industry Australia, Forum Chair of Entrepreneurs Organisation Adelaide, and Founder of Hard Stuff Podcast

In this episode of the Hard Stuff Podcast, host Luke Biermann has an inspiring and grounded conversation with ultra runner and charity advocate Jess Peil. Jess shares her journey from nervous first-timer to completing seven consecutive years of Triple 7 marathons in seven states in seven days, while raising over $300,000 for Bravehearts, a charity dedicated to protecting children from sexual abuse.

The discussion explores the mindset behind endurance running, the mental games that help carry her through ultra-distance events, and the power of community in overcoming fear and fatigue. Jess also opens up about the emotional toll of injury, what motivates her to keep showing up, and why speed is never the goal, impact is. Luke and Jess reflect on purpose-driven pursuits, redefining success, and how ordinary people can create extraordinary change.

ABOUT CURIOUS AF PODCAST

Curious AF is a podcast for people who want more out of life than just ticking boxes. Hosted by Luke Biermann, entrepreneur, father of three, and relentless explorer of human potential, the show dives deep into the conversations that matter.

From endurance sports and entrepreneurship to psychedelics, parenting, spirituality, and self-discovery, Curious AF explores how we can live with greater purpose, connection, and fulfilment.

Expect raw, unfiltered stories and thoughtful insights from people who are redefining success, breaking cycles, and choosing to live with intention.

For further information, contact:
General Inquiries: [email protected]
Instagram: @curiousaf.podcast