In this powerful conversation, I sit down with Arnold Beekes, founder of Brain Gym Fitness, to explore what it really means to break free of the mental and emotional “straitjackets” so many men in midlife wear.

Arnold shares his personal story of growing up in a strict, authoritarian household, spending decades fitting in to corporate and social expectations, and then — through crisis and deep questioning — beginning the journey to discover who he truly is.

Arnold introduces the idea of the “Flying Out Brain Operating System”, a 15-week training framework built on the 6 Rs:✅ Reveal✅ Recover✅ Reactivate✅ Reset✅ Relearn✅ Recreate

He explains how these steps help people identify the invisible cages that society, education, and family can place around us, and how to dismantle them to build a life of authentic purpose and meaning.

We discuss:

• How men in midlife can feel stuck by mortgages, careers, and social pressures
• The moment Arnold realised he was living someone else’s life
• The dangers of suppressing curiosity, creativity, and emotion
• The broken systems that hijack our health, mind, and spirit
• Why redefining success — from Warrior to King — is so critical as we age

Arnold’s story is a call to slow down, reflect, and rebuild life around your unique gifts. If you’ve ever wondered whether there’s more to life than checking boxes, this conversation will make you stop and think.

Learn more about Arnold and his program here: https://braingym.fitness/

Head over to midlife-mavericks.com.au and take the free Midlife Assessment Scorecard. It’s a quick way to get a clear picture of where you’re thriving, where you might be struggling, and where to focus your energy so you can start reclaiming your vitality and purpose.

Don’t keep living someone else’s story.

Take the Midlife Assessment today, and start writing yours.Thanks for tuning in, and I’ll catch you in the next episode

Chapters

00:00 Journey of Discovery: Travel and Purpose

03:54 The Invisible Forces: Understanding Human Behavior

07:08 Childhood Challenges: The Impact of Family Dynamics1

0:11 From Fitting In to Flying Out: Personal Transformation

12:50 The Role of Coaching: Seeking Guidance and Support

16:55 Breaking Free: Escaping the Corporate Cage

23:08 The Birth of Brain Fitness: A New Approach to Mental Health

36:24 The Six Rs of Personal Development

39:06 Overcoming Stagnation in Personal Growth

41:22 Identifying the Target Audience for Coaching

43:18 Transforming Life Post-Corporate Career

47:47 Breaking Free from Societal Constraints

48:07 Discovering Your Uniqueness

2:27 Tools for Self-Reflection and Growth

58:25 The Importance of Prioritizing Self-Care

01:01:21 The Dangers of AI and Cognitive Decline

01:04:04 Awakening to Societal Manipulations

01:08:32 Finding Resources and Support for Change

01:10:44 Embracing Authenticity and Purpose