He's been to prison, lived on park benches, and stolen food just to survive — and today Brodie Nitro is a self-made millionaire. This might be the most powerful conversation I've had on the podcast yet, and could be the exact spark that someone listening in their lowest point needs to hear right now..

I'm Mr Hodge, a former UK teacher who swapped the classroom for the road. On Lessons Beyond The Classroom I sit down with people who've lived extraordinary lives — and Brody's is one you won't forget.

He grew up in a broken home on the Gold Coast, was taken from his mum at 10, ran away at 16, and ended up in prison — before rebuilding his life from absolute rock bottom into a successful online business. He opens up about his lowest point, the best friend he lost, what prison is really like, the coach who became his role model, and the mindset shift that changed everything: you can't outgrow a circle you're standing in the middle of.

If you're at a low point or stuck in the wrong circle, this one's for you.

This episode touches on suicide and mental health. If you're struggling, you're not alone — please talk to someone you trust, or a support line in your country (in the UK: Samaritans, free on 116 123, any time).

Today's homework: who in your circle is pulling you up — and who's holding you back?

Find Brodie: @brodie.nitro on Instagram.

(0:00) Rock bottom to where he is now (0:49) A rags to riches story (1:39) Wrong role models & prison (2:20) What we all have in common (3:14) Losing his best friend (3:46) Back to prison (4:26) Hitting rock bottom to turn around (5:17) "I'm going to do something about it" (6:04) What prison is really like (7:05) The turning point: martial arts (8:16) Change your circle, change your life (9:41) His perfect day: then vs now (11:18) The vision for the next 10 years (12:04) His message to the world (12:48) Where to find Brody & outro

Class dismissed.