Roll With The Punches

What happens when you take an unstoppable advocate for youth homelessness, mix in some fiery passion for social change, and sprinkle it with raw authenticity? You get Carla Raynes, founder and CEO of Bridge It, and one of the most inspiring humans I’ve had the privilege of meeting.

Carla shares the power of stepping outside of societal labels and redefining what it means to be a leader, a woman, and a change-maker. Carla shares the journey of building Bridge It - an organisation tackling youth homelessness in a way that feels more like home and less like a broken system. From empowering traumatised young women to reclaim their lives to calling out systemic flaws with unfiltered honesty.

We talk about letting go of the 'busy badge', stepping into productivity, and learning to scream (literally) into the void to release what no longer serves us. Carla opens up about her own wake-up call, a health scare that led her to reevaluate her life and reclaim time for herself - something we can all learn from.

Plus, we explore the difference between being 'nice' and being 'kind', why women are conditioned to play small, and how challenging those outdated narratives can unlock a whole new level of impact. Carla’s mission? Supporting amazing women to do amazing things. And after this chat, YOU might just feel like one of them.

 

SPONSORED BY TESTART FAMILY LAWYERS

Website: testartfamilylawyers.com.au

CARLA RAYNES

Website: bridgeit.org.au

TIFFANEE COOK

Linktree: linktr.ee/rollwiththepunches/

Website: tiffcook.com

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tiffaneecook/

Facebook: facebook.com/rollwiththepunchespodcast/

Instagram: instagram.com/rollwiththepunches_podcast/

Instagram: instagram.com/tiffaneeandco

 

 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this ep, I’m joined by the one and only Mark LeBusque, a leader in leadership (pun intended), and the guy who gets to the heart of what makes us tick as humans. We dive into some big stuff (as we always do) like the stories we tell ourselves, the circumstances we think define us, and what happens when those two worlds collide.

Fresh from my recent transformational experience in India (yep, still unpacking that mountain-top magic), I couldn’t wait to pick Mark’s brain about the tricky dance between our internal narratives and external realities. Spoiler alert: there’s no one-size-fits-all band-aid for the wounds we carry. But we do have the power to write (and rewrite) our own stories.

It's typical to go into deep unchartered waters when LeBusque is on the show, but it's more typical that Mark is peeling back the layers of Tiff to see what's lurking beneath the surface. This week, we're switching seats and I'm taking the wheel on this. 

We get into why saying 'sorry' might be a sneaky survival tactic (and how to stop over-apologising)... The cognitive immune system: what it is, why it sabotages us, and how to keep it in check... Adaptive vs. forced change, and why forcing it never works... Mark’s honest reflections on burnout, balance, and the sneaky ways life knocks on your door with lessons you don’t want to learn... How gratitude, even for the hard stuff like shame, can set us free.

This is a no-filter chat about what it really means to roll with life’s punches (pun absolutely intended), and why the work we do on ourselves never really stops. Whether you’re navigating your own mountain, or just figuring out how to survive Monday, you’re going to want to tune in.

 

SPONSORED BY TESTART FAMILY LAWYERS

Website: testartfamilylawyers.com.au

MARK LEBUSQUE

Website: marklebusque.com

TIFFANEE COOK

Linktree: linktr.ee/rollwiththepunches/

Website: tiffcook.com

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tiffaneecook/

Facebook: facebook.com/rollwiththepunchespodcast/

Instagram: instagram.com/rollwiththepunches_podcast/

Instagram: instagram.com/tiffaneeandco

 

 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Life throws punches, but few have weathered as many as Mick Hall. From a harrowing quest through addiction, homelessness, and hitting rock bottom to 24 years of sobriety and becoming a boxing champion, Mick's story is nothing short of extraordinary. Mick shares a brutally honest account of his life... the raw pain, grit, and ultimately, the triumph that defined his path. Diving into the depths of addiction, exploring its roots, the relentless fight for recovery, and the concept of 'surrendering to win.'

Mick’s experiences are the epitome of resilience, courage, and self-discovery... lessons forged through facing his darkest moments head-on. From his first steps into a boxing ring at 44 to battling demons in and outside the squared circle, Mick's journey is as inspiring as it is humbling.

 

TESTART FAMILY LAWYERS

Website: testartfamilylawyers.com.au

MICK HALL

Website: myhab.com.au

TIFFANEE COOK

Linktree: linktr.ee/rollwiththepunches/

Website: www.tiffcook.com

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tiffaneecook/

Facebook: facebook.com/rollwiththepunchespodcast/

Instagram: instagram.com/rollwiththepunches_podcast/

Instagram: instagram.com/tiffaneeandco

 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Check out Moorea Friedman... a 16-year-old who is just wise beyond her years. If you’ve ever thought, 'what was I doing at 16?' brace yourselves, because if you're anything like me, you're answer might not sound anything like Mooreas.

We dive right into what it’s like growing up today, with the unique pressures of social media and all the intense comparison that comes with it. She opens up about dealing with an eating disorder, anxiety, and depression, all while juggling high school and a podcast of her own. Her show, Balancing Act: Life and Struggles of a Teenage Girl, is about creating a real, unfiltered space for teens dealing with mental health, and she’s bringing such a mature perspective to the table. I love how she talks about perfectionism and the need to be 'enough' in a world that’s constantly telling you otherwise. It’s inspiring, raw, and refreshingly honest.

Mariah shares stories about her own journey and how she’s learning to navigate all the pressures around her. There’s something so relatable in her words - it reminds me of my own journey through boxing, chasing perfection, and learning to be okay with imperfection. We talk about those tricky moments of self-reflection, identity, and how to redefine resilience when life throws you a punch (or a few). This conversation isn’t just for the younger crowd; it’s a powerful reminder to us all that being vulnerable and embracing our struggles is where real strength comes from.

So if you’re ready for a dose of teenage wisdom that might just make you rethink a few things, this episode is for you.

 

TESTART FAMILY LAWYERS

Website: testartfamilylawyers.com.au

MOOREA FRIEDMAN

Website: balancingact.life

TIFFANEE COOK

Linktree: linktr.ee/rollwiththepunches/

Website: www.tiffcook.com

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tiffaneecook/

Facebook: facebook.com/rollwiththepunchespodcast/

Instagram: instagram.com/rollwiththepunches_podcast/

Instagram: instagram.com/tiffaneeandco

 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alright, legends Bobby Cappuccio is back and we are talking about connection, purpose, the trap of 'being busy,' and the moments we let slip through our fingers because we think we'll get to them later. Spoiler alert: sometimes, later doesn’t come.

Bobby opens up about some of his own regrets and missed connections, sharing how those experiences have shaped him. And here’s what really strikes me - it ain't about some massive life overhaul but about small, intentional moments. He talked about how trauma has shaped his need for control, and I could relate so much to that. I’d just come back from my own little 'reset'... walking slower, saying yes to things I’d usually brush off, feeling more present and creative than I have in a long time.

Together, we tackle the real challenge of surrender and letting go of the need to always have a handle on everything, allowing yourself to just be in the experience. For Bobby and me, it’s about realising that stepping back and shifting your perspective isn’t just nice to have; it’s absolutely necessary for growth and resilience.

Of course, we had a good chuckle about some of the less heavy stuff too. But all jokes aside, this conversation reminded me how important it is to live in the now, to let go of 'someday,' and to focus on the things that actually make us feel alive.

So, if you’re ready to rethink how you spend your days, embrace a little more connection, and maybe just slow down enough to enjoy the journey, this episode is for you. 

 

TESTART FAMILY LAWYERS

Website: testartfamilylawyers.com.au

PATRICK BONELLO

Website: theselfhelpantidote.com

TIFFANEE COOK

Linktree: linktr.ee/rollwiththepunches/

Website: rollwiththepunches.com.au

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tiffaneecook/

Facebook: facebook.com/rollwiththepunchespodcast/

Instagram: instagram.com/rollwiththepunches_podcast/

Instagram: instagram.com/tiffaneeandco

 

 

 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Righto, legends, buckle up because today, I'm rolling into a conversation with our good friend Patrick Bonello. If you’ve tuned in before, you know Patrick’s not just any guest - he’s one of those mates who brings a whole mix of laughter, deep thought, and the kind of tangents that make you wonder how you ended up laughing so hard in the first place.

This ep? It’s all about the unexpected magic you find when you let go of the need to control everything. Patrick and I dive into our recent 'travels' - mine to India and his, well, into the world of life drawing as a model! Also, if you’ve ever thought staring into someone’s eyes for five minutes was intense, try doing it in a place where neither of you speaks the same language. Or, better yet, imagine letting a bunch of strangers draw every detail of you in a life drawing class. We chat about the thrill of finding connection in strange places, how stripping back the layers (sometimes literally) can teach you more about yourself, and why we both believe in embracing those out-of-the-blue interactions that shape who we are.

Get ready for a chat that’ll leave you both chuckling and contemplating some big questions. Like, who’s in your circle, and are they bringing out the best in you? This episode is a shoutout to anyone who’s ready to say yes to life’s curveballs, connect with people on a deeper level, and maybe even let go of a bit of that control we all cling to.

 

TESTART FAMILY LAWYERS

Website: testartfamilylawyers.com.au

PATRICK BONELLO

Website: taichiathome.com.au

TIFFANEE COOK

Linktree: linktr.ee/rollwiththepunches/

Website: rollwiththepunches.com.au

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tiffaneecook/

Facebook: facebook.com/rollwiththepunchespodcast/

Instagram: instagram.com/rollwiththepunches_podcast/

Instagram: instagram.com/tiffaneeandco

 

 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today’s episode is a doozy. I’ve got Terry Tucker on the mic, and if you think you’re about to hear just another life story, think again. Terry has indeed been through the ringer...  from years on the police force to facing a rare and relentless form of cancer that just wouldn’t quit. But true to form, nor would Terry. He’s still here, still living his best life, and he’s got one hell of a perspective on what it means to live fully, face fear, and redefine resilience.

From the highs, the lows, and those gut-check moments where he had to choose between giving up and pressing forward, Terry opens up about how cancer has actually made him a better human, why he’s glad he never let go of his dreams, and how he’s found a way to put more good into the world than he ever thought possible. He talks about legacy, about emptying yourself into the world, about leaving things a little better than you found them. This is deep stuff that you and I love, and I promise, it’ll get you thinking.

TESTART FAMILY LAWYERS

Website: testartfamilylawyers.com.au

TERRY TUCKER

Website: motivationalcheck.com

TIFFANEE COOK

Linktree: linktr.ee/rollwiththepunches/

Website: rollwiththepunches.com.au

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tiffaneecook/

Facebook: facebook.com/rollwiththepunchespodcast/

Instagram: instagram.com/rollwiththepunches_podcast/

Instagram: instagram.com/tiffaneeandco

 

 

 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mark Talukdar is a weapon of a peak performance coach who left everything behind at 18 to chase his dreams, landing in the US with little more than grit and determination. Mark’s story is raw, packed with moments of doubt, anger, and ultimately, transformation as he navigated homelessness, self-discovery, and a quest for success.

We dig into his journey from survival mode to thriving as an entrepreneur and amateur bodybuilder. Mark shares his insights on identity, self-love, and the power of a name - yes, he literally threw a ‘naming ceremony’ to become the Mark we know today. His energy is infectious, and his message is clear: resilience isn’t about enduring pain; it’s about embracing the challenge and pushing the limits on what we believe is possible.

TESTART FAMILY LAWYERS

Website: testartfamilylawyers.com.au

TIFFANEE COOK

Linktree: linktr.ee/rollwiththepunches/

Website: rollwiththepunches.com.au

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tiffaneecook/

Facebook: facebook.com/rollwiththepunchespodcast/

Instagram: instagram.com/rollwiththepunches_podcast/

Instagram: instagram.com/tiffaneeandco

 

 

 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After a good hearty chat with Michael O'Brien about finding life-long love the old school way with a personals ad in the newspaper (we never quite know where a conversation might start or finish on this show hey) we get into talking about life.

The only thing scarier than almost dying can surely be the thought of only almost living, right? When I speak to people like Michael who have been landed with a pretty heavy hit from life and almost had theirs taken in the process, it leaves me wondering how many of us are only ‘almost living’ our whole lives. Living with worry, anxiety and fear around things that perhaps don’t really matter. Michael and I unpack how a near-fatal cycling accident shifted his entire perspective on life, work, and chasing that ever-elusive 'happiness.' He takes us through his journey from corporate hustle and grind to a life grounded in mindfulness, gratitude, and living fully in each moment. We also dig into his post-accident recovery, both physically and mentally, and how he found peace and purpose through small, daily practices like his life-changing ‘Pause, Breathe, Reflect’ method. From redefining success to embracing life's imperfections, Michael’s story is a powerful reminder that sometimes you’ve got to get knocked down to rise stronger than ever.

Whether you’re a workaholic, a cyclist, or just someone who needs to slow the hell down, this conversation is for you (and certainly me).

 

TESTART FAMILY LAWYERS

Website: testartfamilylawyers.com.au

MICHAEL O'BRIEN

Website: michaelobrienshift.com

TIFFANEE COOK

Linktree: linktr.ee/rollwiththepunches/

Website: tiffcook.com

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tiffaneecook/

Facebook: facebook.com/rollwiththepunchespodcast/

Instagram: instagram.com/rollwiththepunches_podcast/

Instagram: instagram.com/tiffaneeandco

 

 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Back again (freshly returned from my Himalaya trip) with a philosophical banter about all things life with Craig Harper and as always, I loved it. After my perspective shifting experience on the mountains recently, we got stuck into the big stuff yet again, like finding meaning and purpose in this momentary ride we're on.  Questioning if we really have to choose just one path, and why unlearning is just as important as learning. 

Sponsored By Testart Family Lawyers

 

CRAIG HARPER

Website: craigharper.net

TIFFANEE COOK

Linktree: linktr.ee/rollwiththepunches/

Website: rollwiththepunches.com.au

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tiffaneecook/

Facebook: facebook.com/rollwiththepunchespodcast/

Instagram: instagram.com/rollwiththepunches_podcast/

Instagram: instagram.com/tiffaneeandco

 

 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.