Straight Talk with Mark Bouris

Get Your Beanie for this week's Beanie for Brain Cancer round here! https://markhughesfoundation.com.au/

Mark Hughes, a former NRL player for the Newcastle Knights and NSW Origin representative, was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2013 and went on to co-found the Mark Hughes Foundation with his wife Kirralee, raising over $30 million through initiatives like Beanie for Brain Cancer and establishing a $25 million research centre at the University of Newcastle.

Mark shares his inspiring journey from professional footballer to brain cancer survivor and founder of the Mark Hughes Foundation. Hear firsthand how resilience, positive mindset, and teamwork can transform personal struggles into a mission to make a difference.

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In this episode recorded today, I speak with military strategist Major General Mick Ryan. After 35 years in the Australian Army, including deployments to East Timor, Iraq, and Afghanistan, and service on the U.S. Joint Staff, Mick now advises companies across Australia, the UK, and the U.S.

He breaks down the recent Iran-Israel confrontation and the US-brokered ceasefire, unpacking the complex geopolitical dynamics, technological warfare, and strategic calculations behind the scenes.

Is this a genuine step toward peace — or just a temporary pause in a much larger conflict? We dive deep into the military maneuvers, intelligence tactics, and what it all means for the future of global security.

Purchase General Mick Ryan's latest book 'The War for Ukraine: Strategy and Adaptation Under Fire' here: https://www.amazon.com.au/War-Ukraine-Strategy-Adaptation-Under/dp/1682479528

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Michael Katsidis, a former Australian Olympian and world champion boxer known for his relentless, aggressive style and multiple lightweight titles, earned global respect for his thrilling battles and unshakable resilience in and out of the ring. Today, as a mindset coach, he shares hard-earned wisdom from his personal struggles—including addiction, profound loss, and redemption—to empower others with powerful lessons on mental health, perseverance, and purpose.

In this powerful episode, Michael Katsidis shares his journey from a tough upbringing in Australia to becoming a world-renowned boxer, opening up about his early life, career highs and lows, personal loss, and battles with addiction. Now focused on sobriety and helping others through his Bulletproof Mindset program, he reflects on redemption, purpose, and life beyond the ring.

Check out Michael's Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/michael_katsidis/

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Andy Hearnden—better known as Andy Cooks—is a digital chef with over 15 million followers across TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook. With more than 20 years of professional kitchen experience, Andy’s mission is simple: to help people cook better food at home.

This episode is a raw, honest, and practical chat with someone who’s lived through it all and come out the other side with purpose, clarity, and a huge burst of creativity.

We spoke about his childhood, the highs and lows of working in some of the world’s top restaurants, overcoming alcohol addiction, losing his job, and how that setback became the turning point that launched his social media journey. And of course, I couldn’t help myself—I had to ask him about the oils and appliances he actually uses in the kitchen.

Check out Andy's website here: https://www.andy-cooks.com

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Jarchy & Lu host one of Australia’s most popular podcasts, We Mean Well, and they’ve shot to fame in the world of social media. But I actually met Jarchy — aka Jack Archdale — 10 years ago when he was doing a show called The Streets of Sydney.

It was great to chat with them about their journey, how they’ve built such a massive audience, their unique style of comedy, and how they’re feeling ahead of launching their new radio show next week.

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This is Part 1 of my podcast with Gary Brecka. To hear the full 90-minute episode, just search Project 100 with Mark Bouris wherever you get your podcasts.

Gary Brecka is one of the world’s top human biologists and longevity experts, and in this episode he breaks down how to live longer, stronger, and better. If you’re serious about taking control of your health, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss. Plus, Gary gives a preview of his upcoming Ultimate Human Australian tour. He’ll be live in Sydney on Friday, June 27, and in Melbourne on Saturday, June 28 — taking audiences deep into the science of optimal living. Purchase tickets here: https://premier.ticketek.com.au/shows/show.aspx?sh=GARYBRE25

One product I’ve recently added to my routine from the Bulk Nutrients range is their NMN Extend. It’s a science-backed blend of 10 powerful ingredients, including NMN, Resveratrol, and Hyaluronic Acid, designed to support everything from energy and muscle recovery, to skin hydration, joint health, and event mental clarity. Check out their NMN extend product here: https://www.bulknutrients.com.au/products/nmn-capsules

Eight Sleep’s newest generation, Pod 5. isn’t just another bed-frame add-on; it’s a high-tech mattress cover that actively adjusts to your body temperature throughout the night, cooling, warming, and even elevating your body when needed, all based on real-time data.  Clinically proven to increase quality sleep by up to one hour each night, it’s basically like having an AI-powered sleep coach, personal thermostat, and advanced health tracker working for you while you rest. Head on over to eightsleep.com/project100 and use the code PROJECT100. Trust me, your body will thank you for this investment in better sleep.

The all-new WHOOP is here — now 7% smaller with 14+ days of battery life. New features like Healthspan show how your daily habits are affecting your rate of aging — and now you can check your blood pressure straight from your wrist. If you’re serious about performance, longevity, and actual progress — this is it. Sign up for a one-month free trial at WHOOP.com — or visit join.whoop.com/mentored for one month off your annual membership fee. 

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Tara Rae Moss is an author and advocate, now hosting a new season of the award-winning domestic violence podcast There’s No Place Like Home. We speak about her fascinating life, her approach to writing, what inspires her book characters, her advocacy work, and much more.

Listen to the There's No Place Like Home podcast here: https://www.futurewomen.com/theresnoplacelikehome/

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Mat’s been to hell and back with addiction - and turned it all around to become one of Australia’s top real estate agents.

We had a deep conversation ranging from going down the wrong path, addiction, grief, fatherhood, success and much more.

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This conversation was recorded back in February while Jack was in Sydney for UFC 312, before his championship fight with Belal Muhammad was announced.

We sat down for a conversation with Jack Della Maddalena, we talked about his fighting, his journey into MMA, and what drives him in the octagon. From his unique striking style and training regimen to the mentors who shaped his career and his rise in the UFC. Whether you’re a fight fan or just love a story of hard work paying off, this is the conversation to hear ahead of this weekend - where Jack steps back into the cage.

You can order UFC 315 live on Sunday, May 11, exclusively on Main Event via Kayo Sports.

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In this episode, I sit down with Ro Knox, the Liberal candidate running for Wentworth, going up against independent MP Allegra Spender.

We unpack who Ro really is - her upbringing, schooling, and long career in business - and how that experience shapes her approach to politics. She speaks candidly about the need for stronger economic leadership, concerns around Australia’s credit rating under Labor, and what she believes Wentworth needs from its representative.

We also talk about her support for small businesses, and what she plans to bring to Parliament if elected.

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