Straight Talk with Mark Bouris

As someone who has been a rugby league fan since the '60s, it's fair to say that the NRL could be in its best state yet.

Much of the strength we see in the game today is owed to the work of my latest Straight Talk guest, John Quayle.

John served as the General Manager and CEO of the NSWRL and ARL from 1983-1996. Under his leadership, the game underwent significant changes, including the iconic Tina Turner campaign, the Super League War, and the sport's expansion throughout Australia.

In this week's Straight Talk pod, John and I reminisced about the early days of rugby league, his role in professionalising the NRL, how he persuaded Tina Turner to sing in an NRL advertisement, his involvement in the Super League War, negotiation tales with Kerry Packer, and much more.

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In these politically divisive times, whether we sit on the left or the right, it’s crucial to engage in respectful conversations with one another.

In this week's Straight Talk pod I spoke to founder of Cheek Media Hannah Ferguson about the current state of journalism and Australian politics.

Hannah and I have different perspectives from our life experiences, but I found it very insightful to hear how she views the world.

We spoke about her experience studying law, starting Cheek Media, the importance of having healthy discourse, her thoughts on Rupert Murdoch, running for Prime Minister, the state of Australian politics, her podcast 'Big Small Talk' and much more. Enjoy!

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I've always been fascinated by successful leaders and coaches. Why can some make it happen and others not?

Paul Roos turned around a 72-year losing culture at the Sydney Swans and deeply contributed to the club’s popularity we see today.

If there’s someone qualified to talk about leadership and coaching, it’s Paul. I’ve long admired how he inspired change and instilled a winning mentality at the Swans.

In our second podcast together we spoke about Paul's new life in Hawaii, his early AFL playing career, his coaching & leadership process, bringing meditation to the Swans, importance of journaling, what makes a great leader, his new business 'Performance by Design' and much more.

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George Kambosos Jr has never cut corners in his boxing career, and his next bout is shaping up to be his toughest challenge yet.

The former world champ will face Vasiliy Lomachenko, one of this generation's most decorated boxers, on May 12 in Perth.

Us Aussie boxing fans are greatly indebted to George for his relentless pursuit in bringing the best fights Down Under.

If you're looking for motivation, this podcast is a must-listen.

In our third round of recording a pod together, we spoke about:

• George's upcoming battle in Perth
• The dedication he has in bringing the best fights to Australia
• Not taking easy matches
• What he learned from the Haney losses
• Ryan Garcia's recent antics
• Mike Tyson v Jake Paul
• How he balances his boxing career and family life
• Physical preparation and mindset for this fight

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It's always puzzled me how those who bring us the most laughter often battle the greatest demons.

Dan reinvented himself after an underwhelming AFL career and became one of Australia's most popular podcasters. But reaching this success off the footy field has been a hell of a mental battle. 

We spoke about :

• Dan's childhood
• Becoming a no.10 pick in the AFL draft 
• The struggles in his footy career
• Hitting rock bottom after retirement
• Dan's mental health journey
• Going viral on social media
• The strategy behind his podcast 'Dan Does Footy' which has been charting no.1 in Australia
• Imposter syndrome
• Wanting to revolutionise AFL media

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Robert Kiyosaki is an acclaimed entrepreneur, author, and investor best known for his influential book series "Rich Dad Poor Dad," which emphasises financial education and wealth-building principles. The legendary book has gone on to sell more than 40 million copies in over 100 countries worldwide.

I caught up with Robert while he was Down Under for his last speaking tour ever in Australia.We spoke about his love for Australia, growing up in Hawaii, serving in Vietnam, his relationship with his poor dad, what he learned from his rich dad, achieving financial success, what made him write his legendary book, his predictions on a future recession, the possibility of WW3, how powerful the banks are, his relationship with President Donald Trump and much more.

Make sure to tune into this one, this podcast is stacked with golden nuggets of information.

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The first cricketer to represent Australia without a first-class match to his name...

David Warner has never shied away from going first, he has made a career out of it.

It was a real privilege to hear David's perspective on his legendary career in my latest Straight Talk. We spoke about his childhood, rise to the national cricket team, his batting approach, relationships with teammates such as Steve Smith, Shane Warne's genius, dealing with controversy, the financial side of professional cricket and now his life as a husband and father to three girls- plus much more.

This is a Straight Talk podcast you don't want to miss.

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We all love a success story, but what we value even more is a comeback story.

George Calombaris has made his mistakes but he is not hiding from them.

George is an accomplished Australian chef and restaurateur, widely recognised for his culinary expertise and contributions to the food industry. Renowned as a former judge on the popular television show 'Masterchef Australia'. While George's career has seen much success, he has also faced multiple controversies.

We spoke about the highly publicised low-points in his career, our shared love for Greek and Australian food, his childhood, how George got into cooking, the discipline and mindset it takes to be a great chef, what makes up an excellent restaurant, what he's up to now and much more.

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Willie Mason has observed the NRL for over 20 years as a junior player, NRL star, veteran, commentator and now as a coach.

The 43-year-old's keen eye is now paying dividends as as a pathways coach for the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs and a co-host for one of rugby league's most popular podcasts on the 'Levels Network'.

We discussed various topics, including the 2024 season launch of the NRL in Vegas, his childhood, the impact of his father's death, the highs and lows of his career, relationships with Wayne Bennett and Phil Gould, the success of his new podcast with Justin Horo, how he guides players today as a coach and much more.

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Before there was such a thing as Nedd Brockmann, Pat Farmer was who inspired the Australian people regarding endurance feats...

Pat is most well known as the only person who ran successfully from the North to the South Pole. Yes, Pat ran 21,000 km from the top of the earth to the bottom, nearly dying in his pursuits, but his no.1 rule in life is when you start something, you have to finish it.

The proud Aussie also had a 10-year political career serving as Liberal MP with the help of Prime Minister John Howard's endorsement. Despite retiring from parliament, The 61-year-old hasn't slowed down; Pat merged his interest with politics and ultra-marathon running last year and embarked on a six-month run around Australia for the Yes campaign. 

We spoke about his journey into ultra-marathon running, his unbreakable mindset, why he pushes himself so hard, how he dealt with the loss of his wife, how he nearly died in Antarctica, the advice he'd give Nedd Brockmann, and much more. 

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