The BEYOND Podcast

Derrick McManus, the former South Australian Special Forces (STAR Group) police officer who survived being shot 14 times, joins host Aleksandra King on The BEYOND Podcast.

What happens when an ordinary day turns into a fight for survival?

In this episode of The BEYOND Podcast, Aleksandra King sits down with former South Australian Special Forces Police Officer Derrick McManus, who was shot 14 times during a high-risk police operation in 1994.

Derrick shares the extraordinary true story of the siege that changed his life forever, from the moment the call came in, to the reality of facing death in the line of duty. He reflects on survival, trauma, resilience, leadership under pressure, and the mindset required to rebuild after unimaginable adversity. This is a powerful conversation about courage, perspective, and what it truly means to keep going when everything changes in an instant.

ABOUT THE GUEST: Derrick McManus is a former South Australian Police STAR Group officer, siege survivor, and founder of Human Durability, where he teaches "sustained optimal performance." More: https://humandurability.com.au

ABOUT THE SHOW: The BEYOND Podcast, hosted by Aleksandra King, features in-depth conversations with authors, experts, and remarkable people. Listen and subscribe: https://thebeyondpodcast.com

Read the full feature: https://www.aleksandraking.com/blog/derrick-mcmanus-human-durability

Aleksandra King is co-author of Marketing Wins and founder of AK Agency (https://ak.agency)

Most people believe they know how to communicate. They don’t.In this conversation with Matthew Matheson on BEYOND with Aleksandra King, we explore the subtle ways communication breaks down — and why being understood is far more complex than just “saying the right thing.”If you’ve ever felt unheard, overlooked, or misunderstood, this episode will challenge how you think about speaking.Watch the full episode to see what’s really going on beneath the surface.Disclaimer:The views expressed by guests are their own and are intended for general informational purposes only. This content does not constitute professional advice. Please seek independent advice where appropriate.#BEYONDwithAleksandraKing #BEYONDPodcast #communication #publicspeaking #confidence #leadership #communicationskills #speakingtips #mindset #selfdevelopment

Communication is not just a skill. It is the foundation of how we connect, influence, and build relationships.In this episode of BEYOND with Aleksandra King, we are joined by Matthew Matheson, a speaking coach who has worked with individuals across industries to help them communicate with clarity, confidence, and impact.This conversation explores why so many people struggle to express themselves, even when they know what they want to say.Matthew shares:✔️ Why communication is the most important skill in both business and life✔️ What stops people from being heard and understood✔️ How to simplify your message and speak with clarity✔️ The mindset shift required to communicate with confidenceIf you have ever felt overlooked in conversations, struggled to articulate your thoughts, or found yourself overthinking what to say, this episode offers a practical and honest perspective.Watch the full episode to rethink how you communicate and how you show up.Disclaimer:The views expressed by guests are their own and are intended for general informational purposes only. This content does not constitute professional advice. Please seek independent advice where appropriate.Timestamps:00:00 : Why Communication Is the Foundation of Everything01:12 : Why Most People Struggle to Be Heard03:45 : Clarity Over Complexity — Stop Rambling06:20 : Overthinking and the Root of Speaking Anxiety09:10 : Reframing Fear and Speaking with Confidence12:05 : Authenticity, Trust, and Being “Found Out”15:30 : What Makes Someone Compelling to Listen To18:40 : Why Most Zoom Calls Fail to Engage22:15 : Communicating Under Pressure26:05 : The “Mind Bank” and How Thoughts Shape Speech29:40 : Common Communication Mistakes33:10 : Final Reflections on Communication and Growth#BEYONDwithAleksandraKing #communication #publicspeaking #confidence #leadership #communicationskills #speakingtips #executivepresence #mindset Connect with Aleksandra:Website: https://www.aleksandra.media/Instagram: king.aleksandra

Everywhere you look, there’s advice on what to eat. None of it seems to agree.In this episode, Jenny Tschiesche exposes the uncomfortable truth behind modern nutrition advice and why so many people feel stuck, tired, and confused despite trying their best.This is not another set of rules.It is a challenge to everything you thought you knew about food.If “healthy eating” has ever felt frustrating, overwhelming, or inconsistent, there may be a reason for that.Disclaimer:This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or professional advice. Please consult a qualified professional for personalised guidance.#NutritionTruth #DietMyths #HealthyEating #Wellness #FoodConfusion #Podcast #BeyondWithAleksandraKing

Why does nutrition feel so complicated when it should be simple?In this episode of Beyond with Aleksandra King, Jenny Tschiesche explores a different side of the conversation. This is not just about what to eat. It is about why so many people feel lost trying to figure it out.From conflicting advice to ever-changing food trends, we are navigating a landscape where “healthy” means something different every week. As a result, people are left second-guessing every choice they make.This episode steps back from rigid rules and quick fixes. It looks at the bigger picture. How we think about food. How we have been conditioned to approach it. And why clarity has become so hard to find.In this episode, we explore:• Why nutrition advice feels inconsistent and overwhelming• The impact of trends, labels, and wellness noise• How confusion around food is created and sustained• Why simple approaches are often overlooked• How to build a more balanced and realistic relationship with foodThis is not about optimising every bite.It is about making sense of the noise.If you have ever felt unsure about what “healthy” actually means anymore, this conversation offers a more grounded perspective.About the Guest: Jenny Tschiesche is a nutritionist, author, and New York Times bestselling contributor known for simplifying nutrition in a world of conflicting advice.Disclaimer:This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or professional advice. Please consult a qualified professional for personalised guidance. #nutrition #HealthyEating #Wellness #FoodConfusion #DietCulture #BalancedLiving #PodcastUK #Wellbeing #FoodForThought #BeyondWithAleksandraKing

Why do some of the smartest people in the world make the most disastrous decisions? In this episode of Beyond with Aleksandra King, she sits down with award-winning science writer and author David Robson (The Intelligence Trap, The Expectation Effect, and The Laws of Connection) to explore the fascinating neuroscience behind how we think, connect, and thrive.David reveals why high intelligence can actually be a "trap" that leads to dogmatism and bias, and how we can use the "Expectation Effect" to physically alter our health, fitness, and response to stress. We also dive deep into the silent epidemic of loneliness—exploring why it's more dangerous to your health than smoking—and the science-backed "social muscles" we can all exercise to build genuine, shared realities with others.In this episode, you’ll learn:The Intelligence Trap: Why expertise often leads to "earned dogmatism" and how to stay cognitively flexible.The Science of "Clicking": What brain scans reveal about people who are on the same wavelength.Loneliness vs. Health: Why social connection is the number one predictor of longevity and how to overcome social anxiety.The Power of Mindset: How your expectations can change your body’s physical response to pain, aging, and stress.The "Beautiful Mess" Effect: Why showing vulnerability is actually your greatest tool for charisma and leadership.Self-Compassion: The evidence-based reason why being your own worst critic is sabotaging your success.Whether you're a high-achiever feeling disconnected or looking for a toolkit to improve your mental and physical well-being, this conversation offers a roadmap to becoming a "better-performing human" through science.Disclaimer: Guest views are their own and not endorsed by Aleksandra King, Beyond with Aleksandra King, or its producers. This podcast is for entertainment and general information only and is not legal, financial, or forensic advice. Seek independent professional advice before acting on anything discussed.🔗 Watch more full episodes of Beyond with Aleksandra King here:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3iQHE-qteJING9jXVVuVUdDa-9qqer7J📲 Connect with Aleksandra:Media Producer → https://aleksandra.mediaInstagram → https://instagram.com/king.aleksandraLinkedIn → https://linkedin.com/in/aleksandraking🌐 Join Aleksandra’s Inner Circle → https://laylo.com/aleksandraking💌 Business inquiries → [email protected]

“We can see it in brain scans—people who click are physically in sync.” Is your intelligence actually holding you back? In this exclusive teaser for Beyond, host Aleksandra King challenges science writer David Robson on the dark side of high achievement.From the "Intelligence Trap" that makes smart people make disastrous choices, to the terrifying link between loneliness and early mortality, this episode isn't just about business—it’s about survival.Disclaimer: Guest views are their own and not endorsed by Aleksandra King, Beyond with Aleksandra King, or its producers. This podcast is for general information and entertainment only and does not constitute professional advice.

What is the best way to raise confident, emotionally strong children in today’s high-pressure world?In this episode, parenting coach Emily Hughes shares practical, evidence-informed parenting advice for modern families — covering boundaries, emotional intelligence, behaviour, and long-term child development.With more parenting advice available than ever before, many parents feel overwhelmed, second-guess their decisions, and struggle to balance discipline with connection.Drawing on her experience working with over a thousand families, Emily Hughes explains why many common parenting approaches fail — and what actually works when it comes to raising resilient, emotionally secure children.This episode focuses on calm parenting, setting boundaries without shouting, and developing emotional intelligence in children, while helping parents lead with clarity and confidence.What you will learn:✔️ Parenting strategies to raise confident and emotionally secure children✔️ How to set boundaries with children without shouting or losing connection✔️ The difference between discipline and emotional coaching in parenting✔️ Why emotional intelligence is critical for long-term success in children✔️ Common parenting mistakes and how to avoid them✔️ How to stay calm as a parent under pressure✔️ The importance of modelling behaviour in child development✔️ Parenting teenagers in a digital world, including media literacy and structure✔️ Long-term parenting approaches vs short-term behaviour managementAbout the guest:Emily Hughes is a parenting coach specialising in helping high-functioning parents develop calm, consistent parenting strategies. Her work focuses on emotional regulation, behaviour management, and raising confident children through structured, intentional parenting.Watch the full episode if you are searching for parenting tips, parenting advice, how to discipline children, or how to raise emotionally intelligent childrenTimestamps (add once available):00:00 Introduction00:00 Parenting in a high-pressure world00:00 Boundaries and discipline00:00 Emotional intelligence in children00:00 Parenting teenagers00:00 Long-term parenting strategiesDisclaimer:Guest views are their own and not endorsed by Aleksandra King, Beyond with Aleksandra King, or its producers. This podcast is for general information and entertainment only and does not constitute professional advice. Please seek independent guidance where appropriate.

Fraud has a new playbook — and most people don’t know how it works.Financial crime expert Jessica Cath explains the tactics being used today.In this episode, Aleksandra King speaks with Jessica Cath, Head of Financial Crime at Thistle Initiatives, about the changing landscape of financial fraud and why awareness has become one of the most important forms of protection.From highly convincing digital impersonation schemes to emotionally manipulative relationship fraud, organised networks are constantly adapting the way they target individuals and businesses.Jessica explains why the UK has become one of the most targeted markets globally, how young people are sometimes drawn into illegal money-movement schemes, and why the first minutes after losing access to your phone or banking apps can be critical.In this conversation:• Why financial fraud is now one of the fastest-growing forms of crime globally• The tactics behind the “new fraud playbook” used by organised networks• Why recovering lost funds can be extremely difficult• How young people are recruited into money-movement schemes• What to do quickly if your phone or banking access is compromisedEven people who work professionally in financial crime prevention can still become victims.This episode explores how the landscape of fraud is changing — and what individuals and businesses should understand to better protect themselves.Disclaimer: Guest views are their own and not endorsed by Aleksandra King, Beyond with Aleksandra King, or its producers. This podcast is for entertainment and general information only and is not legal, financial, or forensic advice. Seek independent professional advice before acting on anything discussed.🔗 Watch more full episodes of Beyond with Aleksandra King here:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3iQHE-qteJING9jXVVuVUdDa-9qqer7J📲 Connect with Aleksandra:Media Producer → https://aleksandra.mediaInstagram → https://instagram.com/king.aleksandraLinkedIn → https://linkedin.com/in/aleksandraking🌐 Join Aleksandra’s Inner Circle → https://laylo.com/aleksandraking💌 Business inquiries → [email protected]#FinancialIntelligence #GlobalRisk #JessicaCath #BeyondWithAleksandraKing #AssetProtection #BusinessStrategy #LondonSafety #TechSecurity #DigitalForensics

Could your money be at risk without you even realising it?In this episode, Aleksandra King speaks with financial crime expert Jessica Cath, Head of Financial Crime at Thistle Initiatives, about the rapidly evolving landscape of financial fraud and why awareness has become more important than ever.From increasingly sophisticated digital impersonation schemes to new ways illicit funds move through financial systems, Jessica explains how modern financial crime networks operate and why the UK has become one of the most targeted markets globally.This conversation explores how financial fraud tactics are evolving, why recovering lost funds can be extremely difficult, and what individuals should understand to better protect themselves.Disclaimer: Guest views are their own and not endorsed by Aleksandra King, Beyond with Aleksandra King, or its producers. This podcast is for entertainment and general information only and is not legal, financial, or forensic advice. Seek independent professional advice before acting on anything discussed.Watch the full episode to hear:• How modern financial fraud networks operate• Why the UK has become a major target• The warning signs people often miss• What to do quickly if access to your phone or banking apps is compromisedFull episode out now.#BeyondWithAleksandraKing#FinancialIntelligence#YourMoneyAtRisk#JessicaCath#TheNewFraudPlaybook