Straight Talk with Mark Bouris

#230: Braith Anasta: Footy, Fatherhood & The Pain That Shaped Me

NRL star turned Fox League host Braith Anasta joins me for an honest, wide-open conversation about footy, family, mental health and life after the game. We get into:• Losing his dad to suicide at 15• Mental health• NRL career highlights• Who scared him the most in the game• What he learned from the Johns brothers• Dealing with controversy• Fatherhood• Transitioning post-retirement Join my exclusive Mentored+ community: https://mentored.com.au/become-a-member/  Claim $500 Bitcoin with OKX SMSF. SMSF trustees: Successfully sign-up your SMSF and getverified for an OKX SMSF trading account. Deposit $5 and receive $500 worth of Bitcoin. Eligibilityrequirements and T&amp;Cs apply. Book a 1-1 call with the OKX SMSF team today for guidance. Offer ends 31 March 2026. Join the Facebook Group.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

68 min

#229 Elvis Smylie: Australia’s Next Golf Superstar on Winning Big & Thinking Bigger

At just 23 years old, Elvis Smylie is already making serious noise in world golf. Fresh off a breakthrough win and a multi-million dollar payday, Australia’s most exciting young golf prospect sits down to unpack the mindset behind his rapid rise. Elvis opens up about the independence required in golf, the pressure of performing on global stages, and why ownership of your career matters more than talent alone. We also dive into:• The psychology of elite performance• The role of his team and caddy• Joining LIV Golf and embracing team dynamics• Managing money, expectations and pressure at 23• The business side of professional golf• His goals for the 2026 majors Join my exclusive Mentored+ community: https://mentored.com.au/become-a-member/  Claim $500 Bitcoin with OKX SMSF. SMSF trustees: Successfully sign-up your SMSF and getverified for an OKX SMSF trading account. Deposit $5 and receive $500 worth of Bitcoin. Eligibilityrequirements and T&amp;Cs apply. Book a 1-1 call with the OKX SMSF team today for guidance. Offer ends 31 March 2026. Join the Facebook Group.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

46 min

#228 Chris Kohler: "Australia’s Economy Is Controlled By A Few Giants!" THIS Thing Making You Poorer.

Chris Kohler is a 35 year old Australian financial journalist, author, and content creator, currently serving as Finance Editor across the 9News network. As one of the most recognisable faces in Australian business reporting, he is known for making complex economic issues clear and accessible to everyday Australians. Purchase Chris's book here: https://www.penguin.com.au/books/how-they-get-you-9781761356414  In this episode, we cover: • His journey into journalism and rise within financial media • Building a strong social media presence and developing a well known alter ego• Breaking down interest rates and Reserve Bank decisions for the public• Behind the scenes insights from RBA press conferences • Leadership pressures facing central bank governors • Public trust in institutions and media accountability• Themes from his book and broader social commentary• Consumer behaviour, subscriptions, and loyalty programs • Productivity trends and economic pressures • The evolving media landscape and digital integration • Communicating complex narratives to a broad audience • Ethical responsibility in modern journalism Join my exclusive Mentored+ community: https://mentored.com.au/become-a-member/  Claim $500 Bitcoin with OKX SMSF. SMSF trustees: Successfully sign-up your SMSF and getverified for an OKX SMSF trading account. Deposit $5 and receive $500 worth of Bitcoin. Eligibilityrequirements and T&amp;Cs apply. Book a 1-1 call with the OKX SMSF team today for guidance. Offer ends 31 March 2026. Join the Facebook Group.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

71 min

#227 Anthony Mundine: The Most Controversial Personality in Australian Sports History

Anthony Mundine is one of the most talked about and polarising figures in Australian sporting history. Known as The Man or Choc, Mundine’s career spans elite rugby league, world title boxing, music and outspoken views on politics, health, and culture. Few athletes have crossed as many boundaries or challenged as many institutions while staying true to themselves. In this conversation, Mundine reflects on growing up in a famous fighting family, the pressure that came with legacy, the mindset that carried him across two professional sports, and the battles that shaped him outside the ring. He opens up about faith, controversy, music and public backlash. Love him or hate him, Anthony Mundine has never played it safe. He speaks with honesty, conviction, and total self belief. Join my exclusive Mentored+ community: https://mentored.com.au/become-a-member/  Claim $500 Bitcoin with OKX SMSF. SMSF trustees: Successfully sign-up your SMSF and getverified for an OKX SMSF trading account. Deposit $5 and receive $500 worth of Bitcoin. Eligibilityrequirements and T&amp;Cs apply. Book a 1-1 call with the OKX SMSF team today for guidance. Offer ends 31 March 2026. Join the Facebook Group. Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

70 min

#226: The Business of the UFC | Inside the Fight Game with Tim Simpson

Just in time for the UFC in Sydney, one of the most iconic fighter managers, Tim Simpson, joins us for a deep dive into the business of the fight game. We get into how Tim became one of the most prominent managers in the sport, what it really takes to be smart in this game, the new broadcast deal, what fighters actually go through, some wild behind-the-scenes stories, the White House card, and much more. Join my exclusive Mentored+ community: https://mentored.com.au/become-a-member/  Claim $500 Bitcoin with OKX SMSF. SMSF trustees: Successfully sign-up your SMSF and getverified for an OKX SMSF trading account. Deposit $5 and receive $500 worth of Bitcoin. Eligibilityrequirements and T&amp;Cs apply. Book a 1-1 call with the OKX SMSF team today for guidance. Offer ends 31 March 2026. Join the Facebook Group. Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

63 min

#225 Big Chocky: Australia’s New Controversial Voice on Why Politics Is Failing Us

Chris Katelaris, known online as Big Chocky, brings a perspective you don’t hear often.Adopted from Colombia at just two months old by a Greek-Cypriot Australian family, Chris has a deep love for Australia and grew up navigating questions of identity, belonging, and purpose. That lived experience now sits at the centre of why his content is striking a nerve with so many Australians.In this conversation, we cover:- Growing up adopted and the search for identity- Personal setbacks and the moments that changed his trajectory- Australia’s deeper problems and why he reckons we’re falling short as a society- The role of faith and belief in shaping his values- Building discipline and mental resilience- Gaining influence through social media and what comes with it- Handling controversy, criticism, and public scrutiny- Responsibility, leadership, and personal accountability Join my exclusive Mentored+ community: https://mentored.com.au/become-a-member/  Claim $500 Bitcoin with OKX SMSF. SMSF trustees: Successfully sign-up your SMSF and getverified for an OKX SMSF trading account. Deposit $5 and receive $500 worth of Bitcoin. Eligibilityrequirements and T&amp;Cs apply. Book a 1-1 call with the OKX SMSF team today for guidance. Offer ends 31 March 2026. Join the Facebook Group. Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

78 min

“It’s Been Kept from the Public”: TV Journalist Ross Coulthart Didn’t Believe in UFO's until…

Ross Coulthart is one of Australia’s most prominent investigative journalists, known most recently for his fearless reporting on unexplained aerial phenomena (UAPs) or UFOs. He joins the podcast to discuss his career uncovering hard truths, the role of curiosity in journalism, declining trust in governments and media, and his deep investigations into UAPs, military encounters with unidentified objects, government secrecy, non-human intelligence, consciousness, and the growing intersection between science, spirituality, and ancient civilisations. Join my exclusive Mentored+ community: https://mentored.com.au/become-a-member/  Claim $500 Bitcoin with OKX SMSF. SMSF trustees: Successfully sign-up your SMSF and getverified for an OKX SMSF trading account. Deposit $5 and receive $500 worth of Bitcoin. Eligibilityrequirements and T&amp;Cs apply. Book a 1-1 call with the OKX SMSF team today for guidance. Offer ends 31 March 2026. Join the Facebook Group. Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

81 min

#223 Cooking Up Change: Shiza Shahid on Non-Toxic Cooking, Malala & Girls’ Education

Shiza Shahid is an entrepreneur, investor, and social activist dedicated to advancing girls’ education and women’s rights. Shiza co-founded the Malala Fund in 2013 alongside Malala Yousafzai, helping build a global movement for girls’ education while navigating complex political and cultural realities. She later co-founded Our Place, a modern kitchenware brand focused on connection, culture, and home cooking. In this conversation, we explore Shiza’s journey from activism to entrepreneurship, the realities of building movements under global scrutiny, and what it takes to scale values-led businesses without losing purpose. Check out the Our Place Website here: https://fromourplace.au/ Join my exclusive Mentored+ community: https://mentored.com.au/become-a-member/  Claim $500 Bitcoin with OKX SMSF. SMSF trustees: Successfully sign-up your SMSF and getverified for an OKX SMSF trading account. Deposit $5 and receive $500 worth of Bitcoin. Eligibilityrequirements and T&amp;Cs apply. Book a 1-1 call with the OKX SMSF team today for guidance. Offer ends 31 March 2026. Join the Facebook Group. Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

54 min

BEST MOMENTS OF STRAIGHT TALK 2025 (PART 2)

So thankful to speak to all these legends this year. There were so many great Straight Talk episodes .Who would you love to see on next year? Check out some highlights and let me know which was your favourite in the comments!  0:00:00 Greg Norman00:16:02 Andy Cooks00:30:03 Tony Abbott00:42:18 Matt Ford & Jack Steele (Inspired Unemployed)00:50:21 Michelle Payne01:03:30 John LawsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

72 min

BEST MOMENTS OF STRAIGHT TALK 2025 (Part 1)

So thankful to speak to all these legends this year. There were so many great Straight Talk episodes. Who would you love to see on next year? Check out some highlights and let me know which was your favourite in the comments! 00:00:00 — John Howard00:16:09 — Dana White & Premier Minns00:23:54 — Prime Minister Anthony Albanese 00:34:03 — Delvene Delaney 00:44:00 — Mick Fanning00:56:59 — Ricky PontingSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

72 min

#222 Richard de Crespigny: The Pilot Who Saved 440 Qantas Passengers

Richard de Crespigny is the former Qantas A380 captain who was pilot-in-command of Qantas Flight 32, which suffered a catastrophic uncontained engine failure shortly after take-off from Singapore in 2010 with 440 people on board. In this episode, Richard takes us inside the cockpit to explain how leadership, teamwork and disciplined decision-making prevented disaster when the aircraft experienced cascading system failures. Beyond aviation, he shares powerful lessons on risk, resilience and leading under pressure when there is no margin for error. Check out his new podcast here: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/fly-with-richard-de-crespigny/id1832400848 Join my exclusive Mentored+ community: https://mentored.com.au/become-a-member/  Claim $500 Bitcoin with OKX SMSF. SMSF trustees: Successfully sign-up your SMSF and getverified for an OKX SMSF trading account. Deposit $5 and receive $500 worth of Bitcoin. Eligibilityrequirements and T&amp;Cs apply. Book a 1-1 call with the OKX SMSF team today for guidance. Offer ends 31 March 2026. Join the Facebook Group. Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

64 min

#221: Greg Norman on LIV Golf, disruption, playing with US Presidents & Australia’s Best PM

Greg Norman changed the game of professional golf forever, both on and off the course. Greg is Australia’s most iconic golfer, who has disrupted the game of golf with LIV. Greg was world No.1 for 331 weeks through the 80s and 90s, and used his nickname to create the Shark brand, which has gone on to become an extremely lucrative global business. We spoke about:• Disrupting golf forever with LIV• Why he started LIV• His early life, mindset & becoming a businessman• What he learnt from Bob Hawke and Kerry Packer• Becoming mates with Presidents and Prime Ministers• The 2032 Olympics and his business plays today• Untold stories from his wild experiences around the world• And much more Join my exclusive Mentored+ community: https://mentored.com.au/become-a-member/  Claim $500 Bitcoin with OKX SMSF. SMSF trustees: Successfully sign-up your SMSF and getverified for an OKX SMSF trading account. Deposit $5 and receive $500 worth of Bitcoin. Eligibilityrequirements and T&amp;Cs apply. Book a 1-1 call with the OKX SMSF team today for guidance. Offer ends 31 March 2026. Join the Facebook Group. Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

83 min

#220 Wyatt Roy: Australia’s Youngest Ever MP on Saudi Arabia’s Vision & the Future of Innovation

Wyatt Roy might not be a household name like our famous sportspeople, politicians or actors, but he is a young Australian playing a major role in one of the most innovative projects of our time. Wyatt is Australia’s youngest ever federal MP and was a key leader driving innovation inside Saudi Arabia’s NEOM project, one of the most ambitious city building visions in modern history. In this episode, Wyatt breaks down what is really happening inside Saudi Arabia’s economic transformation, how Vision 2030 is reshaping the region, and why global talent and investment are flooding into Riyadh. From leadership to policy, cultural change to entrepreneurship, Wyatt offers a rare first hand look at a society pivoting at speed and what Australia can learn from it. A wide-ranging conversation on politics, innovation, media, culture, and the future of work. Join my exclusive Mentored+ community: https://mentored.com.au/become-a-member/  Join the Facebook Group. Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube. Claim $500 Bitcoin with OKX SMSF. SMSF trustees: Successfully sign-up your SMSF and getverified for an OKX SMSF trading account. Deposit $5 and receive $500 worth of Bitcoin. Eligibilityrequirements and T&amp;Cs apply. Book a 1-1 call with the OKX SMSF team today for guidance. Offer ends 31 March 2026.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

83 min

#219 Larry Emdur: 40 Years in TV, Staying Relevant & a New Chapter in Business

Larry Emdur has been a household name and TV icon in Australia for decades. In this conversation, Larry talks about growing up in Bondi, breaking into television, and the highs and lows that shaped his career. He opens up about what it takes to stay at the top of the media game, the importance of connecting with an audience, and why he still loves getting up early for the morning show. We also dive into his family, some great stories, his latest venture the Ben Buckler Whisky, the business lessons behind it, and how his upbringing continues to influence the decisions he makes today. Purchase Larry's Whiskey here: https://thebenbuckler.com/ Join my exclusive Mentored+ community: https://mentored.com.au/become-a-member/  Join the Facebook Group. Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube. Claim $500 Bitcoin with OKX SMSF. SMSF trustees: Successfully sign-up your SMSF and getverified for an OKX SMSF trading account. Deposit $5 and receive $500 worth of Bitcoin. Eligibilityrequirements and T&amp;Cs apply. Book a 1-1 call with the OKX SMSF team today for guidance. Offer ends 31 March 2026.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

62 min

#218: Ricky Ponting on the Ashes, Pat Cummins, Indian cricket & stories you’ve never heard before

Ricky Ponting is a 50-year-old Australian cricket legend, former national captain, coach, commentator, and one of the most accomplished batsmen in the history of the sport. It was awesome to get him in here just in time for the Ashes period. We spoke about his childhood, mindset, iconic career, leading one of the greatest ever cricket teams, managing big personalities like Shane Warne, his wine business, life after retirement, and much more. Check out Ponting wines here: https://www.pontingwines.com.au/  Join my exclusive Mentored+ community: https://mentored.com.au/become-a-member/  Join the Facebook Group. Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube. Claim $500 Bitcoin with OKX SMSF. SMSF trustees: Successfully sign-up your SMSF and getverified for an OKX SMSF trading account. Deposit $5 and receive $500 worth of Bitcoin. Eligibilityrequirements and T&amp;Cs apply. Book a 1-1 call with the OKX SMSF team today for guidance. Offer ends 31 March 2026.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

85 min

#217 Nathan Stafford: Why This Lawn-Mowing Star Helps People Doing It Tough

Hi guys! We were undergoing unexpected renovations in this podcast. So apologies for the audio for this one. Thanks everyone for listening. Nathan Stafford is a Sydney-based gardener and social media personality, best known as the face of Nathan’s Lawns and Gardens. He is best known for regularly restoring neglected gardens for free, especially for people doing it tough such as seniors and social housing residents.  We spoke about his early life, past struggles, turning his life around through gardening, going viral, why he looks after people doing it tough, his work today, the importance of setting goals, life as a parent and much more. Purchase Nathan's new book here: https://nathanslawnsandgardensau.com/products/the-adventures-of-nathans-lawns-and-gardens-the-haunted-jungleJoin my exclusive Mentored+ community: https://mentored.com.au/become-a-member/  Join the Facebook Group. Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

65 min

#216 Ita Buttrose: The Unapologetic Woman Who Changed Australian Media

Ita Buttrose is one of Australia’s most influential journalists, editors, and businesswomen. In this conversation, we trace her remarkable journey — from her early days at The Australian Women’s Weekly and Cleo to leading the ABC and becoming a national icon. Ita opens up about John Laws, her family influences, the women’s liberation movement, and the challenges of breaking through in a male-dominated industry. We talk about her time working with Kerry Packer and Rupert Murdoch, her leadership at the ABC, her new book, and her advocacy for brain health and dementia awareness. Purchase her new book Unapologetically Ita here: https://www.simonandschuster.com.au/books/Unapologetically-Ita/Ita-Buttrose/9781761428739 Join my exclusive Mentored+ community: https://mentored.com.au/become-a-member/  Join the Facebook Group. Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

65 min

#215 Tony Abbott: Australia Has Lost Its Courage & It’s Costing us

Tony Abbott, Australia’s 28th Prime Minister, joins me to talk about leadership, courage, and conviction in an age where those qualities are under siege.  We unpack his views on what makes a great leader, how Australia has changed, and why he believes we’ve lost our national confidence. We also spoke about : His Early life and education Understanding Leadership and Courage Challenges of Modern Political Leadership Handling Illegal Boat Arrivals Patriotism and National Sovereignty The Role of History in Shaping Leadership The Importance of Objective History Reconciling Faith and History The Role of Faith in Leadership The Impact of his new Book Purchase Tony's new book here: https://www.amazon.com/Australia-Minister-foreword-Geoffrey-democracy-ebook/dp/B0F393W9TH Join my exclusive Mentored+ community: https://mentored.com.au/become-a-member/  Join the Facebook Group. Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

80 min

#214 Michelle Payne: The Melbourne Cup winner on making history, tragedy & the dark side of fame

Michelle Payne is an Australian horse racing icon and the first female jockey to win the Melbourne Cup in 2015, riding Prince of Penzance to victory and breaking barriers in a male-dominated sport. Ten years on from that magical win, I speak to her about: Growing up with ten siblings Making history as the only female to win the Cup The dark side of fame Brain injuries from her career Dealing with the loss of her sister The role of faith Her living and working relationship with her brother Stevie Her new books & what she’s working on now Purchase Michelle’s new book here: https://www.allenandunwin.com/browse/book/Michelle-Payne-and-Angus-Fontaine-Ride-On-9781761473142 Join my exclusive Mentored+ community: https://mentored.com.au/become-a-member/  Join the Facebook Group. Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

91 min

#213: Mick Fanning Reveals the No.1 Reason Behind His Winning Mindset in Surfing, Business & Life

You might know Mick Fanning as one of the greatest surfers of all time, but there’s a lot more to him than that. He’s a sharp businessman who helped build and sell Balter Breweries for a reported $200 million. Mick’s a three-time World Champion, one of the most respected figures in modern surfing, and someone who’s lived one hell of a life. I sat down with him at his latest venture, Palm Valley — a new wave pool on the Gold Coast. We spoke about: What made him the best surfer in the world and how he beat Kelly Slater and Joel Parkinson Behind the scenes of creating multi-million-dollar businesses and products — Balter and Reef Signature Sandals Dealing with the loss of his three brothers What really got him through his hard times The Northern Rivers floods and community His new chapter as a husband, parent, and businessman And his alter egos, Eugene and Cyborg See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

91 min

Episodes

#230: Braith Anasta: Footy, Fatherhood & The Pain That Shaped Me

#229 Elvis Smylie: Australia’s Next Golf Superstar on Winning Big & Thinking Bigger

#228 Chris Kohler: "Australia’s Economy Is Controlled By A Few Giants!" THIS Thing Making You Poorer.

#227 Anthony Mundine: The Most Controversial Personality in Australian Sports History

#226: The Business of the UFC | Inside the Fight Game with Tim Simpson

#225 Big Chocky: Australia’s New Controversial Voice on Why Politics Is Failing Us

“It’s Been Kept from the Public”: TV Journalist Ross Coulthart Didn’t Believe in UFO's until…

#223 Cooking Up Change: Shiza Shahid on Non-Toxic Cooking, Malala & Girls’ Education

BEST MOMENTS OF STRAIGHT TALK 2025 (PART 2)

BEST MOMENTS OF STRAIGHT TALK 2025 (Part 1)

#222 Richard de Crespigny: The Pilot Who Saved 440 Qantas Passengers

#221: Greg Norman on LIV Golf, disruption, playing with US Presidents & Australia’s Best PM

#220 Wyatt Roy: Australia’s Youngest Ever MP on Saudi Arabia’s Vision & the Future of Innovation

#219 Larry Emdur: 40 Years in TV, Staying Relevant & a New Chapter in Business

#218: Ricky Ponting on the Ashes, Pat Cummins, Indian cricket & stories you’ve never heard before

#217 Nathan Stafford: Why This Lawn-Mowing Star Helps People Doing It Tough

#216 Ita Buttrose: The Unapologetic Woman Who Changed Australian Media

#215 Tony Abbott: Australia Has Lost Its Courage & It’s Costing us

#214 Michelle Payne: The Melbourne Cup winner on making history, tragedy & the dark side of fame

#213: Mick Fanning Reveals the No.1 Reason Behind His Winning Mindset in Surfing, Business & Life