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🎙️ Out of Class — The Work Behind the Work In this Out of Class episode, we dive into a raw and honest debrief of Ben’s weekend stepping back on stage for the Mr Universe Men’s Physique Masters. What started as a quick “How was it?” turned into a powerful conversation on discipline, ritual, body image, lifestyle choices, and what it really takes to chase something extraordinary. Fresh off competition day—with the tan barely faded—Ben shares the highs, the heartbreaks, and the brutal honesty of the sport. We unpack: Why the real marathon isn’t show day… it’s the 14-16 weeks of grinding, cutting, polishing, and the relentless routines no one sees. Ben breaks down his results, what he learned from the judging, and the surprising gap that cost him the win. We go deep into the world of food scales, macros, carb cycling, and the mental clarity that comes from eliminating “What should I eat?” from your daily bandwidth. A powerful conversation on why anything worth having requires being all in—in bodybuilding, in business, in relationships, in life.If you want something exceptional, you can’t toe-dip. You have to commit. From discipline to lifestyle design to why most people never reach epic in any area of life—this episode cuts through the noise and sits in the truth:You’ve got to do the work. Full stop. If you’ve ever set a goal, quit on a goal, or wondered why consistency is so damn hard… this one will hit home. 🏆 The Journey > The Stage Why the real marathon isn’t show day… it’s the 14-16 weeks of grinding, cutting, polishing, and the relentless routines no one sees.🥇 When Second Place Still Stings Ben breaks down his results, what he learned from the judging, and the surprising gap that cost him the win. 🥚 Eggs, Rice & Rituals We go deep into the world of food scales, macros, carb cycling, and the mental clarity that comes from eliminating “What should I eat?” from your daily bandwidth. 🔥 The Truth About Hard Work A powerful conversation on why anything worth having requires being all in—in bodybuilding, in business, in relationships, in life. 💡 Biggest Lessons From discipline to lifestyle design to why most people never reach epic in any area of life—this episode cuts through the noise and sits in the truth:You’ve got to do the work. Full stop If you want something exceptional, you can’t toe-dip. You have to commit. If you’ve ever set a goal, quit on a goal, or wondered why consistency is so damn hard… this one will hit home. 🚀 Tune in now and subscribe at lifelonglearnerpodcast.com This episode is brought to you by Make It Happen GroupEmpowering professionals and business leaders to achieve their full potential through strategic coaching and performance development.Explore more at makeithappengroup.org 🔹 Stay Connected & Join the Conversation🌐 Website – lifelonglearnerpodcast.com📌 Facebook – facebook.com/lifelonglearnernow📌 Instagram – instagram.com/lifelonglearner.podcast 💬 Got a thought, a laugh, or a question for us?Send it through to: [email protected]

This week on the Out of Class edition of Lifelong Learner, we crack open the raw realities of transition, freedom, and the aches that remind us we’re alive. What starts as light banter about backgrounds and early morning texts quickly unravels into a conversation about endings, new beginnings, and the gritty in-between. Fresh off closing the chapter at The Summit, Gines shares the nerves and excitement of buying an electrical business—learning new systems, tackling debt, and asking all the naïve questions that spark both confusion and growth. Meanwhile, Matt recounts a brutal week struck down by Bali food poisoning, a spiral into health anxiety, and the surprising gratitude that comes when your body finally bounces back. And Ben? He’s juggling bodybuilding prep, heavy chiropractic practice loads, and the mental “hangover” that lingers long after work should be over—all while dreaming of snow trips and the freedom to fly, literally. In this episode, we unpack: ⚡ Gines’ jump into a new industry—what it feels like to buy a business you don’t yet understand.🤒 Matt’s gastro saga in Bali, the $800 IV bill, and how illness can reset your perspective.💪 Ben’s season of competing, practice pressures, and what it means to carry work hangovers in both body and mind.🎿 Why resets—whether it’s snow trips or small breaks—are essential for staying sane in the grind.🛠️ The constant trade-off between building something meaningful and not being consumed by it.🔑 The mindset shift of choosing your freedom—and remembering to appreciate what you already have. This episode is raw, hilarious, and quietly grounding—three mates navigating business, health, and identity while asking the same question we all face: how do you build a life of freedom without losing yourself in the process? Because yes, there will always be aches. But wisdom lies in choosing which aches are worth it—and which freedoms really matter. 🚀 Tune in now and subscribe at lifelonglearnerpodcast.com 🎧 This episode is brought to you by Make It Happen GroupEmpowering professionals and business leaders to achieve their full potential through strategic coaching and performance development.Explore more at makeithappengroup.org 🔹 Stay Connected & Join the Conversation🌐 Website – lifelonglearnerpodcast.com📌 Facebook – facebook.com/lifelonglearnernow📌 Instagram – instagram.com/lifelonglearner.podcast 💬 Got a thought, a laugh, or a question for us?Send it through to: [email protected]

This week on the Out of Class edition of Lifelong Learner, we tumble down the rabbit hole of uncertainty, comfort culture, and the chasm between knowledge and wisdom. What starts off feeling like a blend of banter and metaphor overload slowly unfolds into a rich, reflective conversation about what it really takes to grow in a world that rewards shortcuts and quick fixes. From career transitions and emotional limbo to ancient war theories and gym avoidance strategies, Gines, Ben, and Matt dig deep into the hard stuff—while keeping it light, cheeky, and real. If you’ve ever felt stuck in knowing what to do but not doing it, this episode will feel uncomfortably familiar… and strangely empowering. In this episode, we unpack: 🧠 The identity gap between knowledge and wisdom—and why application is everything🔥 Why we retreat to comfort (Netflix, Scotch, Uber Eats) when discomfort holds the key to change🛠️ Gines’ behind-the-scenes reality of transitioning out of leadership—and what it’s really like to be in limbo🔄 How to create certainty in uncertain seasons (hint: it starts with your body and your habits)💣 Are we on the brink of collapse? A dive into the Fourth Turning theory and what history may be trying to teach us📉 The ripple effect of convenience culture—and the danger of outsourcing effort👣 Why we repeat cycles in relationships, health, and leadership—and how to break them🍅 The tomato analogy that might just change how you think about wisdom forever This episode is honest, hilarious, and more grounded than it first appears—three mates wrestling with modern life’s contradictions while trying not to lose their edge (or their minds). Because yes, knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit.But wisdom? Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad. 🚀 Tune in now and subscribe at lifelonglearnerpodcast.com 🎧 This episode is brought to you by Make It Happen GroupEmpowering professionals and business leaders to achieve their full potential through strategic coaching and performance development.Explore more at makeithappengroup.org 🔹 Stay Connected & Join the Conversation🌐 Website – lifelonglearnerpodcast.com📌 Facebook – facebook.com/lifelonglearnernow📌 Instagram – instagram.com/lifelonglearner.podcast 💬 Got a thought, a laugh, or a question for us?Send it through to: [email protected]

In this firecracker of a conversation, we dive deep into one of the most loaded (and misunderstood) topics in modern culture: masculinity. What started with a cheeky “If you were the devil, how would you destroy men?” clip quickly snowballed into a thought-provoking exploration of what’s really happening to men—and society—today. From the erosion of brotherhood and rites of passage to the rise of comfort, convenience, and clickbait culture, this episode isn’t about packaged solutions—it’s about raising important questions and challenging the narratives we’re swimming in. In this episode, we unpack: 🧠 The identity crisis facing modern men—and how we got here💥 Toxic masculinity vs. true masculinity: what’s the difference (and who’s defining it)?📱 Algorithms, attention, and the cost of endless scrolling🧍 Why both men and women are afraid to truly own their energy🔄 The role of media, marketing, and money in shaping the norm🔥 How to challenge your echo chamber and think for yourself👨‍👧 What’s at stake if we don’t get this right—for our daughters, sons, and the generations to come This one’s honest, raw, and reflective—three mates asking better questions, challenging their own thinking, and holding space for nuance in an increasingly binary world. Because growth starts with awareness. And awareness starts with conversation. 🚀 Tune in now and subscribe at lifelonglearnerpodcast.com 🎧 This episode is brought to you by Make It Happen GroupEmpowering professionals and business leaders to achieve their full potential through strategic coaching and performance development.Learn more at makeithappengroup.org 🔹 Stay Connected & Join the Conversation:🌐 Website – lifelonglearnerpodcast.com📌 Facebook – www.facebook.com/lifelonglearnernow📌 Instagram – www.instagram.com/lifelonglearner.podcast 💬 Got a thought, a laugh, or a question for us? Email: [email protected]

This week, we’re back out of the classroom and into life’s messier, more meaningful moments. Ben reflects on becoming a grandfather—a milestone that’s not just joyful, but deeply perspective-shifting. From baby cuddles to existential wonderings, he opens up about how this new chapter has reframed his relationship with time, mortality, and meaning. What does it mean to see life continue beyond you? And how would you live if this was all there is? Matt takes us behind the scenes of building a barefoot-luxury retreat in Lombok—where creativity meets chaos. From Ramadan's quiet rhythm to budget blowouts, unexpected design changes, and woodwork-induced stress levels, he shares how the real challenge isn't just bricks and mortar—it’s knowing when to hold the vision and when to let go. Turns out, fewer walls might just lead to better views (and better lessons). Gines opens up about the emotional rollercoaster of stepping out of a long-held leadership role. As his GM transition nears the final stretch, he’s navigating the unexpected paradox of being more sought-after than ever—while preparing to let go. What do you do when the furniture moves out before you do? When people trust you more as you leave than when you were in charge? It’s a candid look at identity, legacy, and learning to speak up—then let go. Together, we riff on: 👶 Generational shifts and seeing life through a longer lens🧘‍♂️ Letting go vs holding on (in business and mindset)🛠️ Building in Bali, barefoot project pivots, and creative construction🌀 Transitioning leadership without losing yourself in the process🕰️ Making time count—and how your relationship with it evolves This episode is equal parts raw reflection and cheeky banter—because what’s life without a few laughs between the lessons? 🚀 Tune in now and subscribe at lifelonglearnerpodcast.com 🎧 This episode is brought to you by Make It Happen GroupEmpowering professionals and business leaders to achieve their full potential through strategic coaching and performance development.Learn more at makeithappengroup.org 🔹 Stay Connected & Join the Conversation:🌐 Website – lifelonglearnerpodcast.com📌 Facebook – www.facebook.com/lifelonglearnernow📌 Instagram – www.instagram.com/lifelonglearner.podcast 💬 Got a thought, a laugh, or a question for us? Email: [email protected]

In this Out of Class edition of the Lifelong Learner podcast, Gines and Ben reunite after a short break with an episode that dives deep into leadership, resilience, and the unexpected power of doing hard things. Fresh from an off-track, high-stakes mountain adventure in Tasmania, Ben unpacks what it was like organising and leading a group of 11 men—many of whom had never hiked before—through sleet, steep boulder-strewn climbs, and moments of real physical and mental challenge. But this isn’t a story about gear or maps. It’s about people. What happens when pressure is on? When the path disappears? When fear kicks in? We explore: Why a beginner’s mindset isn’t just for kids—it’s essential for great leaders How we all show up differently under pressure: some lead, some help, and some freeze The surprising difference between doing something hard vs. doing something risky What contrast teaches us—about ourselves, about joy, and about what really matters Why comfort might be killing your growth (and what to do about it) We also zoom out to reflect on how this plays out in parenting, business, and life. Gines shares what it felt like to walk away from a big client instead of compromising core values. It wasn’t easy—but it was worth it. We discuss the cost of avoiding discomfort, the epidemic of “pandering” to ease, and the truth that learning—real, deep, human learning—comes when we stretch. Whether you’re hiking mountains, building businesses, or raising kids in a world that loves to avoid discomfort, this conversation is a timely reminder that: 🔥 Growth happens outside the comfort zone🌧 Joy hits harder when you’ve tasted hardship🧠 And risk isn’t something to avoid—it’s something to understand 🚀 Tune in now and subscribe at lifelonglearnerpodcast.com This episode is brought to you by Make It Happen Group.Empowering professionals and business leaders to achieve their full potential through strategic coaching and performance development.🔗 Learn more at makeithappengroup.org 🔹 Stay Connected & Join the Conversation:🌐 Website – lifelonglearnerpodcast.com📌 Facebook – facebook.com/lifelonglearnernow📌 Instagram – instagram.com/lifelonglearner.podcast 💬 We’d love to hear from you!If you wanna say hello, share a joke, or ask us a question, send us an email at [email protected]

Welcome to another special Out of Class edition of the Lifelong Learner Podcast! Ben, Gines, and Matt reconnect after a few busy weeks, bringing you an episode filled with engaging reflections, insightful discussions, and plenty of humor. The conversation begins with personal updates, as Ben shares his thrilling experiences competing in recent bodybuilding events, giving listeners an entertaining glimpse behind the scenes of the fitness world. Ben reflects on his favorite moments from Melbourne’s Spring Racing Carnival, highlighting the enjoyment of dressing up, betting excitement, and soaking in the vibrant atmosphere. Diving deeper, the trio explores the importance of morning routines, managing stress, and making deliberate choices to foster positivity and productivity in daily life. They unpack the effects of cortisol, discuss why stress can become addictive, and share practical strategies for shifting mindset from anxiety to inspiration. The episode also examines the narratives we build about our lives, discussing how social media can reinforce negative thinking, and offering advice on changing perspective through intentional daily practices. Filled with relatable stories, practical tips, and motivational insights, this episode promises to inspire continuous growth, self-awareness, and lifelong learning. 🚀 Tune in now and subscribe at lifelonglearnerpodcast.com This episode is brought to you by Make It Happen Group. Empowering professionals and business leaders to achieve their full potential through strategic coaching and performance development. Learn more at makeithappengroup.org 🔹 Stay Connected & Join the Conversation:🌐 Website – lifelonglearnerpodcast.com📌 Facebook – www.facebook.com/lifelonglearnernow📌 Instagram – www.instagram.com/lifelonglearner.podcast 💬 We’d love to hear from you! If you wanna say hello, share a joke, or ask us a question, send us an email at [email protected]

In this special Out of Class edition, Ben, Gines, and Matt come together for their first-ever in-person recording—an episode filled with laughs, deep dives, and unexpected twists. The conversation kicks off with the challenges of navigating major life transitions, including Gines’ personal journey of stepping away from a long-term leadership role. The guys reflect on how difficult it can be to manage shifting expectations, both for yourself and those around you. From there, they tackle the fascinating complexities of communication—how cultural backgrounds, personal experiences, and even something as simple as ordering jam at a café can shape the way we interact. They also explore why saying "I don’t care" can mean a whole lot more than it seems, and why true leadership is often about adapting your message to the person in front of you. And if that wasn’t enough action, Ben shares a jaw-dropping story about saving someone’s life on the Gold Coast—proving that sometimes, being in the right place at the right time (with the right knowledge) can make all the difference. It’s a raw, insightful, and hilarious episode filled with real talk about life, leadership, and learning to embrace the unexpected. 🚀 Tune in now and subscribe at lifelonglearnerpodcast.com This episode is brought to you by Make It Happen Group Helping professionals and business leaders unlock their full potential through strategic coaching and performance development. Learn more at makeithappengroup.org 🔹 Stay Connected & Join the Conversation: 🌐 Website – lifelonglearnerpodcast.com 📌 Facebook – www.facebook.com/lifelonglearnernow 📌 Instagram – www.instagram.com/lifelonglearner.podcast 💬 We’d love to hear from you! If you wanna say hello, share a joke, or ask us a question, send us an email at [email protected]

New year, new episode! Gines, Ben, and Matt are back to kick off 2025 withLife Long Learner – Out of Class, bringing fresh conversations, big ideas, and a whole lot of curiosity. In this episode, Ben shows off his latest gadget—high-performance hearing devices—and shares how they’re changing the way he experiences the world. The guys dive into a deep discussion about the balance between excitement for the future and the uncertainty that can sometimes creep in. How do you stay open to what’s next without letting the unknown become overwhelming? They also set the tone for the year ahead by revealing their personal themes for 2025. From growth and adventure to focus and discipline, each of them shares the mindset they’re embracing to make this year their best yet. For more updates and to subscribe head to -lifelonglearnerpodcast.com Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/lifelonglearnernow Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lifelonglearner.podcast Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCz_HJXIvmwW7HfzhaOM0itQ

This week is it is Gines and Matt bring your another inspiring conversation. Matt chats about growth, and needs to be framed in the future, in terms of, what you are about to go through needs to be worth it in the future. Gines questions the story we tell ourselves, is it resourceful or unresourceful? Either one it is currently serving us in some shape or form . This episode is brought to you by Make It Happen Group performance coaching - makeithappengroup.org For more updates and to subscribe head to -lifelonglearnerpodcast.com Facebook - www.facebook.com/lifelonglearnernow Instagram - www.facebook.com/lifelonglearner.podcast And if you wanna say hello, tell us a joke, or ask us a question, send us an email at [email protected]

In this week’s episode of the Lifelong Learner podcast, Gines welcomes David Aherne, the CEO and founder of Across the Ocean Freight Forwarding. David brings decades of expertise in global logistics and shares valuable insights on the significance of relationships in both business and life. Listeners will discover David’s perspectives on how strong connections and genuine relationships can pave the way to business success and personal growth. Aherne underscores the importance of face-to-face interaction, especially in an era when human connection often feels diminished by digital communication. He explains how in-person networking not only builds trust but also opens unexpected doors, an essential practice in his industry, where trust and reliability are paramount for global operations. David also shares powerful advice on embracing discomfort and taking risks. According to him, stepping out of our comfort zones can be transformative, presenting opportunities we might otherwise overlook. The conversation delves into David’s philosophy on business ethics and accountability. He emphasizes the importance of honesty, hard work, and owning up to mistakes, noting that integrity is the backbone of enduring relationships with clients and partners. David’s stories resonate with anyone navigating challenges in business and personal life, from the obstacles of entrepreneurship to the rewards of resilience and moral fortitude. Tune in to this episode for inspiring takeaways on the art of building meaningful connections, thriving through resilience, and finding success by staying true to one’s values. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or seasoned professional, David’s insights offer a refreshing reminder of the power of relationships in a digitally driven world. This episode is brought to you by Make It Happen Group performance coaching - makeithappengroup.org To get in touch with David: www.atoshipping.com www.linkedin.com/in/david-aherne-608b7153/ Instagram: @acrosstheoceanshipping For more updates and to subscribe head to -lifelonglearnerpodcast.com Facebook - www.facebook.com/lifelonglearnernow Instagram - www.facebook.com/lifelonglearner.podcast And if you wanna say hello, tell us a joke, or ask us a question, send us an email at [email protected]

Join Gines, Ben, and Matt for another captivating episode of Life Long Learner: Out of Class Edition, where real-world experiences meet personal growth. This week, Matt opens up about a challenge close to his heart—sourcing ethically sustainable wood for his resort. What started as a quest for quality turned into a balancing act between rising costs and staying true to his values. Matt shares the highs and lows of navigating this process, and what it means to make decisions that prioritize ethics over convenience. In the second half, Gines leads a powerful discussion on the role of belief in shaping our future. Drawing from his own experiences, he talks about how the perspectives we form from life’s challenges and successes can either hold us back or propel us forward. Gines emphasizes the importance of making decisive choices and the impact that leading with confidence and certainty can have on achieving our goals. This episode is brought to you by Make It Happen Group performance coaching - makeithappengroup.org For more updates and to subscribe head to -lifelonglearnerpodcast.com Facebook - www.facebook.com/lifelonglearnernow Instagram - www.facebook.com/lifelonglearner.podcast And if you wanna say hello, tell us a joke, or ask us a question, send us an email at [email protected]

This week Gines is joined by special guest Alina Cahill. Alina is a product genius, especially in the start up tech world. She is a do-er. Her impressive career shows that, if you want to get something done ask Alina. They chat about why certain start-ups and businesses fail, and some succeed. Why slow movers that do not adapt get left behind. Like Redbox vs Netflix. Also the value of being loyal and congruent to who you are and what your company stands, comes from the top and should filter into all strategic decision making to stay aligned to who they are and what they stand for. Plus why burnout is coming to the forefront more and more with professionals, continuing to give until they can not give any more. This is a great episode and there is a lot of gold in here! hope you enjoy! To connect with Alina: www.linkedin.com/in/alinacahill This episode is brought to you by Make It Happen Group performance coaching - makeithappengroup.orgFor more updates and to subscribe head to -lifelonglearnerpodcast.comFacebook - www.facebook.com/lifelonglearnernowInstagram - www.facebook.com/lifelonglearner.podcast And if you wanna say hello, tell us a joke, or ask us a question, send us an email [email protected]

In this episode of the Life Long Learner podcast Ben, Gines, and Matt engage in a casual and humorous conversation, touching on various personal anecdotes, fitness journeys, and motivational strategies. A standout topic is the story of Ben preparing for a bodybuilding competition in four weeks, aiming to compete in the physique category. They discuss the discipline required to reach sub-8% body fat, the challenges of staying consistent with nutrition and training, and the importance of progress, even when it is not linear. One key strategy discussed is "burning the boats," which refers to making a public commitment to something challenging—like stepping on stage in a bodybuilding competition. By putting pressure on themselves, they find that they are more likely to stay disciplined and avoid giving in to temptations. They acknowledge that this strategy isn't for everyone but works for those who thrive under pressure. Additionally, Ben, Gines and Matt highlighted the importance of having a support system or "commitment squad." These are people who will hold you accountable, push you to stay on track, and offer encouragement, especially when things get tough. They contrast this with a "cheer squad," which might offer support but not necessarily the tough love needed to maintain discipline in difficult moments. They also explored broader themes of motivation, self-belief, and consistency. Whether it's bodybuilding, business, or personal goals, the hosts agree that progress isn't always immediate or linear, but staying consistent and finding the right support system are key to success. They emphasize that it’s crucial to understand your personality and adapt your approach to motivation accordingly. This episode is brought to you by Make It Happen Group performance coaching - makeithappengroup.org For more updates and to subscribe head to -lifelonglearnerpodcast.com Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/lifelonglearnernow Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lifelonglearner.podcast Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCz_HJXIvmwW7HfzhaOM0itQ

This week's episode of Lifelong Learner podcast we are joined by special guest Derrick McManus. Derrick is a former police officer from the South Australian Star Group Special Operations Division, shares his gripping experiences and lessons learned throughout his career. He recounts a harrowing incident where he was shot 14 times while on duty and the subsequent resilience he built during his recovery. The discussion delves into the importance of mental preparation, visualizing potential outcomes, and maintaining communication with loved ones, especially when facing high-risk situations. Derrick explains the demanding nature of his role within the Star Group, which involved high-risk arrests, hostage situations, counterterrorism, and close protection for VIPs, including the Queen. He reflects on how his early experiences, including a near-death encounter where his partner was nearly shot, shaped his approach to policing and life. Derrick emphasizes the significance of contingency planning and taking responsibility for one’s choices, actions, and their consequences. The conversation also explores the concept of human durability, which Derrick now teaches through his Center of Human Durability. He discusses how mental and emotional resilience can be cultivated by preparing for adversity, controlling panic, and maintaining a problem-solving mindset during crises. Derrick also touches on the broader societal issue of avoiding responsibility, attributing it to the comfort and safety of first-world living, which often leads to complacency and a lack of accountability. Derrick's message focuses on going beyond mere resilience to achieve sustainable, optimal performance in the face of adversity. He encourages taking full responsibility for one's life, making conscious decisions, and considering the broader impact of choices on both personal and communal levels. This approach underscores the importance of mental toughness, proactive planning, and the ability to navigate life's challenges with a clear, focused mindset. Derrick’s insights provide valuable lessons for anyone looking to improve their resilience and overall approach to personal and professional challenges. This episode is brought to you by Make It Happen Group performance coaching - makeithappengroup.org If you want to get in contact with Derrick: www.humandurability.com.au www.facebook.com/derrick.mcmanus.7 www.linkedin.com/in/derrickmcmanus/ For more updates and to subscribe head to -lifelonglearnerpodcast.com Facebook - www.facebook.com/lifelonglearnernow Instagram - www.facebook.com/lifelonglearner.podcast And if you wanna say hello, tell us a joke, or ask us a question, send us an email at [email protected]