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This week’s episode is a little different. I sit down with my 11 year old son, Hemi, to recap the entire Podcast Royale 3.0 weekend through the eyes of a young boxer watching his dad step into the ring. I was lucky enough to have Hemi beside me for the whole experience, from the walkthrough on Friday and the press conference, to walking me out and standing in my corner alongside a world class team consisting of the Moloney twins, Ben Savva, Viviana Ruiz and Shane Morrissey. It is a heartfelt chat between a father and son about what the weekend looked and felt like from his perspective. We talk about the atmosphere, the fight and what it was like watching his dad box after agreeing to face two very capable blokes who had actually been training. Unlike me. Kyle thankfully carried a big load of the fight thanks to his training. There are a few lessons buried among the chat, including a healthy dose of "do what I say, not what I do". But the biggest lesson is simple. If you say you are going to do something, you follow through. Even when you feel underprepared, doubt yourself or realise you may have bitten off more than you can chew. Sometimes standing on business means showing up, backing your word and doing the thing before you feel completely ready. This is a short, honest and special conversation with my son about boxing, commitment and an unforgettable weekend we were lucky enough to share. Help us help the blokes who need it: https://www.betterblokeproject.org/pages/donate-now Find us on socials: https://www.instagram.com/betterblokeproject/ https://www.facebook.com/thebetterblokeproject/ https://www.tiktok.com/@betterblokeproject

James Blackmore is one of the Better Bloke Project’s biggest supporters, not only financially, but through the time, energy and effort he puts into bringing people together. Through The Angler’s Inn in Wallaroo, where he is the manager, James has helped host multiple events in support of the project, including the annual Thunder Run. Despite meeting James in Adelaide a few months ago and having countless conversations online, I realised I did not actually know much about the bloke behind the fundraisers. While James and his family were travelling through multiple states, it felt like the perfect opportunity to sit down, get to know him properly and hear his story. We talk about the role a pub can play beyond serving drinks. Being part of The Angler’s Inn gives James the opportunity to create space for conversations that many blokes might not have anywhere else. Sometimes it is easier to open up while sitting at the bar, attending an event or simply having a yarn with someone who is willing to listen. Blokes do not often put this much work into supporting their community without having their own experiences, motivations and reasons for wanting to help others. This episode goes beyond the events, fundraising and support to meet the bloke behind it all, and to understand why creating space for other blokes matters so much to him. Help us help the blokes who need it: https://www.betterblokeproject.org/pages/donate-now Keep up with Thunder Run updates: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61589271012280 Find us on socials: https://www.instagram.com/betterblokeproject/ https://www.facebook.com/thebetterblokeproject/ https://www.tiktok.com/@betterblokeproject

Cris Cross is back for his second appearance on the Better Bloke Project Podcast. Cris is more than a friend of the project. He is a personal mate, and this episode was as much about catching up as it was recording a podcast. We chat about what Cris has been up to since his last appearance, including his art exhibition, the latest happenings in his creative world and a quick reminder for new listeners about who he is and what he does. There is plenty of shit talk and banter between mates, but there is also a reason I wanted Cris back in the chair. The conversations we have had off camera are the kind you need when you are stuck in a rut and things are not quite adding up. It is important to have blokes around you who you can lean on, talk things through with and trust to tell you what you need to hear. One idea that stayed with me from the conversation was that the mundane keeps you sane. When we compare our lives to what we see on social media, we are usually looking at someone else’s one percent. We do not see the ordinary days, the boring jobs or the everyday routines that keep everything moving. But often, that boring stuff is what puts fuel in the tank and gives us the drive to keep going. This is a conversation between mates about art, AI, renovations, self doubt, life and a whole heap of other shit in between. It is honest, loose and exactly the kind of chat I needed. Help us help the blokes who need it: https://www.betterblokeproject.org/pages/donate-now Follow Cris Cross: https://www.instagram.com/cris.cross.art/ Find us on socials: https://www.instagram.com/betterblokeproject/ https://www.facebook.com/thebetterblokeproject/ https://www.tiktok.com/@betterblokeproject

This week, we step outside the usual studio and into Sacred Rose Tattoo for a raw and honest conversation with Migelly Shaw. Migelly is a tattooist, business owner, media man, father, gamer and all round good bloke. He is someone who keeps a lot of plates spinning, and as we unpack throughout the episode, staying busy is often his way of keeping the head noise from creeping in. We talk openly about the intrusive thoughts that can find their way into anyone’s head, and how we use reason and logic to challenge them rather than allowing them to take control. At the centre of everything is fatherhood. Migelly speaks about finding his purpose in being a dad, why his family is his everything and how becoming a father gave him something bigger than himself to live for. In many ways, it is what saved him. We also talk about the pressure to provide for your family, building a business and the many layers behind the bloke people see online. Migelly describes himself as an onion, or maybe a cake, because there is always another layer underneath. Despite regularly putting himself out there on social media, sitting down as a podcast guest is not something that comes naturally to him. Even in the comfort of his own studio, the nerves are real. But as the conversation begins to flow, he settles in and realises the experience was far worse in his head than it was in reality. As one of the greats said, we suffer more in imagination than reality. We explore tattoo culture, how it has changed and the unique relationship between an artist and the person sitting in their chair. Tattooists can become therapists in their own way. There is a trust that develops between the artist and their client, and when someone is sitting still for hours with their guard down, the conversation often goes far beyond the tattoo itself. This is a conversation about fatherhood, finding purpose, managing the noise in your head and becoming comfortable enough to show the bloke behind the work. Help us help the blokes who need it: https://www.betterblokeproject.org/pages/donate-now Follow Migelly: https://www.instagram.com/migelly/ Find us on socials: https://www.instagram.com/betterblokeproject/ https://www.facebook.com/thebetterblokeproject/ https://www.tiktok.com/@betterblokeproject

This wasn't supposed to be a solo episode. After camera issues killed our planned recording with Ryan McCarthy, it was 7pm the night before the episode dropped with one working camera. So we adapted. We also reflect on recent conversations with heavyweight fighters Haze Hepi and Brando Peričić, what they revealed about strength, vulnerability and the men behind the fighters... go read the latest update on the website with the lessons learned. Sometimes the plan goes to shit. You work with what you've got. Thats life! Help us help the blokes who need it: https://www.betterblokeproject.org/pages/donate-now Find us on socials: https://www.instagram.com/betterblokeproject/ https://www.facebook.com/thebetterblokeproject/ https://www.tiktok.com/@betterblokeproject

This one is a little different. It’s my first solo episode, and while it comes in at just over 18 minutes, it might be the rawest I have ever been on Better Bloke. I talk about losing my best mate, Brutus, and what it's like having to walk through the door without my dog there to greet me. Speaking about him brought out plenty of emotion, but that is what this podcast is meant to be about. Honest conversations, even when they are hard. I also reflect on returning from Bogged Brakes. I do not go into too much detail because it is a bit like Fight Club. You need to go to understand it. I unpack the speech I gave at Mitch Farlow’s charity dinner, the conversations that followed and why delivering a proper speech in front of a full room still makes me uncomfortable. Maybe it was the setting. Maybe it was the suit and tie. Either way, it pushed me outside my comfort zone. Now a month into this solo chapter of Better Bloke, I reflect on those early thoughts of “Can I actually do this?” and the positive feedback I have received since putting myself out there. I also share a few life updates, including finishing the retaining wall and fence and making way for the shed that will eventually become a proper Better Bloke studio. Finally, I try some fudge from OG Fudging Delicious, some friends who are going hard at building their business and deserve every bit of recognition. No guest and no polished answers. Just an honest check in on grief, discomfort, self doubt, progress and backing the people around you. Help us help the blokes who need it: https://www.betterblokeproject.org/pages/donate-now Find us on socials: https://www.instagram.com/betterblokeproject/ https://www.facebook.com/thebetterblokeproject/ https://www.tiktok.com/@betterblokeproject

Kynan Hunt isn’t your typical real estate agent. A local character known for outrageous selling tactics, hilarious property videos and a healthy dose of Aussie larrikinism, he’s built a reputation for doing things differently. But before Kynan was selling homes and starting his own agency, he spent 12 years in the Australian Army, fulfilling an ambition he’d held since childhood. When his body could no longer meet the physical demands of military life, Kynan was forced to consider what came next. That transition involved plenty of personal work before an unexpected path led him into real estate. In this episode, we talk about his journey from the Army to becoming an agent, the realities of launching his own agency and why breaking the traditional real estate mould has become such an important part of his success. We also get into parenthood, navigating life as a girl dad, having children later in life and making sure there aren’t any more, with a very honest conversation about vasectomies. Finally, we discuss the lost art of the handshake, what it says about a person, why it still matters and whether younger generations are losing an important form of connection. It’s a funny, honest and raw conversation with a genuinely good bloke who has an unreal story. Help us help the blokes who need it: https://www.betterblokeproject.org/pages/donate-now Follow Kynan Hunt: https://www.instagram.com/kynanhunt/ Find us on socials: https://www.instagram.com/betterblokeproject/ https://www.facebook.com/thebetterblokeproject/ https://www.tiktok.com/@betterblokeproject

From the outside, Brett "Knuckles" Hanly looks like a bloke who never stops. On the day we recorded this episode, he'd flown in from Vietnam, driven from Brisbane to the Sunshine Coast for an IVF appointment with his wife, travelled back to Brisbane to sit down with us in the Better Bloke studio, and then headed straight to Brisbane Lions commitments. It was a full day by anyone's standards, but it also summed up the reality of juggling business, family and purpose. Most people know Knuckles as the founder of Country Trucker Caps (CTC), one of Australia's biggest success stories to come from a simple side hustle. What started while he was working as a sparky in the mines has grown into a nationally recognised brand, but the journey wasn't without risk. In this episode, he shares what it was really like making the decision to walk away from a secure career and back himself. We talk about the highs, the uncertainty, and the lessons learned from building a business that now employs a growing team and reaches tonnes of Australians every day. But this conversation goes well beyond business. Knuckles opens up about being a husband and father, and the deeply personal journey he and his wife are currently navigating through IVF. It's an honest discussion about the emotional toll fertility challenges can place on both partners, and why it's important for men to recognise that they're allowed to feel the weight of it too. Fatherhood becomes a central theme throughout the episode, particularly the desire so many parents share, to give their children opportunities they never had themselves. It's a conversation every mum and dad will relate to, exploring the balance between providing for your family, staying present, and making sure success doesn't come at the expense of the people you're working so hard for. We also unpack the pressure many Australian families are feeling in today's economic climate. Both of us are speaking with countless hardworking blokes who feel like they're being punished for trying to get ahead, working longer hours, paying more tax, and simply trying to keep a roof over their family's head and food on the table. Knuckles shares his thoughts on why so many Australians feel left behind and offers some candid ideas about where he believes change needs to start. No conversation with Knuckles would be complete without talking about Get Yourself Checked, the charity initiative that's encouraging Australian men to take prostate health seriously. With September marking Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, it's a timely reminder that looking after your health isn't a sign of weakness, it's one of the most important things you can do for yourself and the people who rely on you. Of course, we couldn't finish the episode without talking about Podcast Royale 3.0. We share a few exciting updates, tease what's coming in the lead-up to fight night, and reveal a couple of firsts that hadn't been publicly discussed before. Whether you know Knuckles from Country Trucker Caps, Get Yourself Checked, Proper True Yarn or simply admire what he's built, this episode is a reminder that behind every successful business is a bloke trying to navigate the same challenges many of us face... family, purpose, pressure, and finding the courage to back yourself when it matters most. Find out more about Better Bloke Project: https://www.betterblokeproject.org/ Find out about Get Yourself Checked: https://www.getyourselfchecked.org Find us on socials: https://www.instagram.com/betterblokeproject/ https://www.facebook.com/thebetterblokeproject/ https://www.tiktok.com/@betterblokeproject

In October, Mitch Farlow will attempt to run the length of Tasmania, around 300 kilometres to raise awareness and funds for Beyond Blue. Mitch is a lived-experience peer worker with Queensland Health, a former fringe professional footballer and someone determined to give life a red-hot crack.His motivation for taking on Tasmania is deeply personal. After watching his mum face her own struggles, Mitch found purpose in running for a cause and discovered how much meaning can come from doing something difficult for people beyond yourself. We talk about the challenge ahead, the family story driving him and the role running now plays in his life. Mitch also opens up about becoming a “banned athlete” following some poor decisions during his football years and explains why the real story isn’t what most people might assume. This is a raw conversation between two blokes getting to know each other: honest, occasionally uncomfortable and ultimately hopeful. The episode itself nearly didn’t make it. Camera failures, missing footage and audio dramas made this one of our roughest edits yet, but we persisted. That’s all part of the game, and somehow it feels fitting for an episode about continuing to move forward when things don’t go to plan. FOLLOW MITCH'S JOURNEY: https://www.instagram.com/mitch.farlow/ Help us help the blokes who need it: https://www.betterblokeproject.org/pages/donate-now Find us on socials: https://www.instagram.com/betterblokeproject/ https://www.facebook.com/thebetterblokeproject/ https://www.tiktok.com/@betterblokeproject

This week marks a new chapter for the podcast as Rob films, hosts and edits an entire episode on his own for the first time. There’s no intro yet, things are a little raw and choppy, and the learning curve occasionally shows. But that’s what the Better Bloke Project is all about: having a go, accepting that you won’t get everything right the first time and continuing to show up anyway. Joining Rob is Kyle Van Der Poel-Ashburn, aka The Impact Sensation. Kyle is stepping in as Rob’s tag-team partner for their fight at Podcast Royale 3.0, and they use this episode to make it official. Both Rob and Kyle lost their respective fights at Podcast Royale 2.0, but one loss doesn’t have to define what happens next. Instead of walking away, they’ve chosen to learn from it, join forces and come back with something to prove. Between the redemption talk, the questionable fight strategy and an immense amount of shit-talking, this episode is also a reminder not to take life too seriously. Becoming a better bloke isn’t about being perfect or winning every time. It’s about how you respond when things don’t go your way, having good people in your corner and being willing to get back in the fight. The podcast continues with Rob behind the mic and different guests joining him for a chat. It may be a little rough around the edges while he learns the ropes, but that’s part of the journey we’re going on together. You might fail. You might make mistakes. You might even look like a bit of an idiot along the way, but none of that matters if you keep showing up. Help us help the blokes who need it: https://www.betterblokeproject.org/pages/donate-now Find us on socials: https://www.instagram.com/betterblokeproject/ https://www.facebook.com/thebetterblokeproject/ https://www.tiktok.com/@betterblokeproject Follow Kyle's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kvanderpoel/ Podcast Royale 3.0 Tickets here: https://www.alpha-events.com.au

After more than 100 episodes together, every journey eventually reaches a point where priorities change. In Episode 119 of The Better Bloke Project Podcast, Rob and Matty sit down for one final episode together as co-hosts. This isn't a goodbye. It's the next chapter. The boys discuss why now feels like the right time to make a change, with both of their lives and commitments growing to a point where something had to give. Moving forward, The Better Bloke Project Podcast will continue with Rob behind the microphone, while Matty shifts his focus towards his business and the opportunities ahead. The conversation reflects on some of the moments that helped shape the podcast over the years, including the late Hayden's episode and the impact it continues to have. While Hayden may no longer be with us, his story remains, and both Rob and Matty are proud that it will always exist as a reminder of the man he was. They also discuss what's next for Better Bloke Project, upcoming events, future plans, and a few things still waiting to be announced. Of course, it wouldn't be a Better Bloke episode without a few detours along the way. The boys somehow find themselves discussing Bahn Mi, Uber Eats, and the finer details of eating out, proving that even in a farewell episode, some things never change. Help us help the blokes who need it: https://www.betterblokeproject.org/pages/donate-now Find us on socials: https://www.instagram.com/betterblokeproject/ https://www.facebook.com/thebetterblokeproject/ https://www.tiktok.com/@betterblokeproject

Is there really a male loneliness epidemic, or are we simply talking about something that’s always existed? In this episode of The Better Bloke Project Podcast, Rob and Matty unpack one of the biggest conversations surrounding men’s wellbeing today. They discuss whether men are actually more lonely than ever, or whether social media and increased awareness have simply made it more visible. The conversation explores how COVID changed the way we socialise, the impact of working from home, and why many men can feel isolated despite being surrounded by people every day. More importantly, this episode is about solutions. The boys share practical ways to reconnect, from making time for your mates amongst work and family commitments, to finding new friendships through shared hobbies and interests. They also discuss why reaching back out to old mates after a breakup is often easier than your pride tells you, and why investing time in your friendships is one of the best things you can do for your wellbeing. This is an honest conversation about friendship, connection and reminding blokes that they’re not the only ones looking for genuine mates. Help us help the blokes who need it: https://www.betterblokeproject.org/pages/donate-now Find us on socials: https://www.instagram.com/betterblokeproject/ https://www.facebook.com/thebetterblokeproject/ https://www.tiktok.com/@betterblokeproject The Better Bloke Project is an ACNC-registered charity focused on mens wellbeing through connection, conversation and practical support for men, families and communities across Australia.

Most people know Jacob “Barnos” Barnfield from the Bondi terrorist attack and the footage that made headlines around the world. But that’s only part of his story. This week, Rob and Matty sit down with Barnos to talk about the life behind the headlines. He shares his battles with mental health, multiple suicide attempts, what helped him rebuild his life, and why he’s still here today. The conversation also dives into his firsthand account of the Bondi terror attack, the reality of running towards danger while others fled, and why so many “armchair experts” have no understanding of what fight, flight or survival actually looks like in the moment. The boys also discuss friendship, respectful disagreement, and why you don’t need to agree with someone on every issue to value them as a person. This isn’t a political episode. It’s an honest conversation about resilience, trauma, mental health, perspective and the importance of hearing someone’s full story before judging them by a single moment. If this episode resonates with you, share it with someone who needs to hear it. Because sometimes the conversations we’re hesitant to have are the ones that matter most. Follow Barnos here: https://www.instagram.com/barnos.au/ Help us help the blokes who need it: https://www.betterblokeproject.org/pages/donate-now Find us on socials: https://www.instagram.com/betterblokeproject/ https://www.facebook.com/thebetterblokeproject/ https://www.tiktok.com/@betterblokeproject The Better Bloke Project is an ACNC-registered charity focused on reducing male suicide through connection, conversation and practical support for men, families and communities across Australia.

What is it about certain songs that can instantly transport you back to a moment in your life? In this episode of The Better Bloke Project Podcast, Rob and Matty dive into Spotify’s viral “Divorced Aussie Dad Tunes” playlist, featuring iconic artists like Creed, Nickelback, 3 Doors Down, Switchfoot, Shannon Noll and Incubus. More than just a music discussion, this episode explores how songs become tied to memories, emotions and different chapters of our lives. From heartbreak and resilience to fatherhood, mateship and growing up, we unpack why certain tracks continue to resonate long after they’ve left the charts. Part nostalgia trip, part therapy session, and part celebration of the soundtrack that shaped a generation of Australian blokes. Help us help the blokes who need it: https://www.betterblokeproject.org/pages/donate-now Find us on socials: https://www.instagram.com/betterblokeproject/ https://www.facebook.com/thebetterblokeproject/ https://www.tiktok.com/@betterblokeproject The Better Bloke Project is an ACNC-registered charity focused on reducing male suicide through connection, conversation and practical support for men, families and communities across Australia.

At first glance, Mel Tolone is exactly what you’d expect from a bloke who’s built his life around strength sports and bare-knuckle fighting. He’s competed around the world, stepped onto strongman and powerlifting platforms, and built a career coaching others through his own gyms. But spend five minutes with Mel and you’ll quickly realise there’s far more to him than what you see on the surface. Known as “The Revenant”, Mel carries a nickname that reflects more than his fighting style. It’s a mindset forged through adversity, setbacks and the ability to keep getting back up when life knocks you down. In this episode, we unpack Mel’s journey growing up in Port Macquarie, his path into strength sports and combat, his battle with addiction and time spent in rehab, and the life-changing experience of being diagnosed with testicular cancer and losing a testicle. Despite everything he’s faced, Mel remains one of the calmest, most genuine blokes you’ll meet. If you’ve crossed paths with him at an event, you’ll know exactly what we mean. This is a conversation about resilience, identity, purpose and what it really means to rebuild yourself when life forces you to start again. Help us help the blokes who need it: https://www.betterblokeproject.org/pages/donate-now Find Mel here: https://www.instagram.com/mel_therevenant_tolone/ Find us on socials: https://www.instagram.com/betterblokeproject/ https://www.facebook.com/thebetterblokeproject/ https://www.tiktok.com/@betterblokeproject