Manifestly Good

From Self-Made Prison to True PurposeOn this episode of Manifestly Good, I sit down with Nick Mair, founder of Pack Mentality Group, career transition coach, and Mental Health First Aid instructor, to explore what it really means to live as a good man today.Nick shares his journey from chasing external validation - first as a pilot to make his father and grandfather proud, and later in the corporate world - to hitting a breaking point in a 'self-made prison' of anxiety and depression. Through this experience, he discovered the importance of living intentionally, questioning expectations, and building authentic connection.In this conversation, we discuss:How unexamined expectations can derail your life and purposeThe role of self-awareness in living true to your valuesWhy building community and checking in on each other is vital, especially for menLessons on masculinity, mental health, and personal resilienceNick’s story is a powerful reminder that real strength comes from honesty, authenticity, and the courage to walk your own path.Find out more about Nick and Pack Mentality Group: https://www.packmentality.com.au/https://www.instagram.com/pack_mentality_group/https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-mair-brisbane/

Leadership Through ServiceWhat does it look like to build a life, and a career, around service to others?In this episode of Manifestly Good, Simon sits down with Queensland leader Anthony Ryan to explore the values that have shaped his remarkable journey. From turning away from a career in stockbroking to become a teacher, to co-founding the grassroots initiative Eddie’s Van, Anthony has consistently chosen the path that puts people first.The conversation moves through powerful chapters of Anthony’s life, including his transformative experiences working in the slums of Nairobi, his leadership roles with organisations such as Youngcare and the Edmund Rice Foundation, and the lessons he’s learned about humility, empathy, and values-based leadership along the way.Anthony was named a Queensland Great in 2013, but what stands out most in this conversation is not the recognition.... it’s the quiet consistency of a man who has spent decades asking a simple question: How can I serve?Now leading the Brisbane Economic Development Agency during a pivotal period for the city ahead of the 2032 Olympic Games, Anthony reflects on how service, integrity, and human connection can guide leadership at every level. From helping one person on the street, to shaping the future of an entire city.This is a thoughtful and deeply human conversation about purpose, leadership, and what it means to live out your values every day.Manifestly Good explores what it means to be a good man in today’s world. Through thoughtful long-form conversations, host Simon Lyons speaks with leaders, thinkers, and everyday people whose lives offer insight into character, integrity, and living with purpose.If you found this conversation valuable, please like, subscribe, and share - it helps these stories reach more people.

In this episode of Manifestly Good, I sit down with Andrew Lines founder of The Rite Journey, to explore what happens when a society stops intentionally guiding boys into manhood — and what it takes to restore that process with purpose.Andrew shares the story behind The Rite Journey and the moment he realised something essential was missing in modern education: meaningful rites of passage. We unpack why traditional cultures marked the transition from boyhood to manhood with intention, what Western society has lost in abandoning those rituals, and the consequences of leaving boys to navigate adulthood without clear guidance.But this conversation goes far beyond education programs.Andrew reflects on his own values — the role models who shaped him, moments when his integrity was tested, and the habits that keep him aligned with the man he strives to be. We explore how masculinity has evolved, where it still struggles, and how strength and emotional intelligence are not opposing forces but necessary partners.We also discuss the role of fathers, mentors, and community in shaping young men — and why mentorship is not optional if we care about the future of manhood. For those who feel they missed out on a meaningful transition into adulthood, Andrew offers a hopeful reminder: it’s never too late to undertake your own rite of passage.This episode is an invitation to think deeply about responsibility, identity, and the intentional formation of character — not just in boys, but in men of all ages.If you care about raising good men, becoming a better man yourself, or contributing to a healthier vision of masculinity in society, this conversation will stay with you. ⁨@theritejourneywithandrewli3381⁩ 

What if business wasn’t just about profit — but about responsibility, integrity, and real-world impact?In this episode of Manifestly Good, Simon sits down with Luke Faccini — founder of purpose-driven branding agency The Sponge and community builder behind Good North — to explore what it looks like to align your work with your values.Luke’s path hasn’t been linear. From running with the wrong crowd as a teenager to building a values-led business straight out of college, his story is one of hard pivots, honest self-reflection, and the courage to choose meaning over money.Over the years, Luke has come to believe that branding isn’t just logos and visuals — it’s about building what he calls “electromagnetic brands”: organisations that genuinely attract people because they stand for something real.In this conversation, we explore:- The turning points that reshaped Luke’s life and direction- Why he walked away from clients that didn’t align with his values- The moment that forced him to confront the hidden impact of supply chains- How The Sponge evolved into a purpose-first agency- Building community through Good North- Faith, personal growth, and integrating belief with business- What it really means to be a “good man” in leadership and entrepreneurshipThis episode is a powerful reminder that integrity isn’t a marketing strategy — it’s a way of living. And when your values are clear, your decisions get simpler (even when they’re hard).If you’re a founder, leader, or anyone trying to build a life and career that actually means something, this one will resonate.Connect with Luke:https://thesponge.com.au/https://goodnorth.co/🌟 Subscribe to stay updated on future episodes📢 Share this video to help spread the word about Manifestly Good

Tracy Hall, author, speaker and fraud survivor advocate, shares candid reflections on character, partnership and parenting. She talks about honesty in practice, the invisible mental load at home, men's emotional communication, shared financial responsibility, and the power of community for men's wellbeing. Short, practical, and grounded conversations about showing up with consistency, care, and accountability.

What does it really mean to be a good man — and who teaches us how?In this very first episode of Manifestly Good, Simon sits down with Tim Hewson — founder of Mongrels Men Health & Wellbeing, mental health advocate, speaker, and father — for a raw and thoughtful conversation about masculinity, mental health, and the quiet courage it takes for men to open up.After nearly three decades leading teams inside major financial institutions, Tim made a bold pivot. Seeing firsthand how many men were silently struggling, he stepped away from corporate life to create Mongrels Men — a community helping men build emotional strength, connection, and the confidence to talk honestly about what’s really going on.Together, Simon and Tim explore:- Why so many men feel isolated, even when surrounded by people- The cost of “just pushing through”- What healthy masculinity actually looks like in practice- Fatherhood, friendship, and showing up for the men around us- How small, brave conversations can change — and even save — livesThis conversation is warm, grounded, and deeply human — the kind of discussion that inspired the creation of Manifestly Good in the first place.If you’ve ever wondered how to be a better man, father, partner, or mate — this episode is a powerful place to start.Connect with Tim & Mongrels Men: https://mongrelsmen.com/00:00 Welcome01:30 Tim's biggest influences06:24 The shift to Mongrels Men10:30 Recognising struggle18:42 How has society changed?21:52 Tim's strength is tested30:39 What men need from each other34:08 The power of movement38:48 Shaping Gen Next41:20 Tim's biggest lessons51:12 Outro🌟 Subscribe to stay updated on future episodes📢 Share this video to help spread the word about Manifestly Good

Welcome to the very first episode of Manifestly Good!In this inaugural episode, I take the hot seat to share what Manifestly Good is all about, why I felt compelled to start this journey, and a little about who I am.This podcast is a space for exploring what it means to be a good man in today’s world - delving into values, challenges, and the moments that shape us. It’s about creating a body of knowledge through conversations with inspiring guests who embody or challenge our understanding of goodness.In this episode, I’ll also talk about my motivations for launching Manifestly Good, my hopes for the community we’ll build together, and what you can expect from future episodes.Thank you for joining me on this exciting journey. Let’s make something meaningful, together.00:00 Welcome00:43 Why Podcasts?02:00 What does learning mean to you?05:20 Connection & Purpose07:57 Difficult Decisions10:40 Manifestly Good12:57 What do you want men to hear?🌟 Subscribe to stay updated on future episodes📢 Share this video to help spread the word about Manifestly Good