The You Project

Axle Whitehead is an interesting bloke, with an interesting background, who has, for reasons both good and.. er, interesting, caught the public eye as a talented singer, musician, actor, TV host and occasional wild man. Apart from his musical achievements, Axle has worked on Home and Away, Shameless (US TV series), The Wall (a game show he hosted), Video Hits (TV host), World’s Strictest Parents (TV host) and quite a few more. While I try to go into every chat with an open mind, I will say, I may have had an impression of what and who to expect. I was quite wrong. In fact, we’re catching up next week for coffee and a chat, because we’re both fascinated with human behaviour and the mind. And we like coffee. Enjoy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Beau Lotto is a neuroscientist and world-renowned expert in perception. His research explores the ways in which we experience the world through our own versions of reality. As Beau says, "the brain never sees the world as it actually is, only the world that is useful to see." By illuminating these principles of perception he has helped individuals and companies transform their approach to creativity and innovation. Beau is also the founder of the world’s first neuro-design studio, Lab of Misfits. Part lab, part creative studio, Lab of Misfits takes a disruptive approach to research, partnering with brands to blend science, art and performance to explore pivotal principles in current culture. Their "experiential experiments" invite consumers to engage with brands and offer brands science-backed insights that foster innovation. beaulotto.comlabofmisfits.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Beau Lotto is a neuroscientist and world-renowned expert in perception. His research explores the ways in which we experience the world through our own versions of reality. As Beau says, "the brain never sees the world as it actually is, only the world that is useful to see." By illuminating these principles of perception he has helped individuals and companies transform their approach to creativity and innovation. Beau is also the founder of the world’s first neuro-design studio, Lab of Misfits. Part lab, part creative studio, Lab of Misfits takes a disruptive approach to research, partnering with brands to blend science, art and performance to explore pivotal principles in current culture. Their "experiential experiments" invite consumers to engage with brands and offer brands science-backed insights that foster innovation. beaulotto.comlabofmisfits.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Some people think I’m weird. And depending on whose definition of normal, conventional or weird we’re going by; they may well be right. Some people struggle to comprehend that a 58 year-old, never married, non-smoking, never used recreational drugs or drunk booze, gym-going, motorbike-riding Aussie bloke, who’s lived alone for 41 years, could somehow be functional, fulfilled and genuinely happy. Many times people have told me (a year or two down the track) that when they first met me, they thought I was weird, not because of anything I did or said (to them) but rather, because of how I live. This four-part (that’s not a typo) TYP instalment is the result of hundreds of questions I’ve received from people wanting to know more about behind the scenes me. I honestly don’t think it’s fascinating but according to Melissa, some of you will be interested. I open the door wide on a lot of things I’ve never spoken about to an audience. Thanks for supporting the show everyone. I appreciate you. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Some people think I’m weird. And depending on whose definition of normal, conventional or weird we’re going by; they may well be right. Some people struggle to comprehend that a 58 year-old, never married, non-smoking, never used recreational drugs or drunk booze, gym-going, motorbike-riding Aussie bloke, who’s lived alone for 41 years, could somehow be functional, fulfilled and genuinely happy. Many times people have told me (a year or two down the track) that when they first met me, they thought I was weird, not because of anything I did or said (to them) but rather, because of how I live. This four-part (that’s not a typo) TYP instalment is the result of hundreds of questions I’ve received from people wanting to know more about behind the scenes me. I honestly don’t think it’s fascinating but according to Melissa, some of you will be interested. I open the door wide on a lot of things I’ve never spoken about to an audience. Thanks for supporting the show everyone. I appreciate you. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I liked my first chat with Kute Blackson but I loved this one. This is the bloke who walked away from his church upbringing (and his likely life as an evangelist) after preaching to an audience of 3,000 at 8, being an ordained minister at 14 and being the son of a Japanese mum and a famous Ghanaian preacher father, who had a clear plan for his son’s life. Well, in this chat Kute dropped some knowledge, wisdom and inspiration and (for the woo-woo brigade) a few spiritual insights (like the concept of the mind serving the soul). We also spoke about.. structure and planning vs. freestyle and instinct, the myth of logic, keeping others happy, the nature of the ego, personal reality, confirmation bias, surrendering, conditional love (which isn’t actually love), the mind as a tool and a barrier and lots more. Enjoy.  kuteblackson.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Jemma King has a PhD in Human Behaviour, is a Stress and Emotional Intelligence expert, works as a specialist advisor to the Australian Defence Force, the Australian Institute of Sport, the Australian Olympic Swim Team and global management consultancy firms. Other than all that, she’s a dud (lol). I enjoy chatting with academics who can share their vast knowledge in a manner which is user (podcast listener) friendly and not overly academic. Jemma certainly delivers and there were some gems in this chat. Enjoy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are times when life is about navigating detours, solving problems, inhabiting uncertainty, dealing with pain (of all kinds) and being the calm in the chaos. It could be argued that this is much of life. This conversation with Kristina Mand-Lakhiani is largely about these very human challenges. Kristina is an entrepreneur, international speaker, author and the co-creator of Mindvalley; a global educational organisation providing training for peak human performance to hundreds of thousands of students all around the world. We also spoke about.. what time of the day we’re most productive, how our thinking and priorities change as we age, judgement (of self and others), perfectionism (that’s a self-created burden), self-acceptance, giving things meaning, being wrong, what is truth? (that’s a slippery slope), cognitive dissonance, her recent conscious uncoupling with her husband and finally, living in Estonia (bordering Russia), which she does with her two young kids. Enjoy.  @kristinamandSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We all want to belong, to be part of something bigger than us, to be connected with others and to be part of a ‘tribe’ (group, club, team, family, organisation, family, religion). And while this all makes sense because we humans are social creatures, what are the potential risks of desperately wanting to belong? These days there’s a lot of discussion around the virtues and values of being part of a tribe. But is it true? Are all tribes love, light, puppies and unicorns? Are they altruistic and well-meaning? Are they about the welfare of the individuals or the welfare of the group (brand, profit, growth)? In order to belong and make no waves, are you periodically required to over-ride your own thoughts, insights and instincts because they don’t align with the group’s ideology, philosophy and/or theology? Without giving to much away, I think belonging to a tribe can be both good or bad, depending on a bunch of variables. Some groups might save your life, some might ruin it. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of TYP, our legal drug dealer is back and this time, we talk about the current flu that’s doing the rounds, Monkeypox (I think I may have it), anti-inflams (the good, bad and cautionary), building a tolerance to prescription medication, Nima’s thoughts on appetite suppressants, using antidepressants and anxiety medication safely (is that possible?), melatonin for sleep issues, over-the-counter cocaine and shady characters with dodgy scripts. As always, we had fun. Enjoy. comocompounding.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.