Straight Talk with Mark Bouris

John Kiriakou, former CIA counterterrorism officer and whistleblower who exposed the US torture program, shares vivid tales from spy tradecraft and recruitment. He recounts the personal costs of intelligence work and how he refused enhanced interrogation. He analyzes US‑Iran tensions, the intelligence limits inside Iran, and scenarios for how the conflict might end.

Michael Clarke, former Australian captain known for on-field success and a blunt public persona. He talks about leadership under pressure, the toll of losing teammates, controversial moments that shaped his career, how fatherhood shifted his priorities, and how modern cricket has evolved physically and culturally.

Mark Wales, former SAS soldier and strategic analyst, explains how the Iran operation differs from past Middle East campaigns. He outlines why boots on the ground still matter, the rise of robotics and AI in combat, and the real risk of multi-front escalation. Wales also highlights Australia’s fragile fuel reserves, slim submarine fleet and the urgent need to shore up defence and industrial capability.

Toby Walsh is one of the world's foremost artificial intelligence researchers — a professor at UNSW, author of multiple books on AI, and a regular voice at the United Nations on the governance of autonomous weapons. In this conversation, Mark Bouris and Walsh cover the full arc of AI: from Alan Turing's original question about machine intelligence, to the way ChatGPT actually works, to the concentration of power in the hands of a handful of Silicon Valley figures. They examine the economics of the AI industry — who is actually making money, and why companies are spending billions they cannot yet recoup. Walsh also addresses the military application of AI in Ukraine and Gaza, the threat of autonomous weapons, and why he believes we may need to see atrocities before the world acts. How Alan Turing defined artificial intelligence — and why that definition matters now Why AI hallucinates and what it actually means when a chatbot gives you a wrong answer The concentration of AI power into a small number of companies and individuals Autonomous weapons, AI targeting in Gaza, and the coming arms race The future of work — the four-day week, productivity gains, and what happens to human purpose Why AI will likely replace human driving — and why that is a good thing The case for global regulation and what Walsh is telling the United Nations 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&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.

Craig Laundy, former federal MP and family business operator in hospitality and media, discusses politics, energy policy, AI and his family’s recent radio purchases. He talks about AI’s economic impact and the power demands of data centres. He argues for long-term planning on tax, infrastructure and water. He also explains why the Laundys invested in radio and how they’ll run the stations.

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&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.

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&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.

Chris Kohler, finance editor at Nine Network and author who makes economics easy to follow. He talks about explaining RBA decisions from borrowers’ view. He reveals how social skits and a comedic alter ego help unpack finance. He digs into subscriptions, loyalty programs, concentration in banks and industries, and the changing media landscape.

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&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.

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&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.