REAL STUFF with Hunter Johnson

Bailey Smith: The Story You Haven’t Heard  In his most personal interview yet, AFL star Bailey Smith joins Real Stuff podcast to share the man behind the mullet - and the mental health journey that shaped him. Speaking with host and Stuff That Matters Founder Hunter Johnson, Bailey opens up about the aftermath of his ACL injury, the emotional toll of leaving the Bulldogs, and the private struggles that followed.  From not being able to get out of bed and training alone, to seeking intensive professional help, Bailey reflects on how hitting rock bottom helped him develop healthier coping tools and rebuild from the inside out. He speaks candidly about body image, perfectionism, and the pressure of living under constant scrutiny - and how he’s learning to prioritise Bailey the person, not just the footballer.  Now thriving at Geelong and committed to shifting the culture around masculinity, Bailey’s story is raw, timely and deeply human - especially in the wake of the Selwood tragedies and Australia’s broader men’s mental health crisis.  We thank Bailey for the trust, courage and friendship that made this podcast possible.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of REAL STUFF, Hunter Johnson goes deep with one of the AFL’s most decorated captains, Trent Cotchin.From winning a Brownlow Medal to leading a struggling club to three premierships, Trent shares the lessons he’s learned about leadership, reflecting on his journey to discovering and trusting his authentic self—embracing vulnerability and the simplicity of "just being Trent."They explore the challenges of imposter syndrome, the tension between perfection and excellence, and how building a culture of love and empathy turned the Tigers’ fortunes around.Trent also opens up about his transition from on-field leadership to inspiring others beyond the game. From stepping into the business world to staying grounded in his "why," he reveals how curiosity, growth, and presence continue to drive his evolution.In a raw and emotional "Triple H" segment, Trent shares his Hero, Highlight, and Hardship—diving into personal setbacks and moments that shaped his leadership philosophy.This isn’t just a sports story; it’s a conversation about resilience, authenticity, and leading with purpose. Whether you’re an AFL fan or pursuing your own version of success, this episode will leave you inspired to rethink what it means to win. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Harry Garside: Embracing Growth and Redefining SuccessIn this REAL STUFF episode, Hunter Johnson sits down with Olympic boxing champ Harry Garside – a multi-medal athlete shattering stereotypes. From Commonwealth gold to the Tokyo and Paris Olympics and beyond, Harry’s success in the ring is just the start.Hunter and Harry dive into big topics like failure on the public stage, self-love vs. self-hatred, and the future of education. Harry shares his journey of self-discovery, battling fame’s pressures, and embracing both his masculine and feminine sides.They explore Harry’s struggles with self-criticism, vulnerability, and balancing high performance with emotional well-being. His thoughts on fatherhood, community, and connection are raw and inspiring. This is one conversation you won’t want to miss! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jarryd Roughead: Resilience Beyond the Footy FieldIn this inspiring episode of REAL STUFF, host Hunter Johnson sits down with AFL legend Jarryd Roughead. Known for his loyalty to the Hawthorn Football Club, where he spent his entire footy career, Roughead shares his journey from a small-town country kid to a four-time premiership player. He also reflects on the profound lessons he’s learnt both on and off the field.Roughy reminisces about his roots in Leongatha, where he grew up as the eldest of three and embraced his country heritage. Despite the high-profile life in the AFL, his grounded approach has always kept him close to home. He discusses the challenges of transitioning from small-town life to the big city and the pressures that came with being thrust into the AFL system as a top draft pick.Hunter and Roughy delve into the resilience required to navigate pivotal life moments, including his father’s long battle with MS, his own cancer journey, and his approach to staying positive amid adversity. Jarryd reflects on how footy has shaped him, but also underscores the importance of life beyond the sport, especially the balance between fatherhood and family.One of the most personal parts of Jarryd’s story is his battle with skin cancer. At 29, he was confronted with a melanoma diagnosis that eventually spread to his lungs, turning his world upside down.Through gruelling treatments and clinical trials, he managed to beat the odds and make a full recovery. While he never sought the spotlight as a “poster boy” for skin cancer prevention, Jarryd’s experience has turned him into a powerful advocate for sun protection.Now, Jarryd is teaming up with us to encourage young men to make sunscreen a part of their daily routine. His story is a powerful reminder to take sun safety seriously, because, as Jarryd puts it, “sun protection matters.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kalyn Ponga: NRL Champion and Advocate for Mental WellbeingThe first episode of REAL STUFF season 3, host Hunter Johnson sits down with Kalyn Ponga, captain of the Newcastle Knights and reigning Dally M Medalist. From the high-stakes world of NRL to advocating for mental health, Kalyn shares his journey and insights.Kalyn is celebrated not only for his on-field achievements as a State of Origin hero but also for his grounded and compassionate approach to life. Despite the accolades, he remains deeply connected to his values and personal growth.During the podcast, Hunter and Kalyn delve into crucial topics like managing mental wellbeing, especially in light of Kalyn’s experiences with concussions. They discuss the importance of values-driven leadership and the role of learning from mistakes in personal development.Kalyn also opens up about the influence of positive role models, particularly his relationship with his father, which has been pivotal in his journey. They explore the significance of finding one’s identity and self-expression while challenging outdated masculine stereotypes that can restrict creativity and authenticity.Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of Kalyn’s commitment to breaking down barriers and his belief in using his platform for positive change. The conversation is both insightful and engaging, offering a candid look into the life of an NRL superstar who is much more than his impressive stats.Kalyn Ponga’s story is a testament to the power of resilience and self-discovery, making this episode a compelling listen for anyone interested in sports, leadership, and personal growth. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stu Gregor: Four Pillars Gin co-founderWant to become a shareholder of STUFF? Find out more here - https://www.birchal.com/company/stuffIn this episode of “Real STUFF”, Hunter sits down with Australian success story, Stu Gregor. Stu is the co-founder of Four Pillars Gin which he scaled to become a phenomenal success and household name, which led to its recent acquisition by Lion. Stu chats through the story behind the brand, how he juggled a fast paced business and being a father of two, as well as the powerful rise of women in sport and leadership.Following a multi-decade career leading a PR firm and working on many leading food and drinks brands, Stu co-founded Four Pillars in 2013. Since then the brand has gone from strength to strength, eventually becoming Australia’s #1 craft spirit and the winner of Global Gin of the Year (twice!).Stu is one of Australia's best-loved raconteurs (and drinkers!), but success aside, he is a hilarious, genuine and captivating guest. Stu shares an inspiring and honest outlook on what’s required to grow a business - which is both refreshing and insightful - and this podcast is a great listen for those who are looking for a window into Stu’s philosophies and modus operandi. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Paul Bassat, co-founder of SEEK and Square Peg Capital, discusses his impactful journey in entrepreneurship and investment. He shares insights on the evolution of mental health awareness and the importance of treating it like any medical condition. Diving into his venture capital approach, Paul emphasizes the significance of founder-centric investing and the Australian startup ecosystem. He also reflects on generational changes in values, the synergy of profit and purpose, and the need for innovation amidst social challenges facing young men today.

Dr Arne Rubinstein: doctor, counsellor, mentor, speaker & workshop facilitatorIn this week’s episode of "Real STUFF” our host Hunter Johnson sits down with Founder of the Rites of Passage Institute, Dr Arne Rubinstein, an internationally recognised expert on rites of passage and adolescent development. A GP, author, social commentator - and a longtime mentor to Hunter.Arne has worked with teenagers since graduating from the International Institute for Youth Leaders in 1982. He worked as a GP for 12 years specialising in Adolescent Health, Preventative Medicine and Emergency Medicine. During Arne’s time in emergency medicine he noticed a lot of young men being admitted to hospital due to taking risks and living on the edge without anyone to facilitate them through those experiences. “They were doing it (searching for an edge) in their cars, doing it getting into street fights, or jumping from cliffs into water, and unfortunately as an emergency doctor I also saw that way too often it would impact the rest of their lives, if not kill them.”He realised they were caught in a world between child and adult and their actions often had disastrous lifelong consequences. Through his research he discovered that for thousands of years indigenous communities around the world had recognised the importance of creating a process to support the coming of age of boys and girls. This prompted Arne to leave his medical career to work full-time creating Rites of Passage programs.Hunter and Arne’s conversation spans the historical link of rites of passage to First Nations cultures, how Arne developed his Rites of Passage program to help support tens of thousands of boys to begin the transition into becoming a man, to the role of elders in facilitating a rite of passage and the concept of “the edge” - the space between comfort and appropriate discomfort - “a concept that can be both physical and emotional that has a direct link to personal growth.”Discover more about Arne and the Rites of Passage Institute at https://ritesofpassageinstitute.org/  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ramesh Mario Nithiyendran: Australian contemporary artist - but don’t put him in a boxIn this week’s episode of "Real STUFF” our host Hunter Johnson sits down with the contemporary artist Ramesh Mario Nithiyendran at the Sydney Opera House. During the podcast, Hunter and Ramesh explore various themes related to art, identity, and cultural values.Ramesh is a Sri Lankan-Australian artist best known for his figurative ceramic practice. He came to Australia as a refugee when he was just a baby, and settled in suburban Sydney at a time when Pauline Hanson was a thing and people spat at brown skin. Growing up in a new migrant context, Ramesh recalls refugees having to work much harder than other people just to exist. Ramesh’s artworks often challenge traditional beliefs and explore the intersection of gender, religion, and culture. His big, colourful, figurative, and may would say “iconic” sculptural works have been exhibited around the world, and he has won a slew of awards.“I don’t want to be a follower, I want to be a leader….”“I think if you want to make a change, you have to accept that you’ll be disliked by a group of people”During the podcast, Ramesh and Hunter discuss the challenges of being a contemporary artist in a rapidly changing world and how technology has transformed the way artists create and distribute their work.Ramesh shares his thoughts on the role of art as a catalyst for social change and how his art serves as a tool to start conversations about topics that are often considered taboo. He also explains how he incorporates his personal experiences into his art and how he hopes to inspire others to embrace their unique identities and perspectives.Overall, the podcast offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of contemporary art and how artists are challenging traditional notions of beauty and identity. Ramesh's passion for his craft and his dedication to using art to make a positive impact on society is truly inspiring and will leave listeners with much to think about.Ramesh has exhibited his work globally, and his art has been featured in numerous exhibitions, including at the National Gallery of Australia and the Art Gallery of New South Wales. He is also a tenured lecturer at the University of New South Wales.Ramesh is represented by Sullivan+Strumpf. Sign up for all the latest news and to be first to hear about his next show, or check out @ramesh__mario and @sullivanstrumpf  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brad Banducci: the leader of Australia’s most trusted brand, WoolworthsKicking off Season 2 of the Real STUFF podcast, Hunter Johnson is humbled to be in conversation with Woolworths CEO and Managing Director Brad Banducci, one of the most respected corporate leaders in the country. Their chat explores purpose, leadership, and well-being in business and in life.An Italian-South African, Brad moved to Australia 30 years ago and while he now calls Sydney home, he maintains a strong connection with his birthplace not far from Johannesburg. Brad joined Woolies in 2011 and has held the top position since 2016. During this time he has steered the retail behemoth through a number of crises including COVID, and transformed the business to root the Woolworths culture around purpose - which has played a significant role in the economic success, healthy culture and customer loyalty of the organisation. Some of us have been quick to erase aspects of the pandemic from our memory, and it is poignant to hear the pride in Brad’s voice as he recalls his hardworking staff who became some of the nation’s frontline heroes, showing up each day to make sure we had all the food and essentials we needed.In addition to being an undisputed titan of industry, Brad is incredibly self aware and shares his perspectives on conscious bias, the importance of diversity in good decision making, and how his daughters have played a role in shaping his views. He also spends his Saturdays travelling to suburbs like Blacktown, Penrith and Parramatta to ensure he has an authentic understanding of his customers and their needs. (How many other CEOs of ASX-listed companies could say the same?)Brad demonstrates a genuine care and concern for the mental wellbeing of his workforce - which numbers over 200,000 people - and opens up about suicide rates within the business and what is being done to support Woolworths employees. If you’re keen to know what it takes to be Australia’s #1 most trusted brand, listen in to Brad Banducci lift the lid in his chat with Hunter Johnson on Real STUFF. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices