TOO MANY PEOPLE AVOID THE REAL CONVERSATIONS…

I sit down and get to know people, understand what makes them tick and share the great and unusual things they’re doing. There’s no sugar coating. There’s no hiding behind fancy marketing slogans. Just an honest conversation with me, Mark Bouris.

Tired of seeing over-polished and scripted talk shows and interviews?

Mark and his team launched a series of social media videos called ‘Straight Talk’. The series was aimed to touch on key issues bothering Mentored’s community and Mark himself.

In 2020, Mark extended Straight Talk into a new video podcast, aimed at breaking through the short attention span of audiences and surface level discussions generated in our society.

Neil Perry is one of Australia’s most celebrated chefs and restaurateurs, with a career spanning over four decades that has shaped the landscape of Australian dining. We had a wide-ranging conversation about his upbringing, his rise to prominence in the culinary world, his approach to parenting, what sets his restaurants and venues apart, and so much more. Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram https://bit.ly/2TiyQtJ Follow Mark Bouris on Twitter https://twitter.com/markbouris Got a question or comment for Mark? Send an email to support@mentored.com.au Head of Production: Jonah Mclachlan Head of Content: Sam Morgan Timestamps: 0:00 Intro/Promo 0:54 Neil's early life & introduction to hospitality 8:17 Early career highlights & influential relationships 14:31 Neil's business philosophy 22:52 Neil on his various restaurants over the years 32:26 Approach in the kitchen & identity as a chef 36:51 Being a public educator & media personality 38:08: Neil's diet & new venues 43:09 Hardest restaurant openings & when it goes wrong 51:29 What's an amazing kitchen & importance of a beautiful space 56:09 Family & their involvement in the business 59:00 Neil's new bakery 1:07:25 Where Neil gets his energy & motivation at 67
Neil Perry on crafting an iconic legacy in Australian Food
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I couldn’t think of a better time to drop this than in Ray’s final week of his 43-year career in full-time radio. We reflected on his childhood, where the origins of his ambition came from and how he got his start in radio. We also delved into Ray’s incredible career, his competitors in the industry, classic rugby league stories, his fiery exchanges with politicians and much more. Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram https://bit.ly/2TiyQtJ Follow Mark Bouris on Twitter https://twitter.com/markbouris Got a question or comment for Mark? Send an email to support@mentored.com.au Head of Production: Jonah Mclachlan Head of Content: Sam Morgan Timestamps: 0:00 Intro/Promo 1:22 Retirement & future in media 8:02 Longevity & competition 10:09 Continuous Call Team 14:42 Upbringing & early life 17:26 Dreams of being a race caller & getting into the industry 23:54 Sliding door moments & getting a start in radio 29:16 Gratitude, ambition & his father 34:32 Ray's extended Family 44:46 Ray' relationship with his wife Sophie 48:58 Relationship & competition with John Laws 51:35 Greatest NRL players 1:02:54 Olympic Games 1:07:56 The routine of radio, work transitions & popularity surveys 1:20:00 Ray's verbal battles with Politicians & Prime Ministers 1:27:16 Personal stories & challenges with fame 1:29:30 Reporting Osama Bin Laden's death 1:30:22 Live phone call with Ray Warren
Ray Hadley opens up about his career, retirement, untold NRL Stories & battles with Politicians
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Harry Triguboff is one of Australia’s most iconic entrepreneurs. His journey is truly remarkable, being born in China, and arriving in Australia as a teenager to live without his parents. From there, he built Meriton into the nation’s largest property development company and became a self-made billionaire. High-Rise Harry doesn’t hold back. He shares his unfiltered views on Australia’s political climate, takes on the housing crisis, and offers priceless insights into what it takes to succeed. Harry's new authorised biography is available for pre-order here: https://www.booktopia.com.au/high-rise-harry-harry-triguboff/book/9781760797881.html Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram https://bit.ly/2TiyQtJ Follow Mark Bouris on Twitter https://twitter.com/markbouris Got a question or comment for Mark? Send an email to support@mentored.com.au Head of Production: Jonah Mclachlan Head of Content: Sam Morgan Timestamps: 0:00 Intro/Promo 1:10 Harry's longevity, exercise routine & diet 4:20 Harry on the recent passing of his wife 6:10 Harry's unique upbringing in China & migrating to Australia 14:36 Education, early career & travels 28:03 Building a career in Australia & starting his property business 37:49 Expansion & Success in Property Development 42:32 The worldwide problem affecting Australia 44:46 Why Harry still works 45:36 Harry's marriages & balancing relationships when being extremely busy 49:41 How Harry has dealt with bureaucrats & the council 54:05 Comparing the Gold Coast to Sydney 56:15 Sponsoring the West Tigers 58:42 How Harry would address the Housing Crisis & Immigration 1:11:18 Harry's experiences with Prime Ministers 1:13:48 Harry's new book & legacy 1:07:00 Balancing Multiple Roles 1:15:22 Harry's advice for success 1:19:22 Harry's succession plan & what he contributes his longevity to 1:23:03 Investment advice for Young Australians 1:24:43 Reflections on legacy & happiness
Legendary billionaire Harry Triguboff on building Australia’s largest property empire
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Mia Freedman is the co-founder and Chief Creative Officer of Mamamia, Australia’s largest women’s media company. Mamamia engages over 6.5 million women monthly and hosts the world’s largest women’s podcast network, with 173 million listens across 46 shows. Mia is an author of 4 books and was the youngest ever editor of Cosmopolitan magazine at 25-years-old. Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram https://bit.ly/2TiyQtJ Follow Mark Bouris on Twitter https://twitter.com/markbouris Got a question or comment for Mark? Send an email to support@mentored.com.au Head of Production: Jonah Mclachlan Head of Content: Sam Morgan Timestamps: 0:00 Intro/Promo 1:10 Mia's family & discussion on Parenting/Grandparenting 9:34 The Role of Women in Media and Society 16:09 Mia Freedman's Early Career and Influences 37:01 The Impact of Podcasting on political elections & media consumption 42:45 Origins & Future of Mamma Mia 1:05:33 Management transitions & what's next 1:07:00 Balancing Multiple Roles 1:08:48 Challenges of Business Ownership & being competitive 1:10:53 Fear of Failure and Competitiveness 1:14:23 Women's Success and Competition 1:17:47 ADHD & psychopathy 1:22:12 Final Thoughts and Farewell
Mia Freedman: A candid conversation with the creative force behind Mamamia
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Cam Smith is an Aussie golf superstar, best known for his 2022 Open Championship victory at St. Andrews and now making waves as the leader of the Ripper GC team following his switch to LIV Golf. We spoke about his early days growing up in Brisbane, the influence his parents had on shaping his career, the evolution of his golf game, the big move to LIV, leading the Ripper GC team, future ambitions, his recent marriage and much more. Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram https://bit.ly/2TiyQtJ Follow Mark Bouris on Twitter https://twitter.com/markbouris Got a question or comment for Mark? Send an email to support@mentored.com.au Head of Production: Jonah Mclachlan Head of Content: Sam Morgan Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction/ Promo 00:53 Cam's beginnings in Queensland 02:06 Life in the USA & playing with Trump 05:43 How Cam fell in love with golf & his support network 09:05 Cam's LIV team Ripper GC 11:05 Tall Poppy Syndrome & Cam's love of Australia 14:13 The process of becoming a pro golfer & being obsessed 21:00 What make a great golfer 23:47 Cam's training regime & the importance of a Caddy 33:07 The LIV deal & relationship with Greg Norman 37:48 How Cam dealt with the media scrutiny 41:40 Giving back to the Australian golf community 45:46 How Cam met his wife & starting a family 52:03 Has Cam played with Tiger or MJ? 54:21 The business of golf & leadership dynamics with Ripper GC 1:02:12 Leadership advice from Adam Reynolds & Brisbane Broncos future 1:04:41 Cam's future goals & final thoughts
Cam Smith's next chapter: Aussie Golf Icon on Turning Pro, LIV Move & Married Life
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Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii is Australia’s latest and biggest Rugby Union signing. At just 21, he’s already played over three seasons with the Sydney Roosters before making the high-profile switch back to rugby. In this episode, we dive into Joseph’s life story, his journey through the NRL, his infamous Origin game, the much-debated move to rugby union, his ambitions with the Wallabies, and much more. Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram https://bit.ly/2TiyQtJ Follow Mark Bouris on Twitter https://twitter.com/markbouris Got a question or comment for Mark? Send an email to support@mentored.com.au Head of Production: Jonah Mclachlan Head of Content: Samuel Morgan Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction/ Promo 00:51 Reaction to Wallabies selection 03:06 Upbringing & family background 13:07 Developments as an athlete & a rugby player 16:02 Experience at Kings College & playing first XV at 15 19:59 Joseph's physical stature & all NRL clubs trying to get him 25:11 NRL debut at 17, mentors & approach to the game 30:37 Joseph's infamous origin experience & the NRL game in Vegas 38:28 Relationships with Nick Politis & Trent Robinson 41:32 Discussion on Spirituality & Religion 43:04 Why Joseph chose rugby union & future goals with the Wallabies 49:39 Returning to the NRL & Phil Gould's/Peter Vlandy's criticisms 52:36 Australian Rugby Union issues 55:37 Joseph's preparation & training routines 1:00:41 Not drinking alcohol & lessons from other players 1:03:35 Future goals & life after footy
Joseph Sua'ali'i: Australian Rugby Union's new star on NRL Career, Code Switch & Wallabies future
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Rocky Elsom is a former Wallabies captain with 70 international caps to his name. Rocky was handed a five-year prison sentence by a French court in October 2024 on charges of forgery and misusing funds during his time as president with French Rugby Union club Narbonne. This conviction triggered an international arrest warrant, but Rocky, who strongly denies these allegations, remains on the run, claiming he never got the fair shake to defend himself and plans to appeal. I spoke with Rocky while he was evading French and Irish authorities. Our conversation explored his conviction, the origins of this controversy, how his dealing with the case and what the future might hold for him. Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram https://bit.ly/2TiyQtJ Follow Mark Bouris on Twitter https://twitter.com/markbouris Got a question or comment for Mark? Send an email to support@mentored.com.au Head of Production: Jonah Mclachlan Head of Content: Samuel Morgan Timestamps: 00:00 What is going on with this arrest & Rocky's time at Narbonne 23:00 The Qatar Investment Proposal & media scrutiny 35:00 Rocky's exit from Narbonne & the downfall of the club 40:00 When Narbonne started making allegations on Rocky & the start of the legal battles 47:00 Are they making Rocky a scapegoat? 50:00 When they tried to arrest Rocky & going into hiding 56:30 Rocky's defence strategy & Julian Assange comparison 1:01:54 Rocky's current mental state, needing to win the case & final thoughts
BREAKING: Ex-Wallabies Captain Rocky Elsom Speaks Out on His International Arrest Warrant
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Joe Aston is an influential Australian journalist, widely recognised as the editor and writer behind the Financial Review's "Rear Window" column for 12 years. Joe’s latest book, The Chairman’s Lounge, has sparked a media storm, and we dived into why he thinks Qantas “sold us out.” We talked about his relentless dedication to journalism and took a closer look at the man behind the stories. Don't miss this one. Purchase Joe's new book, The Chairman's Lounge, here: https://www.simonandschuster.com.au/books/The-Chairmans-Lounge/Joe-Aston/9781761429767 Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram https://bit.ly/2TiyQtJ Follow Mark Bouris on Twitter https://twitter.com/markbouris Got a question or comment for Mark? Send an email to support@mentored.com.au Head of Production: Jonah Mclachlan Head of Content: Samuel Morgan Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction/ Promo 00:59 Why Joe wrote the Chairman's Lounge 05:13 Joe's development as a journalist & his time at the AFR 14:52 What it's like working in a confrontational industry 20:05 Balancing relationships with powerful people as a journalist 26:39 Joe's writing style & previous experience 30:55 Who is Joe Aston & his recovery from alcohol abuse 35:29 Anthony Albanese controversy & the basis of the Chairman's Lounge 39:20 The responsibilities of Qantas & politicians 41:51 Qantas' controversial business strategy in COVID & the Loyalty program 44:49 Alan Joyces's leadership & the role of the Qantas board 1:00:49 Why are we so interested in our flying status & the Qantas frequent flyer program 1:04:15 Qantas' brilliant marketing campaigns & maintaining dominance 1:09:44 Qantas' lobbying power & their treatment of employees 1:12:30 Why this needed to be a book & people being fed up with politicians 1:16:14 Has Joe spoken to Albo or Joyce? 1:20:41 Joe's time in politics & recent controversy around it 1:22:33 Big banks & how to make Qantas more accountable 1:26:31 Governments vs. big business 1:28:57 Audio book process & what's next
Joe Aston Exposes Qantas & their influence on Australian politicians
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Joe Hockey is a distinguished Australian politician, diplomat, and businessman, best known for serving as Treasurer from 2013 to 2015 under Prime Minister Tony Abbott. Following his time in Canberra, he represented Australia as Ambassador to the United States from 2016 to 2020. Today, he is the founder of Bondi Partners, an advisory and investment firm operating at the pivotal intersection of policy, politics, and the private sector. We dived into next week's U.S. election, his one-on-one experiences with Trump and the potential impact of a Trump or Harris presidency on the global stage. Plus, we break down COVID’s ripple effects, his relationship with Kevin Rudd, Australia’s political landscape, our relationship with China and much more. Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram https://bit.ly/2TiyQtJ Follow Mark Bouris on Twitter https://twitter.com/markbouris Got a question or comment for Mark? Send an email to support@mentored.com.au Head of Production: Jonah Mclachlan Head of Content: Samuel Morgan Timestamps: 00:00 Intro/ Promo 01:34 Joe Hockey's early career & negotiations with Mark & Kerry Packer 05:44 The Role of Business in Politics and Public Life 09:29 Joe Hockey's Experience as US Ambassador 12:31 The 2020 US Presidential Election & Trump'/Harris's Campaign Strategy 22:29 What makes a great president & leader 27:29 Australia's political landscape, housing market & negative gearing 35:17 Paul Keating & Australia's relationship with China 42:34 Thoughts on a potential Trump or Harris economy 46:35 The future of Australian politics & question time 51:51 Predictions for the Upcoming US &Australian Elections 59:41 Relationship with Kevin Rudd & what Joe's up to now
Former Treasurer Joe Hockey on Trump vs. Harris, China & Australia's Political Future
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Chantelle Otten is a award-winning sexologist who specialises in helping individuals and couples improve their sexual health and relationships. We covered all the big topics around sex – from debunking myths to the importance of sexual health, what men often get wrong, the impacts of porn, Chantelle’s work as a sexologist and much more. This is one you don’t want to miss. Season 2 of the Audible Original Series Sex Therapy: Sessions with Chantelle Otten is out now. Listen for free at audible.com.au/sextherapy Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram https://bit.ly/2TiyQtJ Follow Mark Bouris on Twitter https://twitter.com/markbouris Got a question or comment for Mark? Send an email to support@mentored.com.au Head of Production: Jonah Mclachlan Head of Content: Samuel Morgan Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction/ Promo 01:00 Chantelle's work as a sexologist 03:28 Common sexual issues & causes 06:45 Sexual health & lifestyle factors 12:52 Importance of sex & intimacy 16:02 Setting boundaries & communication in relationships 21:55 Impact of porn on sexual health 31:12 Masturbation & its benefits 37:58 Sex drives, sexual needs & relationship dynamics 51:35 Love vs Desire & sex being a drug 57:42 Erotomania, dealing with fame & setting boundaries 1:09:28 Chantelle on her relationship with Dylan Alcott 1:11:17 Chantelle's new podcast 'Sex Therapy'
Award-winning Sexologist Chantelle Otten on Sex Myths, Pornography & Relationships
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Zara Seidler is the co-founder of The Daily Aus, Australia’s largest youth news platform, known for simplifying complex current affairs and making them digestible and suitable for younger audiences. Before committing fully to The Daily Aus, Zara gained experience in politics, lobbying, and journalism. Today, the platform has become the go-to news source for young Australians. Our conversation covered a range of topics, including the origins of The Daily Aus, generational divides, the shifting media landscape, the Murdoch family's influence, addressing controversial issues like the Israel-Palestine conflict, the upcoming US and Australian elections and much more. Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram https://bit.ly/2TiyQtJ Follow Mark Bouris on Twitter https://twitter.com/markbouris Got a question or comment for Mark? Send an email to support@mentored.com.au Head of Production: Jonah Mclachlan Head of Content: Samuel Morgan Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction/ Promo 01:05 Zara early career & entry into journalism 06:21 Transition from Lobbying to Daily Aus 11:47 Building Daily Aus & addressing young people's needs 26:13 Low levels of trust in the media & ethical reporting 31:11 Reporting controversial issues such as politics & the Israel/ Palestine conflict 42:28 Future of the Daily Aus, generational shifts & impact of social media 45:22 Future of media, competition & final thoughts
Zara Seidler: The Daily Aus co-founder on modern news, power & the Generation wars | Straight Talk
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Fresh off their fourth NRL premiership, I had the privilege of sitting down with two of rugby league's biggest names, Nathan and Ivan Cleary, for a standout episode of Straight Talk. Nathan and Ivan walk us through their incredible journey to a historic four-peat, giving us a rare, behind-the-scenes look at everything—from the intense Grand Final celebrations to their responsibility as community role models. We dive into the pressure that comes with elite coaching, how they lead with their own distinct styles, and the mental toughness it takes to stay at the top. Plus, Ivan opens up about his new book, offering deeper insights into his leadership philosophy and how he’s navigated the highs and lows of his career. This episode offers an exclusive look into the mindset of two legends who’ve made history in the game. Purchase Ivan Cleary's new book here: https://www.harpercollins.com.au/9781460717936/not-everything-counts-but-everything-matters/ Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram https://bit.ly/2TiyQtJ Follow Mark Bouris on Twitter https://twitter.com/markbouris Got a question or comment for Mark? Send an email to support@mentored.com.au Head of Production: Jonah Mclachlan Head of Content: Samuel Morgan Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction/ Promo 00:57 Celebrating after a grand final & the Penrith community 07:01How does Ivan & Nathan deal with the stress 14:24 The influence of Jarome Luai, James Fisher-Harris & the Pacific Island/ Maori community on the club 19:48 How the Penrith Panthers have stayed on top 4 times in a row 25:55 How Penrith dominated the Melbourne Storm 29:22 Bellamy's v Cleary's coaching approaches 35:23 Do the Cleary's want anything to change? 36:19 How long does Ivan want to be coaching for? 38:21 The Cleary family & Nathan's love for the game 44:17 How Nathan's injury changed things & being a perfectionist 48:30 NRL Grand Final best performers 52:13 Nathan's & Ivan's inspirations 54:41 Relationship with Mary Fowler 57:34 Gus Gould's impact & tension 1:04:19 Drink West, business & post-footy 1:10:17 Nathan & Ivan's relationships & congratulations on raising great kids 1:13:28 Ivan's new book & final thoughts
Nathan & Ivan Cleary reflect on the Penrith Panthers' Legendary NRL 4-Peat | Straight Talk Podcast
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