Straight Talk with Mark Bouris

Business Expert on the Budget, the Housing Crisis, and Intergenerational Inequality 27.05.2026 50min

Naomi Simson is the founder of Red Balloon and co-founder of the Big Red Group. In this conversation, Naomi breaks down how she built a business that now delivers an experience every 16 seconds to small businesses across Australia and New Zealand.  Simson also delivers her unfiltered assessment of the recent federal budget, arguing that too many changes implemented too quickly will cripple business confidence during an already challenging period of technological disruption.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brain Expert: Why Dementia Is Australia's Number One Killer (Project 100) 24.05.2026 1j 24min

All content and media by Project 100 is created and published online for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice and should not be relied on as health or personal advice. ****Professor Matthew Kiernan is CEO of Neura Australia and one of the nation's leading neurologists tackling the growing dementia crisis. Kiernan explores why dementia is now Australia's number one cause of death, the modifiable risk factors that could prevent 45% of cases, and the groundbreaking monoclonal antibody treatments now available for Alzheimer's disease. Kiernan explains how the Western Pacific region carries 60% of the world's dementia burden and why researchers are racing to develop blood biomarkers that could detect brain diseases decades before symptoms appear. We also get into:• Why dementia has overtaken heart disease as Australia's leading killer • The role of vascular health in brain function and cognitive decline • Blood biomarkers coming within five years for early detection • Monoclonal antibody treatments for Alzheimer's now available in Australia • The connection between contact sports, head injuries and neurodegeneration • How GLP-1 medications are showing promise for brain health • Sleep's critical role in clearing toxic proteins from the brain Join my exclusive Mentored+ community: https://mentored.com.au/become-a-member/ Subscribe to the Mentored newsletter here: https://mentored.com.au/newsletterSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Federal Budget Reality Check with Economist Leith van Onselen 20.05.2026 55min

Leith van Onselen is one of Australia's most credible economists and a straight-talking critic of government policy.  In this episode, we dissect the Albanese government's latest budget and its real impact on inflation, housing affordability, and living standards. Leith explains why this isn't tax reform but simply a tax grab, how immigration policy is driving the housing crisis, and why Australia's productivity growth ranks among the worst in the OECD. We explore the disconnect between headline GDP figures and per capita reality, the expansion of the government-funded sector, and what this means for future generations. We get into: • Why the budget won't help with inflation or interest rates • How immigration policy is crush-loading housing and infrastructure • The productivity crisis dragging down living standards • Government sector expansion crowding out private enterprise • Capital gains tax changes that could kill startup innovation • Bracket creep silently increasing everyone's tax burden • The 30% minimum CGT targeting self-funded retireesJoin my exclusive Mentored+ community: https://mentored.com.au/become-a-member/Subscribe to the Mentored newsletter here: https://mentored.com.au/newsletterSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cooper Cronk on Craig Bellamy, NRL State Of Origin & the mindset to be great 18.05.2026 1j 22min

Cooper Cronk is one of rugby league's most cerebral players and a four-time premiership winner who transformed from a modest rugby union schoolboy into one of the game's greatest halfbacks.In this conversation, Cronk reveals the mental frameworks that drove his success, from Craig Bellamy's obsession with fundamentals at Melbourne Storm to his legendary 2018 grand final performance with a broken scapula. He discusses the coffee test that Bellamy uses for recruitment, how the spine positions require high football IQ, and why great players have time others don't. Cronk also opens up about his worst career moment in the 2016 grand final and how it taught him the lesson that secured his next three premierships.• Craig Bellamy's leadership philosophy and the coffee test for recruitment• Playing the 2018 grand final with a broken shoulder blade• The 2016 grand final disaster that changed his entire approach• Why Melbourne Storm's spine trio dominated for over a decade  • Cameron Smith's unparalleled football intelligence• The fundamentals that separate elite performers from the rest• His transition into financial services and property investmentJoin my exclusive Mentored+ community: https://mentored.com.au/become-a-member/Subscribe to the Mentored newsletter here: https://mentored.com.au/newsletterSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2026 Federal Budget Reaction with Economist Chris Richardson 13.05.2026 1j 4min

Chris Richardson is one of Australia’s most quoted economists and the founder of Rich Insight, bringing decades of expertise from his time at Deloitte Access Economics to decode complex fiscal policy.  Chris and I might not agree on every aspect of this budget, but that is what makes this conversation worth having.  In this analysis of Australia’s latest budget, Richardson reveals why our living standards have barely grown over the past decade while other OECD nations have surged ahead by 17%. He dissects the real economic effects of the budget on inflation, interest rates, and the Reserve Bank’s delicate balancing act. Richardson also exposes the “off-budget” spending that keeps billions in government expenditure hidden from public scrutiny and explains why housing affordability will not be solved by capital gains tax changes alone. Join my exclusive Mentored+ community: https://mentored.com.au/become-a-member/ Subscribe to the Mentored newsletter here: https://the-mentored-platform-pty-ltd.myklpages.com/l/WWJGc5See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ellyse Perry: Australia's Greatest Dual-Sport Athlete on What Two Decades of Elite Sport Really Takes 10.05.2026 44min

Ellyse Perry is arguably Australia's greatest dual-sport athlete, the only person to have represented Australia in both cricket and football at an international level. In this conversation, she reveals the mental framework behind scoring a Test double century, why she finds deeper meaning in team sport than individual achievement, and how a competitive childhood on Sydney's North Shore set the foundation for everything that followed. Perry also discusses the evolution of her training across two decades at the top, the growth of women's cricket, and the almost meditative headspace she finds batting in the nets - a window into how one of Australia's most enduring athletes thinks about performance, longevity, and what the game gives back. Join my exclusive Mentored+ community: https://mentored.com.au/become-a-member/ Subscribe to the Mentored newsletter here: https://mentored.com.au/newsletter See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Politics Expert on the Two-Party System Collapse, the Rise of One Nation & Gen Z’s Voting Shift 07.05.2026 57min

In this conversation, political strategist and pollster Kos Samaras explains how Australia’s political landscape is fragmenting beyond recognition.  He reveals why traditional Liberal and Labor voters are abandoning both major parties, how disillusioned Australians are turning to One Nation and the Greens, and why the country is heading toward a more divided political future. From the collapse of manufacturing in regional Australia to the psychological impact of Melbourne’s lockdowns, Samaras breaks down the economic, cultural and generational forces reshaping Australian democracy. He also explores why younger Australians are losing faith in the system, why many no longer believe they can afford children or home ownership, and how social media algorithms are accelerating political polarisation across the country.  Join my exclusive Mentored+ community: https://mentored.com.au/become-a-member/ Subscribe to the Mentored newsletter here: https://the-mentored-platform-pty-ltd.myklpages.com/l/WWJGc5See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia's First Astronaut: The Artemis Program, Mars Mission and Elon Musk. 05.05.2026 52min

Dr Katherine Bennell-Pegg is the first astronaut to be trained under the Australian flag and a critical voice in the nation's emerging space ambitions. From her headquarters at the Australian Space Agency in Adelaide, Katherine reveals how Australia is playing an essential role in the Artemis moon programme and why space exploration delivers genuine economic returns. She discusses the rigorous process of becoming an astronaut, the real risks involved in space travel, and how her engineering background shaped her journey from designing space stations to potentially living in them. The conversation explores everything from toilet malfunctions on Artemis missions to the radiation challenges facing future Mars explorers. We also talk about... Australia's $7 return for every $1 invested in space programmes The five major hazards astronauts face in space  How Australian technology supported Artemis 2's critical moon mission The reality of radiation exposure and medical risks for astronauts Why the International Space Station has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize Australia's role in the global space race versus international collaboration The technological hurdles preventing humans from reaching Mars Join my exclusive Mentored+ community: https://mentored.com.au/become-a-member/ Subscribe to the Mentored newsletter here: https://the-mentored-platform-pty-ltd.myklpages.com/l/WWJGc5See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How Did We Get Here? Australia’s Economic Reality Explained by Chris Joye 27.04.2026 1j 15min

Chris Joye is one of the most influential voices in Australian finance — a fund manager, economist, public policy thinker, and weekly Australian Financial Review columnist. In this conversation, Joye delivers his starkest warnings yet about Australia's economic future. He explains why the Reserve Bank's humiliating policy reversals have set us up for a multi-year recession, how record immigration and government spending have created an inflation crisis , and why we're heading for the worst property downturn since 1991. Joye also dissects Trump's economic revolution in America and reveals why Australia risks becoming "Asia's Ibiza" unless we fundamentally change course. Join my exclusive Mentored+ community: https://mentored.com.au/become-a-member/ Subscribe to the Mentored newsletter here: https://mentored.com.au/newsletterSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

SAS Veteran on Ben Roberts-Smith, ANZAC Day & the Truth About Afghanistan 22.04.2026 1j 4min

Mark Wales is a former SAS soldier who served multiple deployments in Afghanistan, including intense combat operations that tested the limits of human endurance.In this profound conversation, Wales opens up about the psychological realities of combat, the bonds forged between soldiers under fire, and the complex moral terrain of modern warfare. He discusses the transition from military to civilian life, the systemic failures that prolonged the Afghanistan conflict, and his perspective on the controversial Ben Roberts-Smith case. Wales offers unflinching insights into fear management, the brotherhood of arms, and what ANZAC Day truly means to those who've served.• The psychological impact of combat and managing fear under fire• How military training prepares soldiers for high-stress combat situations• The unique bonds formed between soldiers in the theatre• Chain of command structure and leadership in combat zones• Australia's handling of veteran affairs compared to other nations• The systemic issues that prolonged the Afghanistan conflict• Perspective on the Ben Roberts-Smith case and war crimes prosecutions Join my exclusive Mentored+ community: https://mentored.com.au/become-a-member/Subscribe to the Mentored newsletter here: https://mentored.com.au/newsletterSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ben Roberts-Smith Arrest: Law Expert Reveals What’s Really Going On 14.04.2026 1j 3min

James Glissan is a criminal defence lawyer who has stood on both sides of the courtroom as a former police officer and prosecutor, giving him unique insight into how Australia's justice system actually works. In this conversation, we examine the controversial Ben Roberts-Smith case and what it reveals about prosecutorial decisions, media influence, and the fundamental challenges facing our legal system. Glissan breaks down the critical differences between civil and criminal standards of proof, the complexities of war crimes prosecution, and why this case represents a significant test for Australia's justice system. We also explore broader issues around democratic participation, government transparency, and why so many Australians feel disconnected from the systems meant to serve them. You can subscribe to the free Mentored newsletter here: https://lnkd.in/e7C8akgj. Join my exclusive Mentored+ community: https://mentored.com.au/become-a-member/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hamish Blake on What Matters Most in life, Kyle & Jackie O, & working with Andy Lee 08.04.2026 1j 8min

Hamish Blake is one half of Australia's most enduring comedy partnership and a creative force who's turned curiosity into a multi-decade career. In this conversation, Hamish opens up about his Melbourne childhood, the mathematical thinking behind his comedy, and how boredom shaped his creativity. He reveals the inner workings of his partnership with Andy Lee, from their first meeting at Melbourne Uni to navigating success whilst maintaining their friendship. We explore his transition from full-time broadcasting to prioritising fatherhood, his approach to screen time with his kids, and why he believes doing things "just for fun" sits high on the hierarchy of importance. We also spoke about:• Growing up and the power of childhood boredom • The mathematical approach to comedy and creative problem-solving • Meeting Andy Lee and finding a catalyst for courage • Building a partnership that's survived decades in the spotlight • Choosing family time over career ambitions • The government mandated podcasting break explained • Why he refuses to make his parenting podcast commercial • Balancing marriage with Zoe Foster Blake's entrepreneurial drive  You can subscribe to the free Mentored newsletter here: https://lnkd.in/e7C8akgj. Join my exclusive Mentored+ community: https://mentored.com.au/become-a-member/   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bob Katter on Taking Down Prime Ministers, 50 years in politics & Australia Selling Itself Out 31.03.2026 1j 23min

Bob Katter is one of Australia's longest-serving politician with 51 years in parliament and one of the most recognisable figures in the country. In this conversation, Katter reveals how he brought down Prime Minister Julia Gillard over the live cattle export ban, explains why he left the National Party, Australia's problem with selling out, rise of One Nation and details the structural collapse he's witnessed across rural Australia. He discusses the deregulation that decimated sugar, dairy, tobacco and other agricultural sectors, and why he believes politicians today simply won't govern.  You can subscribe to the free Mentored newsletter here: https://lnkd.in/e7C8akgj. Join my exclusive Mentored+ community: https://mentored.com.au/become-a-member/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

CIA Whistleblower Speaks Out "This is how the US & Iran war will end" 25.03.2026 1j 5min

John Kiriakou is a former CIA counterterrorism officer and the only intelligence official to blow the whistle on America’s torture program and ultimately pay the price with prison time. In this revealing conversation, Kiriakou takes us inside the world of spy recruitment, from spotting targets at diplomatic parties to the devastating personal costs of intelligence work. He explains how a childhood fascination with the Middle East led to a 15-year CIA career, his role in capturing high-value Al-Qaeda targets after 9/11, and the moral reckoning that changed everything. We also explore his analysis of current geopolitical tensions, from Iran’s nuclear program to the growing risks of escalation in the Middle East.  We also spoke about: How the CIA recruits spies using the "spot, assess, develop, recruit" cycle The personal cost of counterterrorism work — losing his marriage after being targeted by Greek terrorists Leading the capture of Abu Zubaydah and witnessing the birth of America's torture programme Why he became the sole CIA officer to publicly oppose enhanced interrogation techniques His 23-month prison sentence for revealing torture to the American public Analysis of current Middle East tensions and the intelligence behind Iran policy Media manipulation and finding reliable sources in an age of disinformation You can subscribe to the free Mentored newsletter here: https://lnkd.in/e7C8akgj. Join my exclusive Mentored+ community: https://mentored.com.au/become-a-member/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Michael Clarke: Australia’s Most Polarising Cricket Captain on Controversies, Loss & Leadership 18.03.2026 1j

Michael Clarke is one of Australian cricket's most successful yet polarising captains. In this revealing conversation, Clarke opens up about his leadership philosophy, the weight of captaincy, and the personal costs of life in the spotlight. He discusses the tragic loss of teammates including Phil Hughes, Shane Warne and Andrew Symonds, shares insights on modern cricket's evolution, and reflects on the controversial moments that defined his career. Clarke also speaks candidly about fatherhood, finding balance through the strong women in his life, and how becoming a parent has fundamentally changed his perspective on leadership and empathy. You can subscribe to the free Mentored newsletter here: https://lnkd.in/e7C8akgj. Join my exclusive Mentored+ community: https://mentored.com.au/become-a-member/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

SAS Commander Breaks Down the WW3 Threat & Australia’s Role in a Global Conflict 11.03.2026 1j 21min

Mark Wales is a former SAS soldier who served multiple tours in Afghanistan and Iraq, now providing strategic analysis on the unfolding Middle East conflict and Australia's defence vulnerabilities. Wales breaks down the current Iran operation, explaining how it differs from previous Middle East campaigns and why traditional military technology still requires boots on the ground. He discusses Australia's concerning defence gaps, from our 35-day fuel reserves to our minimal submarine fleet, and explains how geopolitical tensions could cascade into a broader global conflict involving multiple fronts. We get into:• The strategic differences between Al-Qaeda and Taliban operations in Afghanistan • Why Iran's nuclear capabilities represent a regional tipping point • How Israel's long-term intelligence operations enabled recent strikes • Australia's critical defence vulnerabilities and fuel supply risks • The role of robotics and AI in modern warfare • China's military capabilities and Pacific theatre implications • Why current conflicts could escalate into multi-front warfare Find out more about Mark Wales here: https://www.markwales.com.au/summary Join my exclusive Mentored+ community: https://mentored.com.au/become-a-member/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

AI Safety Expert: Warfare Will Never Be The Same & Which Jobs Will Go Next 03.03.2026 1j 17min

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&amp;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.

The problem with Australian politics! Craig Laundy on Energy, AI and Australia’s Next Crisis 02.03.2026 59min

Craig Laundy joins me in Las Vegas for a direct conversation on business, politics and legacy, from the Bulldogs’ resurgence to the Laundy family’s investment in 2GB. We unpack the future of Australian politics, the role of AI, economic pressure points and what it takes to build long term impact across generations. 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&amp;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.

#230: Braith Anasta: Footy, Fatherhood & The Pain That Shaped Me 25.02.2026 1j 8min

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&amp;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.

#229 Elvis Smylie: Australia’s Next Golf Superstar on Winning Big & Thinking Bigger 18.02.2026 46min

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&amp;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.