Straight Talk with Mark Bouris

Ita Buttrose is one of Australia’s most influential journalists, editors, and businesswomen. In this conversation, we trace her remarkable journey — from her early days at The Australian Women’s Weekly and Cleo to leading the ABC and becoming a national icon. Ita opens up to John Laws about her family influences, the women’s liberation movement, and the challenges of breaking through in a male-dominated industry. We talk about her time working with Kerry Packer and Rupert Murdoch, her leadership at the ABC, her new book, and her advocacy for brain health and dementia awareness. Purchase her new book Unapologetically Ita here: https://www.simonandschuster.com.au/books/Unapologetically-Ita/Ita-Buttrose/9781761428739 Join my exclusive Mentored+ community: https://mentored.com.au/become-a-member/ Join the Facebook Group. Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tony Abbott, Australia’s 28th Prime Minister, joins me to talk about leadership, courage, and conviction in an age where those qualities are under siege. We unpack his views on what makes a great leader, how Australia has changed, and why he believes we’ve lost our national confidence. We also spoke about : Purchase Tony's new book here: https://www.amazon.com/Australia-Minister-foreword-Geoffrey-democracy-ebook/dp/B0F393W9TH Join my exclusive Mentored+ community: https://mentored.com.au/become-a-member/ Join the Facebook Group. Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Michelle Payne is an Australian horse racing icon and the first female jockey to win the Melbourne Cup in 2015, riding Prince of Penzance to victory and breaking barriers in a male-dominated sport. Ten years on from that magical win, I speak to her about: Purchase Michelle’s new book here: https://www.allenandunwin.com/browse/book/Michelle-Payne-and-Angus-Fontaine-Ride-On-9781761473142 Join my exclusive Mentored+ community: https://mentored.com.au/become-a-member/ Join the Facebook Group. Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You might know Mick Fanning as one of the greatest surfers of all time, but there’s a lot more to him than that. He’s a sharp businessman who helped build and sell Balter Breweries for a reported $200 million. Mick’s a three-time World Champion, one of the most respected figures in modern surfing, and someone who’s lived one hell of a life. I sat down with him at his latest venture, Palm Valley — a new wave pool on the Gold Coast. We spoke about: What made him the best surfer in the world and how he beat Kelly Slater and Joel Parkinson Behind the scenes of creating multi-million-dollar businesses and products — Balter and Reef Signature Sandals Dealing with the loss of his three brothers What really got him through his hard times The Northern Rivers floods and community His new chapter as a husband, parent, and businessman And his alter egos, Eugene and Cyborg See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kate Reid built her career as an aerodynamicist at Williams Formula 1, before stepping out into the world of pastry making. In this episode, she opens about obsession, burnout, mental illness, and finding a new purpose, realising that her dream job wasn’t the dream life. She talks about rebuilding her life through baking and creating Lune Crossainterie, applying the same engineering mindset to mastering the croissant. Purchase Kate’s new book here: https://www.simonandschuster.com.au/books/Destination-Moon/Kate-Reid/9781761632464 Join my exclusive Mentored+ community: https://mentored.com.au/become-a-member/ Join the Facebook Group. Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Straight Talk, I sit down with former Prime Minister John Howard — Australia’s second-longest-serving PM — for an unfiltered conversation about leadership, politics, and the lessons that shaped his life. We start from the beginning: his early years in Bankstown, his education and early professional life, and how his interest in politics led him from a legal career into public office. John reflects on his early parliamentary years, his challenges as Treasurer, and the tax reforms that changed the nation. We discuss the introduction of the GST, his gun law reforms, and his relationships with world leaders, before turning to the media’s influence, recent election outcomes, and the state of leadership today. In classic Howard style, he opens up about stability in government, Australia’s immigration policy, and his personal passions — from sport to family life. Join my exclusive Mentored+ community: https://mentored.com.au/become-a-member/ Join the Facebook Group. Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Glenn Pallister was one of the original producers of Rugby League's The Footy Show. In this episode, he takes us inside his incredible career — from the early days of building one of Australia’s most iconic TV shows, to what made it a cultural phenomenon. Glenn shares untold behind-the-scenes stories, working with Matty & Fatty, producing with Shane Warne, and reflects on whether The Footy Show could ever make a comeback. Join my exclusive Mentored+ community: https://mentored.com.au/become-a-member/ Join the Facebook Group. Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Anthony “Harry” Moffitt served nearly 30 years with the SAS, completing 11 combat tours before becoming Director of High Performance. Wounded in action in 2008, he later trained as a psychologist and now advises elite teams worldwide. In this episode, Harry reflects on SAS selection, risk-taking, modern stoicism, military diversity, technology in warfare, and the “fourth pillar” philosophy driving high performance. Purchase Harry's new book: Join my exclusive Mentored+ community: https://mentored.com.au/become-a-member/ Join the Facebook Group. Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sarah Grynberg built her career behind the mic as Executive Producer of Hamish and Andy and on breakfast radio, before stepping out front with her own hit show A Life of Greatness. In this chat, she opens up about burnout, personal growth, the role of community, her spiritual journey, becoming a mindset coach and why podcasting can be as therapeutic as it is powerful — including her experiences interviewing some of the world’s biggest stars. Join my exclusive Mentored+ community: https://mentored.com.au/become-a-member/ Join the Facebook Group. Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Peter Freedman AM is the founder and chairman of RØDE Microphones, the Australian audio powerhouse that revolutionised podcasting and the global creator economy. Was awesome to have him in the studio to talk about his life story. Coming to Australia as an immigrant at a young age, experiencing rough bullying, dropping out of high school, going through hell before finding success and ultimately changing podcasting/creator forever. We had an intriguing conversation about A.I.’s future and Australia’s. You can subscribe to the Mentored newsletter here: https://mentored.com.au/newsletter-sign-up Join the Facebook Group. Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Josh Szeps is an intellectual, comedian, and host of the podcast Uncomfortable Conversations. Josh is known for his nuanced takes — which often spark backlash. In this episode, we get into his recent article on Israel and Palestine, his views on gay parenting, identity, tribalism, media manipulation and much more. You can subscribe to the Mentored newsletter here: https://mentored.com.au/newsletter-sign-up Join the Facebook Group. Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Anthony Miller is the CEO of Westpac Group, appointed in December 2024. In this episode, we cover his story from family and siblings to his swimming career, personal growth, and early professional path before making the move into banking and leadership. Anthony talks about the challenges and opportunities in the industry, why stakeholder management and corporate responsibility matter, and how innovation is shaping the future of banking. He also shares his personal reflections, leadership philosophy, and what excites and scares him about the road ahead. You can subscribe to the Mentored newsletter here: https://mentored.com.au/newsletter-sign-up Join the Facebook Group. Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Exactly a year since our last chat, I sit down again with James Magnussen — and this time he’s a very different man, physically and mentally. With the PEDs for the Enhanced Games, James opens up about the rigorous protocols, medical oversight, and personal transformation involved in his preparation. From peptides and TRT to personalised training, we dive into how science is reshaping what’s possible for athletes. We also explore the future of the Enhanced Games, the controversy around it, what this could mean for the Olympics, the booming anti-aging industry, and much more. You can subscribe to the Mentored newsletter here: https://mentored.com.au/newsletter-sign-up Join the Facebook Group. Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Daniel Mookhey shares his journey from his family’s history and early life to becoming a key figure in New South Wales politics. We discuss his path into the Labor Party, how he balanced political and union roles, and the thinking behind NSW’s latest budget and economic strategy. Daniel also unpacks significant investments in child protection and other budget highlights, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the priorities shaping the state’s future. You can subscribe to the Mentored newsletter here: https://mentored.com.au/newsletter-sign-up Join the Facebook Group. Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last week I had the pleasure of hosting a charity breakfast with Premier Chris Minns to raise funds for Chalky’s Gym in Moree. Chalky’s isn’t just a boxing gym — it’s a place where young people in the community learn confidence, discipline, and character. Boxing has changed the lives of many out there. It gives kids purpose, routine, and someone in their corner. It’s also changed the lives of many in areas where crime and poverty are serious problems. As part of the event, I sat down for a live podcast with two legends of the sport, Jeff Fenech and Johnny Lewis. We were also joined by Premier Minns and a representative from Chalky’s (Robert Burton) to talk about the incredible work they’re doing in Moree. We spoke about the power of mentors, the discipline that boxing teaches, and why gyms like Chalky’s are so important — not just for the sport, but for shaping the next generation. You can subscribe to the Mentored newsletter here: https://mentored.com.au/newsletter-sign-up Join the Facebook Group. Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

John Laws is known to generations of Australians as the man with the "Golden Tonsils" — sits down for a rare and candid conversation spanning over six decades of broadcasting. In this rare conversation, we go back to where it all began — growing up in Bendigo, breaking into radio, and building a career that saw him become one of the most influential voices in the country. He talks openly about the evolution of the industry, the importance of staying authentic, and what it really takes to connect with people on air. Laws doesn’t hold back — sharing stories from behind the mic, his run-ins with Prime Ministers, his views on society, and what life looks like outside the studio. Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter & YouTube. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Inspired Unemployed boys have flipped the script on success — and what’s possible by 30. In this episode, I sit down with Jack Steele and Matt Ford to unpack the chaos behind their comedy skits, their new lifestyle in the spotlight, and some hilarious travel stories. We also get into how they built Better Beer from the ground up — and what they’re planning with their latest venture, Arrival Travel Co. Check out ARRIVAL's website here: https://arrival.com.au/ Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter & YouTube. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Michael Cheika opens up about the early years that shaped him — from his childhood and first taste of sport to the drive that led him into professional rugby. He reflects on his rise through the coaching ranks, the lessons learned from international roles, and the mindset needed to build world-class teams. He also dives into his time in the fashion world and shares stories from his wild travels around the globe. We talk about cultural differences in sport, what separates good players from great ones, and why the mentality of champions like Lionel Messi resonates across all codes. Cheika also breaks down his philosophy on preparation, performance, and the future of rugby in Australia. Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter & YouTube. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, I sit down with Andrea Clarke — author, former TV journalist turned humanitarian, and now a leadership coach helping people stay relevant in a rapidly changing world. We discuss her new book, Adapt: Mastering Change in Four Steps. Her message is simple but powerful: don’t run from change — anticipate it, engage with it, and learn how to shape it. We talk about Andrea’s interesting early career, the high-stakes environments that shaped her leadership style, why trust and communication matter more than ever. We recorded this back in April, but in these turbulent and divided times, it’s more relevant than ever — especially if you’re leading a team or want to make 2025 a year of thriving. Purchase Andrea's book Adapt: Mastering Change in Four Steps here: https://www.simonandschuster.com.au/books/Adapt/Andrea-Clarke/9781761632433 https://www.amazon.com.au/Adapt-Mastering-change-four-steps/dp/1761632434 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I sat down with Australia’s biggest name in boxing ahead of his long-awaited rematch with Sebastian Fundora. We talked about preparation, legacy, what it’s like growing up with his legendary father, life outside the ring, lessons from Alex Volkanovski — and plenty more. Don’t miss the biggest boxing event of the year — featuring Tim Tszyu, Sebastian Fundora, Manny Pacquiao and Mario Barrios — live on Main Event via Kayo Sports, Sunday July 20. You don’t need a Kayo subscription to buy the Pay-Per-View. Pre-order the PPV here: https://mainevent.kayosports.com.au/boxing/tszyu-vs-fundora-2. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.