Straight Talk with Mark Bouris

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/ Subscribe to the Mentored newsletter here: https://mentored.com.au/newsletter See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of the world's leading AI experts, Professor Toby Walsh, sits down with Mark Bouris to cut through the hype and the fear. Toby breaks down the real risks of artificial intelligence, from deepfakes and beauty filters harming young women to autonomous weapons making life-and-death decisions with no human in the loop. Essential listening for anyone trying to make sense of where the world is headed. 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 get verified for an OKX SMSF trading account. Deposit $5 and receive $500 worth of Bitcoin. Eligibility requirements 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 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 get verified for an OKX SMSF trading account. Deposit $5 and receive $500 worth of Bitcoin. Eligibility requirements 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.

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 get verified for an OKX SMSF trading account. Deposit $5 and receive $500 worth of Bitcoin. Eligibility requirements 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 get verified for an OKX SMSF trading account. Deposit $5 and receive $500 worth of Bitcoin. Eligibility requirements 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 is a 35 year old Australian financial journalist, author, and content creator, currently serving as Finance Editor across the 9News network. As one of the most recognisable faces in Australian business reporting, he is known for making complex economic issues clear and accessible to everyday Australians. In this episode, we cover: • His journey into journalism and rise within financial media • Building a strong social media presence and developing a well known alter ego • Breaking down interest rates and Reserve Bank decisions for the public • Behind the scenes insights from RBA press conferences • Leadership pressures facing central bank governors • Public trust in institutions and media accountability • Themes from his book and broader social commentary • Consumer behaviour, subscriptions, and loyalty programs • Productivity trends and economic pressures • The evolving media landscape and digital integration • Communicating complex narratives to a broad audience • Ethical responsibility in modern journalism 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 get verified for an OKX SMSF trading account. Deposit $5 and receive $500 worth of Bitcoin. Eligibility requirements 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.

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 get verified for an OKX SMSF trading account. Deposit $5 and receive $500 worth of Bitcoin. Eligibility requirements 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 get verified for an OKX SMSF trading account. Deposit $5 and receive $500 worth of Bitcoin. Eligibility requirements 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.

Chris Katelaris, widely known as Big Chocky, joins the podcast for a raw and personal conversation about his life, identity, and the experiences that shaped him. Born in Colombia and adopted into a Greek-Cypriot Australian family when he was just two months old, Chris reflects on his early childhood, the challenges he faced growing up, and the moments that forced him to change direction. He speaks openly about family, adoption, faith, why he loves Australia, why his message resonates, and how personal struggle became a catalyst for discipline, purpose, and self-belief. We speak about: Growing up adopted and searching for identity Personal setbacks and defining turning points Australia’s problems and societal challenges The role of faith and belief in his life Building discipline and mental resilience Gaining influence through social media Handling controversy and public scrutiny Responsibility, leadership, and accountability The importance of family, community, and values 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 get verified for an OKX SMSF trading account. Deposit $5 and receive $500 worth of Bitcoin. Eligibility requirements 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.

Ross Coulthart is one of Australia’s most prominent investigative journalists, known most recently for his fearless reporting on unexplained aerial phenomena (UAPs) or UFOs. He joins the podcast to discuss his career uncovering hard truths, the role of curiosity in journalism, declining trust in governments and media, and his deep investigations into UAPs, military encounters with unidentified objects, government secrecy, non-human intelligence, consciousness, and the growing intersection between science, spirituality, and ancient civilisations. 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 get verified for an OKX SMSF trading account. Deposit $5 and receive $500 worth of Bitcoin. Eligibility requirements 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.

Shiza Shahid is an entrepreneur, investor, and social activist dedicated to advancing girls’ education and women’s rights. Shiza co-founded the Malala Fund in 2013 alongside Malala Yousafzai, helping build a global movement for girls’ education while navigating complex political and cultural realities. She later co-founded Our Place, a modern kitchenware brand focused on connection, culture, and home cooking.e In this conversation, we explore Shiza’s journey from activism to entrepreneurship, the realities of building movements under global scrutiny, and what it takes to scale values-led businesses without losing purpose. Check out the Our Place Website here: https://fromourplace.au/ 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 get verified for an OKX SMSF trading account. Deposit $5 and receive $500 worth of Bitcoin. Eligibility requirements 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.

So thankful to speak to all these legends this year. There were so many great Straight Talk episodes .Who would you love to see on next year? Check out some highlights and let me know which was your favourite in the comments! 0:00:00 Greg Norman 00:16:02 Andy Cooks 00:30:03 Tony Abbott 00:42:18 Matt Ford & Jack Steele (Inspired Unemployed) 00:50:21 Michelle Payne 01:03:30 John Laws See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

So thankful to speak to all these legends this year. There were so many great Straight Talk episodes. Who would you love to see on next year? Check out some highlights and let me know which was your favourite in the comments! 00:00:00 — John Howard 00:16:09 — Dana White & Premier Minns 00:23:54 — Prime Minister Anthony Albanese 00:34:03 — Delvene Delaney 00:44:00 — Mick Fanning 00:56:59 — Ricky Ponting See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Richard de Crespigny is the former Qantas A380 captain who was pilot-in-command of Qantas Flight 32, which suffered a catastrophic uncontained engine failure shortly after take-off from Singapore in 2010 with 440 people on board. In this episode, Richard takes us inside the cockpit to explain how leadership, teamwork and disciplined decision-making prevented disaster when the aircraft experienced cascading system failures. Beyond aviation, he shares powerful lessons on risk, resilience and leading under pressure when there is no margin for error. 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 get verified for an OKX SMSF trading account. Deposit $5 and receive $500 worth of Bitcoin. Eligibility requirements 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.

Greg Norman changed the game of professional golf forever, both on and off the course. Greg is Australia’s most iconic golfer, who has disrupted the game of golf with LIV. Greg was world No.1 for 331 weeks through the 80s and 90s, and used his nickname to create the Shark brand, which has gone on to become an extremely lucrative global business. We spoke about: • Disrupting golf forever with LIV • Why he started LIV • His early life, mindset & becoming a businessman • What he learnt from Bob Hawke and Kerry Packer • Becoming mates with Presidents and Prime Ministers • The 2032 Olympics and his business plays today • Untold stories from his wild experiences around the world • And much more My conversation with Greg Norman is out now on Straight Talk, available on all podcast platforms. Hit the link in the bio. 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.

Wyatt Roy might not be a household name like our famous sportspeople, politicians or actors, but he is a young Australian playing a major role in one of the most innovative projects of our time. Wyatt is Australia’s youngest ever federal MP and was a key leader driving innovation inside Saudi Arabia’s NEOM project, one of the most ambitious city building visions in modern history. In this episode, Wyatt breaks down what is really happening inside Saudi Arabia’s economic transformation, how Vision 2030 is reshaping the region, and why global talent and investment are flooding into Riyadh. From leadership to policy, cultural change to entrepreneurship, Wyatt offers a rare first hand look at a society pivoting at speed and what Australia can learn from it. A wide-ranging conversation on politics, innovation, media, culture, and the future of work. 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.

Larry Emdur has been a household name and TV icon in Australia for decades. In this conversation, Larry talks about growing up in Bondi, breaking into television, and the highs and lows that shaped his career. He opens up about what it takes to stay at the top of the media game, the importance of connecting with an audience, and why he still loves getting up early for the morning show. We also dive into his family, some great stories, his latest venture the Ben Buckler Whisky, the business lessons behind it, and how his upbringing continues to influence the decisions he makes today. Purchase Larry's Whiskey here: https://thebenbuckler.com/ 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.

Ricky Ponting is a 50-year-old Australian cricket legend, former national captain, coach, commentator, and one of the most accomplished batsmen in the history of the sport. It was awesome to get him in here just in time for the Ashes period. We spoke about his childhood, mindset, iconic career, leading one of the greatest ever cricket teams, managing big personalities like Shane Warne, his wine business, life after retirement, and much more. Check out Ponting wines here: https://www.pontingwines.com.au/ 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.

Nathan Stafford is a Sydney-based gardener and social media personality, best known as the face of Nathan’s Lawns and Gardens. He is best known for regularly restoring neglected gardens for free, especially for people doing it tough such as seniors and social housing residents. We spoke about his early life, past struggles, turning his life around through gardening, going viral, why he looks after people doing it tough, his work today, the importance of setting goals, life as a parent and much more. Purchase Nathan's new book here: https://nathanslawnsandgardensau.com/products/the-adventures-of-nathans-lawns-and-gardens-the-haunted-jungle 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.

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.