Straight Talk with Mark Bouris

Andrew Hamilton is an Australian comedian who made a remarkable transformation from former mushroom kingpin to a rising star in the comedy scene.Andrew Hamilton thought he had life figured out: a beautiful fiancée, a successful career in PR, his popular pizza restaurant Brooklyn Crispy, two beloved dogs, and a thriving side business supplying magic mushrooms and LSD to eager Sydneysiders. But everything came crashing down one night when the police raided his Surry Hills home. After serving time in prison, Andrew emerged a changed man, determined to rebuild his life. Channeling his experiences, he found his true calling in comedy, using humour as a way to process his past and create a fresh start.We discussed Andrew’s privileged upbringing, his struggle with addiction, his successful career in PR, and his time in prison. Along the way, he shared outrageous and often hilarious stories that captured both the highs of success and the lows of hitting rock bottom. We also discussed his new book and his future works in comedy.Purchase Andrew's new book 'The Profound Benefits of a Stint in Prison' here.Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter & YouTube.  You can subscribe to the newsletter here: https://lnkd.in/e7C8akgj.

Yvonne Sampson is a leading Australian sports presenter and journalist, widely recognised for her contributions to rugby league broadcasting.In 2016, Yvonne made history as the first woman to host Channel Nine's State of Origin coverage, marking a significant achievement in Australian sports media. Her deep understanding of the game and engaging on-screen presence have garnered her immense respect and recognition in the industry.In our conversation, we discussed her childhood, her passion for rugby league, navigating a career in a male-dominated field, motherhood, her relationship with her husband, and much more.Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter & YouTube.  You can subscribe to the newsletter here: https://lnkd.in/e7C8akgj.

Arthur Laundy is one of Australia’s most respected publicans and business figures. As the driving force behind Laundy Hotels, a family-owned venture, he oversees a vast portfolio of pubs, hotels, and hospitality venues across the nation.After the tragic passing of his father in 1969, Arthur, then just 28, stepped in to lead the family pub business. What started with two venues has grown into Australia’s largest privately-owned pub group, now boasting over 90 establishments—a testament to his vision and determination. In our conversation, we reflected on the profound loss of his father, his deep passion for the pub industry, and the critical role family has played in his journey. You don’t want to miss the full, untold story of how Arthur and the Laundy family built Australia’s largest pub empire.Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter & YouTube.  You can subscribe to the newsletter here: https://lnkd.in/e7C8akgj.

Cody Simpson is an Australian pop star, songwriter, and competitive swimmer who made the remarkable transition from a thriving music career to competing for Australia at the Commonwealth Games.At just 27, Cody Simpson has already lived an extraordinary life, achieving more than most could ever imagine. We explore his remarkable transition from music stardom to elite swimming, the dark side of LA, his relationship with Olympic champion Emma McKeon, what the future holds for him, and much more.Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter & YouTube.  You can subscribe to the newsletter here: https://lnkd.in/e7C8akgj.

Join Mark Bouris and Anthony Minichiello for a special live podcast event hosted by the Sydney Roosters Business club. Anthony Minichiello is a former professional rugby league player who captained the Sydney Roosters in the NRL, amassing 302 first-grade games. He represented both Australia and Italy on the international stage, as well as New South Wales in State of Origin.In 2005, Minichiello was hailed as the best rugby league player in the world, but with the glory came a tough battle. Discover how he triumphed over a debilitating back injury and endured five years of relentless pain, emerging stronger through sheer determination and innovative fitness methods. We also dive into some incredible stories, explore Jared Waerea-Hargreaves' career, discuss what the Roosters mean to Mini, learn how he maintained his longevity, and catch up on his current ventures with MINIFIT.Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter & YouTube.  You can subscribe to the newsletter here: https://lnkd.in/e7C8akgj.

Nina Kennedy is an Australian pole vaulter and Olympic athlete, fresh off her gold medal win at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.In this candid conversation, we explore Nina's inspiring journey—from her early days in little athletics to drawing inspiration from Steve Hooker’s gold medal win, and ultimately rising as one of Australia’s top pole vaulting talents. We discuss the complexities of the sport, including the physical demands, the critical role of preparation, her winning mindset and the financial realities of a career in track & field. Nina also shares her decision to leave a part-time job to dedicate herself fully to pole vaulting, her experiences with mental challenges, the responsibility she feels as a role model in women’s sports, plus much more.Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter & YouTube.  You can subscribe to the newsletter here: https://lnkd.in/e7C8akgj.

Osher Günsberg is an Australian television, podcast, and radio host, best known for his roles on "The Bachelor Australia" and "Australian Idol."In this candid conversation, we explore Osher's journey—from his upbringing and struggles with mental health and addiction to his rise as an iconic TV host. We also delve into the art of relationships, maintaining good health, embracing authenticity, and finding your true contribution to the world. This episode is packed with Osher's honest insights and real-world experiences, all sprinkled with some sharp pop culture references along the way. Osher has plenty of wisdom to share..If you need help in a crisis, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.For further information about depression contact beyondblue on 1300224636 or talk to your GP, local health professional or someone you trust.Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter & YouTube.  You can subscribe to the newsletter here: https://lnkd.in/e7C8akgj.

Former Detective Chief Inspector Gary Jubelin is one of the country's most respected Homicide Detectives and has been credited with solving some of Australia’s more high profile, complex and horrific crimes.Gary and I had a wide-ranging conversation about his distinguished career as a police detective, the mindset required to excel in his field, the cases that still haunt him, and his controversial departure from the police force. We also discussed how his viral podcast took off, the public's fascination with crime, and his experiences at the unconventional Macquarie Correctional Service.And we reminisced about the charity boxing fight that Gary and I participated in a few years ago...Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter & YouTube.  You can subscribe to the newsletter here: https://lnkd.in/e7C8akgj.

If you're Australian, you probably know Turia Pitt's story and what happened to her over a decade ago. What you might not know about Turia is her powerful mindset, which developed long before the tragedy in 2011.In this episode, we discussed her Tahitian heritage, the deep admiration she has for her mother, being a proud nerd in school and university, her drive to challenge herself and make her parents proud, and her ambitions in the mining industry. All of this was before what seems like her second life.We then talked about that tragic day in September 2011, her excruciatingly painful recovery, what got her through the dark times, and her life today as a mother, author, and renowned public speaker. If you're looking for a wake-up call or a renewed perspective, tune into this oneFollow Mark Bouris on Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter & YouTube.  You can subscribe to the newsletter here: https://lnkd.in/e7C8akgj.