Tess Talks

In Part 2 of my chat with Nick Bell, we dive into the bold moves, biohacking obsession, and business mindset that keep him at the top of his game. From fending off a stalker to buying a company for $289 million in under a month, Nick shares the unfiltered truth about scaling fast, making killer pitches, and investing millions into cutting-edge wellness treatments. It’s part business masterclass, part health experiment and completely unpredictable.In this episode:The stalker story that sparked the launch of RemovifySelling WME after hitting $300M in revenueHow he’s now acquiring a business for $289 million in under a monthWhat makes a pitch land: confidence, clarity, and knowing your numbersViewing business as the ultimate game and why he’s still hungry to winSpending millions on biohacking and wellnessStem cell therapy, gene therapy, and self-experimentationHow an ice bath helped repair his heart after COVIDMorning and night routines for staying sharpThe emotional side of success, acne, and taking care of yourselfMentioned:Thanks to our sponsor, Wanderlust Wellspring Australia’s biggest biohacking summit. Join world-leading experts on October 25–26 on the Gold Coast for two days. Purchase tickets by clicking this link & follow @biohackau to learn more!Join the biohacking summit now: click this linkFollow Nicks podcast: @getharderpodcastFollow Nick Bell on Instagram: @nickbellau Follow me on Instagram:@tess.shanahan & @tesstalksofficialFollow me on TikTok: @tessshanahanFollow me on YouTube: TessShanahan

Nick Bell is one of Australia’s most successful self-made entrepreneurs, and in Part 1 of our conversation, he shares how he went from a uni dropout with no clear direction to building and selling businesses worth hundreds of millions. We talk about his early failures, the business that crumbled after a personal fallout, and the lessons that shaped his approach to leadership, hiring, and staying ahead in a competitive market. Nick is raw, unfiltered, and full of insights you won’t find in a textbook!In this episode:Dropping out of uni and rejecting the “safe” corporate pathLaunching a skincare brand at 28 inspired by his own skin strugglesStarting a digital marketing agency from scratch with cold callsThe collapse of a business after a personal fallout with a partnerWhy he refuses to hire from the corporate worldLeading over 5,000 staff and the importance of strong leadershipThe near-collapse of a business after stepping away too soonWhy degrees aren’t always relevant and what he’d tell his 18-year-old selfThe value of upskilling and avoiding complacencyMentioned:Thanks to our episode sponsor, NaturoBest! Creating a healthier world, one baby at a time. Use code TESSTALKS15 for 15% off your first order. Shop Naturo Best now: naturobest.com.auFollow Nicks podcast: @getharderpodcastFollow Nick Bell on Instagram: @nickbellau Follow me on Instagram:@tess.shanahan & @tesstalksofficialFollow me on TikTok: @tessshanahanFollow me on YouTube: TessShanahan

In this episode, I sit down with Carla Oates, founder and CEO of The Beauty Chef, the brand that pioneered the inner beauty movement. From fermenting whole foods in her Bondi kitchen to building one of Australia’s most iconic wellness companies, Carla shares the story of trusting her instincts long before gut health was a trend. We dive into the challenges of staying true to your vision, the hardest lessons she’s learned as a founder, and how her definition of success has shifted over time. Beyond business, Carla opens up about the rituals that keep her grounded, what’s been feeding her soul lately, and the truths she wishes more people knew about the wellness industry.The instinct that led Carla to back gut health before the industry was readyEarly doubts, resilience, and the turning point where The Beauty Chef became more than just a productWhat the very first kitchen formulations looked like and how hands-on she wasThe hardest “no” she’s had to make as a founder and what it taught herHow her definition of success and growth has evolved over timeThe one Beauty Chef product that holds a special place for herAdvice for anyone feeling bloated, burned out, or disconnected and where to startCarla’s go-to rituals and hacks that ground her and make the biggest differenceWhat’s feeding her soul lately outside of the businessThe truths she wishes more people knew about the wellness industryMentioned in this episode Shop the Beauty Chef range here  use code TESS20 for 20% off storewide 😊Follow the Beauty Chef: @thebeautychefFollow me on Instagram: @tess.shanahan & @tesstalksofficial Follow me on TikTok: @tessshanahanFollow me on YouTube: TessShanahan

A solo catch-up where I spill the tea on all all things wedding prep (the good, the chaotic, and the unexpected), share the beauty and wellness rituals I’m loving right now, and get real about routines, body image, and finding balance all through the lens of someone genuinely passionate about health. It’s like a voice note from your best friend.In this episode:Disclaimer: I mention what I eat and take in this episode. This is not advice, just my personal experience!A little sneak peek at our wedding location and how prep is goingThoughts on routines, why they’re helpful, but also when they become toxicMorning rituals and why it’s more important to enjoy them than to “do them perfectly”Beauty recommendations I’m loving right now (including my favourite Korean skincare obsession)How I am fixing my baby brain!LED light therapy and why I swear by itMy new functional medicine doctor and how it's genuinely changed my healthSupplement routine and what I’m currently takingFitness update getting back into running and finding flow againThe importance of body acceptance and how social media messes with our self-imageDeep dive into hair care hacks products, tools, and what’s actually working (check the “Hair” highlight on my IG)A real talk on balance, enjoying life and not taking wellness so seriouslyMentionedEpisode sponsor: Today’s episode is brought to you by Salt Lab a natural magnesium brand I’ve been using for years. It’s a staple in my routine for when I’m stressed or just want to stay calm and grounded! If you want 25 % OFF please use my discount code TESSTALKS25Follow salt lab on Instagram: @salt_labFollow me on Instagram: @tess.shanahan & @tesstalksofficial Follow me on TikTok: @tessshanahanFollow me on YouTube: TessShanahan

Ever feel like your house has bad vibes? You’re not imagining it? Kelly went from real estate agent to Feng Shui expert after noticing something strange. Some homes just felt off and guess what? Kelly discovered that weird energy could be messing with more than just your mood. Do you have poor sleep, money blocks, relationship tension or health issues? It might be your floor plan, not your flaws.In this ep, we dive into classic Feng Shui and what it is. Feng Shui makes up 33.3% of your luck. So what’s your house saying behind your back?Hit play it’s time to get your home (and your life) into flow!What actually is Feng Shui and why should we care?Why the energy in your home might feel off (and how to fix it)Feng Shui isn’t just about styling it’s a formula rooted in ancient mathsYin and Yang: balancing energy for a calmer, more harmonious homeHow your front door might be affecting your financesWhat is “land healing” and why does the energy around your home matter?Are you sleeping in the “death position”? (Yes, it’s a real thing)Simple Feng Shui switches you can make todayWhy your stove matters more than you think!Clean space = clear energy. Find out Kelly’s non-negotiables!Mentioned in the episode Follow Kelly: @kellymccloskey_fengshuiFollow me on Instagram:@tess.shanahan & @tesstalksofficial Follow me on TikTok: @tessshanahanFollow me on YouTube: TessShanahan

Recently featured in Vogue Living, my home was brought to life by the brilliant minds at McKimm. In this episode, I sit down with the Director of Architecture Danica Garizio and Isabella Cini lead Interior Design Manager to unpack the vision, design principles, and process behind the space!McKimm’s design expertise and backgroundInsights into the Australian interior and architecture industryKey design elements that shaped the homeChallenges faced during the design and build processContemporary features and how they were thoughtfully integratedThe process of sourcing furniture items The importance of supporting Australian brands and designersIsabella shares her expert design tipsThe benefits of using your space Rapid fire hot take questions Mentioned in the episode Vogue Living Youtube video: view hereMSM stone Just Adele  Fleur Studios Harbro local manufacturing of sofas Jardan Sarah Ellison Kustom TimberCello toilets Mckimm's website: HereFollow Danica @danicagFollow Isabella @__Isabelllla__Follow me on Instagram: @tess.shanahan & @tesstalksofficial Follow me on TikTok: @tessshanahanFollow me on YouTube: TessShanahan

How do you break through the noise when attention spans are shorter than ever? Brendan Kane aka the social media OG, bestselling author, and founder of Hook Point sits down with Tess to unpack the secrets behind going viral and building sustainable, purpose-driven success online. With over two decades of experience and over 10,000 hours of research Brendan dives into storytelling, algorithm psychology, creator burnout, and the real difference between trends and formats. If you're serious about mastering social media, this one’s a must-listen!Brendan's wild journey from Hollywood to social media pioneer, including the first YouTube campaign for a Jason Statham movie The real agenda behind algorithms (and how to use it to your advantage)Why storytelling and retention are the secret to long-term growthThe truth about going viral vs. building a loyal communityHow to avoid creator burnout by aligning content with your goalsThe importance of “the hook”, the format, and the power of analyzing your own contentMentionedFollow Brendan on socials @brendankaneSchedule your viral call with the Hook Point team hereFollow me on Instagram: @tess.shanahan & @tesstalksofficial Follow me on TikTok: @tessshanahanFollow me on YouTube: TessShanahan

Today’s episode is a powerful and necessary conversation about childhood trauma, resilience, and reimagining how we give back.Jonathan Webber is the founder of the JW Foundation, a new kind of philanthropic model built on lived experience, radical transparency, and real impact. From surviving an abusive childhood to launching a multimillion-dollar business while living on $50 a week, Jonathan’s journey is anything but conventional.This is a conversation about resilience, purpose, and creating the kind of change that truly matters. We unpack his story and mission, why he started the foundation, how he’s transforming the charity space, and the importance of giving survivors new avenues to speak up and heal. It’s also a reminder that real change often begins with those who’ve lived through the very challenges they’re now working to solve.In this episode:Why Jonathan lived on $50 a week and slept in his office for 3 years to launch his businessHis childhood experience of abuse and surviving over 30 broken bonesThe importance of speaking up about trauma and how silence can shape our identityUsing pain as fuel for purpose and helping others do the sameLifeChanger programs: early intervention and education for young peopleJonathan’s take on transparency in the charity sectorThe ToyBox initiative and plans to reimagine givingHis next event at the NGV called Starry Night His vision for future events a blend of storytelling, performance, and social impactMentionedJonathan’s Instagram: @jw.johnny Follow JW foundation: @thejwfoundation Buy tickets to Starry Night at NGV on September 13th, 2025: hereDonate to Starry Night: here Follow me on Instagram: @tess.shanahan & @tesstalksofficial Follow me on TikTok: @tessshanahanFollow me on YouTube: TessShanahan

Welcome to Part 2! The conversation turns from building a home to building a life within it. Tess and Shaun open up about parenting their daughter Romee, navigating the future of education, and raising children in a world increasingly shaped by AI and rapid change. This is a thoughtful, grounded discussion on modern parenthood, shifting values, and what it means to raise resilient kids in an unpredictable world.In this episode:• What parenting in 2025 looks like for them• How they manage screen time, structure & sleep• Big questions around the education system & its future• A raw take on the rise of AI — from creativity to ethics• How they’re thinking about values, boundaries & resilience in the digital ageMentionedEpisode sponsor: Today’s episode is brought to you by Bumpsuit the go-to for stylish, sculpting maternity wear that supports you through every stage, from bump to beyond! Use "BumpsuitMAMA15" for 15% off!Kustom Timber: shop the range hereFollow me on Instagram: @tess.shanahan & @tesstalksofficial Follow me on TikTok: @tessshanahanFollow me on YouTube: TessShanahan