Stand Out Life

Many of you may remember today’s guest when he shot to fame in Australia in 2011 on The X-Factor. His biggest stage now though is facing a terminal diagnosis of brain cancer. His story and this conversation about how he’s facing this diagnosis is remarkable. When we talk about living boldly, Johnny Ruffo embodies this approach. Johnny has performed onstage with international hip hop superstars Salt ‘N Pepa & toured with One Direction, Backstreet Boys and NKOTB. (new kids on the block) After finishing in the top 3 on X-Factor 2011, Johnny went on to win Dancing with the Stars in 2012 & shortly after Johnny arrived in Summer Bay as Chris Harrington and was a regular on Home and Away until 2016. In this conversation Johnny shares how he’s been part of some extraordinary experiences from his first ‘gig’ at the bowl to meeting Beyonce. Johnny shares how his world was turned upside down 5 years ago when he woke in hospital to be told he’d had brain surgery to remove cancer. Johnny is continuing to undergo trea

Many of us dream of staying as young as possible as long as possible - the dilemma is which pills, potions, programs are going to help us doing this? Trained in paediatrics, Dr Norman Swan was one of the first medically qualified journalists in Australia, with a broadcast career spanning more than 30 years. He currently hosts Radio National's The Health Report and co-hosts Coronacast. He also reports on 7.30 and is a guest reporter on Four Corners; appears on The Drum and is an occasional host of Radio National Breakfast. Dr Norman Swan has ventured into the area of longevity, and his latest book, ‘So you want to live younger longer?’ is the ultimate guide on what you can do at any age to stay young and healthy longer. We dive into the research around movement, nutrition, supplements, and for me the reminder that our brain and body are deeply connected as we navigate ageing means that how we feel, think, and level of perceived control over our experiences are just as important. No matter what your age,

Time. It’s seems to be moving quicker every year, it’s something we wish we had more of, and we are intrigued by those who you use it wisely. In this episode we’re going to dive into strategies and tools used by some of the worlds most successful people. Dr Amantha Imber is an organisational psychologist and founder of behavioural science consultancy Inventium. Amantha’s thoughts have appeared in Harvard Business Review, Forbes, Entrepreneur and Fast Company, and in 2021, she won the Thinkers50 Innovation Award, which recognises the thinker who has contributed the most to the understanding of innovation globally over the last two years and was the first Australian to do so. Amantha is also the host of the number one ranking business podcast How I Work, where she interviews some of the world’s most successful people about their habits, rituals and strategies for optimising their day. Over three years later, with over 3 million podcast downloads, she has interviewed more than 150 bestselling authors, musici

When a jewellery maker and fashion designer joined forces to put on an event they’d actually want to sell their wares at in 2008 little did they know they were launching the start of a sustainable business. Brooke and Sarah are the co-founders of Finders Keepers, where communities come together to shop, explore and discover the very best from designers, makers and entrepreneurs in the country. They pioneered curated design markets in Australia and then navigated through COVID times of 2020 and beyond where face-to-face events disappeared. In this conversation we talk about the role of community; and in times of crisis why listening to your community is key to survival. We unpack courageous creativity - what is it, and what it takes to live a creative life, and to support conscious purchasing of hand-made sustainably sourced products. We also touch on navigating leading a growing business in a busy world and how Brooke and Sarah re-charge their own energy. This year Brooke and Sarah have launched Crea

Occasionally there are conversations that captivate you because of the unique way that an individual has faced a challenge and the choices they’ve made to change the dynamic. This conversation was one of those. Ben Bravery is on a mission to open up a conversation. A conversation between patients and doctors, between those experiencing illness and the system that has been set up to care for the ill - but sometimes leaves them feeling lost and vulnerable. Originally a zoologist and science communicator, at the age of twenty-eight, with his Beijing-based science communications business doing well and a new relationship blossoming, Ben woke from a colonoscopy to be told he had stage 3 colorectal cancer. What’s most fascinating about this conversation is not the cancer diagnosis, but what Ben’s scientific way of viewing the world lead him to do next. In 2018 Ben became a doctor and is committed to advocating for change in Australia's healthcare system. What he didn't expect was how being a patient, an

Indira Naidoo is one of Australia's most popular broadcasters and authors. Spending time with her for this conversation was an absolute highlight for me. During her thirty-year award-winning journalistic career, she has hosted and reported for some of the country's most distinguished news and current affair programs, including the ABC TV's Late Edition and SBS TV's World News, and she is currently the host of ABC Radio's Weekend Nightlife. A few months ago I was shopping in Kmart and saw this book on the shelves ‘The Space Between The Stars’. It’s a book that Kate Ceberano calls ‘Life-changing’ and David Wenham says ‘A tender, touching, and at times bloody funny meditation on life. And death. And how to live’. Indira’s world was shattered a few years ago when her younger sister died suddenly. Grappling with heartbreak an unnoticed universe of infinite beauty wove through Indira’s grief and lead to her exploring how nature can heal. From star-gazing to tracking ants to cloud-watching to jumping in puddle

There’s a lot going on at the moment - and it’s possible - like me - your mind is feeling full. Do you wish you could give it a spring clean? Sort out the clutter? This episode’s guest is going to chat to us about how we might be able to do this. I’m smiling as I do this intro because I found this conversation with Jacqui Lewis as down to earth and real as I found her research and tools. Jacqui see's the world through the lens of the practical and the useful. Jacqui is a writer, educator, speaker with a diverse background in architecture and design. She co-founded The Broad Place, a global school sharing ancient knowledge and modern neuroscience, tools and experiences for higher grade living. In our conversation we talk about practical tools that you can start today - small things that will start to clear the clutter and give you space. Jacqui shares her personal story in a way that’s accessible to others. So if you are stressed, anxious, overwhelmed and keen to be less so, then listen to the genuin

Money, money, money. Research has shown that many of us would prefer to talk to our patterns about sex than we would to talk about money. In her late 30’s, Jess was the classic example of someone who knew a lot about money management in theory, but wasn’t so great at applying it in practice. Jessica Irvine is one of Australia’s leading economics journalists. She is currently a senior economics writer with the Sydney Morning Herald and The Age. At the start of 2021, she launched a weekly email newsletter called Money with Jess, all about money: how to get it, spend it, and save it. Previously, Jess was the National Economics Editor of News Limited’s biggest selling Australian newspapers, including the Daily Telegraph, Herald Sun, Courier Mail, and Adelaide Advertiser. We dive into practical ways that you can get clear on what money means to you - and how you can organise your spending in a way that leaves you feeling in control. Have your highlighters at the ready as we talk Money with Jess Irvine.

Kemi Nekvapil is a long time friend of the podcast, we shared a conversation back in episode 44, in which she shares some of her background story. As a black child raised by five sets of white foster parents (some incredibly loving, some - not so much) she always felt that she had to prove her worth. In this conversation we shift more into Kemi’s message and impactful new book simply - but also importantly titled - “Power - a woman’s guide to living and leading without apology’. We talk about what women are apologising for, how we can harness and step into our power, and the power of joy and delight (which can sometimes be the hardest to give ourselves permission to feel). Kemi is a professionally credentialed coach so if you want to find out more about Kemi’s work make sure you connect and reach out to her. For now though, allow the sheer joy to come through the airwaves to you from the always incredible Kemi. https://www.keminekvapil.com/ https://www.instagram.com/keminekvapil/?utm_medium=copy_link

‘I look back in astonishment at what I achieved, and without disappointment. I wouldn’t change a thing.’ Only days after celebrating her 60th birthday I had the sheer privilege and delight of chatting with Lisa Curry - these words are on the back of her memoir ‘Lisa’ and her life is indeed an extraordinary one. Triple Olympian and wellness entrepreneur, Lisa Curry has lived her life in the public eye for four decades. A swimming prodigy who became one of Australia’s first fitness entrepreneurs Lisa swam to Olympic fame in the 80’s and 90’s. Over the last few years Lisa has faced family tragedy and recently the loss of her dear mum. In this conversation Lisa shares lessons learnt, hard moments and ultimately that there’s more life to keep living and learning. This is a life affirming conversation - and one that I feel privileged to share with you. My encouragement to you is to pause, tune in and soak up this beautiful conversation with Lisa Curry. https://www.instagram.com/lisacurry/?hl=en https://www.

Ali Brahe- Dado’s book ‘Queen Menopause’ is the best friend that will walk you through the experiences, and questions that this time in every women’s life may bring up. Alison Brahe is a name - and a face you might remember from her days of modelling. In the 90’s she was best recognised as the cover model for Dolly magazine. Ali began her career as a model at 16 years old working in Australia, London and Tokyo. She was booked by brands such as Coca Cola, Portmans, Jacquie E and Brian Rochford, as well as magazines Cosmopolitan, Cleo and Dolly. In 1992, in Cleo she was voted among the "Top Most Influential Women of the Century" by its readers. Ali Brahe Daddo is a screen writer, producer (US series Polly G), podcaster and teacher. She is currently writing several feature film scripts whilst continuing to teach and co-host a podcast Separate Bathrooms via Nova Entertainment.      'Queen Menopause' is her debut book - and we talk about who she wrote this book for and the importance of us sharing our stori

In 2009 today’s guest wrote a blog post (remember those things - blogs…). The blog was shared worldwide and by 2012 had been read by eight million people - talk about going viral. So then it became a best selling book, translated into 32 languages. Bronnie Ware is now tethered to this book ‘The Top Five Regrets of the Dying’. Her story though - from growing up on a farm, to seeking expression in many forms is fascinating and today’s chat will give you a little insight into this. Bronnie has spoken and been interviewed everywhere - Wall St Journal, ABC Radio National, Marie Forleo, The Guardian, Dr Wayne Dyer, The Sunday Times, Lewis Howes, Harvard Business Review, and hundreds of publications worldwide.   Bronnie lives in Australia and is a respected teacher of courage on the global stage. She is also a passionate advocate for simplicity and leaving space to breathe, drawing on courage to follow the heart and allow life to provide the shortcuts. To find out more about Bronnie’s teachings, visit bronniewa

Dr Elise Bialylew is the author of #1 bestselling book, The Happiness Plan, and founder of Mindful in May, the world’s largest online global mindfulness fundraising campaign. I’ve admired Elise’s work for a number of years now and excited to share this conversation with you all. A doctor trained in psychiatry, turned social entrepreneur and mindfulness expert, she’s passionate about supporting individuals and organisations to develop inner tools for greater well-being and flourishing. Her work has been featured in the Huffington Post, New York Times and on Australian Television. She was recognised by the Australian Financial Review in the 2019 AFR Women of Influence. Before you hear from her let me tell you a bit about Mindful in May. It’s a community and the support you need to incorporate mindful meditation in your day - regardless of how busy you are. It’s a 31 day program, with support from the best teachers in neuroscience and meditation for just 10 minutes per day. You’ll also have the chance to dona

Oprah has endorsed her work as revolutionary and life-changing. Whether you are a parent, or find yourself around kids, or have friends with kids then you’ll get so much out of this converation. Dr. Shefali Tsabary’s ground-breaking approach to mindful living and parenting has taken her books to the top of the NY Times best-sellers list. Dr. Shefali received her doctorate in clinical psychology from Columbia University. Specializing in the integration of Western psychology and Eastern philosophy, she brings together the best of both worlds in her work. Her blend of clinical psychology and eastern mindfulness sets her apart as a leader in the field of mindfulness psychology. In this conversation we talk about what is conscious parenting, the importance of emotional expression over emotional control - and how to respond consciously in those moments of meltdown and shame (either our own or our kids). Dr Shefali is traveling down under at the end of April as part of her The Conscious Parent Tour. She ha

I’m not sure whether you’ve ever tried Improv before. But today’s guest shares what are probably some of life’s greatest lessons she learnt from the improv stage - say yes, figure it out along the way, and the art of working with others - all in the name of chasing the laughs. I’m Ali Hill and welcome to Stand Out Life a podcast dedicated to living boldly amongst the busyness. Comedian Cal Wilson came across the Tasman from Christchurch in 2003 and has gone on to become one of our most popular comedians. Her work has seen her on our fav TV shows such as Spicks and Specks, Good News Week, Thank God You’re Here, and more recently Would I Lie To You? Have You Been Paying Attention? and Hughesy We Have a Problem. Despite an aversion to the great outdoors, Cal bravely joined the cast of I’m A Celebrity,,,Get Me Out Of Here! in 2022 which saw her take on all the usual hair-raising challenges and biblical amount of bugs the series has to offer. Unprecedented times called for unprecedented adventures and at th

Back in 2018 on Episode 37 of this podcast I had the delight of sitting down with Lise Carlaw and Sarah Wills - the media duo known as Those Two Girls. 
A lot has happened since then. Their extraordinary friendship and chemistry landed the pair local and national radio shows with the HIT Network. Walking the line between smart and irreverent, they’ve interviewed household names, from formidable politicians to global celebrities, in front of audiences of thousands. In 2020, the year Lise and Sarah turned forty, they launched the podcast equivalent of a little black book for the middle years – FORTY. Four seasons in, and following much success, FORTY celebrates the life lessons and stories of popular and everyday women in their fifth decade. Past guests include Liane Moriarty, Sarah Wilson, Sophie Monk, Mia Freedman, Meshel Laurie, and Leah Purcell. The real-life friends are on-air and on-stage presenters, sought-after MCs, and guest speakers. They have held the mics on stage with the likes of Sarah Jessica

Today’s guest has trod a journey - a path many of us fear deeply. In April 2018 Ella Ward was - as she says - ‘hit with the cancer stick’. Apart from being rather frightening it also encouraged a foray into oversharing on Instagram and writing. But it’s possible Ella was always destined down the writers path coming from a family of story tellers. In her first published book Ella Ward weaves together 27 letters to her daughter - actually it’s the title too - ’27 Letters to My Daughter’. Knitted together across these letters are generations of words and experiences from her great grandparents, grandparents, mother, and her own stories offered as treasures for the heart of her daughter. Treasures for us all. I had the chance to skim the book before Ella and I connected and since this chat I’ve devoured ever word, laughed and cried and soaked up all 188 life lessons. This is a book you’ll want to read, reread and gift generously. Ella has worked in advertising for twenty years, for agencies in London and

Thanks for joining us again after what’s been the longest break we’ve had since the podcast launched in 2016. It’s been a sabbatical of sorts. I was able to take three months off from everything at the end of last year - which after 15 years in business was a strange, important and timely space to have. I’m truly grateful for the opportunity and recognise the privilege that comes with me being able to take that break. In the background this year we’ve been crafting exceptional connections with extraordinary guests for the podcast. One of the things I value highly in diversity in thinking, industries and perspectives and the team and I are endeavouring to connect with people that you’ll both know their names and also people that maybe you don’t. Everyone has a story to share and this platform helps to provide a small slice of those stories. Thank you to you for your listenership - for your interest and for your support. It’s really my goal to give you massive value and to have your thinking stretche

Occasionally a book comes along of which the story captivates you and the pull to be bigger and live bigger literally takes your breath away. This book is called ‘Skin in the Game’ and it’s remarkable not only because you’ll read it one sitting, but it’s remarkable because of the strength, depth and drive of the woman behind it. In this episode I had the extraordinary experience of connecting with this woman. You’ll know her legacy, the products she founded, and now you’ll hear her story. Jane Wurwand is the Founder and Chief Visionary of Dermalogica. In 2016 President Obama appointed Wurwant a Presidential Ambassador for Global Entrepreneurship do develop the next generation of entrepreneurs both in the USA and abroad. Praised as ‘The Woman Who Started a Cult’ Jane’s disruption to an industry, that at the time didn’t even exist is a story worth hearing. Jane share’s the dots along her life’s path that when connected together start to form a magical image. Rather than share too much about what we un

Life is hard for all of us. Rocketing rates of physical and mental health issues are a testimony to the immense pressures of our complex modern world - and then you throw in a global pandemic, economic uncertainty, and restrictions on movement. So how do we become strong and adaptable to face life’s challenges?  Three Australian SAS veterans reveal their groundbreaking resilience techniques to master your mindset and overcome adversity. They’ve culminated their findings into a book ‘The Resilience Shield’. Dr Dan Pronk, Ben Pronk DSC and Tim Curtis are Australian Special Air Service Regiment (SAS) veterans with MBAs. They have over 60 years combined experience in leading high-performance teams. We talk about what is resilience and unpack the six elements that help to strengthen your resilience shield. In particular we dive into Mind and the role of creativity and spirituality, and wrestle with the concept of Adaptability - which for me truthfully I like the idea of, but the reality of having to constantly