The You Project

Jan and Ian Frazer are funny, inspiring, wise, fit AF and have been married for 52 years. At 79, Jan exercises daily, doing a mix of cardio, strength, stretching and boxing. She also works as a voice-over artist (one of Australia's best) and part-time PT. At 81, Ian mountain-bikes (in the bush, not suburbia), lifts weights (still does 15 full over-hand chin-ups), snow skis and does stand-up paddle-boarding several times a week. They cover plenty in this chat but nothing more amusing than Craig's most embarrassing day at Harper's (his gym)'. Jan was there and it involved a stripper.

Dr. Alex Koefman is one of Australia's youngest Neurosurgeons. He and Craig met at one of Craig's events, got to chatting and decided to continue that chat on TYP. The boys discuss everything from turning a dream into a career, working under extreme pressure, ageing well and neuroplasticity to the value of mentors, starting at the bottom, slowing down, kids playing contact sports and whether or not the spiritual world is 'real'. This is a super interesting conversation.

Lola Berry has had a busy 34 years. Ten books, TV Presenter, Yoga Teacher, Social Media Personality, Reiki Practitioner, Health Science Degree, Nutritionist, a public scandal and a hint of career suicide (according to the media). In this episode of TYP, Craig and Lola discuss everything from dating a narcissist, weekly therapy sessions, back-up careers, changing careers and bad professional decisions, to dealing with keyboard warriors, social media haters, exploring potential, fearlessly failing, Craig's incredible flexibility and Lola's life-long aspiration to live in a tree house.

A few weeks ago I wondered (out loud) if any listeners (of The You Project) would like to sit in the number 1 chair and ask me a few questions. I certainly didn't anticipate the response of a hundred plus emails in a few hours! Anyway, instalment 2 is with TYP listener Kelly Smith and she interviews me like a pro!

I have about seventy thousand followers across my various platforms. Not many compared to some but enough for feathers to be ruffled and noses put of out of joint regularly. Not a shock considering that each of those seventy thousand individuals has an ego, attitude, beliefs, expectations, biases, likes, dislikes and ideas about what's right and wrong, interesting and boring, funny and rude, offensive and harmless. And as we all know, the same message can be the catalyst for a huge cross-section of reactions, ranging from head-nodding, agreement and laughter to outrage, offence and anger. Which begs the question... what causes offence? FYI, this is an impromptu recording in my office (not studio), so I apologise for the less-than-studio quality production value.

Nima Alavi is back and this time the lads discuss (1) vaping vs. smoking (2) nicotine as a nootropic (smart drug) (3) male menopause (4) regenerative medicine (5) depression and low testosterone (6) the medical applications of botox (7) beauty pageants for camels (really) (8) Nima's fascinating childhood including escaping Iran, being a refugee, being imprisoned and his Baha'i faith. This episode is a smorgasbord of conversation.

A few weeks ago I wondered (out loud) if any of my listeners would like to sit in the number 1 chair and ask me a few questions. I certainly didn't anticipate the response of a hundred plus emails in a few hours. I apologise for not getting back to everyone but just because you haven't been contacted, doesn't mean you won't be. I'm thinking about making these a semi-regular thing. Keep in mind that most of these listeners have never been in a studio or spoken into a microphone, so all things considered, they did great. Instalment 1 is with Shelby Hamilton from Warragul (country Victoria) and btw, who knew I have 21 year-old listeners!

Jacqui Louder is one of Australia's leading Sport Psychologists, having worked with some of Australia's best athletes for almost two decades. In this episode of TYP, Jacqui sits down with Australia's worst athlete and talks about the head stuff, emotional stuff, body stuff and the life stuff.

Steph Prem is a former Winter Olympian, Professional Athlete and International Snowboarder. Craig is none of that. In this episode of TYP, Steph sits in the host seat and picks Craig's brain.

Paul Taylor has a Master's Degree in Exercise Physiology, a Master's in Nutrition, a Post-Grad in Neuroscience and he's currently completing a PhD in Psychology. Apart from that, he's a complete dummy. He's also been one of our most popular guests ever, so at great expense to the management, he's back. This time around, he and Craig continue their conversation exploring the weirdness and wonder of the human condition.

Tony Mantz (AKA Jack the Bear) has done plenty. Worked with some of the best musicians in the world. Built a successful mastering business. Lived and worked illegally in the States (for years). Overcome a twenty-five year cocaine addiction. Lost 70 kilograms. Covered most of his body in ink. Navigated mental health issues. And spent much of his adult life on a spiritual, philosophical and existential search for meaning, purpose, acceptance, connection and happiness. This is an interesting chat with an interesting man.

Dietician Vicky Kuriel is back and as always, she pulls no punches. This time Craig and her explore the following topics and questions (1) is cholesterol really bad? (2) should we count calories? (3) is soy good or bad? (4) yoghurt, yes or no? (5) artificial sweetener (6) non-animal protein (7) misleading labels and marketing (8) menopause and diet (9) best and worst oils (10) is there an acceptable bread? (11) how many eggs? (12) are all calories equal?

Michael Ray became a dad for the first time at forty-nine. At fifty-one, the bloke who had worked most of his adult life as a Stripper, Bouncer and Trainer became a full-time single parent, raising his two year-old daughter Charlie on his own. To say he was under-prepared, ill-equipped and overwhelmed, would be something of an understatement. Charlie is now almost eight and it's fair to say that the last six years have been a steep learning curve and a transformative experience for the big softie who has shifted his attention from bodybuilding, barbells and biceps to ballet, braids and buns.

Pete Shepherd is back for round two and Craig discovers that his nickname growing up was Two Metre Peter. Both hilarious and awesome. In this chat, the tall one and the old one talk about the upside of imposter syndrome, cultivating empathy, leadership, morning routines, the value of fucking up, Pete's TED Talk experience and magic foods.

Shannah Kennedy and Lyndall Mitchell help people to help themselves. They are both Authors, Teachers, Presenters and Coaches who work mostly in the corporate space and in this chat with Craig, they explore everything from burnout, chronic fatigue, mental health and vision boards to exercising in the rain, choosing our purpose, wrangling teenagers and consciousness. It's quite the conversational fruit salad! Lyndall even takes Craig (and the audience) through a quick anxiety-reducing breathing exercise.