Big Bros
The late teens and early 20s are a tumultuous journey. An influential period that can seem overwhelming, yet exciting. Those around us share their advice and experiences, but perhaps this perspective sharing may feel outdated and out of touch. Join Big Bros, Jeremy Tusia and Ilan Volchek, as they offer a refreshing and relatable outlook on all topics, juicy, fun, and philosophical drawing on their experiences as two young adults.
Ep 121. How Soon Is Too Soon To Move On Post-Breakup
When is the right time to start dating again after a breakup? The answer probably isn’t the same day, but the truth is, it depends. How soon you start dating again comes down to a range of factors such as the type of relationship you had, who ended it, how emotionally invested you were, and many other things that influence how ready you actually feel.
Join Big Bros, Jeremy and Ilan, as they explore how to know when you’re ready to start dating again post breakup. Expect to learn why moving on too quickly probably mean...
Ep 120. When Friendships Change...
It is completely normal for friendships to change throughout your life. You might even find yourself feeling alone at times, even when you are surrounded by a big group of friends. It is also common to realise that some friendships no longer align with where you are at in life, and that is okay.
Join Big Bros, Jeremy and Ilan, as they unpack how to navigate changing friendships in your twenties. Expect to learn why you do not need to burn bridges to step back from certain friendships, how to work your way around a friend who...
Ep 119. Tom Morris - The Man Behind The Biggest AFL Headlines
Tom Morris is one of the AFL's top newsbreakers, but few truly know the man behind the headlines. If you’re an AFL follower, you have most certainly read his articles, seen him reporting on 9 News, watched him on Footy Classified or listened to him on SEN radio… but you wouldn’t have heard about the man he is beyond this.
Join Big Bros, Jeremy and Ilan, as they sit down with Tom Morris to explore the side of himself he has never shared publicly. Expect to learn how Tom has navigated adversity throughout his career, his beliefs...
Ep 118. How To Effectively Beat Stress & Overwhelm
Eliminating stress entirely isn’t realistic, but learning to manage it effectively is key. There are plenty of strategies to help manage overwhelm, but the real question is: how do we build a life that, as much as possible, protects us from reaching a state of stress or burnout in the first place?
Join Big Bros, Jeremy and Ilan, as they dive into how you can build a strong, sustainable system for managing stress and staying grounded when life gets overwhelming. Expect to learn how to effectively prioritise the tasks in your life, what Ilan’s go-to stre...
Ep 117. Why Men Don't Heal After A Breakup
Do men and women grieve differently after a breakup? While everyone deals with heartbreak in their own way, there are often clear differences in how men and women process the pain. Many men tend to bottle things up and look for ways to distract themselves, whether that's through work, drinking, or jumping into something new. It's a way to avoid sitting with the tough emotions. On the other hand, women are usually more comfortable feeling the pain. They're more likely to cry, talk to friends, or see a therapist, which can actually help them move on in a healthier...
Ep 116. How To Get Him To Open Up
Given the alarming rates of suicide among men, checking in on your mates has never been more important. Yet, the stigma around discussing mental health persists, and many still struggle to recognise the early warning signs.
Join Big Bros, Jeremy and Ilan as they dive into what it really means to check in on your mates. Expect to learn how to spot early warning signs, the reasons why opening up can be so tough for men, how to hold space without trying to fix everything, why persistence matters when someone seems off, and much more.
If...
Ep 115. Is Therapy Necessary For Everyone?
No one denies that seeing a psychologist can be beneficial but does everyone really need therapy? While it’s great to see more people embracing therapy and helping to normalise the process, it’s also becoming increasingly common to see therapy terms like “toxic” and “gaslighting” misused on social media. This often ends up trivialising the very real experiences these words are meant to describe.
Join Big Bros, Jeremy and Ilan, as they explore the question of whether therapy is something everyone truly needs. Expect to learn why therapy language is increasingly being weaponised on social media, why not ever...
Ep 114. Lauren Hunter - The Intuition Of A Modern Matchmaker
What if finding love wasn’t about luck but about strategy and psychology. This week we’re joined by Lauren Hunter, a representative of Cinqe Matchmaking in Melbourne and Sydney, who shares her insights into the art of matchmaking high-calibre singles. With a background in psychology, natural medicine, and holistic counselling, Lauren brings an intuitive, heart-led approach to modern matchmaking.
Join Big Bros Jeremy and Ilan, alongside Lauren, and expect to learn about the role of a matchmaker, how singles can land more dates, the common request Lauren receives from singles, her honest opinion on dating platforms, the...
Ep 113. Is Political Compatibility A Must-Have In Dating?
Are differing political views a deal breaker in dating? Since political views can often reflect core values, how do you navigate the dating landscape with this in mind? Is it even necessary to ask whether someone leans more conservative or progressive?
Join Big Bros, Jeremy and Ilan, as they dive into whether political compatibility is a dealbreaker for lasting relationships. Expect to learn how differing political views between men and women might be contributing to the challenges of modern dating, why political discussion is inherently polarising, whether you should ask someone about their political views on a...
Ep 112. Is The Rite of Passage "Right" For You?
Just because something is considered a rite of passage doesn’t mean it’s ‘right’ for you. It’s easy to feel like you need to check off every rite of passage as if it’s a to-do list, but often, we’re more driven by societal expectations than by our own genuine desires.
Join Big Bros, Jeremy and Ilan, as they explore how to navigate life’s rites of passages and discern which ones truly align with you. Expect to learn why university has become a default path for too many people today, why marriage and parenthood aren’...
Ep 111. The 5 Skills That Changed Our Lives
Which 5 skills should every 20-something master to transform their life? With so much online noise about what to prioritise, what are the few things you can focus on to simplify your life and create real, tangible change?
Join Big Bros, Jeremy and Ilan, as they share the 5 core skills they’ve been intentionally building throughout their 20s. Expect to learn why prioritising your health and fitness will give you a competitive advantage in most, if not every, other domain you encounter, why you must make an effort within your community, how to skyrocket your communication style, the pr...
Ep 110. Hugo Toovey - How To Best Support a Mate Suffering Cancer
How does being diagnosed with two cancers in your early 20s change your outlook on life? At 19, Hugo Toovey was in the final stages of his military training, feeling fitter and healthier than ever, unaware that cancer was quietly taking hold of his body. Today, Hugo, in his early 30s, is cancer-free and raising a young family. Although he still faces challenges from past treatments, his impact on the world continues to save countless lives. Hugo is the founder of 25 Stay Alive, a mental health advocate, and keynote speaker dedicated to encouraging young men to get regular health checks...
Ep 109. Should You Ever Get Back With Your Ex?
Should you ever take an ex back? Although rekindling a past relationship can be tempting, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons carefully. While going back can soothe the sting of heartbreak, it also risks repeating the same pain.
Join Big Bros, Jeremy and Ilan as they explore the many risks that come with taking ex back. Expect to learn how to tell the difference between healthy reasons to reunite and the ones that lead to the same heartbreak, why the qualities you miss about your ex isn’t unique to them, why taking back your...
Ep 108. Who Do You Want To Be?
What does it mean to give up the life you have for the one you truly want? It means evaluating your current habits, behaviours, and lifestyle to see if they’re truly leading you to the life you want. If they’re not, doesn’t it make sense to let go of the parts of your identity holding you back, even if they’re the ones you’ve grown up with?
Join Big Bros, Jeremy and Ilan, as they explore why your new life is going to mean sacrificing your old one. Expect to learn why goal setting wi...
Ep 107. Jack Mac - Responding To Online Hate...
How can you stay true to your message in the face of hate and criticism? This week’s guest is Jack Mac, an internet personality known for promoting vulnerability and self-improvement through his online content. Despite recent controversy, Jack Mac joins the Big Bros podcast to share his true self, core values, and the self-reflection journey he’s undergone since starting content creation.
Expect to learn what Jack has learned since leaving his apprenticeship, whether intention matters more than outcome, the real impact of being ridiculed online, whether he regrets how he responded to recent scrutiny, if your...
Ep 106. Follow Your Plan, Not Your Mood
Follow your plan, not your mood! How many times have you let your mood decide whether you work on a desired goal only to be disappointed in your lack of consistency? Unfortunately, this is too common for those of us in our 20s, who may experience consistent surges in motivation to apply ourselves but then give up or procrastinate when that motivation is gone.
Join Big Bros, Jeremy and Ilan, as they explore the power of following your plan over your mood. Expect to learn why your mood is a terrible compass for progress, why our feelings a...
Ep 105. Too Sexual Too Soon?
Can rushing too quickly into intimacy ruin real connection? While physical intimacy is a key part of connection, rushing into it on the first few dates can undermine your chances of building something lasting, especially if you're seeking a long-term partner.
Join Big Bros, Jeremy and Ilan, as they share why you should not have sex within your first few dates if your intention is to date seriously. Expect to learn why jumping into bed too early can create the illusion of commitment, what it truly says about you if you sleep with them too quickly, why...
Ep 104. Doubting Your Breakup? Here's The Truth
If you're doubting your decision to end that relationship, this is a must-listen. It is not uncommon to experience doubt following a breakup but that does not mean you have made the wrong decision. During times of doubt we tend to forget the very real and legitimate reasons we ended that relationship which clouds judgement.
Join Big Bros, Jeremy and Ilan, as they share how you can effectively manage those feelings of post-breakup doubt. Expect to learn why you changing your communication style would not have saved your relationship, why you feel addicted to a relationship that m...
Ep 103. Work It Up or Live It Up In Your 20's
Should you spend your 20’s working your way up or living it up? For many, figuring out how to spend their 20’s can be anxiety-inducing. You know you need to become a productive member of society, but you also want to have fun and make the most of what some call the best years of your life. So what are the practical things that you can do to ensure that you have the best of both worlds?
Join Big Bros, Jeremy and Ilan, as they share how you can effectively live it up and work it up in y...
Ep 102. 10 Things Boys Should Be Taught About Relationships
What should boys be taught about relationships, but rarely are? Most of us grow up learning the basics like kindness, respect, and loyalty, but there are deeper lessons about relationships that rarely get discussed and matter just as much.
Join Big Bros, Jeremy and Ilan, as they share the top 10 (unspoken) things boys should be taught about relationships. Expect to learn about why reaching full happiness isn’t a prerequisite before entering a relationship, whether you should care about their family dynamics, distinguishing between imperfections and bad traits, why ‘liking’ your partner is just as important as loving...
Ep 101. Too Attached Too Soon In Early Dating
Do you find yourself getting too attached after only a couple of dates? Why is it that some of your friends can go on multiple dates, face rejection, and brush it off while you, after just one, feel completely crushed?
Join Big Bros, Jeremy and Ilan, as they discuss why we get overly attached after brief interactions and how to break this cycle. Expect to learn about why it's not the person you're infatuated with but the fantasy you've created around them, how low self-esteem fuels rapid over-attachment, the difference between healthy attachment and over-attachment in early d...
Ep 100. Q&A - Cancel Culture, Past Relationship Learnings & Changing Yourself For Someone
It’s the 100th episode of the Big Bros Podcast which means it’s time for a Q&A. In this special milestone episode, we dive into your questions, covering a wide range of topics, from navigating life in your 20s, to relationships, dating, career, purpose, and thought-provoking philosophical and psychological insights.
Expect to learn about why we love tapping into controversial topics, whether you should ever change who you are in a relationship, our honest opinion on cancel culture, what we believe is the key ingredient in getting men to open up, whether physical or emotional cheat...
Ep 99. Kate Berski - Why You're Feeling Stuck In Your 20s
Is life downhill after your 20s? Do we peak in our 20s? This week’s guest is Kate Berski, a researcher and author of “30-Phobia: Why Your 20s Suck & How To Get Unstuck”. Kate argues that much of the anxiety around turning 30 comes from social and arbitrary deadlines like marriage, parenthood, and homeownership rather than any real turning point in life. So what should you do if you feel anxious in your mid 20s and fearful about entering your 30s?
Expect to learn about how to break free from milestone anxieties in your 20s, why it’s normal fo...
Ep 98. What Guys Wish Girls Knew About Them
What do men really wish women knew about them? They say men are from Mars and women are from Venus, and that might explain why the two often seem worlds apart. From communication styles to emotional expression and even what we find attractive, the differences run deep.
Join Big Bros, Jeremy and Ilan, as they explore the things they wish women knew about men. Expect to learn why a guy watching your Instagram story is meaningless, why men and women are attracted to different things, whether there is more to sexual intimacy for men than just intercourse...
Ep 97. 5 Signs You're Dating Someone Secure
What’s it really like to date someone who’s truly secure in themselves, especially in a world where insecurity seems so common? Do genuinely secure people really exist? Secure people do exist, and though rare, their unmistakable qualities shine through in how they carry themselves and treat you, leaving a refreshing and unforgettable impression.
Join Big Bros, Jeremy and Ilan, as they share the essential qualities that define a secure person in a relationship. Expect to learn why secure people never leave you wondering where you stand in the relationship, why ‘if they wanted to, they would’...
Ep 96. Danny Kennedy - Resilience Isn't Enough... Here's What You're Missing
What if your deepest vulnerabilities are actually the keys to your personal growth? This week’s guest is Danny Kennedy, a Fitness and Mindset Mentor, host of The Fitness and Lifestyle Podcast with over 8.5 million streams, founder of Younify Active, and head trainer for Keep It Cleaner. Danny not only brings his expertise in fitness and health but also consistently shares his insights on mindset, personal development, and the journey to becoming the best version of yourself.
Expect to learn about why your growth is dependent on your vulnerability, why the universe rewards who we strive to be...
Ep 95. A Dietitian's Views On Disordered Eating And The Body Positivity Movement
Why is building a healthy relationship with food so challenging? This week’s guest is Nicole Brekalo, an Accredited Practicing Dietician and director of Bite Into Freedom (formerly known as Food Freedom). Nicole specialises in helping individuals, including those with eating disorders, heal their relationship with food by moving away from restrictive dieting and embracing intuitive eating for lasting well-being.
Expect to learn the difference between disordered eating and eating disorders, how to approach a conversation with a loved one who may be developing an unhealthy relationship with food, why body dysmorphia rates have increased amongst young me...
Ep 94. Our Honest Feelings Going Into 2025...
As we step into 2025, many people feel a mix of excitement for what lies ahead and a sense of trepidation about the unknown. Many of us set New Year's resolutions with the best intentions, but they are often too vague, overly ambitious, or challenging to maintain over time. So as we welcome the new year, what should we truly focus on if not traditional goal-setting?
Join Big Bros, Jeremy and Ilan, as they share their honest feelings about entering 2025. Expect to learn about what Jeremy and Ilan want from 2025, why you should place more emphasis on systems...
Ep 93. Ben Lowe - Conquering An 8-Year Meth Addiction
This week’s guest is Ben Lowe, a lifestyle coach who has transformed his life, overcoming the challenges of heavy drug addiction and incarceration. As the founder of the Into Change Project, a charity devoted to supporting at-risk youth and combating youth crime, Ben is making a profound impact in the community. He also empowers men through coaching, helping them take charge of their lives and unlock their true potential.
Expect to learn about the profound impact of Ben's earliest traumas, how Ben was able to beat an 8-year meth addiction, the biggest lesson Ben learned from lo...
Ep 92. Stop Hustling: Why You Need To 'Chill TF Out' This Summer
We’re often given advice on how to work harder and be more productive, but it’s far less common to hear guidance on how to unplug, relax, and truly unwind. This advice is especially crucial as we approach the end of the year - a time when many of us are edging closer to burnout and exhaustion. By taking the time to recharge now, you’ll set yourself up for an incredible 2025.
Join Big Bros, Jeremy and Ilan, as they dive into practical tips and strategies for unplugging and recharging during the summer months. Expect to learn...
Ep 91. How Jeremy Got Summer Shredded In 7 Weeks
Summer has rapidly arrived, and so have the desires to get shredded. When it comes to getting in shape, anyone can successfully embark on a 'bulk,' but the true challenge lies in mastering an effective 'cut’. Navigating which foods to include or avoid, choosing the right exercise plan to maximise aesthetics, and staying consistent with your routine can feel overwhelming — challenges that often discourage many from this pursuit.
Join Big Bros, Jeremy and Ilan, as they dive into Jeremy’s successful fat loss journey over the past 2 months, and flesh out the strategies behind his effective cut. E...
Ep 90. 5 Revolutionary Learnings From Chris Williamson's Live Show
Attending our podcast idol Chris Williamson's live show left us with a plethora of invaluable lessons to take away. Chris’ live show centred on themes of self-discovery and intentionality in every aspect of life - topics that deeply resonate with us.
Join Big Bros, Jeremy and Ilan, as they break down their top five takeaways from the Chris Williamson live show. Expect to learn why you should ask yourself about which regrets you you willing to endure, the acquisition of ‘man points’ and why society still stigmatises men opening up, why you should never base your self-worth on ext...
Ep 89. Are You Dating For Their Potential?
We often hear that you should date someone for who they are now, not their potential - but is that always true? The idea of dating someone for who they are, rather than who they could become, is rooted in the wisdom that people don't always change in the ways we hope. However, there are cases where recognising someone's potential can be valuable as many people are works in progress - learning, evolving, and striving to be better versions of themselves.
Join Big Bros, Jeremy and Ilan, as they share their views on whether you should date...
Ep 88. Sam Witness - Are You Lost After School?
How do you navigate the uncertain stage of life post high school? This week’s guest is Sam Witness, a 20-year-old content creator who isn’t afraid of going against the grain. After dropping out of university, Sam decided to pursue travel and content creation, portraying to school-leavers that life isn't just about following the conventional path of university and a standard job, especially if you don’t enjoy it. Instead, he encourages them to pursue their passions, discover their values, and break free from society’s traditional definition of success.
Expect to learn the insights Sam gained ab...
Ep 87. Why Do You Feel Guilty?
Do you ever find yourself feeling guilty, even when you know you haven’t done anything wrong? Guilt can be a helpful emotion, alerting us when we've done something wrong or violated our personal moral code. But why do we sometimes feel guilty even when we haven't crossed any boundaries?
Join Big Bros, Jeremy and Ilan, as they explore why some people feel guilty for merely putting themselves first. Expect to learn the psychological mechanisms behind guilt, how to effectively stop worrying about disappointing others, how guilt can be used as a motivator for positive action, the re...
Ep 86. 10 Ways To Level Up This Summer
How do you best level up this summer? With the warmer months and mass social events on the horizon this summer, there are some essential tips we should all employ to be at our very best.
Join Big Bros, Jeremy and Ilan, as they share their tips on what you can do to level up for summer and have an amazing next few months. Expect to learn why Christmas work parties need to be played tactically, why you need to stock your pantry with electrolytes, if expensive sunglasses are a bad investment, the harsh truth about sunscreen, w...
Ep 85. 15 Tips For Finishing 2024 Strong
How can you end your year on a high? We often look ahead to the New Year, telling ourselves that only then will we start setting new personal goals and taking the steps we need to move forward. However, why not start these things early?
Join Big Bros, Jeremy and Ilan, as they share their most helpful tips for cultivating momentum as 2024 concludes. Expect to learn why you should stop putting off that important conversation, how Jeremy is tackling his current fitness and nutrition goals, the importance of getting your blood checks done, why you should seek...
Ep 84. The Myth Of 'Right Person, Wrong Time'
Is the idea of ‘right person, wrong time’ valid? We often get fixated on someone, convinced that if it weren't for certain external factors, we could have our happily ever after. But doesn't the concept of the ‘right person’ seem more straightforward? Either they’re with you, or they’re not. And if they’re not, can we really say they were the right person to begin with?
Join Big Bros, Jeremy and Ilan, as they share their thoughts on whether ‘right person wrong time’ is truly a thing. Expect to learn why ‘wrong time’ really means ‘wrong person’, the 4 key...
Ep 83. Is Watching Porn Considered Cheating?
Is watching adult content considered cheating in a relationship? Some argue that watching porn in a relationship could be considered a form of infidelity, while others view it as healthy sexual exploration. The key is to approach the topic with sensitivity, as there is no universally right or wrong stance. Understanding the motivations behind watching adult content in the context of a monogamous relationship is essential before labelling it as appropriate or inappropriate.
Join Big Bros, Jeremy and Ilan, as they share their views on whether watching porn should be considered cheating in a relationship. Expect to...
Ep 82. Should You Date Solely For Marriage?
Should you date solely for marriage? There are many philosophies on dating, such as not marrying your first partner, waiting until marriage for physical intimacy, or simply going with the flow. But is there a single dating philosophy with the intention of marriage that is truly helpful?
Join Big Bros, Jeremy and Ilan, as they share their view on whether people should date solely for marriage. Expect to learn about why having more than one partner in your lifetime can be beneficial, why it may be essential to have a single phase in your 20s, if marriage...