Better Bloke

Most Australians have no idea that rural men are facing one of the highest suicide rates in the country. For Mary O’Brien, founder of the Are You Bogged Mate? charity, that reality became brutally personal when two well-known blokes in her community took their own lives. Digging into the research, she found the truth was even worse... men are three times more likely to die by suicide than women, and if they’re in a rural setting, the risk jumps even higher.

In this episode, Mary explains why the current mental health system isn’t built for bu...

You might know Viktor Lyall as the MMA fighter who dismantled two angry men in Surfers... cool, controlled, and unapologetically lethal - but that’s just one side of the man. Behind the cage persona is a thinker with degrees in psychology, business, and history literature, and a deep belief that a man’s happiness comes from finding his duty and living in alignment with it.

In this episode, we dive deep: modernity, postmodernism, masculinity, violence, virtue, and authenticity. Viktor speaks with clarity and conviction, challenging what it means to be a man in a world that’s lost...

A returning voice, a mural artist, and a man who’s pulled himself from the edge more than once, Lini is back on the couch to catch us up on what he has learnt. After years of battling his own demons, digging deep into psychology, and speaking with thousands of others doing the same, he’s landed on a philosophy that challenges the way we think about mental health.

Lini doesn’t see it as illness... he sees it as pain. Not something to medicate and manage forever, but something to understand and cure at the root. In thi...

Society says men need to be softer. Haze “The Huntsman” Hepi says maybe we just need direction. In this episode, the Māori bare knuckle fighter breaks down his unique philosophy on violence, discipline, and the male identity crisis. He speaks about his past, his evolution as a man and father, and the some hard truths about what shaped him to be the man he is. From coaching young boys to confronting his own shadows, Haze gives us a brutally honest take on what it means to be a man in today’s world... without conforming to it.

Follo...

What does it really mean to raise a kid... not just keep them alive, but raise them into a good human? In this episode, we sit down to unpack the tightrope walk of fatherhood: how to be emotionally connected without losing authority, how to discipline without doing damage, and how to own it when you get it wrong.

Rob opens up about raising his two kids, the lessons he's learnt from first child to second, and how gender, age, and personality all play into the way we parent. We dig into the raw moments... losing your cool...

The last time we spoke to Jimmy Judge, he was just on the cusp. Working FIFO while eating copious amounts on his off swing, he was building momentum with his outrageous food challenges, wondering if the madness could ever turn into something real. Back then, it was all maybes and what-ifs. Fast forward nine months, and Jimmy’s left the mines behind and gone all in.

This episode picks up where we left off, but now, the stakes are real. We unpack the raw truth of what it’s like to chase internet fame full-time: the mental toll...

After a serious spinal injury left Patrick in constant pain, everything began to slip. The physical toll was just the beginning... soon came the loss of work, the mental struggle, and a growing reliance on substances to cope. It was a slow unraveling that led him into some of the darkest chapters of his life.

In this episode, Patrick opens up about how it all came undone and what it took to rebuild. With his back against the wall, he turned to something simple but familiar: making hot sauce. What started as a way to keep his...

What happens when the system built to protect is used to punish? In this episode of the Better Bloke Project, we sit down with Jared Purcell, host of the Broken Fathers podcast, to unpack the emotional and legal minefield that many Aussie dads find themselves in.

We explore the family court system, lawyers promoting false domestic violence allegations, and how these accusations can tear fathers from their children with little recourse. This isn’t a rage-fuelled rant… it’s a nuanced, respectful conversation about a system that desperately needs reform.

We acknowledge the importance of DV pro...

If you've ever thought, "Something’s off but I can’t explain it", this one’s for you. We dive into the Better Bloke Blueprint, our new resources that helps blokes get their head around all the heavy stuff... grief, anger, anxiety, depression, and all the rest

We worked with the pro's to develop the Blueprint, but on this episode we share what we’ve learnt, what’s helped us, and how this new section of the site might just help a few more blokes find their feet. No fluff. Just real talk.

Find the Blueprint...

Meet Morgz, a butcher who slipped on his gumboots and walked 1,800km from Cairns to the Gold Coast in the name of men's mental health. What started as a personal mission turned into something much bigger. Along the way, he met over 400 blokes who shared stories of heartbreak, family breakdowns, addiction, depression, and suicide. In this episode, we sit down to unpack those conversations, and how they opened Morgan’s eyes to just how many men are walking around carrying silent pain.

We talk stigma, especially in blue-collar industries like butchering, and reflect on how the culture ar...

In this episode, we sit down with Damien Rider, a man who’s turned mental resilience into an artform. Known for completing an 800km solo paddle from Gold Coast to Bondi, he isn’t just about pushing physical limits... he’s redefining what it means to take control of your mind.

From confronting childhood trauma to tackling brutal endurance feats, Damien has learned that mindset is certainly a lifeline. While many blokes might roll their eyes at breathwork and meditation, he strips the fluff and gives it to you straight: it’s not spiritual fluff... it’s hardwired...

This one’s going to ruffle feathers. Our guest has built a name (and a business) by saying the things you’re not supposed to say, and filming it all in comedy sketches that ride the line between hilarious and highly offensive. He’s been labelled sexist, racist, and accused of normalising domestic violence. Today, we go beyond the headlines and into the mind of the man behind the character.

In a raw, funny, and sometimes uncomfortable conversation, we unpack the role of humour in 2025, why he believes nothing should be off-limits, and what it means to be hel...

Tate Smith is just 21 years old, but he's already lived through one of the hardest things a bloke can face... losing his older brother to suicide. This conversation is raw, emotional, and painfully real. Nate opens up about the shock, the guilt, the anger, and the silence that followed his brother’s death, and how it’s changed the way he looks at life forever.

He shares his mission to make sure no one feels like a burden for speaking up, and the personal challenge he’s taken on to face his own fear of heights to prove...

By now, you’ve probably seen the face & heard the name, but in this episode, the boys sit down to peel back the layers. From life before the Better Bloke Project to the moment he walked away from a stable career in pursuit of something bigger, Matty opens up about the risks, the regrets, and the rewards that came with chasing purpose. 

They dive into the messier stuff too… relationship breakdowns, personal sacrifices, and the reality of becoming the face of a movement that’s been both celebrated and misunderstood. It’s raw, honest, and a reminder that behi...

Nathan Schmid is back on the podcast… this time as the bloke who actually did it. In April, he completed 30 triathlons in 30 days, wrapping it all up with a full Ironman on Day 30. We first spoke to him before the challenge kicked off, and now he returns to reflect on the highs, the brutal lows, and the mindset it took to keep pushing when everything in him wanted to stop. This wasn’t just about physical endurance, it was about raising awareness for men’s mental health, and the impact was massive. 

The messages rolled in, from blokes...

On this one, the boys rip straight into the event highlights of the past weekend. Rob took on the challenge of a lifetime over the weekend, jumping in the ring at the Podcast Royale 2.0 - one of Australia's biggest and best boxign events in history.

Outside of dropping 15kg & unlocking his healthiest self in years, Rob embodied everything we stand for at Better Bloke - determination, accountability, resilience and taking a step outside the comfort zone. While he didn’t come away with the W, it was a win in our books when it comes to becoming a...

In this episode of the Better Bloke Podcast, we sit down with Cris Cross, the bloke behind the 400HP split-colour Corvette Hellvette and those wildly popular custom car sketches. But this chat goes way deeper than cars.

Cris opens up about grief, identity, and how losing his stepdad in 2017 nearly broke him. From smoking weed and eating Macca’s to avoid pain, to journaling, going vegan, and rebuilding himself, this is a story of healing, horsepower, and the power of community.

Help us help the blokes who need it: https://www.betterblokeproject.org/pages/donate-now

In this episode of the Better Bloke Project, we sit down with Terry Munro, a bloke who hit rock bottom and clawed his way back. After blowing out to 185.5 Kgs and battling through some dark days, he knew something had to give.

Terry opens up about the turning point, the brutal honesty it took to face himself, and how he dropped 100 kilos in two years. But this isn’t just a weight loss story, it’s about grit, mindset, and staying the course when real life kicks in.

If you’re a bloke who’s sick of...

In this episode, Matty and Rob sit down with Jack 'Swifty' Mill, a familiar face in the BA community, known for his tough exterior and wild car, but there’s more to him than meets the eye.

They get real about the pressure that builds up, the burnout no one talks about, and the toll it takes when you keep pushing without asking for help. Swifty shares a moment that nearly broke him, and what pulled him back.

This one’s for the fellas doing it tough but staying quiet. It’s a reminder to speak...

One bloody year. 52 weeks of no-filter chats, big laughs, and tough truths. In this milestone episode of the Better Bloke Podcast, Matty and Rob celebrate one year of diving into what the project has managed to achieve in the last year.

With suicide rates still climbing, the boys reckon it’s time we stop ticking boxes and start having real conversations. They also give a shout out to people behind the scenes, coaches, mentors, tradie mates, barbers, who are doing the work to help blokes grow but don’t get the recognition.

Looking back, Matty and...

Kids change everything, your relationship, your priorities, and your sacred right to sleep past 6 AM. In this episode of the Better Bloke Podcast, Matty and Rob tackle the highs, lows, and absolute chaos of being a dad.

Ever wondered if there’s a perfect time to have kids? Spoiler: There isn’t. Rob, the seasoned dad who's been through the trenches, shares the raw, unfiltered realities of fatherhood. Meanwhile, Matty, who's chosen a kid-free life, fires off all the big questions every bloke secretly wonders about fatherhood, but rarely asks.

They dive into the unwritten rule...

Blokes Advice, the notorious mens group where gun sticks, terrible tattoos, and unspoken bloke wisdom reign supreme. Ever found the perfect stick and felt like you just won the lottery? Yeah, you’re not alone.

The boys rip into the dumbest sh*t ever posted, the unwritten rules every real bloke follows, and why borrowing a mate’s tools comes with responsibilities.

If you’ve ever debated the beauty of a gun stick, regretted a tattoo that seemed like a good idea at the time, or just wondered why blokes love doing dumb sh*t, this o...

Matty and Rob sit down with OG BA legend Hadyn, a bloke with one hell of a story. At just 19, he found himself in a life-or-death situation while working in his parents’ jewellery store, an experience that shaped him in ways most people will never understand.

But that’s just the start. Hadyn gets real about the tough stuff, relationships, parenting, and the brutal truth that life isn’t some fairytale. The boys dig into the highs, the lows, and the lessons that turn ordinary blokes into better men.

This one’s got it all, resilien...

In this episode of the Better Bloke Podcast, Matty and Rob chat with Nathan Schmid, a bloke who's transformed his life from late-night partying to tackling an extraordinary challenge: 30 triathlons in 30 days. Starting in April, Nathan will swim 1.5 km, bike 40 km, and run 10 km daily, all to raise awareness for men's mental health through the Daily Grind Challenge.

He opens up about his journey from carrying extra weight to embracing endurance sports, sharing insights on mental toughness, purpose, and the drive to support fellow blokes facing their own battles. This conversation is a testament to resilience and...

For the first time ever, Matty and Rob welcome their first female guest into the inner sanctum of the Better Bloke Podcast. An unlikely guest, Kay Manuel has been at the centre of headlines, copping backlash and judgment from all sides. But behind the controversy? Well, that's exactly what we wanted to uncover.

In this raw, unfiltered chat, Kay breaks down the reality of internet fame, the mental toll of public scrutiny, and how she turns criticism into cash. The boys dive into why people love to hate, the double standards at play, and what it really...

Most blokes are taught that putting yourself last is the noble thing to do but Matty and Rob reckon that’s a load of crap. If you’re constantly running on empty, sacrificing yourself for everyone else, and calling it ‘doing the right thing,’ you’re actually just sabotaging your own potential.

This episode is all about flipping that mindset. The boys dive into why taking responsibility for yourself isn’t selfish, it’s necessary. They call out the trap of talking big but never taking action and break down how self-care and self-improvement aren’t luxuries they’re the foun...

Matty and Rob sit down with Graeme, a bloke who's been through more tough times than most of us can imagine—failed relationships, losing trust in everyone, being an estranged father. But the best part? He’s come out the other side, running a successful business and proving that rock bottom isn’t the end—it’s just the start of a comeback.

Graeme opens up about navigating life’s darkest moments, why so many blokes bottle things up, and how he turned his biggest failures into his biggest wins. This episode is raw, real, and a reminder tha...

Blokes aren’t great at talking about their feelings—but we'd argue that it's not because we don’t communicate, we just do it differently. In this episode, Matty and Rob dive into how men actually talk, why we dodge deep convos, and what really works when trying to get a bloke to open up.

They break down the myth that men hate talking about emotions, why face-to-face chats can feel like an interrogation, and how banter, beers, and shared activities are often where the real convos happen.

Whether you’re a bloke who struggles to talk...

This episode taps into the chaos (and wisdom?) of the best Facebook group to grace the modern man, Blokes Advice. They tackle questions from over 300,000 blokes addressing the minefield of modern parenting, the backlash we're dishing out to blokes just doing good deeds, and the ultimate way to get back at your neighbour. This ep serves up a mix of banter, laughs, and solid advice. Get stuck in.

Help us help the blokes who need it: https://www.betterblokeproject.org/pages/donate-now

Join the BA group (blokes only, sorry ladies):

...

In this episode of the Better Bloke Podcast, Matty and Rob dig into why every bloke needs his tribe. They chat about how men are wired to fix things, why accepting help doesn’t make you weak, and the power of having the right mates in your corner when life gets heavy. The boys also break down what it really means to support your mates – no quick fixes, just listening and being there. Plus, they share some exciting updates on their charity work and the events they’ve got lined up to bring blokes together. Dig in!

Help us...

In this episode of the Better Bloke Podcast, Matty and Rob sit down with Big Trev, the Big Brother legend who’s been navigating life in the spotlight for nearly two decades. Trev gets real about the highs and lows of fame – from battling ego to staying grounded when everyone knows your name. He doesn’t hold back on the tough stuff, opening up about why blokes need to stop bottling things up and start leaning on their mates when life gets rough. The boys also dive into Big Brother reunion gossip and what it really takes to keep pushin...

Has being 'woke’ done more harm than good? Or are we just too scared to admit it? In this episode, Matty and Rob rip into the "woke" movement and its chokehold on modern society. While it’s brought some fairness and inclusion, it’s also unleashed cancel culture and turned honest conversations into landmines. Why can’t blokes speak their minds anymore without getting crucified? The boys take no prisoners as they tackle corporate virtue signaling, the hypocrisy of modern activism, and what all this means for being a bloke in today’s world. If you’re sick of walking on e...

So, you’re lying to yourself again this year? Making resolutions you already know you’ll break. Offft, bit heavy to kick off the year, hey boys? But let’s be real—while we’re all about accountability, it’s not entirely on you. With everyone banging on about New Year’s resolutions, it’s no wonder it feels like the way to go. But in this ep, Matty and Rob dig into the brutal truth about why most blokes fail to stick to their New Year’s goals (spoiler: 90% of them flop). Instead, they offer a different approach that actually help...

In this episode of the Better Bloke Podcast, Matty and Rob chat to an absolutely legend, Blair Rubock from Through Strangers Eyes. If you haven't heard of Blair, he's the bloke who’s made it his mission to tackle some of the hardest conversations you'll ever hear—often with complete strangers. Rob and Matty dive deep into what drives Blair to do what he does and the courage it takes to hold space for people to share their raw, unfiltered stories. It takes a special kind of person to make people feel safe to open up about their biggest stru...

Jumping into parenthood way too early, neglecting your own personal growth, or coasting through life without a clear direction. We've all made some choices we would probably reconsider if we had our time again, so in this ep Matty and Rob thought it might be helpful to break down some of the most common mistakes blokes make, with the hope it might help a few of you avoid them.

Help us help the blokes who need it: https://www.betterblokeproject.org/pages/donate-now

Join the BA group (blokes only, sorry ladies):

...

In this episode of the Better Bloke Podcast, Matty and Rob sit down with BMX legend Logan Martin to chat about life on and off the bike. Logan opens up about his Olympic gold medal win, sharing how it brought him opportunities and attention, but didn’t change who he is. He talks about the grind, the mental focus it takes to compete at the top, and why his backyard skate park is still his favourite spot to ride. Logan also dives into how he balances being a family man with the demands of being an elite athlete. Tune in...

In this episode of the Better Bloke Podcast, Matty and Rob chat with Jimmy Judge, a food challenge legend known for his massive appetite and humble personality (don't let the tats fool you). They dive into the big questions you want to know about food challenges, and no, that doesn't include info on his shi*ts, he's talked enough about that. Jimmy also touches on how he balances fitness with his challenges, his goals with his social presence and as always, advice on how to become a better bloke, don’t miss it!

Help us help the bl...

In this episode of the Better Bloke Podcast, Matty and Rob dive into the concept of "the subtle art of not giving a fk." They chat about the idea that we all have a limited bucket of fks to give and how managing what we care about can change the game. They unpacking self-trust, accountability, and the trap of chasing approval from others. It’s all about helping blokes figure out what really matters and where to spend their emotional energy. Tune in for a no-bs take on how to stop giving a fk.

Help us help th...

In this episode of the Better Bloke Podcast, Matty and Rob take a look back at what they've been able to accomplish with the Better Bloke Charity over the past six months. They chat about the importance of mens well-being and how the project has shaped up based on feedback from you legends tuning in. They highlight the impact of teamwork between men and women in tackling mental health and share some epic stories from women who’ve seen real changes in their partners thanks to the project. Bit of a feel good one for you boys, dig in!

In this episode of the Better Bloke Podcast, Matty and Rob chat with Jesse Noonan, Australia’s most-watched... recorder player? He also happened to be a pro skater. Jesse opens up about his new adventure into fatherhood, sharing some funny and wild stories—bet this man never thought he'd be telling his misso's placenta story on the pod. He also talks about his skate school, where he’s not only teaching kids but also running a project to help people with disabilities learn to skate. Jesse is all about inclusivity and shares his approach to working with people from all wa...