Life Long Learner

In this firecracker of a conversation, we dive deep into one of the most loaded (and misunderstood) topics in modern culture: masculinity.What started with a cheeky “If you were the devil, how would you destroy men?” clip quickly snowballed into a thought-provoking exploration of what’s really happening to men—and society—today.From the erosion of brotherhood and rites of passage to the rise of comfort, convenience, and clickbait culture, this episode isn’t about packaged solutions—it’s about raising important questions and challenging the narratives we’re swimming in.In this episode, we unpack:

This week, we’re back out of the classroom and into life’s messier, more meaningful moments.Ben reflects on becoming a grandfather—a milestone that’s not just joyful, but deeply perspective-shifting. From baby cuddles to existential wonderings, he opens up about how this new chapter has reframed his relationship with time, mortality, and meaning. What does it mean to see life continue beyond you? And how would you live if this was all there is?Matt takes us behind the scenes of building a barefoot-luxury retreat in Lombok—where creativity meets chaos. From Ramadan's quiet rhythm to budget blowouts, unexpected design changes, and woodwork-induced stress levels, he shares how the real challenge isn't just bricks and mortar—it’s knowing when to hold the vision and when to let go. Turns out, fewer walls might just lead to better views (and better lessons).Gines opens up about the emotional rollercoaster of stepping out of a long-held leadership role. As his GM transition nears the final stretch, he’s navi

In this Out of Class edition of the Lifelong Learner podcast, Gines and Ben reunite after a short break with an episode that dives deep into leadership, resilience, and the unexpected power of doing hard things.Fresh from an off-track, high-stakes mountain adventure in Tasmania, Ben unpacks what it was like organising and leading a group of 11 men—many of whom had never hiked before—through sleet, steep boulder-strewn climbs, and moments of real physical and mental challenge. But this isn’t a story about gear or maps. It’s about people. What happens when pressure is on? When the path disappears? When fear kicks in?We explore:Why a beginner’s mindset isn’t just for kids—it’s essential for great leadersHow we all show up differently under pressure: some lead, some help, and some freezeThe surprising difference between doing something hard vs. doing something riskyWhat contrast teaches us—about ourselves, about joy, and about what really mattersWhy comfort might be killing your growth (and what to do about it)We

Welcome to another special Out of Class edition of the Lifelong Learner Podcast! Ben, Gines, and Matt reconnect after a few busy weeks, bringing you an episode filled with engaging reflections, insightful discussions, and plenty of humor.The conversation begins with personal updates, as Ben shares his thrilling experiences competing in recent bodybuilding events, giving listeners an entertaining glimpse behind the scenes of the fitness world. Ben reflects on his favorite moments from Melbourne’s Spring Racing Carnival, highlighting the enjoyment of dressing up, betting excitement, and soaking in the vibrant atmosphere.Diving deeper, the trio explores the importance of morning routines, managing stress, and making deliberate choices to foster positivity and productivity in daily life. They unpack the effects of cortisol, discuss why stress can become addictive, and share practical strategies for shifting mindset from anxiety to inspiration.The episode also examines the narratives we build about our lives, disc

In this special Out of Class edition, Ben, Gines, and Matt come together for their first-ever in-person recording—an episode filled with laughs, deep dives, and unexpected twists.The conversation kicks off with the challenges of navigating major life transitions, including Gines’ personal journey of stepping away from a long-term leadership role. The guys reflect on how difficult it can be to manage shifting expectations, both for yourself and those around you.From there, they tackle the fascinating complexities of communication—how cultural backgrounds, personal experiences, and even something as simple as ordering jam at a café can shape the way we interact. They also explore why saying "I don’t care" can mean a whole lot more than it seems, and why true leadership is often about adapting your message to the person in front of you.And if that wasn’t enough action, Ben shares a jaw-dropping story about saving someone’s life on the Gold Coast—proving that sometimes, being in the right place at the right time

New year, new episode! Gines, Ben, and Matt are back to kick off 2025 withLife Long Learner – Out of Class, bringing fresh conversations, big ideas, and a whole lot of curiosity.In this episode, Ben shows off his latest gadget—high-performance hearing devices—and shares how they’re changing the way he experiences the world. The guys dive into a deep discussion about the balance between excitement for the future and the uncertainty that can sometimes creep in. How do you stay open to what’s next without letting the unknown become overwhelming?They also set the tone for the year ahead by revealing their personal themes for 2025. From growth and adventure to focus and discipline, each of them shares the mindset they’re embracing to make this year their best yet.For more updates and to subscribe head to -lifelonglearnerpodcast.comFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/lifelonglearnernowInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/lifelonglearner.podcastYoutube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCz_HJXIvmwW7HfzhaOM0itQ

This week is it is Gines and Matt bring your another inspiring conversation. Matt chats about growth, and needs to be framed in the future, in terms of, what you are about to go through needs to be worth it in the future. Gines questions the story we tell ourselves, is it resourceful or unresourceful? Either one it is currently serving us in some shape or form . This episode is brought to you by Make It Happen Group performance coaching - makeithappengroup.orgFor more updates and to subscribe head to -lifelonglearnerpodcast.comFacebook - www.facebook.com/lifelonglearnernowInstagram - www.facebook.com/lifelonglearner.podcast And if you wanna say hello, tell us a joke, or ask us a question, send us an email athello@lifelonglearnerpodcast.com

In this week’s episode of the Lifelong Learner podcast, Gines welcomes David Aherne, the CEO and founder of Across the Ocean Freight Forwarding. David brings decades of expertise in global logistics and shares valuable insights on the significance of relationships in both business and life. Listeners will discover David’s perspectives on how strong connections and genuine relationships can pave the way to business success and personal growth. Aherne underscores the importance of face-to-face interaction, especially in an era when human connection often feels diminished by digital communication. He explains how in-person networking not only builds trust but also opens unexpected doors, an essential practice in his industry, where trust and reliability are paramount for global operations. David also shares powerful advice on embracing discomfort and taking risks. According to him, stepping out of our comfort zones can be transformative, presenting opportunities we might otherwise overlook. The conversation delv

Join Gines, Ben, and Matt for another captivating episode of Life Long Learner: Out of Class Edition, where real-world experiences meet personal growth. This week, Matt opens up about a challenge close to his heart—sourcing ethically sustainable wood for his resort. What started as a quest for quality turned into a balancing act between rising costs and staying true to his values. Matt shares the highs and lows of navigating this process, and what it means to make decisions that prioritize ethics over convenience. In the second half, Gines leads a powerful discussion on the role of belief in shaping our future. Drawing from his own experiences, he talks about how the perspectives we form from life’s challenges and successes can either hold us back or propel us forward. Gines emphasizes the importance of making decisive choices and the impact that leading with confidence and certainty can have on achieving our goals. This episode is brought to you by Make It Happen Group performance coaching - makeitha

This week Gines is joined by special guest Alina Cahill. Alina is a product genius, especially in the start up tech world. She is a do-er. Her impressive career shows that, if you want to get something done ask Alina. They chat about why certain start-ups and businesses fail, and some succeed. Why slow movers that do not adapt get left behind. Like Redbox vs Netflix. Also the value of being loyal and congruent to who you are and what your company stands, comes from the top and should filter into all strategic decision making to stay aligned to who they are and what they stand for. Plus why burnout is coming to the forefront more and more with professionals, continuing to give until they can not give any more. This is a great episode and there is a lot of gold in here! hope you enjoy! To connect with Alina: www.linkedin.com/in/alinacahill This episode is brought to you by Make It Happen Group performance coaching - makeithappengroup.orgFor more updates and to subscribe head to -lifelonglearnerpod

In this episode of the Life Long Learner podcast Ben, Gines, and Matt engage in a casual and humorous conversation, touching on various personal anecdotes, fitness journeys, and motivational strategies. A standout topic is the story of Ben preparing for a bodybuilding competition in four weeks, aiming to compete in the physique category. They discuss the discipline required to reach sub-8% body fat, the challenges of staying consistent with nutrition and training, and the importance of progress, even when it is not linear. One key strategy discussed is "burning the boats," which refers to making a public commitment to something challenging—like stepping on stage in a bodybuilding competition. By putting pressure on themselves, they find that they are more likely to stay disciplined and avoid giving in to temptations. They acknowledge that this strategy isn't for everyone but works for those who thrive under pressure. Additionally, Ben, Gines and Matt highlighted the importance of having a supp

This week's episode of Lifelong Learner podcast we are joined by special guest Derrick McManus. Derrick is a former police officer from the South Australian Star Group Special Operations Division, shares his gripping experiences and lessons learned throughout his career. He recounts a harrowing incident where he was shot 14 times while on duty and the subsequent resilience he built during his recovery. The discussion delves into the importance of mental preparation, visualizing potential outcomes, and maintaining communication with loved ones, especially when facing high-risk situations. Derrick explains the demanding nature of his role within the Star Group, which involved high-risk arrests, hostage situations, counterterrorism, and close protection for VIPs, including the Queen. He reflects on how his early experiences, including a near-death encounter where his partner was nearly shot, shaped his approach to policing and life. Derrick emphasizes the significance of contingency planning and taking re

In this engaging episode of the Life Long Learner podcast Ben, Gines, and Matt explore various aspects of life, personal growth, and lessons from their hobbies. Matt shares the current challenges of his resort construction project and the importance of maintaining clear communication and managing expectations in such endeavors. Matt shares insights from his experience as a surfer, highlighting the importance of focusing on where you want to go and applying that mindset to life and business. He emphasizes the need to anticipate challenges and stay resilient, drawing parallels between surfing and managing the ongoing construction of his resort. This leads to a broader discussion about embracing unpredictability in work while maintaining certain certainties in other areas of life, like food preferences and personal routines. Ben delves into the concept of contrast, using examples from skiing and other personal stories to illustrate how life's ups and downs enhance our experiences. They discuss how contras

This week's episode of Lifelong Learner podcast we are joined by special guest Rebecca Block. Rebecca is an author and teen advocate and expert, educator, amongst a whole array of other things. She delves into her experiences and insights working with young people in education. Rebecca, who has played a significant role in the field as the AVP of Innovation and Improvement at SpringBoard, discusses her transition into new opportunities and her passion for bridging the gap between schools and families through initiatives like FAIR Education. She shares her journey from an undergraduate degree in humanities to her work in education, driven by a love for helping others learn and grow. Rebecca reflects on her path, from tutoring to pursuing a PhD, to ultimately focusing on how to make education more meaningful and engaging for students. Rebecca emphasizes that the key to motivating and engaging students isn't mysterious—it aligns with what motivates adults: meaningful connections, relevant learning, an

This is the global edition, Gines is tuning in from the US, Ben from Australia and Matt from Indonesia. Gines shares that he’s spending time at a lake house in upstate Minnesota, enjoying some family time in nature. Ben finds it interesting, pointing out that such homes are rare in Australia due to building regulations near bodies of water. As the conversation flows, Ben transitions the discussion to a thought-provoking question inspired by his son’s recent observations in America. His son, currently traveling through the U.S., has been struck by the stark contrast between the affluent coastal areas and the poverty-stricken zones inland, particularly a disturbing encounter on a long street in Denver, known for its socioeconomic challenges. This observation leads them to discuss the significant differences between the U.S., Australia, and Lombok. Matt reflects on his own experiences in places like Los Angeles and Paris, where wealth and poverty coexist side by side. He compares this with Lombok, where, des

Gines and Ben are back together to share updates and delve into a meaningful conversations about life’s challenges and growth opportunities. Ben reflect on the recent passing of a beloved family member, offering a touching tribute and discussing the nuances of familial relationships. Ben provides an intriguing look into his recent journey preparing for a bodybuilding competition, describing the intense training regimen and dietary discipline required. His story offers insights into the dedication needed to achieve ambitious goals. He emphasizes the importance of setting a clear deadline for his goals, which helped him stay committed and focused throughout the demanding process. This experience underscores how deadlines can serve as powerful motivators, driving progress and ensuring accountability. Ben and Gines explore the reasons why people often hesitate to try new things, focusing on the fear of failure and the role of ego in limiting personal growth. They discuss how setting specific goals and deadlines

In this deeply insightful episode, Gines, Matt, Ben, and special guest Ryan tackle a range of engaging and vital topics that resonate with anyone committed to personal growth and lifelong learning. They kick things off with a candid discussion about the impact of perimenopause on women's health. Drawing from a recent workshop that unveiled a comprehensive list of symptoms and the profound emotional toll it can take, they highlight the importance of acknowledging and addressing these often-overlooked issues. Despite having 25 registrants for the workshop, only a handful attended, which sparked a conversation about the common tendencies of denial and avoidance when it comes to confronting health issues, even when viable solutions are within reach. As the episode unfolds, the hosts delve into the transformative power of recognizing and embracing our shadows, flaws, and negative emotions. They discuss how facing these aspects of ourselves head-on can lead to significant personal growth, greater resilience,

Episode 100! We made it! This is our first solo episode with Gines. He shares where it all started and why the podcast exists. He goes on to explain why the podcast is named Life Long Learner. This episode is brought to you by Make It Happen Group performance coaching - makeithappengroup.org For more updates and to subscribe head to -lifelonglearnerpodcast.com Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/lifelonglearnernow Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lifelonglearner.podcast Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCz_HJXIvmwW7HfzhaOM0itQ hello@lifelonglearnerpodcast.com

Gines, Matt and Ben bring you another episode of Life Long Learner, Out Of Class edition. Ben shares soon there will be more space in his world and the need for a hobby. The fellas dive into what is a hobby? Why do we have hobbies? What does it bring to you. The topic of Devotion vs Discipline does get brought up and the feeling of a hobby being a chore. What does your hobby bring you? This episode is brought to you by Make It Happen Group performance coaching - makeithappengroup.org For more updates and to subscribe head to -lifelonglearnerpodcast.com Facebook - www.facebook.com/lifelonglearnernow Instagram - www.facebook.com/lifelonglearner.podcast hello@lifelonglearnerpodcast.com

We need a level of stress in our system for progress? However, chronic stress is not ideal and not healthy. The dose is the poison. Know that things will pass and allow it to happen. Don't swim against the tide, but fight it, as it is going to tire us more. When we push our agenda and it is against the tide, it creates more tension than needed. What is your relation to stress and pressure? As the trees need strong winds to get stronger. This episode is brought to you by Make It Happen Group performance coaching - makeithappengroup.org For more updates and to subscribe head to -lifelonglearnerpodcast.com Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/lifelonglearnernow Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lifelonglearner.podcast Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCz_HJXIvmwW7HfzhaOM0itQ hello@lifelonglearnerpodcast.com