Non-Toxic Masculinity: Trauma, Healing & Creating Spaces That Inspire with Rawson Kirkhope

In this deeply powerful episode of Core and Commerce, host Perry Howell sits down with Rawson Kirkhope, founder of VRTUS Gym and a leading voice in men’s mental health and domestic violence advocacy. From the outside, Rawson embodies strength—ex-military, business owner, and leader of one of Bondi’s most sought-after fitness communities. But beneath the surface lies a story marked by profound childhood trauma, growing up in an environment of severe domestic violence that culminated in a life-altering, near-fatal incident involving his mother. In this raw and honest conversation, Rawson opens up about living with complex PTSD, navigating hypervigilance, and the long road toward healing. He shares how vulnerability—once something he suppressed—became his greatest strength, allowing him to reclaim his narrative and redefine what masculinity truly means. Together, Perry and Rawson explore: - The lasting impact of childhood trauma and breaking cycles of violence - The realities of PTSD and learning to live alongside triggers - Why vulnerability is a cornerstone of real strength - How Rawson built VRTUS into more than a gym—a thriving, values-driven community - The role of storytelling in healing and helping others feel less alone This episode is both confronting and deeply inspiring—a reminder that true resilience isn’t about what you carry silently, but what you’re willing to face, share, and transform. If you or someone you know is navigating trauma, this conversation offers hope, perspective, and a powerful sense of connection.   Chapters 00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro 01:22 Vulnerability and Anxiety 02:57 Living With Complex PTSD 05:38 Childhood in Violence 08:58 Triggers and Hypervigilance 10:37 Facing Fears and Healing 11:48 Night of the Shooting 17:48 Aftermath and Testifying 22:09 Military and Seeking Validation 25:37 Finding Peace and Purpose 26:43 Sharing the Story Publicly 30:05 Community Heals Trauma 31:00 Posting Your Story First 32:28 Reclaiming Your Narrative 33:21 Blue Nail Advocacy 36:38 Building Virtus Bondi 43:18 Scaling Beyond A Gym 46:09 Why Bondi Feels Like Home 48:54 Rapid Fire Bondi Myths 52:06 Legacy And Next Year   Core & Commerce is the space where ambition meets wellbeing. Hosted by Perry Howell, marketing leader, wellness founder, and media powerhouse - and inspired by her own journey of redefining success, balance, and health. Bringing realness to wellness, each episode goes deep in honest, unfiltered conversations with the founders, creators, and innovators moving the wellness world forward.   If you enjoy the show, subscribing, rating, and leaving a review makes a real difference. It helps the podcast reach new listeners and allows me to keep creating intentional conversations like this one.   Subscribe to Core & Commerce on all platforms: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UCV1IYtabu3mc3SGxRDc5EiA Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/core-commerce/id1858299411 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4VO0pBexqGMMCNM3kXnafC?si=6Uk3WZRaSMy-s2wa2l5F4Q   Follow Core & Commerce: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coreandcomm/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@coreandcomm   Follow Perry Howell: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perryhowell/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/perrymhowell/ Website: https://www.perryhowell.com/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@perryhowell_ ShopMy Episode Look: https://shopmy.us/shop/perryhowell Amazon Picks: https://www.amazon.com.au/shop/perryhowell?ref_=hype_hm_sf_e   Follow Rawson Kirkhope: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rawsonkirkhope/   Explore VRTUS: Web: https://vrtus.com.au/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vrtusbondi/   Explore Polished Man: Web: https://polishedman.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/polishedman/