When a Side Hustle Becomes a Movement: Career Change, Passion, and Mental Health

What happens when a casual side hustle turns into a global movement for mental health? In this episode, Shayla and Kate sit down with Nick Hudson, engineer-turned-entrepreneur and founder of The Push-Up Challenge. What began as friendly banter at the surf club became one of Australia’s biggest mental fitness events, raising over $50 million for mental health and connecting hundreds of thousands of people. Nick shares how open-heart surgery, a battle with depression, and the itch to create something meaningful pushed him toward a bold career change. What started as a side hustle became his passion, proof that following a spark can change not just your own life but the lives of many. From engineering rules to outlaw moves, Nick talks about: – Why innovation is so hard inside traditional careers – The leap from side hustle to full-time mission – “Mental health by stealth” and how a push-up can start a conversation – Taking risks, funding your dream, and failing hard (in the best way) – The tension between being sensible and going all in when you follow your passion Whether you’re contemplating a career pivot, building a side hustle, or wrestling with your own mental health journey, this episode is packed with real talk, risk, and resilience. This episode is for you if: – You’re dreaming of a career change but stuck in the “what if” loop – You’ve got a side hustle that lights you up more than your day job – You want to know how to follow your passion without burning it all down – You’re interested in practical, hopeful ways to engage with mental health 🔧 Resources & Links 🌐 Learn more about The Push-Up Challenge 📩 Subscribe to the Outlaws newsletter for updates and extras ❤️ If you loved this episode… Share it with a friend who’s sitting on a “one day” idea. Rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify — it helps more Outlaws find us! 🔗 Connect & Explore Hosted and produced by: Shayla Strapps and Kate Offer Website: www.outlawspodcast.com Email: [email protected] 💬 Join the conversation: 📘 Facebook Group: Outlaws Podcast Community 💼 LinkedIn