bravo charlie club

Ben's recording from a listener's Melbourne studio, and it's a big week. We:•     Welcome Oman (with a warm smile and eye contact).•     Celebrate the main event: Richard has launched an app. MacroBurn is a macro tracker built for endurance athletes — meal plans, a shopping list that breaks down by supermarket department, the lot — and it's at macroburn.cc, free for now while he gathers feedback. (You don't have to be an athlete; it's a great macro tracker either way.)•     Share a travel tip and a warm reminder: small-town hospitality is real — the local who directed Ben 'back to the servo' without knowing (or needing) its name.•     Field listener CF's genuinely inspired idea: why don't cars have backward-facing horns? (A polite 'beep' for the tailgater behind you.)•     Ask the Conundrum: why is it called a toothbrush when you brush more than one tooth? Plus: how high does a mountain have to be to count as an 'alp'?Next week: why do people say 'when in Rome' when they're nowhere near Rome?Send us a text by clicking hereJoin the WhatsApp inner sanctum for early access to all episodes as they drop and share feedback straight to us! Only 48million more subscribers to catch Real Madrid!Email us through [email protected] a rating or review if you think we are worthy. 

This week we:•     Welcome Uzbekistan (salam).•     Ask what hotel housekeeping really thinks of you — after Ben checked out and turned around to find 12 empty muesli bar boxes lined up by the bin. Richard counters with the time he left a single shoe behind.•     Collect signs that make no sense: New Zealand's 'roadside drug testing is here' (Ben asked what they had for us to try), a volcanic eruption rated 'low probability and high possibility', and the Paris map Ben binned in a rage in about 1999.•     Field listener MP's question on things that should never go in coffee — salt, butter, oils — and mark a genuine milestone: Richard drank a latte.•     Ask the Conundrum: we all go on road trips, so why has 'air trip' never taken off? (Ben looked up airtrip.com. It's four blokes on camels.)•     Settle the follow-up: how old is too old to hang on to a mustard? Plus the discovery of 'fysh sauce'.Next week: why is it called a toothbrush?Send us a text by clicking hereJoin the WhatsApp inner sanctum for early access to all episodes as they drop and share feedback straight to us! Only 48million more subscribers to catch Real Madrid!Email us through [email protected] a rating or review if you think we are worthy. 

A short and sweet one this week — we'll give you a few minutes back. We:•     Welcome Venezuela.•     Explore the power of holding your tongue as you get older — and Ben's Jakarta airport tale of zen restraint that paid off in the most unlikely way.•     Offer a travel tip: count your change (a Bali vendor shortchanged Ben with the biggest smile).•     Read listener JR's note on Japan's heated toilets — now with selectable theme music — and yes, he was 'going to flick us an email.'•     Finally answer the Conundrum teased last week: what's the furthest from the airport you can refuel and still hand back a full tank? (Ben did the maths.)Next week: we can go on a road trip, so why has 'air trip' never taken off?Send us a text by clicking hereJoin the WhatsApp inner sanctum for early access to all episodes as they drop and share feedback straight to us! Only 48million more subscribers to catch Real Madrid!Email us through [email protected] a rating or review if you think we are worthy. 

Richard's back after a bout of pneumonia, and we're back to the usual 12.5 minutes. This week we:•     Welcome Kenya (habari!).•     Hear Richard's slow-burning fury at Domino's — a 90-minute pizza, and a 'free' voucher with a $22.90 asterisk.•     Establish that our kids now need Wi-Fi to brush their teeth.•     Share a hard-won travel tip: read the sticker on the hotel toilet (Ben pressed the bidet button… twice).•     Continue the great washing-machine saga from ep 054 — listener JA backs Richard, and Ben's wife Tanya writes in to correct the record ('misleading at best, dodgy at worst').•     Ask the Conundrum: why don't we just get given 'biotics'? Plus the bonus — how long did it actually take to build Rome?Next week: how far from the airport can you refuel a rental and still hand it back showing a full tank?Send us a text by clicking hereJoin the WhatsApp inner sanctum for early access to all episodes as they drop and share feedback straight to us! Only 48million more subscribers to catch Real Madrid!Email us through [email protected] a rating or review if you think we are worthy. 

Back to the usual 12.5 minutes. This week we:•     Welcome Guatemala — and attempt the time-of-day greetings, including the entirely made-up 'buenos nachos'.•     Air a Fully Awake Project grievance: the swim mates who happily use Ben's keep cup but won't use their own — even the ones he gave them.•     Celebrate the small, perfect moment of being waved past a fragrance counter because you're clearly not the target market — which is exactly how a certain bcc t-shirt got its motto.•     Debate wearing your bulkiest clothes onto a plane, and Ben's newfound love of shorts on a long-haul.•     Answer listener MG on why Ben isn't on Facebook (and admit marketing hasn't been our strong suit 55 episodes in).•     Settle the Conundrum: when did it become okay to 'flick' an email? (Shooting one, mind you, is completely fine.) Plus a bonus — what actually makes a plot thicken?Send us a text by clicking hereJoin the WhatsApp inner sanctum for early access to all episodes as they drop and share feedback straight to us! Only 48million more subscribers to catch Real Madrid!Email us through [email protected] a rating or review if you think we are worthy. 

This week we're back to the usual 12.5 minutes. We: Say hola to a new listener country, Ecuador.Ask the Fully Awake Project question — what's the most unusual way you've met someone you're still in touch with? (Ben's 20-year friendship that began with a borrowed book; Richard's that began with 'nope, not telling'.)Field a listener tip to pack spare shoes for stashing dirty laundry — and land on Ben's rolling method instead.Explain why Ben tips in US dollars (Australian money looks like Monopoly clown money) and how Richard's 'Jason Bourne' cash bag works.Settle in for the great washing-machine debate: how full is too full, front-loader vs top-loader, and whether 'agitation' is even real.Next week: when did it become okay to be flicking emails?Send us a text by clicking hereJoin the WhatsApp inner sanctum for early access to all episodes as they drop and share feedback straight to us! Only 48million more subscribers to catch Real Madrid!Email us through [email protected] a rating or review if you think we are worthy. 

This week we go long: a special-edition deep dive into Japan, with Ben just back and Richard about to go. In ~35 minutes we:•     Set the scene on Ben's 16-day trip — a work convention, a side hop to Seoul, and about eight days of free time.•     Tackle temple (and Japanese garden) overload — and Ben's confession that he only actually made it to one temple.•     Investigate the 7-Eleven fruit sandwich, and why you can eat well from a Japanese convenience store all day long.•     Reframe the Shinkansen: it's not a plane, it's public transport — be at the door or end up 100km down the line.•     Unlock the transit card already hidden in your iPhone (Suica / iCoca in Apple Wallet) and Ben's top-up-to-zero trick.•     Rank the top three highlights: a very thorough airport bag search, a whiskey distillery, a knife shop, and an RC-car mecca in Akihabara.•     Notice what works differently: running-water soundtracks in toilets, heated seats everywhere, polite walking 'overtakes', and a lift rated for 15 people at 66kg each.•     Wander off-map through a Kanazawa ramen bar, a samurai district, and the bar from Lost in Translation (cover charge and all).•     Answer the big one — would Ben go back? (Yes, just maybe not Tokyo.) Plus a reminder that a weak yen and a Wise card make for smart timing.Send us a text by clicking hereJoin the WhatsApp inner sanctum for early access to all episodes as they drop and share feedback straight to us! Only 48million more subscribers to catch Real Madrid!Email us through [email protected] a rating or review if you think we are worthy. 

One year of bcc! Can you believe it ? What exactly is thought leadership?Exit row awesomeness. 2FA does not require roaming!BH wondering what happens to the black dots in hotel rooms?Trouble brewing in Ben's household. Whats the statutory legal expiry date of easter egg ownership? Send us a text by clicking hereJoin the WhatsApp inner sanctum for early access to all episodes as they drop and share feedback straight to us! Only 48million more subscribers to catch Real Madrid!Email us through [email protected] a rating or review if you think we are worthy. 

Volunteering! Is it a dying practice?Listener BH actually sent feedback based on the teaser form Episode 50! He asks does volunteering start with clearing the dishwasher at work and emptying the work bins... surely that's it in its basic format?Ben’s volunteering career reflection.Listener MP asks “Mr Benno, with your Wise card, do you load it up with the local currency or just have AUD and let it convert?”Ben replies with wise wisdom.Thanks to all the listeners who sent pictures of completed Rubik’s cubes.JA says our audio in ep44 best ever. - Thanks JA. CF came to a stark realisation: the asteroid that ended the dinosaurs was technically the highest ratio of killing birds to one stone in earths history. hahaha.Ben discovers hotel gyms, but what to do about the gym music?Thats the pod folks.  Thanks for tuning in. Send us a text by clicking hereJoin the WhatsApp inner sanctum for early access to all episodes as they drop and share feedback straight to us! Only 48million more subscribers to catch Real Madrid!Email us through [email protected] a rating or review if you think we are worthy. 

The benefit of a bad opinion.Ben's big in JapanRichard thinks his t-shirt is so cool. *cough*Listener JG sends us gifts. Thanks!Listener MG asks what the difference between Ben's Bucket list and someday maybe lists is. Listener AT clarifies his 4 screen setup. Do we still need "No Smoking" signs on planes ? Really ?Thats it folks. Thanks for stopping by!Send us a text by clicking hereJoin the WhatsApp inner sanctum for early access to all episodes as they drop and share feedback straight to us! Only 48million more subscribers to catch Real Madrid!Email us through [email protected] a rating or review if you think we are worthy. 

- Observations on the "screw" jar.- First class - Yes please!- RL writes in : “How is a game between 2 teams anything but 50/50. Stop saying it.”- DR writes in about the AI deep dive episode. He listened to all 90 minutes! He says “Great episode boys. We are moving fast into an exciting future. Embrace, learn and be creative but most importantly don't forget what's important to you. For me that's health, family and business”Dan's SHIFT podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/4Mlx9z1LCAijK6lHV5U2Xy?si=7ykpsdO1Rv2fBd3DCjv2cQ- "Here and there" as a response to “Where have you been". The ultimate brush off or keeping the mystery?Send us a text by clicking hereJoin the WhatsApp inner sanctum for early access to all episodes as they drop and share feedback straight to us! Only 48million more subscribers to catch Real Madrid!Email us through [email protected] a rating or review if you think we are worthy. 

- Elusive skills.- Folding fitted sheets - Where is the win? - Ben v Rich on Tech organisers.- Richard’s golden wing saga; or when NOT to invest in lifetime membership.- Listener MF brings her own conundrum! (unpacked below). Thanks MF!- Hotel liquid soaps, shampoo & conditioner. Acid for your face? or Manna from heaven?- Freedom bird - The plane that took soldiers home. What did they call the one that went to the war ? Send us a text by clicking hereJoin the WhatsApp inner sanctum for early access to all episodes as they drop and share feedback straight to us! Only 48million more subscribers to catch Real Madrid!Email us through [email protected] a rating or review if you think we are worthy. 

- On "being a good dad". - Cash v Card - the eternal debate. Which is better for travel? - https://www.travelex.com.au/travelex-hub/travel-tips/cash-vs-travel-card-vs-credit-cards?utm_source=Iterable&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=au1.2_120061&utm_content=non-tmc- Listener AT is all in on LCD screens, and says LCD screens on vacuum cleaners are a must.- Listener MM write in with their conundrum below.- Mate, that’s a bit far fetched....Send us a text by clicking hereJoin the WhatsApp inner sanctum for early access to all episodes as they drop and share feedback straight to us! Only 48million more subscribers to catch Real Madrid!Email us through [email protected] a rating or review if you think we are worthy. 

This is not your usual 12.5-minute bcc episode — and that's completely on purpose.Ben and Richard sat down with longtime friend and 30-year marketing and tech veteran Ben Slater for a long-form special edition on AI. No script, no agenda beyond genuine curiosity — just three mates with very different vantage points trying to make sense of the fastest-moving space any of us have seen.They got into the practical stuff (personal AI operating systems, email agents that learn your voice, overnight website builds) and the big stuff (will AI collapse global inequality or widen it, what happens when your kid's IT degree gets outpaced by the tools, and why the best art might still need real suffering behind it).If you're a regular bcc listener here for the 12.5-minute commute format — this one probably isn't for you, and that's okay. Normal service resumes next week. But if you've got a longer drive, a gym session, or just an evening where you want to sit with a genuinely good conversation about where all of this is heading — press play.Low-barrier action from the episode: commit to 15 minutes a day with an AI tool, try a different service than the one you already use, and use your voice instead of your keyboard.Guest: Ben Slater — @benslater on Instagram.Send us a text by clicking hereJoin the WhatsApp inner sanctum for early access to all episodes as they drop and share feedback straight to us! Only 48million more subscribers to catch Real Madrid!Email us through [email protected] a rating or review if you think we are worthy. 

- Ben hears something so crazy he feels compelled to immediately fact check it.- Tanya's hotel booking travel hack.- Listener KH says, “it’s an unusual experience to listen to bcc, because Ben you sound so sensible on the podcast.” 😂- Richard's punctuation ? Can he explain himself ? - How far are we away from self driving cars (really) ?Send us a text by clicking hereJoin the WhatsApp inner sanctum for early access to all episodes as they drop and share feedback straight to us! Only 48million more subscribers to catch Real Madrid!Email us through [email protected] a rating or review if you think we are worthy. 

The secret life of checked bags. We discuss what is really going on after you check your bag in at the airport (and why we still wont do it) https://www.smh.com.au/business/companies/the-secret-life-of-your-checked-baggage-20251128-p5njc7.htmlListener EX asks “Do you take your shoes off when you fly long haul?Listener @whalecube writes in on our YouTube channel and says “You Guys are going to be something Huge One Day. I feel 12 Minutes Awesomer Already.” - Thanks mate.What would you die for? And what does that even really mean? And isn’t that then also what would you live for?For your chance to win a limited edition bcc mug check out our poll in the inner sanctum, see link below. Send us a text by clicking hereJoin the WhatsApp inner sanctum for early access to all episodes as they drop and share feedback straight to us! Only 48million more subscribers to catch Real Madrid!Email us through [email protected] a rating or review if you think we are worthy. 

How awesome are mates?Ben's Amazon belt hanger experience. Surviving long haul flightsListener TH asks how we came up with the 12 and a half minute listener promise.Voicemail - Yay, nay or maybe ? Send us a text by clicking hereJoin the WhatsApp inner sanctum for early access to all episodes as they drop and share feedback straight to us! Only 48million more subscribers to catch Real Madrid!Email us through [email protected] a rating or review if you think we are worthy. 

- Vacuum cleaners with LCD screens ... Why? 🤦‍♂️🤷‍♂️-  Hotel room alarm clocks get their marching orders.- MM writes in and says “The chat about sports: for me a sport must involve 2 things: an element of competition and some level of exertion...” - JT says “I completely agree with your response timeframes, Ben! Linked In messages go in the bin.- Killing two birds with one stone!- Your wife, mate and boss all call at once. Which do you answer?  Send us a text by clicking hereJoin the WhatsApp inner sanctum for early access to all episodes as they drop and share feedback straight to us! Only 48million more subscribers to catch Real Madrid!Email us through [email protected] a rating or review if you think we are worthy. 

- What's with Uber's random 'Why not take a ride' messages ? - Why did Ben switch to the Didi ? - Richard's totally non travel tip latest youtube binge watch channel. - Lister's question for listeners : (How meta) .. “Have you ever been out for a meal. And then had to reorder a whole meal at another place, because the meal you received was so bad”. ⁃ When your local cafe redoes the clipboard style menu to laminated is that a sure sign it's about to go downhill ?Send us a text by clicking hereJoin the WhatsApp inner sanctum for early access to all episodes as they drop and share feedback straight to us! Only 48million more subscribers to catch Real Madrid!Email us through [email protected] a rating or review if you think we are worthy. 

Ben's wife writes in to say he was mistaken 😂🤣Short haul recliners .. Yay or Nay ?Fly ahead .. Ben gets seat swapped to the far end of the plane.50% chance of 0mm of rain .. Dear god what does it mean ?'Feels Like' - is it totally made up ? Send us a text by clicking hereJoin the WhatsApp inner sanctum for early access to all episodes as they drop and share feedback straight to us! Only 48million more subscribers to catch Real Madrid!Email us through [email protected] a rating or review if you think we are worthy. 

Why do Council's use the smallest font possible on rates and water notices ? Pacemaker giftingAudible: Perfect for bookworm drivers ? JA shares tales while E-biking and listening - Thanks JA.GG: On hero's journey - “Tap into failure. We aren’t superhuman.” - Wise words.Google AI summaries : Love em or hate em ?Send us a text by clicking hereJoin the WhatsApp inner sanctum for early access to all episodes as they drop and share feedback straight to us! Only 48million more subscribers to catch Real Madrid!Email us through [email protected] a rating or review if you think we are worthy. 

The hero’s journeyhttps://time.com/6304708/heros-journey-psychology/Planned unplanned trips can be funhttps://www.imoova.comListener AT says “Damn is definitely a swear word, although it's so used in common language now that it may not be perceived as such. It literally means “curse”.How long is “I’ll just be 5”?Send us a text by clicking hereJoin the WhatsApp inner sanctum for early access to all episodes as they drop and share feedback straight to us! Only 48million more subscribers to catch Real Madrid!Email us through [email protected] a rating or review if you think we are worthy. 

- Should we take gap years?- What Richard buys only at airports. - Ben's Kris Flyer lounge fail. - Is damn a swear word?- Social media ban in Australia apparently not harming our listenership.- “Think nothing of it”. Discuss...Send us a text by clicking hereJoin the WhatsApp inner sanctum for early access to all episodes as they drop and share feedback straight to us! Only 48million more subscribers to catch Real Madrid!Email us through [email protected] a rating or review if you think we are worthy. 

Ever been added to mailing list that you were like “not sure how that happened, but this is COOL!”. Yeah us either 🤣Send then spell check or spell check then send? Ben breaks bad.Richard’s head's up for when haggling. The best thing ever got some feedback - listener CG says its Dogs! AT shared an article about an e-sport “athlete” getting South Korea’s highest sporting honour.?? https://esportsinsider.com/2026/01/faker-cheongyeong-medal-awardRestaurants and Cafe's - Whats up with your fonting ?Send us a text by clicking hereJoin the WhatsApp inner sanctum for early access to all episodes as they drop and share feedback straight to us! Only 48million more subscribers to catch Real Madrid!Email us through [email protected] a rating or review if you think we are worthy. 

- What would be in your rider if you were in a movie?- Ben walks us through eSims for the win. - PD tells us “There’s no money in podcasts, get a real job.”- Richard does research on the best thing ever, but a listener gives us the best answer.Send us a text by clicking hereJoin the WhatsApp inner sanctum for early access to all episodes as they drop and share feedback straight to us! Only 48million more subscribers to catch Real Madrid!Email us through [email protected] a rating or review if you think we are worthy. 

Dopamine hits from awesome recommendations. Vision boards ?Ben considers changing his name to become the most famous author.Economy longhaul seat suggestion.Our suggestion of www.seatguru.com has shut down however www.seatmaps.com appears a very suitable replacement. Happy travels!Listener writes in on overthinking toast settings.Beach tennis ? Is that really a sport ? What popular sport can we rebrand into a beach version ?…See you next week. bravo charlie club, out!Send us a text by clicking hereJoin the WhatsApp inner sanctum for early access to all episodes as they drop and share feedback straight to us! Only 48million more subscribers to catch Real Madrid!Email us through [email protected] a rating or review if you think we are worthy. 

Richard recaps his jury duty stint, bringing justice to Queensland.Practical advice for travelling traffic snarled cities.“Notify anyway” analysis. We share the results!Listener feedback - Thanks Lardy69 ! You're a champ!Nothing would make me happier! (really?)… and thats the pod !Send us a text by clicking hereJoin the WhatsApp inner sanctum for early access to all episodes as they drop and share feedback straight to us! Only 48million more subscribers to catch Real Madrid!Email us through [email protected] a rating or review if you think we are worthy. 

Gifting !What’s the worst gift you’ve ever given someone?Whats the best gift you have ever been given?Fully Awake ProjectWhat is the worst “mocker” you’ve ever put on anything?Travel tip of the weekBen's extra flight mode hack. Mailing list exit surveys - What gives ?Listener feedbackMM writes in and asks us what does being “generous to a fault” mean?Conundrum of the weekSMS 'Notify Anyway' seems oddly invasive - what really happens ? ... and thats the pod !Send us a text by clicking hereJoin the WhatsApp inner sanctum for early access to all episodes as they drop and share feedback straight to us! Only 48million more subscribers to catch Real Madrid!Email us through [email protected] a rating or review if you think we are worthy. 

Resolutions - How are they going folks ?Is a jar of expired quince paste the weirdest thing you've ever seen on GumTree ?Worst / Best travel legs. Lister Feedback & Conundrum double playSteering wheel positioning - 10 & 2 v 9 & 3. Is ginormous on street parkage ruining ya hood ? Thats the pod folks :)Send us a text by clicking hereJoin the WhatsApp inner sanctum for early access to all episodes as they drop and share feedback straight to us! Only 48million more subscribers to catch Real Madrid!Email us through [email protected] a rating or review if you think we are worthy. 

Happy new year everyone!New years resolutions - How are we rolling in '26 ? Government travel websites : Worth a look before travelling internationally. Powerbanks .. seem like a hassle now …..Freq. Flyer points - use em or loose em ? Fully pro podcast hook up for listeners - First ten listeners to head over to securitybase.com.au and use BCC15OFF get 15% on their first purchase.That time the bank sent MFA codes in the mail 🤣If it’s neither under whelming or over whelming then you are just ...... ?Send us a text by clicking hereJoin the WhatsApp inner sanctum for early access to all episodes as they drop and share feedback straight to us! Only 48million more subscribers to catch Real Madrid!Email us through [email protected] a rating or review if you think we are worthy. 

Happy Christmas everyone!Niche Marketing : Ben's sign.How far in advance to book holidays. Ben is the consummate planner vs Richard the vagabond .. which style wins ? Thanks for the shout out Telstra!JG writes in with a conundrum about emojis. Do no junk mail signs work ? Thanks everyone and see you in 2026. Send us a text by clicking hereJoin the WhatsApp inner sanctum for early access to all episodes as they drop and share feedback straight to us! Only 48million more subscribers to catch Real Madrid!Email us through [email protected] a rating or review if you think we are worthy. 

Ben extracts wisdom from The Illusion of Knowledge, but it was originally mentioned in From Scenario Thinking to Strategic Action.Will Ben leave your gifts behind if they can’t fit in his carry on ?JG mainlines all 24 episodes - Legendary !!The bcc podcast double sign off : yay or nay ? Join our poll in the inner sanctum!Send us a text by clicking hereJoin the WhatsApp inner sanctum for early access to all episodes as they drop and share feedback straight to us! Only 48million more subscribers to catch Real Madrid!Email us through [email protected] a rating or review if you think we are worthy. 

Listeners gets the inside line on Breville's new toast tech from Kris Rowland : https://sensability.coBen flys on a plane with ashtrays in the arm rests, and lands safe....  in 1985. 😂What’s the lowest uber rating of a driver you would get in to the car for?Listener KM shared a video on what can actually happen with soaps in some hotels. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6qJV34pcOaw Listener MM writes in and says “Hey Richard and Ben... On the subject of sending reminder texts to mates... I've been reflecting and think it's definitely a good thing”Movie spoilers ? Are older movies ever discussable ?Send us a text by clicking hereJoin the WhatsApp inner sanctum for early access to all episodes as they drop and share feedback straight to us! Only 48million more subscribers to catch Real Madrid!Email us through [email protected] a rating or review if you think we are worthy. 

Mental decluttering with James Clear.Reflecting on things we would do differently. Travel security & juice jacking / data blockers.BS snorkels with the bravo charlie club. How cool! Is it okay to park in front of someone else’s house?A listener offer on SecurityBase USB Data BlockersIf you want one use BCC15OFF for a 15% discount on all USB Data Blockers and Bundles at www.securitybase.com.au available for the first 10 people who use the code.Send us a text by clicking hereJoin the WhatsApp inner sanctum for early access to all episodes as they drop and share feedback straight to us! Only 48million more subscribers to catch Real Madrid!Email us through [email protected] a rating or review if you think we are worthy. 

- Password managers. There are no more excuses. Just get one.- Power banks … no longer safe for plane travel and what Ben uses instead.- Richard's close shave with a carry on razor blade.- The age old issue of what side of the footpath to walk on - solved !- Shout out to mates - JC you legend.- At what age do you think is the cut off to re-skill? - Has Richard left it too late to play for the Geelong Cats ?Send us a text by clicking hereJoin the WhatsApp inner sanctum for early access to all episodes as they drop and share feedback straight to us! Only 48million more subscribers to catch Real Madrid!Email us through [email protected] a rating or review if you think we are worthy. 

- Richard feeds his neighbours - Ben tries a pedicure.- Loyalty cards on the road and hiding things that need to be hidden.- Travel habits study reveals two very distinct types of travellers.- Ben gets scammed and tells all so you don’t have to. - What happens to all the hotel soaps ? Send us a text by clicking hereJoin the WhatsApp inner sanctum for early access to all episodes as they drop and share feedback straight to us! Only 48million more subscribers to catch Real Madrid!Email us through [email protected] a rating or review if you think we are worthy. 

- Richard unloads. When a package delivery goes bad ! 📦- That time Richard changed his signature then tried to buy a house...- How to build an igloo. 🧊- What does it mean to say “I cant thank you enough”?Send us a text by clicking hereJoin the WhatsApp inner sanctum for early access to all episodes as they drop and share feedback straight to us! Only 48million more subscribers to catch Real Madrid!Email us through [email protected] a rating or review if you think we are worthy. 

Are email scam amounts getting bigger ? Wise words from James Clear on decluttering your mind.Credit card travel insurance.www.finder.com.auShould you send mates reminder texts for catch ups ? Ben gets into trouble anyway ..Send us a text by clicking hereJoin the WhatsApp inner sanctum for early access to all episodes as they drop and share feedback straight to us! Only 48million more subscribers to catch Real Madrid!Email us through [email protected] a rating or review if you think we are worthy. 

How great are mates !Ice baths : Richard is all in .. literally !! 🥶🛁2 vs 4 wheel carry on bags.Best tea bag techniques.Ben's daughter sets the record straight on punctuation.Banana bagging ! Harmless pass time or turtle slaying ?Send us a text by clicking hereJoin the WhatsApp inner sanctum for early access to all episodes as they drop and share feedback straight to us! Only 48million more subscribers to catch Real Madrid!Email us through [email protected] a rating or review if you think we are worthy. 

WhatsApp blue ticks. On or off?Rawdogging ? 🤷‍♂️ 😂Wet hair in airport scanners..Washing management long trips vs short ones. KH in Darwin - Thanks for reaching out and keep up the amazing work.  💕Its the least i can do .. Really ?? Send us a text by clicking hereJoin the WhatsApp inner sanctum for early access to all episodes as they drop and share feedback straight to us! Only 48million more subscribers to catch Real Madrid!Email us through [email protected] a rating or review if you think we are worthy. 

On this week's show…….Surprise! No video!Our software ate one of our streams, so while we recovered it from  a backup it is audio only this week. Normal programming resumes next week.Net Promoter Score : Old hat or tried and true?Cutting the South East Asian airport queue with an APEC card.Or use the online visa systems wherever possible.Listener MR says the best reason for hydrating on long haul flights is that it lessens your risk of a blood clot. Sounds like our listeners are smarter than us. Cheese on pizza, the secret ingredient for a major pizza brand photo shoot is……..When did punctuation in text messaging become aggressive? Send us a text by clicking hereJoin the WhatsApp inner sanctum for early access to all episodes as they drop and share feedback straight to us! Only 48million more subscribers to catch Real Madrid!Email us through [email protected] a rating or review if you think we are worthy. 

Richard's Lime bike/scooter review fail.Currency management - Ben’s give and go vs Richard’s Jason Bourne. Is Ben finally off the hook on snorkels? Restauranteur AJ writes in: “By searing first Richard has failed to put the reverse in reverse searing.”First time reverse searers LG & SG write in with a request for more details.Thanks everyone for writing in! [email protected] I've got Apple updates set to automatic, but sometimes my phone doesn’t update - what gives? Bonus question : Why skip from Version 18 to Version 26?Link to Reverse Searing : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZWKr3JHPGTISend us a text by clicking hereJoin the WhatsApp inner sanctum for early access to all episodes as they drop and share feedback straight to us! Only 48million more subscribers to catch Real Madrid!Email us through [email protected] a rating or review if you think we are worthy. 

Richard murders a steak while trialling reverse searing without any idea .. but does it work out ok anyhow 🤷‍♂️Taxis and transfers. We have a Bali recommendation but does it play in other countries ?Are souvenirs a massive yes or a hard no ? And if yes what ?A listener asks - What's up with your podcast music ? Does Ben really not know the neighbour who mows his lawn ?And exactly how late is too late to mow the lawn on a Sunday evening ?Send us a text by clicking hereJoin the WhatsApp inner sanctum for early access to all episodes as they drop and share feedback straight to us! Only 48million more subscribers to catch Real Madrid!Email us through [email protected] a rating or review if you think we are worthy. 

This episode trials a concept never used before in the bravo charlie club We discuss more on the topic of “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with”, with help from Mark Manson. What filters are you using?Pro 'food allergy' tips, that benefit everyone & save you cash.A listener writes in with 'The 30 second bedbug test'. What are the 3 best pizza toppings? Send us a text by clicking hereJoin the WhatsApp inner sanctum for early access to all episodes as they drop and share feedback straight to us! Only 48million more subscribers to catch Real Madrid!Email us through [email protected] a rating or review if you think we are worthy. 

Am I really the average of my five closest friends?Ben’s daughter navigates a suspicious stranger interaction while overseas.How Richard handles washing while travellingSome surprising listener feedback is deliveredWhat exactly is a money can’t buy experience?Send us a text by clicking hereJoin the WhatsApp inner sanctum for early access to all episodes as they drop and share feedback straight to us! Only 48million more subscribers to catch Real Madrid!Email us through [email protected] a rating or review if you think we are worthy. 

• Richard simplifies the self-help industry down to one powerful principle.• Travel rituals revealed: Richard always packs tea bags while Ben shares the background behind why he always buys jelly beans upon landing• Listener feedback re-raises the great snorkel debate and airplane window seat etiquette is dissected.• The conundrum unpacks how much of your neighbour's lawn you should mow.Send us a text by clicking hereJoin the WhatsApp inner sanctum for early access to all episodes as they drop and share feedback straight to us! Only 48million more subscribers to catch Real Madrid!Email us through [email protected] a rating or review if you think we are worthy. 

From racing bikes in the Australian outback to accidentally moving countries, we share the strange paths life sometimes takes.Richard's recent adventure racing through the desert corrugations of Alice SpringsBen accidentally moved to Canada for nine monthsUsing Uber as a courier service to retrieve forgotten items from hotelsHere's the link: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/andrew-pullen_winning-activity-7363826413075890177-Km_VA listener defends proper Italian cooking and weighs in on the great pasta shape debateAnd sharing our gift-giving philosophy - what items are too personal to give and alternative gift strategiesSend us a text by clicking hereJoin the WhatsApp inner sanctum for early access to all episodes as they drop and share feedback straight to us! Only 48million more subscribers to catch Real Madrid!Email us through [email protected] a rating or review if you think we are worthy. 

Ever wondered if you're getting the most bang for your buck from your streaming subscriptions? This week's episode might change how you view your entertainment options entirely. We uncover the surprising truth that YouTube has actually dethroned Netflix and Amazon Prime as the world's most-watched streaming platform – and for good reason.The secret lies in YouTube's democratised content creation ecosystem. With creators now equipped with professional-grade cameras and equipment, the platform delivers stunningly specific content that mainstream services simply can't justify producing. From intricate woodworking tutorials to in-depth cycling content, YouTube serves the passionate niche interests that Netflix never will. We share our own content rotation strategy that could save you hundreds annually while still catching all your favourite shows.For those planning European adventures, our Paris Metro hack alone is worth the listen. Ditch the overpriced tourist day passes and use the Navigo card through Apple Wallet instead – a simple change that could cut your transit costs by more than half. We also dive into the art of effective AI prompt engineering, revealing how giving your AI a persona and asking thoughtful follow-up questions dramatically improves results. And what's the deal with expiration dates on dental floss? We tackle this peculiar packaging mystery and question whether food expiry dates are genuinely necessary or if we're all capable of determining freshness without printed guidance.Whether you're a streaming enthusiast, a budget-conscious traveller, or simply curious about the small peculiarities of modern life, this episode delivers practical tips and thoughtful observations to make you "12 and a half minutes more awesome" this week. Subscribe now and join us next week as we explore the gift-giving conundrum: what items are too personal to buy for someone else?Send us a text by clicking hereJoin the WhatsApp inner sanctum for early access to all episodes as they drop and share feedback straight to us! Only 48million more subscribers to catch Real Madrid!Email us through [email protected] a rating or review if you think we are worthy. 

Death, hydration, and notification overload might seem like an unlikely trio, but they weave together perfectly in this episode as we navigate the contradictions of modern life. We kick off with a powerful quote that stops us in our tracks: "The tragedy of modern man is he spends more time optimizing what is on his CV than what is in his eulogy." This springboards us into candid reflections on mortality and preparedness – Ben reveals he's written a eulogy for someone still living (who happens to be a listener and will learn this for the first time), while Richard has meticulously curated his funeral playlist chronologically from childhood discoveries to recent indie tracks.The conversation pivots to practical wisdom with our essential travel tip: stay hydrated! Whether you're battling the moisture-sapping environment of a long-haul flight or navigating the inevitable alcohol consumption of business trips and vacations, carrying water is non-negotiable. We share listener feedback about ingenious travel hacks, including a packable shirt steamer https://amzn.asia/d/eE7uXwd that banishes wrinkles without ironing – perfect for the business traveler who refuses to check luggage.What truly gets us fired up is modern communication overload. When did humanity collectively decide we needed fifteen notifications about a single Amazon package? Why does a buttonless medical device require a 128-page manual? And the email etiquette minefield – is it appropriate to text someone alerting them you've sent an email, or should you use those contentious read receipts? We're asking the questions everyone's thinking but few are discussing. Between Ben's insights on diabetes technology advancements and Richard's handwritten-but-digital letters to his daughter, we're exploring how communication has fundamentally transformed. Ready to pause the notification flood and think about what really matters? Give this episode a listen and join the conversation!Send us a text by clicking hereJoin the WhatsApp inner sanctum for early access to all episodes as they drop and share feedback straight to us! Only 48million more subscribers to catch Real Madrid!Email us through [email protected] a rating or review if you think we are worthy. 

In the Fully Awake Project, we set about exploring whether phone notifications should be on or off, and share our minimalist approaches to home screen organisation and journaling systems. We debate the merits of spending $3,500 on cat dental surgery and question if men really have any say in such household decisions.• Keeping phone notifications off until around 5pm each day for better focus• Using a minimalist home screen with only 8-16 essential apps• Implementing a two-stage journaling system with Field Notes for daily tasks and permanent journals for important thoughts• The surprising $3,500 cost of cat dental surgery and the inevitable outcome despite logical arguments• SeatGuru.com as an essential travel resource for finding the best airplane seats• Finally we end up debating whether it's possible to give 110% effort or if that means you weren't giving 100% initiallySend us a text by clicking hereJoin the WhatsApp inner sanctum for early access to all episodes as they drop and share feedback straight to us! Only 48million more subscribers to catch Real Madrid!Email us through [email protected] a rating or review if you think we are worthy.