The Culture Standard

Some books sell a few thousand copies. The Alchemist has sold over 65 million — and become one of the most translated books by any living author. So what is it about this simple story of a shepherd boy chasing a dream that's resonated with so many people for so long?In this episode we break down Paulo Coelho's modern classic — the fable of Santiago, a young Andalusian shepherd who leaves everything behind to follow a recurring dream to the Egyptian pyramids. What starts as a treasure hunt becomes something much bigger.We unpack the ideas at the heart of the book: the concept of a "Personal Legend" and what it means to pursue your own, why the journey teaches you more than the destination ever could, and that line everyone quotes — "when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it." We talk about fear as the biggest obstacle to any dream, the importance of reading the omens along the way, and whether the book's optimism holds up when you're standing in the middle of real life.Is it profound wisdom or clever simplicity? We give you our honest take — what landed for us, what we pushed back on, and the takeaways worth carrying into your own journey.

What does it actually mean to live a successful life — and why do so many of us chase a version of success that leaves us feeling emptier than when we started?In this episode we dig into Where the Light Gets In, the book from mindset coach Ben Crowe, known for his work with some of the world's best athletes and performers. It's a book about the perspective shifts that change how you show up — for yourself and everyone around you.We get into the ideas that stuck with us: letting go of the need for external validation, the difference between your ego and your true self, and why self-acceptance isn't the enemy of ambition but the foundation of it. We talk about vulnerability as a strength rather than a weakness, how the stories we tell ourselves shape our reality, and what it looks like to define success on your own terms instead of borrowing someone else's scorecard.Whether you know Ben's work or you're hearing about the book for the first time, this one's a conversation about wellbeing, mindset, and the small perspective shifts that create real change.

Episode 18 features Rachael Lynch OAM—Australia’s most-capped Hockeyroos goalkeeper, with 222 international appearances, two Olympic Games, three Commonwealth Games medals and the 2019 International Goalkeeper of the Year award.But Rach’s impact stretches far beyond the hockey pitch. She is also a nurse, an R U OK? ambassador, an advocate for organ donation, a director at STOMP Goalkeeping and has worked closely with Australia’s wheelchair rugby team.In this honest and wide-ranging conversation, we explore the realities of spending years on the bench, performing under pressure, navigating difficult team cultures and fighting for Olympic selection. Rach also shares her perspective on mental health, wellbeing, good leadership and how to support someone who is going through a tough time.Rach has achieved an extraordinary amount, but she measures her success differently: not by caps or medals, but by how she has made people feel.This is a conversation about resilience, kindness, pressure and building a legacy that reaches well beyond sport.

From local footy beginnings to coaching at Melbourne Football Club, his journey is one of persistence, growth, and continual improvement.Rhett “Rooster” McLennan is one of Australian football’s most respected coaches. He’s the most successful coach in Gippsland Power history and now serves as Head Coach of the Casey Demons while also working as a Development Coach at Melbourne Football Club.During his six years at Gippsland Power, an incredible 32 players were drafted into the AFL.But this conversation isn’t about game plans, premierships or draft picks.It’s about the person behind the coach.Rooster has always been known as a great teammate, a great clubman and someone who genuinely cares about the people around him. He works incredibly hard, loves having a laugh, gives back to his community and is always searching for ways to improve himself and those around him.We explore what leadership looks like when it isn’t just about winning football games, the importance of health and fitness, fatherhood, marriage, raising Harper and Fletch with his wife Melinda, and the role reading has played in his personal growth.We also dive into the idea of “talent stacking”—the belief that you don’t have to be world-class at one thing to become exceptional. Sometimes being really good across a handful of important areas can create extraordinary results. Rooster shares why small daily improvements create a snowball effect over time and how compound interest applies just as much to life as it does to money.Along the way we discuss the best player he’s coached, overcoming imposter syndrome, the value of voice memos and reflection, and yes… some of the outrageous outfits he’s become known for over the years.This episode is packed with practical wisdom on leadership, family, coaching, personal growth and living a life of continual improvement.Whether you’re a coach, parent, leader or simply someone wanting to become a little better each day, this conversation is full of lessons you can apply immediately.

Andrew Gaze is more than an Australian basketball legend—he’s one of our great people. Across five Olympics, two NBL championships and a record-breaking career, Gazey represented Australia with enormous pride. But behind the achievements is a humble, caring family man who brings fun, energy and kindness wherever he goes. We talk about his special relationship with his dad Lindsay, handling expectations and setbacks, the importance of teammates, what representing Australia truly means—and why the relationships built along the journey matter far more than any medal. Full of laughter, humility and beautiful perspective, this is Gazey at his very best. 

Some people don’t just come into your life… they change the direction of it. Outside of family, no one has had a bigger positive influence on Beau’s life than Andy Walton. Andy isn’t famous. He hasn’t coached AFL premierships or led a Fortune 500 company. He’s simply one of the finest people you’ll ever meet. A true blue Aussie. A country lad. A devoted husband and father. Hard-working, humble, authentic, and the type of bloke who makes everyone around him feel like they matter. Years ago, Andy was Beau’s boss as a house painter. But he was far more than a boss. He created a workplace where people genuinely loved turning up each day. He trusted people, challenged them, encouraged them and somehow managed to bring out the very best in everyone around him. That’s his superpower. Andy has an incredible ability to make people feel valued, believed in and capable of more than they ever thought possible. Life hasn’t always been easy. We talk about how Andy has been through some incredibly tough times, but what stands out isn’t the adversity—it’s the attitude he’s chosen to face it with. His positivity, resilience and ability to keep moving forward are nothing short of inspiring. Andy was also one of the driving forces behind the incredible culture built at the Phillip Island Football Club. As one of the club’s best junior coaches and later Beau’s senior assistant coach during one of the most successful eras in the club’s history, he influenced hundreds of players—not just to become better footballers, but better people. His fingerprints are all over the culture that made that club such a special place. This episode is about character. It’s about the kind of person we should all aspire to become. If you want to become a better leader, coach, parent, teammate, friend, or person this conversation is for you. We hope you enjoy it as much as we did. The Culture Standard Better People. Better Teams. Better Culture.  

In this episode of The Culture Standard, we sit down with one of the greatest leaders Australian sport has ever produced—David Parkin AM. His résumé is extraordinary. 211 AFL games for Hawthorn. Premiership captain. Four-time premiership coach. Carlton Coach of the Century. AFL Hall of Fame. Australian Sport Hall of Fame. Legend status at both Hawthorn and Carlton. Order of Australia recipient. Educator. University lecturer. But this conversation isn’t about football. It’s about life. David reflects on the lessons he’s learnt through decades of leadership, success, setbacks, criticism, illness and personal growth. We explore the pressure that comes with putting yourself out there, dealing with judgement, being sacked despite reaching the top of your profession, and how leadership can become all-consuming if you’re not careful. David speaks openly about the sacrifices that can come with chasing excellence and how his perspective has changed over the years.  For Beau, this conversation was particularly special. David became his mentor during his Level 2 coaching accreditation, generously giving his time through coffees, phone calls, training sessions and match-day feedback. What quickly became obvious wasn’t just how great a coach David was—but how remarkable he was as a person. His humility. His curiosity. His willingness to keep learning. His desire to leave people better than he found them. One of the biggest takeaways from this episode is that great leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about continually evolving. In this episode we discuss: How great leadership changes over time Having the courage to put yourself out there despite criticism Learning from setbacks, sackings and failure Why flexibility is one of a leader’s greatest strengths The importance of physical and mental fitness Finding trusted mentors and “critical friends” Reflecting on legacy and what really matters Lessons from a lifetime of coaching, teaching and leading As usual David also shares: ✔️ His two greatest pieces of wisdom. ✔️ The biggest hardship he’s faced. ✔️ One area he’s still trying to improve. This isn’t just a conversation for football lovers. It’s a masterclass in leadership, resilience, self-reflection and living a meaningful life. We hope you enjoy this conversation as much as we did. 

Chris and Beau break down two of the more important conversations in health and longevity right now — neuroscientist Dr. Wendy Suzuki and longevity physician Dr. Peter Attia, both from Diary of a CEO. Together they unpack what the latest science actually says about exercise, brain health, and the habits that move the needle on how long — and how well — we live. From VO2 max to dementia risk to the mindset shifts that make these changes stick, Chris and Beau translate the research into what it actually means for everyday life, training, and the way we age. A must-listen for anyone serious about playing the long game with their health.https://youtu.be/ZxXruY7llcc?si=-HFYO8HIL4aCLRikhttps://youtu.be/5o-tRub-0pQ?si=s4fht2hxJcTaGOAm

In this special episode of The Culture Standard, Chris and Beau sit down with the person who has been there by Chris’s side through it all—his wife, Jess.Together for 16 years since they were 19 and 21, Jess has been a constant source of support through life’s highs and lows. From navigating seasons of depression, backing Chris through sport, business ventures and career changes, to raising three children together, their journey has been built on commitment, resilience and growth.Jess shares her perspective on marriage, motherhood, overcoming challenges, and what it takes to build a strong family while facing life’s hardships together. Through every setback and success, their experiences have strengthened their relationship and shaped the values they live by today.This conversation is an honest look at partnership, perseverance, and the power of having someone in your corner no matter what.

What if the biggest lever on the quality of your day, your mood and your relationships came down to one thing — the energy you choose to bring?In this episode we break down The Energy Bus by Jon Gordon, the bestselling fable about a bloke at rock bottom who turns his life around after a chance encounter with a bus driver and her ten rules for living with positive energy. It's a simple story with a serious message: the energy you give out is the energy you get in return.We get into what Gordon's ten rules actually look like in your own life — when you're trying to get out of a funk, build better habits, or just show up as a better version of yourself:​You're the driver. Taking ownership of your direction and your focus instead of letting your circumstances steer.​Fuel the ride. Gratitude, attitude and the daily habits that keep your tank full.​Guard your energy. Spending less time with the people and thoughts that drain you, and more on the ones that lift you.​Drive with purpose. Living with intent, looking after yourself, and actually enjoying the journey.It ties straight back to the through-line of every book we've covered on the show — that fulfilment is built from the inside out. The energy you give out is the energy you get in return. Hop on.

Legends, This week we sit down with Steven Kretiuk — former Bulldogs player in the AFL and one of the more grounded blokes you'll come across.On the field, Steven had the discipline, work rate, and toughness that AFL demands. But the reason we wanted him in the room wasn't the footy. It was the person behind it.This conversation digs into the values that shaped him — the stuff that doesn't show up in a stat line. Integrity, humility, how he treats the people around him, and what he's carried with him long after the game. We talk about what it actually takes to stay true to yourself, the difference between being a good athlete and a good man, and the principles he leans on when things get hard. Chris also Mentions and spends a bit time explaining how Steve has impacted him in a positive way in his life.Whether you follow the game or not, this one's about character. Have a listen.

What does it take to have the courage to be yourself?In this episode of The Culture Standard, we sit down with one of Australia’s most respected leaders, Peggy O’Neal AO.Born and raised in the United States, Peggy shares the challenges of moving to Australia, building a life from scratch, and creating a strong sense of community despite having few connections when she arrived. Her story is a powerful reminder of the importance of backing yourself, embracing change, and doing what you can, when you can.Peggy has broken barriers throughout her career. She became the first female lawyer at her century-old law firm and later the first female President in AFL history, helping lead the Richmond Football Club through one of the most successful eras in its history, including three premierships.But what stood out most to us wasn’t the list of achievements.It was Peggy’s authenticity.Her willingness to be herself. Her curiosity about people. Her ability to treat everyone with the same respect, regardless of their title, status, or background.Throughout this conversation, Peggy shares wisdom on courage, belief, perspective, empathy, community, kindness, volunteering, reading, writing, and living a life of purpose.This episode is packed with practical lessons and timeless advice from someone who has achieved extraordinary things while never losing sight of what matters most.If you’ve ever wondered how to stay true to yourself while leading others, this conversation is for you.Key themes:• The courage to be yourself• Building community and meaningful relationships• Leadership and breaking barriers• Perspective, empathy and kindness• Doing what you can, when you can• Volunteering and giving back• Lifelong learning through reading and writing• Creating a life of purpose and impactWe hope you enjoy this conversation as much as we did.The Culture Standard

In this episode, we break down the powerful ideas from Atomic Habits by James Clear and explore how small daily actions can create massive long-term change. We dive into the psychology of habits, identity-based growth, discipline, motivation, and why success is often less about big goals and more about consistent systems.We discuss practical strategies from the book, including habit stacking, environment design, breaking bad habits, and the compounding effect of tiny improvements over time. Along the way, we also explore how modern distractions, dopamine, and routine shape our behavior more than we realize.Whether you’re trying to improve your health, business, mindset, productivity, or relationships, this conversation breaks down how habits quietly determine the direction of your life — and how to take back control of them.

You know Beau’s story. Now meet the woman who lived it alongside him. Lucy Vernon — wife, mum of three, and clinical psychologist — joins the podcast for the first time to share her perspective on life after Beau’s injury. The adjustments, the heartbreak, the growth, and the moments nobody talks about. A conversation we’ve been waiting a long time to have.

This week we dive into The Resilience Project and unpack why a book built on such simple ideas has resonated with so many people around the world.We explore the book’s core framework — Gratitude, Empathy and Mindfulness (GEM) — and discuss why modern life seems to be making people more connected digitally but more disconnected emotionally. From social media comparison and burnout to anxiety, success, purpose and emotional resilience, this episode gets into the habits and mindsets that actually shape wellbeing day to day.We also talk about the difference between achievement and fulfillment, why vulnerability might be a real form of strength, and whether modern society has drifted too far from the things humans genuinely need to feel grounded and happy.Whether you’ve read the book or not, this conversation is packed with practical insights, honest reflections and meaningful discussion about mental health, resilience and what it means to live well in a constantly distracted world.

In this episode, we dive into Viktor Frankl's experiences and insights from living through the holocaust, we break down what it really means to find meaning in suffering, why mindset matters more than circumstances, and how this applies to everyday life - whether your chasing goals, facing setbacks, or just trying to improve and figure things out.We can choose our response when everything else is out of our control.

In this episode of The Culture Standard, we break down the messages from Rick Rigsbys famous speech. We discuss the life lessons he shares about character, gratitude, kindness and what it truly means to live with purpose. This is a great Speech and a must listen, so here it is belowhttps://youtu.be/lw-5f4QN1zs?si=3pHe1XK-a69n9FFp

In this episode of the Culture Standard we have our first guest, Ryley Batt. Ryley is the GOAT of wheelchair rugby and more importantly, he is an even better bloke. Ryley is a brute on the court, kind and caring off it, with a smile that lights up the room. Ryley shares his story with a heap of life lessons and a good laugh a long the way.

On this episode we break down 3 key messages from the book, Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey.We delve into the lessons and learnings from Matthew through his life and how it shaped him into who he is today. We also explain how these lessons have been used in our lives, or how we can incorporate them to benefit from this wisdom too.Enjoy

Welcome to the very first episode of The Culture Standard.In this episode, we share our backgrounds, the experiences that have shaped us, and why we started this podcast.We come from different walks of life, but we are united by a positive outlook, a passion for growth, and a desire to become the best version of ourselves. Chris opens up about a tough upbringing and his battle with depression in his early 20s, while Beau shares his journey of becoming a quadriplegic at 23.This is not about feeling sorry for ourselves. It is about how adversity can shape you, strengthen you, and help build the person you choose to become. This episode is about perspective, resilience, growth, and setting the tone for what The Culture Standard is all about.