The How Story

Everyone’s talking about the housing crisis… but very few people actually understand what’s driving it.Nerida Conisbee, Chief Economist at Ray White, breaks down affordability, supply, construction costs, and what young buyers should really be focusing on in 2025.Welcome to The How Story.

Candice Feng shares how she built Miss Morning and simplified the skincare routine into a single product.A practical conversation about business, risk, and creating something the market actually needs.If you're looking to unlock your full potential, this is where you'll learn the mindset, health practices, and tactics that fuel success.

What does it take to build a brand people actually feel?Amy Castano breaks down the mindset behind influence, entrepreneurship, and launching a business during one of the toughest times for small operators.Her take on connection, leadership, and risk is a masterclass for modern founders.Episode is live. Tap in. 🎙️

In this episode, Andrew Gung, founder of Core Confidence Coaching, shares how heartbreak, self-doubt, and rejection pushed him to rebuild his entire life from the inside out.From teaching himself psychology and attraction. Andrew opens up about the lessons men need to hear: fear, failure, leadership, and self-respect.

Milly Banister, founder of allknd, shares the story of how vulnerability became her greatest strength.She opens up about anxiety, purpose, social media, and why young people deserve to be trusted with the language of wellbeing.

Viv Conway is the co-founder of Girls Get Off, a brand redefining how women talk about pleasure, confidence, and self-expression.What started as a lockdown idea turned into one of New Zealand’s boldest e-commerce success stories, built on grit, purpose, and unapologetic honesty.

In this episode of The How Story, Chad Stephens, creator of 1Form, shares how he transformed a personal frustration into the original Australian real estate application platform used by millions nationwide.From $2 pasta nights and rejection emails to million-dollar exits, Chad reveals the raw truth behind startup creation — the sacrifices, timing, and lessons that come with building, scaling, and selling a business.

Meet Tim Graham The General Manager at Hotspotting, one of Australia’s leading independent real estate analysis firms. With over 14 years of experience as a buyer’s agent and a deep understanding of market cycles, finance, and property investment, Tim has helped countless Australians make smarter decisions with their money. From spotting high-growth suburbs to simplifying complex data, Tim bridges the gap between property insight and real-world strategy, showing investors how to build wealth the right way.

From scaling cliffs to scaling startups Andrea Gardiner went from extreme risk-taking as a rock climber and skier to building Jelix, one of Australia’s leading venture capital firms. In this episode, she shares how lessons from the mountains shaped her approach to investing, what VCs are really looking for in founders, and the values that drive her biggest business decisions.

Jeremy Cabral is best known as the co-founder of Finder, one of Australia’s most successful comparison platforms, and a leader who’s helped scale it into a global business. Over his career he’s been recognised for building high performing teams, driving growth at scale, and shaping digital innovation in Australia’s startup scene. In this episode, Jeremy shares the hustle, risks, and lessons behind those achievements, and what it really takes to back yourself as a founder and leader.Welcome to The How StoryOn this channel, we go deep with the world’s most inspiring and high-performing people — from CEOs to athletes, creators to thought leaders. If you're looking to unlock your full potential, this is where you'll learn the mindset, health practices, and tactics that fuel success.Our mission is to inspire 1 million people to believe in their power to achieve more. If that’s you — hit the subscribe button and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode.

In this episode, PR expert Danica Bunch breaks down exactly what public relations is, how it differs from marketing, and why every business, big or small needs PR to build credibility, attract clients, and handle crises.From her 20+ years in government to running her own global agency, Danica shares proven strategies, real stories, and practical tips to help you understand and use PR for business growth.

Jonathan Webber’s CEO journey is a masterclass in resilience and entrepreneurship. From overcoming childhood adversity to sleeping on a mattress in his office while building his first company, Jonathan has turned hardship into a multimillion dollar business empire.If you’re a business owner, aspiring entrepreneur, or future CEO, this episode is packed with real-world strategies and inspiration to help you grow, lead, and make an impact.

From a passion for health to co-founding Chief Nutrition, Veronika’s story is fuelled by resilience, running, and real food. 🏃‍♀️🥩✨In this episode, she shares the powerful lessons behind her journey, from overcoming challenges to building a brand dedicated to clean ingredients and lasting health.If you care about performance, wellness, and what really goes into your food, this one’s for you.

In this episode of The How Story, we sit down with Liz Gould, a performance psychologist and mindset coach who has worked with elite athletes, executives, and high achievers across the globe. From supporting athletes preparing for the Athens Olympics to guiding leaders through burnout and performance blocks, Liz brings unique insights into what it truly takes to perform at the highest level.We explore her journey from a sports-loving student to discovering psychology, her experiences working with Indigenous athletes in Darwin, and what she’s learned from years inside high-performance sporting systems. Liz unpacks the difference between good and great performers, why hustle culture is a myth, and how to cultivate sustainable success through rhythm, recovery, and intentionality.Welcome to The How Story

From just $200 and a dream, Rami built Rashays into one of Australia’s most loved restaurant brands. His story is about resilience, relentless drive, and never letting fear of failure hold you back.From war-torn beginnings to leading a nationwide restaurant empire, Rami shares the lessons, the struggles, and the wins that shaped his journey. Welcome to The How Story

From growing up in a refuge, to serving time in prison, to building a thriving property business that empowers Aboriginal Australians, Bradley Gimbert's story is one of resilience, accountability, and transformation. This episode will inspire you to take control of your future, no matter where you start.

From Newcastle to New York Fashion Week, from second-hand makeup to her own beauty line. Bonnie’s story is one of pure grit.She dropped out of uni. Hustled her way into the industry. Built a 6-figure eComm brand with over 100K followers at @ozbeautyexpert. And she’s just getting started.Welcome to The How Story

From selling scratchies at 10 to building a $3.45 billion property empire , Chris Christofi shares his relentless journey to success.In this episode, Chris opens up about his humble beginnings, early failures, and the lessons that shaped him into one of Australia’s most successful property entrepreneurs. He talks about rentvesting, smart wealth building, losing it all in his 20s, and rebuilding with purpose.💬 Topics covered:• Real estate investing in Australia• Sales mastery and business growth• Rebuilding after failure• The mindset behind wealth and legacy• Why rent money isn’t dead money🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share if you're ready to build wealth brick by brick.#ChrisChristofi #PropertyInvesting #AustralianEntrepreneur #WealthBuilding #Rentvesting #BusinessPodcast #MindsetMatters #FinancialFreedom

Welcome to The How StoryJulian, the founder of Loan Options, is changing the game in finance with AI. In this video, he reveals how his innovative technology is making loans faster, more transparent, and easier than ever before. From starting with nothing to building a multi-million dollar business, Julian’s story is one of hustle, risk, and relentless ambition. Find out how he bet big on AI and won. This is the future of lending.

Brad Krauskopf has helped reshape the way Australians work. As the CEO of Hub Australia, he’s created premium, experience driven spaces that put hospitality at the heart of office life.In this episode, Brad reveals what makes a great workplace, why design impacts performance, and how flexible work is rewriting the rules of business.

Jason Cadee played over 400 games in the NBL, wore the green and gold for Australia, and lived every young athlete’s dream. But behind the headlines was sacrifice, pain, and a moment that nearly ended everything.In this raw and revealing conversation, Jason opens up about the car crash that changed his life, the pressure of performing under a national spotlight, and the heartbreak of missing moments that mattered most.He shares what it really takes to survive at the top, why walking away was the hardest decision of all, and how he's redefining success in the business world post-retirement.

Toby Jenkins made it to the Olympics.He built a successful business and now coaches high performers.But the real story? It took him nearly 20 years to let himself feel proud of it.In this episode, Toby shares the moments most people never see — the quiet doubts, the small acts of kindness that changed everything, and what it means to show up even when it’s hard.If you’ve ever questioned whether you're really "enough" — this one’s for you.

From Burnout to Biohacking: How Andy Mant Built Bon Charge into a Global Wellness BrandWhat if the secret to better sleep, sharper focus, and a healthier life isn't another supplement—but better light?In this episode of The House Story, we sit down with Andy Mant, the founder and CEO of Bon Charge, a global wellness tech brand pioneering blue light blocking glasses, red light therapy, grounding tech, and more. From battling chronic health issues in his 20s to building a multi-million dollar brand now at the forefront of biohacking innovation, Andy shares the raw journey behind it all.Discover how Andy went from feeling constantly unwell—kidney stones, fatigue, constant injuries—to hacking his own biology using ancestral principles with a modern twist. His journey into biohacking began with the ketogenic diet, but exploded when he discovered how artificial light was wrecking his sleep and energy levels. That sparked the idea for Bon Charge—and what started with a single pair of ugly Amazon goggles has grown into a wellness empire.Why morning sunlight is non-negotiable for hormone regulation, energy and moodThe truth about blue light, screen addiction, and how it's silently disrupting your sleepThe science behind circadian rhythms—and how modern life throws them offHow red light therapy, grounding, and EMF-free lighting are transforming daily wellnessWhy your phone could be tricking your brain into thinking it's midday at midnightThe real reason bad sleep makes it harder to lose weightHow to “habit stack” wellness into your daily routine (without wasting hours)Why your best ideas come during moments of stillness—Andy’s concept of “thinkitation”Andy also opens up about the business side of Bon Charge:Starting with no investors, no funding, just hustleBuilding a global brand with his wife Katie while working full-time jobsWhy brand + science + storytelling became their formula for successHow he scaled operations, hired top Sydney talent, and navigated global growthThe importance of trusting your instincts and taking imperfect actionWhether you're an entrepreneur, wellness seeker, or someone struggling with sleep and burnout—this conversation is packed with insight and practical advice to help you take control of your health, one habit at a time.🎙 Perfect for listeners interested in:Biohacking & wellness techSleep optimisation & circadian scienceEntrepreneurship & scaling eCommerce brandsLight therapy, EMFs & ancestral healthMindfulness, grounding & mental clarity

Todd Liubinskas is revolutionising the fitness racing industry with his vision for YOHKA, a high-performance, high-adrenaline event series blending elite sport, community, and competition.From running courier vans at 18, to launching fitness businesses, to training with the Wallabies and Reebok, Todd’s journey is proof that high performance doesn’t end when the jersey comes off , it evolves.

$3.7 billion in unpaid child support. 85% of single parents are women. 90% receive child support payments because they're typically the lower earner. This episode tackles the hard truths behind separation, divorce, and financial vulnerability faced by women in Australia today.Family law solicitor Jane Farquhar from Lighthouse Law Group joins The House Story for a deeply personal and professionally insightful conversation on navigating separation, rebuilding your life, and understanding your legal rights. Jane shares her own journey—from expat luxury in Singapore to being a stay-at-home mum, going through divorce, and starting a second career in law in her 40s.🎙️ In this episode, we cover:Jane’s personal story of divorce and financial resetHow she empowered herself through gratitude, study, and purposeThe reality of the “motherhood penalty” in AustraliaWhy 85% of single parents are women—and how the system still fails themThe true cost of going to court: why it can reach $100K+Why financial disclosure, consent orders, and mediation matterHow some men weaponise child support, and why enforcement is flawedLegal tips for married women to protect themselves—before it’s too lateWhat is a prenup in Australia (aka Binding Financial Agreement)?The patterns Jane sees again and again in relationships breaking downWhy you should never stop working or hand over full financial controlHow staying mentally grounded helps family lawyers avoid burnoutThe Divorce Course Podcast and other key resources for womenThis episode is an essential listen for:✅ Women facing separation or considering divorce✅ Stay-at-home mums needing a financial wake-up call✅ Men and women who want to build balanced partnerships✅ Anyone navigating child support, court systems, or prenups✅ Legal professionals working in emotionally demanding areasJane also gets candid about burnout in family law, her belief in gratitude and mindfulness, and why empathy without boundaries nearly derailed her legal career.“Being grateful changes the energy around you. Money drops out of the sky, people call you, opportunities present themselves—but only if you do the work.”Whether you're a woman planning your financial future, a parent seeking clarity around child support, or just someone looking to hear an honest, grounded conversation about relationships, resilience, and law—this episode is for you.This episode is part of our legal & empowerment series—covering family law, child custody, financial abuse, and navigating the legal system as a modern parent.🔔 Don’t forget to follow and rate The House Story on Spotify for more stories like this.#Divorce #FamilyLaw #ChildSupport #Prenup #Separation #FemaleEmpowerment #LegalAdvice #WomenInLaw #SingleMothersAustralia #ConsentOrders #FinancialAbuse #Mediation #ParentingAfterDivorce #Empowerment #JaneFarquhar #TheHouseStoryPodcastWelcome to The How StoryOn this channel, we go deep with the world’s most inspiring and high-performing people — from CEOs to athletes, creators to thought leaders. If you're looking to unlock your full potential, this is where you'll learn the mindset, health practices, and tactics that fuel success.Our mission is to inspire 1 million people to believe in their power to achieve more. If that’s you — hit the subscribe button and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode.

What does it take to walk away from a career at Google and build a business from scratch that skyrockets by 987% in revenue? In this episode of The House Story, we sit down with Jade Spooner, the powerhouse entrepreneur behind Equalution, one of Australia’s most disruptive nutrition and tech companies.Jade’s journey is anything but traditional—from dropping out of a law degree, to landing a job at Google, to co-founding a data-driven health app that reshaped the wellness industry. With raw honesty and refreshing clarity, she reflects on everything from scaling pains and investor negotiations to burnout, identity loss, and ultimately stepping away from the very business she built.If you’re interested in startup growth, female entrepreneurship, business exits, wellness tech, and what it really takes to scale a brand, this episode is essential listening.🚀 Key Highlights:Why Jade left Google to go all-in on Equalution—and why she never looked back.The mindset shift from employee to founder—and the steep learning curves that came with it.How she bootstrapped and scaled Equalution with a co-founder, launching a tech platform that exploded with nearly 1,000% growth.Inside the Silicon Valley trip that led to their app launch and the pivotal move to a Sydney-based accelerator.Jade’s thoughts on finding purpose after exiting, navigating the mental toll of leaving your “identity business,” and learning to build a life beyond the brand.Why self-awareness, grit and clarity of vision are non-negotiable traits for every founder.Her newest venture in AI-driven business management for online coaches, and how AI is transforming the future of service-based startups.🧠 Best Quotes From Jade:“Launching the app changed everything. We saw 987% revenue growth—overnight it became a real business.”“It’s not just about how to start. No one talks about how to leave your business—even when it’s successful.”“If you’ve got the itch, scratch it. Don’t wait for perfection. Just start.”💡 Topics Covered:Building in the wellness and nutrition spaceUsing tech to scale service-based businessesStartup struggles: from co-founder dynamics to capital constraintsPersonal development and rediscovering identity post-exitLeadership, team building, and decision-making at scaleHow AI is revolutionising online coaching and founder efficiencyMental health and managing burnout as a founderWomen in business and building brands with purposeWhether you're an aspiring founder, business coach, tech enthusiast, or navigating the “what’s next?” phase post-exit, Jade’s story is a masterclass in resilience, reinvention, and unapologetically chasing your next chapter.🎧 Listen now to discover why Jade believes the greatest growth often starts at the exact moment you decide to let go—and how you can future-proof your own founder journey.

Is Screen Time Destroying Our Kids? Claire Rowe on Parenting, Psychology & Digital DangersIn this powerful and unfiltered episode, leading child psychologist Claire Rowe joins us to unpack the urgent question every modern parent asks: "How much screen time is too much for my child?"Claire, the founder of one of Sydney’s most trusted psychology clinics, brings her no-nonsense approach to parenting, childhood behaviour, and mental health, challenging modern norms and exposing uncomfortable truths about screens, smartphones, diagnoses, and raising resilient kids.📱 Digital Cocaine?Claire explains why even “educational” screen time can be harmful to developing brains and how Silicon Valley is designing addictive tech, not learning tools, for children. If it's free, the price is your child’s attention span.👩‍⚕️ Inside Claire's WorldFrom competitive ballroom dancer to child psychologist and clinic owner, Claire shares her inspiring journey and how she built her practice from scratch, including impersonating a receptionist in the early days. Hear her views on parenting through separation, working with the Family Court, and challenging the mental health system from within.🚸 Parenting in 2025: What's Gone Wrong?Why are so many kids being diagnosed with ADHD or anxiety? Has parenting become an industry? Are we pathologising normal childhood behaviour? Claire shares deep insights on:Overdiagnosis and the role of TikTok in self-identificationThe decline of resilience and impulse control in kidsWhy modern parents feel paralysed by choice and expert overloadThe epidemic of anxious parenting and what to do about it🧠 Raising Strong Kids in a Soft WorldClaire offers actionable advice for parents wanting to raise strong, independent, resilient children — not just happy ones. Learn why being your child’s friend might be the worst move, how to be the calm leader your family needs, and why saying “no” is a gift.📊 You’ll Also Discover:The real impact of smartphones on primary and high school kidsHow mental health education may be doing more harm than goodThe role of dopamine, delayed gratification, and digital dependencyWhat parents can do to cut through the noise and trust their instincts🎧 Whether you're a new parent, a seasoned caregiver, or simply concerned about the future of childhood in a tech-obsessed world, this episode is a must-listen. Claire Rowe is smart, sharp, and unafraid to challenge conventional wisdom.🔍 Perfect for listeners searching:Parenting podcast Australia, child psychologist Claire Rowe, kids and screen time, ADHD diagnosis in children, childhood anxiety help, resilient parenting tips, raising strong kids, how much screen time for kids, digital parenting advice, mental health in children, psychology podcast 2025

From FacePunch to Drink Hyro: How Steve Chapman Built Two of Australia’s Most Disruptive Beverage BrandsIn this raw and inspiring episode of House Story, we sit down with Steve Chapman — the entrepreneurial force behind Shine+ (Australia’s first nootropic drink) and Drink Hyro, the DTC hydration brand taking over run clubs, gyms, and TikTok feeds nationwide.From being the youngest hire at PwC to building an app that got shut down by Facebook, Steve shares his rollercoaster journey — packed with bold moves, brutal lessons, and billion-dollar ambition. He opens up about his early ego crashes, why mentorship changed everything, and how losing it all at 20 shaped his future.💧 Inside Drink HyroWe dive deep into how Drink Hyro is disrupting the hydration market with clean electrolytes, smart branding, and a cult-like community. Steve unpacks the formula behind the product (zero sugar, double the electrolytes of Hydrolyte, plus magnesium for recovery) and how Hyro is playing at the intersection of wellness, performance, and modern culture.🧠 From Nootropics to Next-Gen HydrationBefore Hyro, there was Shine — the brain-boosting energy drink that went from startup to 7,000 stockists. Steve shares how Shine pioneered the “smart drink” category in Australia and the lessons he carried into building Hiro, a brand that lives and breathes DTC excellence, high-growth content, and conversion-first thinking.🔥 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Why Steve took a personal assistant job (after winning entrepreneurship awards) to learn business from the insideHow his first app “FaceBuy” went viral — and then got crushed by FacebookWhat most DTC brands get wrong about branding and tone of voiceThe difference between building retail-first vs. DTC-first brandsWhy hydration is a red-hot category — and how Hyro is winning itThe overlooked opportunity in building for “basic needs” — like sleep, protein, hydrationHow Steve scaled Hyro to millions in sales in year one — and what’s nextHis daily rituals (4:24 a.m. wake-ups), team culture (gratitude check-ins), and book recommendations for first-time foundersHow launching a business and becoming a dad at the same time changed his outlook💬 "If you're going to fail, fail at something you love." — Steve ChapmanWhether you're a founder, aspiring entrepreneur, DTC marketer, or just love hearing real startup stories, this episode is loaded with practical insights and inspiration. Steve doesn’t hold back, giving you the behind-the-scenes playbook on scaling a modern consumer brand in one of the most competitive spaces online.🎙️ About the Show:House Story is where Australia's most interesting founders and operators come to unpack their journey — the wins, the wobbles, and everything in between. We go deep on business models, brand strategy, mental resilience, and what it really takes to go from idea to iconic.🔎 SEO Keywords:Steve Chapman interview, Drink Hyro podcast, Shine drink founder, nootropic drinks Australia, hydration drinks Australia, best electrolyte drink 2025, Australian startup podcast, DTC brand strategy, facebuy Facebook lawsuit, Drink Hyro review, building a DTC brand, entrepreneurial failure stories, mentorship in business, startup founder story, drink startup success, Aussie hydration brands, wellness beverage trends 2025

From Model to Mogul: Taryn Williams on Building Wink Models, The Right Fit & Hash GiftedIn this powerful episode of House Story, we sit down with one of Australia’s most inspiring female entrepreneurs, Taryn Williams - founder of Wink Models, The Right Fit, and Hash Gifted. Taryn shares the raw, unfiltered journey of how she built a modelling empire from scratch at the age of 21 and scaled it into a tech-driven talent business that revolutionised the Australian modelling and influencer industry.🔥 Key topics in this episode:The early hustle of launching Wink Models with 500+ talent Australia-wideWhy she didn’t pay herself for two years — and how she made that workBuilding a custom tech platform to scale a modelling agencyThe leap into marketplaces with The Right FitFundraising, building MVPs, and learning the hard lessons of tech entrepreneurshipWhy she launched Hash Gifted, the platform reshaping brand-creator giftingThe realities of rejection, resilience, and what makes great talent succeedWhat new models, creators, and entrepreneurs need to know about contracts, usage rights & professional growthWhy AI is disrupting the creative economy — and how Taryn is preparing for it👠 Whether you're an aspiring model, startup founder, creator, or investor — this episode is a goldmine of insights. Taryn doesn’t hold back. She opens up about the challenges of bootstrapping, the realities of marketplaces, hiring strategies, retaining top talent, and how to spot gaps in the market.💡 Top quotes from Taryn Williams:“You can’t replace founder energy.”“You don’t need to have it all figured out — but you do need to work harder than anyone else.”“AI won’t replace humans — but it will replace humans who don’t use AI.”🎧 Listen now if you’re searching for:How to become a model in AustraliaWhat it takes to run a modelling agencyThe future of creator marketing and influencer techEntrepreneurial lessons from female foundersTips on building tech platforms for service-based businessesReal talk on investor funding, MVPs, and building to exit👩‍💻 More about Taryn:Taryn is a multi-exit founder, tech innovator and champion of ethical creator and modelling industries. After building a national modelling agency with over 500 models, she founded The Right Fit — a game-changing platform for booking creative talent — and Hash Gifted, which streamlines the gifting process between brands and creators. Most recently, she launched Online Model Academy (OMA) to educate and prepare the next generation of models.📈 As someone who has built, scaled and exited a tech business, Taryn shares an incredible perspective on female leadership, the power of hustle, the role of data and software in scaling service-based brands, and why she believes the future of talent is hybrid — part human, part AI.Don’t forget to follow the show and leave a review if you’re loving the House Story podcast. New episodes drop weekly featuring Australia’s most disruptive founders, creatives, and changemakers.#tarynwilliams #winkmodels #therightfit #hashgifted #australianentrepreneurs #femaleentrepreneurs #modellingagency #creatorplatform #startupstories #australianpodcast #founderstory #modelcareer #howtobecomeamodel #influencermarketing #creatorstrategy #techstartup #saasstartup #aiandcreativity #housepodcast

🎙️ Matt Purcell: How to Build a Personal Brand That Actually Sells!In this episode of The House Story, we sit down with Matt Purcell - one of Australia’s most trusted voices in personal branding, entrepreneurship, and digital media. From being adopted as a child and growing up in Newcastle to co-founding The Business Academy with Janine Allis (Boost Juice), Matt shares the raw, unfiltered story of how identity, brand and business intersect—and why most talented people remain broke without mastering self-promotion.As the founder of Qmedia and a strategic consultant to top-tier brands like American Express, MJ Bale, L’Oréal, and Xero, Matt reveals exactly how he leveraged his creativity to build a seven-figure brand—without a uni degree, and without a traditional roadmap. In his words, “You don’t need to fake it—you just need the proof, the process, and the positioning.”🔥 Key Topics Covered:How identity and personal brand are synonymous—and why you must define yourself before others doWhy most creative entrepreneurs stay poor, and how to change thatThe strategy behind landing big-name clients without connectionsWhat every founder needs to understand about brand positioning and “the man, the mission, and the message”How media training and content marketing builds trust (and converts it)Real talk on AI in creative industries, and why human insight still mattersWhy subjective success—not just financial success—should be your North StarMatt’s method for reinventing himself—from musician, to mentor, to brand builder📈 Whether you’re a business owner, marketer, creative, or startup founder, this conversation is packed with practical insights, mindset shifts, and marketing wisdom that you won’t find in any textbook.💡 SEO tags: personal branding, Matt Purcell podcast, how to build a personal brand, Australian entrepreneur stories, Qmedia, The Business Academy, Janine Allis, marketing podcast Australia, how to grow your business, business storytelling, founder journey, creative entrepreneur podcast, business identity, digital media strategy, branding expert, marketing tips for founders, how to win big clients, brand positioning, social media trust, building a brand in 2025

From Zero to a Global Coconut Water Brand: Scott Mendelson’s Raw C JourneyWhat do you do when everyone says your idea is a fad? If you're Scott Mendelson, you ignore the noise and build a globally recognised coconut water empire from scratch. In this inspiring episode of The House Story, we sit down with Scott—founder of Natural Raw C Coconut Water—to unpack his wild ride from importing his first container to cracking major supermarket shelves across Australia and launching into the U.S. market.With no experience in FMCG and zero funding, Scott bootstrapped Raw C from day one, navigating failures, rejected pitches, off coconut water, and doubters at every corner. Armed with nothing but hustle, resilience, and the support of his now-wife Dana, Scott’s story is one of pure entrepreneurial grit. Today, Raw C is a powerhouse brand, selling millions of units and expanding globally—all while still being 100% founder-owned.👊 What you’ll learn in this episode:How Scott went from finance dropout to building a $100M beverage brandThe brutal realities of breaking into the FMCG space with no networkWhy most people massively underestimate the cost, logistics, and mental toll of growing a drinks businessHow household coconut water penetration has surged past 20% in Australia—and what’s driving itThe power of brand authenticity, health trends, and immigrant communities in shaping food cultureWhy owning your business outright may be your greatest advantageWhy growing too fast can kill your business—and how Scott learned this the hard wayHow to balance product demand, logistics, cash flow, and talent as your company scalesWhy Raw C stayed out of unprofitable retail channels (and what most founders get wrong)What makes a great pitch deck and the #1 thing Scott looks for in entrepreneurs (hint: it's not the product)💡 Key quote:"Do you want a business that turns over $100 million and makes $1 million, or a $10 million business that makes $2.5 million? Bigger isn’t always better."Scott also shares his views on crowdfunding, venture capital, brand loyalty, and why many health beverage startups fail before they scale. With coconut water now in nearly every Aussie fridge and Raw C preparing for a massive push into Costco USA, this episode is a masterclass in long-game thinking, humility, and staying founder-led in a world addicted to hyper-growth.🔥 If you're dreaming of launching a food or drink brand—or you're already in the trenches—this episode is your wake-up call, your blueprint, and your dose of real talk.Want more founder stories like this? Follow The House Story for new episodes each week featuring Australia’s top entrepreneurs and brand builders.#RawCCoconutWater #ScottMendelson #StartupJourney #FMCG #Entrepreneurship #AustralianBrands #NaturalDrinks #HouseStoryPodcastScott Mendelson, Raw C Coconut Water, coconut water Australia, FMCG entrepreneur, beverage startup, Australian food founder, health drinks, natural drinks, startup story, building a brand, entrepreneur podcast, bootstrapped success, DTC beverage brand, Raw C story, Costco launch, coconut water benefits, founding Raw C, food and beverage industry, entrepreneurship Australia

How Michael Sherlock Scaled Brumby’s Bakery to 300+ Stores & Reinvented Himself in Commercial Real EstateWhat does it take to transform a struggling bakery brand into a $100 million franchise empire? In this episode of The House Story, we sit down with Michael Sherlock—former CEO of Brumby’s Bakery and now Director at Sentinel Property Group—to explore a journey of business reinvention, franchising mastery, and unshakable entrepreneurial spirit.From humble beginnings as an accountant in a three-store operation, Michael played a pivotal role in scaling Brumby’s to over 300 locations across Australia and New Zealand. Along the way, he navigated hostile takeovers, boardroom battles, and media crises—emerging each time with hard-earned wisdom and clarity on what makes a franchise model work.🔍 What you’ll learn in this episode:How Michael Sherlock grew Brumby’s from 3 stores to 321 locations and a successful ASX listingThe real difference between scalable business systems and unsustainable hustleWhy a strong franchise model starts with “the owner’s eye” and duplicatable systemsThe dark side of franchise roll-ups: what happens when profitability for franchisees is ignoredInsider tips on site selection, tenant mix, and "ant trail" traffic flows in retailHow to incentivise teams with "golden handcuffs" and create alignment without losing cultureThe rise and fall of well-known franchises like Michelle’s and what entrepreneurs can learn from themHow Michael reinvented his career after Brumby’s by investing through Sentinel, delivering 19.6% IRR returns in commercial property syndicatesHis philosophy on investing, managing risk, and staying resilient after personal and professional setbacksThe importance of travel, staying curious, and how he became TripAdvisor’s #1 hotel/restaurant reviewer in the world in 2017🎙️ Michael also shares personal stories of:Buying Brumby’s out of receivership with a $2,000 investmentOvercoming public health scandals and media attacksWriting a strategic business plan that increased share prices from $0.50 to $3.60Advising aspiring franchisors on how to structure fair, profitable franchise systemsWhy he believes now is the best time to be in business—and what founders must know before scalingWhether you’re an entrepreneur, franchisor, investor, or simply curious about how iconic Australian brands are built (and sometimes undone), this is a must-listen masterclass in business growth and reinvention.📈 Perfect for listeners searching for:"How to scale a franchise in Australia""Michael Sherlock Brumby’s Bakery story""Franchise business tips""How to invest in commercial property Australia""Brumby’s vs Retail Food Group""Sentinel Property Group returns""How to avoid franchise failure""Entrepreneurial resilience stories""Building a $100M brand from scratch"Tap play and discover how decades of hard-won lessons in business, leadership, and investing can shape your own path forward—no matter what industry you're in.

From Side Hustle to Industry Standard: How Angus Keatinge and Quickli Transformed Mortgage Broking in Australia.How do you turn an idea, a laptop, and a whole lot of stress into a platform used by over 10,000 mortgage brokers—and more than 60% of an entire national industry?In this powerful and candid episode of The House Story, we sit down with Angus Keen, co-founder and co-CEO of Quickli, a fast-growing Australian fintech that has revolutionised the mortgage broking sector.Quickli wasn’t born in a boardroom. It started in the middle of a pandemic, in a tiny shared office, with no investment, no runway, and no guarantees. But what Angus and co-founder Eric had was relentless focus, a deep builder mindset, and a product that solved a real, urgent pain point: helping brokers calculate exactly how much their clients could borrow—instantly, accurately, and across multiple lenders.In this episode, Angus pulls back the curtain on the raw, unfiltered story behind Quickli's rise. From quitting his job just as his third child was born, to building the first version of the platform solo while being a full-time dad, this is a story of risk, resilience, and product-market obsession.🎙 Topics we cover:The early days: how Quickli started during COVID-19Why “getting to market fast” beats building a “perfect product”Bootstrapping vs VC: why raising money wasn’t the first moveBreaking into the broking industry without insider experienceWhy customer trust and accuracy became Quickli's edgeHow the platform grew from a mail-out to viral word of mouthQuickli's product strategy, UX decisions, and growth bottlenecksHiring locally vs offshore (and why the Philippines worked)AI in fintech: hype vs reality, and where the opportunities lieLeadership, co-founder dynamics, and building “professional trust”If you’re a tech founder, product builder, mortgage broker, or just someone who’s ever felt like the bottleneck in their own business—this one’s for you.Angus also shares the mindset shifts that helped him go from a cash-strapped engineer to a founder leading a 50-person company shaping the future of lending in Australia. No buzzwords. No fluff. Just hard-earned insight and a willingness to call it how it is.🔥 Key quotes:“You’re trying to get customers, not build a perfect product.”“The risk of staying on the same path was greater than the risk of starting something.”“Professional trust is when you can hand something off and truly forget about it.”“Almost every broker said ‘this won’t work’—until they used it.”📌 Whether you're navigating early-stage startup life, working in financial services, or wondering how AI might reshape traditional industries—Angus's story will leave you fired up and ready to simplify, focus, and build what matters.About the guest:Angus Keen is the co-founder and co-CEO of Quickli, Australia’s leading mortgage broking technology platform. With a background in electrical engineering and product management, Angus has helped scale Quickli from an idea to a foundational tool used across the broking ecosystem.Search Keywords (SEO-optimised):Mortgage broker software, fintech startups Australia, Angus Keen Quickli, mortgage tech platform, bootstrapped fintech success, building SaaS without funding, Australian mortgage industry innovation, B2B SaaS case study, broking tools platform, product founder podcast, AI in mortgage industry, startup growth stories Australia, how to validate SaaS ideas, co-founder journey podcast.

From Rugby League to Fitness Empire: Ben Lucas on Building Flow Athletic, Coaching 35,000 Marathoners, and Redefining SuccessBen Lucas is a force in Australian fitness. From his early days playing professional rugby league to founding one of the country’s most successful boutique training studios—Flow Athletic—Ben has always pursued excellence with intensity and heart. In this powerful episode of The House Story, Ben opens up about his journey from athlete to personal trainer, from franchised gyms to creating a brand that now serves over 900 loyal members weekly.As the official Head Coach of the Sydney Marathon—now an Abbott World Major with over 35,000 participants—Ben also shares what it takes to build not just physical endurance but mental resilience. You'll learn how he pivoted from professional sport to entrepreneurship, why education is a dying currency in the fitness industry, and how he's built a team of over 30 trainers focused on holistic service and real-world impact.Inside this episode:How Ben scaled his first PT studio to 800 sessions per weekLessons from Tony Robbins that changed his mindset foreverWhy building a lifestyle-driven, profitable business matters more than scaling for egoThe founding story of Flow Athletic with yoga icon Kate KendallThe shift from being the trainer to being a leader, mentor, and community builderWhy Ben is laser-focused on supporting underserved communities through Sydney Marathon’s First Nations, youth and inclusivity programsWhat it takes to train for a marathon—at any age or level—with tips on distance, pacing, and nutritionHis personal thoughts on keto, cutting sugar, and the science of recovery (including saunas vs ice baths)Ben also shares his current mission to qualify for the Boston Marathon at age 45—and what keeps him chasing big goals while staying deeply committed to his family and community.If you're a personal trainer, fitness entrepreneur, runner, or someone in search of purpose, this episode is packed with grounded wisdom and high-performance insight.Flow Athletic, Ben Lucas podcast, Sydney Marathon coach, personal trainer business tips, how to open a gym, marathon training plan, fitness industry advice Australia, yoga + strength studios, fitness entrepreneur story, running coaching Sydney, boutique gym model, sugar-free diet performance, infrared sauna vs ice bath, marathon prep tips, Tony Robbins Business Mastery Australia, Ben Lucas Flow Athletic🎧 Listen now to get inspired by Ben’s remarkable evolution—and find out why success isn’t always about more, but better.

From Bankrupt Printer to Global Brand Builder: Jamie Fuller on Skins, Brand Power & Accelerating Human Progress.Jamie Fuller is one of Australia’s most compelling entrepreneurs, best known as the former CEO of Skins, the compression garment brand that exploded into a global phenomenon. In this episode of The House Story, Jamie takes us deep into his extraordinary journey — from taking a print business from six to 320 staff (before it collapsed), to investing $600,000 into a failing sportswear company and building it into an international powerhouse recognised by athletes around the world.You’ll hear how Jamie:Bought into Skins in 2002 after being “dragged” to a meeting… and how he knew within hours the company was in troubleScaled the brand to 7 international offices, moved HQ to Switzerland, and partnered with elite athletes like Cristiano Ronaldo and the SocceroosMade a gutsy decision to spend $1 million on a national ad campaign — before the business had even hit $1 million in revenueLearned firsthand that brand is more than a logo — it’s about standing for something people care aboutNavigated the painful collapse of Skins in 2019 after a private equity deal and crushing debt, and how he mentally reset in just 11 daysJamie shares unfiltered insights on building a brand that resonates, the power of storytelling in sport, and why having a purpose behind the product is essential. He breaks down how he used authentic athlete advocacy, bold creative campaigns, and values-led decision-making to create cultural impact — including his decision to cut ties with Melbourne Storm after a salary cap scandal, backing his beliefs even when it cost him.Now, as co-founder of EO — a next-generation sports technology company — Jamie is once again pushing boundaries. EO stands for "progress" in Latin, and the brand is living up to its name by creating proprietary wearables for elite swimmers and triathletes that deliver real-time data on hydration, recovery, and performance. He shares how EO tech was used by medal-winning Olympians, why they’re focused solely on athlete-centric innovation, and how they vet every product through three uncompromising filters:Tangible benefit to the elite athleteProprietary and protectable IPCommercial viability for broader performance marketsWhether you’re an entrepreneur, brand strategist, athlete, or just love an incredible story of grit and growth — this episode is stacked with business gold.🎙 Topics we cover:The lessons of losing everything — and how Jamie bounced backWhy brand matters more than function in crowded marketsWhat challenger brands must do to win trust and visibilityHow to make big marketing bets when cash flow is tightThe rise (and fall) of Skins, and what Jamie would do differentlyThe vision behind EO and how it’s changing athletic performance techWhat every founder can learn about focus, failure, and finding meaning💬 Key quote: “You can’t half-ass this stuff. If you believe in it, burn the boats.”If you're building a brand, scaling a business, or trying to find your purpose through sport — Jamie’s story will give you the raw playbook.

From Cold Calls to Category Creator: Dan Argent on Building UrbanX and Reimagining Real EstateMeet Dan Argent—known in his early career as “Brisbane’s $100 Million Man”—who sold over $100 million worth of property and went on to transform the real estate industry by founding UrbanX, a platform now powering more than 100 independent agencies nationwide.In this compelling episode of The House Story, Dan shares the raw, unfiltered journey from almost failing school to becoming Queensland’s #1 real estate agent, and later launching a multi-million-dollar proptech company that’s redefining how real estate is done in Australia. From gritty prospecting strategies and call quotas learned under SAS-style mentorship, to building a scalable business model that helps top-performing agents escape the franchise system—Dan’s story is a masterclass in growth, grit, and innovation.What you'll learn in this episode:The unglamorous truth behind early real estate success—and why hitting 100 calls a week was non-negotiableHow discipline and tonality hacks turned cold calls into warm leadsWhy Dan walked away from 53% commission splits—even when he was earning $700k+ a yearThe powerful turning point that sparked the launch of his own agency, Urban Property AgentsHow personal brand supercharged his inbound pipeline—and why real estate agents must think like media companiesThe burnout moment that led to the creation of UrbanX and a new category of real estate business supportBehind-the-scenes on scaling: trust accounts, compliance, system breakdowns, hiring elite talent, and building a 6,000+ transactions/year operationHow Dan transitioned from agent to CEO, raised capital, led a dev team, and upskilled in tech, law, and leadershipPlus: Dan opens up about buying his mum her first home, building a rent roll into a $7M asset, and what he wishes more entrepreneurs understood about risk, doubt, and taking the leap. If you’re an agent, founder, or future entrepreneur—this is the blueprint for what’s possible when you combine hard-earned discipline with a relentless growth mindset.Keywords for SEO: Dan Argent, UrbanX, real estate Australia, proptech founder, Brisbane real estate, real estate podcast, high-performing agents, build your own agency, real estate innovation, Urban Property Agents, sales prospecting, how to start a real estate business, real estate branding, personal branding real estate, entrepreneurship podcast, building a business from scratch, business leadership, sales strategy Australia🎧 Listen now to hear how Dan went from a cold-calling rookie to leading one of Australia’s most disruptive real estate platforms.

Grant Mayo went from being a competitive bodybuilder to building Nutrition Warehouse, Australia’s largest sports supplement retailer with over 116 stores nationwide. In this episode, we dive deep into his journey—how he started in a one-bedroom apartment, scaled to a $100M+ business, and the mindset it took to get there.

Brad Moran’s journey is anything but ordinary. After a career in professional AFL, he made the rare leap from elite sport to the world of tech entrepreneurshipIn this episode, Brad reveals the mindset shifts that took him from the field to the boardroom, the brutal lessons of building a startup, and what it really takes to scale and sell a company at the highest level. This is The How Story.

Welcome to The How Story