Life Long Learner

🎙️ Out of Class — The Work Behind the Work In this Out of Class episode, we dive into a raw and honest debrief of Ben’s weekend stepping back on stage for the Mr Universe Men’s Physique Masters . What started as a quick “How was it?” turned into a powerful conversation on discipline, ritual, body image, lifestyle choices, and what it really takes to chase something extraordinary. Fresh off competi...

This week on the Out of Class edition of Lifelong Learner, we crack open the raw realities of transition, freedom, and the aches that remind us we’re alive. What starts as light banter about backgrounds and early morning texts quickly unravels into a conversation about endings, new beginnings, and the gritty in-between. Fresh off closing the chapter at The Summit, Gines shares the nerves and excit...

This week on the Out of Class edition of Lifelong Learner, we tumble down the rabbit hole of uncertainty, comfort culture, and the chasm between knowledge and wisdom. What starts off feeling like a blend of banter and metaphor overload slowly unfolds into a rich, reflective conversation about what it really takes to grow in a world that rewards shortcuts and quick fixes. From career transitions an...

In this firecracker of a conversation, we dive deep into one of the most loaded (and misunderstood) topics in modern culture: masculinity. What started with a cheeky “If you were the devil, how would you destroy men?” clip quickly snowballed into a thought-provoking exploration of what’s really happening to men—and society—today. From the erosion of brotherhood and rites of passage to the rise of...

This week, we’re back out of the classroom and into life’s messier, more meaningful moments. Ben reflects on becoming a grandfather—a milestone that’s not just joyful, but deeply perspective-shifting. From baby cuddles to existential wonderings, he opens up about how this new chapter has reframed his relationship with time, mortality, and meaning. What does it mean to see life continue beyond you?...

In this Out of Class edition of the Lifelong Learner podcast, Gines and Ben reunite after a short break with an episode that dives deep into leadership, resilience, and the unexpected power of doing hard things. Fresh from an off-track, high-stakes mountain adventure in Tasmania, Ben unpacks what it was like organising and leading a group of 11 men—many of whom had never hiked before—through sleet...

Welcome to another special Out of Class edition of the Lifelong Learner Podcast! Ben, Gines, and Matt reconnect after a few busy weeks, bringing you an episode filled with engaging reflections, insightful discussions, and plenty of humor. The conversation begins with personal updates, as Ben shares his thrilling experiences competing in recent bodybuilding events, giving listeners an entertaining...

In this special Out of Class edition, Ben, Gines, and Matt come together for their first-ever in-person recording—an episode filled with laughs, deep dives, and unexpected twists. The conversation kicks off with the challenges of navigating major life transitions, including Gines’ personal journey of stepping away from a long-term leadership role. The guys reflect on how difficult it can be to man...

New year, new episode! Gines, Ben, and Matt are back to kick off 2025 with Life Long Learner – Out of Class , bringing fresh conversations, big ideas, and a whole lot of curiosity. In this episode, Ben shows off his latest gadget—high-performance hearing devices—and shares how they’re changing the way he experiences the world. The guys dive into a deep discussion about the balance between exciteme...

This week is it is Gines and Matt bring your another inspiring conversation. Matt chats about growth, and needs to be framed in the future, in terms of, what you are about to go through needs to be worth it in the future. Gines questions the story we tell ourselves, is it resourceful or unresourceful? Either one it is currently serving us in some shape or form . This episode is brought to you by ...

In this week’s episode of the Lifelong Learner podcast, Gines welcomes David Aherne, the CEO and founder of Across the Ocean Freight Forwarding. David brings decades of expertise in global logistics and shares valuable insights on the significance of relationships in both business and life. Listeners will discover David’s perspectives on how strong connections and genuine relationships can pave th...

Join Gines, Ben, and Matt for another captivating episode of Life Long Learner: Out of Class Edition, where real-world experiences meet personal growth. This week, Matt opens up about a challenge close to his heart—sourcing ethically sustainable wood for his resort. What started as a quest for quality turned into a balancing act between rising costs and staying true to his values. Matt shares the...

This week Gines is joined by special guest Alina Cahill. Alina is a product genius, especially in the start up tech world. She is a do-er. Her impressive career shows that, if you want to get something done ask Alina. They chat about why certain start-ups and businesses fail, and some succeed. Why slow movers that do not adapt get left behind. Like Redbox vs Netflix. Also the value of being loyal...

In this episode of the Life Long Learner podcast Ben, Gines, and Matt engage in a casual and humorous conversation, touching on various personal anecdotes, fitness journeys, and motivational strategies. A standout topic is the story of Ben preparing for a bodybuilding competition in four weeks, aiming to compete in the physique category. They discuss the discipline required to reach sub-8% body fa...

This week's episode of Lifelong Learner podcast we are joined by special guest Derrick McManus. Derrick is a former police officer from the South Australian Star Group Special Operations Division, shares his gripping experiences and lessons learned throughout his career. He recounts a harrowing incident where he was shot 14 times while on duty and the subsequent resilience he built during his...

In this engaging episode of the Life Long Learner podcast Ben, Gines, and Matt explore various aspects of life, personal growth, and lessons from their hobbies. Matt shares the current challenges of his resort construction project and the importance of maintaining clear communication and managing expectations in such endeavors. Matt shares insights from his experience as a surfer, highlighting the...

This week's episode of Lifelong Learner podcast we are joined by special guest Rebecca Block. Rebecca is an author and teen advocate and expert, educator, amongst a whole array of other things. She delves into her experiences and insights working with young people in education. Rebecca, who has played a significant role in the field as the AVP of Innovation and Improvement at SpringBoard, disc...

This is the global edition, Gines is tuning in from the US, Ben from Australia and Matt from Indonesia. Gines shares that he’s spending time at a lake house in upstate Minnesota, enjoying some family time in nature. Ben finds it interesting, pointing out that such homes are rare in Australia due to building regulations near bodies of water. As the conversation flows, Ben transitions the discussion...

Gines and Ben are back together to share updates and delve into a meaningful conversations about life’s challenges and growth opportunities. Ben reflect on the recent passing of a beloved family member, offering a touching tribute and discussing the nuances of familial relationships. Ben provides an intriguing look into his recent journey preparing for a bodybuilding competition, describing the in...

In this deeply insightful episode, Gines, Matt, Ben, and special guest Ryan tackle a range of engaging and vital topics that resonate with anyone committed to personal growth and lifelong learning. They kick things off with a candid discussion about the impact of perimenopause on women's health. Drawing from a recent workshop that unveiled a comprehensive list of symptoms and the profound emot...

Episode 100! We made it! This is our first solo episode with Gines. He shares where it all started and why the podcast exists. He goes on to explain why the podcast is named Life Long Learner. This episode is brought to you by Make It Happen Group performance coaching -  makeithappengroup.org For more updates and to subscribe head to  - lifelonglearnerpodcast.com Facebook  -  https://www.facebook....

Gines, Matt and Ben bring you another episode of Life Long Learner, Out Of Class edition. Ben shares soon there will be more space in his world and the need for a hobby. The fellas dive into what is a hobby? Why do we have hobbies? What does it bring to you. The topic of Devotion vs Discipline does get brought up and the feeling of a hobby being a chore. What does your hobby bring you? This episod...

We need a level of stress in our system for progress? However, chronic stress is not ideal and not healthy. The dose is the poison. Know that things will pass and allow it to happen. Don't swim against the tide, but fight it, as it is going to tire us more. When we push our agenda and it is against the tide, it creates more tension than needed. What is your relation to stress and pressure? As...

Gines, Ben, and Matt are back together for a more catch-up style episode. Matt shares they are very close to breaking ground in Lombok, however there is a 'gifting' process that needs to happen beforehand. Ben has yet another foot injury, listen to see if he chooses to wear his moon boot or not this time around with a bit more of a serious injury. Gines shares his recent "smash 'n...

Gines and Ben bring you another Life Long Learner - Out Of Class episode. Ben share the prequel journey of his upcoming hike is Tasmania. Where he is opting to go super light. Will be interesting to see if he takes out anything that he really needs! They look at perspective and the 'cost' of something being good. At times we look at challenges as a negative and want to t get rid of it. The...