Picking Up Rocks

In this episode of Picking Up Rocks, Patrick Beggs sits down with Dr Krista Fisher, lead author of Movember’s powerful report Young Men’s Health in a Digital World. Krista is a Research Fellow at the Movember Institute of Men’s Health, where she leads projects exploring how digital spaces, from social media to porn, gaming, dating apps and AI, are shaping young men’s health, wellbeing, and relatio...

Welcome back to the podcast! Today, we’re diving into the heart of storytelling, comedy, and the art of vulnerability with the brilliant Ray Connolly. Ray Connolly is an award-winning copywriter in Los Angeles, California. He also performs stand up comedy around the country and Europe. He’s punched up CEO keynotes, wrangled celebrities on set and crafted brand identities for startups and tech behe...

In this episode of Picking Up Rocks , we’re joined by Patrick Skene, the founder of Cultural Pulse and a master storyteller who has spent 15 years building bridges between sport, culture, and history. From his early days playing makeshift cricket matches with kids on holiday to authoring acclaimed books like The Big O and Celestial Footy , Patrick has always been captivated by the way sport unites...

In this episode, Chris Jankulovski joins Picking Up Rocks to share the incredible journey of navigating life with a rare genetic condition, von Hippel-Lindau syndrome. Diagnosed at 19 and given a life expectancy of 30, Chris now shares decades of survival wisdom and a unique perspective on what it means to thrive against the odds. Through his moving stories, Chris discusses his “Hope Amplifier” me...

In this episode, Derek McCormack joins host Patrick Beggs to share his insight into the ultimate challenge of building agency in selves and others, through Parenthood. Derek is director at the Raising Children Network and has a different take on parenting experts - that there are none. Emphasising that parenting is an evolving practice of guiding behaviour, providing emotional support, and managin...

In this episode of "Picking Up Rocks," Andy Pearson, VP of Creative at Liquid Death, shares his insights on the power of facing fears and pushing personal limits. We track how engaging with 'scary stuff'—from his roles in ultramarathon running to innovative marketing strategies—has fueled growth and learning in his life across many aspects of it. Andy delves into his experience with the grueling B...

Join our host, Patrick Beggs, in conversation with Dr. Laura Jana on future ready skill sets. Dr Jana a pioneering paediatrician and child development expert dives deep into the transformative power of QI skills, which Dr. Jana champions as essential tools for thriving in our unpredictable global landscape. With her divers background and insightful research, Dr. Jana unpacks how QI skills are pivo...

In this episode, join Starlight CEO Louise Baxter to discuss the importance of innovation and storytelling in their organisation's mission. She shares insights into their innovative approach to improving children's hospital experiences, highlighting the power of accepting failure and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Louise and the Starlight team are pioneers in understanding that men...

In this episode join Gary A. Bolles for an conversation on the future of learning. We delve into how organisations are shaping the knowledge landscape, the evolution of learning from traditional methods to digital platforms, and the significant role of technology in education. Bolles offers deep insights into the changing nature of skills, the impact of artificial intelligence on learning, and the...

Join us for an inspiring session with Professor Briony Rogers, CEO of Fire to Flourish at Monash Sustainable Development Institute. Today, we delve into the critical role of interdisciplinary collaboration and knowledge sharing in empowering communities to co-design resilient futures amidst disasters. Professor Rogers brings to light the significance of integrating diverse fields of expertise to t...

In this episode of Picking up Rocks Podcast, we have Andreas Tzortzis. Andreas, a former journalist and brand storyteller at Red Bull, who later shaped the customer experience at Apple Store. Now, he's embarked on a new journey in Amsterdam, founding his consultancy Hella, focusing on voice and narrative strategies for brands. His unique approach to redefining his path, grounded in his rich career...

In this episode, we are joined by a very special guest, Fred Grinstein, who is here to discuss the pivotal moment content is currently experiencing. With a 14-year tenure in Film/TV development executive roles, Fred has navigated the Hollywood dream, working with industry giants such as Anonymous Content, Vice Media, and A&E Network, to name a few. His expertise lies in unscripted content, nav...

In this episode Patrick and Chris Cooper dive deep. Join them as they tackle the challenges of disinformation in the digital era and delve into the tools that empower organisations to decipher and traverse the intricate maze of online narratives. Discover the strategies employed behind the curtains to battle misinformation and gather insights on how grassroots organisations can amplify their voice...

In this episode of the Picking Up Rocks Podcast, we explore Simon Goodrich's inspiring story and the mindset that shapes his life. He opens up about his experiences with Von Hippel-Lindau Syndrome (VHL) – a hereditary condition characterized by tumors emerging in multiple organs. To date, he has undergone seven major surgeries, including four brain surgeries to remove brain tumors. Join us as we d...