The Anti-Failure Podcast

How does a kid, written off by his teacher as someone who’d “never add up to anything,” go on to found one of Australia’s most recognisable health brands? In this episode of the Anti-Failure Podcast, Chris sits down with Frank Caruso, founder of Caruso’s Natural Health, whose journey stretches from humble beginnings in suburban Sydney to building a multimillion-dollar business, all without a forma...

In the latest episode of the Anti-Failure Podcast, Chris welcomes Todd Liubinskas - fitness director at Men’s Health, entrepreneur, and community advocate, to unpack the winding journey that has shaped his approach to business, fitness, and giving back. From leaving high school to launch his own courier service, to navigating the challenges of franchising in the gym industry, Todd’s story is packe...

In this episode, Chris sits down with Dean Matthews, founder of SaaS platform OnTheClock, to unpack what failure really looks like across a 20-year journey of bootstrapping, building, and staying focused. Dean shares how failing fast became a competitive advantage, why chasing shiny objects nearly derailed him early on, and the hard lessons that come from spreading yourself too thin. From walking...

What does it look like when compassion becomes the driving force in an industry built on conflict? Chris sits down with Carolyn Devries, founder of New Way Lawyers, Australia’s first not-for-profit family law firm. Carolyn shares the very real story of walking away from the traditional legal pathway to build a practice that puts people at the centre of every decision. Carolyn talks about the frust...

In the latest instalment of The Anti-Failure Podcast, Chris sits down with Rob Martin, Founder of MCommercial, for an honest conversation about entrepreneurship, resilience, and redefining success. With nearly two decades of experience in the building and commercial property sectors, Rob shares his journey from working in large corporate environments to launching his own people-first commercial pr...

Valentina Coin - aka the Digital Transformation Fairy Godmother - joins Chris on the Anti-Failure Podcast to unpack how small businesses can turn tech chaos into scalable, sustainable growth. From tackling failed software launches to aligning people, processes, and technology, Val shares why embracing failure is a gamechanger for business (and personal) transformation. If you want practical strate...

From a career that began in the social services of inner-city Manchester to now leading successful organisational mergers and launching Loom Consulting, Alex’s journey is one of intentional pivots, entrepreneurial thinking, and a relentless drive to “do good, better.” Chris and Alex explore how embracing commercial strategies, fostering innovative governance, and harnessing technology can unlock n...

What happens when the chef at the top of her game realises the recipe for success is destroying her health? Award-winning chef, author, and nutritionist Bridget Foliaki-Davis joins Chris to share how she went from running Sydney’s finest kitchens to overhauling her life, losing 35 kilos, healing from burnout and turning food into medicine. Bridget shares the intense realities of professional kitch...

In this episode, Chris sits down with David Altamura, founder of Wild Soul Wellness, to unpack a journey from adversity to opportunity. From personal training and swim coaching in Melbourne to launching wellness spaces in Byron Bay, David eventually returned home to lead a fast-growing franchise network. Along the way, he nearly lost it all in a $60,000 construction disaster, a messy legal battle,...

What if your biggest failures turned out to be the launchpad for the life you were truly meant to live? In this episode, Chris sits down with Luke McLeod, who went from artillery gunner in the Australian Defence Force to starring on Australia’s highest-rating reality dating show, before finding his real calling: helping people unlock everyday enlightenment. Luke’s story is one of unexpected pivots...

What if the setbacks that nearly stopped you in your tracks were actually nudges pushing you toward something bigger? In this inspiring episode of the Anti-Failure Podcast, Chris reconnects with long-time friend Lish Feia, an ABC presenter, science communicator, and co-founder of FixIt Chicks, to peel back the curtain on a career built not despite failure, but because of it. Lish’s journey from ma...

What does it take to build a business that lasts and thrives for over a decade? In this episode of the Anti-Failure Podcast, Chris sits down with Ben Lucas, former professional athlete and co-director of Flow Athletic, as they reflect on 12 years of building one of Sydney’s most recognised fitness communities. Shaped by an upbringing that instilled resilience and a deep work ethic, Ben shares how...

What if your biggest failures were actually the keys to your success? In today’s episode, Chris sits down with Brittany Bennett, the founder of Bennett PR—a powerhouse in the health, fitness, and wellness communications space. Brittany’s path is anything but linear: from an early career in the fashion capitals of Europe to making her mark in Australia's PR industry, she shares how setbacks, tough...

Nicolas Bivero, co-founder of Penbrothers, sits down with Chris for an enlightening conversation that bridges the worlds of martial arts and business. Discover how Nicolas' martial arts background has instilled in him a profound sense of perseverance, adaptability, and the relentless pursuit of learning—qualities that have been instrumental in navigating business challenges. Together, Chris and Ni...

In this episode of the Anti-Failure Podcast, Chris sits down with Carly Martin, founder of the consultancy group Venture Bench, to unearth the intricate dance between legal frameworks and business creativity. As a former Amazon executive, Carly shares her journey of leaving the corporate giant to help Australian businesses scale globally. Tune in to explore how smart risk-taking, curiosity, and a...

From much-loved Mayor to NSW Member of Parliament, Michael shares his unconventional career journey into politics. Underscored by a desire for real change and an ability to get shit done, Mike is not just another Poli. In this episode of the Anti-Failure Podcast, Chris and Mike discuss the importance of vision, resilience, and collaborative compromise to deliver projects that benefit the greater g...

Welcome back to the Anti-Failure Podcast for 2025! Founder of Sydney-based Landscape Construction Group - Outdoor Residential - Cam McDonald joins Chris as they explore Cam's journey from job loss to building a flourishing business. Tune in for insights on building a reputable brand, maintaining healthy cash flow, and fostering positive workplace culture. Whether you're eager to start your own bus...

How do you get the best from your team? How do you get the best out of yourself? Cyrus is a people and business performance leader, advising organisations on how to align their team to their overall strategy - a career he fell into after leaving an engineering degree to work in recruitment. Driven by a love of people, he wanted to combine this with his passion for probing into what makes businesse...

Wendy Laureti and husband, Frank, bought Saddler's Creek Winery back in 2015. Within four months of taking over the estate, they were hit with once in a century floods, followed by ongoing droughts and the state’s worst bushfire season on record in 2019/20. Then Covid hits. And immediately after what feels like an eternity of pandemic lockdowns, they're assaulted with more flooding and bushfires....

After missing out on a spot in medical school, Jovin found her passion in pharmacy helping people navigate their day-to-day health issues. Overcoming financial hurdles and professional challenges, she relocated to Australia from her native home in the Philippines. She now owns two major retail pharmacies on the NSW South Coast. In this episode of the Anti-Failure Podcast, Jovin shares her transfor...

Tom Hobbs is a former actor turned sustainability entrepreneur. Marrying his passion for surfing and environmental impact to co-create Spooked Kooks, an eco-surf brand utilising recycled consumer plastics to produce quality surfboards. Since launching in 2017, Tom and his co-founder have contributed to removing over 9.3 tonnes of plastic waste from the environment. In this episode of the Anti-Fail...

Brock's entrepreneurial journey started early - much earlier than most - when he begun flipping properties while still at uni. It was then a chance encounter with Tim Ferriss, of 4-Hour Work Week fame, while travelling through South America that spurred on his first business venture. Since being bitten by the entrepreneur bug, Brock has built and been a part of multiple successful ventures in the...

What does it take to rebrand failure into a stepping stone for success? In this episode of the Anti-Failure Podcast, Chris is joined by Grant 'Truck' Lawrie, sharing his remarkable start-up journey through antiques, event management, hospitality and skincare. Together, they explore how Grant turned financial setbacks and market challenges into opportunities for growth and innovation. You’ll learn...

Repeat with me 'I have failed, but I am NOT a failure!'. The distinction is an important one to make if you want to have success in any of life's pursuits. Today's guest on the Anti-Failure Podcast is Mike Campbell Man Coach, sharing his knowledge and wisdom from over a decade of helping Aussie men become Everyday Legends. Mike started a personal training career in his early 20s. Over time this ev...

Ryan Gilbank was helping a mate broker the sale of his business when he realised it was such a great deal that he bought it himself. In this episode of the Anti-Failure Podcast, Chris and Ryan discuss the evolution from employee to business owner and journey to becoming the leader that your team needs you to be. Ryan also shares his passion for giving and how it's been one of the biggest factors f...