What if your thoughts aren’t really yours?
In this powerful episode, Luke sits down with transformational coach and author Cindy Koehler to explore the hidden patterns that shape who we are, and how to break free from them. Cindy shares how most of us are unconsciously replaying the same 90% of thoughts every day, and why true transformation requires more than discipline, it demands an identity shift.
Drawing on 40 years of meditation, neuroscience, and coaching, Cindy explains how to rewire your mind, redefine success, and create lasting change in how you think, feel, and live.
This is the kind of conversation that will make you stop, reflect, and rethink what “growth” really means.
Key Takeaways:
Guest Bio:
Cindy Koehler is a transformational coach, author, and founder of Mind Garage. She helps people rewire their identity to create lasting change in their health, wealth, and mindset. With over 40 years of experience in meditation, neuroscience-backed practice, and coaching, Cindy blends science with soul to make transformation practical and real. Her upcoming book, Manifest YOU, explores how shifting identity at a cellular level can change every part of your life.
ABOUT CURIOUS AF PODCAST
Curious AF is a podcast for people who want more out of life than just ticking boxes. Hosted by Luke Biermann, entrepreneur, father of three, and relentless explorer of human potential, the show dives deep into the conversations that matter.
From endurance sports and entrepreneurship to psychedelics, parenting, spirituality, and self-discovery, Curious AF explores how we can live with greater purpose, connection, and fulfilment.
Expect raw, unfiltered stories and thoughtful insights from people who are redefining success, breaking cycles, and choosing to live with intention.
For further information, contact:
General Inquiries: hello@curiousaf.com.au
Instagram: @curiousaf.podcast
What if the hardest part of leadership isn’t managing people, but understanding yourself?
In this episode of the Curious AF Podcast, Luke sits down with leadership and performance coach Neil for a powerful conversation about self-awareness, trust, and what it really means to lead. From professional sport to business, Neil shares the lessons he’s learned about connection, courage, and knowing who you are before trying to guide anyone else.
He opens up about burnout, fatherhood, and the moment everything changed, when he realised that leadership isn’t about control, it’s about clarity, consistency, and connection.
Whether you’re leading a team, building a business, or just figuring out who you want to be, this episode will challenge how you think about leadership and success.
Key Takeaways:
Guest Bio:
Neil Tunnah is a leadership consultant, international business founder, and former elite rugby coach. Originally from Scotland and now based in Australia, he leads The Performance Chain Group, working with organisations across Australia, the UK and North America. Neil helps leaders navigate change, embed behavioural consistency, and build cultures that perform under pressure. He’s the creator of the 24hr Leader model, which focuses on how leaders show up every day, not just in big moments. With a background in elite sport and a practical, human-first approach, Neil brings clarity, humour and real insight to leadership in complex environments.
ABOUT CURIOUS AF PODCAST
Curious AF is a podcast for people who want more out of life than just ticking boxes. Hosted by Luke Biermann, entrepreneur, father of three, and relentless explorer of human potential, the show dives deep into the conversations that matter.
From endurance sports and entrepreneurship to psychedelics, parenting, spirituality, and self-discovery, Curious AF explores how we can live with greater purpose, connection, and fulfilment.
Expect raw, unfiltered stories and thoughtful insights from people who are redefining success, breaking cycles, and choosing to live with intention.
For further information, contact:
General Inquiries: hello@curiousaf.com.au
Instagram: @curiousaf.podcast
What if the biggest thing holding you back isn’t external, but your own opinion of yourself? In this thought-provoking episode, Luke sits down with Jaemin Frazer to explore the deep roots of insecurity, how it quietly drives achievement, and why many high performers eventually hit a wall of burnout and unhappiness.
Jaemin breaks down how most of our limiting beliefs are formed before the age of seven, why insecurity is really a fear of being seen, and how healing it can help us move from striving to alignment.
They also unpack the fear of losing your edge when you let go of your insecurities, and why true performance actually thrives when you stop fighting yourself.
Key Takeaways:
Guest Bio:
Jaemin Frazer is an award-winning life coach, author, and founder of The Insecurity Project. Recognised as one of Australia’s top personal development coaches, he helps leaders and entrepreneurs overcome insecurity and self-doubt so they can live and lead with confidence.
Learn more about Jaemin:
Visit his website here
Follow him on Instagram
ABOUT CURIOUS AF PODCAST
Curious AF is a podcast for people who want more out of life than just ticking boxes. Hosted by Luke Biermann, entrepreneur, father of three, and relentless explorer of human potential, the show dives deep into the conversations that matter.
From endurance sports and entrepreneurship to psychedelics, parenting, spirituality, and self-discovery, Curious AF explores how we can live with greater purpose, connection, and fulfilment.
Expect raw, unfiltered stories and thoughtful insights from people who are redefining success, breaking cycles, and choosing to live with intention.
For further information, contact:
General Inquiries: hello@curiousaf.com.au
Instagram: @curiousaf.podcast
What does it really mean to belong, in our workplaces, relationships, and within ourselves? In this powerful conversation, Luke sits down with Rana Hussain, inclusion and leadership expert and founder of Good Human, to explore the deep connection between belonging, authenticity, and performance.
They unpack how cultural intelligence and psychological safety shape strong teams, why accountability and empathy can coexist, and how rituals and human connection drive true performance. Rana also opens up about her personal faith, spirituality, and her evolving relationship with belonging, both internally and in the world around her.
Whether you lead a team or you’re just trying to lead yourself better, this episode dives into what it means to be both human and good.
Key Takeaways:
Guest Bio:
Rana Hussain is an inclusion, leadership, and culture expert, and the founder of Good Human. With a background in social work and a career spanning diversity, equity, and inclusion across major sporting and corporate organisations, Rana helps leaders and teams create cultures of belonging, trust, and high performance. Known for her warmth, insight, and authenticity, she brings a unique blend of cultural intelligence and heart to her work, inspiring others to lead with humanity, courage, and connection.
ABOUT CURIOUS AF PODCAST
Curious AF is a podcast for people who want more out of life than just ticking boxes. Hosted by Luke Biermann, entrepreneur, father of three, and relentless explorer of human potential, the show dives deep into the conversations that matter.
From endurance sports and entrepreneurship to psychedelics, parenting, spirituality, and self-discovery, Curious AF explores how we can live with greater purpose, connection, and fulfilment.
Expect raw, unfiltered stories and thoughtful insights from people who are redefining success, breaking cycles, and choosing to live with intention.
For further information, contact:
General Inquiries: hello@curiousaf.com.au
Instagram: @curiousaf.podcast
In this powerful solo episode, host Luke Biermann opens up about one of the most transformative chapters of his life, 14 months of sobriety.
Luke shares his raw and honest journey of quitting alcohol, from the brutal early months to the profound clarity and strength he discovered along the way. He reflects on how sobriety reshaped his identity, strengthened his marriage, deepened his connection with his children, and reignited his creativity and business success.
This episode also explores the role of fitness, meditation, and psychedelic experiences in his healing process. Luke dives into the stigma around sobriety, the hidden costs of drinking, and the life-changing momentum that comes when you stop numbing and start living intentionally.
Whether you’re curious about life without alcohol, considering a change yourself, or simply want to hear an unfiltered reflection on growth, family, and self-worth, this episode offers both inspiration and practical insights.
Key Takeaways:
ABOUT CURIOUS AF PODCAST
Curious AF is a podcast for people who want more out of life than just ticking boxes. Hosted by Luke Biermann, entrepreneur, father of three, and relentless explorer of human potential, the show dives deep into the conversations that matter.
From endurance sports and entrepreneurship to psychedelics, parenting, spirituality, and self-discovery, Curious AF explores how we can live with greater purpose, connection, and fulfilment.
Expect raw, unfiltered stories and thoughtful insights from people who are redefining success, breaking cycles, and choosing to live with intention.
For further information, contact:
General Inquiries: hello@curiousaf.com.au
Instagram: @curiousaf.podcast
In this powerful episode Luke sits down with Daryl Dittmer to unpack a lifetime of lessons on sobriety, self-honesty, and the pursuit of a meaningful life.
Daryl’s story begins with a tough upbringing, an early spiral into alcohol and drugs, and hitting rock bottom as a teenager. Faced with losing his family and his future, he entered recovery at just 18 years old, and that decision changed everything. Over the decades since, Daryl has built a life grounded in sobriety, daily practices, and a relentless commitment to growth.
He shares his philosophy of living through body, mind, heart, and soul, explaining how each area impacts the others and why taking care of all four is essential for long-term wellbeing. From the importance of eating well and staying active, to training the mind against distraction, to protecting relationships, and cultivating a deep spiritual connection, Daryl offers a framework anyone can use to build a stronger, more intentional life.
Key Takeaways:
Guest Bio:
After a humble and often tumultuous start in life, Daryl Dittmer faced a pivotal crossroads at just 19 years old. Choosing the path of recovery, he overcame multiple addictions and has since built a life rooted in integrity, growth, and service. Today, Daryl is an author and mentor dedicated to helping others transform their lives through honesty, intentional living, and resilience. He lives in the mountains of North Georgia with his wife, Kristina, and their two labs, Dexter and Joker, where he spends his time writing, hiking, reading, and continuing his journey of learning and growth.
Links and Resources:
ABOUT CURIOUS AF PODCAST
Curious AF is a podcast for people who want more out of life than just ticking boxes. Hosted by Luke Biermann, entrepreneur, father of three, and relentless explorer of human potential, the show dives deep into the conversations that matter.
From endurance sports and entrepreneurship to psychedelics, parenting, spirituality, and self-discovery, Curious AF explores how we can live with greater purpose, connection, and fulfilment.
Expect raw, unfiltered stories and thoughtful insights from people who are redefining success, breaking cycles, and choosing to live with intention.
For further information, contact:
General Inquiries: hello@curiousaf.com.au
Instagram: @curiousaf.podcast
In this episode, Luke sits down with Shaun Kaesler, founder and race director of Ultra Series Australia. Since 2016, Shaun has been creating ultramarathon adventures across the country, from the first point-to-point 200 miler in the Southern Hemisphere to some of the world’s biggest backyard ultras.
Shaun shares how his own obsession with testing limits, starting with 5Ks and leading to the Tahoe 200 in the US, became the spark for building a thriving ultra running community in Australia. From wildlife encounters and sleep-deprived hallucinations to the quirky traditions that make Delirious 200 so unique, this conversation is packed with stories of grit, growth, and unforgettable human achievement.
Key Takeaways:
Guest Bio:
Shaun Kaesler is the founder and creator of Ultra Series Australia since 2016, bringing ultramarathons to life across the country. He introduced the first point-to-point 200 miler in the Southern Hemisphere and has built some of the world’s biggest backyard ultras. More than just organising races, Shaun is passionate about creating community, culture, and opportunities for people to discover what they’re truly capable of.
Visit the Ultra Series website - https://www.ultraseries.com.au/
ABOUT CURIOUS AF PODCAST
Curious AF is a podcast for people who want more out of life than just ticking boxes. Hosted by Luke Biermann, entrepreneur, father of three, and relentless explorer of human potential, the show dives deep into the conversations that matter.
From endurance sports and entrepreneurship to psychedelics, parenting, spirituality, and self-discovery, Curious AF explores how we can live with greater purpose, connection, and fulfilment.
Expect raw, unfiltered stories and thoughtful insights from people who are redefining success, breaking cycles, and choosing to live with intention.
For further information, contact:
General Inquiries: hello@curiousaf.com.au
Instagram: @curiousaf.podcast
In this episode of the Curious AF Podcast, host Luke Biermann sits down with Sabrina Trobak, a counsellor, speaker, and author of Not Good Enough: Understanding Your Core Belief and Anxiety. With years of experience helping individuals uncover the root causes of their struggles, Sabrina brings deep insight into how our core beliefs silently shape the way we think, feel, and live.
At the heart of this conversation is the powerful idea that many of us carry an inner voice whispering “not good enough, not important, not valued.” Sabrina explains how these beliefs often develop in childhood through both subtle and obvious experiences, and how they manifest later in life as anxiety, anger, addiction, or disconnection.
Together, Luke and Sabrina explore practical strategies to bring awareness to these unconscious patterns and replace them with healthier beliefs rooted in self-worth and confidence. Instead of quick fixes, Sabrina shares why sustainable change comes from small, consistent steps that gradually shift our perspective and emotional resilience.
Key Takeaways:
Guest Bio:
Sabrina Trobak is a registered clinical counsellor, author of Not Good Enough: Understanding Your Core Belief and Anxiety, and founder of Trobak Holistic Counselling. With over 20 years in education and a Master’s in Counselling Psychology, she helps individuals heal past trauma, manage anxiety, and transform limiting core beliefs into self-worth and confidence.
🔗 Links & Resources
ABOUT CURIOUS AF PODCAST
Curious AF is a podcast for people who want more out of life than just ticking boxes. Hosted by Luke Biermann, entrepreneur, father of three, and relentless explorer of human potential, the show dives deep into the conversations that matter.
From endurance sports and entrepreneurship to psychedelics, parenting, spirituality, and self-discovery, Curious AF explores how we can live with greater purpose, connection, and fulfilment.
Expect raw, unfiltered stories and thoughtful insights from people who are redefining success, breaking cycles, and choosing to live with intention.
For further information, contact:
General Inquiries: hello@curiousaf.com.au
Instagram: @curiousaf.podcast
What if the key to transforming your life lies in understanding the most powerful organ you have, your brain?
In this episode, Luke sits down with George Haymaker, entrepreneur, recovery advocate, and neuroscience educator, to unpack how the brain shapes our habits, addictions, and ultimately, our ability to change.
George shares his raw and powerful story of battling severe addiction, 50 pain pills a day and two bottles of vodka, before turning his life around through recovery and a deep dive into neuroscience. Today, he helps others rewire their brains to overcome destructive patterns, find alignment with their values, and unlock higher levels of performance and wellbeing.
This conversation is not just about addiction, it’s about identity, stress, motivation, and learning how to partner with your brain to live the life you actually want.
Key Takeaways:
Guest Bio:
George Haymaker is a neuroscience educator and performance coach who helps professionals unlock the full potential of their brains. After overcoming a powerful battle with addiction, George dedicated his life to understanding how the brain really works, and how to train it for higher capacity, sharper focus, and sustainable self-leadership.
Through his work, George teaches clients how to rewire unhelpful patterns, manage stress effectively, and build the mental infrastructure for lifelong performance. He works with growth-minded professionals and leaders who want more than surface-level tips, those ready to expand their mental bandwidth, improve clarity, and align their daily actions with their deepest values.
Resources & Links:
ABOUT CURIOUS AF PODCAST
Curious AF is a podcast for people who want more out of life than just ticking boxes. Hosted by Luke Biermann, entrepreneur, father of three, and relentless explorer of human potential, the show dives deep into the conversations that matter.
From endurance sports and entrepreneurship to psychedelics, parenting, spirituality, and self-discovery, Curious AF explores how we can live with greater purpose, connection, and fulfilment.
Expect raw, unfiltered stories and thoughtful insights from people who are redefining success, breaking cycles, and choosing to live with intention.
For further information, contact:
General Inquiries: hello@curiousaf.com.au
Instagram: @curiousaf.podcast
In this thought-provoking episode, Luke sits down with Lincoln Stoller for a deep exploration of psychedelics, altered states, and the transformative power of breaking patterns. They dive into the science and philosophy behind lucid dreaming, hypnosis, and psychedelic experiences, unpacking how these states can disrupt limiting beliefs, reframe trauma, and open the door to lasting change.
Lincoln Stoller shares candid insights on the shortcomings of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy, the importance of self-responsibility, and why true transformation requires more than a single breakthrough moment. The conversation weaves through personal stories of risk-taking, cultural lessons from Indigenous and shamanic traditions, and practical ways to cultivate awareness without relying solely on substances.
Whether you’re curious about the healing potential of psychedelics, seeking to understand your own patterns, or exploring what it means to live responsibly in today’s world, this episode offers both challenge and inspiration.
Key Takeaways:
Guest Bio:
Born in New York into a family of artists, Lincoln Stoller grew up immersed in creativity, the son of an architectural photographer. By age 13, he was already scaling mountains, drawn to the challenge of both the outdoors and life on the edge. His early inspiration came from great physicists, leading him to work in quantum mechanics before venturing into the worlds of software, finance, accounting, and IT consulting.
A passionate traveller, Lincoln became an ambassador to Indigenous and shamanic cultures, learning from their wisdom and ways of seeing the world. His path eventually turned inward, studying and practising brain biofeedback, hypnotherapy, and dream work. Today, he brings these disciplines together as a clinical counsellor, helping high-functioning yet struggling clients across the globe from his base in Vancouver, Canada.
ABOUT CURIOUS AF PODCAST
Curious AF is a podcast for people who want more out of life than just ticking boxes. Hosted by Luke Biermann, entrepreneur, father of three, and relentless explorer of human potential, the show dives deep into the conversations that matter.
From endurance sports and entrepreneurship to psychedelics, parenting, spirituality, and self-discovery, Curious AF explores how we can live with greater purpose, connection, and fulfilment.
Expect raw, unfiltered stories and thoughtful insights from people who are redefining success, breaking cycles, and choosing to live with intention.
For further information, contact:
General Inquiries: hello@curiousaf.com.au
Instagram: @curiousaf.podcast
In this deeply honest and expansive episode, Luke sits down with certified psychedelic practitioner and men’s coach Austin West to unpack the hidden roots of addiction, shame, purpose, and transformation.
Austin shares his journey from a high-achieving but numbed-out lifestyle, trading one addiction for another, to a path of purpose, inner alignment, and radical self-acceptance. They talk about the difference between external success and internal fulfillment, how limiting beliefs are programmed from childhood, and why most men are operating from a distorted sense of self.
The conversation also dives into the misunderstood world of psychedelics, how microdosing works, and why it can be a gateway back to the “remembered self.”
If you’ve ever felt like you’re stuck in the same loop, striving for more while feeling less, this episode offers tools, reflection, and real talk about what it means to reconnect with your purpose and live with intention.
Key Takeaways:
Guest Bio:
Austin West is a certified psychedelic medicine practitioner and entrepreneur who guides men into the purpose-driven life they desire.
Through one-on-one guidance, group microdosing cohorts, transformative retreats, and his company Entheos Holistics, he empowers his clients to dissolve limiting belief systems, break free from conditioned patterns, and reconnect with their Truth frequency—unlocking their innate power through deep self-awareness. His approach integrates psychedelic-assisted self-inquiry, esoteric teachings, and community-based healing to bring about the freedom men seek.
As founder of Entheos Holistics, Austin is also revolutionizing mental health care through the thoughtful fusion of ancient plant medicine and modern science. The nutraceutical brand leverages the healing potential of psychedelics to achieve genuine transformation.
ABOUT CURIOUS AF PODCAST
Curious AF is a podcast for people who want more out of life than just ticking boxes. Hosted by Luke Biermann, entrepreneur, father of three, and relentless explorer of human potential, the show dives deep into the conversations that matter.
From endurance sports and entrepreneurship to psychedelics, parenting, spirituality, and self-discovery, Curious AF explores how we can live with greater purpose, connection, and fulfilment.
Expect raw, unfiltered stories and thoughtful insights from people who are redefining success, breaking cycles, and choosing to live with intention.
For further information, contact:
General Inquiries: hello@curiousaf.com.au
Instagram: @curiousaf.podcast
In this deeply reflective episode, Luke sits down with author, teacher, and compassion advocate Gissele Taraba to unpack the layers of conditioning that shape our self-worth, and how to break free from them.
From the relentless pressure to achieve, to the silent scripts we absorb in childhood, this conversation dives into what it truly means to feel worthy, loved, and enough, just as we are. Gissele shares powerful insights from her book Reimagining Work, as well as her upcoming documentary on how compassion can transform even the most extreme conflict.
They explore the ways we talk to ourselves, why our culture rewards burnout, and how learning to meditate, feel, and forgive can help us rewrite the story we've been handed. Luke also opens up about his own battle with overachievement and unworthiness, making this a vulnerable and empowering episode that will hit home for many.
Key Takeaways:
• How childhood conditioning wires us to seek worth externally
• Why even billionaires don’t feel “enough”
• What happens when we finally stop overworking for validation
• Practical strategies to interrupt spirals of self-doubt
• The truth about narcissism vs. healthy self-love
• Why boys are conditioned to suppress emotion, and the damage it causes
• Meditation, the “void,” and finding safety within
• Healing through curiosity, not shame
• How compassion transformed a white supremacist, and can heal the world
Guest Bio:
Gissele Taraba is a TEDx speaker, bestselling author, professor, and founder of the Love and Compassion Podcast, which reaches listeners in over 45 countries. She’s currently producing a documentary titled Courage to Love: The Power of Compassion, highlighting stories of people who have chosen forgiveness in the face of deep pain.
Originally from Lima, Peru and now based in Canada, Gissele holds master’s degrees in Epidemiology and Social Work, and has spent over 20 years in nonprofit leadership. Her first book, Reimagining Work, explores how to create a more loving and spiritually aligned life. She’s now co-authoring Reimagining Education with her daughter, challenging how our current school system prepares children for a rapidly changing world.
ABOUT CURIOUS AF PODCAST
Curious AF is a podcast for people who want more out of life than just ticking boxes. Hosted by Luke Biermann, entrepreneur, father of three, and relentless explorer of human potential, the show dives deep into the conversations that matter.
From endurance sports and entrepreneurship to psychedelics, parenting, spirituality, and self-discovery, Curious AF explores how we can live with greater purpose, connection, and fulfilment.
Expect raw, unfiltered stories and thoughtful insights from people who are redefining success, breaking cycles, and choosing to live with intention.
For further information, contact:
General Inquiries: hello@curiousaf.com.au
Instagram: @curiousaf.podcast
In this raw and powerful episode, Luke sits down with Dennis Espiritu, the man behind @runthatrehab, to unpack a life once ruled by heroin, crime, and prison, and how he turned it all around.
Dennis shares openly about growing up feeling isolated, the lure of belonging that led to drugs and street life, and the harsh realities of addiction and jail time. He speaks candidly about stabbing someone, battling withdrawal, the loop of detox attempts, and what finally made rehab stick after 25 years.
But this is also a story about redemption, structure, and self-worth. Dennis breaks down the internal shift it took to rebuild his life, the routines that saved him, and how Run That Rehab is now offering real community and tools for others seeking recovery.
This episode is a raw reminder that peace can feel foreign at first, but it’s worth fighting for.
Key takeaways:
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ABOUT CURIOUS AF PODCAST
Curious AF is a podcast for people who want more out of life than just ticking boxes. Hosted by Luke Biermann, entrepreneur, father of three, and relentless explorer of human potential, the show dives deep into the conversations that matter.
From endurance sports and entrepreneurship to psychedelics, parenting, spirituality, and self-discovery, Curious AF explores how we can live with greater purpose, connection, and fulfilment.
Expect raw, unfiltered stories and thoughtful insights from people who are redefining success, breaking cycles, and choosing to live with intention.
For further information, contact:
General Inquiries: hello@curiousaf.com.au
Instagram: @curiousaf.podcast
In this powerful episode, Luke sits down with former SWAT negotiator, motivational speaker, and author Terry Tucker to explore the hard-earned wisdom that has guided him through cancer, career transitions, and the challenge of redefining success.
Terry shares the four core truths he lives by, principles born not from theory but from lived experience. He unpacks what it means to truly control your mind, how embracing pain builds resilience, and why a life of service brings lasting significance. From powerful stories about Navy pilots and concentration camps to personal lessons in grit and vulnerability, Terry brings depth, humility, and real-life strategies to the conversation.
Whether you’re navigating burnout, chasing goals, or searching for more meaning, this episode offers a roadmap for showing up fully, even when life gets brutally hard.
Key Takeaways:
Guest Bio:
Terry Tucker is a former SWAT team hostage negotiator, cancer warrior, and the author of Sustainable Excellence and Four Truths and a Lie. Drawing on decades of experience in law enforcement, athletics, business, and personal adversity, Terry now speaks around the world about motivation, mindset, and living with purpose. Through his platform, Motivational Check, he inspires others to overcome obstacles, embrace discomfort, and live lives of true significance.
Connect with Terry Tucker:
Website: https://www.motivationalcheck.com
Instagram: @sustainableexcellenceauthor
Facebook: Motivational Check
Book: Sustainable Excellence: Ten Principles To Leading Your Uncommon And Extraordinary Life
ABOUT CURIOUS AF PODCAST
Curious AF is a podcast for people who want more out of life than just ticking boxes. Hosted by Luke Biermann, entrepreneur, father of three, and relentless explorer of human potential, the show dives deep into the conversations that matter.
From endurance sports and entrepreneurship to psychedelics, parenting, spirituality, and self-discovery, Curious AF explores how we can live with greater purpose, connection, and fulfilment.
Expect raw, unfiltered stories and thoughtful insights from people who are redefining success, breaking cycles, and choosing to live with intention.
For further information, contact:
General Inquiries: hello@curiousaf.com.au
Instagram: @curiousaf.podcast
In this episode of the Curious AF Podcast, Luke sits down Dr Bruno Roque Cignacco international business consultant and author of The Art of Compassionate Business. Bruno shares how his decades in traditional business strategy led him to a powerful realisation, people-first companies outperform the rest.
They dive into the practical ways leaders can build a more human workplace, think generosity, gratitude, forgiveness, and trust, and how these values can drive real business outcomes like profit, loyalty, and team performance. From handling appraisals and tough conversations to letting go of micromanagement, Bruno unpacks how to embed compassion into your culture without losing your edge.
He even challenges the way we see competitors, arguing that an abundance mindset can fuel collaboration, not just rivalry.
Whether you’re leading a small team or scaling a fast-growing business, this one will change how you think about leadership, culture, and success.
Key Takeaways:
Guest Bio:
Dr Bruno Roque Cignacco (PhD) is an international business consultant, TEDx speaker, author, and researcher with over 30 years of experience advising companies on international trade, marketing, and human-centred leadership. As a university lecturer and Senior Fellow of the UK’s Higher Education Academy, Bruno blends academic insight with real-world strategy to help organisations lead with empathy and purpose. He specialises in compassionate business practices that boost both wellbeing and performance.
Bruno’s latest book, The Art of Compassionate Business (Second Edition), explores how kindness, trust, and connection can drive sustainable success - Get a copy here.
ABOUT CURIOUS AF PODCAST
Curious AF is a podcast for people who want more out of life than just ticking boxes. Hosted by Luke Biermann, entrepreneur, father of three, and relentless explorer of human potential, the show dives deep into the conversations that matter.
From endurance sports and entrepreneurship to psychedelics, parenting, spirituality, and self-discovery, Curious AF explores how we can live with greater purpose, connection, and fulfilment.
Expect raw, unfiltered stories and thoughtful insights from people who are redefining success, breaking cycles, and choosing to live with intention.
For further information, contact:
General Inquiries: hello@curiousaf.com.au
Instagram: @curiousaf.podcast
In this episode, Juen Phie shares his extensive experience in the business world, starting with his early days studying and working in accounting, to his adventures and challenges in Malaysia. Juen recounts his attempt to establish a Boost Juice-like business in Malaysia, subsequent sales roles, and a mentor-mentee relationship that influenced his business approach. He dives into the importance of sales skills and the value of learning from failures. Juen discusses his journey back to Australia, starting his own accounting firm, and the transformative impact of outsourcing work to the Philippines. He elaborates on the cultural nuances and recruitment strategies associated with outsourcing and shares personal insights on leadership, resilience, and the pursuit of business growth through strategic co-ownership and employee investment.
Key Takeaways:
About the guest:
Juen Phie is a seasoned Chartered Accountant and entrepreneur with over two decades of experience guiding businesses through growth, reinvention, and transformation. His journey, from launching ventures in Malaysia and learning hard lessons through failure, to building a purpose-driven accounting firm supported by a loyal offshore team in the Philippines, is a testament to resilience, leadership, and vision. Juen combines sharp financial acumen with a deep commitment to empowering people, offering more than just advice, he delivers transformative, values-led guidance that drives sustainable success for both clients and his team.
ABOUT CURIOUS AF PODCAST
Curious AF is a podcast for people who want more out of life than just ticking boxes. Hosted by Luke Biermann, entrepreneur, father of three, and relentless explorer of human potential, the show dives deep into the conversations that matter.
From endurance sports and entrepreneurship to psychedelics, parenting, spirituality, and self-discovery, Curious AF explores how we can live with greater purpose, connection, and fulfilment.
Expect raw, unfiltered stories and thoughtful insights from people who are redefining success, breaking cycles, and choosing to live with intention.
For further information, contact:
General Inquiries: hello@curiousaf.com.au
Instagram: @curiousaf.podcast
In this episode, Tyson Pratt shares what led him to step away from the day-to-day of running his business and take his family on a 12-month road trip around Australia.
He talks about the challenges of preparing to leave, the mental shift it took to truly switch off, and the unexpected clarity that came from slowing down. From juggling business responsibilities to being fully present as a dad, Tyson’s story is a powerful reminder of what matters most and how easy it is to lose sight of it when you’re deep in the hustle.
If you’ve ever thought about making a big life change, taking time out, or just rethinking your priorities this conversation is for you.
Key Takeaways:
ABOUT CURIOUS AF PODCAST
Curious AF is a podcast for people who want more out of life than just ticking boxes. Hosted by Luke Biermann, entrepreneur, father of three, and relentless explorer of human potential, the show dives deep into the conversations that matter.
From endurance sports and entrepreneurship to psychedelics, parenting, spirituality, and self-discovery, Curious AF explores how we can live with greater purpose, connection, and fulfilment.
Expect raw, unfiltered stories and thoughtful insights from people who are redefining success, breaking cycles, and choosing to live with intention.
For further information, contact:
General Inquiries: hello@curiousaf.com.au
Instagram: @curiousaf.podcast
In this deep and refreshingly honest conversation, Luke sits down with business coach, entrepreneur, and performance strategist Mike Scott to explore the power of self-awareness, identity, and discipline. They unpack why self-care is not indulgent but essential for showing up for the people you love, and how fundamental habits like sleep, movement, and mindfulness change everything.
Mike opens up about living with anxiety, navigating risk, the emotional cost of entrepreneurship, and the shift from performance for status to performance for presence. Luke shares his own journey with sobriety, stress, and fatherhood, and together they dissect the difference between pleasure and joy, action and identity, and strength and vulnerability.
Whether you’re a founder, leader, parent, or just trying to do better, this episode is packed with grounded wisdom and takeaways you can act on today.
Key takeaways:
About the guest:
Mike Scott is a seasoned entrepreneur, business coach, and tech leader with over 20 years of experience building and scaling companies. He’s a two-time founder who’s successfully exited businesses, including one high seven-figure sale, and now dedicates his time to helping SMB founders grow with clarity and confidence.
As APAC Director at Warp Development, Mike leads the charge in delivering scalable, AI-powered software solutions to businesses across the region. He also works directly with founders and leadership teams through coaching and facilitation, helping them sharpen strategy, strengthen culture, and scale sustainably.
Mike is the host of the How to Be Moderately Successful podcast, where he shares honest, practical insights from his own journey—and the journeys of others navigating the real challenges of business and leadership.
ABOUT CURIOUS AF PODCAST
Curious AF is a podcast for people who want more out of life than just ticking boxes. Hosted by Luke Biermann, entrepreneur, father of three, and relentless explorer of human potential, the show dives deep into the conversations that matter.
From endurance sports and entrepreneurship to psychedelics, parenting, spirituality, and self-discovery, Curious AF explores how we can live with greater purpose, connection, and fulfilment.
Expect raw, unfiltered stories and thoughtful insights from people who are redefining success, breaking cycles, and choosing to live with intention.
For further information, contact:
General Inquiries: hello@curiousaf.com.au
Instagram: @curiousaf.podcast
In this deeply human and wide-ranging conversation, Luke sits down with Brian Njuguna to explore his incredible journey—from growing up in Kenya to practicing law in remote South Australia, and eventually founding one of the country’s most innovative mental health practices.
Brian shares stories of sleeping in creek beds to represent Aboriginal clients, unpacking systemic injustices, and learning the hard way how business success can pull you away from the very reasons you started. They dive into purpose, burnout, fatherhood, radicalisation prevention, VR therapy, and why Western culture might be getting happiness all wrong.
This episode is a masterclass in identity, legacy, leadership, and redefining success on your own terms.
Key Takeaways:
About the guest:
Brian Njuguna is a former criminal lawyer who transitioned into the mental health space after overcoming his own challenges with anxiety and depression. He is now the Director of two nationally recognised, award-winning organisations: BCOGNITIVE, known for its inclusive workplace programs, and Virtual Reality Therapy Australia, which brings cutting-edge therapeutic tools to regional and remote communities. Brian is also the founder of the Men’s Mental Health Gala and an NDIS business growth coach, passionate about building accessible, innovative support systems and helping other organisations thrive in the mental health sector.
ABOUT CURIOUS AF PODCAST
Curious AF is a podcast for people who want more out of life than just ticking boxes. Hosted by Luke Biermann, entrepreneur, father of three, and relentless explorer of human potential, the show dives deep into the conversations that matter.
From endurance sports and entrepreneurship to psychedelics, parenting, spirituality, and self-discovery, Curious AF explores how we can live with greater purpose, connection, and fulfilment.
Expect raw, unfiltered stories and thoughtful insights from people who are redefining success, breaking cycles, and choosing to live with intention.
For further information, contact:
General Inquiries: hello@curiousaf.com.au
Instagram: @curiousaf.podcast
Guest: Jess Peil, a multi-time ultra marathon runner, endurance athlete, and passionate advocate for Bravehearts. She is best known for completing Triple 7—seven marathons in seven states in seven days, seven years in a row, using each run as a platform to raise funds and awareness for child protection. With over $300,000 raised to date, Jess combines her love for long-distance running with a mission to make a lasting impact. Whether she’s tackling a 100-mile race or rallying community support, Jess leads with grit, heart, and purpose.
Host: Luke Biermann, Managing Director of Mechanical Seal Engineering Pty Ltd, Councillor of Pump Industry Australia, Forum Chair of Entrepreneurs Organisation Adelaide, and Founder of Hard Stuff Podcast
In this episode of the Hard Stuff Podcast, host Luke Biermann has an inspiring and grounded conversation with ultra runner and charity advocate Jess Peil. Jess shares her journey from nervous first-timer to completing seven consecutive years of Triple 7 marathons in seven states in seven days, while raising over $300,000 for Bravehearts, a charity dedicated to protecting children from sexual abuse.
The discussion explores the mindset behind endurance running, the mental games that help carry her through ultra-distance events, and the power of community in overcoming fear and fatigue. Jess also opens up about the emotional toll of injury, what motivates her to keep showing up, and why speed is never the goal, impact is. Luke and Jess reflect on purpose-driven pursuits, redefining success, and how ordinary people can create extraordinary change.
ABOUT CURIOUS AF PODCAST
Curious AF is a podcast for people who want more out of life than just ticking boxes. Hosted by Luke Biermann, entrepreneur, father of three, and relentless explorer of human potential, the show dives deep into the conversations that matter.
From endurance sports and entrepreneurship to psychedelics, parenting, spirituality, and self-discovery, Curious AF explores how we can live with greater purpose, connection, and fulfilment.
Expect raw, unfiltered stories and thoughtful insights from people who are redefining success, breaking cycles, and choosing to live with intention.
For further information, contact:
General Inquiries: hello@curiousaf.com.au
Instagram: @curiousaf.podcast
Guest: Trevor Keen, an Entrepreneur, Founder & CEO of Conscious Healthcare SA. From scaling businesses to mastering work-life balance, Trevor shares insights on leadership, ambition, and taking six weeks off while his company thrived.
Host: Luke Biermann, Managing Director of Mechanical Seal Engineering Pty Ltd, Councillor of Pump Industry Australia, Forum Chair of Entrepreneurs Organisation Adelaide, and Founder of Hard Stuff Podcast
Navigating Meaning and Purpose: A Conversation with Entrepreneur Trevor Keen - In this episode of the Hard Stuff Podcast, host Luke Biermann has an in-depth conversation with Trevor Keen, founder and CEO of Conscious Healthcare SA. Trevor shares his entrepreneurial journey, beginning with importing cricket balls as a teenager, and discusses the motivations behind creating Conscious Healthcare. The discussion touches on key topics including business, entrepreneurship, recruiting, personal growth, and the importance of meaning, purpose, and morality. Additionally, Luke and Trevor delve into personal reflections, the search for meaning beyond business, and the role of personal values shaped by past experiences. The episode concludes with a complex exploration of religion, secular morality, and how personal beliefs impact one's journey towards finding meaning and purpose in life.
ABOUT CURIOUS AF PODCAST
Curious AF is a podcast for people who want more out of life than just ticking boxes. Hosted by Luke Biermann, entrepreneur, father of three, and relentless explorer of human potential, the show dives deep into the conversations that matter.
From endurance sports and entrepreneurship to psychedelics, parenting, spirituality, and self-discovery, Curious AF explores how we can live with greater purpose, connection, and fulfilment.
Expect raw, unfiltered stories and thoughtful insights from people who are redefining success, breaking cycles, and choosing to live with intention.
For further information, contact:
General Inquiries: hello@curiousaf.com.au
Instagram: @curiousaf.podcast
Guest: Kylie Kinsella, a Managing Director of Regent Holdings and the President of Pump Industry Australia, leading multiple companies with a strong vision for industry innovation and growth. With a wealth of experience in leadership and business strategy, she is a driving force in the sector.
Host: Luke Biermann, Managing Director of Mechanical Seal Engineering Pty Ltd, Councillor of Pump Industry Australia, Forum Chair of Entrepreneurs Organisation Adelaide, and Founder of Hard Stuff Podcast
In this episode of the Hard Stuff Podcast, Luke interviews Kylie Kinsella, Group Managing Director of Regent Holdings and the newly appointed president of the Pump Industry Australia (PIA). Kylie shares her experience managing multiple companies under Regent Holdings, which includes businesses like Regent Pumps and DCS Manufacturing. The discussion covers her journey and strategies in handling a predominantly male industry, her method of dividing her time across different locations, and the importance of having a strong management team. Kylie also reflects on her personal growth, overcoming shyness, and facing biases as a woman in leadership roles. She explains her motivations for taking on the presidency of the PIA and reveals future plans for modernising the industry. The conversation provides insights into her leadership style, the challenges she faced, and her approach to creating a positive workplace culture that supports mental health.
ABOUT CURIOUS AF PODCAST
Curious AF is a podcast for people who want more out of life than just ticking boxes. Hosted by Luke Biermann, entrepreneur, father of three, and relentless explorer of human potential, the show dives deep into the conversations that matter.
From endurance sports and entrepreneurship to psychedelics, parenting, spirituality, and self-discovery, Curious AF explores how we can live with greater purpose, connection, and fulfilment.
Expect raw, unfiltered stories and thoughtful insights from people who are redefining success, breaking cycles, and choosing to live with intention.
For further information, contact:
General Inquiries: hello@curiousaf.com.au
Instagram: @curiousaf.podcast
Guest: Linh Podetti, Founder & CEO of Outsourcing Angel, Host of EO Business Podcast, Versatile Entrepreneur, Speaker, Presenter, Mentor, and Author.
Host: Luke Biermann, Managing Director of Mechanical Seal Engineering Pty Ltd, Councillor of Pump Industry Australia, Forum Chair of Entrepreneurs Organisation Adelaide, and Founder of Hard Stuff Podcast
In this episode of the Hard Stuff Podcast, host Luke Biermann chats with Linh Podetti, a versatile entrepreneur, podcaster, and outsourcing expert. Linh shares her profound and inspiring entrepreneurial journey, from starting a nail polish business in 2009 to founding Outsourcing Angel, a company providing remote staff from overseas. She opens up about her personal challenges, including being a single mother and dealing with a dysfunctional family, and how those experiences shaped her path to success. The discussion shifts to the power of outsourcing, the intricacies of managing remote teams, and Linh’s deep commitment to social impact and philanthropy. Additionally, she talks about her venture into podcasting, highlighting the joys and learning experiences it brought her. Lynn’s story is a powerful testament to resilience, growth, and the importance of giving back.
ABOUT CURIOUS AF PODCAST
Curious AF is a podcast for people who want more out of life than just ticking boxes. Hosted by Luke Biermann, entrepreneur, father of three, and relentless explorer of human potential, the show dives deep into the conversations that matter.
From endurance sports and entrepreneurship to psychedelics, parenting, spirituality, and self-discovery, Curious AF explores how we can live with greater purpose, connection, and fulfilment.
Expect raw, unfiltered stories and thoughtful insights from people who are redefining success, breaking cycles, and choosing to live with intention.
For further information, contact:
General Inquiries: hello@curiousaf.com.au
Instagram: @curiousaf.podcast
Guest: Googzy Thorpe, an ultra-runner, mental health advocate, and adventure seeker who completed the unimaginable—7 marathons on 7 continents in 7 days.
Host: Luke Biermann, Managing Director of Mechanical Seal Engineering Pty Ltd, Councillor of Pump Industry Australia, Forum Chair of Entrepreneurs Organisation Adelaide, and Founder of Hard Stuff Podcast
Support Googzy’s mission, he's fundraising for Black Dog Institute to help improve mental health support for those who need it most.
🔗 Donate here: https://tinyurl.com/4n7da8xd
In this episode of Hard Stuff Podcast, we sit down with Googzy Thorpe, an ultra-runner, mental health advocate, and adventure seeker who completed the unimaginable—7 marathons on 7 continents in 7 days. From battling extreme conditions in Antarctica to navigating unexpected challenges like visa issues in Istanbul, Googzy shares his raw, unfiltered journey of mental resilience, physical endurance, and the power of community.
We dive deep into what it’s like running marathons in sub-zero temperatures, sleeping on private jets, and dealing with the mental battles that come with pushing beyond your limits. This isn’t just a story about running; it’s a lesson in mental toughness, overcoming self-doubt, and finding purpose through struggle.
Subscribe for weekly episodes about people doing hard things in business, life, and beyond.
ABOUT CURIOUS AF PODCAST
Curious AF is a podcast for people who want more out of life than just ticking boxes. Hosted by Luke Biermann, entrepreneur, father of three, and relentless explorer of human potential, the show dives deep into the conversations that matter.
From endurance sports and entrepreneurship to psychedelics, parenting, spirituality, and self-discovery, Curious AF explores how we can live with greater purpose, connection, and fulfilment.
Expect raw, unfiltered stories and thoughtful insights from people who are redefining success, breaking cycles, and choosing to live with intention.
For further information, contact:
General Inquiries: hello@curiousaf.com.au
Instagram: @curiousaf.podcast
Guest: Ryan Jones, Founder & CEO at Refuel Creative, Digital Adelaide Organizer, EO Adelaide Board Member, Speaker, Marketer, and Digital Technology Specialist
Host: Luke Biermann, Managing Director of Mechanical Seal Engineering Pty Ltd, Councillor of Pump Industry Australia, Forum Chair of Entrepreneurs Organisation Adelaide, and Founder of Hard Stuff Podcast
Confronting Darkness, Global Lobsters, and Building a Business from the Ground Up - In this episode of The Hard Stuff Podcast, we sit down with Ryan Jones, founder & CEO of Refuel Creative, to explore the real, unfiltered struggles of entrepreneurship. Ryan shares his raw experiences with mental health, business challenges, and scaling a global company while staying resilient.
Inside This Episode:
- The dark side of leadership—navigating mental health struggles in business
- The unexpected emotional cost of firing an employee
- Why chasing success over happiness leads to burnout
- How scaling globally is the key to escaping a stagnant market
- That time Ryan shipped live Australian lobsters across the U.S.
If you're an entrepreneur, business leader, or someone looking for real-life inspiration, this episode is for you!
ABOUT CURIOUS AF PODCAST
Curious AF is a podcast for people who want more out of life than just ticking boxes. Hosted by Luke Biermann, entrepreneur, father of three, and relentless explorer of human potential, the show dives deep into the conversations that matter.
From endurance sports and entrepreneurship to psychedelics, parenting, spirituality, and self-discovery, Curious AF explores how we can live with greater purpose, connection, and fulfilment.
Expect raw, unfiltered stories and thoughtful insights from people who are redefining success, breaking cycles, and choosing to live with intention.
For further information, contact:
General Inquiries: hello@curiousaf.com.au
Instagram: @curiousaf.podcast
#31 How To Rewire Your Identity with Cindy Koehler
51:17
#30 The Leadership Secret No One Tells You with Neil Tunnah
57:49
#29 Why You’re Still Unhappy After Success with Jaemin Frazer
59:25
#28 Belonging, Culture, and the Pursuit of Good with Rana Hussain
1:09:47
#27 How Sobriety Transformed My Family, Career and Mindset with Luke Biermann
31:45
#26 Getting Your Head Out of Your Ass and Living Fully with Daryl Dittmer
56:52
#25 Bringing 200-Mile Ultra Marathons to Australia with Shaun Kaesler
47:17
#24 Why Awareness is the First Step to Change with Sabrina Trobak
48:27
#23 How to Retrain Your Brain for Peak Performance and Lasting Change with George Haymaker III
1:15:42
#22 Psychedelics, Transformation, and Responsibility with Lincoln Stoller
1:15:54
#21 Psychedelics, Purpose & the Remembered Self with Austin West
1:03:18
#20 You Were Never Unworthy: Reclaiming Self-Love with Gissele Taraba
1:16:08
#19 Addiction, Prison, and Peace: Run That Rehab - Dennis Espiritu
1:03:33
#18 The One Mental Shift That Changes Everything with Terry Tucker
56:04
#17 How Compassion Could Save Your Company with Bruno Cignacco
1:09:21
#16 How Failure and Outsourcing Saved My Business with Juen Phie
1:01:08
#15 One Man’s Journey to Reconnect Through Travel with Tyson Pratt
1:43:33
#14 Who Are You Becoming? Identity, Self-Awareness, and Real Change with Mike Scott
1:29:17
#13 Redefining Success in Business and Life with Brian Njuguna
1:18:20
#12 - Beyond the Finish Line - Jess Peil
50:49
#11 - Building a Business vs Building a Life - Deep Reflections - Trevor Keen
1:34:30
#10 - Breaking Barriers: Leading in a Male-Dominated Industry - Kylie Kinsella
44:00
#9 - Building Success Through Outsourcing - Linh Podetti
43:55
#8 Antarctic Marathons, Private Jets & Mental Resilience - Googzy Thorpe
1:11:41
#7 Confronting Darkness, Global Lobsters, and Building a Business from the Ground Up - Ryan Jones
1:12:35