The Betterment Project

#20 - From Envy to Enlightenment: How to overcome Jealousy

Explore the transformative power of jealousy in this week's episode of The Betterment Project. We decode jealousy as a signal of unmet desires, guiding you to embrace authenticity and personal growth.
From reframing selective jealousy to leveraging envy for motivation, we sit down to discuss our thoughts, feelings and strategies for overcoming the green eyed monster. We get candid on feeling envious of others' friendships and jealousy in happy couples but ultimately uncovering how these emotions can be catalysts for positive change.
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Get in touch with us!
Instagram: @bettermentpod   
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Filmed and recorded at: 4870 Studios for the ultimate podcasting, photography and videography hub in Cairns. 
Instagram: @4870studios  
 

#19 - Nik Lilo: World’s Most Ordinary Rig 2023 Champion

On today’s show, we are joined by local legend, Nik Lilo, who was just crowned ‘World’s Most Ordinary Rig 2023’ by Budgy Smuggler Australia.
Nik walks us through the champion’s journey and what it takes to have the most ‘Ordinary’ rig in the world! This episode is a feast for the eyes, so do yourself a favour and head over to our socials where we guarantee to put a smile on your dial. Talk soon x
Get in touch with Nik and his clothing label
Instagram: @ll_cool_lilo  |  @goodvibesclub._
Shout out to Budgy Smuggler Australia for showcasing these remarkable rigs. 
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Get in touch with us!
Instagram: @bettermentpod   
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Timestamps:
(00:00) Nik Lilo, World’s Most Ordinary Rig 2023 Winner
(6:00) Big ups to Budgy Smuggler Australia for showcasing this feast for the eyes
(7:00) Competition rundown, backstage shenanigans, super yachts, influencers and sports stars
(12:00) Criteria for most ordinary rig
(15:00) Nik’s “Victoria Secrets” wings
(17:00) Talent show spectacular RECAP
(27:37) Where does the confidence come from?
(28:45) Good vibes clothing label, nothing wrong with failing
(30:00) HOw does Nik define happiness
(33:00) TV Debut - Today Show > Sunrise. Karl Stefanovic is a King. 
(38:20) Where to from here?
(40:00) Budgy Smuggler shout out
 
Filmed and recorded at: 4870 Studios for the ultimate podcasting, photography and videography hub in Cairns. 
Instagram: @4870studios   

#18 - Brain Hacks 3

This is our third episode on the concept of mental models, powerful cognitive tools (“brain hacks”) that can transform the way we understand and navigate the complexities of life. Talk soon x
Mental Models on today’s show:
Input Goals (Focus on Input Goals Instead of Output Goals)
Self Fulfilling Prophecy (What is a Self Fulfilling Prophecy and How To Overcome It)
Hedonic Treadmill (How To Escape The Hedonic Treadmill and Be Happier)
 
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Get in touch with us!
Instagram: @bettermentpod   
 
Timestamps:
(00:00) Weekend wrap up
(9:45) Input Goals - “Focus on the process rather than the outcome” “Better way to frame your goals” 
(16:00) Self Fulfilling Prophecy
(17:45) Study on Self Fulfilling Prophecy and assumptions made by teachers
(21:00) Take a step back and don’t consume information that already confirms your beliefs
(22:00) Reframing your beliefs “having the stack of undeniable proof that confirms your possibly incorrect ideologies”
(24:00) Hedonic Treadmill
(28:50) Practicing gratitude to overcome the hedonic treadmill for long-term happiness and heightened wellbeing
(30:00) “Stop comparing yourself to others online. Compare yourself to who you were 12 months ago”

#17 - Crafting Cocktails and Career: Sam Kennis’ Spirited Hospitality Journey

In this episode of the Betterment Project Podcast, we are joined by Sam Kennis, co-founder of The Hospo Group, a rapidly expanding hospitality company responsible for iconic establishments across Queensland and New South Wales. Sam's journey from Sydney to international ventures has shaped his passion for creating exceptional drinking and dining experiences. Join us for an inspiring conversation about entrepreneurship, perseverance, and the love for fine drinks and unforgettable moments. 
Get in touch with Sam and the gang!
Instagram: @sam.kennis | @threewolvescairns | @wolf_lane_distillery | @flamingoes_tiki_bar | @cabanabarpalmcove | @thefoxsmallbar
Website: hospo group
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Get in touch with us!
Instagram: @bettermentpod   
 
Timestamps:
(00:00) Where it all began
(12:45) Sam’s goals - 10 bars by age 40, 20 by 50
(17:00) What are the signs of burnout and how do you manage it?
(21:45) Piece of advice for your younger self starting a new business
(23:50) How did he navigate those business milestones and take the plunge into the unknown?
(25:00) Starting a business by yourself v having a team
(27:40) Nightmare stories from the hospo life
(30:45) Australian drinking culture shift: drinking less but drinking better
(36:00) How Sam made the shift into leadership 
(39:00) Navigating COVID like a BOSS! 
(43:15) How does Sam define success and what is career fulfillment
(45:00) What legacy does Sam want to leave for the community
(51:00) What is the go-to drink to order for first-timers

#16 - Are Boundaries Selfish or Self-Care?

In this episode, we explore the complex role of boundaries in self-care. Join us to discover how setting healthy boundaries can transform your well-being, relationships, and personal growth. Is it selfish, or is it self-care? Tune in to find out.

#15 - The Pandemic Skip: Did COVID-19 Steal Our Youth?

Join us for a different conversation on The Betterment Project Podcast as we uncover a shocking revelation: Did the pandemic stealthily rob us of our precious years? We are joined by long-time friend of the show Casia, to discuss the article “The Pandemic Skip” which tells the story of individuals who suddenly found themselves out of sync with their biological age due to the extraordinary circumstances of the past few years.
From feeling like they missed out on crucial life milestones to navigating unexpected shifts in their social and career lives, the pandemic skip has left many pondering the question: How old are we exactly? From 20-somethings missing out on carefree days to 30-somethings feeling the biological clock tick faster than expected, we delve into a provocative discussion about the unspoken effects of COVID-19. Are we facing an early midlife crisis, or is it just another twist in the ongoing pandemic saga? 
Subscribe now for an eye-opening experience on The Betterment Project Podcast!
Article discussed: 'The Pandemic Skip' by Katy Schneider
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Get in touch with us!
Instagram: @bettermentpod | @casia_b    

#14 - Is Procrastination Killing You?

In todays episode we're exploring the science of leveraging dopamine to supercharge productivity, dive into the art of infusing meaning into work and discuss how the often overlooked health impacts of procrastination are killing us. 
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Get in touch with us!
Instagram: @bettermentpod   
Timestamps:
7:00 Procrastination explained
9:15 Science behind procrastination
15:00 The procrastination TRIGGERS
18:00 Procrastination: self employed v employee. What’s the difference?
23:00 Prescribe meaning and value to your tasks
24:00 Physical downsides of procrastination
25:00 Practical solution to beat procrastinate

#13 - Life Hacks

Welcome back to another episode of The Betterment Project podcast. On today’s show we explore some Life Hacks, shortcuts and clever strategies to make everyday tasks simpler so that you have more time to mindlessly scroll Tik Tok. Talk soon.  
Things we mentioned today:
The Big 5 Personality Test Personality Test
Borrow box app for free audiobooks https://www.borrowbox.com/
Eisenhower Matrix https://asana.com/resources/eisenhower-matrix
Mindsweep concept Mindsweep
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Get in touch with us!
Instagram: @bettermentpod   
Timestamps:
2:00 Cam doesn’t know the lyrics
6:30 What are Life Hacks?
7:00 LH 1: How to get FREE audiobooks
9:00 LH 2: Op-shop books
10:30 LH 3: Habit stacking
11:50 LH 4: Get rid of hiccups for good!
13:50 LH 5: Take your networking to the next level
17:15 LH 6: Take the ‘Big 5 Personality Test’ 
19:50 LH 7: Speech-to-text with ChatGPT
22:15 LH 8: Productivity hacks with ‘Time boxing’
25:50 LH 9: Write EVERYTHING down - Mindsweep
29:15 Absolute trash life hacks

#12 - Liam McDonald - Turning Your Passion Into A Business

Welcome back to another episode of The Betterment Project podcast. On today’s show we sit down with Liam McDonald. Liam is a photographer, DJ and owner of creative agency, Blank Studio based on the Gold Coast. We dive into Liam’s world, exploring mindset, creativity, purpose and success. Learn how mindfulness fuels his creativity, the rituals that set the stage for his creative flow, hear about the projects that have deeply resonated with him and how he defines success by finding fulfillment in a career that’s both professionally rewarding and personally meaningful.
Please welcome, Liam McDonald.
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Get in touch with Liam
Instagram: @liam_mcdnld     &     @@blankstudiosau
Website: https://www.blankstudios.com.au/
Timestamps:
(00:00) Intro
(15:00) Liam’s drive - where did it stem from?
(16:20) How to back yourself and transition from a 9-5 employee, to being self-employed and following your passion
(20:00) Balancing commercial demands without sacrificing creative integrity
(21:00) Worst thing about nightclub photography
(23:30) Balancing a hectic schedule and preventing burnout
(29:00) Incorporating mindfulness and routine to get out of a funk
(32:00) How do you get into DJ’ing
(36:00) How to find your passion and take that leap
(40:00) Filming legendary DJ Armin Van Buuren
(47:00) Key takeaways for someone wanting to follow their passion and start a business

#11 - BONUS EPISODE: Kick Back Sunday #1

NEW SEGMENT ALERT!! 
On today’s show, we kick it back and shoot the breeze over:
what it means to be the best version of yourself, 
we tackle burnout after a rough week, 
Oppenheimer film review,
School fads and explaining how to download music illegally,
What job did you want as a kid and why did Cam make balloon animals
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Get in touch with us!
Instagram: @bettermentpod
Timestamps:
(00:00) General shit chat
(4:40) Burnout chat, tough week
(16:45) Thanks to our listeners and for everyone's support so far
(26:00) Oppenheimer film review
(28:40) What does it mean to be the best version of yourself
(39:00) Are we a ‘self-help’ podcast?
(42:18) School fad nostalgia. Limewire and MP3’s explained to Cam 
(48:00) Brody’s Soulja Boy story 
(52:00) What job did you want as a kid?
(54:00) Cam made balloon animals for a job