Firstly I would like to thank my friend and podcast sponsors Samantha and Shaun Sargent of STAIT FOR MEN for making this amazing episode happen.

This week, I had the incredible opportunity to sit down with Mark Direen,, a former soldier and special forces operator with the Australian SAS.- turned Author, Adventurer and Public speaker.

Mark’s journey from military service to adventuring, public speaking, and writing is nothing short of inspiring. Here are some key takeaways from our conversation that I think you’ll find both intriguing and motivating:

We discuss the evolution of purpose, identity, and connection. He reflects on the challenges of transition, the value of adventure and resilience, and the importance of controlling what you can in life. Mark offers practical advice on embracing new experiences, maintaining authenticity, and applying lessons from high-stress environments to everyday challenges, inspiring listeners to live more fully and intentionally.

He shares his journey of evolving purpose from military service to inspiring others through adventure and storytelling. We covered-

The Importance of Adventure, life experiences and challenges. Whether it’s climbing mountains or starting a new business, these adventures teach us resilience and positivity.

Transitioning from Military to Civilian Life: Mark opens up about the challenges of leaving the military and how he maintained his sense of purpose and identity.

Control the Controllables: A recurring theme in our discussion was the importance of controlling what you can in life. From military operations to everyday challenges, maintaining control over the small things can lead to greater success and safety.

Learning from Adversity: Mark shares how he turns difficult experiences into positive learning moments. His approach to debriefing himself and extracting lessons from tough times is something we can all apply to our own lives.

Getting Blown Up: Yes, you read that right. Mark recounts the harrowing experience of driving over an IED and how his training kicked in to keep him functioning in a life-threatening situation.

Travel Safety Tips: For those of you who love to travel, Mark offers practical advice on staying safe abroad, from getting travel insurance to learning self-defense and maintaining situational awareness.

Mark’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience, adventure, and living authentically and I hope you enjoy our chat as much as I did

🔗 Connect with Mark on

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mark.direen/

Websites: www.markdireen.com www.pointassist.com.au

I am Damian Porter , Former NZ Special Forces Operator, Subject Matter Expert from www.hownottodieguy.com and www.eatwellmovewell.net

And you are listening to my STRAIGHT TALK MIND AND MUSCLE PODCAST sponsored by www.mystait.com

- the ultimate daily formula for optimum hormone health, stress management, energy and performance.

100% natural and clinically proven ingredients, it provides everything you need to raise your game, in a convenient gut-friendly capsule. 

And the Mason Survival Protocol - https://www.carnivoreretreat.com/post/masonsurvival-protocol-carnivore-retreat



Links for my former shows are here-


WATCH on YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLpt-Zy1jciVn7cWB0B-y5WATyzrzfwucZ

LISTEN on: spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1rlAGRXCwLIJfQCQ5B3PYB?si=UmgsMBFkRfelCAm1E4Pd3Q

Itunes - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/straight-talk-mind-and-muscle-podcast/id1315986446?mt=2




 
Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/5bce2d31-a171-4e83-bada-d1384c877e76

Subscribe for more amazing tips, interviews and wisdom from phenomenal guests ------- And get your ** FREE Video Workshop here- https://www.hownottodieguy.com/

Firstly I would like to thank my friend and podcast sponsor Shaun Sargent of STAIT FOR MEN for making this amazing episode happen.

This week, I had the honor of speaking with Mike Bates- Former MOD Covert Operations Leader, Commando & Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belt turned solo ocean rower, community builder and entrepreneur.

There's no-one in the world with Mike's experience.

Mike brings exceptional credibility: he served two decades in the UK’s Royal Marines and the Ministry of Defence, rising to become a human-intelligence specialist and covert counter-terrorism operations leader ( AKA James Bond, and leading other Bond teams) and was the first officer in the MOD to pass all the required front-line counter-terror courses.

Following that elite career, he turned ultra-endurance athlete, completing the 3,000-mile solo row across the Atlantic in just 46 days 6 hours 10 minutes — the fastest Briton and first solo finisher of the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge.

He now co-founds and leads the mission-driven community Unify Men (and its predecessor brand NXT45) focused on men’s health, connection, and transformation.

His core insight is powerful:The ultimate act of courage for a man is vulnerability.


Strength isn’t proven by suppressing emotion — it’s shown in connection, authenticity, and the bravery to face one’s own trauma. Mike’s lived experience (in covert ops, ultra-endurance rowing, and men’s transformation) underpins that insight. Through immersing men in nature, building safe circles, practicing martial arts (like Brazilian Jiu Jitsu), and emphasising fundamentals such as sleep and relinquishing ego, he provides a roadmap for modern masculinity.

Today, Mike’s work with Unify Men gives fathers and men a tribe, creates spaces where men can share truth without shame, and champions that the smartest fight is the one you don’t take. He emphasises: prioritise sleep, step outside (into nature), get comfortable with vulnerability, de-escalate ego, and start telling the truth about what you feel.

Bottom line:
This isn’t another “tough guy” message — it’s a call to men to live longer, love deeper, and lead better. Mike shows that real power comes when a man stops pretending…and starts connecting.

Today, Mike is a man on a mission to help others to become the best version of themselves. Drawing on his own unique, remarkable experiences he inspires and empowers others to live life without limits.

🔗 Connect with Mike on

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikebates_official/

Website: www.mikebates.uk

UNIFY MEN : https://www.unifymen.com/

I am Damian Porter , Former NZ Special Forces Operator, Subject Matter Expert from www.hownottodieguy.com and www.eatwellmovewell.net

And you are listening to my STRAIGHT TALK MIND AND MUSCLE PODCAST sponsored by www.mystait.com

- the ultimate daily formula for optimum hormone health, stress management, energy and performance.

100% natural and clinically proven ingredients, it provides everything you need to raise your game, in a convenient gut-friendly capsule. 

And the Mason Survival Protocol - https://www.carnivoreretreat.com/post/masonsurvival-protocol-carnivore-retreat



Links for my former shows are here-


WATCH on YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLpt-Zy1jciVn7cWB0B-y5WATyzrzfwucZ

LISTEN on: spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1rlAGRXCwLIJfQCQ5B3PYB?si=UmgsMBFkRfelCAm1E4Pd3Q

Itunes - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/straight-talk-mind-and-muscle-podcast/id1315986446?mt=2




 
Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/5bce2d31-a171-4e83-bada-d1384c877e76

Subscribe for more amazing tips, interviews and wisdom from phenomenal guests ------- And get your ** FREE Video Workshop here- https://www.hownottodieguy.com/

Firstly I would like to thank my friend and expert Alan Brosnan for making this amazing episode happen.

This week, I had the honor of speaking with René Ashford- a VICTOR of years of abuse, René’s mission and mandate is clear - to save lives! Repeated sexual assaults, multiple violent relationships and addictions to drugs and alcohol led René down a dark and lonely path which included multiple suicide attempts, the earliest when she was only 9 years old.

René is now the Australian Ambassador for the National Association of Adult Child Abuse Survivors (NAASCA) and a most amazing human who has gone on to become an inspiring Australian author and Public Speaker who has turned her harrowing experiences of child abuse into a powerful mission to educate and protect others.

René’s story is a powerful reminder that we can all play a part in protecting children and breaking the cycle of abuse. Her book, Battlescars are Beautiful: From Victim To Victory, is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand and combat child abuse.

She offers practical advice on child safety, including teaching body boundaries, using correct anatomical terms, and empowering children to say no.

René addresses breaking the silence around abuse, the importance of support networks, and her ongoing work helping others heal.

The episode is a moving call to action for education, transparency, and protecting vulnerable children.

We talked about the topics of

The Power of Transparency: Early Education on Body Safety: Recognising Abuse: Empowering Children: Breaking the Cycle: Practical Actions for Parents and Caregivers: Teaching Body Safety Early: Using Correct Terminology: Respect Consent: Vigilant Parenting.

We mentioned famous personalities in the s space such as former 22 SAS ( Special Air Service ) soldier Big Phil Campion,, Former West Australia Police Officer Kristi McPhee, and former guests on the show world record holder Brooke McIntosh, and Delta Force Commander and Author of “The Common Sense Way” Pete Blaber.

I hope you find this episode as enlightening and inspiring as I did. Let’s continue to have these important conversations and work together to create a safer world for our children.

In her words.. “Survivors are not defined by their experiences, nor are they limited by them. Anyone can rise beyond adversity with the right mindset, and it begins with a decision to do whatever it takes, for as long as it takes.”

Her journey can be discovered and understood in her incredibly powerful and inspiring book which has received rave reviews and is endorsed by mental health professionals, counsellors, war veterans, and law enforcement. René’s story is gripping, raw and profound – and yet another reminder of the power of the human spirit to overcome life’s greatest challenges.

🔗 Connect with René on

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rene_ashford01/

Email her direct: renemichele1975@gmail.com

Her book on Amazon : https://amzn.asia/d/i6xOinK

I am Damian Porter , Former NZ Special Forces Operator, Subject Matter Expert from www.hownottodieguy.com and www.eatwellmovewell.net

And you are listening to my STRAIGHT TALK MIND AND MUSCLE PODCAST sponsored by www.mystait.com

- the ultimate daily formula for optimum hormone health, stress management, energy and performance.

100% natural and clinically proven ingredients, it provides everything you need to raise your game, in a convenient gut-friendly capsule. And the Mason Survival Protocol - https://www.carnivoreretreat.com/post/masonsurvival-protocol-carnivore-retreat

Links for my former shows are here- WATCH on YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLpt-Zy1jciVn7cWB0B-y5WATyzrzfwucZ

LISTEN on: spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1rlAGRXCwLIJfQCQ5B3PYB?si=UmgsMBFkRfelCAm1E4Pd3Q

Itunes - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/straight-talk-mind-and-muscle-podcast/id1315986446?mt=2

Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/5bce2d31-a171-4e83-bada-d1384c877e76

Subscribe for more amazing tips, interviews and wisdom from phenomenal guests ------- And get your ** FREE Video Workshop here- https://www.hownottodieguy.com/