Welcome to the Energetic Radio podcast. This episode is brought to you
by the school of play dotco, hosted by Dale Sibonham and
Paul Campbell. Each week, we'll bring to you tips, strategies, and ideas
on how you can bring more joy and happiness into your life, and those you
share with. Alright. Ladies and gentlemen,
welcome back to the energetic radio, podcast
hosted by the School of Play. I'm in the studio with the one
and only, Dale Sibbottom. Cambo, how are you, buddy? Very well. Thank
you. And joining us today for episode 347,
we are 3 off the big 350,
is Conan Phillips. G'day, Conan. Good day. How are you going? Good, mate. How
are you? Conan's first podcast. It is my
first podcast. It's his first podcast. I'm a little bit nervous. That's alright.
That's alright. Nerves are good. But we, got a little bit to unpack with Conan's
name. We're super excited about having Conan in our studio, because he's
just got a really cool life journey. We've connected. He's a local bloke, which we
love. And just, you know, we had a chat earlier
about how he's on a bit of a year of growth. And I
just love that. I love that just normal Aussie blokes,
sort of waking up and sort of going, you know what? Let's let's challenge myself.
Let's have a year of growth and push the boundaries, learn new things about
yourself, and see what comes out of it. And we just can't wait to unpack,
you know, what you've taken from that list so far. I'm sure there's some
candid tales and some some awesome stuff. But, yeah. Before we get
going, we apologize we couldn't have you on for the 350th episode. Yeah. Good, mate.
I'm not big enough gas. Well, we completely honest, we
don't know what's in store for episode 350, but I'm sure it will be
amazing whenever we put our mind to it, but that that one is coming. But,
kick things off. So Conan, we crossed paths not too
long ago through a sort of a mutual friend. And, yeah,
the story was amazing. You know, you've gone from being a tradie. Yeah. You still
are tradie, but then you've started a company and a business called the State of
Nirvana. Correct. First and foremost, give me tell me about the name.
What's so, like, Nirvana
is like a term of, like, spiritual enlightenment. Yeah. And it's
sort of something which I suppose is everyone is,
like, chasing sort of so to speak. Yeah.
And I liked like, I've listened to a lot of Alan Watts and,
you know, a lot of philosophical sort of stuff. It comes
up a lot in a lot of his talks and lectures, and I really
liked, like, the state of Nirvana as in, like,
it could possibly be somewhere that you go, and it can also be
something that you'd like are chasing or trying to leave
leave with. And, yeah, like, obviously
yeah. I just I really liked it. I love Alan Watts. He's been probably
one of the like, since school, like, probably the person I've listened to the
most. And taken taken a lot from her. It's just an age old sort
of beliefs, I suppose. Yeah. Cool. Growing up, did you love the band Nirvana?
Yeah. I did actually. I think it was, like, my second ever album. Yeah. A
100% the little babe in the front chased my daughter, love my teen spirit. Sued
him. So Yeah. That's the guy who's the guy the baby that's
swimming naked in a pool. Really. No way. He sued the band. I went
to the phone. Went there and let you go. I was like, come, mate. Like,
you're a baby. Yeah. You're a baby. I think your time
is fast. I didn't know that. I love that random bit of knowledge.
And so now I was thinking when you explained them that, I wonder if their
band name was about chasing something or yeah.
I'd say yeah, possibly. Yeah, wouldn't it mean, wouldn't it Kurt
Cobain was free and wiled spirit, wasn't it? He was. Yeah, it's
unreal. Tell us about when did
that opportunity, the idea come across to go from being a
tradie, you said before you love a beer, you know what I mean? Typical as
your bloke become a tradie to to sort of chasing that Nirvana. When did that
come about? Look. It was
so 2 years ago or 18 months
ago, I was like, as I said, I love a beer, and I
was trying to stop drinking so much.
And, it got to the point where I was like, I always found there was
something on, you know, like, there's always, like, you know, someone's birthday, there's weddings,
there's all these, you know, there was always so I was trying to do a
month off the booze, and I just couldn't do it. So I was like, I'm
gonna do a 100 days, you know. So it's sort of,
I'd geared it up to be, like, my, yeah,
my birthday was gonna be the last time I had a drink, and I was
like, I wanna I wanna have something to train for. And,
yeah, sort of basically, I looked up and I couldn't find anything, and there was
just like a winter swim, which was like across the heads of Port Phillip Bay.
Yep. And, yeah. Anyway, I did a I ended
up doing a 100 days off the booze and the whole time, like,
training for this swim, I was, like, we're freezing, man. Like, no wet
suit. Oh. And, like, there was only 47 people had done it
it before. Like, and I hadn't swum since school. So Were you a good
swimmer in school though? I was decent swimmer in school. But, like, I hadn't swum
since I was 15 or 16. That's insane. So You didn't wanna do something
maybe a little bit easier. I couldn't find anything. And I was like
because I was sort of typing stuff in, like, the algorithms are like pushing all
these. And I was like, oh, here's this swim, you know. I'm like, oh, I
used to swim. I was like, I'll do this. And when I started it, like,
my birthday is March. So I was like, the water's warm, you know, like, the
sun's out summer. So I was like, this would be sick, you know.
And yeah. It had to do. It got harder and
harder. I could imagine. How far is the swim?
3.4 kilometers. Sheepers in open water. And it's like the
most challenging channel of water in Australia. So and I
didn't have anyone to ask or anything. But, like, that this is the thing.
Right? So I just thought I'd go for this. And then I
thought the hard part would be I literally thought the hard part would be staying
off the beers. Right. I didn't think that that would be hard. Like, I
don't know why. Anyway, all my mates on I told them my mates on
the birthday, I was like, yeah. Look, you know, I'm off the beers for a
while. This is gonna be the last time. And they're like, what what are you
doing? And I was like, oh, I just wanna chime in and do this swim
across. And they're like, what's what? You know, are you serious? I was like, yeah.
I wanna have a cracker. And he's like, do you know and anyway, I hadn't
looked in it. I just like to jump into stuff. Yeah. He's just like, jumped
jumped on the website. He goes, mate, there's 47 people that have done this before.
And, yeah. Anyway, it's sort of I was obviously, my
last day on the beers. I was getting in. I was like, mate, not only
this, I'm gonna do it in under 90 minutes and all this sort of sitting
inside chat. I was really just, like, giving it time and
then everyone there bet against me. Not one friend said I
could do it. Oh. And I was like yeah. Anyway Did
you prove them wrong? Yeah. I did it under 60 minutes. Oh. I
know. On 3rd. Did you really? At a 21
or 24. 20. 20 or something. Yeah. So it was anyway, the
whole time of that swim, like, we were just shivering and I was like, oh,
we need a sauna. We need a sauna. And then, yeah, that
was sort of like that I suppose to segue into
it. And then I come back from, like, when I finished the
swim. I went over to Bali to celebrate. And then,
I come back and I was like, oh, I think I'm gonna do a breath
work course. And, my girlfriend at the time
was just like, what? Like, oh, okay. Like, you know, go for
it. So I, had like 10 days
to study for this thing and I just I obviously I was just like, listen,
mate. I don't have the time to do this. So, he's just like, look. Just
come. I sort of learn better hands on, like, you know. And he's
like, okay. So I drove to the snowy mountains and,
did did a, like, 5 I think it's 5 days
or 4 day breath work course up in the snowy mountains. And,
I was driving home and I drove past the horse float and I was
like, that's a fucking sauna. And, I
went Always gets better and better. Always gets home that night and
then looked on Gumtree and I bought one for
$4. Yeah. And, well, I paid the deposit and
then yeah. Basically, I'll I'll show you the photos
after. Like, mate, if it's I've seen it. It's kinda No. No.
Before Not before here. It's like it's almost been almost 12
months since I bought it. Yeah. And, it was a heap of shit like we
had to do. So I just asked a few mates and yeah. So it was
just like, that's a fucking sauna. And then it was just like, yeah.
Okay. So breath work, sauna, ice baths. And that's Talk about a
fork in the road moment. Like, it has that in light light bulb. There's so
many forks. I'm gonna go from getting off the beers for a month Yeah. To
a 100 days to swimming around light bulb moment out in the middle of the
Arctic Ocean going, yep. But but it was it was like literally
one of those things where it's like every time I've
sort of challenged myself or jumped out of my comfort zone, something's
good has come from, you know, and it's light.
It's been similar way with, like, traveling. It's been like, you know,
like, I've traveled a lot by myself. So it's like, one of my mates used
to like, one of my best mates, he's actually said he just goes, I've never,
like, chain like, you know, gone through a change and had it
not be, you know, better afterwards, you know. And it's like
yeah. And then yeah. I do. I like to change. I like to mix things
up and Well done. Has that has it has your mates
come along for the ride? So obviously, I can I'm just picturing you and your
mates sitting in the bar having a having a frothy, and, and you throwing that
out. My mates would be the same. My mates would go, what then? Give me
a super and and not not back me in either, I reckon. Have they
have any of them come along for the ride? Have have you shifted the mindset
of some of your mates Yeah. Since this journey? Yeah. They yeah. A a few
have. Like, obvious like, I was probably the
worst out of the group too. So when it was Go party
time? Yeah. Like, I do not say no to a good time. Like, I'm
normally the first out of last leave. So it was it was a, like
and that's when I feel like some some friends, like, the ones you had
those deep conversations with, they were like, mate, you know, like, this is
inspirational. It's like, they're not like it's just you don't
think about it at the time because it's just like, I just need to do
this for me, you know. And it it yeah. Like, a few of them sort
of say that, and it's like, it's good. Like, some of them stop smoking. Some
of them like, well, if you you know, and we're all getting to that age
where, like, we're not invincible anymore either. So it's
sort of I feel like this space is starting
to grow, like, I'm obviously starting to explore into it as well. And
it's just it's a fun time. So like and then, you know, you're watching
your mate sort of challenges themselves as well. And a lot of them are like,
I don't wanna I'll never jump in an ice bath, you know. And then the
day I had the launch, yeah. Like, they they all jumped in
and it was it was really good. The man to my right
loves loves an ice bath. Yeah. I don't know. I'm gonna be freely honest, man.
I'm happy you bet you're sore now. Yeah. The horse float sounds amazing, but at
Nice Bath just, don't know. There's something about it that just doesn't agree
with me. I think playing footy And have you? Yes. I have. I think playing
footy back in the day and being forced to do it, like, I despised it.
Like, particularly in Mansfield, I remember this one day, Mansfield cold. There's
cold showers because no hot water after playing seniors, and then you have to get
in an ice bath. They're eagerly snowing. Yeah. I
didn't enjoy it. But apparently, it's good for you. It's yeah. It's very good for
you. Yeah. What's more beneficial? The the ice bath or the sauna? The sauna. Tis
it? I think I like the
challenge. I'd I'd say, like, the sauna's relaxing as well. Like, it's so
nice and it does. It can't it just calms you down. It's like
I I love the ice bath. Like, I start with an ice bath and finish
with an ice bath. Right. So Oh, you finish with the ice bath? Cold.
Jeepers. I don't know if I could I'd I'd be happy to start with the
ice bath and then finish with the sauna. I reckon, but I've never tried that.
And I've never done the hot cold. Come down the ice bath? Yeah. I know.
Well, if not on a Friday, we can have a beer. Yeah. Yeah. I like
it. I like that. That's that's everything. Like, before you did that that, like, the
100 days straight without alcohol, were were you into this already? Like, you know, you
said you did breath work, but then you're into like your saunas and your ice
bath. Yeah. Are you sort of dabbling a bit? Yeah. So I have my I
lived in Thailand in 2016
or 17. And like, I lived with I'd when I did, like,
sort of 10 weeks of, like, a Muay Thai camp. And,
so, like, I was living with couple of professional fighters. So we would
go, like and it was, like, a really cool experience because you you're
watching, like and as my my background of a massive boozer,
like, I just changed everything. And, you know, like, I wasn't drinking. I was sort
of gone. And then, like, you're just watching them recover. And that was the first
time I'd seen, like, an ice bath. And over there, it was,
like, the box of ice were, like, massive, you know. So, like,
you're sitting in there and, like, there's this huge box and it's, like,
you know, it's like a hot tub and you you just, you know, it was
it was awesome. But, like, it was only probably about 3 or 4 months
ago that a memory popped up that I was, like, fuck. That's where it was.
You know, like, that was my first one. That was the case. So that was
2017. I didn't do any more,
like, you know, after that. Then when, like, 2020 happened
and the world shut down, I was living in St Kilda and, like,
I just started I think I started watching Wim Hof on YouTube and,
like, just started going across to the bay and doing the cold
water. And I found that that was sort of helping me somewhat
deal with the what was going on in the water. And,
and, yeah, like, that was probably me and a mate,
who's also, like, from Karen, but, like, we were doing it. And then I think
we did, like I think it was, like, 90 or, like, you know,
almost a 100 days in a row, and, like, that was during all the lockdowns
and stuff and that it was helping us get through, you know. So,
like, that was when, like, the mental side of it really, like Come
through. Yeah. I'm through. And it was, like, I noticed the difference today I'd like,
the days I weren't doing it. So I sort of on off on off, and
then it was, like, I'm gonna try and see how long I can go with
this. And then, again, it was like the middle of winter and,
I noticed, like and then we stopped and, like, I was just like, mate, I
can't keep doing this, you know, like, and then, yeah, sort
of stopped and then you fell back into a rut. And I was like, geez,
I'm really missing this, you know. It's amazing when you notice the
feeling in it, the feeling you get from you, if you, if you're noticing it.
And that was the thing. It was sort of like almost almost
like a healthy sort of addiction, you know, but it was like I didn't wanna
miss it, but, like, it was noticeable how my mood was
if I didn't do it. And I'd be like, I'd almost feel guilty or
like filthy at myself if I didn't if I couldn't be bothered doing it. Yeah.
Right. Have you noticed, is there a trend in our
local area? Is there a trend going up of people using these sorts
of, you know, mental health techniques on therapy. Is it is it on the
incline? Is it Yeah. I think so. Like, it's when we did the the
breath work course, he sort of said it was
like, you know, at the peak before, like and this could have been a sales
thing as well, but it was like it's like the peak before it sort of
goes up. And, like, you look at social media and everyone seems to
be doing it, you know, and it's sort of Right. And I and I I
think that, like yeah. I think that it
is moving towards that. Like, a lot of people our age are just getting, like,
trying to get more healthy and trying to, like, listen to your body more as
opposed to just popping pills to do all this stuff. We're trying to
eliminate the last 20 years of how we lived our life Yeah. Exactly. Right? So
you're you're trying to miss the wounds a bit. You look but you look at,
like, the younger generation and they're so body aware and Yeah. You
know, mental health and because I suppose they'll they're brought up understanding
that. Yeah. And nothing against when we were brought up, but it wasn't a thing.
No. We didn't understand these things, and so they weren't front of mind. Whereas now,
I think we're sort of trying to play catch up for the non education we
had. Yeah. And I've some people are looking, and that's why there's so many different
options. Yeah. So I suppose one of the things that's stated in mind is, like,
creating a community as well. Is that sort of one of the big aspects around
it? Yeah. It it is like an like, I'm lucky at the moment
where I'm not needing it to be profitable. Like, I'm as I
said, I've still got my my job. So it's like, at the moment, I just
wanna build, like, one, the awareness, try and get try to make it fun,
like, so and that's Love that. That's the thing. It's like, it one of
one of the girls that come down, like, I didn't know it's just someone that
she'd seen on social media. And, like, at the start, I was like, I have
to be this. I have to be this. And I sort of got a bit,
a bit sort of, like, just a bit of imposter syndrome where you sort of
like, who am I to be doing this? And it was like, she come down
and was like, oh, this this isn't not what I was sort of thinking. I
was like, oh, sorry. Like I said and she goes, no. In a good way.
Like, she goes, this is fun. Like, she goes, like, we've been to the recovery
centers and, like, I was like, this is not that. She goes, no. I can
see that. Like, you know, like That's good. Yeah. And it's not
franchise. And it's like, I wanna play to my strengths on that because it
is. It's supposed to be fun. Like, you know, you want that encouragement of,
like, like, getting out of your comfort zone is tough, you know. Like,
and for some people, like, who've never done one, like, never done
an ice bath before, it is, like, mate, it's
daunting. Like, it is like, I could never do this. But
it's really cool to be able to see, like and then you you get the
regulars that come down and they're bringing friends and they're encouraging their
own friends to do it. And it's like, it's pretty special to watch
someone like conquer, you know, like, a lot of them are like, I'll never do
it, you know, they've seen it 5 years and in 5 years of not wanting
to do it. And then all of a sudden they do it and they're like,
they get out and they're jacked and they're like, you know, they're like, oh, that
wasn't so bad. And it's like, it's so self limiting beliefs, I
suppose, that everyone puts on themselves. Yep. But when they
crush that, it's like, well, what else what else can you do? And it when
you've got a bunch of people like that coming together, it's
really nice. So, yeah, it is it's probably one of the bigger
things I'm trying to Hundred percent. Rewarding for you as well. Oh, mate. It's
the best. Yeah. You can just tell the way you spoke about it and lit
up. Like, it's something you don't realize how much you need to be able to
allow that situation where people would be able to grow like that. Well, I've I've
never had that either. Like, I've I've been very lucky, like, I worked for
a couple of guys who've been very, like, good to me over the years, but
it's, like, I've never had that satisfaction in my work, you know, like,
it's always been, like like, I've used it to
fund my traveling and all that sort of stuff and, like, that's the sort of
thing. This is like, you know, it's it's made to a tee. Like, I love
it. This is your passion. Right? Well, it is. And it and it's fun because
you're watching someone, like, conquer their fears and and then they
get to relax in the sauna after as well. And I imagine going back to
your sense of community, I imagine I've never been to one, but I
imagine the conversations that take place within the walls of your
horse float sauna. I'd imagine there'd be some pretty
I'd imagine these get deep, right, it'd be a bit different. It is. It's like
and this the sauna combos hit different because it's
like the door shuts and it is. It's like that, I don't know. It's like
that is like that safe space sort of thing, but it's yeah. It's
it's cool. Like Yeah. Do you find is there is there randoms coming down
and sauna ing together or is it generally group of mates that booking together? How
does that sort of look alike? So it's it's
different. Like, sometimes you'll get, like, one one person to come down.
Like, to be honest, like, I'd say 70% of the people that
come down are female, which Okay. I thought was not
not strange but it shocked me because I was like, I just sort of
thought all the guys, you know, that macho sort of energy but it's
not, it's the girls that are probably and and which is really nice again
because like they feel uncomfortable enough to to come down and
and do it. But it's like yeah. It's interesting.
And let's be honest, especially after you see your wife give birth and have kids,
women are braver than men anyway. Right? So there's more women jumping the ice baths
than there are men. At the Maudie Sead Dippers you're associated with, there's more
women down there than men, that's for sure. So I think there's more braver women
than there are there are men out there, that's for sure. But I understand. Maybe
the girls are onto something too because it's like yeah. The mental side is
Yeah. But they do live longer than us, don't they? That's for sure. So that's
for sure. Harder, that's why. You, something that something grabbed my attention. You've,
you've nipped over to Finland. Finland Yes. Lately? The happiest country in the
world? Yeah. How'd that go? Tell us a bit about that. What was the purpose
of that and and what went on there? What's your life? Well, the purpose I
was I've actually flew over for a mate's wedding,
somewhere else. And I was just like, went via Europe so that I could go
to Finland and Okay. Yeah. Learn about the saunas or the
saunas as they say The saunas. As they are Saunas. As they say it.
And, yeah, it was it was amazing. Like, it's the first time I've
traveled to a place to study, you know,
like and, you know, I just hired a camper van
and drove, like, drove round for
yeah. I think it's a bit over a week and
was going to, like, 15 saunas a day. And
15 a day. Yeah. It was yeah. We got this whole tunnel. It was hectic,
mate. It was They come out like a little bit of dried prunes. Yeah. It
was exactly like that. They come out like a walnut. But it was it was,
like, it was it was amazing because yeah. You obviously
I'd I hadn't been there before either. So and it was all like, it was
autumn. All the leaves were amazing and it was just you know, it was
pretty cool. Like, I went I'd sort of penciled in, a
few different places that I'd wanted to go. Went to the oldest one in
Helsinki, and then a place called the
language is so hard to say. It's like, give it a go. Tam Tampere.
Tampere. We're not gonna judge that. Tampere. Tampere.
English. And, yeah, it was like just a
different experience, you know, like, you go into, like, my first time going
in Starkers and, like, you'd sit there Oh, they go nude, like, in Japan onsen.
Some of some of them. Yeah. So, like, the old the, like,
the old sort of the olden day ones where I think the one that is,
like, 19 12 or something was opened, and it's like, yeah,
you go in there and it's like all these stone and, like yeah. It's just
and it looks old at like, it looks like it's from that age. And you
go in there and it was like and the guy's like, this one's no clothing.
I was like, alright. This is this is my first sort of time
in this in this Not in Tulsa. You can't argue with that.
Exactly. The dudes, you know. So you're sort of just sitting there and just
going, alright. Like, what am I in for? You know, that's awesome.
So nudity is one thing that surprised you. Is there anything else that surprised the
way they go about things over there? Yeah. They nearly everyone had
a fridge inside the front door. So you'd walk in, not in the actual
sauna, but in like the lobby. And you'd walk in, they'd have like a big
sort of chest fridge and people would be bringing their own beers,
drop they'll drop a 6 pack in and then just sort of, like, then
they go in, have a sauna, come back out and,
like, then grab a beer and then go and sit outside and cool down. And
everyone's like like, I posted something on the Instagram. It was like, everyone's sitting
out there in their white towel and, like, just having
beers and, like, you know, someone having ciggies and It goes against everything that
we thought you're supposed to do at this point, doesn't it? No. I know. I
had worn that down at Park Recreation Center. You know what? You'll
probably see it in Frankston. Will we see it at the state
of Nirvana? Yeah. Well, the place where it is, is licensed.
Oh, I like it. I think, Friday night, like Friday
night, maybe finish style or something. Finish Friday nights. It's
also That works. Finish Fridays. Finish Fridays. You know? Finish the
work the work week as well. So Oh, man. Oh, mate. You've just you've just
created gold there. Finish Fridays. Finish the week of work. Finish
the week of work. Yeah. Keep connecting with people in the bloody swan. And it's
it's like you can't help but not be relaxed. Yeah. You know, when
you, like, you finish the week off, like, it's coming into summer,
like, it's not far for, like, 50 meters from the beach and you sort of,
you're watching the sunset and just have a beer while watching your mate in a
hot spot. Fuck. That is epic. Yeah. I could think of worse worse things to
do on a fire. Out. Sadly, we're gonna have to get ourselves down there. Yeah.
No. I love that. Especially with holiday. Do you look back and think about what
you've created or the person that you were before? Do you know what I mean?
Like you're looking for something, but you sort of dabbled in it a bit, but
you didn't realize. What do you look back from obviously doing that crazy swim
and a 100 days off the pierces, and then everything you've done now Conan, what
are you most sort of proud of that you've achieved? This this
swim. Like, it was oh, I said from the start
like and I knew it would change my life. Like I knew it, I'd
set it and it like I got influenza a and
b leading up to the swim. I couldn't train for the last, like, I think
2 out of the last 4 weeks. I thought it was gone, and it was,
like, out of my control. And, yeah, like, I I they pulled me
into the, they pulled me into the, like, the
office of the Brighton Seabass because I was, like, my temperature dropped
down to, like, 32 or 33 degrees. Like, I was Wow. I
was bad. And, and this was, like, 3 weeks out from
the swim, and I was just, like, I remember I walked back
into, like, the kitchen after, like, my first swim back, and I
was just, like, like, leading up to it, I was just I just burst out
crying, and I was, like, it's back on. Like, it's back.
This is back on. And the doctors told me I have to, like, not do
it. Like, they're just like, I think you're just gonna have to give it a
miss. You're not gonna have the time. And, yeah. Like, I knew that
it was gonna change everything for us. I didn't realize what would
happen. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. I didn't realize that, you know, I'd come back
from Bali and wanna do a breath work. Like, I just but it was just
like one thing led to another and it was like, I've always liked pushing
my comfort zone and but not in the good ways either. You
know? Like, so that, yeah, I think was just like
a big pivotal sort of moment where it was like and your mind
changes too, like a 100 days of, like, clarity. Like,
it's yeah. Like, I wrote I wrote, like, a letter to myself, you know, at
the 100 days. I was like, if ever I go back to the way I
was, I'll give it up for good. And I wasn't an alcoholic, but it was
just I felt so good after this a 100 days that it
was like, you know, I don't wanna ever give this up
again, you know. So Have you gone have you how you going? Oh,
good. Like Good. I was starting to crash. Yeah. That's alright. We all do. You
gotta but you look. And that's the thing, mate. I love a beer. So it's
like I don't and I think part of that letter to myself was like,
don't stuff this up for yourself. You know, you really enjoy it. So
and because I was so clear, it was like just a really good way
to like, you know, and you have and there's always gonna be like, mate's weddings,
you know, birthdays, all these things come up where it's like, you know,
it's not it's not the same going there. You can sit there and say whatever
you want. It is not the same going to something like No. Even if you
only have a couple of beers, it's still Yeah. You know, different to go in
there and not have a good one. And I reckon you gotta allow yourself to
have that balance. Yeah. Right? It's it's healthy balance as long as you're balancing off
with, you know, not sinking, you know, 10 cans every night or whatever it might
be and those sort of you find that balance, there's nothing wrong with that at
all. You know what I mean? And I've always sort of said that, like, people
have always said to me, like, you need to have that balance. I'm like, mate,
sometimes I I I over the course of a year, it probably
does balance out because I might go, hey, we're in Tong for, you know,
3 months and then have 3 months off. And it's like over that
3 months, I accomplished so much more that I'm like That
is 6 months working for you. I'm like, oh, I
I've earned these 3 months of of divorce. Watch out. So over
I always argue. I'm like, look, I somewhat do balance out. Yeah.
I love it. So you're swimming. I'm intrigued now. A, have you kept your
swimming up? How's how's that done now? That's done stuff? I've I've just
signed up to another one. So, I actually went back and did it in the
summer because I wanted to enjoy the swim. Right. I didn't get to
enjoy it. Yeah. Because it was just too cold. Oh, too cold. I just mate,
I was never been so scared of my life. Yeah. So I just
everything in my body was telling me not to do it, you know, and it
was I jumped off and did it and it was like yeah. It was the
best feeling in my life. And then I wanted to go back and do it
during summer and I didn't listen to the
instructions because I'm like, oh, I've done this before that harder and I swung to
the wrong place and then I had to swim further, like, than what
I did. So I just didn't listen. I was just like,
oh, like, just arrogant. Just like, man, I've done
this, you know. So they're listening that as well. Exactly. Like, you know, one swim
doesn't make it professional. Or conditions change. Yeah. And it
well, that was the other thing. So then the second time the tides changed and,
oh, like, it was hard. It was it wasn't harder, but it was
like well, physically it was harder because I wasn't as fit. I wasn't
training as much either. So, but, yeah, I'm still still swimming.
There you go. You've signed up for another one. What's the next challenge on the
horizon? What what do you what Well, that's it's actually so that's a
3.4 kilometer swim. This one is a
24 kilometers swim. Wow. Jeepers. So it's like an
ultra it's like ultra or ultra ultra marathon. Like
Yeah. Well, that'd be my worst leg. If I was gonna do a triathlon, the
swim would be my worst leg. It's hard to do because it's the first one.
You drop yourself out. That's what I've done. I've done and dusted. I even got
one or the other. You're either a good runner or a good swimmer. I doubt
you I don't know. Some people anyone could ride a bike. Yes. Yes. Anyone could
ride a bike. Yeah. That's definitely my worst thing. That's for sure. That's what What
made you wanna jump from, like, 3 to 24?
Like, that's massive. It's a 100 days away.
So Are gonna go a 100 days off the piss leading to? No. No. I've
already run-in that. I did that to myself
once. I'm not doing that again. No. Like, I'll I'll
obviously severely limit it, but it's like, yeah. I just wanted
to, again, just give it a challenge. It's like, I think
it's a few weeks before me 40th and Yeah. I just sort of
I've just got this thing. I've never been fit in my life. Like, I've lost
27 kilos over the past 2 years. Have you? And,
yeah, I'm just like, I wanna hit 40 with 1 ab. Like,
just 1. Yeah. I'll just like 1 ab. Well, mate, you look you look healthy.
You know what I mean? Like, looking at you, you look bloody healthy. So 27
kilos? 27. Oh, man. The peak of, like, COVID, I was a
116 kilos. Wow. So yeah. So you've gone down to
87. So Even that in self, like, living every day and just
working, and it must be so, like, liberating. Like
I've dropped a bag and a half of concrete. Yeah. Wow. So
yeah. That's yeah. It's I wonder if only I wonder if only tradies put
it in that sense. They were. I've I've dropped a bag and a half of
concrete. I was like, where is he going? Because I've dropped a bag and a
half.
Half. Oh, shit. So That's weird. Going to people who are
listening, state of Nirvana, give it a bit of a plug in where we can
find it, where can we come along. Obviously, people like the idea of Friday night,
finish style, but there's also other opportunities. Yeah. It's,
so it's a mobile sauna, which is even the best thing. It's like wood fired.
So at the moment, I am based at the back
of the beach bar in Karim, which is like 611 Nepean
Highway. It's a wicked location. The girls 2 girls that
run it are amazing. They sort of gave us a shot. They're
all on board. They're like, the mental health benefits of it.
And I had these little inflatable sort of ones, like the epoxy
ones you see on Instagram when I was you know, because it was just gonna
be the mobile thing. And then when I sort of like, they sponsored us, so
it was like, alright. Sweet. I'm gonna go get these nice wine barrels and, you
know, got the bigger ones so that my mate's, like, who's 6 foot 5, he
can fit in there. Yeah. It's just it's it's
fun. Like, they we'll be starting to do breath work shortly.
We've I've got a yeah. Start So the mate's the mate's booking
Yes. So how's it work? Book online. Yep. It's it's a 6 seater.
It's a 6 seater. Yeah. When does when will this go live? Or when will
this go to? Monday. Monday. Monday. Monday. Yeah. Stay
tuned. There's some news coming up. Don't do it. I know
you're sorry, mate. We're running a lot of episodes. You know, we're gonna throw in
the bank. Yeah. So there'll be
some some exciting stuff coming up soon. But, yeah, it is
at the moment, we're based there just on Saturdays. The Fridays are gonna open up
soon and Sundays, like, over Christmas. And, yeah, as I say,
like, I wanna start moving into towards, like, the more corporate side
because it's it's a good thing, and it's nice
seeing the change. It's really good to, like,
optimize your focus, and it's, yeah, it
I think it's just gonna be a a good thing moving forward for the
corporate side of things. I know. I know. You're right. In terms of business sense,
you you manage a team, like, something completely different. Imagine
taking your team down for that sort of bonding session down there and you're looking
after them, you value your stuff like that, they're gonna bloody froth it. They would
love that. Correct. Yeah. Like, the other like, from the employer sort of side,
like, people will want to come and work there, you know, like it's
Yeah. Like, wellness is is growing in Oh, and it's only gonna keep
growing too. Correct. Yeah. And I feel like yeah. The more we
can sort of do with this, it'll just be, yeah, a positive.
Brilliant. Mate, you should be honestly, Sydney, it's It's a wonderful
story. Bloody awesome stories. To be proud of. Yeah. Stop my words. I was
gonna say you should be incredibly proud of yourself, man. And I'll be honest, like,
bloody inspiring. Honestly, honestly, you bloody inspired me
a little bit to step a bit further outside the comfort zone and stop being
such a pussy and try some different things, but also to have that
impact on the on the on the friendship group as well. There's so many awesome
that fork in the road moment and what's come out of it, bloody unreal,
mate. Unreal. On behalf of the school play, mate, state of
Nirvana, you're doing awesome work. Keep it up. Get behind in
the community, get down there, support the cause, enjoy some time together with the saw
in the ice baths. Sadie, thanks for your Yeah. I've
done much today, but Sadie enjoyed a lot of different stories. I think
that's one of the best things I love about podcasting is you come into this
and you don't understand people's journey or where it comes from, but that's how people
learn. Do you know what I mean? Like, so you may think doing the, like,
the saunas and the ice bath and that, that's what people get out of it.
But what they'll relate to is your story and committing to something, and then what
happens when you actually achieve that. Yeah. And like you said, you know, doing that
one swim. You're doing it no matter what, even when people said don't do it.
Yeah. But because you're able to do that one thing, then so many other things
open up. That's I think that's the biggest thing people need to do is just
do that one thing. If it's an ice bath or if it's going for a
run, like, just do one thing, commit to it, and do it. Yeah. Because then
everything's possible. Yeah. And it's it is. It is, mate. It's a self
limiting place Yeah. Everyone puts on themselves. Yep. The narrative we tell
ourselves, that's the only thing that stops us down. No one else. Our mind is
the biggest creator. 100% it is. And the way you know, we talk about this
all the time. The way we speak to ourselves, you wouldn't speak to anyone else.
But we think it's okay to do. But that's where giving yourself your lean and
be proud of yourself and actually achieve something, I think. And that's the best thing
about your story. You did that, and everything's come because of it. You know,
nothing will come even unless you do that, or you have a story, or you
have something to overcome to prove to yourself. Yeah. And that's the biggest thing I'll
take away from today. So, mate, the power of story is amazing, Conan. Thank you
for sharing it. Awesome. Thanks, mate. Take care, everyone.