47. Bernie K is On the Couch with Chris Andersen, Our Special Guest from Episode 20

The value of people like Ben Hosking and Tim Alexander (Episode 61) is that they help one to understand why your capacity to assert and your confidence to stand up for what is right is an essential contribution to a world of peace and equity. Furthermore, you can't help but notice  hnotice that in people like Ben and Tim, they exhibit such a strong, balanced persona. They instinctively know what is important, and what is trivial. They simply don't sweat the 'small stuff'. This of course means they are less distracted giving them more time, more space to choose joy in their life. It has been such a pleasure to not only understand the value of this quality, but to see it in action. As both Ben and Tim suggest ... it may well be your ability to deliver 'tough love' that actually determines how effective you are in spreading your own 'goodness' and value to others. You will hear this message loud and clear in this Episode with the extraordinary Ben Hosking.

Ben Hosking is an 11-year veteran with the Northern Territory Police. To hear his story of one of his first 'call outs' to address a domestic violence incident in Tennant Creek is both enlightening and hilarious given that he 'tased' himself not the perpetrator. It is the way he tells the story, that will so entertain you. However, let not his humorous description of this one encounter hide the fact that you are meeting an extraordinary talent and highly skilled human. Ben Hosking is an expert dealing with High-Risk Domestic Crime and Counter Terrorism. He is accomplished in Dignitary Protection having provided safe environments and passage for Manny Pacquaio during his 'Battle of Brisbane' boxing bout with Jeff Horn, and for HRH Prince Harry and Prince William during their visits to Australia.

He has frequently attracted extraordinary assignments offering close personal protection for Ultra High Net Worth individuals and their families. His story of protecting such a family as they played on the beach of a Pacific Island on one of their holiday ventures is delightful. As 'Chip' points out, Ben gives us insights into the lives of the 'rich and famous' and helps us realize that there is little value for ourselves or for them when we choose to idolise.

Such a different brilliant episode.

For the ultimate in personal security protection ... Corporate Security & Protection In Australia | Panoptic Solutions
To travel with Bernie and Chip to Nepal ... +61 412 982 444

The name Viktor Frankl is forever attached to the profound book ... MAN'S SEARCH FOR MEANING. If you haven't read it, then you have missed out on the greatest of life lessons. It is a wisdom bible. It is compulsory reading. To purchase the book, simply go online and type in its title or watch this video ...
MAN'S SEARCH FOR MEANING BY VIKTOR FRANKL (youtube.com)

It was Victor Frankl who said, "We who lived in concentration camps can remember the men who walked through the huts, comforting others, giving away their last piece of bread. They may have been few in number, but they offer sufficient proof that everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms – to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way."

Mary Scott could have been an ally to the great Austrian Psychiatrist for she too saw humankind's choice to respond to deeply deprived states. It wasn't Auschwitz, but it was Nauru, a Pacific Island and an offshore Australian Immigration Detention Facility. It was there that she saw people give up and take their own lives. They had lost purpose. She witnessed those whose behavior became depraved in the face of perceived hopelessness and it was there that she also saw greatness in those who refused to let their environment determine their identity. Mary Scott had an experience of Viktor Frankl in action.

Mary is a Godsend for so many women who find themselves in the second half of life seeking a fresh start. They have done their childbearing. They have contributed to society and now they seek a new existence, but where do they start?
Enter Mary Scott, a trained Psychotherapist and 'Confidence Coach' who teaches them to first manage that voice inside which questions their possibilities. Mary helps them to turn down the volume on the voice that says they are not good enough. In her own words, "What a joy it is to watch them come out of the shadows, to reclaim their power and to discover a greater self."

This born storyteller is about to delight, educate and turn on your light switch. 
You are about to discover that a few of your light bulbs haven't been turned on for quite a while.
Please enjoy the Mary Scott journey!

Bernie K ... +61 412982444 ... bernie@journeywithbernie.co

Chip ... +61 410603336 ... chip@journeywithbernie.co
Mary Scott ... ​Mary Scott Influence - The Confidence Coach ... +61 407865093

This episode is a paradox. We explore possibilities of finding more love for self, life and people with one of the great Australian Muay Thai fighters of our time ... Dane ‘Daddy Kool’ Beauchamp and he certainly lived up to his reputation. Dane in this episode was very 'Kool'. It's so easy to speak about his record in which he won more than 80% of his fights and his achievements in winning Australian and Intercontinental belts are folklore, but his famous victories are not the real story. As Dane himself says, 'It was the dedication to training and routine that earnt the 'kudos'. I reckon most of my training sessions were harder than my fights.'

At one stage of his fight career, Dane was so good that no one in his weight division would fight him. He had to put on 4 kgs of muscle without losing his trademark speed and footwork just to find worthy opponents. Changing the shape of his body was tough dedicated work. He trained every day. His discipline was legendary, and this is where Dane offered us so much.

"Being disciplined is the ultimate self-love."

Wait till you hear what Dane has to say at the 20-minute mark about the importance of routine, discipline, effort, energy life and self-love. It's not for me to elaborate on his message, it's up to you to absorb a wisdom so profound. In addition, the metaphor Dane offered comparing life to the continuous mental battle between throwing your own punches while running the risk of being hit hard by life was powerful. The way he explains why attacking life is so much more important than worrying how hard it will hit you is insightful. His reasoning is so insightful. It sort of reminded me of the old Rocky Balboa clip where 'The Rock' had this to say to his protecting, safe and conservative son ... Rocky's Inspirational Speech to His Son | ROCKY BALBOA (youtube.com)

It's almost ironic that we could learn so much about love for self and life through a pugilist, but it is Dane's constant dedication to the battle which allows him to understand life so much more than most. The take home pay in this episode will delight you.

P.S. So too is the announcement that our JOURNEY WITH BERNIE ... and CHIP website has been launched. Every episode is now available to you at a click of a button ... A Journey With Bernie & Chip – Strategies and actions to live a joyful, loving, meaningful life. It also means that our email address has changed too ... bernie@journeywithbernie.co
The mobile contact number still remains ... +61 412982444, and don't forget to contact Dane either ... +61 404469834. He so wants to hear from you.

P.S.S. Can you believe that Bernie left me out of the contact list. 'Sabotage' I say! How did you respond to Chip's TAKE HOME PAY? I so want your feedback ... chip@journeywithbernie.co ... +61 410603336

What a joy it is to bring Louise Bennet back to you, although as you will learn in this episode, the host of the show errs on a number of occasions by Freudianly calling her Louise BENEFIT!! Well, was it a humble mistake or was Bernie sincerely giving Louise a new identity that summarises what she truly gives us? 
Afterall, your feedback from previous episodes suggests that Louise B has already brought incredible worth to over 8000 listeners. While this episode only covers one more additional poem, the conversation it created is so enlightening. Her poem is called 'Nature is God' and I can honestly say that the insight of this incredible 34-year-old woman might give you the virtual evidence you need to be convinced we are all connected. Louise explains that the plants, the trees, the animals and humanity consume the same air, the same sunlight and same water sources. These elements shape all living things. 
Whatever is the Force of Nature that created the beasts of the savannah or the fish of the deep seas is the same force that created us. We are all part of Nature. As we look to the stars at nighttime, we see Nature once again on display. It is everywhere. Is it part of us? Does it flow through us. Is it within us? Is it us ? 
One poem ... one woman ... one clear definitive answer. 
With the added intelligence of Chip as co-host, this discussion reaches liberating heights which support the Vincent Freeman adage, who once said ... "They say every atom in our bodies was once a part of a star. Maybe, I'm not leaving. Maybe I'm going home". I suspect you will have a question to answer at the end of this episode !!

Bernie K +61 412 982 444 ... bernie.kelly@outlook.com ... Request your comprehensive Information Kit to join us in Nepal.
Louise Bennet ... +61 406 512 389
Lachlan 'Chip' Huddy ... +61 410 603 335

Episode 60 will tell you the story of a girl, who was sexually traumatised between the ages of 11 to 13. It will explain how her experience inspired a constant feeling that the world was unsafe. The only way, that a teenage Louise Bennet could cope was to combat that feeling by becoming EVERYONE'S PROTECTOR. The problem was that Louise's friends and romantic interests didn't want a Protector. Consequently, her relationships often ended in strain, stress and struggle. She even blames the demise of her young marriage on her overprotective ways, although she is thankful that her married years gave her a most precious daughter.  Instinctively, Louise knew that this trauma inspired behavior was suffocating her life. Little did she know that it was in fact destroying her cells. That's what Louise believes. Louise was diagnosed with breast cancer last year. As the photo shows, it has already taken her right mammary. 

Yet, her response to this arduous, chaotic and painful journey has led to her discovery of her higher true self. She is now a person driven by love as a purpose. In episode 60, you met an ANGEL OF JOY already on the pathway to becoming a liberated person ... and there of course lays the paradox. 

The learnings from that episode were profound, but little did we know that virtually her entire adult journey has been documented in the form of brilliant, graphic, extraordinary poetry and prose. Each poem extraordinarily captures the state, the fight, the light that Louise was experiencing in that moment. Each poem is a precious gift describing life in that moment. The learnings encapsulated in Louise's writings are powerful and potent.
 
This is a unique episode, in which a young woman shares her most private writings, so that you the listener may discover wisdoms without encountering the potential torment that has intruded Louise's life. Still, the miracle needs to be understood. Why is it that Louise doesn't it see as an unworthy intervention? Her cancer is welcome, as it sheds the trauma of her past leaving her to see the beauty and the love that truly defines her.

If you would like a copy of Louise's extraordinary anthology of poems heard on this podcast plus an understanding of what she was teaching us, then simply text Bernie on +61 412982444 or email him on ... bernie.kelly@outlook.com.
Lachlan 'Chip' Huddy ... +61 410 603 336
Louise Bennet ... +61 406 512 389

There is a little bit of Mother Teresa in this episode. It was she who understood that through physical suffering, one can enhance their spiritual strength. Consequently, it is exactly how her 'Missionaries of Charity Sisters' live. To call them 'minimalists' would be an understatement. They virtually live as the 'poor', so that they can understand and fully respect the very people they serve. In addition, living without 'worldly conveniences' inspires them to find their happiness and joy from within. Today's guest resonates with that inner journey from suffering to spiritual contentment.

Margarita Aunei-Stowers is the Founder and CEO of a remarkable charity called Giv3 Our Time. They feed the Homeless with food, love and hope. After you hear her story and the unrelenting purpose of her life, you will at the least, want to donate, so joyfully I give you access to their website via their donation page ... www.giv3ourtime.com/donate/ ... you must visit it.

Margarita certainly knows suffering. 
She felt suffering when she too lived without shelter in the deadly Vines St, Sunset Bvld and Argyle Ave of Hollywood. That was terrifying. 
She encountered a deep suffering, when with her fellow 'Homies', she too received the daily gift of 'isolation' from a world that arrogantly walked silently by. 
Does anybody really care? Who cares? 
This was a powerful mental and emotional suffering.
She suffered every time she had to ask permission to use a bathroom or to enter a grocery store for nothing but basics.
This was the suffering of being harshly judged for not having a shower.
She experienced the suffering of not knowing how to pick herself up and rise again, of not knowing where to turn ... this was the suffering of 'no hope', which was her existence for many years both in the avenues of Los Angeles and streets of Brisbane.

Somehow, someway, Margarita was able to find a pathway out. Maybe it was her faith relationship with God, founded at a very early age, that kept her searching. Maybe it was the thousands of muttered prayers murmured through the trembling lips of her beautiful and believing mother. Who knows from where Margarita's resolve came, but somehow, she eventually found a simple shelter here in the Brisbane bayside suburb of Wynnum. She is thankful.

Time and gratitude have now allowed her to convert the sufferings of her past into a deep spiritual richness. 

Her passion is unstoppable now, as she feeds the 'Homeless' of Southeast Queensland with heart, belief and some good old Aussie tucker, that invites the 'Homeless' to smile, to open up, to share, to solve, as they joyfully feed their undernourished bodies. So far, her data suggests, she and her devoted team have fed 20000 such marginalized citizens so far. For many of them, Margarita has become their Mother Teresa.

Her work appears to be endless with the arrival of new persons into Central Brisbane streets at an alarming rate. 
In her words, we all are suffering a crisis.

This is why, she will more than appreciate your donation. It helps. 
However, more than that she actually wants the currency of your personal energy and time. She wants you to call her and volunteer ... work with her ... even if just for an hour a week. She wants businesses large and small, to offer their goods and actively get involved as part of the solution. She seeks to educate the ignorant ... to help humble people like you and I to understand that all things are impermanent and that 'the people of the street' are really your brother or your sister in disguise. No-one is immune from the possibility of this desolate, isolating, homeless outcome.

Prepare yourself for one heck of a ride dear listeners, and as you approach the end of this podcast make sure your phone is handy, because you will want to call or text the mobile number of this 'Angel of the Street' ... 

Margarita Stowers ... +61 405 201 880

As we journey towards becoming a more loving human being, every story offers a new consideration. This episode with International Krav Maga expert, Tim Alexander, will be forever remembered for giving us the notion that Love and Aggression not only can co-exist, but in fact may be blood relatives! If we are to inspire greater peace across the human race, Tim would suggest that without the ability to defend and assert, your capacity to love may even be rendered useless.

You may have heard the term 'tough love'. Think of parents who must say 'No' to their child when the pressure is on to give them what they want. The assertion is 'tough'. The reason behind a parent's strong stance is protection, security and love of their child.
What about the times when the same child sees close friends being bullied in the playground?
 
Do they love their comrade enough to take a stance against the oppressor?
 
The assertive stance reflects the loving connection between two friends.

How many times does an injustice call for a voice?

Does our want to inspire a loving spirit demand that we speak the uncommon truth?

The paradox! Love and Assertion. Love and Aggression. Love and Violence. All part of the same family.

This is the message of Tim Alexander, a strong Christian man, who teaches a potent self-defence system called Krav Maga. Developed for the Israel Defense Forces, it is derived from a combination of techniques used in Aikido, Judo, Karate, Boxing, and Wrestling. Tim is one of the world elite instructors. He is so accomplished that his coaching skill is called upon by Law Enforcement, Tactical Shooting, and the Military. As an Expert Level 4 instructor, he is the only person in the Southern Hemisphere with that rank. He is amongst the global best.

But it is as a man of peace that Tim explains how the confidence to protect oneself against angry or threatening foes means a greater capacity to meet all situations with a calm, assured and strong mind. It diminishes the need to flee. It reduces the need to fight, but if necessary, it also enhances one's capacity to assert, to aggress with strength, and consequently resolve and facilitate solution.

For the first time in 60 episodes of A Journey With Bernie...and Chip, Love and Aggression have found unity.

Be prepared to be intrigued.

The Book of Joy by Douglas Abrams with the Dalia llama was recommended in this podcast. It is a must read:

The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World : Lama, Dalai: Amazon.com.au: Books

Contact Tim for personal training programs. Women and children personal defence classes are offered by Tim.
Embrace them! They are certain to give a confidence that is likely to invade all dimensions of your life.

For those of you, who are looking for fight choreography in your latest film or maybe a superb public speaker at your next event then Tim should be on your list. Email me at a special address created just for this podcast: ajourneywithbernie@tim-alexander.com.au

It's not very often that you meet AN ANGEL OF JOY. We're talking of someone who may be divinely blessed. One thing is certain. Louise Bennet is a rare human being. As you listen to this episode, you will find it hard to believe how this single mother of the gorgeous 4-year-old Evie could be so joyous, so sustainably happy and so accepting of the vagrancies of life. Louise Bennet is the fullness of life personified, and it is not a brave fascade. It is her discovery ... her mindful and purposeful response to sexual trauma between the age of 11 and 13, the demise of a marriage, the 'consequential' diagnosis of breast cancer and the recent surgical loss of her right breast. We say 'consequential' because Louise is adamant that THE BODY KEEPS THE SCORE. Not only does she strongly advocate the book ... The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma: van der Kolk M.D., Bessel: 9780143127741: Amazon.com: Books ... she knows from personal experience that hanging onto past traumas has manifested itself in cancerous ways. What's more, she is happy about it!! With full belief that other chapters of her life are ahead, Louise feels blessed that her current situation has embedded a lifestyle that fosters inner joy, greater confidence, and a powerful connection with what Louise calls 'Source'. Others might call it Spirit, God, Essence, Force etc. To Louise it doesn't matter what one calls it, the challenge for all of our lives is to be 'the spirit' that lives inside each and every one of us. Having discovered this pathway, it seems difficult for Louise to consider anything else as more important, other than becoming the most loving human being she can possible be and to be that love as mother to Evie. But the most remarkable outcome of all is that Louise is succeeding in her mission. Just listen to this podcast ... watch the excerpts and educational segments on YouTube ... and you too will be in awe of this ANGEL OF JOY.

Chip's Take Home Pay

"Do we see reality as it is?" - TED Talk by by Donald Hoffman
Why Resistance Training is the Best Form of Exercise - Mind Pump Media
Take The 21 Day Meditation Challenge | The Way Of Meditation (teachable.com)

I travelled to Kathmandu, Nepal last December to trek the incredible Langtang Valley. If you have ever seen the Netflix documentary called 'AFTERSHOCK', you would know this region's incredible story during and following the Earthquakes of 2015 ... Watch Aftershock: Everest and the Nepal Earthquake | Netflix Official Site. I also had another mission ... to participate for the third time in the 10-day silent meditation retreat known globally as VIPASSANA ... Vipassana Meditation (dhamma.org). Supposedly, it is the process used by Siddhartha Gautama to find 'enlightenment' and consequently become the spiritual leader we all know as 'Buddha'. Two hundred participants wondered as I did. Would the ambience and the potency of this VIPASSANA programme be different than other global centers, given that the programme was being delivered in the birth country of 'Lord Buddha' himself. We were not disappointed. The experience was, if you will excuse the pun ... mind-freeing. For Brittany Rojas from Miami, Florida, a Flight Attendant with American Airlines Business Class Operations, it was transformational. This podcast explains how.

If there is one thing that A JOURNEY WITH BERNIE ... and CHIP has come to know in its first 50 plus episodes is that life seems to delight in inflicting a traumatic challenge upon all at some stage of their years on this Earth. In Brittany's case, life has possibly been unfair. It has overworked this young lady beyond reason. Her story will be deemed as shocking by some but listen intently and you will quickly move past the tears to periods of joy and celebration, as you hear of Brittany's courage, her fight and her ardent commitment to maximise her life regardless of past chaos. Prepare for an extraordinary story right up there with our very very best. You will probably cry with Brittany, but you will also feel her hope. You will enjoy her too. Brittany is full of life and has some strong advices for everyone, including our politicians and national leaders. It makes sense too! The Camino of Spain has been a contributor to Brittany's redemption and she thinks it should be a prepatory ground for true leadership. You will learn how this VIPASSANA experience is already reshaping her view of her life. She is now seeing that the potent pain of her life to date is just part of her journey ... nothing more ... nothing less. She is thankful for the notion of IMPERMANENCE so crucial to being able to release herself from suffering and being grateful for her many gifts. Be prepared to be inspired. Be prepared to shed a tear. Be prepared to be awakened for this next hour will certainly enrich your life.

Brittany Rojas INSTAGRAM: brittany.bianca
Bernie K INSTAGRAM: berniekelly103   M: +61 412 982 444      E: bernie.kelly@outlook.com 
'Chip' Lachlan Huddy M: +61 410 603 336

Dear Listeners, 

As we approach the end of 2023, Chip and I have nothing but thanks and gratitude to you, our listeners, for taking this Podcast to another realm. Thousands of listeners per week, SUBSCRIPTIONS and FOLLOWSHIP  increasing substantially, now YouTube visual … https://youtube.com/@AJourneyWithBernie?si=NduAt9X-g3D5rIlM … and 52 countries around the globe are embracing their Friday episode of A JOURNEY WITH BERNIE. We are so appreciative to an incredible array of guests whose stories and wisdoms have just elevated our podcast to this global audience. 

Do tell … do you have a favorite? 

Please hop on YouTube or Spotify and tell us which episode most resonated with you and why? 

This year, you have given us an incredible foundation for 2024, where we will seek to multiply our impact to a truly world class podcast.

The impact of ‘Chip’ Huddy’s weekly LOADED QUESTIONS  and TAKE HOME PAY segments have made this Podcast so valuably different. It therefore won’t surprise you that in 2024 the branding will recognise Chip’s significant contributions to come. In 2024, you will be welcomed to A JOURNEY WITH Bernie … and CHIP!! 

Your feedback also tells us that we are offering you so much more than just a Podcast. In your words, we are offering a lifestyle … a way of life … and as such, we will invite you to join us in exploring possibilities beyond the podcast towards generating sustainable inner happiness, a greater capacity to love and consequently more meaning in our humble lives. The launch of the 2024 website will guide you toward events, activities, challenges, books, retreats etc., that can add substantial value to your life journey. In addition, those who want more will receive more by becoming a member of A JOURNEY WITH BERNIE … and CHIP VIP Club. I think we will come up with a better name soon!!  

In this episode, Chip and I elaborate on what all of this will look like for you in 2024 … You are in for a treat this episode. Enjoy our excitement! 

PLUS in this discussion we share our highlights of the last three months which have featured some outstanding interviews with some remarkable people. Absorb these excerpt highlights in this episode for they certainly show the way towards a richer, confident and more precious life. 

As Chip said in the podcast, “You complete the circle for us. You bring greater energy and purpose to what we are doing. Your engagement makes it just so exciting.”

Thank you once again dear listeners. Have a blessed and peaceful Christmas, whether you are a Christian believer or not. Embrace your families and grab this festive opportunity to spread the love, which we give to you. 

One more episode in 2023, then 2024 launches a whole new era!  

PS Apologies to fight fans … Muhammed Ali knocked out Sonny Liston with the so called ‘Phantom Punch’, not Floyd Patterson. Bernie got a bit excited there !!