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Straight Talk - Mind and Muscle Podcast

Straight Talk - Mind and Muscle Podcast

By: straight talk mind and muscle
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Summary

 I interview the Best People in the world at what they do-in Health, Fitness and all things Mind and Muscle- without the fluff- we tell it STRAIGHT... I am Damian Porter, Former NZ Special Forces Operator, Subject Matter Expert from www.hownottodieguy.com and Coach at www.eatwellmovewell.net 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=22023 straight talk mind and muscle Hygiene & Healthy Living Psychology Psychology & Mental Health
Episodes
  • Wendy Fortino: Performance, Reinvention, The Pursuit of Excellence and 3150 situps in a day

    Wendy Fortino: Performance, Reinvention, The Pursuit of Excellence and 3150 situps in a day
    May 12 2026

    Wendy Fortino is an eight-time Olympia figure competitor, former elite track athlete, media host, and fitness professional whose career bridges high-performance athletics, bodybuilding, science, and storytelling. With degrees in exercise science and a master’s in exercise physiology, her background combines academic rigor with real-world experience at the highest levels of physique competition and performance media.

    Long before stepping onto bodybuilding stages, Wendy’s identity was built through athletics. A gifted middle-distance runner with a gymnastics background, she dedicated her life to track and field and was training for the 2008 Olympic Trials in the 800 metres when a stress fracture abruptly halted her pursuit.

    What initially felt like devastation became a turning point. Introduced to bodybuilding through friends, she entered her first figure competition almost by accident — and won the overall title. What followed was a complete reinvention: national titles, an IFBB pro card, and eight Olympia appearances. Yet what truly drove her was not early success, but adversity.

    The first major loss in bodybuilding became the catalyst that hooked her deeper into the process. Her philosophy is clear: champions are forged through setbacks, challenge, and the willingness to step into difficult environments where growth is possible.

    Throughout the conversation, Wendy speaks openly about identity, resilience, and the psychology behind performance. She reflects on the pressures women face in physique sports, particularly the tendency to tie self-worth to appearance or stage results. Coming from an athletic background gave her a different perspective — one rooted in feedback, improvement, and resilience rather than validation.

    She emphasises that bodybuilding, at its best, is not simply about aesthetics, but about developing discipline, confidence, and self-respect. Health and longevity must remain the foundation. Wendy also discusses the evolution of bodybuilding itself, the balance between science and practical experience, and why true growth often comes from curiosity, creativity, and stepping outside rigid systems.

    Today, through her media work with Olympia TV, Muscle & Fitness, and numerous fitness brands, she focuses on telling deeper stories — revealing the person behind the public image and helping others understand what truly drives high performers.

    🔗 Connect with Wendy

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

    Website: http://www.polishedpresentation.com/

    http://www.cyberbodyshop.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/
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 6 mins
  • Samantha Brunskill: THE ILLUMINATOR- Transformation, Leadership, and Building a Six-Star Customer Experience

    Samantha Brunskill: THE ILLUMINATOR- Transformation, Leadership, and Building a Six-Star Customer Experience
    May 4 2026

    Samantha is an Australian entrepreneur, transformation coach, and business strategist who built her first multi–eight-figure company in her early 20s. Entering the property development space at just 19 with no formal training, she scaled an underperforming project by over 1600%, driven by a relentless focus on client experience, emotional connection, and high-performance execution.

    Her work now centres on helping individuals and entrepreneurs scale their potential into profitable, purpose-driven businesses. Her perspective is shaped by lived adversity. Samantha speaks openly about her experiences with trauma, mental health struggles, addiction, and self-sabotage—factors that forced her to confront identity at a deep level. Her core philosophy is built around what she calls the “Illuminator”: someone who transforms darkness into leadership. Rather than trying to “get over” hardship, she teaches that pain must be acknowledged, then redirected into purpose.

    The defining shift is simple but powerful—stop giving power to the past, and start using it to build strength, confidence, and direction. A key insight in Samantha’s work is that most people are not limited by capability, but by belief, environment, and lack of aligned action. She bridges mindset with execution—using tools like vision setting, identity-based decision making, and measurable daily metrics to eliminate procrastination and imposter syndrome.

    Her approach combines emotional intelligence with structured performance, emphasising that success is not motivation-driven, but built through consistent, deliberate action.

    At its core, Samantha’s message is about ownership and self-leadership:

    Your past does not define you—but it can build you.

    Illuminate your potential.

    And transformation is not a moment—it is a decision made daily.

    🔗 Connect with Samantha Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theilluminatormovement/

    Website: https://www.theilluminatormovement.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/
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 8 mins
  • LAURIN PONCE: HOW I LOST MYSELF — Rules Women Don’t Want to Hear (But Need to Become Their Best Selves)

    LAURIN PONCE: HOW I LOST MYSELF — Rules Women Don’t Want to Hear (But Need to Become Their Best Selves)
    Apr 21 2026
    Laurin is a transformation coach focused on relationships, mindset, and personal development, with a direct focus on male–female dynamics. Her approach is simple: “Raw truth. Real growth. No apologies.”In her words: “Truth over comfort. Structure over chaos. Coaching for people ready to lead themselves and stop repeating the same patterns.“Her starting point wasn’t unusual—stable job, predictable routine, and a life that looked fine from the outside. Underneath it, things weren’t working. That drift led her to nearly 125kg (275 lbs), before a moment where she made a clear decision: continue as is, or take control. What followed wasn’t a quick fix, but a shift in identity, standards, and behaviour.Laurin shares her transformation from 275 pounds to bikini competitor, This amazing physical change came from consistent execution—early mornings, structured training, disciplined nutrition. But that wasn’t the hard part. Relationships that once felt normal started to break down. The hard part was addressing the behaviours behind it. Binge eating, people-pleasing, avoidance—none of that gets fixed in a gym. It gets fixed by recognising it, owning it, and changing it.Her patterns weren’t solved with workouts—they were addressed through awareness, coaching, ownership over emotion.Growth is selective. Not everyone comes with you.We talk about how her coach became her husband, and the “controversial” marriage rules that keep their relationship structured, passionate, and functional—covering respect, submission, boundaries, and avoiding sexless marriages. She also breaks down why the majority of her audience is male, the reality behind resistance to accountability, and what men can actually do to stay attractive, lead with confidence, and maintain polarity in male/female relationships.Laurin is direct about what most people avoid: without standards, you tolerate things you shouldn’t. Over time, that creates resentment, confusion, and instability—whether that’s dating or marriage (long-term relationships). Most of the time, it’s not a compatibility issue. It’s a self-leadership issue.Her work on masculine and feminine dynamics is grounded in what actually plays out, not theory. Attraction and stability rely on polarity. When there’s no direction, no accountability, no emotional control—things fall apart. Respect drops first. Attraction follows. What’s left is tension, inconsistency, and eventually, disconnection.This isn’t about control or dominance. It’s about clarity. Knowing your standards, holding them, and acting in line with them—consistently.Laurin’s message is simple:You don’t rise to your intentions—you fall back to your behaviours. Standards you don’t enforce do not exist. And how you lead yourself determines everything that follows.At its core Lauren's message is grounded in reality: transformation hinges not on motivation, but on daily decisions, a supportive environment, high standards, and a powerful mindset.Transformation is not about motivation. It’s about your decisions, repeated daily.Don't miss Laurin's insights on the dangers of silence in marriage, roles in relationships and why your mindset matters more than anything.🔗 Connect with LaurinInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/flourishwithlaurin/ Website: https://linktr.ee/FlourishWithLaurinI am Damian Porter , Former NZ Special Forces Operator, Subject Matter Expert from www.hownottodieguy.com and www.eatwellmovewell.netAnd 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-retreatLinks for my former shows are here- WATCH on YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLpt-Zy1jciVn7cWB0B-y5WATyzrzfwucZLISTEN on: spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1rlAGRXCwLIJfQCQ5B3PYB?si=UmgsMBFkRfelCAm1E4Pd3QItunes - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/straight-talk-mind-and-muscle-podcast/id1315986446?mt=2Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/5bce2d31-a171-4e83-bada-d1384c877e76Subscribe for more amazing tips, interviews and wisdom from phenomenal guests...
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 17 mins
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