Picking Up Rocks

Masculinity in the Age of Algorithms: A Conversation with Dr Krista Fisher of Movember

In this episode of Picking Up Rocks, Patrick Beggs sits down with Dr Krista Fisher, lead author of Movember’s powerful report Young Men’s Health in a Digital World. Krista is a Research Fellow at the Movember Institute of Men’s Health, where she leads projects exploring how digital spaces, from social media to porn, gaming, dating apps and AI, are shaping young men’s health, wellbeing, and relationships. She recently completed her PhD at the University of Melbourne, where she developed the first theory of young men’s anxiety and mapped their help-seeking pathways across mental health systems. In this conversation, we unpack what makes this digital moment so different: how content loops form, why algorithmic design feeds distress, and why influencers are both helping and harming. We talk contradictions, co-design, and what a credible path forward could look like, including the early foundations of a new pilot we’re building at PUR: Agency Builders, aka The Agency Gym. If you care about the mental health of young men, the systems shaping them, and what it takes to build something that actually lands, this one’s for you. Link to Movembers report: https://au.movember.com/movember-institute/masculinities-report ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

From Comedy to Copy: Ray Connolly on Words That Win Hearts

Welcome back to the podcast! Today, we’re diving into the heart of storytelling, comedy, and the art of vulnerability with the brilliant Ray Connolly. Ray Connolly is an award-winning copywriter in Los Angeles, California. He also performs stand up comedy around the country and Europe. He’s punched up CEO keynotes, wrangled celebrities on set and crafted brand identities for startups and tech behemoths alike. Before finding advertising, Ray spent fifteen years working as a line cook, rafting guide, fish monger, among other grueling jobs. He co-parents two young boys. In this episode, we explore how personal experiences inform professional storytelling, the delicate balance of vulnerability in branding, and the power of saying, "I don't know." Ray also shares insights from his process of developing stories for LinkedIn and his forthcoming book, tentatively titled I Can't Believe It's Not Better. Whether you're looking for lessons in crafting compelling narratives or just a good laugh, this conversation is one you don’t want to miss. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Storytelling Through Sport: Patrick Skene on Belonging, Unity, and Hope

In this episode of Picking Up Rocks, we’re joined by Patrick Skene, the founder of Cultural Pulse [https://culturalpulse.com.au/] and a master storyteller who has spent 15 years building bridges between sport, culture, and history. From his early days playing makeshift cricket matches with kids on holiday to authoring acclaimed books like The Big O and Celestial Footy, Patrick has always been captivated by the way sport unites and inspires. Patrick shares his perspective on the unique power of sport as a level playing field—one where culture, community, and competition intersect in meaningful ways. We discuss everything from his work igniting fan engagement through multicultural marketing to his passion for celebrating match officials and coaching his Under-6s football team. Expect insights into the profound role of storytelling in sport, the importance of meeting communities where they are, and why he believes sport teaches us to navigate life’s victories and defeats. It’s a conversation filled with hope, reflection, and a love for the timeless magic of the game. Whether you’re a sports fanatic, a storytelling enthusiast, or someone curious about how to create connections through culture, this episode is for you. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

A thirst for life and Surviving Against the Odds: Chris Jankulovski’s Journey of Resilience, Intuition, and Purpose

In this episode, Chris Jankulovski joins Picking Up Rocks to share the incredible journey of navigating life with a rare genetic condition, von Hippel-Lindau syndrome. Diagnosed at 19 and given a life expectancy of 30, Chris now shares decades of survival wisdom and a unique perspective on what it means to thrive against the odds. Through his moving stories, Chris discusses his “Hope Amplifier” medication, the power of gratitude, and his commitment to living with purpose. We traverse Chris’s transformation from a struggling entrepreneur to a purpose-driven leader, leveraging intuition and resilience to overcome immense personal and professional challenges. Chris Jankulovski is a speaker, entrepreneur, and author with an extraordinary story of resilience and purpose. Diagnosed with the rare genetic disorder von Hippel-Lindau syndrome at just 19, Chris has undergone over 40 brain surgeries and has faced a lifetime of life-threatening medical challenges. His condition, which causes tumors to grow throughout the body, limited his life expectancy to just 30 years. Despite this prognosis, Chris has transformed his experiences into a source of strength, redefining what it means to live fully and with intention. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

The Ultimate Challenge of Building Agency with Derek McCormack

In this episode, Derek McCormack joins host Patrick Beggs to share his insight into the ultimate challenge of building agency in selves and others, through Parenthood. Derek is director at the Raising Children Network and has a different take on parenting experts - that there are none. Emphasising that parenting is an evolving practice of guiding behaviour, providing emotional support, and managing daily care. The conversation explores how societal shifts, like the attention economy and climate anxiety, have made the role more challenging, yet the fundamental principles of raising children remain unchanged. Derek offers insight into how the Raising Children Network [https://raisingchildren.net.au/] delivers research-backed, actionable guides to parents in a world where misinformation can spread rapidly. He shares personal reflections on raising his blended family and the delicate balance of care and independence as children grow. As well as how his parenting journey coincides with his professional journey with the Raising Children Network. Looking forward, Derek paints a picture of a future where parenting support focuses more on children’s emotional well-being and expands to provide guidance for parents who are also caring for aging family members, reinforcing the importance of a community-centered approach to family life.  ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.