Toby Walsh is one of the world's foremost artificial intelligence researchers — a professor at UNSW, author of multiple books on AI, and a regular voice at the United Nations on the governance of autonomous weapons.

In this conversation, Mark Bouris and Walsh cover the full arc of AI: from Alan Turing's original question about machine intelligence, to the way ChatGPT actually works, to the concentration of power in the hands of a handful of Silicon Valley figures. They examine the economics of the AI industry — who is actually making money, and why companies are spending billions they cannot yet recoup. Walsh also addresses the military application of AI in Ukraine and Gaza, the threat of autonomous weapons, and why he believes we may need to see atrocities before the world acts.

• How Alan Turing defined artificial intelligence — and why that definition matters now
• Why AI hallucinates and what it actually means when a chatbot gives you a wrong answer
• The concentration of AI power into a small number of companies and individuals
• Autonomous weapons, AI targeting in Gaza, and the coming arms race
• The future of work — the four-day week, productivity gains, and what happens to human purpose
• Why AI will likely replace human driving — and why that is a good thing
• The case for global regulation and what Walsh is telling the United Nations

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Craig Laundy joins me in Las Vegas for a direct conversation on business, politics and legacy, from the Bulldogs’ resurgence to the Laundy family’s investment in 2GB. We unpack the future of Australian politics, the role of AI, economic pressure points and what it takes to build long term impact across generations.

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NRL star turned Fox League host Braith Anasta joins me for an honest, wide-open conversation about footy, family, mental health and life after the game.

We get into:
• Losing his dad to suicide at 15
• Mental health
• NRL career highlights
• Who scared him the most in the game
• What he learned from the Johns brothers
• Dealing with controversy
• Fatherhood
• Transitioning post-retirement

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At just 23 years old, Elvis Smylie is already making serious noise in world golf.

Fresh off a breakthrough win and a multi-million dollar payday, Australia’s most exciting young golf prospect sits down to unpack the mindset behind his rapid rise.

Elvis opens up about the independence required in golf, the pressure of performing on global stages, and why ownership of your career matters more than talent alone.

We also dive into:
• The psychology of elite performance
• The role of his team and caddy
• Joining LIV Golf and embracing team dynamics
• Managing money, expectations and pressure at 23
• The business side of professional golf
• His goals for the 2026 majors

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Chris Kohler is a 35 year old Australian financial journalist, author, and content creator, currently serving as Finance Editor across the 9News network. As one of the most recognisable faces in Australian business reporting, he is known for making complex economic issues clear and accessible to everyday Australians.

Purchase Chris's book here: https://www.penguin.com.au/books/how-they-get-you-9781761356414

 In this episode, we cover:
• His journey into journalism and rise within financial media
• Building a strong social media presence and developing a well known alter ego
• Breaking down interest rates and Reserve Bank decisions for the public
• Behind the scenes insights from RBA press conferences
• Leadership pressures facing central bank governors
• Public trust in institutions and media accountability
• Themes from his book and broader social commentary
• Consumer behaviour, subscriptions, and loyalty programs
• Productivity trends and economic pressures
• The evolving media landscape and digital integration
• Communicating complex narratives to a broad audience
• Ethical responsibility in modern journalism

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Anthony Mundine is one of the most talked about and polarising figures in Australian sporting history.

Known as The Man or Choc, Mundine’s career spans elite rugby league, world title boxing, music and outspoken views on politics, health, and culture. Few athletes have crossed as many boundaries or challenged as many institutions while staying true to themselves.

In this conversation, Mundine reflects on growing up in a famous fighting family, the pressure that came with legacy, the mindset that carried him across two professional sports, and the battles that shaped him outside the ring. He opens up about faith, controversy, music and public backlash.

Love him or hate him, Anthony Mundine has never played it safe. He speaks with honesty, conviction, and total self belief.

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Just in time for the UFC in Sydney, one of the most iconic fighter managers, Tim Simpson, joins us for a deep dive into the business of the fight game.

We get into how Tim became one of the most prominent managers in the sport, what it really takes to be smart in this game, the new broadcast deal, what fighters actually go through, some wild behind-the-scenes stories, the White House card, and much more.

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Chris Katelaris, known online as Big Chocky, brings a perspective you don’t hear often.

Adopted from Colombia at just two months old by a Greek-Cypriot Australian family, Chris has a deep love for Australia and grew up navigating questions of identity, belonging, and purpose. That lived experience now sits at the centre of why his content is striking a nerve with so many Australians.

In this conversation, we cover:
- Growing up adopted and the search for identity
- Personal setbacks and the moments that changed his trajectory
- Australia’s deeper problems and why he reckons we’re falling short as a society
- The role of faith and belief in shaping his values
- Building discipline and mental resilience
- Gaining influence through social media and what comes with it
- Handling controversy, criticism, and public scrutiny
- Responsibility, leadership, and personal accountability

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Ross Coulthart is one of Australia’s most prominent investigative journalists, known most recently for his fearless reporting on unexplained aerial phenomena (UAPs) or UFOs.

He joins the podcast to discuss his career uncovering hard truths, the role of curiosity in journalism, declining trust in governments and media, and his deep investigations into UAPs, military encounters with unidentified objects, government secrecy, non-human intelligence, consciousness, and the growing intersection between science, spirituality, and ancient civilisations.

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Shiza Shahid is an entrepreneur, investor, and social activist dedicated to advancing girls’ education and women’s rights.

Shiza co-founded the Malala Fund in 2013 alongside Malala Yousafzai, helping build a global movement for girls’ education while navigating complex political and cultural realities. She later co-founded Our Place, a modern kitchenware brand focused on connection, culture, and home cooking.

In this conversation, we explore Shiza’s journey from activism to entrepreneurship, the realities of building movements under global scrutiny, and what it takes to scale values-led businesses without losing purpose.

Check out the Our Place Website here: https://fromourplace.au/

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So thankful to speak to all these legends this year. There were so many great Straight Talk episodes

.Who would you love to see on next year? Check out some highlights and let me know which was your favourite in the comments! 

0:00:00 Greg Norman
00:16:02 Andy Cooks
00:30:03 Tony Abbott
00:42:18 Matt Ford & Jack Steele (Inspired Unemployed)
00:50:21 Michelle Payne
01:03:30 John Laws

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