In this episode, David Gregory, OAM, reveals how accepting fear as a daily companion shaped his extraordinary journey of service. From leaving home at fourteen to becoming a CEO and receiving an Order of Australia Medal, his philosophy of "if you can't beat fear, do it scared" has guided him through near bankruptcy to speaking at the United Nations. Ultimately, his journey reminds us that courage isn't about being fearless, it's about letting our purpose become bigger than our fears.

About Our Guest

David Gregory, OAM, is the Executive Producer of "Just a Farmer" and Director of Live Rural. A member of Beyond Blue's NASBO Steering Committee, he has been recognized with the SME Global Leader award at the UN (United Nations). David serves as an Expert Judge for Awards Australia: Community Awards and is a member of Screen Producers Australia. He is the former CEO of Small Business Mentoring Service (SBMS).

Read the full show notes on our Substack: https://whatsfear.substack.com/p/s1e4

00:00 David Gregory, OAM Intro

02:47 Imposter Syndrome: The Silent Struggle

05:28 Coping Mechanisms: Running Towards Fear

07:50 Achievements and Imposter Syndrome: A Complex Relationship

10:07 The Weight of Recognition: Living Up to Expectations

12:55 The Role of Responsibility: OAM and Community Engagement

14:56 Navigating New Challenges: The Film Journey

17:27 Reflections on Early Life: The Impact of Leaving Home

22:30 Formative Experiences and Life Choices

24:56 The Role of Leadership in Making a Difference

27:21 Navigating Fear and Control in Leadership

32:37 The Burden of Control and Emotional Challenges

38:10 Facing Loneliness and Mental Health Awareness

42:44 Lessons from Life: Messages to My Younger Self

44:45 It's a Wrap

In this episode, Hollie Andrew shares her courageous journey from accomplished actor to entrepreneur, revealing what happens when achieving all career goals leaves you searching for deeper purpose. After meeting every milestone she'd set as a young person, Hollie made the bold decision to walk away from acting success and create a not-for-profit charity supporting actors with disabilities. She speaks openly about the financial anxiety and shame she feels about experiencing fear, and how she's redefined success from external validation to authentic alignment with purpose.

About Our Guest

After 20 successful years across all professional platforms of the arts Industry, Hollie discovered that her unique skill set placed her in the perfect position to be able to affect real change on a path that she would never have predicted. Now, as the Operational Director of Abundabiliteez Productions, she couldn’t be happier in the challenges, wins, hardships, obstacles, successes, and service that she is living and is ahead for her and her artists.

Read the full show notes on our Substack: https://whatsfear.substack.com/p/s1e3

00:00 Hollie Andrew Intro

02:45 Navigating Fear and Financial Pressure

05:01 Defining Success Beyond Financial Gain

07:30 The Importance of Patience and Faith

10:04 Lessons from Vulnerability and Struggle

12:15 The Intersection of Fear and Success

25:50 Defining Success: A Personal Journey

29:15 The Evolution of Purpose

32:04 Finding Joy in Authenticity

37:43 Navigating Fear and Anxiety

42:42 The Power of Vulnerability

48:20 Messages to My Younger Self

51:54 It's a wrap

In this episode, Olympian Sarah Straton shares what it was like to achieve one of the highest honours in sport, only to realise it didn’t quiet the inner voice telling her she wasn’t enough. Sarah speaks openly about the emotional cost of chasing perfection, the identity struggles beneath the surface, and the inner work it took to finally feel at peace beyond performance.

About our guest

Sarah Straton is an Olympic beach volleyball player who struggled with perfectionism and tying her self-worth to her achievements. After retiring from professional sport, she found purpose in helping others navigate similar challenges. Sarah works with families, sporting organisations, and corporations to facilitate wellbeing and performance.

Read the full show notes on our Substack: https://whatsfear.substack.com/p/s1e2

00:00 Sarah Straton Intro

00:30 The Burden of Perfectionism

02:37 Awareness and Acceptance

05:22 The Journey to Self-Discovery

07:34 Reflections on Olympic Experience

09:51 The Impact of Upbringing

12:32 Embracing Imperfection

14:51 The Role of Self-Compassion

17:07 Navigating Perfectionism Today

23:54 The Cost of Action vs. Inaction

26:06 Motivation Beyond Fear

28:10 Facing Fear and Expanding Comfort Zones

30:52 Reframing Fear as Excitement

34:00 From Avoidance to Embracing Opportunities

36:11 The Gift of Self-Awareness

41:08 Messages to Our Younger Selves

42:49 Top Tips for Self-Discovery and Growth

46:00 Its a wrap