What does it really mean to belong, in our workplaces, relationships, and within ourselves? In this powerful conversation, Luke sits down with Rana Hussain, inclusion and leadership expert and founder of Good Human, to explore the deep connection between belonging, authenticity, and performance.

They unpack how cultural intelligence and psychological safety shape strong teams, why accountability and empathy can coexist, and how rituals and human connection drive true performance. Rana also opens up about her personal faith, spirituality, and her evolving relationship with belonging, both internally and in the world around her.

Whether you lead a team or you’re just trying to lead yourself better, this episode dives into what it means to be both human and good.

Key Takeaways:

• The real meaning of belonging and how to cultivate it
• How cultural intelligence helps us work across differences
• Why belonging and accountability can coexist in high-performing teams
• How rituals create stronger connection and trust at work
• The link between leadership, service, and humility
• The personal cost of code-switching and finding inner belonging
• How faith and spirituality shape Rana’s sense of purpose
• Why true success is about being a better human, not just achieving more

Guest Bio:

Rana Hussain is an inclusion, leadership, and culture expert, and the founder of Good Human. With a background in social work and a career spanning diversity, equity, and inclusion across major sporting and corporate organisations, Rana helps leaders and teams create cultures of belonging, trust, and high performance. Known for her warmth, insight, and authenticity, she brings a unique blend of cultural intelligence and heart to her work, inspiring others to lead with humanity, courage, and connection.

ABOUT CURIOUS AF PODCAST

Curious AF is a podcast for people who want more out of life than just ticking boxes. Hosted by Luke Biermann, entrepreneur, father of three, and relentless explorer of human potential, the show dives deep into the conversations that matter.

From endurance sports and entrepreneurship to psychedelics, parenting, spirituality, and self-discovery, Curious AF explores how we can live with greater purpose, connection, and fulfilment.

Expect raw, unfiltered stories and thoughtful insights from people who are redefining success, breaking cycles, and choosing to live with intention.

For further information, contact:
General Inquiries: hello@curiousaf.com.au
Instagram: @curiousaf.podcast

In this powerful solo episode, host Luke Biermann opens up about one of the most transformative chapters of his life, 14 months of sobriety.

Luke shares his raw and honest journey of quitting alcohol, from the brutal early months to the profound clarity and strength he discovered along the way. He reflects on how sobriety reshaped his identity, strengthened his marriage, deepened his connection with his children, and reignited his creativity and business success.

This episode also explores the role of fitness, meditation, and psychedelic experiences in his healing process. Luke dives into the stigma around sobriety, the hidden costs of drinking, and the life-changing momentum that comes when you stop numbing and start living intentionally.

Whether you’re curious about life without alcohol, considering a change yourself, or simply want to hear an unfiltered reflection on growth, family, and self-worth, this episode offers both inspiration and practical insights.

Key Takeaways:

• Sobriety builds unstoppable momentum by removing the setbacks of hangovers.
• Fitness and meditation replaced alcohol as powerful tools to manage stress.
• Shifting identity away from being the “party guy” unlocked deeper confidence.
• Quitting drinking strengthened family bonds and daily connections.
• A psychedelic experience helped break generational cycles of addiction.

ABOUT CURIOUS AF PODCAST

Curious AF is the evolution of what started as The Hard Stuff Podcast. Initially focused on guests who’d done hard things—ultra marathons, building businesses, overcoming personal challenges—it’s now becoming a broader platform to explore anything and everything I’m genuinely curious about.
The new direction is more personal and wide-ranging. I want it to feel like a space where I can follow my curiosity and have real conversations with people who inspire, challenge, or fascinate me.

For further information, contact:
Podcast Host - Luke Biermann
General Inquiries: hello@curiousaf.com.au
Instagram: @curiousaf.podcast

In this powerful episode Luke sits down with Daryl Dittmer to unpack a lifetime of lessons on sobriety, self-honesty, and the pursuit of a meaningful life.

Daryl’s story begins with a tough upbringing, an early spiral into alcohol and drugs, and hitting rock bottom as a teenager. Faced with losing his family and his future, he entered recovery at just 18 years old, and that decision changed everything. Over the decades since, Daryl has built a life grounded in sobriety, daily practices, and a relentless commitment to growth.

He shares his philosophy of living through body, mind, heart, and soul, explaining how each area impacts the others and why taking care of all four is essential for long-term wellbeing. From the importance of eating well and staying active, to training the mind against distraction, to protecting relationships, and cultivating a deep spiritual connection, Daryl offers a framework anyone can use to build a stronger, more intentional life.

Key Takeaways:

• Why self-honesty is the key to meaningful change
• How to break free from the trap of “I’ll be happy when…”
• The surprising strength in vulnerability and staying small
• Practical habits for mental toughness and inner calm
• What it means to stop fighting with life and start flowing with it

Guest Bio:

After a humble and often tumultuous start in life, Daryl Dittmer faced a pivotal crossroads at just 19 years old. Choosing the path of recovery, he overcame multiple addictions and has since built a life rooted in integrity, growth, and service. Today, Daryl is an author and mentor dedicated to helping others transform their lives through honesty, intentional living, and resilience. He lives in the mountains of North Georgia with his wife, Kristina, and their two labs, Dexter and Joker, where he spends his time writing, hiking, reading, and continuing his journey of learning and growth.

Links and Resources:

Visit Daryl’s website

ABOUT CURIOUS AF PODCAST

Curious AF is the evolution of what started as The Hard Stuff Podcast. Initially focused on guests who’d done hard things—ultra marathons, building businesses, overcoming personal challenges—it’s now becoming a broader platform to explore anything and everything I’m genuinely curious about.
The new direction is more personal and wide-ranging. I want it to feel like a space where I can follow my curiosity and have real conversations with people who inspire, challenge, or fascinate me.

For further information, contact:
Podcast Host - Luke Biermann
General Inquiries: hello@curiousaf.com.au
Instagram: @curiousaf.podcast

In this episode, Luke sits down with Shaun Kaesler, founder and race director of Ultra Series Australia. Since 2016, Shaun has been creating ultramarathon adventures across the country, from the first point-to-point 200 miler in the Southern Hemisphere to some of the world’s biggest backyard ultras.

Shaun shares how his own obsession with testing limits, starting with 5Ks and leading to the Tahoe 200 in the US, became the spark for building a thriving ultra running community in Australia. From wildlife encounters and sleep-deprived hallucinations to the quirky traditions that make Delirious 200 so unique, this conversation is packed with stories of grit, growth, and unforgettable human achievement.

Key Takeaways:

• Shaun’s unforgettable Tahoe 200 experience: mountain lions, bears, and family crewing.
• How Delirious 200 grew from a bold idea into a world-recognised ultra with a passionate community.
• Why Ultra Series celebrates not only the winners but also the last finisher with equal respect.
• The unique traditions of Delirious: jet ski crossings, shuttle races, and “paying the ferry master.”
• The rise of backyard and frontyard ultras and why these formats are exploding in popularity.
• What keeps Shaun grounded: the community, the culture, and the belief that every person is capable of more than they realise.

Guest Bio:

Shaun Kaesler is the founder and creator of Ultra Series Australia since 2016, bringing ultramarathons to life across the country. He introduced the first point-to-point 200 miler in the Southern Hemisphere and has built some of the world’s biggest backyard ultras. More than just organising races, Shaun is passionate about creating community, culture, and opportunities for people to discover what they’re truly capable of.

Visit the Ultra Series website - https://www.ultraseries.com.au/

ABOUT CURIOUS AF PODCAST

Curious AF is the evolution of what started as The Hard Stuff Podcast. Initially focused on guests who’d done hard things—ultra marathons, building businesses, overcoming personal challenges—it’s now becoming a broader platform to explore anything and everything I’m genuinely curious about.
The new direction is more personal and wide-ranging. I want it to feel like a space where I can follow my curiosity and have real conversations with people who inspire, challenge, or fascinate me.

For further information, contact:
Podcast Host - Luke Biermann
General Inquiries: hello@curiousaf.com.au
Instagram: @curiousaf.podcast

In this episode of the Curious AF Podcast, host Luke Biermann sits down with Sabrina Trobak, a counsellor, speaker, and author of Not Good Enough: Understanding Your Core Belief and Anxiety. With years of experience helping individuals uncover the root causes of their struggles, Sabrina brings deep insight into how our core beliefs silently shape the way we think, feel, and live.

At the heart of this conversation is the powerful idea that many of us carry an inner voice whispering “not good enough, not important, not valued.” Sabrina explains how these beliefs often develop in childhood through both subtle and obvious experiences, and how they manifest later in life as anxiety, anger, addiction, or disconnection.

Together, Luke and Sabrina explore practical strategies to bring awareness to these unconscious patterns and replace them with healthier beliefs rooted in self-worth and confidence. Instead of quick fixes, Sabrina shares why sustainable change comes from small, consistent steps that gradually shift our perspective and emotional resilience.

Key Takeaways:

• Core beliefs like “not good enough, not important, not valued” silently shape our mental health, driving anxiety, anger, and disconnection.
• Suppressed emotions fuel anxiety and unhealthy coping strategies, while awareness and expression are the first steps to healing.
• Addiction often becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy, temporarily numbing pain but ultimately reinforcing negative core beliefs.
• Sustainable change comes from small, consistent steps, evolution, not revolution, to rewire thought patterns and build self-worth.
• Healthy coping strategies and strong boundaries depend on confidence and self-belief, not avoidance or suppression.
• Awareness practices like journaling, mindfulness, and emotional processing can help challenge old patterns and transform core beliefs into self-worth, confidence, and resilience.

Guest Bio:

Sabrina Trobak is a registered clinical counsellor, author of Not Good Enough: Understanding Your Core Belief and Anxiety, and founder of Trobak Holistic Counselling. With over 20 years in education and a Master’s in Counselling Psychology, she helps individuals heal past trauma, manage anxiety, and transform limiting core beliefs into self-worth and confidence.

🔗 Links & Resources

• Sabrina Trobak’s Website: https://www.trobakholistic.org/
• Book – Not Good Enough: Understanding Your Core Belief and Anxiety: Available on Amazon
• Follow Sabrina Trobak:
  • YouTube: Sabrina Trobak
  • Instagram: @ngetrobak

ABOUT CURIOUS AF PODCAST

Curious AF is the evolution of what started as The Hard Stuff Podcast. Initially focused on guests who’d done hard things—ultra marathons, building businesses, overcoming personal challenges—it’s now becoming a broader platform to explore anything and everything I’m genuinely curious about.
The new direction is more personal and wide-ranging. I want it to feel like a space where I can follow my curiosity and have real conversations with people who inspire, challenge, or fascinate me.

For further information, contact:
Podcast Host - Luke Biermann
General Inquiries: hello@curiousaf.com.au
Instagram: @curiousaf.podcast

What if the key to transforming your life lies in understanding the most powerful organ you have, your brain?

In this episode, Luke sits down with George Haymaker, entrepreneur, recovery advocate, and neuroscience educator, to unpack how the brain shapes our habits, addictions, and ultimately, our ability to change.

George shares his raw and powerful story of battling severe addiction, 50 pain pills a day and two bottles of vodka, before turning his life around through recovery and a deep dive into neuroscience. Today, he helps others rewire their brains to overcome destructive patterns, find alignment with their values, and unlock higher levels of performance and wellbeing.

This conversation is not just about addiction, it’s about identity, stress, motivation, and learning how to partner with your brain to live the life you actually want.

Key Takeaways:

• George’s rock-bottom moment and why recovery became his turning point
• Why the brain is like a muscle, and how it can be retrained
• The neuroscience of addiction: dopamine, cravings, and tolerance
• Stress vs. chronic stress: learning to regulate your nervous system
• The four heavy hitters for brain performance: sleep, nutrition, exercise, and mindfulness
• Why identity and values are critical for long-term transformation
• How to build motivation that actually sticks

Guest Bio:

George Haymaker is a neuroscience educator and performance coach who helps professionals unlock the full potential of their brains. After overcoming a powerful battle with addiction, George dedicated his life to understanding how the brain really works, and how to train it for higher capacity, sharper focus, and sustainable self-leadership.

Through his work, George teaches clients how to rewire unhelpful patterns, manage stress effectively, and build the mental infrastructure for lifelong performance. He works with growth-minded professionals and leaders who want more than surface-level tips, those ready to expand their mental bandwidth, improve clarity, and align their daily actions with their deepest values.

Resources & Links:

• Connect with George: https://www.georgehaymaker.com/
• Learn more about The Brain Club (George’s new community)
• Follow George on LinkedIn and YouTube

ABOUT CURIOUS AF PODCAST

Curious AF is the evolution of what started as The Hard Stuff Podcast. Initially focused on guests who’d done hard things—ultra marathons, building businesses, overcoming personal challenges—it’s now becoming a broader platform to explore anything and everything I’m genuinely curious about.
The new direction is more personal and wide-ranging. I want it to feel like a space where I can follow my curiosity and have real conversations with people who inspire, challenge, or fascinate me.

For further information, contact:
Podcast Host - Luke Biermann
General Inquiries: hello@curiousaf.com.au
Instagram: @curiousaf.podcast

In this thought-provoking episode, Luke sits down with Lincoln Stoller for a deep exploration of psychedelics, altered states, and the transformative power of breaking patterns. They dive into the science and philosophy behind lucid dreaming, hypnosis, and psychedelic experiences, unpacking how these states can disrupt limiting beliefs, reframe trauma, and open the door to lasting change.

Lincoln Stoller shares candid insights on the shortcomings of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy, the importance of self-responsibility, and why true transformation requires more than a single breakthrough moment. The conversation weaves through personal stories of risk-taking, cultural lessons from Indigenous and shamanic traditions, and practical ways to cultivate awareness without relying solely on substances.

Whether you’re curious about the healing potential of psychedelics, seeking to understand your own patterns, or exploring what it means to live responsibly in today’s world, this episode offers both challenge and inspiration.

Key Takeaways:

• Altered states like psychedelics, hypnosis, and lucid dreaming can disrupt limiting beliefs and open new ways of thinking.
• Transformation is not a one-time event, it’s a continuous process of self-reflection, change, and responsibility.
• Psychedelic therapy must go beyond the session, with proper guidance and integration for lasting impact.
• Personal growth involves taking responsibility not only for yourself but also for your family, community, and environment.
• Profound insight and change can also come from non-substance practices such as dream work, presence, and meaningful life experiences.

Guest Bio:

Born in New York into a family of artists, Lincoln Stoller grew up immersed in creativity, the son of an architectural photographer. By age 13, he was already scaling mountains, drawn to the challenge of both the outdoors and life on the edge. His early inspiration came from great physicists, leading him to work in quantum mechanics before venturing into the worlds of software, finance, accounting, and IT consulting.

A passionate traveller, Lincoln became an ambassador to Indigenous and shamanic cultures, learning from their wisdom and ways of seeing the world. His path eventually turned inward, studying and practising brain biofeedback, hypnotherapy, and dream work. Today, he brings these disciplines together as a clinical counsellor, helping high-functioning yet struggling clients across the globe from his base in Vancouver, Canada.

ABOUT CURIOUS AF PODCAST

Curious AF is the evolution of what started as The Hard Stuff Podcast. Initially focused on guests who’d done hard things—ultra marathons, building businesses, overcoming personal challenges—it’s now becoming a broader platform to explore anything and everything I’m genuinely curious about.
The new direction is more personal and wide-ranging. I want it to feel like a space where I can follow my curiosity and have real conversations with people who inspire, challenge, or fascinate me.

For further information, contact:
Podcast Host - Luke Biermann
General Inquiries: hello@curiousaf.com.au
Instagram: @curiousaf.podcast

In this deeply honest and expansive episode, Luke sits down with certified psychedelic practitioner and men’s coach Austin West to unpack the hidden roots of addiction, shame, purpose, and transformation.

Austin shares his journey from a high-achieving but numbed-out lifestyle, trading one addiction for another, to a path of purpose, inner alignment, and radical self-acceptance. They talk about the difference between external success and internal fulfillment, how limiting beliefs are programmed from childhood, and why most men are operating from a distorted sense of self.

The conversation also dives into the misunderstood world of psychedelics, how microdosing works, and why it can be a gateway back to the “remembered self.”

If you’ve ever felt like you’re stuck in the same loop, striving for more while feeling less, this episode offers tools, reflection, and real talk about what it means to reconnect with your purpose and live with intention.

Key Takeaways:

• What addiction really is, and why it's more than just substances
• The power of admitting “I’m not okay”
• How shame runs many men's lives
• Limiting beliefs and where they come from
• What the “shattered mirror” metaphor means
• Why microdosing helps reconnect us to our truth
• Using psychedelics to dissolve old patterns
• How purpose can’t be found, it’s remembered
• Creating a life aligned with service, devotion, and freedom
• How Austin helps men build lives they’re proud of

Guest Bio:

Austin West is a certified psychedelic medicine practitioner and entrepreneur who guides men into the purpose-driven life they desire.

Through one-on-one guidance, group microdosing cohorts, transformative retreats, and his company Entheos Holistics, he empowers his clients to dissolve limiting belief systems, break free from conditioned patterns, and reconnect with their Truth frequency—unlocking their innate power through deep self-awareness. His approach integrates psychedelic-assisted self-inquiry, esoteric teachings, and community-based healing to bring about the freedom men seek.

As founder of Entheos Holistics, Austin is also revolutionizing mental health care through the thoughtful fusion of ancient plant medicine and modern science. The nutraceutical brand leverages the healing potential of psychedelics to achieve genuine transformation.

ABOUT CURIOUS AF PODCAST

Curious AF is a podcast for people who want more out of life than just ticking boxes. Hosted by Luke Biermann, entrepreneur, father of three, and relentless explorer of human potential, the show dives deep into the conversations that matter.

From endurance sports and entrepreneurship to psychedelics, parenting, spirituality, and self-discovery, Curious AF explores how we can live with greater purpose, connection, and fulfilment.

Expect raw, unfiltered stories and thoughtful insights from people who are redefining success, breaking cycles, and choosing to live with intention.

For further information, contact:
General Inquiries: hello@curiousaf.com.au
Instagram: @curiousaf.podcast