Beyond The Noise

Tim McKern and Luke Owens
  • 5.0 (4)
  • SELF-IMPROVEMENT
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Beyond the Noise is about the climb, not just the peak. It’s where real, unpolished conversations intersect with personal growth, purpose, and building a life that feels good from the inside out. Hosted by Tim and Luke, we talk about leaning into discomfort, finding direction, and balancing ambition with finding joy in the process. We cut through the static to share tools, perspectives, and stories that help you keep moving upward and tune in to what matters.

  1. 2 FEB

    Ep 20 - Why Everything Feels Like Life or Death

    In this episode, we unpack something that quietly shapes modern life more than we realise:The feeling that everything is urgent, permanent, and high-stakes. Emails feel loaded. Decisions feel irreversible. Conversations feel heavier than they need to be.Without noticing it, many of us end up living in a constant state of fight-or-flight — treating everyday moments like they’ll decide our entire future. We explore where this pressure comes from, how our nervous system mistakes stress for danger, and why being “serious” is often confused with being mature. From overthinking and perfectionism to decision paralysis, identity shifts, and perspective — this conversation is about loosening the grip, zooming out, and learning how to care deeply without panicking. We explore:– Why modern stress triggers life-or-death responses– The amygdala and why it hasn’t caught up with modern life– How overthinking starts as self-protection– The 80/20 rule and why most stress comes from very little– Shedding old identities that no longer fit– Perfectionism, urgency, and the cost of taking life too seriously– Regret minimisation and trusting yourself to adjust as you go If this resonates, share it with someone who feels like they’re always rushing or carrying the weight of getting it right.Sometimes the most freeing realisation is this: not everything requires panic. 🎙 Follow us on Instagram:Beyond The Noise – @thebeyondthenoisepodcastTim – @timmckernLuke – @l_u_k_e_o_w_e_n_s

    54 min

  2. 22 JAN

    Ep 19 - The Donny Walker Story: Big Energy, Sensitive Soul

    In this episode of Beyond The Noise, we sit down with Donny Walker — a bloke whose name carries weight not because of a title, a career, or an achievement… but because of how he shows up for people. If you’re from Bendigo, you already know Donny.If you’re not, this conversation will make you feel like you do. On the surface, Donny is the larrikin. The storyteller. The bloke who turns a five-minute trip into an hour-long catch-up.But beneath the jokes and big personality is a deeply caring, sensitive soul — someone who checks in, shows up, and makes people feel seen. This episode isn’t about milestones or success.It’s about presence. Connection. And the quiet impact of being a genuinely good human. We dive into:– Growing up in Spring Gully and being “the same bloke” his whole life– Why shopping with Donny always takes an extra hour– The larrikin persona vs the sensitive soul underneath– Music, travel, chaos, and unforgettable stories– Mental health, dark periods, and learning to accept support– Why checking in matters more than people realise– The power of being present — and how it can change lives– What it means to matter, even when you don’t realise you do– And the emotional moment Donny hears what people really say about him If this episode made you laugh, reflect, or appreciate the impact one person can have — share it with someone who’ll get something from it. 🎙️ Follow us on Instagram:Beyond The Noise — @thebeyondthenoisepodcastTim — @timmckernLuke — @l_u_k_e_o_w_e_n_s

    57 min

  3. 9 JAN

    Ep 18 - Beyond The Year That Was

    In this episode of Beyond the Noise, we sit down and reflect on the year that was — not in terms of achievements or goals, but how it actually felt. We talk about the changes that happened quietly, the decisions that shaped us, and what we’re taking with us into the next chapter, through the lens of friendship, alignment, and slowing down a little. We dive into: – End-of-year reflection without pressure – Friendship across different seasons of life – Vulnerability, trust, and having the hard conversations – Alignment vs achievement — and letting go of constant proving – Burnout, rest, and learning to slow down – Trusting your gut, pivoting when things no longer fit, and growth in hindsight If you’re easing into the new year and feel like having a real conversation rather than another highlight reel — this one’s for you. 🎙️ Follow us on Instagram: Beyond The Noise — @thebeyondthenoisepodcast Tim — @timmckern Luke — @l_u_k_e_o_w_e_n_s

    1h 1m

  4. 21/12/2025

    Ep 17 — Tony “Bluey” Southcombe: The Harder You Work, the Luckier You Get

    In this episode, we sit down with Tony 'Bluey' Southcombe — a true Bendigo icon whose life has been shaped by hard work, competitiveness, generosity, and an unwavering commitment to people. From playing at Carlton in the 1970s to dominating country footy as a player and coach, and later becoming one of Bendigo’s most recognisable publicans, Bluey’s story is packed with laughs, lessons, and legacy. This conversation isn’t just about football or pubs.It’s about standards, resilience, leadership, and what happens when you genuinely look after people. We dive into: – Growing up fiercely competitive and confident — and backing it up– Golden Square, premiership runs, and what made those teams so successful– Being ahead of his time with fitness, preparation, and standards– The infamous glasses — and how they became part of footy folklore– Playing at Carlton: making an impact, settling away from home, and the decision to return to Bendigo– The Geelong story: what was discussed, what nearly happened, and why it didn’t eventuate– Coaching philosophy: discipline, culture, and what actually makes a great team– Life behind the bar: building pubs around people, not just profit– Generosity to a fault — feeding players, looking after patrons, and why that mattered– Leadership without ego, success without bragging, and letting actions speak– Slowing down (or not), legacy, and what he hopes people remember most If this episode made you laugh, reflect, or appreciate the characters who shape our towns — share it with someone who loves footy, community, or a good story. 🎙️ Follow us on Instagram:Beyond The Noise — @thebeyondthenoisepodcastTim — @timmckernLuke — @l_u_k_e_o_w_e_n_s

    1h 7m

  5. 11/12/2025

    Ep 16 - Choosing Yourself Isn’t Selfish

    In this episode, we’re unpacking a truth most people don’t learn until they hit burnout:when you put yourself first, you become a better version of yourself for everyone else. We talk about why prioritising your needs feels uncomfortable, why saying yes has become automatic for so many of us, and how constantly putting yourself last slowly pulls you away from who you are. From emotional regulation and overwhelm, to boundaries, social media, slowing down, and the stories we tell ourselves — this conversation is about giving yourself permission to refill your cup so you can actually show up fully for the people who matter. We explore:– Why choosing yourself makes your energy and generosity sustainable– How your body knows you’re overwhelmed before your mind does– The paradox of control and letting life unfold– Practical tools from ACT + CBT that help you step out of spirals– Why “slowing down” isn’t laziness — it’s maintenance Quote of the episode:“You can’t give people the best of you if you keep giving yourself what’s left of you.” If this one resonates, share it with someone who always puts themselves last.It might be the reminder they need today. 🎙 Follow us on Instagram:Beyond The Noise – @thebeyondthenoisepodcast Tim – @timmckernLuke – @l_u_k_e_o_w_e_n_s

    43 min

  6. 30/11/2025

    Ep 15 – Turning Pain Into Purpose: The Alannah McGregor Story

    In this episode, we sit down with Alannah McGregor — founder of SPAN Central Victoria, lived-experience speaker, and one of the quiet forces behind suicide prevention in our region. This conversation isn’t about tragedy. It’s about love, legacy, resilience, and the courage to turn unimaginable loss into hope for others. We dive into: – Angela and Stuart: who they were, the joy they brought, and the memories Alannah still carries – The moment everything changed and the years that followed – Turning pain into purpose: the origins of SPAN and the movement it’s become – Reducing stigma: why open conversations save lives – Community, compassion, and the power of not walking alone – The awards she never sought : Humanitarian of the Year and Citizen of the Year and what they meant – What she wants people to know if they’re struggling, grieving, or supporting someone who is – The legacy she’s still building for her family, and for everyone touched by suicide in Central Victoria Quote of the episode: “Sharing their names keeps them with me. And if it helps one person feel less alone, then it matters.” If this episode moved you — or if you know someone who’d benefit from hearing Alannah’s story — please share it. Conversations like this save lives. 🎙 Follow us on Instagram: Beyond The Noise — @thebeyondthenoisepodcast Tim — @timmckern Luke — @l_u_k_e_o_w_e_n_s

    55 min

  7. 23/11/2025

    Ep 14 – Bendigo’s Newest Mayor: The Thomas Prince Story

    In this episode, we sit down with Bendigo’s newest mayor to uncover the man behind the title: the humour, the service, the leadership, and the sacrifice that most never see. We dive into:– Growing up as “one of the Prince twins” and the roots of his community values– Service over spotlight: why leadership found him, not the other way around– The campaigns — three cracks, plenty of persistence, and the long road to council– Altruism in real life: checking in on strangers, helping the hurting, and giving without expecting– Public pressure, scrutiny, and staying grounded with humour– Loneliness, purpose, and the cost of carrying so much for so many– What Bendigo could become in the next decade — and the role he hopes to play– Family legacy: the impact of his mum, and the values he’s determined to pass on Quote of the episode: "I think that’s how you change the world — one person at a time. But it’s not one person at a time; it’s each person. It’s exponential." If this one made you proud of the people we’ve got in this town, share it with someone who’d appreciate it too. 🎙 Follow us on Instagram:Beyond The Noise - @thebeyondthenoisepodcast Tim – @timmckernLuke – @l_u_k_e_o_w_e_n_s

    1h 16m

  8. 13/11/2025

    Ep 13 - Stop Waiting for Your Life to Begin

    In this episode, we’re diving into the part of life most people rush past — the in-between moments that quietly make up 99% of our days.We talk about why we cling to the big highs, the milestones, the achievements… and how our best memories often come from the simplest places: coffees, conversations, sunsets, long drives, quiet nights at home. From the peak-end rule and dopamine comedowns to nostalgia, values, purpose, and designing a life you don’t need to escape from — this one’s about coming back to the present and actually noticing the life you’re already living. We unpack:– Why we chase the 1% highlight moments and miss the 99% in front of us– The peak-end rule (and how it shapes our memories without us realising)– Dopamine, come-downs, and why big highs leave us feeling flat afterwards– The danger of living on autopilot — and how to step back into your life– How to design days you actually enjoy (not just weekends you look forward to)– Nostalgia, “the good old days,” and why the moments we miss were once ordinary– The importance of values, seasons, curiosity, and being where your feet are Quote of the episode:“Stop waiting for your life to begin — it already has.” If this one hits home, share it with someone who’s been rushing through life lately. It might be the reminder they need to slow down and breathe again. 🎙 Follow us on Instagram:Tim – @timmckernLuke – @l_u_k_e_o_w_e_n_s

    39 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Beyond the Noise is about the climb, not just the peak. It’s where real, unpolished conversations intersect with personal growth, purpose, and building a life that feels good from the inside out. Hosted by Tim and Luke, we talk about leaning into discomfort, finding direction, and balancing ambition with finding joy in the process. We cut through the static to share tools, perspectives, and stories that help you keep moving upward and tune in to what matters.

Information

  • Creator
    Tim McKern and Luke Owens
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    20
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Tim McKern and Luke Owens
  • Show Website
    Beyond The Noise