The JRNY

Paul Cohalan

Welcome to THE JRNY — Risk, Roadblocks & Resilience. A space built on a simple truth: every one of us carries chapters — personal, business, and everything in between. Some chapters are messy, some are triumphant, and some reshape us in ways we never expected. But together, they form the story of who we are and who we’re becoming. This podcast digs into the pivotal moments — the risks you took, the roadblocks you hit, and the resilience those experiences forged. Because success was never meant to be a destination. It’s a journey. Your journey. Our journey. This is THE JRNY. Let’s turn the p

Episodes

  1. 20 May

    Ep# 11 - From Rock Bottom to 300% Growth: Earning a 31-Year Legacy | Trent Brisset

    "Authority isn’t inherited; it’s earned on the warehouse floor." In Episode 11 of The JRNY Podcast, Paul sits down with long-term friend Trent Brisset, Managing Director of Auslink WA, for a raw, unfiltered masterclass in accountability, resilience, and business transformation. Trent openly details his roller-coaster transition from an entitled, self-described "wild" young supervisor in his 20s to leading a multi-generational family enterprise. After climbing the ranks offshore as a deep-water cementer for global giants like Halliburton and Schlumberger, Trent hit absolute rock bottom - a path that eventually led him to prison. While the rest of the world was ready to write him off, his father saw his true potential and offered him a final lifeline: a spot at the very bottom of the family’s 31-year-old business. Trent didn’t step into the executive suite. He started as a warehouse picker, unloading shipping containers, driving delivery trucks, and sorting through administrative paperwork. By mastering every single role from the ground up, he uncovered the massive operational leaks, structural blind spots, and redundancies that a high-level corporate view would have completely missed.Once he understood the engine, he completely overhauled the blueprint. Trent stepped into a business that was still processing sales via paper and fax machines and transformed it into a technology-driven powerhouse. He confronted systemic entitlement, cut out operational inefficiencies, and ultimately scaled the company by 200% to 300% over the last five years. Paul and Trent strip away the standard corporate facade to talk about what running a high-growth business actually costs. They discuss navigating complex father-son dynamics, the psychological weight of sleepless nights, learning to appreciate the silent sacrifices of a partner at home, and why radical vulnerability is the ultimate asset for a modern leader. Key Topics Covered in This Episode: - The Illusion of Invincibility: Making million-dollar mistakes offshore, getting run off oil rigs, and navigating the brutal realities of a high-leverage work culture. - The Reality Check of Rock Bottom: How hitting the clink forced a total baseline reset, stripped away entitlement, and built a foundation of true maturity. - The Succession Strategy: Why coming in as "the boss’s son" fails, and why starting from scratch is the only way to build authentic operational authority. - The Tech Revolution: Overhauling a legacy family business by replacing faxes and pen-and-paper with advanced, niche warehouse and sales management software. - The Hidden Architecture of Support: The vital role of a spouse, the heavy cost of business distraction on family life, and learning to value the work happening behind the scenes at home. - The Psychology of the Ladder Rung: Overcoming founder guilt, learning how to effectively delegate, and building a high-trust culture where mistakes are met with collaborative problem-solving instead of blame. Connect with The JRNY: Subscribe for more real, unscripted conversations on leadership, discipline, business, and resilience. #TheJRNY #TrentBrissard #AuslinkWA #BusinessSuccession #ExtremeOwnership #FamilyEnterprise #ScaleUp #LeadershipDevelopment #PerthBusiness #Resilience #FounderMindset

    1hr 17min

  2. 10 May

    Ep #10 Finding Purpose Through Transformation: Gordon’s Path from Trauma to Australia

    In this episode of THE JRNY, Paul sits down with Gordon to explore a life defined by radical change, deep introspection, and the search for authentic purpose. Gordon discusses his transition from a high-stress career background to a spontaneous, life-altering move across the world. Key discussion points include: Healing from Long-Term Trauma: Gordon reveals how he carried the weight of his sister’s death for 20 years, believing she was murdered before discovering the truth that it was an overdose. The Role of Psychedelics: Paul and Gordon discuss using psychedelics for "inner work," which helped Gordon release the need for external validation and process long-held mental burdens.A Spontaneous Leap to Australia: Driven by a realization during a psychedelic experience, Gordon explains why he deleted his social media, booked a flight, and moved to Australia without a plan to rediscover himself.A Diverse Career Path: The conversation covers Gordon's eclectic background, including his time as a soldier, a correctional officer, an oil field truck driver, and a professional wrestler in Thailand.Redefining Purpose through Service: Gordon shares how his perspective shifted from working for stability to finding genuine fulfilment through teaching and helping others.

    1hr 8min

  3. 3 May

    THE JRNY Ep#9 - Tim Keogh on Building Trust: Crafting Quality and Resilience

    In this episode of THE JRNY, host Paul Cohalan sits down with Tim Keogh, founder of Empyrean Build, to discuss his journey from a carpentry apprentice in country Victoria to leading a luxury building company in Perth. They delve into the critical importance of relationships - both with family and professional contractors - and how a strong work ethic forms the foundation of any successful venture. Tim shares candid insights into the strategic decisions that kept his business afloat during the pandemic, including the rare move of closing his books to ensure existing project quality. Key Discussion Points: - Career Beginnings: Tim recounts how helping a neighbor with a sliding door led to his first building job and launched his company in 2018. - Pandemic Strategy: Discussion on why Tim chose to "shut the books" and stop marketing during the COVID-19 building boom to avoid overextension and protect his reputation. - Operational Excellence: Insights into managing a team, including leveraging remote estimators in the Philippines for repetitive tasks while keeping core roles local in Perth. - Work-Life Balance and Routine: The role of a 4:30 AM routine, gym sessions, and ice baths in maintaining mental clarity and staying ahead of the demands of running a business. - Resilience Under Pressure: Tim shares the harrowing experience of his fully loaded truck catching fire just days before a major project on Rottnest Island and how he navigated the logistical fallout. - Family and Values: The influence of Tim’s builder father and the support of his wife in shaping his professional standards and personal drive.

    1hr 4min

  4. 26 Apr

    Ep#8 - Breaking Stereotypes: Darcy Lowe on Risk-Taking and Finding Identity Through Combat Sports

    Paul sits down with Darcy Lowe to explore her unconventional path from a "privileged" upbringing in an all-girls school to the gritty, disciplined world of amateur kickboxing and Muay Thai. Darcy shares the raw details of her formative years spent living and working in Europe with zero financial safety net, and how those moments of survival built the resilience she carries today. Key Discussion Points Include: The Power of Risk: Packing one suitcase for Europe at 22 and eventually landing a restaurant management role in Amsterdam with her last few dollars.Identity and Combat Sports: Discovering kickboxing at 23, navigating the psychological weight of an early loss, and finding a voice through striking and martial arts.Resilience Through Injury: Managing a major setback after a physical injury and the mental challenge of questioning her identity when she couldn't train.Building a Personal Brand: Overcoming the "cringe" of social media to inspire other women and launching her own female-only kickboxing retreats in Bali.The Philosophy of the Journey: Embracing the process of growth rather than focusing solely on the end goal, and the importance of self-reflection and vulnerability.Join us for a conversation about why "speed trumps perfection" and how taking ownership of your own space is the ultimate form of self-love.

    1hr 22min

  5. 19 Apr

    Ep#7: From Suicide Ideation to Social Impact: Maurice Sauzier Raw Story

    In this powerful episode, Paul sits down with Mo (Maurice) - Mauritian-Australian community builder, psychologist, exercise physiologist, and strategic lead at Happiness Co Foundation - for one of the most honest conversations we've had on the show.Mo shares his full journey: growing up on a chicken farm in Canning River, running away from school because he couldn't speak English, becoming WA Aerobics Champion, pivoting through multiple redundancies and hitting rock bottom at 50 - fetal position on his bedroom floor, a plan ready to end his life.And how he came back from it.In this episode we cover:→ Growing up as a first-generation Mauritian-Australian and the language barrier that shaped him→ The sliding door moments he stepped through - and the one he didn't (and why it didn't matter)→ His "Harvard MBA" - 5 years in a business partnership that nearly broke him→ Micro traumas, burnout, and what happened when he landed his dream role at 50→ Suicide ideation, depression, and the road back→ Why "busy" is just avoidance in disguise→ The ABC model: Attitude, Behaviour, Consequence→ Momentum Revolution - the men's workshop changing lives→ Happiness Co Foundation, Moving Mountains (Everest Base Camp fundraiser), and the Road to Happiness Tour→ What it really means to hold space AND energy for someoneWhether you're a business owner, leader, or just a human going through it - this one will hit."What if it happened FOR us, not TO us?"🎙️ Roadblocks, Risks & Resilience PodcastConnect with Mo: @mo_thespiritlevelConnect with Happiness Co Foundation: https://happinesscofoundation.com/#MentalHealth #Resilience #Leadership #BusinessPodcast #Podcast #SuicidePrevention #HappinessCo #PerthPodcast

    2h 17m

  6. 22 Mar

    Ep# 6: Michael McHugh - Risk, Growth and Building Signarama

    In Episode 6 of The JRNY Podcast, Paul sits down with Michael McHugh from Signarama to unpack the real story behind building multiple sign installation businesses across Perth. Michael shares how he got started, the setbacks he had to push through, and the lessons that came from taking real risks in business. The conversation covers what it actually looks like to be an entrepreneur in 2026, how the landscape has changed, and what it takes to keep moving when the pressure is high. This is a grounded conversation about business ownership, resilience, calculated risk, and the journey behind long-term success. Subscribe to JRNY Podcast for more real conversations with builders, operators, and business owners.

    1hr 5min

  7. 15 Mar

    Ep#5: Tegan Larkins – Mining, Motherhood & Building Talent in Industry

    In Episode 5 of the JRNY Podcast, Paul Cohalan sits down with Tegan Larkins, founder of Talent Mining & Minerals and host of The Mining Mum Podcast, for a conversation about leadership, resilience, and building a career in the mining industry while raising a family.Tegan shares her journey through the mining sector, working her way up from utilities roles to leadership positions including Supervisor, Coordinator, and Superintendent. Along the way she discovered a passion for people, team culture, and helping businesses find the right talent.As a proud mum of two, Tegan also speaks openly about balancing motherhood with the demands of the mining industry and why more women — especially mothers — have an important role to play in shaping its future.This episode explores:• Building a career in the mining industry from the ground up• The realities of being a working mum in a demanding industry• Leadership lessons from managing teams in mining• Why culture and people are the foundation of strong businesses• Supporting diversity and opportunity for women in miningA powerful conversation about career growth, leadership, and the evolving role of women and mothers in the mining industry.Watch or listen to the JRNY Podcast:https://thejrny.au/Subscribe to the JRNY Podcast.

    55 min

  8. 8 Mar

    Ep#4: Shane Hasler — Cancer, Boxing, and Rebuilding Life

    In Episode 4 of the JRNY Podcast, Paul Cohalan sits down with Shane Hasler for a raw and honest conversation about resilience, discipline, and rebuilding life after adversity.Shane was diagnosed with cancer in his early twenties after years of unexplained symptoms. What followed was major surgery, the loss of a kidney, and a long road of recovery — both physically and mentally.Instead of letting that chapter define him, Shane turned to discipline and boxing to rebuild his life. Within months of returning to the sport he went on to win the Victorian State Title, later adding Australian and interstate titles before eventually turning professional.This episode explores:• Facing cancer at a young age• The mental battle that follows survival• How boxing helped rebuild discipline and purpose• Fatherhood, perspective, and gratitude• Starting a new chapter in business and entrepreneurshipA powerful conversation about resilience, perspective, and the lessons that come from life’s hardest challenges.Watch or listen to Episode 4 of the JRNY Podcast:https://thejrny.au/Subscribe to the JRNY Podcast.

    1hr 8min

  9. 3 Mar

    Ep#3: Leon Pascarl - Hold a Mirror Up: Imposter Syndrome to Edge

    Paul sits down with Leon to unpack what “roadblocks” really look like when they’re internal: self-judgment, imposter syndrome, and the pressure to be perfect before you start. Leon traces his path from early customer service lessons and tough relocations to mastering a new domain through obsessive learning; then making the jump into a role built for the “weird skills” life hands you. They talk timing, pivots, and why mistakes are data. The through-line: reflect honestly, use the right people to sense-check decisions, and turn doubt into a competitive advantage. Key Takeaways - Internal Roadblocks: Identifying and overcoming self-judgment and imposter syndrome. - Obsessive Learning: How to master a new domain by diving deep. - Weird Skills: Leveraging the unique combination of skills life has given you. - Mistakes as Data: Reframing failure as essential feedback for growth. Visit: thejrny.au

    1hr 14min

  10. 22 Feb

    Ep#2: Adrian & Freda Khalil - Built on Integrity: The Distinguished Homes JRNY

    Episode Summary Adrian and Freda break down what it really takes to build a construction business in WA’s most volatile years; without losing your name, your margins, or your family. From tiling floors after school to earning a building diploma at night, Adrian shares how Distinguished Homes was forged through early pressure, a partnership split, and projects that forced him to grow before he felt ready. They unpack the grants-fuelled boom of 2020–2022, the temptation to scale too fast, and why they chose controlled growth and transparent client conversations over shortcuts and contract fights. This episode is a grounded look at resilience in the trenches: protecting quality, keeping trust, managing staff, and surviving the chaos while still showing up at home. Key Takeaways - Controlled Growth: Why saying "no" to rapid expansion saved their business during the boom. - Transparency Wins: Choosing honest conversations over contract disputes. - Partnership Dynamics: Navigating business challenges as a husband and wife team. - Resilience in the Trenches: Protecting quality and reputation when the industry is in chaos.

    1hr 2min

  11. 15 Feb

    Ep#1: Dave Clare & Levi Saunders - Pizza Box Commitment: Build Through the Walls

    Dave Clare breaks down the difference between speed bumps, hurdles, and the walls you invent in your own head; then shares the 2017 “pizza box” moment where the business bombed and he chose to commit anyway. The conversation gets practical on leadership: lead people, manage resources, and never reduce humans to “resources.” Dave unpacks a key business shift; stop selling programs with an end date and start selling a process that creates recurring revenue and stability. Levi Saunders widens the lens into relationships, seasons, and growth: adversity shows who steps forward, who steps back, and who can’t handle your evolution. Levi brings it back to what matters; presence, fatherhood, and rebuilding relationships after hard chapters. The Pizza Box Moment: The defining moment of commitment when everything else falls apart.Humans vs. Resources: Why you lead people but manage resources—and never confuse the two.Recurring Revenue: Shifting from selling programs to selling a process for long-term stability.Adversity as a Filter: How hard times reveal who is truly with you on the journey.SUBSCRIBE

    1hr 16min

  12. 6 Feb

    The JRNY Trailer - Launching the 16th of February 2026

    JRNY Podcast is The JRNY with Paul Cohalan, where he sits down with founders, operators, creators and athletes to unpack the real lessons behind discipline, resilience and leadership. Launching 16 February on Spotify and YouTube. New episodes out everywhere. Follow our socials for sneak peeks, clips, and first drops. thejrny.au

    1 min
  • 12 Episodes

About

Welcome to THE JRNY — Risk, Roadblocks & Resilience. A space built on a simple truth: every one of us carries chapters — personal, business, and everything in between. Some chapters are messy, some are triumphant, and some reshape us in ways we never expected. But together, they form the story of who we are and who we’re becoming. This podcast digs into the pivotal moments — the risks you took, the roadblocks you hit, and the resilience those experiences forged. Because success was never meant to be a destination. It’s a journey. Your journey. Our journey. This is THE JRNY. Let’s turn the p

Information

  • Creator
    Paul Cohalan
  • Years Active
    2k
  • Episodes
    12
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Paul Cohalan
  • Show Website
    The JRNY

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