Bestselling Author Podcast

Pat Mesiti

We interview the most successful, best-selling mindset, life coach, and business authors to get their best secrets about being healthy, wealthy, and wise. They are co-authors with Pat Mesiti and David Cavanagh.

  1. MAR 8

    Hidden Dangers in Modern Food and Tech with Wellness Advocate John O’Reilly

    John O’Reilly explains how advances in sanitation and public health dramatically improved survival, yet argues that today’s industrialized food system and rising environmental exposures are eroding those gains. He discusses the shift from diverse, nutrient‑dense crops to processed, additive‑laden foods and raises concerns about the impact of electromagnetic radiation from phones, screens, and LEDs, especially on children. John also touches on GMOs, pesticides, and declining bee populations, urging listeners to    replace blind trust in big corporations and government standards with informed choices: buying local, reading labels, growing some of their own food, and questioning what they allow into their homes and bodies. John O’Reilly is an anesthesiologist with over 50 years of medical experience who now speaks out about how modern food, medicine, and environmental factors intersect to affect our health. A co‑author of Stories of Strength: Real Journeys of Struggle, Resilience, and Renewal, he explores in his chapter, “Wellness Gone Wrong,” how processed foods, monocultures, GMOs, and everyday electromagnetic radiation may be quietly undermining our well-being, and what individuals and families can do to take back control. Resources: John O’Reilly Talking Points [00:00] From a Last-Minute Decision to a 50-Year Medical Career [03:15] How Sanitation and Public Health Changed Survival Rates [05:56] The Hidden Risk of Everyday Electromagnetic Radiation [09:04] Inside Convenience Foods: Additives, Dyes, and Cost-Cutting [13:05] GMOs, Bee Decline, and the Importance of Biodiversity [19:36] Why Children May Bear the Cost of Modern Progress [22:41] Practical Steps: Local Food, Home Growing, and Smarter Shopping Source

    27 min
  2. MAR 7

    Reclaiming Life with Epilepsy and Invisible Illness with Dance Therapist Christine Cooper‑Smith

    A single grand mal seizure at 13 changed the entire direction of Christine Cooper-Smith’s life, abruptly ending her dancing ambitions and forcing her to leave school. What followed was a deeply personal battle with the unseen realities of epilepsy — fear, stigma, anxiety, depression, and the constant uncertainty of losing control in public. Christine breaks down what epilepsy really is in everyday language while sharing how triggers like heat, humidity, alcohol, caffeine, and flickering lights affect the choices she makes each day. She also highlights the importance of boundaries, self-awareness, and honest communication when navigating life with an invisible illness. Rather than allowing her diagnosis to define her, Christine transformed profound loss into a new sense of purpose, becoming a dance therapist and mentor who helps others with chronic conditions rebuild confidence, rediscover their worth, and pursue lives filled with meaning beyond their limitations. Christine Cooper-Smith was pulled out of school as a young teenager after a grand mal (tonic-clonic) seizure ended her dream of becoming a professional dancer, yet despite being told her future was over, she went on to become a university graduate, dance therapist, and mentor, helping people with invisible illnesses reclaim confidence and independence. A co-author of Stories of Strength: Real Journeys of Struggle, Resilience, and Renewal alongside Pat Mesiti, Christine focuses on the emotional and social side of disability, teaching others how to navigate boundaries, communicate their needs, and rebuild a meaningful life beyond diagnosis. Resources: Cooper Smith Stories of Strength Talking Points 00:00–01:35 From losing her dream of becoming a professional dancer at 13 to becoming a university-trained dance therapist 02:28–04:15 What epilepsy really is and why the emotional impact can be more disabling than the seizures 04:45–05:42 The hidden burden of feeling like a “burden”: isolation, depression, and learning  to communicate your needs 08:16–09:23 Triggers, boundaries, and everyday risks from alcohol and caffeine to  flashing lights and extreme heat   Source

    25 min
  3. 12/11/2025

    Escape the Money Trap & Build Generational Wealth with Rodney Bull

    Rodney Bull is a financial educator, co-author of Stories of Strength, and the host of The Rodney Bull Show. After growing up on a cattle station in western Queensland and experiencing firsthand the challenges of financial struggle and limited education, Rodney set out to learn and teach what traditional schools never did. His message? Anyone can break the money trap, build wealth, and change their legacy with the proper education, mindset, and plan. Find out more at The Rodney Bull Show Rodney Bull reveals what it takes to escape generational debt, build true wealth, and establish a legacy. Drawing on his personal journey from tough beginnings in rural Australia to financial empowerment and podcasting, Rodney explains the importance of understanding the difference between real money (gold/silver) and currency, building systems, and educating yourself. He shares practical steps for managing debt, overcoming emotional money habits, and focusing on legacy-making, making this episode a must-listen for anyone ready to rewrite their financial future. Resources Stories of Strength: Real Journeys of Struggle, Resilience, and Renewal The Rodney Bull Show [03:15] Real money vs. currency [05:46] The danger of fiat savings and types of debt [08:58] Rodney’s family financial story and self-education [13:31] Planning for security and legacy [16:46] Overcoming challenges and starting a podcast [21:13] Rodney’s resources for further education [22:50] Rodney’s key advice on money, debt, and planning Source

    24 min
  4. Reinvention, Recovery, and Getting Unstuck with Richard Guy

    12/06/2025

    Reinvention, Recovery, and Getting Unstuck with Richard Guy

    Richard Guy is a resilience expert, coach, and co-author of “Stories of Strength: Real Journeys of Struggle, Resilience, and Renewal.” After losing his business, home, and dream career, Richard chose reinvention over retreat spending nearly four decades helping others rebuild from failure, grief, and life’s biggest pivots. He draws on experience as a business owner, church pastor, and mentor in addiction recovery to show that real change starts inside, with our thinking. Richard’s signature approach: “get unstuck” and unlock your hidden potential. Connect at richguy.com.au.     Richard Guy’s journey is one of rebuilding after devastation, losing almost everything, but finding purpose in helping others. He explains that the greatest battles are internal: “It’s not so much shifting the external things. It’s shifting my mindset.” From mindset patterns (the “railway tracks” analogy) to leadership, addiction recovery, and overcoming perfectionism, Richard’s message is clear: Anyone can change, but it starts by unlocking your own potential, embracing new habits of thought, and moving forward one brave step at a time. Resources The Turning Point Talking Points (01:16) “I love people. I see the incredible potential in people, and I want to see them realize their potential.” (02:23) Internal struggles: “The greatest battle is…the battlefield in our head; it’s what’s going on in our thought life.” (06:28) Hope after hopelessness: “I’ve had to deal with people…who have ended up committing suicide because they felt there was no other alternative…” (09:00) Visualization: “You’ve got to shift that with visualization… begin to see a different future.” (12:48) Addiction lessons: “Many of our clients…their trauma goes right back to their childhood…we help them change that narrative.” (16:22) Perfectionism as a mask for fear (21:19) Steps to get unstuck: “Go to my website…help people take the next step. We all find ourselves stuck at some stage.”     Source

    25 min
  5. Be Prepared: Family Survival Strategies with Gazza White

    10/15/2025

    Be Prepared: Family Survival Strategies with Gazza White

    Gazza White is known as Australia’s most grounded survival strategist and the author of The Family Survival Guide. After surviving more than a dozen near-death experiences and a lifetime of challenges, Gazza has dedicated himself to helping families prepare for a world where systems we take for granted, such as power, water, food, and safety, can collapse overnight. Unlike fearmongers, Gazza offers practical, step-by-step strategies that ordinary people can use to protect their loved ones and build resilience. His expertise lies in simplifying survival, turning preparation into a family plan, and showing that with foresight and confidence, anyone can face uncertainty and thrive. Gazza White, known as Australia’s most grounded survival strategist, warns that most families are dangerously unprepared for crises that could shut down daily life. After surviving near-death experiences and decades of “hard knocks,” Gazza explains why systems we depend on, like power, water, and food, are fragile, and why panic is inevitable if people don’t prepare. His work focuses on teaching families to create simple, practical survival plans: securing water and food, learning essential skills, and knowing when and how to escape unsafe environments. Preparation, he reminds us, doesn’t need to be fear-driven; it can be an empowering family adventure rooted in foresight and resilience. Resources Reinvented You Master Your Mind, Money, And Mission To Create The Life You Deserve The Family Survival Guide: Gazza White Talking Points (03:32) Warning Signs of Collapse: He explains why modern society leaves families vulnerable to sudden disruption.(07:47) Facing EMPs & Pandemics: Gazza outlines how disasters could wipe out essential services overnight.(11:26) Panic, Collapse & Realism: He stresses that survival isn’t alarmism; it’s realism and foresight.(17:02) Survival Skills That Matter: From fire-starting to first aid, he urges families to practice now.(21:26) Family Roles & Preparedness: Gazza shares how to involve kids without fear and assign age-appropriate roles.(25:34) Learning from the Amish: He points to communities that thrive without modern systems as survival models.(28:27) Be Prepared: Gazza closes with his lifelong motto, Planning ahead is the key to protecting loved ones. Source

    30 min
  6. From Control to Connection: Servant Leadership with Peter Lombardo

    10/14/2025

    From Control to Connection: Servant Leadership with Peter Lombardo

    Peter Lombardo is a leadership consultant, author, and founder of Patelli Solutions, helping organizations transform disengaged, high-turnover teams into resilient, high-performing ones. After experiencing the failures of command-and-control leadership firsthand, Peter discovered that true success comes from servant leadership, putting people before ego and service before status. With decades of experience in heavy industry and business management, he brings practical strategies that empower leaders to connect authentically, reduce burnout, and build a lasting culture. As co-author of The Turning Point, Peter shows why leadership isn’t about you; it’s about unlocking the potential of the people you lead. Peter explains how traditional “command and control” leadership often backfires, leading to burnout, disengagement, and high turnover. He shares how being on the receiving end of poor leadership and trying it himself forced him to discover a better way: servant leadership. His work focuses on teaching leaders to connect authentically, value their people, and empower teams to succeed together. Instead of carrying all the weight alone, leaders learn they can shift from ego to empathy, creating workplaces where people feel valued, motivated, and ready to perform. Leadership, he reminds us, isn’t about you, it’s about the people you serve. Resources Patelli Solutions The Turning Point Talking Points (00:00) Lone Wolf Leadership Crash: Peter opens up about trying control-driven leadership, only to see disengaged teams and failure to meet goals.(03:03) Experiencing Poor Leadership: He recalls being on the receiving end of toxic management and why it made him want to quit.(06:41) The Power of Connection: Peter explains why learning names, showing up, and genuine one-on-one moments transform culture.(09:18) Intangibles Create Tangible Results: He argues that trust, empathy, and presence directly improve productivity and retention.(15:33) Refilling the Tank: Peter shares how leaders can avoid burnout by protecting boundaries and practicing self-care.(18:16) Why Choose Servant Leadership: He describes why, despite criticism for being “too soft,” empathy and authenticity build stronger teams. Source

    28 min
  7. Escape Debt Spiral: Rebuild Your Finances and Restore Hope with Coach Trent Williams

    08/05/2025

    Escape Debt Spiral: Rebuild Your Finances and Restore Hope with Coach Trent Williams

    Trent Williams is a debt recovery coach, speaker, and author who helps Australians overcome financial stress and rebuild their lives after bankruptcy. After facing bankruptcy himself at age 51, Trent used the experience to turn his life around and now supports others through step-by-step guidance and education. His focus is on practical action, teaching people how to track spending, manage budgets, reduce credit use, and break the stigma around asking for help. He is the founder of Life Beyond Debts and a co-author of The Turning Point with Pat Mesiti, where he shares how anyone can reclaim control of their money and their future with the right tools. Trent explains how financial stress can quietly take over your life, leading to shame, anxiety, and silence. He shares how bankruptcy at 51 forced him to face hard truths about money, pride, and habits that weren’t working. His work focuses on teaching simple steps, such as tracking spending, managing debt, and asking for help, to rebuild control and confidence. Instead of feeling stuck or judged, people learn they can reset their mindset and move forward. It’s not about being perfect with money; it’s about understanding your choices and building a better future with tools that actually work in real, everyday life. Resources: Life Beyond Debts Talking Points (00:01) Hitting Rock Bottom at 51: Trent opens up about declaring bankruptcy and how it forced him to face painful truths about pride, spending, and responsibility. (04:35) The Silent Stress of Financial Struggle: He explains how money stress often builds quietly, leading to shame and isolation before people even realize how bad it’s gotten. (09:12) Practical Steps to Take Back Control: Trent shares simple habits—like writing down expenses and setting limits—that helped him rebuild his life and now help others do the same. (14:06) Changing Your Mindset Around Debt: He talks about the importance of removing shame from financial hardship and seeing setbacks as a chance to start fresh. (18:51) Life Beyond Debts: Trent introduces his platform, LifeBeyondDebts.com, where he now supports everyday people through coaching, education, and step-by-step guidance. Source

    23 min
  8. 08/04/2025

    Heal Relationship Conflicts, Improve Communication, and Rebuild Trust with Psychologist Melanie Smart

    Melanie Smart is a psychologist, speaker, and relationship guide with over 18 years of experience helping individuals and couples create stronger, healthier connections. Her work focuses on self-awareness, conflict resolution, and understanding how energy and communication shape relationships. She helps people recognize unhealthy patterns, build emotional safety, and turn differences into strengths. Melanie is also a co-author ofThe Turning Point with Pat Mesiti, where she shares how conscious communication can bring real change to struggling couples. Her approach blends personal growth with practical tools and is grounded in deep care, lived experience, and a strong sense of spiritual purpose. Melanie explains how most couples don’t know how to safely face conflict, so they either avoid it or repeat the same arguments without progress. She shares how unresolved tension becomes like an infection in the relationship, slowly draining connection and trust. Her work focuses on self-awareness, clear communication, and setting respectful rules for engagement. By creating safe spaces for honest conversations, she helps couples move from blaming to understanding. It’s not about pretending everything is fine it’s about learning how to listen, respond, and grow together. When couples work as a team, even the hardest issues can lead to real connection. Resources: melanie_jane13@hotmail.com The Turning Point Talking Points (01:09) Becoming Your Best Self Through Self-Awareness: Melanie explains how observing your own patterns without judgment is the first step to breaking cycles and creating lasting personal change. (04:15) Why People Feel Stuck and Can’t Change: She shares how many people know they’re unhappy but don’t know why and how identifying emotional blocks is key to moving forward. (07:46) Understanding Energy in Relationships: Melanie describes how every relationship involves energy exchange and how differences between partners can become strengths when handled respectfully. (12:10) Using Relationship Check-Ins and Rules of Engagement: She outlines a structured method for couples to safely discuss conflict and stay connected through regular, respectful communication. (17:42) The Role of Spirituality: Melanie talks about how her spiritual beliefs give her strength, purpose, and optimism, and how that outlook supports her work with clients. Source

    26 min

About

We interview the most successful, best-selling mindset, life coach, and business authors to get their best secrets about being healthy, wealthy, and wise. They are co-authors with Pat Mesiti and David Cavanagh.