Exchanges with Evan Lucas

Evan Lucas
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Welcome to Exchanges the podcast where trends, economics, markets and financial behaviour meets everyday life. Each week, I sit down with leading thinkers, business leaders, and policymakers to unpack the ideas, data, and decisions shaping our future from inflation to housing, leadership to innovation, trends to technology through the lens of human behaviour. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. 9h ago

    Exchanges with Christian O'Connell: Ditching the Script

    In a world of carefully curated content and polished personal brands, what happens when you just… say what you actually mean? This week on Exchanges, we sit down with Christian O'Connell one of the most recognisable voices in Australian radio for a conversation that is as warm, honest, and "Unscripted" (title of his new book) as Christian himself. Christian shares his remarkable journey from comedy to becoming a radio phenomenon, and what that path taught him about the extraordinary power of authentic communication. We explore why the unscripted moments are always the most memorable, how vulnerability builds the kind of genuine connection that no amount of polish can manufacture, and what it really means to show up as yourself on air, in a room, and in life. Funny, disarming, and quietly profound. This one is a masterclass in what it means to truly connect in all aspects of life. To follow Christian go here: Instagram: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-o-connell-8615a6314/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-o-connell-8615a6314/ Book: https://www.booktopia.com.au/unscript-christian-o-connell/book/9781394419364.html?source=pla&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21844631717&gbraid=0AAAAA-Ia9hOAo_jz5KQxCkTbYji6FgMzt&gclid=CjwKCAjwqJXUBhBNEiwA8BgG7j7KiqCx6sGQJO_TD_L7Cb58qk1fBARFpeX5XcB7wDBDB3LbmEiRhBoCNlsQAvD_BwE Show: https://www.gold1043.com.au/shows/christian-oconnell/ Show Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thechristianoconnellshow/ Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Christian's background in comedy and radio 01:15 Billy Connolly's influence and the magic of spontaneous speech 03:22 The enduring magic of the human voice in a visual age 05:28 The power of voice notes and authentic communication 09:07 Christian's career shift and the pursuit of authenticity 12:24 Dealing with vulnerability and mental health in public life 15:18 Enjoyment is about how, not what, and finding joy in small moments 20:17 Moving to Australia and building a new life with vulnerability 27:00 Leadership, boundaries, and team culture 30:33 Talking each other home and the importance of belonging 33:24 What Christian would do if in charge for a day Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  2. Aug 6

    Exchanges with Nick Bendel: 500 Strangers

    What would happen if you said yes to lunch with a stranger, 500 times? This week on Exchanges, we sit down with Nick Bendel for one of the most unique and genuinely fascinating conversations we've had on the show. Nick shares the story behind his remarkable project, 500 lunches with complete strangers, and what that journey taught him about network building, personal growth, and the unconscious biases we all carry but rarely examine. From the social courage it takes to sit down with someone you've never met, to the surprising connections and insights that emerged along the way, Nick makes a compelling case for the transformative power of face-to-face interaction in a world that has never been more digitally connected, or more personally disconnected. To follow Nick go here: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-bendel/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrnickbendel/ Website: https://www.nickbendel.com/ Book: https://www.amazon.com.au/500-Lunches-Effect-courage-everything/dp/1923630318 _________________________________________ Today's episode is sponsored by Mitrade a multi-regulated CFD trading platform, founded in Melbourne, that lets you access over 900 financial instruments — from gold and forex to indices and stocks — all in one place, with no commission. Trading CFDs carries a high level of risk and may not be suitable for all investors. Please consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money. AFSL 398528. https://mytd.cc/yxTv _________________________________________ Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Nick Bendel's 500 Lunches Journey 02:39 Self-Reflection: From Introvert to Networker 03:50 Listening Skills and Relationship Building 04:46 The Indirect Benefits of Networking 05:15 Success Rate and Outcomes from Lunches 07:00 Changing Personal Biases and Identity 08:10 The Impact of Food and Identity on Openness 10:16 Why People Open Up in Face-to-Face Meetings 12:11 Emotional Openness and Personal Growth 13:02 Conventional Networking Advice vs. Reality 18:24 Digital Age and the Future of Relationship Building 21:30 The Role of Human Touch in a Digital World 23:23 From Social Media to Offline Connections 26:33 The Power of In-Person Trust and Relationships 28:46 Nick's Vision: Social Courage and Personal Growth Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  3. Jul 28

    Exchanges with Jason Dunn: The Discipline of Greatness

    What separates the people who talk about greatness from the ones who actually achieve it? This week on Exchanges, we sit down with Jason Dunn elite Ironman athlete and leadership expert, for a conversation that is equal parts inspiring and deeply practical. Jason shares his journey from a goal-driven teenager to one of the most demanding endurance competitions on the planet, and what that journey taught him about purpose, discipline, and the kind of resilience that holds up when everything falls apart. But this isn't just a story about sport. Jason brings the lessons of true self-mastery for leadership, why vulnerability is a strength and not a weakness, and how the habits forged under pressure shape who we become in all aspects of life. To follow Jason go here: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-dunn-72650227/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/un_limited862/ Book: https://majorstreet.com.au/collections/new-release/products/greatness-doesnt-by-jason-dunn _________________________________________ Today's episode is sponsored by Mitrade a multi-regulated CFD trading platform, founded in Melbourne, that lets you access over 900 financial instruments — from gold and forex to indices and stocks — all in one place, with no commission. Trading CFDs carries a high level of risk and may not be suitable for all investors. Please consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money. AFSL 398528. https://mytd.cc/yxTv _________________________________________ Chapters 00:00 Authenticity and Rustic Content in Social Media 00:29 Jason Dunn's Personal Journey: From Football to Ironman 01:23 The Role of Purpose in Overcoming Fear and Adversity 11:44 The 14 Steps to Greatness: Purpose, Courage, Mindset 13:10 Discipline and Stoicism: The Foundations of Success 14:37 Building Belief and Confidence Through Planning 17:24 Resilience and Overcoming Life's Challenges 23:33 Dealing with Comparison and Focusing on Inputs 28:37 The Power of Culture and Community in Excellence 34:34 Vulnerability as a Path to Growth and Self-Mastery 39:04 Mastering Yourself to Change the World Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  4. Jul 20

    Exchanges with Amy Auster: Should we HECS the home?

    It's one of the most provocative policy questions in Australia right now should we put a HECS-style scheme on the family home? This week on Exchanges, we sit down with Amy Auster CEO of the Policy Institute of Australia to to discuss this very idea. Amy unpacks the deep complexities and inequities baked into Australia's transfer and pension systems, and makes the case for innovative reforms that could fundamentally reshape the way we think about housing equity, intergenerational wealth, and fiscal responsibility. From the growing divide between those who inherit wealth and those who don't, to the sustainability of a system that can't keep carrying the weight it's being asked to carry we exchange the hard questions and offers the kind of fresh thinking that our housing debate desperately needs. To find out more about Amy and her work go here: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amyauster/ Website: https://www.policyinstitute.org.au/ Paper: Home truths: The case for rebalancing toward better means testing _________________________________________ Today's episode is sponsored by Mitrade a multi-regulated CFD trading platform, founded in Melbourne, that lets you access over 900 financial instruments — from gold and forex to indices and stocks — all in one place, with no commission. Trading CFDs carries a high level of risk and may not be suitable for all investors. Please consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money. AFSL 398528. https://mytd.cc/yxTv _________________________________________ Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Economic Policy and Fairness 02:40 The Growth of the Social Safety Net 05:28 Means Testing and Equity in Transfer Programs 08:30 Revisiting the Age Pension and Asset Tests 10:40 Proposed Retirement Contribution Scheme 12:24 Risks and Perceptions of Borrowing Against Assets 14:13 Challenges in Implementing Policy Changes 16:04 Tax Cuts and the Transfer System 19:35 Inflation and Fiscal Discipline 21:30 Redistributing Savings for Budget Repair 23:37 Case Study: Judy and Housing Wealth 26:54 Normalising Asset Utilization in Retirement Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  5. Jul 8

    Exchanges with Bernadette Schwerdt: The Digital Businessperson

    In a world where the rules of business are being rewritten in real time, what does it actually take to build something that lasts? This week on Exchanges, I sit down with Bernadette Schwerdt for a practical and energising conversation about entrepreneurship, online business growth, and what it really means to build with resilience. Bernadette shares her insights from interviewing Australia's leading CEOs in digital enterprise, on leveraging digital platforms effectively, the power of strategic partnerships, and how AI is transforming the way smart businesses think about marketing. To find out more about Bernadette go here: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bernadetteschwerdt/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bernadetteschwerdt/ Website: https://bernadetteschwerdt.com.au/ _________________________________________ Today's episode is sponsored by Mitrade a multi-regulated CFD trading platform, founded in Melbourne, that lets you access over 900 financial instruments — from gold and forex to indices and stocks — all in one place, with no commission. Trading CFDs carries a high level of risk and may not be suitable for all investors. Please consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money. AFSL 398528. https://mytd.cc/yxTv _________________________________________ Chapters 00:00 The Fascination with Entrepreneurship 05:22 The Rise of Online Entrepreneurship 12:18 Navigating Partnerships in Business 18:06 Marketing in the Digital Age 28:00 The Impact of AI on Entrepreneurship https://mytd.cc/yxTv Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  6. Jun 25

    Exchanges with Petar Petrov: Is AI the Next Bubble?

    This week on Exchanges, we sit down with Peter Petrov about the state of AI investment and whether the boom we're living through is built to last. Drawing comparisons to past market bubbles including the dot-com era Peter unpacks the dynamics driving AI valuations, the risks that aren't getting enough attention, and what the next few years could look like for AI companies and investors alike as they come to market for the masses. _________________________________________ Today's episode is sponsored by Mitrade a multi-regulated CFD trading platform, founded in Melbourne, that lets you access over 900 financial instruments — from gold and forex to indices and stocks — all in one place, with no commission. Trading CFDs carries a high level of risk and may not be suitable for all investors. Please consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money. AFSL 398528. https://mytd.cc/yxTv _________________________________________ Chapters 00:00 The Current State of AI Investment 05:03 Comparative Analysis: Dot Com Bubble vs. AI Boom 10:04 The Role of Major Players: NVIDIA and the AI Infrastructure 14:54 The Future of AI Companies: IPOs and Market Dynamics 20:01 Survival of the Fittest: Competition in the AI Space 25:08 The Future of AI: Predictions and Concerns Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  7. Jun 15

    Exchanges with Ben Westgarth: Drone(ing) the skies

    The skies are changing and so is the future of national security. This week on Exchanges, we sit down with Ben Westgarth, CEO and CTO of Department13, for a fascinating and timely conversation about drone technology, counter-drone systems, and what it really takes to protect Australia in an increasingly complex world. Ben pulls back the curtain on how counter-drone systems actually work, why the ability to develop and adapt rapidly is now a strategic necessity, and what Australia's current defence capabilities look like and where they need to go. From the technology shaping modern warfare to the broader question of national resilience, this is an Exchange that connects cutting-edge innovation with the very real stakes of keeping a nation safe. To find out more about Ben click here: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-westgarth-1992a618/ Website: https://department13.com/ To find out more about Evan click here: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evan-lucas-44a25316/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evanlucas_/ Website: www.evanlucas.com.au Chapters 00:00 The Journey into Drone Technology 01:56 Australia's Tech Landscape and Support 04:17 Department 13: Technology Overview 05:47 Future Resilience and Drone Evolution 09:40 Drones in Society: Opportunities and Risks 11:24 Illegal Drone Flights and Public Awareness 13:21 Government Spending and Infrastructure Needs 15:20 Learning from Cybersecurity Regulations 18:24 Subscription Model for Drone Monitoring 22:27 Public Misunderstandings of Drone Technology 25:57 AUKUS and Defense Spending Perspectives 30:55 The Limitations of Drone Jamming 34:26 Vision for Australia's Sovereign Capability Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  8. Jun 8

    Exchanges with Natalie MacDonald: Purpose, Brand & the Future of Work

    What does it take to leave a successful career behind and build something entirely your own? This week on Exchanges, we sit down with Natalie MacDonald for an honest and energising conversation about reinvention, purpose, and what the future of work really looks like. Natalie shares her journey from media to entrepreneurship, the lessons she learned along the way, and why building a strong personal brand has never mattered more than it does right now. We explore the transformative impact AI is having on the workplace, what it means to build a career with genuine purpose at its core, and why supporting underrepresented communities isn't just the right thing to do it's essential for building a better, more innovative future of work. To follow Natalie click here: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalie-macdonald/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natalie_workingatit/ Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/working-it-6475264103727403008/ Website: https://www.workingatit.com.au/ To follow Evan click here: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evan-lucas-44a25316/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evanlucas_/ Website: www.evanlucas.com.au Chapters 00:00 The Journey of Natalie MacDonald 01:19 Transforming Work Environments 03:18 Building a Personal Brand on LinkedIn 10:06 Monetizing Expertise and Overcoming Barriers 15:34 The Impact of AI on Employment 19:15 Creating a Supportive Workforce 23:41 The Future of Work: Hybrid Models 27:29 Entrepreneurship in the Modern World 32:46 Empowering Caregivers and Building Community Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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About

Welcome to Exchanges the podcast where trends, economics, markets and financial behaviour meets everyday life. Each week, I sit down with leading thinkers, business leaders, and policymakers to unpack the ideas, data, and decisions shaping our future from inflation to housing, leadership to innovation, trends to technology through the lens of human behaviour. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    Evan Lucas
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    53
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Evan Lucas
  • Show Website
    Exchanges with Evan Lucas