Project 98.9

Leigh Stafford
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  • Documentary

What happens when a successful man makes the one goal he keeps avoiding public? PROJECT 98.9 is a 36-week documentary in real time following Leigh Stafford as he works towards 98.9kg. But the weight is only the scoreboard. The real story is the gap between knowing what to do and actually showing up, especially when life, work, family, old patterns and the voice negotiating for comfort all push back. Each week, Leigh sits down with co-host Sharkie, the witness willing to challenge the easy story and ask the uncomfortable questions. Their conversations draw on daily check-ins, honest journals and the week as it really happened: the wins, the misses, the red days, the yellow days and the moments Leigh wants to quit. This is not a fitness program, a meal-plan pitch or polished before-and-after theatre. It is an unfolding story about accountability, avoidance, identity and what it takes to become the man who keeps showing up. Will Leigh reach 98.9kg? That is not the real question. Will he keep showing up?

  1. 4d ago

    The 5 Biggest Changes After 14 Weeks | Ep. 14 of PROJECT 98.9 Podcast

    Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! WEEK 14: THE 5 BIGGEST CHANGES AFTER 14 WEEKS | PROJECT 98.9 Fourteen weeks in, the excitement of starting something new has worn off. But for Leigh, that's actually a good thing. What started as a 36-week challenge to reach 98.9kg is slowly becoming something much bigger — a different way of living. This week, Leigh and Sharkie look back at the five biggest wins so far. And surprisingly, none of them are about a number on the scales. In this episode: Why the novelty wearing off might be a sign of progressLeigh's 95% week and how his fitness standards are evolvingThe five biggest changes he's noticed after 14 weeksWhy consistency matters more than chasing a resultWhat tracking calories has revealed about his eating habitsFinally facing the medical tests he'd avoided for yearsHow accountability is helping him stay on trackNavigating the Spring Carnival without abandoning his standardsA little racing chat, including Derby Day, Oaks Day and some early tipsThe biggest takeaway? The real win isn't just losing weight. It's becoming someone who takes care of himself without having to constantly think about it. There's still plenty of work ahead, but 14 weeks in, Leigh is starting to see just how much has already changed. Follow PROJECT 98.9 as Leigh Stafford and Mick "Sharkie" document the highs, lows and everything in between on the journey to 98.9kg. Content note: This episode contains strong language and discussions about personal health and weight management. PROJECT 98.9 shares personal experiences and general discussion only. It is not medical or health advice.

    The 5 Biggest Changes After 14 Weeks | Ep. 14 of PROJECT 98.9 Podcast

  2. Oct 24

    Why You Feel Like You're Failing (Even When You're Making Progress) | Ep. 13 of PROJECT 98.9 Podcast

    Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! WEEK 13: WHY YOU FEEL LIKE YOU'RE FAILING (EVEN WHEN YOU'RE MAKING PROGRESS) Thirteen weeks into PROJECT 98.9, Leigh's feeling a little flat. He's tired, the scales have gone up, and there are a few standards he knows he could be doing better with. But when he actually looks at the bigger picture, there's a lot going right. He's training consistently, maintaining most of his standards, and continuing to make progress — even if it doesn't always feel that way. This week, Leigh and Sharkie unpack the tendency to focus on what we haven't done instead of recognising everything we have. They also put some popular weight-loss strategies to the test in Pub Logic, go Under the Bonnet with Leigh's latest gut health results, and share a few stories from the world of horse racing. In this episode: Why Leigh's feeling fatigued despite making progressWhat could be behind his recent weight fluctuationsThe standards he's maintaining — and the ones slippingPub Logic: alcohol, fasting, calorie counting, supplements and exerciseWhat Leigh's gut health testing revealedWhy lasting change is about more than reaching a numberLearning to work through resistance by "surfing the urge"Horse racing stories and Cox Plate predictionsSometimes the biggest challenge isn't making progress. It's recognising the progress you're already making. Follow PROJECT 98.9 as Leigh and Sharkie document the 36-week journey towards 98.9kg — with the wins, setbacks, honest conversations and everything in between. Content note: Contains strong language and discussion of personal health testing, weight management and digestive health. Disclaimer: PROJECT 98.9 shares personal experiences and general discussion only. It is not medical or health advice. Speak with a qualified healthcare professional about testing, treatment or changes to your health routine.

    Why You Feel Like You're Failing (Even When You're Making Progress) | Ep. 13 of PROJECT 98.9 Podcast

  3. Oct 16

    He Was Fit and Healthy. Then Came a Cancer Diagnosis | Ep 12 of PROJECT 98.9 Podcast

    Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! What happens when you've spent years looking after your health, only to receive a diagnosis you never expected? This week on PROJECT 98.9, Leigh and Sharkie are joined by David, who shares his personal experience with prostate cancer and why he believes more men need to take their health seriously before something goes wrong. Having spent 16 years at the Golden Door wellness retreat, David knows plenty about health, wellbeing and performance. But his own diagnosis brought a different perspective to the importance of proactive medical care. In this episode: - Leigh's latest check-in and the challenge of maintaining standards while travelling - Why consistency gets harder when your environment changes - David's personal experience with prostate cancer - Why prostate cancer can develop without obvious early symptoms - Understanding PSA testing and discussing screening with your doctor - How MRI and other diagnostic tools can help with further investigation - David's 16 years at the Golden Door and his approach to coaching - Why men need to have more open conversations about their health - A little horse racing, some memorable stories and plenty of banter The message this week is simple: don't assume everything is fine just because you feel fine. If you've been putting off a conversation about your health, perhaps this is the reminder to have it. 🎙️ New PROJECT 98.9 episodes every Saturday at 9AM AEST. Follow Leigh and Sharkie as they continue the 36-week journey to 98.9kg and explore what it really takes to make lasting changes. Content note: This episode includes discussion of cancer, medical testing and personal health experiences. Medical disclaimer: PROJECT 98.9 shares personal experiences and general discussion only. It is not medical advice. PSA screening decisions and starting ages should be discussed with a qualified healthcare professional based on individual risk factors and current guidelines.

    He Was Fit and Healthy. Then Came a Cancer Diagnosis | Ep 12 of PROJECT 98.9 Podcast

  4. Oct 9

    How to Control Your Inner Beast (Instead of Letting It Control You) | Ep. 11 of Project 98.9 Podcast

    Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! HOW TO CONTROL YOUR INNER BEAST (INSTEAD OF LETTING IT CONTROL YOU) | PROJECT 98.9 EP. 11 We all have an inner beast. But knowing when to unleash it — and when to pull it back — is a different story. Eleven episodes into PROJECT 98.9, Leigh and Sharkie explore the idea of “beast mode” and how that same energy can either move you forward or lead you down the wrong path. From getting back into the gym and finding connection through training to creating space for deep work, this week is about learning to direct your energy with intention. In this episode: - Leigh's latest fitness check-in and progress - Finding connection and community through the gym - Why hard training can make a difference mentally - What the “inner beast” actually means - The difference between controlled intensity and unhealthy excess - Learning when to switch beast mode on and off - Creating space for deep, focused work - Outsourcing responsibilities to free up time and energy - Under the Bonnet: Vitamin D, bilirubin and Leigh's health journey - A little racing talk and an interesting omen bet to finish Because the goal isn't to be in beast mode 24/7. It's knowing how to use that energy when it matters most. Follow Leigh and Sharkie as they continue the 36-week journey to 98.9kg — and everything they're discovering along the way. 🎙️ New episodes of PROJECT 98.9 every Saturday at 9AM AEST. Content note: This episode may contain strong language. PROJECT 98.9 shares personal experiences and general discussion only. It is not medical or health advice.

    How to Control Your Inner Beast (Instead of Letting It Control You) | Ep. 11 of Project 98.9 Podcast

  5. Oct 2

    Feeling Overwhelmed? How to Focus on What Actually Matters | Ep. 10 of Project 98.9 Podcast

    Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! WEEK 8: FEELING OVERWHELMED? HOW TO FOCUS ON WHAT ACTUALLY MATTERS Eight weeks into PROJECT 98.9, Leigh is 6.7kg down and still hitting 89% of his standards. But this week, the biggest challenge wasn’t food or the scales. It was overwhelm. After a massive weekend, family commitments, work and a growing list of things to do, Leigh found himself having one of the worst days he’s had in a long time. The more he tried to get done, the less he actually achieved. This week, Leigh and Sharkie unpack what happens when life gets too noisy — and why sometimes the answer isn’t doing more, but slowing down long enough to work out what actually matters. In this episode: Why overwhelm can leave you completely stuck The problem with creating unrealistic expectations for yourself Why “being time” has become one of Leigh’s most important standards How systems can simplify your decisions when life gets busy Focusing your attention on what matters most Protecting your own wellbeing before trying to look after everyone else Why Leigh believes his standards now need to rise Simplifying his environment to make those standards easier to hit Leigh checks in at 124.8kg — 6.7kg down since starting the project. Sometimes you don’t need to fit more into your life. You need to get clearer on what deserves your attention. Follow PROJECT 98.9 as Leigh and Sharkie document the 36-week journey to 98.9 — and everything they uncover along the way. Content note: This episode contains strong language. PROJECT 98.9 shares personal experiences and general discussion only. It is not medical or health advice.

    Feeling Overwhelmed? How to Focus on What Actually Matters | Ep. 10 of Project 98.9 Podcast

  6. Sep 25

    My Health Tests Revealed Something I Can’t Ignore | Ep. 9 of PROJECT 98.9 Podcast

    Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! MY HEALTH TESTS REVEALED SOMETHING I CAN’T IGNORE | PROJECT 98.9 EP. 9 Nine weeks in, PROJECT 98.9 is going under the bonnet. After finally completing the health tests he’d avoided for years, Leigh sits down with functional medicine practitioner Rick Davids to start unpacking the results. And one area needs attention: his cholesterol markers. Rick walks Leigh through his lipid results, including elevated total cholesterol, LDL and ApoB, and explains why the results warrant a conversation with his doctor. For Leigh, the biggest difference this time isn't just knowing the numbers. It’s what he does next. In this episode: Leigh’s Week 9 standards and weigh-inWhy the recent juice cleanse felt like a mental resetThe habits that are starting to feel more naturalLetting go of the need to appear “perfect”Introducing Under the BonnetWhat Leigh’s cholesterol results showedUnderstanding LDL, HDL, triglycerides and ApoBWhy Rick recommends further medical evaluationLeigh’s decision to stop avoiding his health and take actionThere’s still plenty to understand, and Leigh is taking the results to his doctor rather than trying to figure it all out himself. Because this time, putting it off isn’t an option. Follow PROJECT 98.9 as Leigh and Sharkie document the 36-week journey to 98.9 — including what’s happening on the scales and under the bonnet. Content note: This episode contains strong language and discussion of personal health test results. PROJECT 98.9 shares personal experiences and general discussion only. It is not medical or health advice.

    My Health Tests Revealed Something I Can’t Ignore | Ep. 9 of PROJECT 98.9 Podcast

  7. Sep 23

    Feeling Overwhelmed? How to Focus on What Actually Matters | Ep. 8 of Project 98.9 Podcast

    Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! WEEK 8: FEELING OVERWHELMED? HOW TO FOCUS ON WHAT ACTUALLY MATTERS Eight weeks into PROJECT 98.9, Leigh is 6.7kg down and still hitting 89% of his standards. But this week, the biggest challenge wasn’t food or the scales. It was overwhelm. After a massive weekend, family commitments, work and a growing list of things to do, Leigh found himself having one of the worst days he’s had in a long time. The more he tried to get done, the less he actually achieved. This week, Leigh and Sharkie unpack what happens when life gets too noisy — and why sometimes the answer isn’t doing more, but slowing down long enough to work out what actually matters. In this episode: Why overwhelm can leave you completely stuckThe problem with creating unrealistic expectations for yourselfWhy “being time” has become one of Leigh’s most important standardsHow systems can simplify your decisions when life gets busyFocusing your attention on what matters mostProtecting your own wellbeing before trying to look after everyone elseWhy Leigh believes his standards now need to riseSimplifying his environment to make those standards easier to hit Leigh checks in at 124.8kg — 6.7kg down since starting the project. Sometimes you don’t need to fit more into your life. You need to get clearer on what deserves your attention. Follow PROJECT 98.9 as Leigh and Sharkie document the 36-week journey to 98.9 — and everything they uncover along the way. Content note: This episode contains strong language. PROJECT 98.9 shares personal experiences and general discussion only. It is not medical or health advice.

    Feeling Overwhelmed? How to Focus on What Actually Matters | Ep. 8 of Project 98.9 Podcast

  8. Sep 22

    How to Get Back on Track After a Bad Week | Ep. 7 of PROJECT 98.9 Podcast

    Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! EPISODE 7: STOP LOOKING AT HOW FAR YOU HAVE TO GO Week 7 was Leigh’s worst week of PROJECT 98.9 so far. After weeks of hitting around 85–90% of his standards, this week dropped to roughly 60%. Life got busy. Routine disappeared. Social events stacked up. And the standards started slipping. But instead of only focusing on what went wrong, Leigh tried something different. He looked backwards. In Episode 7, Leigh and Sharkie explore the idea of the “reverse gap” — looking at how far you’ve already come and using your past as evidence of what you’re capable of doing next. For Leigh, that means going back seven years and remembering the man who was terrified to coach his first group, whose original career plans had just been derailed, and comparing him to the person he is today. In this episode: Leigh’s worst week of standards so farHow to reset after falling out of routineWhy we naturally focus on the gap still aheadUsing your past as proof of what you're capable ofHow some of your hardest moments can become catalysts for changeWhy you don’t always need the perfect planLearning to simply do the next thingHolding your behaviour accountable without attacking your self-worthGetting back into the gym after seven weeksWhy progress sometimes becomes clearer when you look backwards When you’re constantly focused on where you still need to go, it’s easy to forget the distance you’ve already travelled. Sometimes the proof that you can handle what comes next is already behind you. Follow PROJECT 98.9 as Leigh and Sharkie document all 36 weeks of the journey to 98.9. Content note: This episode contains strong language. PROJECT 98.9 shares personal experiences and general discussion only. It is not medical or health advice.

    How to Get Back on Track After a Bad Week | Ep. 7 of PROJECT 98.9 Podcast
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About

What happens when a successful man makes the one goal he keeps avoiding public? PROJECT 98.9 is a 36-week documentary in real time following Leigh Stafford as he works towards 98.9kg. But the weight is only the scoreboard. The real story is the gap between knowing what to do and actually showing up, especially when life, work, family, old patterns and the voice negotiating for comfort all push back. Each week, Leigh sits down with co-host Sharkie, the witness willing to challenge the easy story and ask the uncomfortable questions. Their conversations draw on daily check-ins, honest journals and the week as it really happened: the wins, the misses, the red days, the yellow days and the moments Leigh wants to quit. This is not a fitness program, a meal-plan pitch or polished before-and-after theatre. It is an unfolding story about accountability, avoidance, identity and what it takes to become the man who keeps showing up. Will Leigh reach 98.9kg? That is not the real question. Will he keep showing up?

Information

  • Creator
    Leigh Stafford
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    14
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Leigh Stafford
  • Show Website
    Project 98.9