Dear Luke & Ben RENY®Studio & Shake Park

Get ready to dive into an exciting and inspiring part 2 with Blakey Johnston, the world record holder for continuously surfing for 40.07 hours, riding 707 waves. Not only is Blakey, a skilled surfer, but he's also a passionate advocate for mental health, having raised $400,000 for Youth Mental Health and the Chumpy Pullin Foundation.

In this episode, we get an exclusive glimpse into Blakey's journey towards breaking the world record and learn about his physical and mental challenges during the attempt. But that's not all, as Blakey and Lauren have a surprise in store for Ben, which you won't want to miss! Just keep listening to find out what it is - but we'll give you a clue; it might get a little chilly.

So join us as we chat with Blakey about his record-breaking feat, his passion for mental health awareness, and the surprise that awaits. Get ready to be inspired, motivated and entertained in this inspiring episode.

Wondering what could have gone wrong in 40 hours? Here is a list:


Hypothermia: The body's core temperature drops due to prolonged exposure to cold water, which can lead to hypothermia. Symptoms include shivering, confusion, and loss of coordination, and if not treated promptly, it can be life-threatening.


Dehydration: Surfing for extended periods can cause dehydration due to sweating and exposure to the sun and wind. Dehydration can lead to dizziness, nausea, and in severe cases, kidney damage.


Physical exhaustion: Surfing for a prolonged period can cause physical exhaustion, leading to muscle fatigue, cramps, and injuries.


Mental fatigue: Mental fatigue can set in, leading to decreased concentration, slower reaction times, and potentially dangerous decision-making.


Injuries: The risk of injury is always present when surfing, especially in cold water where muscle flexibility is reduced. Injuries can range from minor cuts and bruises to more severe fractures and dislocations.


Marine life: Cold water is often home to various marine life, such as sharks, jellyfish, and stingrays, which can pose a risk to surfers.Saltwater exposure: Prolonged exposure to saltwater can cause skin irritation, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalances.

Fatigue-related accidents: Fatigue-related accidents can occur with decreased reaction times and judgment, including collisions with other surfers or the surfboard itself.


Ocean currents: Surfing for an extended period can lead to increased exposure to ocean currents that can pull surfers away from shore and into dangerous waters.







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Blakey Johsnton is about to surf for 40 hours. This episode captures Blakes's mindset just eight days from embarking on his world record attempt, which has already raised an incredible $150,000 for Youth Mental Health as we air on this episode of Dear Luke and Ben (without Luke). This is a testament to his passion and dedication to Mental health, and Blakey has just begun.
In this episode, we delve into the incredible challenge that Blakey is about to undertake: surfing for 40 hours straight in salt water. We discuss the risks involved in this record-breaking attempt and how Blakey prepares himself physically and mentally for this gruelling challenge.
We also touch upon the absence of Luke Shanahan, who could not join us for this episode due to the shi*thouse Sydney train system. However, we know that Luke is with us in spirit and fully supports Blakey's mission to raise awareness for mental health and youth. We can inform you that Luke made it home after 8 hours of train rides through Sydney to nowhere.
Throughout the episode, we explore the incredible determination and resilience of Blakey Johnston, who is attempting to break a world record and make a difference. We discuss the importance of mental health awareness and how we can all support this vital cause.
Tune in to this episode to hear about the incredible challenge that Blakey Johnston is about to undertake and learn how you can make a difference in the world of mental health

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Josh Lalor is one of only a handful of Indigenous cricketers to have represented NSW in First Class cricket. He is also really good friends with Ben (from Dear Luke & Ben). We called this episode the reluctant fast bowler and we need you to understand, before anything else, what reluctant actually means to us. Here is the abbreviation: feeling or showing aversion, hesitation, or reluctance to get involved. Also: having or assuming a specified role. A reluctant hero. 
I want to draw your attention to the last part, the word where it says the hero. Imagine turning up to something, believing, you were not good enough, but turning up anyway! Imagine, dreaming of becoming a professional athlete and being told you did not have what takes to become one. Imagine standing at the top of your mark, ready to compete with the best on the planet, and not feeling like you belong! Well, that's Josh. Our reluctant guest and your reluctant superhero. Josh Lalor is actually a metaphor, for you, for me and for all of us to understand one true thing about life. That anything is possible and we are powerful, way beyond our own imagination.

Josh became a professional cricketer, just a few days before he planned to give it away. Those last few steps changed his world and have inspired a generation of indigenous and non-indigenous Australians to chase their own dreams, regardless of height, weight, stature, background or belief. In a world where a professional athlete (in josh's view) looked nothing like Josh, he rose up to become one of the best we have ever produced. Claiming wickets and victories against the best of all time. When everyone said no, Josh pressed a little harder and turned no into a yes.

Please take your time listening through this conversation, you will hear a story of a talented professional sportsman, but what sits behind it, is a journey commitment fueled by passion.
Josh is a proud Indigenous Australian and delivers, in this conversation, one of the most beautiful heartfelt, honest conversations we have had to date.

Please enjoy our chat with Professional Cricketer, Indigenous Role Model, KPMG Professional, Superstar Bowler and our friend (and wannabe Batter), Josh Lalor.

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This episode is essential listening. Every human should take the time to listen to Dave's story. Dave Winner is a lifelong, all-season surfer and ocean swimmer. He can often be seen striding confidently into the surf, regardless of the weather. In August 2020, at the age of 69, large unpredictable waves caught him off-guard and swept him off the rocks and into a deep rockpool, where he was knocked unconscious and failed to resurface. Dave was under the water for more than 6 minutes while witnesses on the beach rushed to his aid.

It took five people to retrieve him from the water and carry him to safety, where he was given immediate, life-saving CPR by members of the public, including several off-duty first responders. Emergency services arrived, and more than 2 hours after leaving the water, Dave was airlifted to Royal North Shore Hospital, where he remained in an induced coma for five days. After an agonising wait with his family by his side in the ICU, Dave regained consciousness. Sadly, he broke his neck and suffered spinal damage rendering Dave a paraplegic.

Dave was told he would never walk again. The doctors, however, hadn't met Dave before. Without giving this extraordinary story of bravery, determination and love away, he walked into this studio, un-aided to conduct this interview with his best mate, his son, Steve Winner.

There are lessons in this conversation that run deep and should connect with all of us. The common thread? Friendship and family. 

Please enjoy this conversation with this real life superhuman, Dave Winner and his son, Steve.

Please register for your first aid training here: https://www.surflifesaving.com.au/first-aid-courses/

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Trust us, charging through not only your daily grind, but flying through the entire galaxy goes better with some Vashti Whitfield wisdom. Whether it be through her books, films, personal coaching or even a daily hit of "Vashti" that you can find on social media platforms, her inspiring words make intergalactic travel so much smoother. Following the tragic loss of her husband, actor Andy Whitfield, Vashti has opened the portal of truth and light to millions throughout the world and now she sits down with Luke and Ben (in studio) to discuss just how to they can maximise the potential of hopefully not just this episode but all of season 2. 


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Welcome to our first official "Guestless" episode, where we break down the previous season and discuss what we have learnt, where we are heading and what it means to be a filmer maker and own a digital agency in times of upheaval and disruption. This episode shares our experiences through unscripted dialogue and organic confusion with your hosts, Luke Shanahan and Ben Rennie (Guestless). What follows is a conversation that will make you laugh, squirm & feel oddly inspired. Luke and Ben hope to feed the creative mind (or help you rediscover the one you may have lost). Welcome to "Dear Luke & Ben", New Episodes every Thursday.


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