Brain Break The Podcast

10. Starting a Clothing Brand While Working Full-Time - The Real Talk

Thu, 06 Nov 2025 07:30:00 +0800

In this episode, Lloyd sits down with Michael and Toneya, co-founders of Diamond Discipline Apparel, to explore the untold stories behind building a clothing brand from scratch.

From turbulent childhoods in regional WA to launching their first collection, Michael and Toneya reveal the raw realities of building a business while working full-time jobs.

They discuss contrasting parental separations, the grit required to scale a brand, and the harsh reality of bootstrapping, including late nights spent printing merchandise, managing limited budgets, and balancing ambition with survival.

Suppose you're curious about starting a clothing line, navigating partnership dynamics, overcoming adversity, or understanding what it truly takes to build a business alongside your day job. In that case, this honest and inspiring conversation is for you.

11. Bailey and Isaac: PROMOTER SECRETS - How We Own the Perth Music Scene

Sun, 28 Sep 2025 18:00:00 +0800

What happens when two best friends leave the DJ booth to build a music empire, only to find themselves "bleeding money" and "devastated" behind the scenes?

In this raw and unfiltered episode, we sit down with Isaac and Bailey, the minds behind Perth’s most iconic events. On social media, the world sees 10 million views and sold-out crowds. But inside the "machine," the reality was far more brutal.

Isaac and Bailey pull back the curtain on:

The DJ Pivot: Why they walked away from performing to take control of the entire Perth promo scene.
The Festival Hit: A deep dive into the moments they were "dead on the fence," facing catastrophic financial losses and "cash flow" crises.
The "Numb" Reality: Isaac’s honest admission of the emotional toll—feeling "devastated" and "numb" while the world was cheering.
The Power of the Clash: Why "arguing" and "clashing" with your best friend is actually a competitive advantage, not a weakness.
The Shared Mindset: Why being "obsessed" with the same exact goal is the only way to survive "riding the lion" of entrepreneurship.

This isn’t a highlight reel. It’s a survival guide for founders, promoters, and anyone brave enough to build something with their best friend.

Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your fix.

9. Ivy Prempeh: From Sydney Fashion Week to Sports Media

Fri, 05 Sep 2025 06:00:00 +0800

In this episode, Lloyd sits down with Ivy Pempeh, model, creative, and sports media talent, to uncover the truth about modelling, mental health, and faith.

From Sydney Fashion Week runways to the sidelines of basketball photography (NBL1), Ivy shares her journey of resilience, body image challenges, industry struggles, and the turning point that came through spirituality.

If you’re curious about the modelling industry, diversity in fashion, mental health, faith journeys, or breaking into creative careers, this raw and inspiring conversation is for you.

8. Alanah Yukich: I Had 6 Months to Become an Olympian (Paris Olympics 2024)

Tue, 05 Aug 2025 06:00:00 +0800

In this episode, we’re joined by Australian Olympic 400m hurdler Alanah Yukich, whose journey from local tracks to the world stage is as inspiring as it is relentless. Alanah opens up about the mental and physical challenges of elite sport, the sacrifices behind her Olympic campaign, and what keeps her pushing through every hurdle—on and off the track. Whether you’re an athlete, a fan, or someone chasing your own big goals, this conversation is packed with motivation, resilience, and real talk from one of Australia’s rising stars.

7. Lisa Principe: "How Creativity Saved My Life”

Tue, 08 Jul 2025 06:00:00 +0800

In this powerful episode, Lloyd James sits down with Lisa as she shares her deeply personal story of overcoming childhood trauma, rebellion, and depression to find healing and purpose through art and teaching.

Lisa opens up about her experiences with sexual abuse, how she threw a 400-person party as a teenager, tattooed herself at 15, and how art became her sanctuary. She shares her perspective on fear, creativity, and the importance of curiosity in healing and growth.

If you’re looking for inspiration to overcome your own challenges or seeking a reminder that it’s possible to transform pain into purpose, this episode will resonate with you.

🎧 New episodes every 2 weeks. Subscribe and leave a review if this conversation moved you.

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Lisa Principe: https://www.instagram.com/lisaprincipeartist/

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What resonated most? Let us know in the comments below.

#BrainBreak #Podcast #Healing #TraumaRecovery #Art #Purpose #MentalHealth

6. Cooper Connolly: Australian Test Cricketer and Big Bash League Young Gun

Tue, 24 Jun 2025 06:00:00 +0800

In this episode, we catch up with Cooper Connolly, one of Australia's most exciting young cricketers and a name making serious waves in the game. From captaining the Under-19s World Cup to making headlines in the Big Bash League, Cooper talks about his journey through the ranks, the pressures of professional sport at a young age, and what drives his passion for cricket. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just love a good underdog story, this is a conversation full of insight, energy, and ambition.

Cooper Connolly shares:

How a devastating ACL injury redirected his dreams
The unforgettable day he stepped onto the field beside his dad
Overcoming fear and debuting during the Big Bash finals
Earning his first Baggy Green, and the mental resilience behind it
Balancing professional cricket, a love for camping, and life, right before his USA tour

Subscribe for more unfiltered conversations like this with inspiring people breaking the mould.

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5. Tiana Hoad: Founder of All With The Flow

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 08:38:42 +0800

In this episode, we sit down with Tiana Hoad, the founder of All With The Flow, an Australian activewear brand that’s all about movement, mindfulness, and making a positive impact.

Tiana shares the inspiration behind her brand, how she’s creating stylish and sustainable pieces that empower women to feel strong and confident, and the lessons she’s learned as a young entrepreneur.

Whether you’re into fitness, fashion, or chasing your own big ideas, this conversation will leave you feeling inspired to "go with the flow" and make it count.

Listen/watch to the full episode here:

Watch the episode here: / @itsbrainbreak

Follow Tiana: Instagram
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4. This Is the Advice I Wish Someone Gave Me Before I Burnt Out

Tue, 27 May 2025 06:00:00 +0800

Rachel joins us on Brain Break to deliver the honest, heartfelt advice she wishes someone had told her before she burnt out. From the outside, her life looked successful, but inside, she was silently struggling with anxiety, identity loss, and the fear of starting again.

This episode is for anyone questioning their current path, juggling expectations, or feeling emotionally drained by the hustle.

What we unpack:

The early signs of burnout we often ignore
How to stop chasing the wrong version of success
Why leaving doesn’t mean failure
The process of rebuilding with intention and clarity

Listen to the full episode here:

Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/show/1MAPJPxhZKAOIUAjQksST9?si=8cc80a960c6f462c

Apple Podcast:
https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/brain-break-the-podcast/id1804927796

Watch the episode here:
https://www.youtube.com/@itsbrainbreak

Follow Rachel: https://www.instagram.com/rachelhollingsworthh/

Follow Brain Break: https://www.instagram.com/itsbrainbreak/

3. DJ Qeegs: "Don't Ruin The Vibe Before The Headliner!"

Tue, 13 May 2025 06:00:00 +0800

In this episode of Brain Break: The Podcast, we sit down with rising DJ and producer Qeegs to trace the meteoric rise of Perth’s Drum & Bass scene—from secret warehouse parties to one of Australia’s largest D&B hubs. Qeegs shares the festival moment that inspired him to buy his first decks on a whim, explains why total transparency on social media is the only path to genuine recognition, and reflects on how weekly Vault nights are redefining Perth’s house and techno community.

What You’ll Hear
• A first-hand account of Perth’s D&B evolution and the factors behind its rapid growth
• The “zero-expectations” festival experience that sparked a DJ career
• Practical tips for authentic self-presentation online, no gimmicks, just real passion
• Insights into why sold-out weekly events are fueling community energy

Subscribe to Brain Break for more insider conversations.

2. Nian: "How 20 Rejections, AI, and a $20 Employee Changed My Life Forever!"

Tue, 29 Apr 2025 06:00:00 +0800

In this episode of Brain Break, we sit down with Nian Shah to unpack the brutal but beautiful role rejection plays in building success. From almost becoming a doctor to scaling a global coaching brand — and now pivoting again — Nian shares how every “no” became a stepping stone instead of a setback.

We dive into:

Why facing rejection head-on is your fastest route to success.
How AI is changing the emotional connection with audiences — and why authenticity will be the ultimate superpower.
Building scalable businesses with tools like ChatGPT as your "virtual $20 employee."
Returning to the UK and the surprising emotional shift it triggered.

This episode is packed with honest reflections, actionable mindset shifts, and a few hard truths that might just change the way you think about failure forever.

1. Michael Caird: From club photography to DJing next to the BEST DJs in the world

Tue, 15 Apr 2025 06:00:00 +0800

Brain Break the Podcast with Lloyd James.
In this episode, I sit down with Perth-based DJ and artist Michael Caird. Michael shares his journey from his early passion for music videos on Rage TV to performing internationally and redefining himself as an artist. Hear firsthand about his experiences in the UK, navigating the music industry's challenges, and building strategic partnerships like Trackstack.
Get inspired by his advice on authenticity and turning passion into success.

Real Stories, Real Challenges: Brain Break With Lloyd James

Thu, 27 Mar 2025 22:03:21 +0800

In this introduction to Brain Break The Podcast, Lloyd James invites you to explore authentic conversations with individuals who have overcome significant challenges and made impactful changes. The series promises deep, genuine insights rather than superficial stories.