What if the biggest lies we face aren’t from others but they are the ones we believe about ourselves?

In this raw and revealing episode, I sit down with Mario Bekes—former intelligence operative, investigative journalist, and host of Life The Battlefield—to talk about what it truly takes to build inner strength in a world full of deceit, pressure, and lies.

Mario brings powerful insights from the world of espionage, psychological strategy, and military leadership — what moved me most was his vulnerability. This isn’t a conversation about war, tactics or deception. It’s a deep dive into resilience, truth, and what it means to live with integrity when life feels like a battlefield.

✨ WHAT YOU'LL DISCOVER IN THIS EPISODE

🕵️‍♂️ The psychology behind deception—and how to spot it

🧠 How intelligence tactics can be applied to our day to day conversations and strengthen relationships

💥 The real cost of silence, secrets, and keeping the “peace”

🫀 Mario’s personal story of rebuilding his life after war and adversity

💬 Tools to strengthen your inner truth in business and in life

💡 KEY TAKEAWAYS

🔍 Truth is a Skill

Learning to read people starts with learning to read yourself. Tune into your intuition, your body, and your boundaries.

🛡️ Strength Can Be Soft Too

Real resilience isn’t just power—it’s presence, healing, and the courage to slow down when the world tells you to speed up.

🎯 Strategy is Self-Awareness

Whether you’re leading a team or navigating a tough relationship, emotional intelligence is an underrated superpower.

🔥 You Can Rise Again

No matter what you’ve been through — betrayal, trauma or burnout, you have the power to rise. It starts by being honest with yourself.

🎙️ Explore more from Mario Bekes:

🌐 Website: https://www.mariobekes.com.au/

📸 Instagram: @mariobekes

📘 Facebook: Mario Bekes

🐦 Twitter: @mariobekes

🎧 Podcast: Life The Battlefield

💬 JOIN THE CONVERSATION

What does inner strength look like for you?

Message me or tag us—I'd love to hear your story.

❤️ CONNECT WITH ME (Phoebe Lay)

📲 Instagram: @thriveandshineco

🎧 Podcast: @inspired_to_thrive_podcast

🌐 Website:https://phoebelay.com.au/podcast/



💛 If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe or leave a review. It helps more people find these powerful conversations.

#EmotionalResilience #PhoebeLay #InspiredToThriveAndShine #LifeTheBattlefield #MarioBekes #InnerStrength #HealingJourney #LeadershipFromWithin #PodcastWithHeart #SelfGrowth