In this episode of the Rohan Parrant Method, I sit down with former professional fighter and long-time coach Nick Kara for an honest, energetic, and deeply human conversation about growth, grit, and what it really takes to rebuild your life from the ground up.

Nick takes me through the arc of his journey — from his early days as a young martial artist, to competing professionally, living overseas, and even appearing in the cult martial arts film Ong Bak. But beyond the highlight reel, he opens up about the battles that unfolded outside the ring, including addiction, identity, and the long road back to himself.

We explore what happens when your old life no longer fits, and how discipline, community, and a shift in mindset can become lifelines. Nick speaks candidly about the role martial arts played in saving his life, the lessons he now brings to the athletes he mentors, and the importance of giving young people strong guidance and real direction.

Throughout our conversation, we unpack the realities of mental health, the power of structure, and the responsibility that comes with being a role model. Together, we shine a light on resilience, self-belief, and the inner work required to create a life that feels solid under your feet.

Connect with Nick Kara

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nick_special_k_kara

Fight Fit Moorabbin: https://www.fightfit.com.au/

About Rohan

Rohan Parrant is a counsellor, coach, speaker and wellbeing strategist dedicated to helping individuals and leaders live, perform and lead without burning out. With over two decades of experience across construction, trades, corporate, education and youth services, he brings a grounded, no-BS approach to personal development, mental health and leadership.

On The Rohan Parrant Method podcast, Rohan dives into honest, practical conversations with everyday people, thought leaders and high performers to explore what it really means to grow, heal and lead well—especially under pressure. From burnout and mindset to trauma, resilience and self-awareness, this is the show for people who want to go deeper, feel stronger, and show up better in all areas of life.

With a background that bridges real-world grit and emotional depth, Rohan knows what it takes to rise after setbacks, push past mental barriers, and keep showing up with integrity. His episodes are packed with raw insights, grounded tools and powerful stories that challenge the status quo and call you to step into something greater.

Whether you're rebuilding, evolving or just curious, Rohan’s method is real, relatable and always rooted in lived experience.

Connect with Rohan:
Website: rohanparrant.com

In this episode of The Rohan Parrant Method, I sit down with Kosta Drakopoulos, a high-performance coach and former fighter with over 15 years in the fitness industry. Kosta brings deep expertise in sport science and athlete development, sharing how he combines cutting-edge research with proven old-school training methods to help athletes reach their peak potential.

We explore the evolving world of fitness and performance, emphasizing the importance of personalised training programs that are tailored to individual strengths, weaknesses, and goals. Kosta breaks down how holistic approaches—including nutrition, sleep, and mental health—are essential yet often overlooked elements in achieving sustainable results.

We also dive into common fitness myths and the impact of social media, where misinformation can lead to unrealistic expectations. Kosta stresses the need for precise assessments and long-term investment in grassroots sports programs to foster healthy athletic development and retention.

If you’re curious about how science-backed training can elevate your fitness journey or want to understand what it really takes to perform at your best, this episode offers practical insights and fresh perspectives.

Key Takeaways:

• High-performance training balances scientific research with traditional, individualised methods.
• Effective athlete development requires assessing mobility, strengths, weaknesses, and injury prevention.
• Lifestyle factors like nutrition and sleep are critical to peak performance but often undervalued.
• Social media can spread myths and unrealistic fitness goals—education is key.
• Long-term support for youth sports programs is vital for sustained athletic success.

About Rohan

Rohan Parrant is a counsellor, coach, speaker and wellbeing strategist dedicated to helping individuals and leaders live, perform and lead without burning out. With over two decades of experience across construction, trades, corporate, education and youth services, he brings a grounded, no-BS approach to personal development, mental health and leadership.

On The Rohan Parrant Method podcast, Rohan dives into honest, practical conversations with everyday people, thought leaders and high performers to explore what it really means to grow, heal and lead well—especially under pressure. From burnout and mindset to trauma, resilience and self-awareness, this is the show for people who want to go deeper, feel stronger, and show up better in all areas of life.

With a background that bridges real-world grit and emotional depth, Rohan knows what it takes to rise after setbacks, push past mental barriers, and keep showing up with integrity. His episodes are packed with raw insights, grounded tools and powerful stories that challenge the status quo and call you to step into something greater.

Whether you're rebuilding, evolving or just curious, Rohan’s method is real, relatable and always rooted in lived experience.

Connect with Rohan:
Website: rohanparrant.com

In this episode of The Rohan Parrant Method, I’m thrilled to be joined by Maria Tran — a talented martial artist, filmmaker, actor, and educator who brings a unique blend of creativity, psychology, and community work to her craft. Maria shares her inspiring story of growing up as a nerdy, bullied kid who dreamed of heroism and how that fueled her passion for martial arts and filmmaking.

We dive into her journey from early inspirations to becoming a respected action director and co-lead in the Paramount Plus series Last King of the Cross. Maria also talks about her work with Phoenix Eye Films, a female-led collective focused on independent cinema and storytelling that empowers diverse communities.

Throughout our conversation, Maria highlights how fight choreography is more than just martial arts — it’s storytelling through movement and energy exchange. She shares insights on the challenges and rewards of independent filmmaking, emphasizing collaboration, authenticity, and building narratives that truly connect with audiences. If you’re interested in film, creativity, or empowerment through storytelling, this episode is packed with wisdom and passion.

Key Takeaways:

• Using personal experiences to create meaningful and empowering film narratives.
• Fight choreography blends technical martial arts skills with storytelling and character development.
• Phoenix Eye Films’ mission to empower diverse voices and challenge gender norms through cinema.
• Independent filmmaking demands resilience, creativity, and strong community collaboration.
• Storytelling is a powerful tool for connection, growth, and shifting perspectives.

About Rohan

Rohan Parrant is a counsellor, coach, speaker and wellbeing strategist dedicated to helping individuals and leaders live, perform and lead without burning out. With over two decades of experience across construction, trades, corporate, education and youth services, he brings a grounded, no-BS approach to personal development, mental health and leadership.

On The Rohan Parrant Method podcast, Rohan dives into honest, practical conversations with everyday people, thought leaders and high performers to explore what it really means to grow, heal and lead well—especially under pressure. From burnout and mindset to trauma, resilience and self-awareness, this is the show for people who want to go deeper, feel stronger, and show up better in all areas of life.

With a background that bridges real-world grit and emotional depth, Rohan knows what it takes to rise after setbacks, push past mental barriers, and keep showing up with integrity. His episodes are packed with raw insights, grounded tools and powerful stories that challenge the status quo and call you to step into something greater.

Whether you're rebuilding, evolving or just curious, Rohan’s method is real, relatable and always rooted in lived experience.

Connect with Rohan:
Website: rohanparrant.com

In this episode of The Rohan Parrant Method, I’m excited to welcome Samara Dixon — a multi-talented accountant, author, illustrator, and wildlife advocate. Samara’s path took an unexpected turn from an initial interest in medicine to a decade-long career in accounting. But after witnessing the devastating impact of the 2019 bushfires, she felt compelled to use her unique skills to make a difference for wildlife.

Samara shares how she combined her artistic talents with her professional expertise to raise over $100,000 in grants for wildlife shelters, and how her children’s book featuring a lovable wombat named Willow helps educate young readers while supporting animal rescue efforts. We also explore her experience with Toastmasters, which helped her overcome shyness and develop the communication skills she now uses to advocate passionately for wildlife.

This episode is a powerful reminder that you can merge your diverse skills and passions to create meaningful impact — whether it’s through volunteering, creative storytelling, or public engagement. If you’re thinking about making a shift or finding ways to contribute your unique talents, Samara’s story offers inspiration and practical wisdom.

Key Takeaways:

• Leverage your diverse skills to contribute positively to causes you care about.
• Volunteering and advocacy can bring deep personal satisfaction and community benefit.
• Building communication skills, like through Toastmasters, empowers effective advocacy.
• Creative storytelling can raise awareness and foster empathy, especially with children.
• Aligning business skills and creativity can open meaningful pathways for impact.

About Rohan

Rohan Parrant is a counsellor, coach, speaker and wellbeing strategist dedicated to helping individuals and leaders live, perform and lead without burning out. With over two decades of experience across construction, trades, corporate, education and youth services, he brings a grounded, no-BS approach to personal development, mental health and leadership.

On The Rohan Parrant Method podcast, Rohan dives into honest, practical conversations with everyday people, thought leaders and high performers to explore what it really means to grow, heal and lead well—especially under pressure. From burnout and mindset to trauma, resilience and self-awareness, this is the show for people who want to go deeper, feel stronger, and show up better in all areas of life.

With a background that bridges real-world grit and emotional depth, Rohan knows what it takes to rise after setbacks, push past mental barriers, and keep showing up with integrity. His episodes are packed with raw insights, grounded tools and powerful stories that challenge the status quo and call you to step into something greater.

Whether you're rebuilding, evolving or just curious, Rohan’s method is real, relatable and always rooted in lived experience.

Connect with Rohan:
Website: rohanparrant.com

Episodes recorded and produced by Radio Carrum, Victor...

In this episode of The Rohan Parrant Method, I’m joined by Katelyn McNamara, a dedicated speech pathologist who specialises in head and neck cancers. Katelyn shares her journey into speech pathology, sparked by early work experience, and how that led her to a deeply fulfilling career supporting patients through complex medical challenges.

We dive into the day-to-day realities of caring for patients in intensive care, inpatient wards, and outpatient clinics, working alongside multidisciplinary medical teams to improve outcomes. Katelyn offers a clear perspective on swallowing difficulties and communication issues that patients face, and the crucial importance of understanding medical status while collaborating closely with other healthcare professionals.

A big part of our conversation focuses on early detection and prevention of head and neck cancers, including the role of lifestyle factors and HPV vaccination. Katelyn offers practical advice on recognizing warning signs like persistent ulcers or hoarseness, and encourages listeners to be proactive with screenings and health advocacy.

We also talk openly about the mental health challenges healthcare workers face, including managing vicarious trauma, and why self-care is essential for anyone working in this demanding field. Whether you’re interested in healthcare, patient advocacy, or communication, this episode is packed with insights and encouragement to be active in your health journey.

Key Takeaways:

• How early experiences inspired Katelyn’s career in speech pathology focused on complex patient care.
• The vital role of teamwork and collaboration in hospital settings to support patients with head and neck cancers.
• The importance of HPV vaccination and lifestyle changes in reducing cancer risks.
• Mental health awareness and self-care strategies for healthcare professionals dealing with trauma.
• Encouragement to trust your instincts, seek specialist referrals, and be proactive about your health.

About Rohan

Rohan Parrant is a counsellor, coach, speaker and wellbeing strategist dedicated to helping individuals and leaders live, perform and lead without burning out. With over two decades of experience across construction, trades, corporate, education and youth services, he brings a grounded, no-BS approach to personal development, mental health and leadership.

On The Rohan Parrant Method podcast, Rohan dives into honest, practical conversations with everyday people, thought leaders and high performers to explore what it really means to grow, heal and lead well—especially under pressure. From burnout and mindset to trauma, resilience and self-awareness, this is the show for people who want to go deeper, feel stronger, and show up better in all areas of life.

With a background that bridges real-world grit and emotional depth, Rohan knows what it takes to rise after setbacks, push past mental barriers, and keep showing up with integrity. His episodes are packed with raw insights, grounded tools and powerful stories that challenge the status quo and call you to step into something greater.

Whether you're rebuilding, evolving or just curious, Rohan’s method is real, relatable and always rooted in lived experience.

Connect with Rohan:
Website: rohanparrant.com

In this episode of The Rohan Parrant Method, I’m excited to chat with Dr. Dee Simmons, a naturopath and functional medicine expert with over 15 years of experience in health and wellness. She shares her journey through clinical practice and the science behind probiotics, superfoods, and the rigorous clinical trials that support them. We dive into why functional medicine focuses on getting to the root cause of health issues, rather than just treating symptoms, offering a more effective and lasting approach.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by confusing nutritional advice or unsure about supplements, this conversation will bring clarity. Dr. Dee Simmons explains why diet and lifestyle changes are often more powerful than relying on supplements alone. We also talk about the role of adaptogens in helping the body manage stress and restore balance, plus how personalized approaches like DNA testing can make health strategies more effective for each of us.

I loved hearing her practical tips on managing stress through breathwork and mindfulness, and her advice on how to spot credible scientific research amid the flood of misinformation out there. Whether you’re curious about naturopathy, functional medicine, or simply want to optimize your health in a holistic way, this episode offers valuable insights to help you take control of your wellbeing.

Key Takeaways:

• Functional medicine is about finding and addressing the root causes, not just symptoms.
• Making sustainable health improvements starts with diet and lifestyle, not supplements alone.
• Adaptogens can help bring your body back into balance and improve your stress response.
• It’s important to be able to separate credible health information from misinformation.
• Breathwork and mindfulness are powerful tools to complement your nutritional health.

About Rohan

Rohan Parrant is a counsellor, coach, speaker and wellbeing strategist dedicated to helping individuals and leaders live, perform and lead without burning out. With over two decades of experience across construction, trades, corporate, education and youth services, he brings a grounded, no-BS approach to personal development, mental health and leadership.

On The Rohan Parrant Method podcast, Rohan dives into honest, practical conversations with everyday people, thought leaders and high performers to explore what it really means to grow, heal and lead well—especially under pressure. From burnout and mindset to trauma, resilience and self-awareness, this is the show for people who want to go deeper, feel stronger, and show up better in all areas of life.

With a background that bridges real-world grit and emotional depth, Rohan knows what it takes to rise after setbacks, push past mental barriers, and keep showing up with integrity. His episodes are packed with raw insights, grounded tools and powerful stories that challenge the status quo and call you to step into something greater.

Whether you're rebuilding, evolving or just curious, Rohan’s method is real, relatable and always rooted in lived experience.

Connect with Rohan:
Website: rohanparrant.com

In this solo episode of the Rohan Parrant Method, I’m sharing “100 and something” reflections on what it really takes to live a meaningful, fulfilling life. This episode is raw and real — just my lived experience laid out, covering everything from mindset and habits to fear, failure, relationships, and personal responsibility. These are the lessons I wish I’d been taught earlier, the stuff that shapes how we show up in life.

I invite you to take a moment to look inward with me. It’s not about being perfect, it’s about taking ownership of your life. Whether you’re feeling stuck or simply looking for a deeper sense of direction, I’m sharing a grounded, no-fluff framework to help you lead yourself forward and build momentum.

What You'll Learn:

• Why your life is entirely your responsibility—and why that’s empowering
• How failure is just feedback, not a full stop
• The difference between consuming and creating, and why it matters
• What radical ownership really looks like in everyday life
• How to shift your mindset to build a life that feels good to live

Key Takeaways:

About Rohan

Rohan Parrant is a counsellor, coach, speaker and wellbeing strategist dedicated to helping individuals and leaders live, perform and lead without burning out. With over two decades of experience across construction, trades, corporate, education and youth services, he brings a grounded, no-BS approach to personal development, mental health and leadership.

On The Rohan Parrant Method podcast, Rohan dives into honest, practical conversations with everyday people, thought leaders and high performers to explore what it really means to grow, heal and lead well—especially under pressure. From burnout and mindset to trauma, resilience and self-awareness, this is the show for people who want to go deeper, feel stronger, and show up better in all areas of life.

With a background that bridges real-world grit and emotional depth, Rohan knows what it takes to rise after setbacks, push past mental barriers, and keep showing up with integrity. His episodes are packed with raw insights, grounded tools and powerful stories that challenge the status quo and call you to step into something greater.

Whether you're rebuilding, evolving or just curious, Rohan’s method is real, relatable and always rooted in lived experience.

Connect with Rohan:
Website: rohanparrant.com

In this episode of the Wrong Message podcast, Laura Fettes joins the conversation to discuss how mindfulness can be reimagined for modern, trauma-affected lives. She shares her journey from psychology classrooms to frontline mental health education, highlighting why trauma-informed approaches are crucial—especially in professions marked by vicarious trauma.

Laura speaks to the limitations of traditional meditation and introduces accessible alternatives like external mindfulness and daily rituals. The discussion spans self-regulation, nervous system awareness, and why self-care isn’t optional for high-performing professionals. Listeners also get a preview of her upcoming book, The Mindful Explorer, packed with actionable strategies and compassionate insight.

Whether you're new to mindfulness or seeking a more grounded, real-world approach to mental wellness, this episode delivers powerful takeaways you can apply right away.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why traditional meditation doesn’t work for everyone—and what to do instead
• The realities of vicarious trauma for frontline workers
• The power of daily routines as moments for mindfulness
• How to tune into the body’s subtle cues and regulate stress in real-time
• How The Mindful Explorer bridges science, self-awareness, and actionable practices

About Rohan

Rohan Parrant is a counsellor, coach, speaker and wellbeing strategist dedicated to helping individuals and leaders live, perform and lead without burning out. With over two decades of experience across construction, trades, corporate, education and youth services, he brings a grounded, no-BS approach to personal development, mental health and leadership.

On The Rohan Parrant Method podcast, Rohan dives into honest, practical conversations with everyday people, thought leaders and high performers to explore what it really means to grow, heal and lead well—especially under pressure. From burnout and mindset to trauma, resilience and self-awareness, this is the show for people who want to go deeper, feel stronger, and show up better in all areas of life.

With a background that bridges real-world grit and emotional depth, Rohan knows what it takes to rise after setbacks, push past mental barriers, and keep showing up with integrity. His episodes are packed with raw insights, grounded tools and powerful stories that challenge the status quo and call you to step into something greater.

Whether you're rebuilding, evolving or just curious, Rohan’s method is real, relatable and always rooted in lived experience.

Connect with Rohan:
Website: rohanparrant.com