Welcome back to the Transparently Jordan Podcast with host Jordan Disanjh. In this episode, Jordan sits down with Matt McQuade — leader, community-builder, and co-founder of the powerful movement known as The Belief Project.

Matt opens up about his personal journey: from childhood influences to navigating self-belief, discovering running, and eventually helping create a space that encourages people to push their limits and trust in their own potential.

This conversation dives deep into:

• How Matt’s upbringing shaped his early beliefs

• Why he struggled with confidence growing up

• The moment running became more than fitness — it became identity

• The origin story of The Belief Project and what the community represents

• The importance of showing up, even when you feel intimidated

• How run clubs are reshaping connection, mental health, and purpose

• Why ordinary people achieve extraordinary things when they feel supported

Jordan and Matt get real, honest, and vulnerable as they explore what it means to believe in yourself — not in theory, but in practice. Whether you're a runner, someone working on self-growth, or just looking for genuine conversation… this episode hits home.

Follow the communities mentioned: 👉 The Belief Project — @thebeliefproject_ 👉 Plunge Run Club — @plungerunclub

👉 Matt Himself —@matmcquade_

Thank you to this weeks sponsor YouFoodz. These meals have honestly changed my weeks. No matter your goals, fat loss, muscle, performance, or just staying on top of life. YouFoodz has meals that actually taste amazing. Not like those gross frozen meals with fake ingredients… these taste fresh.

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If you want to make your week easier, use my link and grab a free box of meals. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later.

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This episode is brought to you by The Kova Haus, the running apparel brand built for runners who care about culture, community, and staying true to the running community. Be sure to Join the Kova Haus for their first community run on January 7th in Adelaide! RSVP https://www.facebook.com/share/1ZZN3KY9mA/

If you want good quality Sunnies that last all the miles be sure to check out https://reyourrun.com.au/ and use code jordan10 at checkout

Looking for top quality supplements? Tropeaka has you covered! Try their pineapple creatine or collagen custard and use code jordzday10 at checkout! https://tropeaka.com.au/

Follow the show to stay updated https://www.instagram.com/transparentlyjordanpod/

This episode was edited and produced by Radiant Voices Media, If you are looking to start or grow your podcast and did not realise the time it requires to podcast be sure to reach out to Radiant Voices Media who wants to make podcasting easier for anyone! Visit Radiantvoicesmedia.com to learn more.

In this week’s episode, I sit down with Steve Smallcalder as he shares his personal journey with alcohol with honesty and courage. Steve opens up about the moments that shaped him, the challenges he faced, and the steps he took to rebuild his life.

We explore: • The point where he knew something had to change • The emotional and mental realities behind addiction • How he worked to restore trust in himself • What recovery truly looks like day-to-day • The mindset shifts that supported his growth

This conversation is real, reflective, and deeply human offering insight, hope, and a reminder that change is possible at any stage.

Follow steve on instagram https://www.instagram.com/stevesmallcalder/

Follow the show to stay updated https://www.instagram.com/transparentlyjordanpod/

This episode was edited and produced by Radiant Voices Media, If you are looking to start or grow your podcast and did not realise the time it requires to podcast be sure to reach out to Radiant Voices Media who wants to make podcasting easier for anyone! Visit Radiantvoicesmedia.com to learn more.

This episode is brought to you by The Kova Haus, the running apparel brand built for runners who care about culture, community, and staying true to the running community. Be sure to Join the Kova Haus for their first community run on January 7th in Adelaide! RSVP https://www.facebook.com/share/1ZZN3KY9mA/

If you want good quality Sunnies that last all the miles be sure to check out https://reyourrun.com.au/ and use code jordan10 at checkout

Looking for top quality supplements? Tropeaka has you covered! Try their pineapple creatine or collagen custard and use code jordzday10 at checkout! https://tropeaka.com.au/

If you or someone you know needs support with alcohol use, here are some helpful resources:

• Alcoholics Anonymous Australia (AA): Free nationwide meetings (in-person & online) and peer support. • National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline — 1800 250 015: 24/7 confidential information, advice, and referrals. • Alcohol & Drug Information Service (ADIS): State-based confidential counselling and support for alcohol or drug concerns. • Drug and Alcohol Foundation: Evidence-based information, tools, and guidance for understanding alcohol use and getting support. • Lifeline — 13 11 14: 24/7 crisis support for anyone feeling overwhelmed, distressed, or needing someone to talk to. • MensLine Australia — 1300 78 99 78: Support for men dealing with addiction, mental health challenges, or emotional stress.

If you're struggling, you’re not alone — reaching out is a strong first step.

In today’s episode of Transparently Jordan, I sit down with personal trainer and bodybuilder Connor for one of the most honest, vulnerable, and powerful conversations we’ve had on the show.

Connor opens up about his lived experience with mental health, including some extremely dark periods in his life, and how discovering the gym became his emotional anchor and the space where he rebuilt his self-worth from the ground up.

We explore the realities of gym anxiety, comparison, identity loss after big goals, discipline vs. motivation, and why he chose to become a personal trainer who leads with empathy — not ego. This conversation is raw, grounding, and a reminder that behind every strong body is an even stronger story.

⚠️ Content Warning: This episode includes discussions about mental health and suicide. Please listen with care. Support resources are listed below.

• Connor’s early mental health struggles and what shaped his journey

• Gym anxiety and why even trainers experience it

• Comparison, pressure, and feeling “watched” in the gym

• Motivation fading vs. discipline carrying you

• Why he became a personal trainer — and the deeper mission behind it

• Bodybuilding, identity, and the emotional crash after big events

• Rebuilding confidence through small wins

• Feeling lost, finding purpose, and learning to give yourself grace

• How fitness can be both healing and confronting

If you or someone you know needs support: 🇦🇺 Lifeline – 13 11 14 🇦🇺 Beyond Blue – 1300 224 636 📱 13YARN (for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people) – 13 92 76 If outside Australia, please check your local mental health hotline.

Instagram: @transparentlyjordanpod Share the episode with someone who might need it today Leave a rating or review to help the show reach more people 💛

Follow Connor on Instagram @connortarrant_healthcoach

Use Code Jordzday 10 at https://tropeaka.com.au/

Use code Jordan10 at https://reyourrun.com.au/