Being skinny does not mean being fit. And for business owners and leaders, mistaking weight for health can quietly undermine long-term performance, decision-making, and independence.

In this episode of the Business Builders Podcast, Brenton Gowland and Ron review and unpack a powerful live presentation from exercise physiologist Max Martin, recorded at an in-person Business Builders event. Presented in front of a live audience, the session challenges common assumptions about health, ageing, and performance, particularly for busy professionals who believe looking “healthy enough” is good enough.

The discussion explores why fitness capacity, not body weight, is one of the strongest predictors of how long and how well we live. From cardiovascular fitness and VO2 max to strength, balance, and cognitive capacity, the episode reveals why being “skinny but unfit” can carry serious long-term risks that are often overlooked.

A key theme is the relationship between physical fitness and brain health. Max explains how cardiovascular fitness and strength training play a role in reducing the risk of cognitive decline and dementia, reframing exercise as a long-term investment in mental clarity, independence, and decision-making ability.

This is not about aesthetics or chasing a gym body. It is about building the physical and cognitive capacity required to sustain energy, clarity, and leadership over decades, not just quarters.

In this episode, you will learn:

• Why weight is a poor proxy for real health and longevity

• What fitness capacity actually means and why it matters for performance

• How VO2 max links to mortality, cognition, and resilience

• The connection between physical fitness, brain health, and dementia risk

• Why “skinny but unfit” can be more dangerous than people realise

• How strength, balance, and cardio protect independence as you age

• What business owners should prioritise when time and energy are limited

If you care about long-term performance, better decisions, and remaining effective well into the future, this episode will challenge how you think about health.

Featured presentation: Max Martin, Exercise Physiologist
Hosts: Brenton Gowland and Ron

What does it really take to make government listen?
In this episode, we sit down with Simone Douglas — publican, business advocate, and founder of the Business Owners Collective — to unpack how small business owners can influence government decisions, shape better policy, and drive change that matters.

From rallying hundreds of hospitality operators during COVID to getting real reform on the political radar, Simone shows how small business can have a powerful voice — when it’s used strategically and collectively.

🔍 What You’ll Learn

• How to get government’s attention — and why facts matter more than frustration.

• The importance of building a “tribe” — why collective voices carry weight.

• How to engage media effectively — developing relationships that amplify your story.

• Turning emotion into influence — staying calm, credible, and solution-focused.

• Inside story: How Simone’s $33 chicken parmi went viral and changed public perception.

• Real-world advocacy tips — how to meet with ministers, frame your argument, and offer workable solutions.

🗣️ Key Quotes

“You can make change happen — but you do have to get the attention of the people in power.” – Simone Douglas

“If you’re emotional, it’s very difficult to be heard. The people you’re speaking to will react to your emotion, not your argument.” – Simone Douglas

“Go to government with solutions, not complaints.” – Ron Tomlian

“You’re never powerless. Politicians work for us — whether they realise it or not.” – Simone Douglas

If you found this episode useful, hit Subscribe for more conversations that help business owners rethink how they operate, connect, and grow.

Most networking advice focuses on how to start a conversation. But what do you do after that?

In this episode, Brenton and Ron reveal the only two networking tactics you’ll ever need — and neither involves collecting business cards or giving your elevator pitch.

The secret?
👉 Find alignment
👉 Do things together

These two principles are at the heart of every strong business relationship. Whether you're nurturing your current network or expanding into new circles, this episode breaks down how to make your networking activities feel more natural, valuable, and effective.

You’ll learn:

• How to spot when someone is truly aligned with your goals and values

• Why doing things with others (even menial tasks) builds connection

• Conversation starters that are actually interesting

• How introverts can network on their own terms

• A practical, no-fluff approach to turning events into opportunities

This episode is about how to network in a way that is sure to build strong connections.

🔗 Subscribe to Business Builders for more real-world insights on building relationships and growing a business that matters.