Better Bloke

Most people know Jacob “Barnos” Barnfield from the Bondi terrorist attack and the footage that made headlines around the world.
But that’s only part of his story.
This week, Rob and Matty sit down with Barnos to talk about the life behind the headlines. He shares his battles with mental health, multiple suicide attempts, what helped him rebuild his life, and why he’s still here today.
The conversation also dives into his firsthand account of the Bondi terror attack, the reality of running towards danger while others fled, and why so many “armchair experts” have no understanding of what fight, flight or survival actually looks like in the moment.
The boys also discuss friendship, respectful disagreement, and why you don’t need to agree with someone on every issue to value them as a person.
This isn’t a political episode.
It’s an honest conversation about resilience, trauma, mental health, perspective and the importance of hearing someone’s full story before judging them by a single moment.
If this episode resonates with you, share it with someone who needs to hear it. Because sometimes the conversations we’re hesitant to have are the ones that matter most.
Follow Barnos here: https://www.instagram.com/barnos.au/
Help us help the blokes who need it: https://www.betterblokeproject.org/pages/donate-now
Find us on socials:
https://www.instagram.com/betterblokeproject/ https://www.facebook.com/thebetterblokeproject/ https://www.tiktok.com/@betterblokeproject
The Better Bloke Project is an ACNC-registered charity focused on reducing male suicide through connection, conversation and practical support for men, families and communities across Australia.

What is it about certain songs that can instantly transport you back to a moment in your life?
In this episode of The Better Bloke Project Podcast, Rob and Matty dive into Spotify’s viral “Divorced Aussie Dad Tunes” playlist, featuring iconic artists like Creed, Nickelback, 3 Doors Down, Switchfoot, Shannon Noll and Incubus.
More than just a music discussion, this episode explores how songs become tied to memories, emotions and different chapters of our lives. From heartbreak and resilience to fatherhood, mateship and growing up, we unpack why certain tracks continue to resonate long after they’ve left the charts.
Part nostalgia trip, part therapy session, and part celebration of the soundtrack that shaped a generation of Australian blokes.
Help us help the blokes who need it: https://www.betterblokeproject.org/pages/donate-now
Find us on socials:
https://www.instagram.com/betterblokeproject/ https://www.facebook.com/thebetterblokeproject/ https://www.tiktok.com/@betterblokeproject
The Better Bloke Project is an ACNC-registered charity focused on reducing male suicide through connection, conversation and practical support for men, families and communities across Australia.

At first glance, Mel Tolone is exactly what you’d expect from a bloke who’s built his life around strength sports and bare-knuckle fighting. He’s competed around the world, stepped onto strongman and powerlifting platforms, and built a career coaching others through his own gyms.
But spend five minutes with Mel and you’ll quickly realise there’s far more to him than what you see on the surface.
Known as “The Revenant”, Mel carries a nickname that reflects more than his fighting style. It’s a mindset forged through adversity, setbacks and the ability to keep getting back up when life knocks you down.
In this episode, we unpack Mel’s journey growing up in Port Macquarie, his path into strength sports and combat, his battle with addiction and time spent in rehab, and the life-changing experience of being diagnosed with testicular cancer and losing a testicle.
Despite everything he’s faced, Mel remains one of the calmest, most genuine blokes you’ll meet. If you’ve crossed paths with him at an event, you’ll know exactly what we mean.
This is a conversation about resilience, identity, purpose and what it really means to rebuild yourself when life forces you to start again.
Help us help the blokes who need it: https://www.betterblokeproject.org/pages/donate-now

Find Mel here:
https://www.instagram.com/mel_therevenant_tolone/

Find us on socials:
https://www.instagram.com/betterblokeproject/ https://www.facebook.com/thebetterblokeproject/ https://www.tiktok.com/@betterblokeproject

This week we sat down with Brando Peričić, better known as The Balkan Bear, the #14 ranked UFC Heavyweight. On the outside, fighters are often seen as tough, fearless and unbreakable. But this conversation goes far beyond what happens inside the cage.
Brando opens up about growing up without his father around, the sacrifices he continues to make in pursuit of becoming a UFC champion, and the role faith has played in shaping the bloke he is today. We spoke about identity, discipline, purpose and the reality that even the toughest men carry their own battles.
It quickly becomes clear that Brando isn’t just focused on becoming the best heavyweight fighter in the world. He’s equally committed to becoming the best person he can be and using his platform to help others along the way.
This is a raw and honest conversation that shows strength isn’t about hiding your emotions. Sometimes, it’s about having the courage to share them.

Help us help the blokes who need it: https://www.betterblokeproject.org/pages/donate-now

Brando's Socials:
https://www.instagram.com/balknbear/
https://www.facebook.com/balknbear/
https://www.tiktok.com/@balknbear
https://www.youtube.com/ ⁨@balknbear⁩

Find us on socials:
https://www.instagram.com/betterblokeproject/ https://www.facebook.com/thebetterblokeproject/ https://www.tiktok.com/@betterblokeproject

We are now accredited to deliver Mental Health First Aid training in-house, we discuss what this means for the future of the program and why we believe mental health doesn’t have an awareness problem, it has a communication problem.
We unpack how The Better Bloke Project aims to bridge that gap by delivering training and conversations in a way that actually resonates with everyday blokes.
It's not all heavy though, we also chat about coffee breaks, shitbox cars, social media outrage, and why negative content often gets more attention than the things that genuinely help people.
If you’re interested in Mental Health First Aid training for yourself, your workplace, sporting club or community group, or would like to support the First Responder Program, reach out to us at hello@betterblokeproject.org

Help us help the blokes who need it: https://www.betterblokeproject.org/pages/donate-now

Find us on socials:
https://www.instagram.com/betterblokeproject/ https://www.facebook.com/thebetterblokeproject/ https://www.tiktok.com/@betterblokeproject