ABOUT THIS EPISODE
After osteomyelitis took me away from training earlier this year, five weeks on the Sunshine Coast gave me an opportunity to begin rebuilding my body, reconnecting with martial arts and finding my feet again.
Integrated MMA became my second home during that period—but my relationship with the gym and Veterans MMA began years earlier. I’ve trained with these men, benefited from the community they’ve built and fought under the Veterans MMA banner when I made my amateur boxing debut at their second charity fight night. Ted Hanlon and Jordan Southern were in my corner that night, while Rob Giuffrida has continued to open his gym, share his knowledge and create a place where veterans can train, connect and be themselves.
In this episode, I sit down with all three men to explore the different experiences that have shaped Veterans MMA—and why the program matters.
Former Royal Netherlands Marine, Australian infantry soldier and Middle East security contractor Ted Hanlon shares an extraordinary journey through service, combat, loss and the transition back into civilian life. After years spent operating in high-risk environments, accumulated injuries, isolation and excessive drinking gradually pulled him away from the man he wanted to be. Veterans MMA became the catalyst for change—helping Ted give up alcohol, rebuild his physical and mental health, reconnect with the civilian community and become a more present husband and father.
Professional flyweight and Veterans MMA coach Jordan Southern explains how a decade of competitive gymnastics developed the strength, body awareness and composure under pressure that would later shape his career as a martial artist. After walking into Integrated MMA at 19, Jordan progressed from complete beginner to professional fighter and coach. He discusses the importance of training with intent and how Veterans MMA changed his reason for stepping into the cage. What began as an individual pursuit now represents a community that supports him and something bigger than himself.
Integrated MMA owner and head coach Rob Giuffrida reflects on a lifetime spent learning, competing and coaching in martial arts. After training under some of the world’s most respected coaches, Rob walked away from the corporate world to open his own gym. He helped develop Integrated MMA into one of Australia’s strongest competitive teams, producing nationally ranked athletes and UFC-level fighters through a demanding culture of consistency, accountability and iron sharpening iron. Rob also explains why using martial arts in service of others has become one of the most meaningful chapters of his coaching career.
These conversations also gave me an opportunity to reflect on my own transition—from soldier to coach, from rugby player to late-entry martial artist, and now from serious illness back towards training and competition. Different backgrounds brought all four of us to the same place: a gym where shared struggle creates connection, training restores purpose and everyone has a responsibility to make the people around them better.
This episode is about much more than fighting. It is about rebuilding after life knocks you down, finding your tribe and becoming someone others can rely on.
Shaun Kober is a Mindset & Performance Specialist, with a unique skillset forged in the trenches, through the various stages of life.
"I shouldn’t be in the position I am right now."
The odds were stacked against me:
● Poor family on welfare, eldest of 6 kids, parents didn’t work, abusive step-dad, no electricity or running water for a 6 years period of my life
● Caught up with the wrong crowd, stealing, drugs, skipping school
● At 14 years old, I sat on a bus for 3 days with $50 in my pocket, to travel to the next State over West, to begin a new life in the workforce - 2000
14 - 20: I grew up and learned how to become a man through work and rugby
20 - 26: I lived, trained and fought as a professional soldier, at a high level
26 - 32: I became a personal trainer, after failing in my pursuit to become a firefighter
32 - 38: I worked with, and won world titles with some of the best athletes on the planet, as their strength and conditioning coach
38+: The next evolution begins
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Live Life To The Fullest.
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