The Long Game Podcast

In this episode of The Long Game, Mark sits down with Ryan Smith from PRD Wagga to talk business, family, community and the mindset behind building a successful career in real estate. Ryan shares his approach to handling rejection, why being a “numbers man” keeps him focused, and the opportunities that come from being part of a franchise network. From embracing the highs and lows to backing yourself and making the most of every opportunity, Ryan shares a simple but powerful belief: the only thing stopping you from being good or great is yourself.

Mark sits down with Luke Fielding, owner of The Press Basement Bar, for a candid conversation about the realities of business, franchising and the lessons that come from building something of your own. From the story behind Williamsburg and the challenges that came with it, to leadership, looking after your people and navigating the highs and lows of business, Luke shares plenty of lessons learned along the way. And in true Press fashion, the conversation is enjoyed over a glass of whisky, kindly supplied by The Press Basement Bar. Please enjoy responsibly.

In this episode of The Long Game, Mark Sleiman sits down with Sam Foran, owner of Home of Strength, to explore the power of finding your why and how having a clear purpose can shape your health, business and everyday life. Sam reflects on the roller coaster of life and business, sharing why the highs and lows are all part of the journey and how resilience is built through embracing both success and setbacks. He also opens up about fatherhood, the perspective it has given him, and why family has become one of his greatest sources of motivation. The conversation finishes with Sam's vision for Home of Strength and his passion for helping change Tamworth's health narrative by creating a community that supports people to become stronger, healthier and more confident for the long term. Whether you're a business owner, parent, fitness enthusiast or simply looking for inspiration to keep moving forward, this episode is packed with practical insights and genuine conversation.

Every career has a turning point, and for The Hon. Kevin Anderson, politics was never part of the original plan. In this episode of The Long Game, Mark Sleiman sits down with Kevin to discuss his journey from a career in marketing to representing the people of Tamworth. Together, they explore how one unexpected opportunity changed the course of his life and the lessons he's learned through decades of public service. The conversation goes well beyond politics, covering the rise of social media and keyboard warriors, balancing free speech with cancel culture, the importance of multiculturalism, staying relevant in a rapidly changing world, and why stepping back to genuinely listen to the stories and concerns of your community is more important than ever. A thoughtful conversation about leadership, resilience, and the value of staying connected to the people you serve.

What does it take to become one of Australia's best young auctioneers? In this episode of The Long Game, we sit down with Michael Purtle to discuss the power of great mentorship, growing up and building a career within a family business, and why doing what you love is the key to long-term success. Fresh off winning the 2026 National Young Auctioneers Competition, Michael shares the lessons, challenges and mindset that have shaped his journey to the top.

In this episode of The Long Game, guest host Amy Hughes sits down with Kellie Singh, founder of Tamworth City Dance Academy, to explore why dance is about so much more than performance. Kellie shares how the lessons learned in the studio help young people navigate stress, overcome setbacks, build confidence and become strong leaders long after they leave the stage. The conversation also dives into the realities of running a successful family business alongside her husband and two daughters, balancing creativity with respect, and the importance of embracing failure as part of growth. From shaping future generations to creating a lasting impact on the community, Kellie offers a thoughtful perspective on leadership, family and finding purpose through passion. A powerful conversation about resilience, community and why sometimes life's greatest lessons are learned through dance.

What role is AI playing in the future of real estate? How important is quality data when making property decisions? And what does the Federal Budget mean for Australians, investors and the housing market? In this episode of The Long Game, PRD Chief Economist Dr Asti Mardiasmo joins Mark Sleiman to unpack the rise of AI in real estate, the power of accurate research and data, and the key budget measures shaping the property landscape. A practical and insightful conversation for anyone looking to better understand the forces influencing today's market.

From regional Australia to London boardrooms, international leadership roles and cycling to Everest Base Camp, Jacqui Bijnens has experienced success in many forms. In this episode of The Long Game, Jacqui reflects on her career journey, from learning how businesses really work and embracing the opportunities of a global secondment in London, to the high standards, discipline and perspective that shaped her approach to leadership. She shares why success often arrives more quietly than expected, the importance of collaboration over individual achievement, and how each stage of life brings a new phase of identity. Most importantly, Jacqui explores what it means to come home...not just geographically, but personally, and how her understanding of success has evolved from ambition and achievement to purpose, impact and fulfilment. A thoughtful conversation about growth, leadership and navigating life's next chapter.

This week on The Long Game, we sit down with Peter Ryan for a conversation around what long-term success looks like in business and life. Peter shares his perspective on finding balance while navigating the pressures of business, the lessons learned selling through recession periods, and why success metrics should go far beyond just numbers. He also opens up about the importance of mentorship, backing people, and building a career with longevity in mind. It’s an honest and insightful episode packed with practical advice, perspective, and lessons that apply well beyond business alone.

In this episode of The Long Game, we sit down with Flynn Bowyer to talk about the mindset behind success, the discipline it takes to stay focused when motivation fades, and why building the right framework is key to achieving your goals. From personal growth and daily habits to navigating the challenges of real estate, Flynn shares the lessons that helped shape his journey and ultimately led to being recognised as PRD's Rookie of the Year. It’s an honest conversation about consistency, resilience, and what it really means to play the long game... both in business and in life.

From building a standout career in real estate to staying grounded in her values, Amy shares what’s shaped her journey, and why mentoring the next generation is something she’s truly passionate about.

Sit down with Cameron Inman as he unpacks the Tamworth property market and what it really takes to break into it. From helping first home buyers navigate the journey to understanding the long game of property and finance, Cameron shares practical insights, local knowledge, and strategies to build wealth over time. Whether you're starting out or thinking ahead, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.

Mark Sleiman is joined by Luke, the face behind 'Luke from Tamworth' for a candid conversation about content, creativity and staying ahead of the curve. They explore how Luke has built his social media presence from the ground up and why he thinks Tamworth NSW continues to be a place people are proud to call home. A story of growth, lifestyle and building something that lasts - both online and in the community.

Sit down with George Barton, an Olympic clay shooter turned real estate expert, to explore what it truly means to play the long game. From elite sport to property, George shares the discipline, mindset and resilience behind long-term success. Whether you're an investor, business owner or looking to level up, this episode is packed with insights to stay focused, consistent and ahead.