#130 - ANTHONY MULLALY - Moving from Brute Force to Grounded strength and Resilience
From international rugby player to breathwork and resilience coach, Anthony Mullally has walked the path from brute force to grounded strength. In this raw and timely conversation, Anthony shares how his journey through elite sport—and the identity crisis that followed—led him to question traditional ideas of masculinity and purpose.
Now a senior instructor for Deep End Fitness, he helps others push past their perceived limits through a unique blend of breathwork, functional fitness, and aquatic-based stress training. But Anthony’s mission goes deeper: he's working to redefine what it means to be a man today. We talk about the shame men feel around vulnerability, the outdated idea that rest is weakness, and the urgent need for male role models who embody compassion, strength, and self-awareness.
Anthony’s retreats offer an antidote to the “alpha male” noise—creating spaces where men can show up, breathe, reflect, and grow. No ego. No warrior chanting. Just real connection, real work, and real transformation.
If you're curious about modern masculinity, mental health, or how breath can lead to breakthrough—this one will hit home. @mullaly91
WE CHAT ABOUT
Why many men avoid mental health & self-development work
The role of shame, vulnerability, and societal conditioning
How mindful use of language can help open doors for men
The evolution of masculinity in the modern age
Building inclusive, grounded men’s retreats
Transitioning from pro rugby to breathwork and retreats
Using pool-based stress training to develop nervous system resilience
The balance of physical strength, emotional regulation, and purpose
NOTABLE QUOTES
On why men resist self-development:
“We associate vulnerability with weakness… and weakness with shame.”
On building retreats for men:
“I don’t want it to be a crisis centre. I want it to be a preventative measure.”
On redefining masculinity:
“It’s not about the 1950s man or backhanding the wife—it's about strength with compassion, boundaries with vulnerability.”
On spiritual posturing:
“You don’t need to do boxing in a circle or wear the beads—there’s a middle way.”
On his transition from rugby to wellness:
“I had a spiritual awakening… and then I had to go on the pitch and try to take someone’s head off.”
On the deeper goal of his work:
“If we help one man be better for himself and his family, there’s a ripple effect.”
On the need for positive male role models:
“The men who live well aren’t yelling about it. But maybe they need to be more vocal—even if it doesn’t fit the algorithm.”
On stress inoculation pool training:
“The goal isn’t strength. It’s to safely explore your stress response and learn to regulate it.”
PERKS FOR YOU
10% off Liforme yoga mats with code HUSLER10
10% off expert validated wellbeing brand at Healf via this link
10% off Colorful Standard clothing with code ADAMHUSLERCS10
20% off Vivobarefoot shoes with code HUSLER20
5% off Nurosym vagus nerve stimulation device with code ADAMH5
25% off our online studio full of yoga, sound and meditation, with code HONEST25 (25% off single 12 month membership or reoccurring monthly membership until cancellation)
THE HOSTS
@adamhusler - Drawing from a variety of lives lived off the mat, Adam Husler brings a unique perspective to those who seek more from yoga than making pretty shapes. He offers creative, effective and clearly-sequenced teachings that focus on balancing flexibility and strength; physically and mentally. Educated by globally renown teachers, including Jason Crandell and Michael Stone, Adam specialises in a signature style of Alignment-Based Vinyasa— fuelled by a fascination with anatomy and a desire to ask ‘why?’.
Based in London, Adam teaches a robust schedule in one of the worlds top yoga studios, Triyoga, and world leading gym, Equinox. On top of this, Adam leads workshops, trainings and teaches festivals continuously around the world, leaving him with thousands of teaching hours under his belt and plenty of appearances in national and international media.
For workshops, trainings, events and retreats, find out more here.
@iamhollyhusler - From belting out original pop tunes at the London O2 stage to 20,000 people, whilst supporting Westlife, to singing healing mantras and playing magical instruments, to seas of sleeping yogis, at events and studios across the globe; Holly’s journey has led to a deep desire to help people find conscious connection and their own inner peace.
For trainings, workshops, music, events and retreats, find out more here.
