Episode: 3
Opposites Attract – Layne & Kirk’s Wake-Up Call to Love
With Layne Beachley & Tess Brouwer
Listen on:
Two polar opposites walk into a bar
– a rockstar who hates the beach and a world champion who lives for sunrise surfs. Zero chemistry on date one. Lemoncello, a blind date, and a whole lot of honesty later… the love lands.
In this episode, Tess sits with Layne Beachley AO and her husband Kirk Pengilly (INXS) to unpack 23 years together and 15 years married: how they keep love alive in the mundane, what nearly pulled them apart, and the wake-up calls that changed everything.
You’ll hear the story behind, “Why do I always get the broken Layne?” – the moment that shifted boundaries, energy, and how they show up for each other. It’s tender, funny, and deeply human: separate lives and shared rituals, health journeys in different lanes, and the simple habits (humour, notes, hugs) that make long-term love sustainable. This is soulful science meets real love — proof that opposites don’t just attract, they evolve.
You’ll learn
- How to balance independence + intimacy without losing yourself (or each other)
- A simple energy boundary reframe to prevent burnout at home
- Down-regulation tools after big days (yes, even post-arena adrenaline)
- How to argue with compassion and clarity (call the pattern, not the person)
- Micro-habits that keep love alive: intention, humour, touch, and tiny notes
5 Key takeaways
-
Name the pattern, protect the energy
“Why do I always get the broken Layne?” became a loving boundary – a call to manage energy, say no, and come home with something left for the relationship. -
Independence fuels intimacy
Separate careers, finances, hobbies – and deliberate overlap (travel, food, bike rides). Autonomy + togetherness is the blend. -
Rituals make the mundane magic
Love notes, shared laughter, and yes, nude cuddles. Small, repeated signals of care keep connection charged between milestones. -
Opposites teach growth
Night owl vs. sunrise surfer; pasta lover vs. athlete. Instead of forcing sameness, they support different health paths and meet in the middle. -
Lead with compassion, not control
Fixing each other fails; seeing each other works. The shift from “be like me” to “I’m not you” unlocks patience, respect, and staying power.
Ready to awaken?
Monthly Live Coaching with Layne & Tess
Real, raw conversations + group mentoring, a vibrant community and so much more!
Connect with us
Get Awake’s transformative book: Know yourself grow yourself to live a happier more purposeful life
Follow Layne on Instagram @Laynebeachley
Follow Tess on Instagram @tesscbrouwer
Follow Awake Academy on Instagram @awake_academy
Awake's TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@awakeacademy_
Disclaimer
The A Wake Up Call podcast is created for general informational, educational, and inspirational purposes only. The stories, tools, and insights shared are designed to support your wellbeing journey - not to replace professional medical, psychological, or therapeutic advice. In fact, we believe therapy is non-negotiable in life.
If you’re experiencing a medical or mental health condition, please seek guidance from a qualified healthcare professional. Never ignore or delay seeking professional advice because of something you’ve heard on this podcast.
Your wellbeing matters. Take care of yourself, stay curious, and remember the real wake-up call is listening to what your body and mind are trying to tell you.
