In this exclusive interview, we delve into the life and experiences of Ben Miller, a remarkable individual who has traversed from the quiet corners of a small Australian town to the bustling urban landscapes of Victoria. We explore Ben's unique journey, his passion for fitness and self-improvement, and his diverse interests, ranging from jiu-jitsu and weightlifting to literature and photography. Join us as we gain insights into Ben's world, the motivation that drives him, and the wisdom he imparts to achieving a healthier, more fulfilling life, as well as the experience of shooting for Yummy 7.
The images are cropped/ made safe for online purposes, full images available inside Yummy Issue 7
Photo story by Sasha Olsen
ADRIAN GOMIS EXPOSITO. Hi Ben! Great to have you with us. To begin with, I believe you made the transition from a small town in Australia to living in Victoria. Can you walk us through this journey and what drove you to make the move?
BEN MILLER. I was quite young when I moved. I was born in South Australia, in a small town of about 5,000 people. I then moved with my mom to a small coal mining town with a population of only 500 people! I was only 10 at the time. A few years later, my mom connected with an old partner, and we eventually moved to Mildura, which was the big smoke for me. I hadn't even seen traffic lights before moving to Mildura!
A.G.E. What standout experiences or opportunities has Victoria offered you? In what significant ways has it transformed your life?
B.M. I was so young when I moved to Victoria that I guess it offered just about everything that a teenage boy could want. There was never much to do in the towns I grew up in, so we had to use our imagination. I really had an old-fashioned childhood; no technology until I was about 13, but then you couldn't keep me off my Xbox!
A.G.E. As the head coach of a franchise gym, your role sounds both demanding and rewarding. Could you describe a day in your life and highlight what you love most about your job?
B.M. A day in my life! I wake up at 4 AM, run classes from 5 AM to 10:30 AM, then I have a break in the middle of the day, and I use this time to train myself or do whatever needs to be done on the day. Then, I usually head back to work and take classes from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM. We pack up and set up for the next day, so I am usually finished by 7:30 PM.
A.G.E. With diverse interests ranging from jiu-jitsu and weightlifting to reading and watching series, how do you find time for all? Which stands out as your top hobby?
B.M. If I'm being honest, I struggle to make time for it all! I don't sleep very much, and I have always been that way. I average 4 hours of sleep per night, so I have a little more time than most people, but I just prioritize the things that make me feel good and fit everything else in around that. My standout hobby would be weightlifting; that was my first love, but I thoroughly enjoy jiu-jitsu and MMA. That keeps me grounded and humble.
A.G.E. What sparked your interest in jiu-jitsu and weightlifting, and how have they shaped you both physically and mentally? Given your expertise in fitness, do you have any advice for those aiming for a healthier lifestyle?
B.M. I was overweight when I was young. When I turned 13, I knew it was time for a change. I would run up and down the street to lose weight, and when I was playing video games, I would lift dumbbells between games. At about 14 years old, I joined a local gym and was under the guidance of the coaches there. I was extremely driven and passionate, so they allowed me to train whenever I wanted, which was usually after school; I would train every single day, whether it be cardio-based or lifting weights. I started jiu-jitsu as soon as I turned 18. I tried it when I was younger but didn't take to it. It was only as I got older and had the discipline to stick to it that I excelled. My family was big on combat sports, and I had done boxing previously, but I just took to jiu-jitsu. I liked the self-defense aspect, and there's just something exhilarating about it.
For those wanting a healthier lifestyle, I would advise you to start small, but go all in! At this stage in my life, I give everything 100%, but when you're starting your journey, you should start small. Baby steps! Rome wasn't built in a day.
A.G.E. What fuels your enthusiasm for fitness and physical activities? What about them captivates you?
B.M. The desire to be better. There is no end goal, just a constant pursuit of trying to better myself. It's also good for my mental health; stress on the body eases the stress of the mind.
A.G.E. It's clear that reading holds a special place in your life. Could you share some influential books or authors and their impact on your worldview, especially in relation to fitness?
B.M. "Man's Search For Meaning" and "The Happiest Man Alive" are two books that everyone should read if you want to broaden your perspective on life. There are many, but "Can't Hurt Me" by David Goggins was a top read in relation to fitness and life as well!
A.G.E. Your photoshoot with Sasha Olsen for Yummy 7 by the beach and at the hotel truly stands out. How was this experience for you?
B.M. It was great! Sasha is an amazing photographer and an amazing person. It was great meeting him, getting to know each other, and sharing stories. The experience itself was good too. He is very patient and understanding. The beach shoot was a first for me, and it couldn't have gone any smoother (although it was freezing cold and sunny at the same time).
A.G.E. You seem to be very comfortable in your own skin. Do you view nudity as a natural expression and something that can be enjoyable and natural? How did it feel to be photographed by Sasha in such a candid manner?
B.M. I am comfortable in my own skin, but I do always feel nervous about photoshoots, especially in the beginning, but that goes away after some time. It was easy with Sasha because we essentially became friends, and it ran smoothly without any drama.
A.G.E. Speaking of nudity and considering your jaw-dropping physique, which would you say is your favourite body part? What do you think other people notice about you first?
B.M. My chest or legs are probably my favourite body parts, but it is most likely my chest that people notice first.
A.G.E. What connotations or feelings does the word "yummy" evoke for you?
B.M. Before the photoshoot, I would be thinking of food, haha. But now, I would say expressing the male physique in an artistic fashion.
A.G.E. What turns you on?
B.M. Intelligence.
A.G.E. As we wrap up, could you share what the future looks like for you, both in personal and professional aspects?
B.M. I just take it as it comes. Professional modelling would be great, but I am not too sure that would work out, and I don't know how to go about it. I will expand in the fitness industry over time and begin coaching people online.
We have five covers for Yummy Issue 7. One includes Oliver Baggerman (below). If you are a collector and want a collectors price for getting each cover, do get in touch with Jordan in the office.
The Yummy 7 photo book has a cover on one side, which leads through to the first story, but flip it over, and there is another cover, leading to another first story.
Covers (in no particular order):
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- Giuseppe x Steven Klein
- Giuseppe x Leon Valentin
- Juan Betancourt x Oliver Baggerman
- Daniel Schroeder two images, one front & one back covers
- Mitch Walker x Kori Sampson
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252 pages of creatively photographed uncensored male models.
YUMMY ISSUE 7 (is shipping now) SUMMER 2023. GET YOURS NOW
