A Whole New Ballgame: Recent Episodes
Adrian @ Yak Creative
We interview some of our greatest ever retired athletes who have made a successful transition into post sport life. We discuss the challenges they faced along the way, what inspired their career path and how the skills and attributes honed in the sporting arena have helped influence their current success.You won't find hard luck stories here. It's all positive and designed to entertain, inspire and educate fans and current day athletes.Thanks for listening.
OK so I did NOT intend to create a double episode when Corey 'Homicide' Williams agreed to be a guest on AWNB, but I am so glad it turned out this way.
In Part 1, Corey takes us through his journey from the famed Rice High School, through the JUCO system, Alabama State, NBA summer camps and pro leagues abroad. We learn the origin of the nickname 'Homicide', the importance and reputation of Rucker Park and the different path he chose to take in order to achieve his goals.
You know Corey as a no $h1t kinda guy and the voice of the NBL and I assure you what you see is what you get with this driven, determined and committed individual. It's all part of the master plan, and understanding what success looks like to YOU.
Enjoy Part 1 and as always we'd love your feedback.
Keep up with Homicide below;
Instagram
Wolf Life
Part 2 of AWNB featuring special guest Corey 'Homicide' Williams kicks off with his first days in the NBL with the Townsville Crocs.
We cover his MVP year, the move to Melbourne Tigers and contracts overseas between. What I love most about Part 2 is Corey's take on setting up for life after sport, how athletes need to leverage their worth when the time is right, and where the responsibility for success really lies.
We touch on Corey's business ventures, philosophy on life and more in this super enjoyable chat.Β
It's an incredible way to finish Season 1 of A Whole New Ballgame, and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
Keep up with Homicide below;
Instagram
Wolf Life
We chat to Aussie cycling legend Simon Gerrans in this episode of A Whole New Ballgame.Β
Having turned to cycling as a rehab measure after numerous knee injuries, Simon quickly ascended the ranks and shipped off to Europe to mix it with the big boys of world cycling and amongst other huge achievements has competed in a staggering 12 editions ofΒ Tour de France, a feat only matched by legends Stuart O'Grady and Simon's mentor, Phil Anderson.
We discuss Simon's philosophy on performance and what kept him going through an injury list that would put most 'contact sport' athletes to shame. We touch on team politics, the changing culture in team cycling and the pressure that is placed on the guy who puts their neck on the block and assumes leadership for a race or stage thereof.
Simon tells us of his transition plans, how early they were put in place and his new role as CEO of the business The Service Course. It's an informative and entertaining episode.
Enjoy the chat. π
We chat to West Coast Eagles premiership player Sam Butler in this episode of A Whole New Ballgame.Β
A relatively late bloomer in the world of AFL, Sam started off with a passion and talent for the 'World Game' before being encouraged to 'come have a kick' with his mates at age 15.Β As they say in the classics, the rest is history.
Drafted into one of the finest midfields to ever play the game, Sam would soon face a devastating loss in the 2005 AFL Grand Final, a loss he took very personally. As the records bow show though, Sam was instrumental in the Eagles successful 2006 campaign where relief and redemption were realised.Β
We touch on the Eagles culture, the weight of WA's expectations but also the opportunities afforded the players to give back and serve the community.
Sam sheds light on his partner's (Nat Medhurst Ep16) self comparison to Hawk/Eagle legend Sam Mitchell, and what he would tell a younger version of himself about the realities of life in the system.
Enjoy the chat. π
We spend time with Aussie netball star Kate Beveridge in this episode of A Whole New Ballgame.Β
You'll struggle to find an athlete with more perspective on their place in the game (albeit in our opinion a little too self deprecating!), especially when it comes to her selection for the Australian Diamonds, which is a fun story in itself.
A journeyman of the sport, Kate enjoyed stints in national league teams across the country and in NZ, where she called an end to her career. We discuss how Kate kept her passion and love for the game when changing organisations and how she dealt with reduced court time in the twilight years of her career.Β
Recently retired, Kate recognises the impact she can have on others and has returned to Melbourne to start giving back via the North Melbourne Football Club's program 'The Huddle'.
It's an honest, forthright and entertaining episode and I'm thrilled to bring it to you. Β
Enjoy the chat. π
In today's episode I spend time with an Aussie pro-golfer, Rebecca Artis.
We learn how this girl from Coonabarabran ended up on the European tour winning tournaments with hubby Geoff on the bag, the ups and downs of tour life and the relationships forged along the way.
Rebecca shares the tense memories of her first tour win in Helsingborg πΈπͺ, the stress and pressure she put herself under and the one major regret from a long and successful career.
We get Bec's take on the future of the game, and give her the 'magic wand' to change one thing to improve the sport.
Now back in Narrabri running the Tourist Hotel with hubby Geoff, Rebecca is loving her new pace of life and the familiar benefits of small town Australia.
It's a cracking story and I'm thrilled to share it with you.
Enjoy the chat. ππ»ββοΈβ³οΈπΊ
We spend time with Aussie netball star Natalie Medhurst in this episode of A Whole New Ballgame.Β
From country SA to a career spanning 235 national league games and 86 caps for the Australian Diamonds we chat the ups and downs of a sport that consistently ranks in the top 10 for participation in Australia, yet still has incredible challenges where finances and career progression are concerned.Β
We unpack the famous rivalry with the NZ Silver Ferns and reminisce about Nat's 3x World Championship wins and Commonwealth Games gold.Β
Recently retired and with a new addition to the family, Nat is thriving in her new role with Commonwealth Games Australia as we countdown to Birmingham 2022.
It's an honest, forthright and entertaining episode and I'm thrilled to bring it to you. Β
Enjoy the chat. π
In today's episode I spend time with an Aussie treasure and swimming superstar, Linley Frame.
We discuss how swimming elevated itself over Linley's other sporting pursuits, how hard coaches had to work to get her to the AIS, and the highest of highs and lowest of lows throughout her celebrated career.
We explore the impact of the media, illness and homesickness on Linley's mindset and how she handled the pressure of not only her own, but the nations expectations.
Now firmly entrenched at Swimming Australia as Wellbeing and Engagement Manager, Linley is making a difference for the next generation of Australia's swimming elite.
It's a cracking story and I feel privileged to share it with you.
Enjoy the chat. ππ»ββοΈπ§΄π₯
We spend time with gymnast, Olympian and Aussie Ninja Warrior Georgia Bonora in this episode of A Whole New Ballgame.Β
Georgia explains how she got into the sport, the intricacies of talent identification and how the sport is changing with the times. We cover Georgia's Olympic career and how she dealt with the pressure or performance, and a sever case of 'Delhi-Belly' experienced at the 2010 Comm Games.Β
A coach in her own right now, Georgia tells us about how she is still finding her feet after retirement and what the future holds. She's a real Aussie fighter who has walked the talk and we are thrilled to share some of her story with you. πͺ
Be sure to check it out and follow Georgia's adventures on Insta HERE.Β
Enjoy the chat. ππ€ΈββοΈπ₯
We spend time with Australian & Olympic Water Polo player Toby Jenkins in this episode of A Whole New Ballgame.Β
If you're like me, your knowledge of the sport is likely limited to the infamous 'Blood in the Water' match from the '56 Melbourne Olympics, so it was great to get an insight into what the game is really like, and Australia's proud history in it.
Since retirement, Toby has founded successful businesses Bluewire Media and more recently North, has become a published author and shared his knowledge across over 150 podcasts . π
It's fair to say that he is a man addicted to high performance and has made it his business to help others achieve the best version of themselves.
Be sure to check it out and follow Toby's adventures on Insta HERE.Β
Enjoy the chat. ππ€½π»ββοΈ
We spend time with 12x Australian & Olympic Taekwondo champion, Lauren Burns in this episode of A Whole New Ballgame.Β
A teenager from Melbourne, Lauren took on the Taekwondo world..and won. From the bright lights of Madison Square Garden to winning gold at her home Olympics in 2000 we discuss her journey. The ups and downs, how the goals and perspective changed when her sport became an Olympic one, and how finding 'her ready' was vital in managing the unpredictability and challenges in her career.Β
A qualified Naturopath and Nutritionist, Lauren now combines her lived experience and passions in her business LaurenBurns.com where she enjoys a top notch professional speaking career with 1:1 coaching to athletes looking to step up their game and achieve excellence. π
Lauren's story is amazing, and her perspective is refreshing in its simplicity. But don't mistake that for complacency. She is anything but.
Be sure to check it out and follow Laurens's adventures on Insta HERE.Β
Enjoy the chat. π₯π₯π
We chat to former pro surfer and Rip Curl 'Searcher' Dean Brady in this episode of A Whole New Ballgame. π πββοΈ
After securing both the QLD & Australian amateur surfing titles at age 18, Dean opted for free surfing over the pro tour - a decision that allowed him to literally live the dream surfing the best breaks in the world with some of the best surfers on the planet.Β
We chat about what it took to succeed, and how the reality compares to public opinion. Dean explains where he found his inspiration and drive (and I tell you there are some BIG names here) and his favourite big wave trip of all time.
We cover the move from best to, according to Google, officially the WORST job in the world and the penny drop moment that lead to Deansβ reuniting with a kindergarten friend and starting his awesome business Pro Movement.
Be sure to follow Dean's adventures on Instagram HERE, and enjoy the chat. π€
We chat to former Melbourne Victory skipper and Socceroo Adrian Leijer in this episode of A Whole New Ballgame. β½οΈ
Adrian's pro career spanned over 15 years and 4 countries, providing some amazing stories and experiences that he's happy to share in this chat.
Adrian now works for global giant Adidas having undertaken an internship with the company whilst still playing. This and some smart advice around investment have ensured that he and his family were able to manage the tricky transition into retirement with minimal problems.
There are definitely some useful nuggets in this fun interview.
BE sure to follow Adrian's adventures on Instagram HERE, and enjoy the chat. π
We spend time with gymnast,Β Commonwealth Games gold medalist and Olympian Stephanie Moorhouse in this episode of A Whole New Ballgame.Β
We learn what it's like to deal with the pressures and expectations of a nation as a teenager, and the sacrifices made for very little if any monetary compensation.
A career that was done at 18, Steph has a different transition story to most of our episodes. She openly admits it was tough, and that going from the Olympic stage back to a classroom presented some unique challenges.
That understanding, experience, and so much more has lead her to a role with Gymnastics Australia where she's part of helping shape the mindsets and therefore futures of some of our brightest athletes.
Steph has also collaborated with former teammate Ash Brennan to start 'YOU - Find Your Balance', a business dedicated to creating and empowering a positive community for young women. πͺ
Be sure to check it out and follow Steph's adventures on Insta HERE.Β
Enjoy the chat. ππ€ΈββοΈπ₯
We spend time with Oarsome Foursome member and 4x Olympian Drew Ginn in this episode of A Whole New Ballgame.Β
It's a great chat where we learn a little about the culture of rowing in Australia, some things we didn't know happened on the water, his 24 hour solo world record cycling attempt and how his sporting career propelled him into a successful corporate role today with Cricket Australia.
There's some awesome tips and lessons to be learned from this interview and of course, we couldn't let Drew go without reliving that famous and some would sayΒ Oarsome ad for Goulburn Valley . If you don't smile watching this back after hearing Drew's version of proceedings, there's something wrong! π€£π€£
Enjoy the chat. π
We chat to Bomber legend Sean Wellman in this episode of A Whole New Ballgame.Β
Sean's career speaks for itself with a premiership, 2x All Australian honours and more. But what I love more about this chat is his perspective, the value placed on education and priority on finding value and identity outside of football.Β
Having started with his own podiatry practice, Sean has moved into the world of finance and now runs a successful business Wellman Finance, providing solutions and making dreams come true for people like you and me.
It's impossible not to have a smile on your face when you chat to Welly and in this episode you will find, and relate to, countless nuggets of awesome information.
Enjoy the chat. π
We catch up with 4 time Olympian, gold medalist, public speaker, brewer and Aussie icon Steven Bradbury.
It's a great chat where we discover there's a lot more to skating fast than just skating fast, the struggles a world and Olympic champion faced in our country and why skating rinks around the country smell the way they do.
From Acacia Ridge in Brisbane to the pinnacle of the sport and the bumps along the way, Steven shares his journey through injury and a career that is remembered for that one day, a day that was in fact the culmination of 20 odd years of blood, sweat and tears. We cover the success in Salt Lake City and the subsequent flood of offers from sponsors and prospective partners once Steven had won gold.
Steven is a tough, honest and open bloke and it shines through in this episode. I have no doubt there's something here for all.
Check out Steven's book HERE, it's an awesome read.
Drink Steven's beer HERE, I've tried it now and it's perfect for any occasion.
FollowSteven on Insta to keep up to date, I assure you there's never a dull moment!
Enjoy the chat and remember, if you like what you hear please subscribe and leave a review on πpodcasts. It helps us bring you more stories. ππ₯
We spend time with dual Olympian, gold medalist, mum, entrepreneur and cracking human Lou Dobson.
It's a great chat that includes her career as a Hockeyroo, from Shepp to the pinnacle of the sport and the bumps along the way. Lou takes us inside the locker room and reveals a little about the culture of that all conquering Hockeyroo team, and talks transition into the 'real world' - what was or wasn't available to athletes at that time.Β
We debunk some myths around MLM (or whatever you want to call it!) and why Arbonne is the perfect fit for Lou's passion, lifestyle and legacy goals.
Lou has an infectious optimism and passion for life and it shines through in this episode. I have no doubt there's something here for all.
Oh, almost forgot, reading list recommendation from Lou: The Slight Edge. You're welcome ππ€£.Β Β
Follow Lou on Insta to keep up to date, there are many more chapters to be written!
Enjoy the chat. πππ₯
We chat to Carlton Football Club cult hero Dennis Armfield.
It's as open and honest a conversation about the identity issues faced by professional athletes, AFL players in particular, that you could wish for. Dennis takes us behind the scenes into his journey from junior rugby to playing for an AFL powerhouse, the challenges and triumphs along the way and how his award winning work with Odyssey House led to his current role with Elephant and Co. Β
He's a thoughtful guy with a great outlook on sport, business and life, living his motto 'Live to Give' each and every day.Β Β
Follow Dennis on Insta to keep up with his world!
Enjoy the chat. π
We chat to 5 time Winter Olympian, gold medalist, entrepreneur and all round legend Lydia Lassila.
If you look up 'Trailblazer' in the dictionary it should feature nothing other than a picture of Lydia and a list of her achievements. Today we chat about how she stumbled across aerial skiing, became a world and Olympic champion, and what drove her to success despite multiple injuries that would have finished lesser athletes.Β
Through injury Lydia created her now thriving business BodyIce and we chat about the challenges and triumphs during the journey of the brand.
She's a keen surfer too and together with her 'Murfer' mates down in Lorne Victoria, is putting together a holistic surf retreat in Indonesia, which promises to be awesome. So keep your eyes open for that.
Lastly, do yourself a favour and check out Lydia's documentary The Will To Fly. If you ever need inspiration, this is where you'll find it. It's a simply cracking film and I can't recommend it highly enough.Β Β
Follow Linda on Insta to keep up with her jam packed existence!
Enjoy the chat. πβ·π₯
We head to Bali to chat to Aussie swimming legend Michael Klim. (virtually of course π...still need to find that βοΈpartner π)
After a stellar career including 21 world records, multiple FINA World Champs and Olympic gold, Michael has set himself up with his business Milk & Co.
Today we discuss how swimming was the sanctuary for a young Michael Klim, his career in the pool, the highs and lows and how he was forced to innovate on the run to achieve the ultimate success. We get an insiders perspective on what was a dominant Aussie swim team and learn who his greatest rival was.
We explore the challenges and triumphs of Milk & Co, what traits Michael took from life as an athlete into business and how his priorities have changed over time.
Follow Michael on Insta to keep up to date, and check out his reading recommendation 'The Hard Thing About Hard Things'.
Enjoy the chat. ππ»ββοΈπ§΄π₯
We chat to Bomber legend Jason Johnson to kick off the season of AWNB.
JJ's career speaks for itself with a premiership, 2x B&F and All Australian honours. But it wasn't easy, nor immediate. We discuss some of the challenges and realities of AFL football.Β
Jason found an outside passion whilst still playing which has led to the building of both Dineamic Food, and Dineamic Events. We explore the origins and progress of these successful businesses and how they have grown over time.
Navigating the change in income and lifestyle presented it's challenges, but his tenacity and commitment has resulted in a pretty successful, happy and balanced JJ...who somehow finds the time to play off scratch! β³οΈπ
Follow Jason on Insta to see all the latest news.Β
Enjoy the chat. π
Athletes transitioning into retirement and life post sport face a myriad of challenges, and all too often it's those who really struggle that make the news.Β
A Whole New Ballgame celebrates those who have made the transition successfully, and hold them up as an example for current athletes. We learn about our guests as athletes, business people but most importantly humans that will not be defined by the pursuits that brought them to ours, and the world's attention.
Mental health has never been more critical nor apparent, and we hope that our little podcast can add some value or hope to today's athletes, whilst entertaining and informing the fans.
Take care, talk soon.