Live Learn Survive - Help Yourself - Help Others.: Recent Episodes
Trent Maxwell & Leigh Mason
Trent Maxwell, Firefighter and better known as Bondi Rescue’s Lifeguardmaxi and business partner Leigh Mason founded Live Learn Survive in 2018 with a vision to save lives by making learning fun. Author of the award-winning Maxi the Lifeguard book series, 2021 saw Maxi & Leigh publish their first picture book and launch Maxi’s Rescue Squad, the largest global community of teens & young adults of all ages learning skills, to not only look after themselves, but to help others too. They take what they do very seriously, themselves not so much, as you will see as they share the story of how they have met, face to face,12,000 children & teens so far travelling to 30 cities across 4 countries. From one page on a notepad in a café to books and a squad in over 24 countries, come along for the ride with this unlikely duo, share in some fun, inspiration and hear about a few random acts of kindness that will warm your heart. So lets, Live, Learn and Survive together, so that we can all live life to the Max!
When it all goes to plan, until it doesn't. Today the tech fairies did not allow our special guest to be with us, so in true Live Learn Survive fashion we soldiered on to bring you this catch up with Leigh and Maxi. This weeks Dad jokes are dedicated to our friend Ollie in England, what a little legend you are, keep shooting for the stars.
Paul Dorin is a station commander with Fire and Rescue NSW and in 2024 received the Australian Fire Service Medal in the King’s Birthday Honours for more than 30 years of service as a senior NSW firefighter. Based at Corrimal Fire Station in NSW Paul has a passion for helping others and has become a role model for his peers and local community which has seen Paul develop many safety initiatives. Firstly, the Home Care Disability Fire Safety Program in which he promoted fire safety efforts involving clients and their carers, and secondly the winter’s Smoke Alarm Action Day project, known as SAAD which takes place on June 1st every year. When not at the Fire Station, Paul is an incredible cartoonist, and we are proud to say he is the Illustrator behind all of our books which bring the stories to life in a spectacular way. Paul began drawing cartoons when he was very young at school, but before drawing l had a passion for modelling things out of plasticine. His late brother Steven was his inspiration to swap the plasticine to pen and ink and the family Louvre kitchen gallery eventually led to Paul getting his first published cartoon in The Bulletin magazine back in 1984. Today his cartoons appear in suburban & regional newspapers all around Australia and different parts of the world, and of course in our books, for which we could not be more grateful. Over the years Paul has supported the Jean 4 genes charity raising money for the Children’s Medical Research Institute by painting on the jeans of celebrities such as Mike Tyson, actors Robin Williams, Jonah Hill, Jim Belushi, Keven Kline, Frances Mc Dormand, David Hasselhoff to name but a few.
Lifeguarding skills present opportunities to work all over the world, so just imagine working in Santa Teresa Costa Rica. Enjoy the replay of this inspiring chat is with Thomas Ritchie, founder of the Santa Teresa Lifeguards and his daughter Avalon, one of the volunteer lifeguards. A service founded by need in the community and run totally by volunteers enjoy the inspirational chat about what the team are doing keep their beaches safe and the hundreds of lives they have saved over the last 9 years since they formed in 2014.
Today on the Live Learn Survive podcast, we’re joined by none other than Professional Lifeguard Harrison Reid.
Born and raised in Christchurch, New Zealand, Harrison moved to Sydney to pursue his dream job of becoming a lifeguard and worked hard to earn his spot among the elite Waverley lifeguards, now working at Bondi, Bronte and Tamarama beaches alongside Maxi and the team.
The spotlight and Bondi Rescue followed, making sure this inspirational lifeguarding career patrolling one of the world’s most famous beaches was well documented, including many of the incredible rescues, medical incidents and countless lives that Harrison has saved keeping locals and tourists from all around the world safe in the surf.
On a self-confessed mission to get out of his comfort zone Harrison recently swopped the beach for the jungle appearing on I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here and we could not be prouder to say that Harrison chose us, Live Learn Survive as his nominated charity.
Today we could not be happier to welcome him home and have him here with us for his first exclusive chat about life in the jungle and what the future holds for him.
Mieszko Szymeczko is the general manager and one of the founders of Baltic Rescue, a Lifeguard Association established in 2020 on the initiative of Polish Lifeguards. The aim of the organization being to promote lifeguarding in Poland and around the world. He has been a passionate lifeguard since 2009, a diving instructor, jet ski operator, and also a swimming instructor. He has worked all over the world, Poland, the USA, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Bulgaria, and New Zealand and for him, lifesaving isn’t just a job; it’s a way of life and a mission that he carries out on beaches around the world.
Tommy Herschell, a school teacher by trade he is now a full time facilitator in mental health, or as Tommy calls it mental mechanics, he is the driving force behind Find Ya Feet, which has a vision to empower everyone with the tools and skills to engage in conversations that go well past ‘how are ya.' He lists his achievement as still being married, and the fact he no longer feels like a victim, he is a functioning adult. At 35 Tommy turned his story and struggles around to use this experience for good. These days he travels across Australia and meet young fellas when they are at their lowest, and works with them to help them stand up to their struggles and get them to get to the point where they can celebrate themselves, Tommy feels like he has the best job in the world. Tommy is a lifesaver wearing a different uniform and today it is our absolutely pleasure to welcome him to our podcast to talk about what I would say is a difficult topic for many, but that is why we are doing it.
Professor Greg Whyte OBE is a true inspiration, and we were so lucky to meet him in 2022. Awarded the OBE for services to Sport, Sport Science & Charity, he is an Olympian in modern pentathlon, and a European and World Championship medallist, Greg is the voice of authority for Exercise Physiology and Sports Exercise Performance in the UK. Especially well known for his role in Sports Relief where he has helped raise over £65 million for charity. Have a listen again to this great conversation, we hope you are as inspired as we were.
This week we are re-sharing the awesome interview with Mr Lawrie Williams as Leigh, Maxi and Lawrie were all finally able to meet in Bondi. Lawrie joined the Waverley Council professional lifeguards in 1978 when they were known as Beach Inspectors. A lifeguard through the late 1970s, the 80’s, 90’s, and early 2000’s, then re-joining as a casual last year it would be safe to say Lawrie has seen so much over his 24 years in the job. Lawrie also has a love of local history, and in time for the 100 year centenary celebration back in 2013 he put together the history of the Lifeguard Service at the Waverly beaches, Bondi, Tamarama and Bronte. Now creating an audio book telling the story of the Lifeguard Service over the years and telling local stories of Bondi through is Bondi Historian social media accounts, enjoy this chat with Lawrie.
Harrison, into the jungle you go, we dedicate this episode to you. We are back and welcome to 2025 everyone and haven’t we started at a sprint, so much to celebrate in the first few days of this New Year. Over the next 3 weeks we will be following Harrison’s journey on I’m A Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here as it he goes all out to become King of Jungle, as his nominated charity we could not be prouder so let's all get behind him and vote!!!
Allan is one of Australia’s most highly decorated citizens, being one of only five Australians in the past 49 years to receive Australia’s highest bravery decoration, The Cross of Valour, awarded in 1998 for saving the life of a small boy trapped in a flooded storm water pipe in Coffs Harbour. In 2016, for another lifesaving rescue, Allan was awarded Australia’s fourth highest bravery decoration, the Commendation for Brave Conduct for his rescue of an aboriginal man from the path of an incoming train at Redfern railway Station. In 2017 Allan was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to Mental Health Support organisations and the community. He is the recipient of the NSW Police Commissioners Valour Award (VA) and the Royal Humane Society of NSW Galleghan Award. He is one of only 10 Australians to receive the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal, the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medal and the Kings Coronation Medal. In September 2022, Allan was invited by St James Palace to attend the funeral of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II where he took part in the Chivalry and Gallantry Procession during the funeral proceedings. Allan is a 20 year veteran of the NSW Police force, and of recent times, a Deputy Commissioner of the Mental Health Commission of NSW.
"Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions of mental health issues, including topics related to suicide, which may be distressing for some listeners. Please take care while listening, and remember support is available if you need it.
If you or someone you know is struggling, consider reaching out to one of these resources:
- Lifeline – 13 11 14 (24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention)
- Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636 (support for mental health issues, available 24/7)
- Suicide Call Back Service – 1300 659 467 (24/7 support for people at risk of suicide and those affected by it)
- Kids Helpline – 1800 55 1800 (free counselling for ages 5–25, available 24/7)
- MensLine Australia – 1300 78 99 78 (24/7 support for men dealing with family and relationship issues)
For young people, Headspace offers online and in-person mental health support at headspace.org.au.
Nathan Metcalfe is a qualified paramedic who joined New South Wales Ambulance Service in 2005. After spending an incredible 17 years of dedicated service on road, he is now working for NSW Ambulance as an Aeromedical Control Centre Officer. Nathan’s career with NSWA included deployment with Team Alpha to aid in the 2011 Brisbane floods, as well as roles as Station Officer, Standby Control Centre Officer, and team member for the remake of the 80's TV gameshow "It’s a Knock Out" in 2012. Enjoy this chat with Nathan and hear all about his incredible story serving the community.
To celebrate a New Year we have a special episode where we turn the hot seat on Maxi. A career well documented Leigh wants to know some of the other things that matter to Maxi. Why Live Learn Survive is so important to him, what legacy he wants to leave for future generations and what are the most important life lessons he has learned. A great conversation so we hope you enjoy this chat about what matters with our very own Founder.
In this special episode for Christmas, we turn the hot seat on Leigh. Who is she? What did she do before Live Learn Survive and before she met Maxi? What and who influenced her growing up? Why is she so passionate about what she does? Always asking the questions, Maxi turned the spotlight on Leigh so we hope you enjoy this chat of what matters to our very own Founder.
Today we are in Outback Queensland with our friend Holly Thom who we met recently on our trip to the Maranoa region. Holly was raised in the local pub which is also the local hotel, many people may not realise these are often the same place in country towns across Australia. As a teenager Holly moved to the coast to study and gained a Diploma of Nursing at the Sunshine Coast University Hospital where she graduated and went on to work in Acute Surgical and Rehabilitation for 2 years. However, the country was calling Holly back and aged 23 she became a business owner, owning part of the New Royal Hotel and motel, the local Timber Crate café and also the Surat Cabin and Caravan Park, which both Maxi and I now know are the heart of the community. Holly has a passion for people as we saw for ourselves so enjoy this chat with Holly and hear her amazing story and a glimpse into what life is like in the country.
Emily and Matilda are two mums/paramedics/best friends who are also Founders of a business together called How to Save a Life. This incredible business teaches carers, soon to be parents and new parents, and in fact anyone who is around young children, Baby First Aid and CPR Training. Their business began in the front seat of an ambulance, they had spent many hours at university together, worked countless 12 hour shifts as paramedics together and then embarked on motherhood at the same time. They were seeing a real lack of first aid awareness and training within parents and the community, with people relying solely on an ambulance to “save” someone, when in fact there is a lot you can do before an ambulance arrives that can make a difference! Enjoy this amazing chat with Emily and Matilda.
Schools out for summer! This week saw our final school for 2024 in Sydney and what a great school it was with another warm welcome to greet Maxi. We wrap our year before we welcome so many guests to keep us company over summer, we really do hope you enjoy some of the amazing chats we have in store for you. Thanks to everyone who has been part of our journey this year, we have created over 3000 Little Superheroes, we could not be prouder of each and every one of you.
This week, we talk about when a little dog becomes the smoke alarm, what a lucky owner he has got that is for sure and Maxi tells us about his old school tube rescue up against the rocks! Back in the office after a week on the road visiting awesome schools in Newcastle we are excited to have received delivery of our new superhero backpacks! Our Christmas cookies have arrived too and look amazing so it's the time we get to thank those incredible people who have supported us in 2024.
Showing kindness is nice to do, but it really is a win win as there are so many more benefits to the giver as you will hear in our fast facts this week. Maxi had an action-packed day at the beach with some serious situations and the tip this week is all about safety around jetty’s and piers. So valuable as the weather heats up and storm season gets started, which led to quite a day for Leigh trying to see Take That, enjoy this week's catch up with Maxi and Leigh.
One of those days right, we all have them and today we share one of ours. We had no unfortunate event, until Leigh's internet collapsed and then the builders working next door to Maxi decided to provide the soundtrack to our podcast today, we think they want a spot in the Live Learn Survive playlist. We never promised you that we would be perfect, but we will always be real and we hope this makes you smile as we end this week with Maxi and Leigh.
Maxi the Lifeguard’s In Deep water is back! We dedicate this episode of the podcast to the book and why we wrote it, so children and adults could learn about rip currents whilst not even realising it, learn by simply having fun. Proudly written, illustrated printed and brought to life all here in Australia and we could not be happier to have it back, 6 years and 2 months after the first edition, we can’t wait to share it with you, get it first via Pre Sales at the link here.
https://tinyurl.com/5yykjjtv
Hear it here first! Next week is going to a big week for us, and we are giving our podcast listeners a sneak peak of what is happening direct from us! We’ve waited a long time for this and are so grateful to everyone that has helped make it happen. In other news today, daylight saving also nearly caught us out, but it didn’t, and Maxi made it to school on time.
Lizzie Welborn is a 25 year old professional Surf Ironwoman from Sydney, Australia. Lizzie qualified for her first professional series when she was just 16, making her one of the youngest competitors to ever qualify, Lizzie has now competed in 9 professional series, placing in the top 3 multiple times and she has also represented Australia in the sport. Outside of surf sports Lizzie has also competed in many paddleboarding races around the world, including the gruelling 52km Molokai 2 Oahu world paddleboard championships in Hawaii. Two years ago Lizzie and fellow ironwoman/ best friend Harriet Brown co-founded KaMana Community, a program designed to educate and empower female athletes so they can reach their potential in sport and life. Together they explore topics that aren't spoken about enough including body confidence, relationships with food as an athlete and menstrual health, all things they faced or struggled with during their athletic careers. To date they have empowered over 2000 girls via the program.
This week back to talk about the importance of learning how to float and the importance of being prepared as we head into storm season in Australia. A very special song added to the playlist this week, Sunny by Boney M as we dedicate this show to Sunny Jayne Maxwell, huge congrats to Trent and Tahlia, welcome to the world little one, your Dad can finally own his all Dad jokes 💗
This week we celebrate the little legends heading into school for Book Week dressed up as Lifeguard Maxi and we give some facts about the importance of reading for children. We chat about falling back in love with old habits, and for both Maxi and Leigh this is swimming at the pool, where Maxi has been a bit lately as he trains for his annual lifeguard test.
Back in Australia after a break Maxi and Leigh catch up to see what they have missed and talk about the next exciting adventures for Live Learn Survive. Whilst on their travels Maxi and Leigh have been out spotting water safety signs and information, great to see water safety messages being spread all around the world.
Scott McNamara’s career achievements are incredible, and we are excited this week that Scott joins us to share his story. Starting with the Australian Army at 17 he became a Special Operations Medic and was deployed to Timor Leste and Afghanistan, now working for NSW Ambulance as an Intensive Care Special Operations and Rescue Paramedic in Sydney. Scott has been with deployed internationally to Sumatra, Lombok and Türkiye for disaster assistance and is part of the USAR Paramedic Aus 2 team. Scott has been a major influence on Maxi’s career too as he is his cousin, enjoy this inspirational conversation with Scott as we hear yet again that incredible careers are built on persistence and the drive to never give up.
Lifeguarding skills present opportunities to work all over the world, so just imagine working in Santa Teresa Coast Rica. This inspiring chat is with Thomas Ritchie, founder of the Santa Teresa Lifeguards and his daughter Avalon, one of the volunteer lifeguards. A service founded by need in the community and run totally by volunteers enjoy the inspirational chat about what the team are doing keep their beaches safe and the hundreds of lives they have saved over the last 9 years since they formed in 2014.
Curious about the career of an Emergency Medical Despatcher, this week we are joined by Stephanie Abbott, an EMD with the Queensland Ambulance Service and we hear about her career path from school through to the incredible feat of delivery a baby online, enjoy this chat with Stephanie.
This week we are joined by Nathan Moss the founder of ‘The Post School Podcast with Uncle Nathan’ which he started as a school leaver. Created with a vision to share stories with people who are doing well in their chosen field, in the knowledge that their story may inspire others finding their way in life. Now living in Bali we are keen to hear more about Nathan’s story and what he has learnt from the 50+ guests that have joined him on his podcast since he started, over 2 years ago. Enjoy this chat with Uncle Nathan.
The final podcast before holidays this week we talk about the amazing guests that will be joining us over the next few weeks. We talk about the importance of taking a break and Leigh shares a few packing tips for those that like to be organised or not for those that like to travel like Maxi. Out of Office for now but stay safe and we will see you really soon.
Back together in Brisbane today filming videos for the Rescue Squad and talk about the week that. Excited tomorrow to be spending the afternoon with the families of our lawyers McCullough Robertson learning together skills that save lives and today we added a classic Pink Floyd track to our Rescue Squad playlist.
Stopping to reflect is so important running a business and charity so we took 3 days on the road to pull everything apart, so we can build it back together stronger for the future. Great to also be in Raymond Terrace to meet the award winners of the Positive Behaviour for Learning Awards from the 9 local schools in the area.
The results are in and our May challenge raised $14,900 for Live Learn Survive Charity. As we thank and celebrate everyone involved it’s time to look to the future and the second half of the year for us, starting with a trip to Newcastle next week. Enjoy this weeks catch up in the world of Live Learn Survive.
You Can Do It is the rules this week as we celebrate our Rescue Squad member Niko and how he has raised over $1600 for Live Learn Survive charity with his 42 miles of walking in May. Maxi talks about his hectic 24 hours at the Fire Station and we talk about the fact that this week it is the Winter Solstice here in Australia but the Summer Solstice in the northern hemisphere.
Still re-grouping and finishing off after the 42 Challenge and our first ever event we start to look forward to the second half of the year, all the books we can give away and the future goals for the charity. Leigh shares the story of her Public Speaking Course and how excited she is to share the work of Live Learn Survive through speaking in the future and we say Thank you as we acknowledge thank a First Responder day. Enjoy this catch up with Maxi and Leigh.
Safely back across the pacific and back home in Australia enjoy the 2nd part of our episode about our time in Washington DC and Los Angeles and some of the amazing experiences we had and the great people we met.
What a whirlwind 2 weeks in the USA! An episode in 2 parts, so as we are about to board a flight to Australia here is part 1 of our adventures stateside. Part 2 will be next week. What an incredible trip, we are so grateful to everyone we have met! Happy Thanksgiving everyone.
This week we are thrilled to welcome James Koens, an Aircrew Officer for 9 years which followed 7 years working as part of the Air Ambulance team. All this followed a 15-year military career which saw James as an Aircrew Officer on Blackhawk Helicopters. Enjoy this chat with James as he shares advice he has gained through his impressive career.
USA we are on our way! All things last minute as we get ready to hit the skies again and take Live Learn Survive on a new adventure completely out of our comfort zone, and that is exactly why we are saying this week, If we can, we must! So arm doors and cross check, USA we are on our way!
Excitement is building as we are on the countdown to the trip to the USA next week. This week Leigh is sharing the words and wisdom from her weekend with the Movers & Breakers at Business Chicks and why we are switching from talking about climbing ladders to building scaffolding!
This week the show must go on as we record this podcast in a truck stop fresh from talking to and meeting 1200 children in Newcastle and the Hunter Valley and we proudly give a shout out to all the schools!
Back to school!! Finally back on the road excited to meet over 1000 children whilst visiting schools in the next few days in Newcastle in New South Wales. This week Maxi has a solid day at the Fire Station with another cat rescue and in contrast to that we talk about the benefits of journalling, so what works for you?
Today we are joined by special guest Katie Robinson, Australian Registered Nurse who studies Public Health for her Masters. Training in Lutruwita (Tasmania) Katie’s career has experienced many facets of Nursing, most recently working in Infection Control guiding Queensland through the recent pandemic. Enjoy this inspiring chat with Katie.
If you weren’t ready, you would not see it and would miss the opportunity, so grasp the opportunity and go for it. We celebrate meeting Sam from our Rescue Squad after she travelled from The Netherlands and Tea or Coffee? What are we having? Enjoy this weeks catch up with Maxi & Leigh.
Joined by a special guest, Piers Craig, Senior Firefighter and a member of the AUS-2 Heavy Urbane Search and Rescue team (USAR). Piers shares his story of the incredible training they carry out and how they are on call, ready to travel anywhere in the world at a moment’s notice. Piers also joined Maxi recently in the Terra Nova 24 adventure race, a race tough both mentally and physically, so hear from them both on how they went, and most importantly, how they prepared for such a challenge. Apologies for some of the audio on this one, Wifi cause some delays.
Can you remember when talk about how Maxi met Leigh and Sunrise at Bondi, their sustainable swimwear range. We continue the fashion theme celebrating all things slow fashion! Maxi talk about his swim for the this seasons Lifeguard test and we add the Italian song of summer to the playlist, enjoy this weeks catch up of all things Live Learn Survive.
Breaking News – Live Learn Survive Ltd is now an Australian Registered Charity and we could not be prouder. This week we talk about the benefits of journaling, cover Maxi’s week at the Fire Station and also the time he ran a half marathon around Sydney leaving donated books at child care centres as he went.
This week we pay our respects to Queen Elizabeth and her incredible life of service, and the sliding doors moment Maxi and Leigh saw her in London. Maxi flew through his Lifeguard Test swim in 11 minutes and 13 seconds which was a great effort after his 14-hour weekend challenge. Enjoy this weeks wrap up from Live Learn Survive.
This week we dedicate our podcast to our dear mate Cam who is in hospital, Maxi met Cam when was granted a starlight foundation wish and became an honorary lifeguard for the day, that was 6 years ago and the friendship has just grown. We also find out who won went Maxi took on the sprinkler at work and wish him good luck ahead of his 24 hour marathon race this weekend!
Breaking news, the USA we are coming your way, and we could not be more excited! We talk about our previous trips to the USA, some of our favourite things and how we both be visiting Washing DC for the very first time. In our regular updates we talk about the serious side of the week Maxi had at work, it has been seriously busy at the Beach and the Fire Station.
We are back, refreshed, and ready for a big second half of the year for Live Learn Survive and the Rescue Squad. We catch up on Maxi’s return to the Fire Station, some cool facts about Bondi and talk about the videos we are going to record to ourselves sharing our future goals for the company.
Detective Sergeant Kate Miller has been part of Queensland Police Service for 13 years working for 8 years as part of globally recognised Task Force Argos and now part of he Internal Investigation Group of the Ethical Standards Command. We hope this inspiring chat with Kate offers an insight into what a career in the Police Service can look like.
Maxwell Cottingham is a Firefighter and a Paramedic. Now part of the Rescue team at Bankstown Fire Station and before that a retained Firefighter for 5 years in the Southern Highlands of New South Wales. If that is not enough, he is a Paramedic with a Batchelor of Paramedicine from Charles Sturt University. He also volunteers for Fire + Rescue New South Wales as a peer support office as he has a passion for mental health and his training includes group crisis intervention as well as suicide intervention skills training. Enjoy this inspiration chat with Max.
Jason Strong is the Rescue Station Officer for City of Sydney Fire Station, C Platoon. A career Firefighter Jason has worked for over 25 years for Fire + Rescue New South Wales and before that over 12 years as a Volunteer Firefighter for the SES, he has also been Maxi’s boss. Listen to the inspirational chat with Jason as he shares advice and knowledge for those looking at Firefighting as a career.
Happy 1st Birthday to us! Podcast 52, how did that happen? As we celebrate every win, we reflect back on how we had no idea how to start a podcast, yet here we are now with a full year of episodes that have been listened to in over 30 countries. Thanks so much for joining us every Friday, we appreciate each and every one of you.
This week Maxi was lucky to talk Leadership at The Burnbright National Leadership Camp and support the amazing work they do. Our unfortunate event was technical difficulties as our Intern Monica tried to join us from LA, be we persisted, and she made it to ask us her Fast 5 Questions. Apologies for any audio hiccups, you know we don’t edit, but you know we like to keep it real so enjoy listening to us doing our best! 😊
4 days in far North Queensland, 6 flights that were supposed to be 4, and a solid day of rain on a beach, this week we talk about resilience. We talk about meeting the amazing Raven Cook at ABC Cairns and meeting the cassowary of the beach, Leigh got the shot of the weekend, and the media wanted it!
Back on the road we have just arrived in Cairns so we're telling you all about Tropical North Queensland and it's natural beauty. Maxi had a big week at the Fire Station and we can wait to see the school assembly dedicated to Live Learn Survive.
So many changes in the world right now and for us at Live Learn Survive so how do we learn to embrace it. Maxi tells us all about his ‘man down’ drill at the Fire Station this week, we talk about wild surf at Bronte Beach and who knew the Dad jokes would be a hit!
Taking a few minutes in the day to be grateful is always a good idea! Great to get our fast 5 questions in from Monica in Los Angeles so we talk about what bring us joy, what new skill are we learning and what are we reading. We hope you enjoy this week’s catch up with Live Learn Survive.
This week we hear all about the drill onboard the ship and how this type of training prepares Maxi and First Responders for real life situations and we celebrate everything from a Birthday to a Jubilee and passing the milestone of 1 weeks as a Not for Profit, what are you celebrating this week!
Breaking News, after months of saying something big is coming we can finally announce it, and perfect timing as we also celebrate Leigh’s birthday, then finally Maxi can now claim to be a true Firefighter as this week he rescued 6 precious kittens trapped in a wall.
It’s National Volunteers Week and we talk about the benefits of volunteering, for yourself as well as others. Maxi has a busy night at the Action Station and we could not be more excited about having an Intern join us for a while.
Back home in Australia we talk about the joys of Jetlag and turn serious as we talk about possible one of the most important Rescue Squad videos ever, Cold Water Shock and what it did to Maxi. ‘At least now I can talk from experience’ Maxi said as he was joined by our friend the legend that is Professor Greg Whyte.
We made it, 4 weeks, 4 countries, 3500 miles driven, over 2000 children and families met and thousands of life lessons learnt. England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales you have been amazing, stay safe until next time.
So after last week in Ireland what could happen as we start the week in Scotland, Pipers, Dennis the Menace, from the mountains to the loch's and the sea this week had it all as we talk to you from Dundee.
Week 2 in the UK and Ireland, all the behind the scenes of the trip and stories from an epic week in Ireland and Maxi tells us all to Let it Go!
Today we talk from Leigh’s hometown Long Eaton, just outside Nottingham and reflect on our first week in England and Wales. Already we have met over 400 kids from over 20 clubs, we’ve learnt about rips, boards skills and CPR and what was the lesson Maxi learnt first hand after his sunrise swim with Professor Greg Whyte.
London calling! What a special podcast, only to be celebrating being back in the UK but today we met for the first time two of our Maxi's Rescue Squad members Annika and Heather, and we persuaded them to join in our podcast.
Our last podcast before we fly across the planet to the UK & Ireland. We talk about the 5 community events that we can’t wait to do as we are so passionate about education being accessible to everyone and finally how will Maxi go in a sunrise swim against the legend that is Professor Greg Whyte.
Trust us, the view will be worth it, keep going, if like us, you are planning something amazing. We talk about the amazing Notre Dame Fremantle student teachers, the Maxi the Lifeguard books inspired their assembly and now they have inspired us, and lastly 5 places we are excited to see in the UK and Ireland.
Stop saying tomorrow and just get started today is our mantra this week. We go down memory lane about travelling to Scotland, give you our road trip rules and Maxi shares stories from another busy week at the action station. We also tell the story of Maxi being featured on the Fearlessly Australian podcast.
I can do what you cannot do, and you can do what I cannot do. Together we can do great things. But we still can’t edit a podcast 😊 Today the internet was not our friend, but we made it, almost! As ever we keep it real and let you hear us slowing sink, but still smile about it, we hope you can all laugh along with us. We also share 5 positive things to try this week so hope you find some kindness and light to help you along your week.
We are joined by special guest Robert Gofton, CEO of the Royal Life Saving Society UK about the incredible work the organisation does for Drowning Prevention, about Rookie Lifeguards and the lessons that Robert has learnt in his career that he kindly shares so we can all learn from them.
Sharing some positivity this week in challenging times we talk about good news and where to go to find it when you need it to help keep your spirits lifted. We talk about Maxis’ extremely busy week at the Fire Station, how we are looking forward to our first Trivia Night and lots of exciting things happened with regard to our UK & Ireland trip.
Remembering a vision board we created full of images and photos in 2016, fast forward almost 6 years it looks pretty much like the business we have today. We talk about Kye who donated his pocket money to gift a school a book and how he is now joining us for dinner at our upcoming Trivia Night and what ‘other’ book would Maxi and Leigh like to write?
Working hard can easily see you achieve more than those with natural talent that don’t try, we know that for sure! We also talk about Leigh discovering her lifesaving club is still in existence in Nottingham and ahead of our first Trivia Night we start planning a few of our questions, what could go wrong with MC Leigh and Quizmaster Maxi running the show.
We have unfinished business, and we don’t let people down, so we are thrilled to announce we are heading back to the UK and Ireland to share some lesson and spread some cheer. So what are 5 things we love about the UK & Ireland, and did you see we popped up on the TV this week!
You have to listen to believe it, the podcast we recorded in a truck stop, mixed with all the usual fun.
Congratulating Senior Firefighter Maxwell as Maxi celebrates 6 years as a Firefighter with a promotion. Extra excitement too this week as Maxi & Leigh head back to Gippsland almost 10months since their last work trip so how early will they be at the airport? Have a listen to find out.
How good is a random act of kindness, so how did Maxi surprise Leigh this week? We are talking all about pool safety and most importantly about supervision and putting the phone down and what would Maxi’s dream Museum be about? Thanks for joining us, it means the world to us.
Happy New Year everyone! We are welcoming 2022 with words of encouragement to just start whatever it may be that you keep thinking about doing, even though you are not quite sure you are ready, we say just go for it! We talk about Maxi’s very busy New Years working at the beach and we give you some great ideas of new things to try for 2022.
The last podcast of 2021 we reflect on the year and measure the gain, not the gap and celebrate what we have achieved in another challenging year. Creating Maxi’s Rescue Squad, our first event that donated hundreds of books to school libraries and the lives that we have impacted in a positive way are the things that make us proud! Happy New Year everyone, here’s to a happy & healthy 2022 for everyone.
It’s Xmas Eve and this episode is special as for the first time Maxi & Leigh recorded it in the same room. Reunited after 8 months this proves if you don’t give up on something you truly believe in, you will always find a way, as we have! We talk about our family rituals growing us at Xmas and a few more of our Xmas favourite things, and a tip or too if you are the chef on Xmas day!
Tis the season so we take the time to remember what is really important, and what is not. We share some easy random acts of kindness we can all do, reminder ourselves that life is not about material things and that we need to go easy on ourselves at this busy time of year.
The final run up to Christmas can be stressful, so just do your best! Maxi had some big jobs at the Action Station this week and we talk about the importance of stretching after exercise so do you make time for it?
So why are first impressions important? We learn all about fire protective clothing and you might even have some warnings in your home, and what incredible thing we found when we visited schools in Canberra.
Celebrating this week as we are finally back face to face visiting a school for the first time in a year. We celebrate teachers so who was Maxi’s favourite and every journey does start with a single step as Leigh celebrates 23 years living in Australia.
We talk about how important it is to embrace change if you find yourself stuck in a rut. We hear about Maxi’s busy week at his new fire station Leigh is calling the 'action station' and the hilarious name that Maxi would call his boat if he had one?
Being fearless starts us off this week, we hear about Maxi’s first day at his new fire station and how he was straight in at the deep end. We talk about beautiful beaches and how Leigh ended up on Hamilton Island the same time as George Clooney and Julia Roberts, but sadly didn’t get a part in their movie.
It’s time to start to stop talking about and it and start doing it, even the smallest step is progress. We talk about the Random Act of Kindness from our Rescue Squad this week that saw Maxi head out on a half marathon with a backpack full of books to giveaway, and we send a message to our favourite Beach Lifeguards in the Isle of Wight.
Being the best version of you is way better than a copy of someone else. We reflect on how our crazy online quizzes at the start of the pandemic led us to meet so many awesome people and create Maxi's Rescue Squad and at High School would we lead the marching band or the school debating team? What do you think?
Remembering when we received a book order for the other side of the world and gave a little girl the birthday surprise of her life when Maxi personally delivered it! We learn all about heatstroke and what are Maxi’s and Leigh’s favourite emoji?
Hang in there, trust that you are on the right path is our quote to start this episode. What happened at the High Tea blew us away, we remember the hour at the Tower of London, and what helps keep us motivated and inspired and the days we need it.
When life puts you in tough situations, don’t say Why me? say Try Me! Like how our first day filming for the Rescue Squad led to all sorts of dramas, not to mention the stolen football! We hear how maxi ended up in the bank after hours, Leigh’s unfortunate incident and we get Maxi’s top tips on what to do if you find yourself one day having to call 000, 999 or 911.
On our quest to inspire the next generation of first responders today we are joined by Dan Burnett, a Sydney firefighter but also the founder of Firefit Performance, a program that helps enhance a firefighter overall skillset and let them be better prepared not only physically but mentally and cognitively. Dan has some great tips for us whatever stage of your fitness journey you find yourself in and shares the best piece of advice he has been given.
We’re kicking off Maxi’s 30th Birthday weekend with lots of messages and trivia from the year Maxi was born! What were we wearing, watching and listening to? Who won in sport that year and we add the song to the Playlist that was No 1 on the day Maxi was born. Happy Birthday Maxi!
Focus is tough right now, for everyone so how do we do it? We remember our friends at South Shields Volunteer Lifeguard Club that painted Maxi on a wall, more great songs added to our playlist and does Maxi love or hate rollercoasters? You might get a surprise on this one?
This week we talk about the importance of keeping a positive mindset and how much you will benefit from it. We remember when Maxi met our dear friend Cam and the Starlight Foundation and what would happen if Maxi joined the circus!
Stepping out of our comfort zone is a good thing and opens up new opportunities. We remember when we met a vet from Wagga Wagga in a café in a Yorkshire village and why Maxi really wants you to watch the water before you dive straight into the ocean, it could save your life!
If we are moving forward, then that is progress and a win in these crazy times for any business. We talk about the random act of kindness when we surprise Maggie by stopping to have a cup of tea with her in Manchester and how we have dived straight in doing something positive with a High Tea Fundraiser which will donate books to school libraries. What news will Maxi have for us this week from Sydney’s frontline? Thank you so much for stopping by to listen.
Don’t wait for the right opportunity, create it! So, what are you waiting for? Just get started is the key to anything so if you have a great idea, just go for it! We talk about the time we took surf boards on the train in London for Tourism Australia, Maxi has a Bondi Rescue update, a few tips for runners and we hear all about his unfortunate trip to work today.
Adam Hollioake captained the England ODI Cricket team in the 90’s. As Captain of County side Surrey, Adam led the team to victory winning 3 county championships, this makes Adam one of the most successful 1st class cricket captains of all time. A natural born leader, who better to ask for some leadership tips and trick so we can all live life to the Max.
Focus on the Good reminds us that whatever we give our attention to expands so a positive outlook can change your day. We talk about our trip to NW Tasmania that ended up winning an award and hear about Maxi’s challenging night at the Fire Station, and who would play Maxi in a movie about his life?
The harder you fall! This week we talk about resilience, to learn that when times are tough just hold your nerve so the comeback can be bigger and better. We talk about the event that sparked a change of direction for our business goals and what is Maxis proudest career moment? Join us to Live Learn and Survive to live life to the Max!
Want to be a paramedic but don’t know where to start? We are joined by Bryan Finlay, a paramedic for the Scottish Ambulance Service working as part of the national risk and resilience department in Edinburgh. A trustee for RLSS UK Bryan started out as a lifeguard and he tells us all about his career and offers some great advice for future first responders.
Finding your tribe is all about finding the people who get you, and not taking it personally those that don’t.
We talk about Scotland, swimming in Loch Lomond and learn about Maxi's drills at the Fire Station.
Welcome to Live Learn Survive, life hacks to live life to the Max.
Trent Maxwell, Firefighter and better known as Bondi Rescue’s Lifeguardmaxi and business partner Leigh Mason founded Live Learn Survive in 2018 with a vision to save lives by making learning fun. Author of the award-winning Maxi the Lifeguard book series, 2021 saw Maxi & Leigh publish their first picture book and launch Maxi’s Rescue Squad, the largest global community of teens & young adults of all ages learning skills, to not only look after themselves, but to help others too.
They take what they do very seriously, themselves not so much, as you will see as they share the story of how they have met, face to face,13,000 children & teens so far travelling to 30 cities across 4 countries. From one page on a notepad in a café to books and a squad in over 24 countries, come along for the ride with this unlikely duo, share in some fun, inspiration and hear about a few random acts of kindness that will warm your heart.
So let’s, Live, Learn and Survive together, so that we can all live life to the Max!
Starting to Live Learn & Survive. Live life to the full, learn a Lifesaving skill and survive for a bright future is our vision for everyone. This podcast shares the journey, all whilst making learning fun along the way.