Head Game

On this episode of Head Game, we’re taking a look back at some of the incredible survivals we’ve heard on the podcast so far.   We start with former soldier-turned-Paralympian Curtis McGrath, who’s mindset shifted as he was being airlifted off the battlefield after losing his legs in an IED blast. You’ll also hear from former fighter pilot turned spy Jack Beaumont about the accident that changed the course of his life. And finally, Kelsey Waghorn recalls how she survived a disastrous volcanic eruption in New Zealand. LINKS  Listen to the full interview with Curtis McGrath here  Listen to the full interview with Jack Beaumont here  Listen to the full interview with Kelsey Waghorn here  Follow Ant on Instagram, X, and Facebook  Learn more about Ant on his website antmiddleton.com  Follow Nova Podcasts on Instagram for videos from the podcast and behind the scenes content – @novapodcastsofficial.  CREDITS  Host: Ant Middleton Editor: Adrian Walton Executive Producer: Damien Haffenden  Managing Producer: Ricardo Bardon  Nova Entertainment acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which we recorded this podcast, the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation. We pay our respect to Elders past and present.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Content Warning: This episode includes discussion of suicide and mental health issues. On this episode of Head Game, a look back at some of Ant's conversations with people with a passion for going the distance - literally. All of these guests have pounded the pavement, the beaches, the bush and everything in between. We start with Pat Farmer, who ran from the North Pole to the South Pole in 2011. The Nedd Brockman who went viral with his run across Australia while raising millions for Australia's homeless. And finally, Brit runner Jack Pitcher, who had planned to run the the circumference of Australia until a car crash derailed his plans, and he took on the Australian outback in a coast-to-coast trek. The mental determination of all three men helped them achieve what many might have thought impossible. Their insights are invaluable. SUPPORT For immediate support in a crisis, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 More resources are available from Beyond Blue LINKS Listen to the full interview with Pat Farmer here Listen to the full interview with Nedd Brockman here Listen to the full interview with Jack Pitcher here Follow Ant on Instagram, X, and Facebook Learn more about Ant on his website antmiddleton.com Follow Nova Podcasts on Instagram for videos from the podcast and behind the scenes content – @novapodcastsofficial. CREDITS Host: Ant MiddletonEditor: Adrian WaltonExecutive Producer: Damien Haffenden Managing Producer: Ricardo Bardon Nova Entertainment acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which we recorded this podcast, the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation. We pay our respect to Elders past and present.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, we're taking a look back at Ant's conversations with former soldiers, who have faced enormous challenges while working as part of the military. First up, Ant's chat with fellow SAS alum and good friend, Ollie Ollerton on his time with the Royal Marine Commandos. Then, elite Navy clearance diver Paul de Gelder on the day a shark attack claimed his hand and leg while working in Sydney Harbour. And finally, Australian soldier Damien Tomlinson on the day an IED caused the amputation of both his legs. These men are the epitome of the military mindset. LINKS Listen to the full interview with Ollie Ollerton here Listen to the full interview with Paul de Gelder here Listen to the full interview with Damien Tomlinson here Follow Ant on Instagram, X, and Facebook Learn more about Ant on his website antmiddleton.com Follow Nova Podcasts on Instagram for videos from the podcast and behind the scenes content – @novapodcastsofficial. CREDITS Host: Ant MiddletonEditor: Adrian WaltonExecutive Producer: Damien Haffenden Managing Producer: Ricardo Bardon Nova Entertainment acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which we recorded this podcast, the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation. We pay our respect to Elders past and present.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, we're taking a look back at the people who have lived through the unthinkable. First up, a look back at Ant's very first Head Game guest, Beaconsfield mine disaster survivor Todd Russell. Then Jackson Warne on the day he received the call that his father Shane had passed away, and how he pulled himself through the heartbreak. And finally, Jason McCartney on the horror he endured during the 2002 Bali bombings. LINKS Listen to the full interview with Todd Russell here Listen to the full interview with Jackson Warne here Listen to the full interview with Jason McCartney here Follow Ant on Instagram, X, and Facebook Learn more about Ant on his website antmiddleton.com Follow Nova Podcasts on Instagram for videos from the podcast and behind the scenes content – @novapodcastsofficial. CREDITS Host: Ant MiddletonEditor: Adrian WaltonExecutive Producer: Damien Haffenden Managing Producer: Ricardo Bardon Nova Entertainment acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which we recorded this podcast, the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation. We pay our respect to Elders past and present.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, we're taking a look back at the people who put their lives on the line each day to keep us safe. Bruce ‘Hoppo’ Hawkins is known around the world thanks to the hit TV series Bondi Rescue, but what has kept him on the beach for more than 30 years? Plus fifth generation serviceman Heston Russell opens up about the military operation that has left a permanent mental scar. And former cop Danni Brooke on what it takes to go undercover and take down dangerous criminals. LINKS Listen to the full interview with Heston Russell here Listen to the full interview with Dannii Brooke here Listen to the full interview with Hoppo here Follow Ant on Instagram, X, and Facebook Learn more about Ant on his website antmiddleton.com Follow Nova Podcasts on Instagram for videos from the podcast and behind the scenes content – @novapodcastsofficial. CREDITS Host: Ant MiddletonEditor: Adrian WaltonExecutive Producer: Damien Haffenden Managing Producer: Ricardo Bardon Nova Entertainment acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which we recorded this podcast, the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation. We pay our respect to Elders past and present.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, we're taking a look back at the stars who live their life in the spotlight, but were vulnerable enough to give us a peek behind the curtain at the challenges who have made them who they are. Aussie music icon Pete Murray, NRL legend turned podcaster Matty Johns, and rapper 360 all opened up about the grit and pain behind their success, and how they dug deep to keep going. LINKS Listen to the full interview with Pete Murray here Listen to the full interview with Matty Johns here Listen to the full interview with 360 here Follow Ant on Instagram, X, and Facebook Learn more about Ant on his website antmiddleton.com Follow Nova Podcasts on Instagram for videos from the podcast and behind the scenes content – @novapodcastsofficial. CREDITS Host: Ant MiddletonEditor: Adrian WaltonExecutive Producer: Damien Haffenden Managing Producer: Ricardo Bardon Nova Entertainment acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which we recorded this podcast, the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation. We pay our respect to Elders past and present.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The challenges in Paul Hockey's life started just weeks after he was born. His mother discovered a lump on his arm, which turned out to be cancer. The only option was to amputate little Paul's arm at the shoulder to save his life. Never one to play the victim, Paul would ditch his prosthetic arm at school, took up martial arts and even rode a motorcycle. But his biggest challenge came when he decided to climb Mount Everest. And in 2005, he became the first person with a disability to climb Mount Everest from the north side.  In this episode, Paul opens up about growing up being different, how he challenged societal norms with one arm, and what fuelled his passion to climb one of the most notorious summits. LINKS More on Paul here Follow Ant on Instagram, X, and Facebook Learn more about Ant on his website antmiddleton.com Follow Nova Podcasts on Instagram for videos from the podcast and behind the scenes content – @novapodcastsofficial. CREDITS Host: Ant MiddletonEditor: Adrian WaltonExecutive Producer: Damien Haffenden Managing Producer: Ricardo Bardon Nova Entertainment acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which we recorded this podcast, the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation. We pay our respect to Elders past and present.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nicholas Gibbons was still a teenager when was deployed to Afghanistan as a Royal Marine. One night while on patrol, an IED blast claimed the lower half of his right leg. After enduring five operations to repair the remainder of his limb and rehabilitation, Nick was fitted with a prosthetic leg and put his uniform back on, returning to training just three months later. He was deployed as an amputee to a non-combat zone, even competing in the Warrior Games. But after he was eventually medically discharged from the military, Nick lost drive and direction, finding himself in prison. In this conversation, Nick details the warning signs he ignored that led him to spiral after leaving the Marines, how he has now turned his life around, and the process of finding a renewed purpose in life. LINKS More on the 'Once, We Were Warriors' documentary Follow Ant on Instagram, X, and Facebook Learn more about Ant on his website antmiddleton.com Follow Nova Podcasts on Instagram for videos from the podcast and behind the scenes content – @novapodcastsofficial. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Michelle Lee was living an ordinary 9-5 life, with a stable corporate job in the banking sector. But looking for more out of life, she took to the water. Inspired by the book 'Rowing the Atlantic‘ by Roz Savage, she started an intensive training regiment. Her determination say her eventually become the first Australian female to row solo across the Atlantic Ocean, then the first woman in the world to row the Pacific Ocean solo and unassisted. In this episode, Michelle opens up to Ant about her mindset shift to take on her many adventures, what it takes to spend months on end alone on the open water, and what's next for her. LINKS Follow Michelle on Instagram Visit Michelle's website Follow Ant on Instagram, X, and Facebook Learn more about Ant on his website antmiddleton.com Follow Nova Podcasts on Instagram for videos from the podcast and behind the scenes content – @novapodcastsofficial. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Luke Richmond has lived many lives: outback kid, infantry soldier, addict, inmate, endurance adventurer, author, and world-record holder. In this episode, Luke unpacks the moments that shaped his life, from growing up in remote Australia enduing relentless bullying, to joining the army at 17, and spiralling into an addiction that left him locked up in a foreign jail. And how hitting rock bottom became his turning point. Luke shares with Ant how the brutal discipline of Muay Thai training helped helped him rebuild his identity and fuel a passion for extreme adventure. From climbing the some of the highest peaks in violent snowstorms to record-breaking ocean crossings, Luke reveals what endurance has taught him about fear, failure, and staying alive. Luke also explains the philosophy behind his book Five Years to Live, and why adventure isn’t about ego, it's about staying human. LINKS Follow Luke on Instagram Grab Luke's books including 'Five Years To Live' here Follow Ant on Instagram, X, and Facebook Learn more about Ant on his website antmiddleton.com Follow Nova Podcasts on Instagram for videos from the podcast and behind the scenes content – @novapodcastsofficial. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I've spoken to some really inspiring people over the last year, many of which have used exercise and fitness as a means to get their head back in the game. Firstly, fellow Brit Jack Pitcher decided running across Australia was the perfect project to focus his energy on when his mind wasn't quite right. Then, congenital amputee Louise Hawkins on how CrossFit inspired her to stop hiding her disability. And finally, Australian model and influencer James Parr on returning to the gym just weeks after losing his leg. SUPPORT For immediate support in a crisis, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 More resources are available from Beyond Blue LINKS Listen to the full interview with Jack Pitcher here Listen to the full interview with Louise Hawkins here Listen to the full interview with James Parr here Follow Ant on Instagram, X, and Facebook Learn more about Ant on his website antmiddleton.com Follow Nova Podcasts on Instagram for videos from the podcast and behind the scenes content – @novapodcastsofficial. CREDITS Host: Ant MiddletonEditor: Adrian WaltonExecutive Producer: Damien Haffenden Managing Producer: Ricardo Bardon Nova Entertainment acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which we recorded this podcast, the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation. We pay our respect to Elders past and present.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over the last year I've had conversations with some amazing survivors, who not only survived, but are thriving against all odds. First, Suzanne Heywood details how a dream sailing trip as a child turned into a nightmare at the hands of her narrowly-focussed father. Then, Matthew Lewis on how he was forced to take control when the fishing vessel he was working on sank in the Antarctic Ocean. And finally journalist and author Jamila Rizvi on the brain tumour diagnosis that forever changed her life. LINKS Listen to the full interview with Suzanne Heywood here Listen to the full interview with Matthew Lewis here Listen to the full interview with Jamila Rizvi here Follow Ant on Instagram, X, and Facebook Learn more about Ant on his website antmiddleton.com Follow Nova Podcasts on Instagram for videos from the podcast and behind the scenes content – @novapodcastsofficial. CREDITS Host: Ant MiddletonEditor: Adrian WaltonExecutive Producer: Damien Haffenden Managing Producer: Ricardo Bardon Nova Entertainment acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which we recorded this podcast, the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation. We pay our respect to Elders past and present.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the year drawing to a close, I look back at some of the most impactful conversations I've had over the last year. This episode features some of Australia's sporting greats: former Brisbane Lions captain Jonathan Brown on getting his head right early in his AFL career; then Olympian Elle Armit on the heartbreak of being dropped from representing Australia, and how she built herself back up; and finally - how a $2 raffle ticket changed the course of Mark 'Frosty' Winterbottom's life. LINKS Listen to the full interview with Jonathan Brown here Listen to the full interview with Elle Armit here Listen to the full interview with Mark Winterbottom here Follow Ant on Instagram, X, and Facebook Learn more about Ant on his website antmiddleton.com Follow Nova Podcasts on Instagram for videos from the podcast and behind the scenes content – @novapodcastsofficial. CREDITS Host: Ant MiddletonEditor: Adrian WaltonExecutive Producer: Damien Haffenden Managing Producer: Ricardo Bardon Nova Entertainment acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which we recorded this podcast, the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation. We pay our respect to Elders past and present.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the year drawing to a close, I look back at some of the most impactful conversations I've had over the last year. In this episode, inaugural Masterchef winner Julie Goodwin's raw and candid conversation about her mental health; plus 7NEWS journalist Mike Amor recounts being on the ground as the September 11 attacks unfolded in 2001; and journalist Cheng Lei opens up about her experience in a Chinese prison after being accused of espionage.  SUPPORT For immediate support in a crisis, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 More resources are available from Beyond Blue LINKS Listen to the full interview with Julie Goodwin here Listen to the full interview with Mike Amor here Listen to the full interview with Cheng Lei here Follow Ant on Instagram, X, and Facebook Learn more about Ant on his website antmiddleton.com Follow Nova Podcasts on Instagram for videos from the podcast and behind the scenes content – @novapodcastsofficial. CREDITS Host: Ant MiddletonEditor: Adrian WaltonExecutive Producer: Damien Haffenden Managing Producer: Ricardo Bardon Nova Entertainment acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which we recorded this podcast, the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation. We pay our respect to Elders past and present.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A parent's instinct is to protect their children from harm, and in a world full of adversity, our kids have never needed resilience more. But wrapping them in cottonwool could be doing more harm than good. In this episode, former soldier, leadership consultant and resilience expert Tim Curtis shares his own lessons from the battleground and corporate life. He also unpacks the extensive research and advice from childhood experts gone into developing the knowledge and techniques within his latest book 'Building Resilient Kids'. LINKS Tim's book 'Buliding Resilient Kids' is available now Follow Tim on Instagram More information on The Resilence Shield Follow Ant on Instagram, X, and Facebook Learn more about Ant on his website antmiddleton.com Follow Nova Podcasts on Instagram for videos from the podcast and behind the scenes content – @novapodcastsofficial. CREDITS Host: Ant MiddletonEditor: Adrian WaltonExecutive Producer: Damien Haffenden Managing Producer: Ricardo Bardon Nova Entertainment acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which we recorded this podcast, the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation. We pay our respect to Elders past and present.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Peter Baines spent years as part of the New South Wales police force investigating some of the state's most horrific crimes and collecting and analysing the forensic evidence to convict the perpetrators. After helping with the recovery and investigation of the Bali bombings in 2002, Peter was tapped to assist when a devastating tsunami struck Thailand on Boxing Day, 2004. In this raw and candid conversation, Peter details the heartbreaking aftermath of major natural disaster, as he and his team were tasked with identifying thousands of bodies left in the tsunami's wake. The devastation he witnesses prompted Peter to start a charity to help the disadvantaged children of Thailand, recently marking the 20th anniversary of his efforts by running 1,400 kilometres across Thailand. LINKS Peter's book 'Building Resilient Kids' is available now Follow Peter on Instagram More information on Hands Across The Water Follow Ant on Instagram, X, and Facebook Learn more about Ant on his website antmiddleton.com Follow Nova Podcasts on Instagram for videos from the podcast and behind the scenes content – @novapodcastsofficial. CREDITS Host: Ant MiddletonEditor: Adrian WaltonExecutive Producer: Damien Haffenden Managing Producer: Ricardo Bardon Nova Entertainment acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which we recorded this podcast, the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation. We pay our respect to Elders past and present.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Saya Sakakibara and her brother Kai grew up competing in BMX racing, starting when her family moved to Japan. When they relocated back to Sydney, the pair quickly rose through the ranks, winning a slew of state and national titles between them. No stranger to accidents while competing, Saya had suffered a number of concussions herself before Kai was involved in a serious accident in 2020. It left him with a life-changing traumatic brain injury, and Saya with a crippling fear of getting back on the bike. In this episode, Saya details the strong bond she and Kai formed through BMX, how her fear of competing grew over the years and how she found a renewed passion and purpose to return to competition, winning Gold at the Paris Olympic Games and becoming World Champion three years running. LINKS Saya's book 'Just Go' is available now Follow Saya on Instagram Follow Ant on Instagram, X, and Facebook Learn more about Ant on his website antmiddleton.com Follow Nova Podcasts on Instagram for videos from the podcast and behind the scenes content – @novapodcastsofficial. CREDITS Host: Ant MiddletonEditor: Adrian WaltonExecutive Producer: Damien Haffenden Managing Producer: Ricardo Bardon Nova Entertainment acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which we recorded this podcast, the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation. We pay our respect to Elders past and present.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's no denying that many modern 'conveniences' are actually making us less resilient, sicker and un happier than ever before. And we've been told for years to avoid stress to help us live better. But in his new book The Hardiness Effect, Dr Paul Taylor says we need to view potential adversity as a challenge, rather than a threat. Instead, we should be embracing stress and using it as fuel to reach our full potential. In this episode, former Royal Navy Officer turned psychophysiologist Dr Paul Taylor outlines some of the ancient wisdom with cutting-edge research that backs The Hardiness Effect, and the steps you can take to embrace challenge, welcome change and boost your physical and mental health. LINKS Paul's book 'The Hardiness Effect' is available now Follow Paul on Instagram Listen to Paul's podcast 'Hardiness with Dr Paul Taylor' Follow Ant on Instagram, X, and Facebook Learn more about Ant on his website antmiddleton.com Follow Nova Podcasts on Instagram for videos from the podcast and behind the scenes content – @novapodcastsofficial. CREDITS Host: Ant MiddletonEditor: Adrian WaltonExecutive Producer: Damien Haffenden Managing Producer: Ricardo Bardon Nova Entertainment acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which we recorded this podcast, the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation. We pay our respect to Elders past and present.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Content Warning: This episode includes discussion of suicide and mental health issues. Barry Du Bois had been a successful builder who had retired young and was sailing around the world, when he was tapped to join the TV world, becoming a beloved face on our TV screens thanks to the hugely popular TV series The Living Room. But behind the beaming smile that greeted audiences was a lifetime of trauma and pain, including his public cancer battle. In this candid conversation, Barry recounts how he almost let his deteriorating mental health get the better of him, until a well-timed phone call from a mate saved his life. He also details his struggle to start a family with wife Leonie, and why he fired one of the doctors treating his cancer. SUPPORT For immediate support in a crisis, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 More resources are available from Beyond Blue As this episode demonstrates - a conversation can change a life. Ask R U OK? any day. LINKS More on Well Traveller Follow Barry on Instagram Follow R U OK? on Instagram Follow Ant on Instagram, X, and Facebook Learn more about Ant on his website antmiddleton.com Follow Nova Podcasts on Instagram for videos from the podcast and behind the scenes content – @novapodcastsofficial. CREDITS Host: Ant MiddletonEditor: Adrian WaltonExecutive Producer: Damien Haffenden Managing Producer: Ricardo Bardon Nova Entertainment acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which we recorded this podcast, the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation. We pay our respect to Elders past and present.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Adam Reynolds grew up in the Sydney suburb of Redfern - the heartland of the South Sydney Rabbitohs. A gifted junior footy player, he quickly rose through the ranks, taking home plenty of awards and ultimately winning the NRL premiership in 2014. But he shocked the NRL community in 2021 when he left the Rabbitohs to head north and captain the Brisbane Broncos - leading them to victory in the 2025 NRL Grand Final. But his success hasn't been without its struggles. He's battled multiple injuries throughout his career, the latest sidelining him as the Broncos beat the Melbourne Storm to take home the 2025 Premiership. Now Adam is detailing the highs and lows of his career in his memoir 'On My Own Terms'. Adam spoke with Ant about his determination to get through injuries, how his young family inspires him and the power of teamwork. LINKS Adam's book 'On My Own Terms' is out now Follow Adam on Instagram Follow Ant on Instagram, X, and Facebook Learn more about Ant on his website antmiddleton.com Follow Nova Podcasts on Instagram for videos from the podcast and behind the scenes content – @novapodcastsofficial. CREDITS Host: Ant MiddletonEditor: Adrian WaltonExecutive Producer: Damien Haffenden Managing Producer: Ricardo Bardon Nova Entertainment acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which we recorded this podcast, the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation. We pay our respect to Elders past and present.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.