Sportscafe

With just a few shows to go, Marc's decided to escape to Argentina, we track him down and check in on his bizarre diet choices. Meanwhile, All Blacks legend Conrad Smith joins the crew to weigh in on TMOs, rugby’s direction, and whether the modern game has lost its way. Also in this episode: Seagulls, wingsuits and solving phone addiction Remembering Leigh at the Lions press conference in 2005 TAB picks, throwback to Sean Marks interview, and the return of “Legend of the Week” Watch now on YouTube or listen wherever you get your podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Sportscafe, we sit down for an exclusive, up-close chat with All Blacks captain Scott Barrett – like you’ve never seen him before. From being ambushed in his hotel room, to revealing what it’s really like growing up as a Barrett brother and why he could have gone pro in indoor volleyball, to his plans on life after footy – this is Scott raw, relaxed, and hilarious. Plus: Marc’s wild dwarf jousting fantasy gets reviewed (and promptly shut down) by an actual expert Insta Clips of the Week – what’s on our feeds Cliff diving chaos A brutal Richard Loe yarn And an examination of Ric's supposed new eye condition Watch or listen wherever you get podcasts – new episodes every Wednesday!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Sportscafe, we go deep inside the All Blacks camp with assistant coach Scott Hansen, who reveals their hidden tactics, emotional selection calls, and the process of naming the first squad of 2025. Then, Trent Boult joins the show to break down life in the IPL, the fast bowlers that scared him, and why he's backing cricket’s next big move into the US. Also in this episode:– Why Fabian Holland and Du’Plessis were selected for the All Blacks– Paul Gallen vs SBW debate– Parenting tactics using sliced cheese– The Human Cannonball and Ric's AI Doppelganger And more... Watch the episode on YouTube or listen in wherever you get podcasts!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

20 years since his iconic US Open win, Michael Campbell joins us to reflect on his career, the truth about Tiger Woods, playing with Samuel L Jackson and Ryan Fox's heroics. Ric finds a way to re-introduce The Human Cannonball to the show, we speak to up and coming surfer Kehu Butler, recap the Super Rugby action, and the show descends into madness without Lana's presence. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This weekend we've got a Bonus Episode of John Kirwan and Victor Matfield brand new podcast "Rivals" - If you like what you hear, follow the podcast on your preferred podcast app: Rivals | iHeart Rivals | Podcast on Spotify Rivals - Podcast - Apple Podcasts In this episode of Rivals, Victor Matfield and Sir John Kirwan talk about the Bulls taking the win over the Sharks, JK gives his views on whether the Chiefs know how to get the job done at the back end of the season and JK and Victor debate whether France are ready to take the world cup out, or if they just don't want it. Irish legend Andrew Trimble joins us to talk about the Lions tour, and what Andy Farrell has planned for the Australians. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week we’re joined by the great Christian Cullen - the All Blacks legend drops his picks for the most exciting players in the game right now, talks all things Super Rugby and Hurricanes, and reacts to Macca's punishing questions about John Hart and John Mitchell. Also in the mix this week: Kai Kara-France, just weeks out from his world title fight, who has a bone to pick Leigh. And downhill biking legend Brook MacDonald jumps on for a bit of chaos and carnage. Oh, and we just won Best Podcast of the Year at the NZ Radio & Podcast Awards. And you'll never guess where the award has ended up.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Leigh Hart makes his long-awaited return to the show, just in time for Marc Ellis to bring on an OnlyFans foot model (yes, actually). We're also joined by Ali Williams and Angus Taʻavao to cover the Super Rugby Finals and go behind the scenes of the Blues camp. Cheese rolling injuries, a new idea for regional air travel, and much, much more. About The Show: Ric Salizzo, Marc Ellis and Leigh Hart catch up to (uniquely) discuss sporting issues of the day, create havoc, welcome in special guests; and find time to look back with insight, and lay blame for moments from the popular Sports Cafe TV show. Follow: Ric Salizzo Marc Ellis LeighHart Sportscafe iHeartRadio NZ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Recorded in front of a live audience – this week, we dive deep into State of Origin with league legends Monty Betham and Danny Buderus. We’re joined again by All Black legend and Auckland FC CEO Ali Williams, as well as All Black and Highlander Ethan de Groot. We share our State of Origin predictions with insider expertise from Danny Buderus, as well as covering some of the best yarns from his historic career - we discuss the Warriors' season, why we love Invercargill, and much more. Important note: This episode was recorded before the tragic death of 19-year-old Ryan Satterthwaite, who passed away in Palmerston North this week. We want to send our deepest condolences to Ryan’s whānau, friends, and the wider Palmerston North community. Our thoughts are with you all during this incredibly difficult time. About The Show: Ric Salizzo, Marc Ellis and Leigh Hart catch up to (uniquely) discuss sporting issues of the day, create havoc, welcome in special guests; and find time to look back with insight, and lay blame for moments from the popular Sports Cafe TV show. Follow: Ric Salizzo Marc Ellis LeighHart Sportscafe iHeartRadio NZ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re kicking off the new season of Sportscafe with a chaotic bang, the only way we know how. We unpack the viral 'Run It Straight' trend that's taken over Australia and New Zealand, why Marc loves it and Lana is horrified. All Blacks legend and now Auckland FC Owner Ali Williams joins us to discuss the rise of football in NZ and AFC's incredible success. This is episode 1 of our New Zealand farewell tour, enjoy it while it lasts and tell a friend. About The Show: Ric Salizzo, Marc Ellis and Leigh Hart catch up to (uniquely) discuss sporting issues of the day, create havoc, welcome in special guests; and find time to look back with insight, and lay blame for moments from the popular Sports Cafe TV show. Follow: Ric Salizzo Marc Ellis LeighHart Sportscafe iHeartRadio NZ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fan favourite Matty Johns returns to celebrate our last show and cause more chaos with Macca. Kiwis Legend Mark Graham also joins the show to reflect on the golden days of league and rugby, as well as the new movie about his life created by his son ’Sharko’. About The Show: Ric Salizzo, Marc Ellis and Leigh Hart catch up to (uniquely) discuss sporting issues of the day, create havoc, welcome in special guests; and find time to look back with insight, and lay blame for moments from the popular Sports Cafe TV show. Follow: Ric Salizzo Marc Ellis LeighHart Sportscafe iHeartRadio NZ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s our second-to-last show, so we recruited Chris Cairns (our most recurring guest on Sportscafe TV show) to join us and update us on his health situation. We reminisce on Marc’s whipping from Eva The Bulgarian, and his chemistry with Elle McPherson during a TV interview, as well as Leigh's experience duck shooting, Zinny meeting a huge bodybuilder and more. About The Show: Ric Salizzo, Marc Ellis and Leigh Hart catch up to (uniquely) discuss sporting issues of the day, create havoc, welcome in special guests; and find time to look back with insight, and lay blame for moments from the popular Sports Cafe TV show. Follow: Ric Salizzo Marc Ellis LeighHart Sportscafe iHeartRadio NZ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From Speed Cooking to Marc’s Mastermind, we reveal the truth behind some of the most classic Sportscafe moments. Joe Daymond joins us to explain how to make Kiwis laugh and reveals that Leigh is his favourite comedian. We also speak to Mila Reuelu-Buchanan about the recent Silver Ferns victory, her injury, and much more! About The Show: Ric Salizzo, Marc Ellis and Leigh Hart catch up to (uniquely) discuss sporting issues of the day, create havoc, welcome in special guests; and find time to look back with insight, and lay blame for moments from the popular Sports Cafe TV show. Follow: Ric Salizzo Marc Ellis LeighHart Sportscafe iHeartRadio NZ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s the highly anticipated reunion of Matthew Ridge and Marc Ellis! We needed some help mediating, so we also brought in Sir John Kirwan. We cover the origins of Macca and Ridgey’s friendship, how they stood out in a conservative era of rugby, how JK helped usher them in, the difference between union and league, the time Marc had a panic attack, and much more! About The Show: Ric Salizzo, Marc Ellis and Leigh Hart catch up to (uniquely) discuss sporting issues of the day, create havoc, welcome in special guests; and find time to look back with insight, and lay blame for moments from the popular Sports Cafe TV show. Follow: Ric Salizzo Marc Ellis LeighHart Sportscafe iHeartRadio NZ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’ve got five episodes left, so we had to bring in a big guest - Aussie cricket legend Adam Gilchrist joins us to explain why Aussies are so cocky compared to Kiwis, playing with Shane Warne and more! Leigh talks us through his haircare regime and Marc breaks down the intricacies of tequila and mezcal. About The Show: Ric Salizzo, Marc Ellis and Leigh Hart catch up to (uniquely) discuss sporting issues of the day, create havoc, welcome in special guests; and find time to look back with insight, and lay blame for moments from the popular Sports Cafe TV show. Follow: Ric Salizzo Marc Ellis LeighHart Sportscafe iHeartRadio NZ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With six episodes left, Ric’s got some apologies to make… And Leigh’s got the instrumental to match. We recruit Kieran Read to talk us through the All Blacks’ Bledisloe Cup performance, Marc tells us about his wild America’s Cup interactions with Trevor Mallard, and Hamish Kerr tells us about jumping over Steven Adams with Macca on his head. About The Show: Ric Salizzo, Marc Ellis and Leigh Hart catch up to (uniquely) discuss sporting issues of the day, create havoc, welcome in special guests; and find time to look back with insight, and lay blame for moments from the popular Sports Cafe TV show. Follow: Ric Salizzo Marc Ellis LeighHart Sportscafe iHeartRadio NZ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

George Bower joins us to take us behind the scenes of the All Blacks camp, we ask him to sing a song for us and he does not disappoint! Marc tells us about the time he was given a live pig for his 21st birthday and Lana loses it over aliens… We look back at the Human Cannonball’s record-breaking attempt and more classic throwbacks. About The Show: Ric Salizzo, Marc Ellis and Leigh Hart catch up to (uniquely) discuss sporting issues of the day, create havoc, welcome in special guests; and find time to look back with insight, and lay blame for moments from the popular Sports Cafe TV show. Follow: Ric Salizzo Marc Ellis LeighHart Sportscafe iHeartRadio NZ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After getting kicked out of Invercargill last week, we’re in a brand new studio - and Graeme Hill rejoins the show to help us host an interview with Marc. Stacey Waaka calls in to discuss her Gold Medal at Paris, her NRLW season and shock injury. We cover the origins of Speedo Cops with Leigh and much more of the usual Sportscafe chaos. About The Show: Ric Salizzo, Marc Ellis and Leigh Hart catch up to (uniquely) discuss sporting issues of the day, create havoc, welcome in special guests; and find time to look back with insight, and lay blame for moments from the popular Sports Cafe TV show. Follow: Ric Salizzo Marc Ellis LeighHart Sportscafe iHeartRadio NZ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Marc and Ric get into a heated argument that sees Macca storm out of our new studio. Eric Rush dials in to recap the All Blacks vs. Springboks and offer his expert analysis. David Nyika joins us in the studio and can't believe the chaos that takes place. About The Show: Ric Salizzo, Marc Ellis and Leigh Hart catch up to (uniquely) discuss sporting issues of the day, create havoc, welcome in special guests; and find time to look back with insight, and lay blame for moments from the popular Sports Cafe TV show. Follow: Ric Salizzo Marc Ellis LeighHart Sportscafe iHeartRadio NZ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Zinzan Brooke is on the line for a recap of the All Blacks vs. Springboks - can we overcome our technical difficulties? Kai Kara-France joins us to talk about his UFC journey, the time he ran into his childhood bully, and he shares his advice for how to cut 10kg in 12 weeks. We re-visit classic Sportscafe moments like Marc’s cheese rolling victory, his parallel parking competition with Zinny, and more. About The Show: Ric Salizzo, Marc Ellis and Leigh Hart catch up to (uniquely) discuss sporting issues of the day, create havoc, welcome in special guests; and find time to look back with insight, and lay blame for moments from the popular Sports Cafe TV show. Follow: Ric Salizzo Marc Ellis LeighHart Sportscafe iHeartRadio NZ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joseph Parker joins us to discuss his altercation with Mike Tyson in Saudi Arabia and why he’s still his GOAT. Olympic gold medalist Finn Butcher brings us his hardware from Paris and teaches us the ins and outs of canoe racing. Marc reveals his favourite-ever guest from Sportscafe and shares his craziest tree climbing party stories - as well as the usual chaos and antics. About The Show: Ric Salizzo, Marc Ellis and Leigh Hart catch up to (uniquely) discuss sporting issues of the day, create havoc, welcome in special guests; and find time to look back with insight, and lay blame for moments from the popular Sports Cafe TV show. Follow: Ric Salizzo Marc Ellis LeighHart Sportscafe iHeartRadio NZ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, we’re exploring the sport of Power Slap, and we’re joined by one of the rising stars of the game, Delvin Hamlett aka Kuntry Hoodlum to teach us all about it. The boys and Lana come up with ideas for new sports including fish, Ric shares a story about Rugby New York’s hoodie giveaway that derails the show - and all the usual Sports Cafe chaos. About The Show: Ric Salizzo, Marc Ellis and Leigh Hart catch up to (uniquely) discuss sporting issues of the day, create havoc, welcome in special guests; and find time to look back with insight, and lay blame for moments from the popular Sports Cafe TV show. Follow: Ric Salizzo Marc Ellis LeighHart Sportscafe iHeartRadio NZ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s the long-awaited return of Eric Rush to the show, Marc and Leigh return from Europe and we’re joined in studio by Lana Coc-Kroft. We cover the end of the Olympics and talk to Argentinian rugby legend Juan Leguizamon to recap the Puma’s victory over the All Blacks last weekend. About The Show: Ric Salizzo, Marc Ellis and Leigh Hart catch up to (uniquely) discuss sporting issues of the day, create havoc, welcome in special guests; and find time to look back with insight, and lay blame for moments from the popular Sports Cafe TV show. Follow: Ric Salizzo Marc Ellis LeighHart Sportscafe iHeartRadio NZ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Michaela Blyde joins us to talk about the Black Ferns Sevens winning Gold in Paris - and why she wasn’t able to join the kick-ons. Blackjack social media star Tim Naki educates us on the world of online gambling, before Marc and Leigh lead him astray. Lana Coc-Kroft dials in from Queenstown to recap the Olympics so far, the Turkish shooter and French Pole Vaulter, and much more chaos as per usual. About The Show: Ric Salizzo, Marc Ellis and Leigh Hart catch up to (uniquely) discuss sporting issues of the day, create havoc, welcome in special guests; and find time to look back with insight, and lay blame for moments from the popular Sports Cafe TV show. Follow: Ric Salizzo Marc Ellis LeighHart Sportscafe iHeartRadio NZ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s the highly anticipated return of Lana Coc-Kroft to Sports Cafe. Ryan Fox joins us from Paris to talk all things Olympics and the best stories from Grant Fox on the golf course. Leigh and Marc call in from Spain to discuss tribes in Africa with ostrich feet, how our swimmers can benefit from webbed hands, and much more. Note: episode recorded prior to Women’s Sevens winning gold. About The Show: Ric Salizzo, Marc Ellis and Leigh Hart catch up to (uniquely) discuss sporting issues of the day, create havoc, welcome in special guests; and find time to look back with insight, and lay blame for moments from the popular Sports Cafe TV show. Follow: Ric Salizzo Marc Ellis LeighHart Sportscafe iHeartRadio NZ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

James McOnie joins us to give a shambolic rundown of Paris, we reflect on our favourite moments and Aerobic Oz Style. We react to some classic moments from Sports Cafe, Marc's Team Bulgaria apology, our Jonah Lomu interview and more! About The Show: Ric Salizzo, Marc Ellis and Leigh Hart catch up to (uniquely) discuss sporting issues of the day, create havoc, welcome in special guests; and find time to look back with insight, and lay blame for moments from the popular Sports Cafe TV show. Follow: Ric Salizzo Marc Ellis LeighHart Sportscafe iHeartRadio NZ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Eva The Bulgarian returns to the show to discuss her life post-Sports Cafe and Leigh joins us from Barcelona after celebrating Spain’s win in the Euros and pretending to be Christopher Luxon across Europe. Marc tries his best to derail the podcast by discussing Ric’s denim short shorts, giblets, bizarre dog shows and more. About The Show: Ric Salizzo, Marc Ellis and Leigh Hart catch up to (uniquely) discuss sporting issues of the day, create havoc, welcome in special guests; and find time to look back with insight, and lay blame for moments from the popular Sports Cafe TV show. Follow: Ric Salizzo Marc Ellis LeighHart Sportscafe iHeartRadio NZ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

NRL legend Matty Johns joins us to discuss the Warriors 2024 season, the All Blacks test series against England, getting sacked by the Melbourne Storm and his fallout with his brother. We react to Matthew Ridge’s NRL welcome, cat toupees, find out Stephen Perofeta doesn’t know who Marc Ellis is - and more! About The Show: Ric Salizzo, Marc Ellis and Leigh Hart catch up to (uniquely) discuss sporting issues of the day, create havoc, welcome in special guests; and find time to look back with insight, and lay blame for moments from the popular Sports Cafe TV show. Follow: Ric Salizzo Marc Ellis LeighHart Sportscafe iHeartRadio NZ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Marc and Aaron settle their negotiation from Episode One with maple syrup and feathers, we talk to Sam Cane about the upcoming All Blacks vs. England test series and look back at Leigh's first time on Sports Cafe as a snail racer. About The Show: Ric Salizzo, Marc Ellis and Leigh Hart catch up to (uniquely) discuss sporting issues of the day, create havoc, welcome in special guests; and find time to look back with insight, and lay blame for moments from the popular Sports Cafe TV show. Follow: Ric Salizzo Marc Ellis LeighHart Sportscafe iHeartRadio NZ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ric Salizzo recruits Marc Ellis, Leigh Hart and Political Correctness Advisor Aaron Ryan for the pilot episode of the SportsCafe-ish Podcast. We go down memory lane and look at some of the greatest moments from SportsCafe, talk Super Rugby, what’s brought the lads joy recently - and much more. Ric Salizzo Marc Ellis LeighHart Sportscafe iHeartRadio NZ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ric Salizzo, Marc Ellis and Leigh Hart catch up to (uniquely) discuss sporting issues of the day, create havoc, welcome in special guests; and find time to look back with insight, and lay blame for moments from the popular Sportscafe TV show. Follow: Ric Salizzo Marc Ellis LeighHart Sportscafe iHeartRadio NZ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.