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PODCAST

Head Game

Join Ant Middleton as he speaks with people that have beaten the odds and achieved the unthinkable by getting their head in the game. You’ll hear extraordinary stories of survival, relive heroic moments, unpack the details of life-changing decisions, and celebrate the achievement of seemingly impossible goals. This podcast series highlights what we’re capable of when we harness the power of the mind.

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All Episodes

15:17

Best of Head Game: At the Mercy of Mother Nature

Head Game ·

2024/12/24

In this special episode, you'll hear from two incredible women who had to think and act fast in a race against the clock to stay alive. Mother Nature turned their lives upside down in a split second, and put their resilience and bravery to the ultimate test. Today, you'll hear from Lisa Blair and Kelsey Waghorn. LINKS Listen to Kelsey Waghorn's episode in full here Listen to Lisa Blair's episode in full here Follow Ant on Instagram, X, and Facebook Learn more about Ant on his website

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43:59

20 Years On: Surviving the Boxing Day Tsunami

Head Game ·

2024/12/17

In December 2004, Rebekah Giles made the spontaneous decision to book a holiday to Thailand. After a busy year working as a lawyer, she decided a week on the idyllic Phi Phi Island would be the reset she needed. But her relaxing break quickly turned into a total nightmare, when the deadliest tsunami in modern history struck. 20 years on from that horrific day, Rebekah shares her story and reflects on the tragedy. LINKS Follow Ant on Instagram, X, and Facebook Learn more about Ant on his website

en-US

46:51

BASE Jumper Jeb Corliss on Dedicating His Life to...

Head Game ·

2024/12/10

Jeb Corliss was just six years old when he declared that one day, he would fly. His Aunt explained to him that it wasn't possible. But for Jeb, eventually it would be possible. Jeb is one of the most well-known BASE jumpers on the planet. He shares his wisdom on fear, pushing yourself to the limits and learning the value of time in this fascinating conversation. In this episode, there is a mention of suicide. If this topic is triggering for you, please seek help by visiting Lifeline's website at

en-US

43:29

Gus Taylor on Climbing out of the Darkness

Head Game ·

2024/12/03

Gus Taylor is happiest when he's climbing. From the Blue Mountains to Joshua Tree, Gus has travelled the world, seeing each new place from the greatest heights. But his favourite hobby became 'revolting' to him, after he faced not one, but two life changing moments. In this episode, he shares his devastating journey of losing one of his best mates in a freak-accident, and his return to the ropes to honour him. LINKS Follow Ant on Instagram, X, and Facebook Learn more about Ant on his website

en-US

48:34

Brett Connellan on the Surf That Changed Everything

Head Game ·

2024/11/26

On March 30th 2016, Brett Connellan was having a terrible day. He decided he'd try and turn his mood around by doing his favourite thing - heading out for a surf. But Brett's terrible day soon became a complete nightmare, when he was bitten by a shark. Brett joins Ant in-studio to share his remarkable story of survival. He tells Ant about the the devastating moment he was told he'd never surf again, and - his triumphant return to the waves. LINKS Follow Brett on Instagram @brettconnellan Find out

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47:19

Life Lessons From Rugby Legend, Mat Rogers

Head Game ·

2024/11/19

Mat Rogers shares a raw and vulnerable insight into his life in this episode. From his inspiring career as both a Rugby league and union legend, to facing heartbreak behind the scenes, Mat opens up to Ant in this powerful conversation. He speaks about how he wanted to carve his own path in the sport he loved, the tragic passing of both his mother and father, and how he found the strength to carry on. In this episode, there is a mention of suicide. If this topic is triggering for you, please seek

en-US

34:01

Life Inside a Cult

Head Game ·

2024/11/12

In this episode, Ant is joined by Carli McConkey. Carli was just 21 years old when she attended a wellness festival in Sydney one Sunday afternoon. She met with a psychic, hoping to gain some clarity and direction. But that encounter ended up altering the course of her life for 13 years. Carli shares her story of losing her identity, freedom and family. She also opens up about the realisation that she needed to escape, and how she fought against mind control techniques in order to do so. If you

en-US

47:39

The Moment That Made This Bank Robber Turn His Life...

Head Game ·

2024/11/05

For as long as Jeffrey Morgan can remember, he's lived in survival mode. His earliest memories are dominated by family violence, gambling, and alcoholism - so at just 12 years old, Jeff decided he'd be safer on the streets than under his own roof. What followed were years of having to fend for himself, and although he never wanted to hurt anyone, crime became a 'habit' for Jeff and his crew. At 37 years old, sitting in a jail cell, Jeff decided that he'd had enough. He transformed his life, and

en-US

58:30

How Aminata Conteh-Biger Turned Harrow Into Hope

Head Game ·

2024/10/29

Aminata Conteh-Biger is an author, inspirational speaker, Founder and CEO of a non-profit organisation, The Aminata Maternal Foundation. Aminata was born in Sierra Leone, growing up in Freetown. Following her kidnap, imprisonment and subsequent release by rebel soldiers during the 11-year civil war, Aminata became one of the first Sierra Leonean refugees to be settled in Australia. She shares her harrowing experience in this episode, reflects on how she processed her trauma to build a new life on

en-US

43:08

What It Takes To Summit Everest 18 Times

Head Game ·

2024/10/22

For most, reaching the summit of Mount Everest would be a once-in-a-lifetime moment. But for Kenton Cool, this is another day at the office. He's one of the world's best mountaineers and climbing guides, and has reached the highest point on the planet an incredible 18 times. In this episode, he shares the journey from being told he may never climb again, to being at the top of his game. LINKS See more from Kenton Cool at kentoncool.com Check out Ant's episode on Kenton's podcast, Cool

en-US

54:59

Inside the Success of the Matildas

Head Game ·

2024/10/15

This week, Ant is joined by star goalkeeper, Lydia Williams. From her upbringing in desert Kalgoorlie to playing in the EPL, Lydia shares her path to success despite heartache and injuries. She shares what it takes to be a Matilda, and takes us inside their meteoric rise in the 2023 World Cup. Lydia's kids book 'Saved!!!' can be purchased here 'Goal!!!' can be purchased here Follow Lydia Williams on Instagram @lydsaussie13 Follow Ant on Instagram, X, and Facebook Learn more about Ant on his

en-US

46:39

Gina Chick on Her Inspiring Approach to Grief

Head Game ·

2024/10/08

Gina Chick joins Ant to share her extraordinary life story. From a wild childhood filled with adventures to the devastating loss of her young daughter, Gina's approach to life and grief is truly unique. Gina shares how she's gotten through her lowest moments, and the tools she's learned along the way that will help others. LINKS Gina's memoir, We Are the Stars, is out now. Find out more and purchase a copy here. Follow Gina Chick on Instagram @gigiamazonia Follow Ant on Instagram, X, and Facebook

en-US

41:54

Kellie Finlayson on Thriving With Terminal Cancer

Head Game ·

2024/10/01

Kellie Finlayson shares her inspiring story with Ant in this episode. The young Mum and wife of AFL star, Jeremy Finlayson, was just 25 when she was diagnosed with terminal bowel cancer in 2021. Having just given birth to Sophia, she put some unusual symptoms down to being postpartum, but the results of a delayed colonoscopy revealed the life-changing news. She opens up about how this robbed her of her first year of motherhood, the ongoing fight to stay alive each day, and how the support of her

en-US

45:43

The True Cost of Working on the Frontline

Head Game ·

2024/09/24

With a career spanning over 20 years as an operational police officer, Allan Sparkes was no stranger to high-pressure situations. From murders to robberies to rescues, Allan had to confront intense and difficult cases on a daily basis. But this took a harsh toll, and he found himself battling post-traumatic stress disorder and depression. Now, Allan is passionate about preventing severe burnout and supporting those working on the frontline. He shares his journey from feeling hopeless and

en-US

40:58

The Magpie That Kept Sam Bloom Alive

Head Game ·

2024/09/17

In the blink of an eye, Sam Bloom's life changed forever. The active Mum-of-three was on a family holiday in Thailand when a tragic fall left her paralysed from the chest down. What followed were months of rehab and heartbreak, as Sam battled with severe injuries and her declining mental health. In this episode, she speaks about how the love of her family and a little bird got her through, in a story that's captured the world's attention. In this episode, there is a mention of suicide. If this

en-US

41:04

Losing a Loved One in 9/11… Then Meeting the Terrorists

Head Game ·

2024/09/10

If there's anyone who understands the importance of resilience and forgiveness, it's Simon Kennedy. Simon's mother Yvonne was one of 10 Australians to be tragically killed during the 9/11 terrorist attacks. In this moving and emotional conversation, Simon reflects on the unforgettable trip to Guantanamo Bay where he came face-to-face with those responsible, and shares how he thinks his mother's final moments would have been spent. In this episode, there is a mention of suicide. If this topic is

en-US

40:38

Ex-Commando Damien Thomlinson on Surviving an IED Attack

Head Game ·

2024/09/03

Damien Thomlinson has one phenomenal comeback story. The former soldier was on night patrol with the Australian Defence Force when an IED attack completely changed everything. He lost both legs in the accident, and took charge of his recovery and new life. He shares his strength, wisdom and ambition with Ant today. In this episode, there is a mention of suicide. If this topic is triggering for you, please seek help by visiting Lifeline's website at https://www.lifeline.org.au/ or by calling 13 11

en-US

50:09

The Decision That Changed Osher Günsberg’s Life

Head Game ·

2024/08/27

Ant is joined by beloved TV host, podcaster and mental health advocate, Osher Günsberg this week. Osher opens up about his journey from addiction to sobriety, coping with 'inescapable' anxiety, and the decision he made that altered the course of his life. CW: This episode contains discussions of mental ill-health and substance abuse. If this episode raises any issues for you, help is available from Lifeline on 13 11 14 or via their website lifeline.org.au. Drug and alcohol support can be found with

en-US

58:37

Lisa Blair on Becoming the First Woman to Sail Solo...

Head Game ·

2024/08/20

This week, Ant is joined by the phenomenal Lisa Blair. Lisa is the fastest person to sail solo, non-stop and unassisted around Antarctica on her yacht Climate Action Now. She holds 5 world records, and has shared her adventures in her book, Facing Fear. In this conversation, she opens up about the treacherous voyage in 2017 in which she was left stranded in the middle of the ocean, alone. She had to think and act quickly - and thanks to her strong mindset, she's here to share the story with Ant

en-US

47:31

Johann Hari on Addiction and the Quest for Happiness

Head Game ·

2024/08/13

This week, Ant is joined by the extraordinary Johann Hari. As an award-winning Journalist, Johann's mission to answer life's core mysteries. The inspiration for these investigations have stemmed from his own life experiences. In this powerful conversation, Ant and Johann dive into Johann's experience with addiction, and how his compassion has led to a life helping others. If this episode raises any issues for you, support is available from the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015

en-US

106 results

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