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 a...
Dec 03, 2024•43 min•Season 1Ep. 62
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 ou...
Nov 26, 2024•49 min•Season 1Ep. 61
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...
Nov 19, 2024•47 min•Season 1Ep. 60
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 ...
Nov 12, 2024•34 min•Season 1Ep. 59
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 ...
Nov 05, 2024•48 min•Season 1Ep. 58
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 o...
Oct 29, 2024•59 min•Season 1Ep. 57
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 Conversati...
Oct 22, 2024•43 min•Season 1Ep. 56
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 we...
Oct 15, 2024•55 min•Season 1Ep. 55
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 Faceb...
Oct 08, 2024•47 min•Season 1Ep. 54
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...
Oct 01, 2024•42 min•Season 1Ep. 53
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 worthle...
Sep 24, 2024•46 min•Season 1Ep. 52
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 t...
Sep 17, 2024•41 min•Season 1Ep. 51
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 ...
Sep 10, 2024•41 min•Season 1Ep. 50
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 1...
Sep 03, 2024•41 min•Season 1Ep. 49
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 L ifeline on 13 11 14 or via their website lifeline.org.au. Drug and alcohol support can be found ...
Aug 27, 2024•50 min•Season 1Ep. 48
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....
Aug 20, 2024•59 min•Season 1Ep. 47
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 ...
Aug 13, 2024•48 min•Season 1Ep. 46
In this episode, Ant sits down with Ellie Cole to hear about her elite mindset. After losing her right leg to cancer at age 3, in 2021 she became Australia’s most decorated female Paralympic athlete, with a record-breaking 17 Paralympic medals and OAM to her name. In January 2024 she was also awarded an AM for her "significant service to sport as an advocate for diversity and inclusion”. LINKS Follow Ellie on Instagram @elliecoleswim Follow Ant on Instagram , X , and Facebook Learn more about An...
Aug 06, 2024•47 min•Season 1Ep. 45
Whilst lockdown was a challenge for most - David Knoff was tested in extraordinary circumstances. As station leader at the Davis Research Station in Antarctica, David was leading a team of 24 when the Covid-19 pandemic hit. Their ride home was cancelled - indefinitely. It was supposed to be a routine mission and instead, became a tense test of uncertainty and anxiety among his team. David was tasked with leading the team to safety and to get them home - something that required resilience, determ...
Jul 30, 2024•46 min•Season 1Ep. 44
Dr Lucy Hone's career path as a Resilience Expert became incredibly useful in the aftermath of the earthquake which devastated her city of Christchurch, New Zealand in 2011. She was able to support her community and help them rebuild their mental health and wellbeing - putting her research and studies into action. She believed this was her true test. But Lucy was forced again to call on her knowledge when she experienced heartbreaking loss in 2014 - the passing of her young daughter, Abi. Abi wa...
Jul 23, 2024•45 min•Season 1Ep. 43
This week, Ant's joined by TikTok star Jimmy Jan. When Covid lockdowns hit, the then-21 year old medical student headed from Newcastle to the Snowy Mountains to split his days between studying online and the slopes. But whilst skiing, one wrong landing changed everything for Jimmy, and he was left paralysed from the waist down. He speaks to Ant about how he's changed his mindset to embrace his disability and how when life throws you curveballs, you just have to pivot. LINKS Follow Jimmy Jan on I...
Jul 16, 2024•43 min•Season 1Ep. 42
In the climbing world, Alain Robert is a total rockstar. You may have seen coverage of him scaling buildings such as the Eiffel Tower, Burj Khalifa and the Empire State Building. In this episode, he speaks to Ant about the laser focus required to do these feats, and how fame has changed him. LINKS Follow Alain Robert on Instagram @alainrobertofficial Follow Ant on Instagram , X , and Facebook Learn more about Ant on his website antmiddleton.com Follow Nova Podcasts on Instagram for videos from t...
Jul 09, 2024•41 min•Season 1Ep. 41
"The one thing you have absolutely no control over is when you're gonna get rescued. What you have 100% of control over is 'are you going to be alive when you get rescued?'". This mindset kept Captain Brian Udell afloat for four gruelling hours in the middle of the Atlantic, after surviving one of the fastest known ejections in history. Injured and afraid, Brian knew he had to harness his mind to stay alive and get back home to his wife. She was at home, four months pregnant with their first chi...
Jul 02, 2024•38 min•Season 1Ep. 40
In this episode, Ant looks back on three powerful conversations with three very talented surfers. Each have had their own challenges and triumphs, and reflected on these in their previous Head Game interviews. Today, you'll hear from Owen Wright, Layne Beachley and Blakey Johnston on the power of the waves, and how the ocean got them through. LINKS Listen to Owen Wright's interview in full here Listen to Layne Beachley's interview in full here Listen to Blakey Johnston's interview in full here F...
Jun 25, 2024•14 min•Season 1Ep. 39
ANZAC Day 2006 was a day that changed the course of Todd Russell's life forever. Working a kilometre underground in Tasmania's Beaconsfield mine, Todd and workmate Brant Webb became trapped following a seismic event. In one of the most extraordinary survival feats of all time, Todd and Brant remained underground for 14 days - 321 hours, before finally reaching the surface on the 9th of May, 2006. In this powerful conversation, Todd takes us inside what went through his mind in those 321 hours, h...
Jun 18, 2024•40 min•Season 1Ep. 38
Beau Miles is a filmmaker, adventurer and serious bean-eater. In this episode, Beau takes Ant into his mindset during his epic journey across the coast of Africa. He shares how he's intimidated by life, what success looks like to him, and how important it is to know when to call it quits. LINKS Subscribe to Beau's YouTube here Follow Beau on Instagram @beauisms Follow Ant on Instagram , X , and Facebook Learn more about Ant on his website antmiddleton.com Follow Nova Podcasts on Instagram for vi...
Jun 11, 2024•50 min•Season 1Ep. 37
Hear part one of Nigel Brennan's story here . In this episode we hear the second half of Nigel Brennan's phenomenal story. In part one, Nigel shared the events leading up to his capture, the moment he was abducted and the call that turned his family's world upside down. In part two, Nigel shares how he escaped, his family's response and he reflects on how he feels about the ordeal now. LINKS Find out more about Nigel's book, The Price of Life here Follow Nigel on Instagram @nigelbrennan Follow A...
Jun 04, 2024•32 min•Season 1Ep. 36
Nigel Brennan has one phenomenal story. He was working as a Photojournalist when an opportunity came up to visit Somalia to cover the humanitarian crisis. It was supposed to be a seven day visit. But instead, he and colleague Amanda Lindhout spent 15 hellish months in captivity. He bravely opens up to Ant about how this nightmare unfolded, and how he survived to tell the tale today. CW: This episode contains discussions of sexual assault. If you think you need immediate assistance, call 000. If ...
May 28, 2024•34 min•Season 1Ep. 35
For Mahmood Fazal, life in 2024 is great. He feels good every morning when he wakes up - not having to look over his shoulder or feel nervous when he's in a public space. But things haven't always been this way for Mahmood - as the Walkley Award-winning Journalist shares in this eye-opening conversation with Ant. Mahmood discloses his raw and unfiltered perspective on his experience with crime and violence in Australia - and how he's using that lived experience to create change. LINKS Follow Mah...
May 21, 2024•50 min•Season 1Ep. 34
If there's one thing Nedd Brockmann wants to you do today, it's keep showing up. At just 25 years old, Nedd has achieved an extroadinary amount. His most well-known feat was in 2022 when he ran across Australia - from Perth to Bondi - in just 46 days. He joins Ant in-studio to reflect on the lessons from those long and torturous days. He shares how he harnessed his mindset to push through pain barriers, and makes the choice to be positive every single day - even in the toughest of times. LINKS T...
May 14, 2024•42 min•Season 1Ep. 33
