Head Game

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 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 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.

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.

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.

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. 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.

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.

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.

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.

Growing up in a strict religious household and sheltered from the outside world, Claire McAuliffe found herself coerced into marriage at the age of 18. When her husband moved Claire and their growing family to a compound belonging to a known doomsday cult, she slowly began to question the absurd teachings and questionable actions of cult leaders and members. As her questions grew, Claire found herself and her children kicked out of the family home. In this episode, Claire reveals why she and her kids were actually happy when the sheriff knocked on her door with an eviction notice, and how she endured decades under strict religious lifestyles.  SUPPORT For domestic violence support, contact 1800 RESPECT  More resources are available here LINKS Claire's book 'Lessons From A Cult Survivor' is out now Follow Claire 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.

Growing up, Jaye Pukepuke dreamed of making it big in rugby league. But falling in with the wrong crowd led him to a life of crime. Convicted of 15 armed robberies, his jail sentence not only ripped away his freedom, but his hopes of hitting the heights of the NRL. But sitting in a cell and wanting more from life, Jaye made the most of opportunities to progress within New Zealand's rugby league divisions.  Now, Jaye is hoping a new generation of Māori youth will learn from his mistakes, operating a charity and education program to reconnect teams with nature and culture. LINKS Grab a copy of Jaye's book 'Inner Warror' Follow Jaye on Instagram More info on Bros For Change 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: Elle Beattie 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.