What a Lad

Lachie Brook’s journey to becoming an Auckland FC champion has been anything but straightforward. From making his professional debut at just 16 in the A-League, to playing around the world in England and America, his career has included some incredible highs and some seriously tough lows.In this episode of What a Lad, Lachie opens up about losing his love for football in England, finding it again back in Australia, and then reaching his lowest point mentally while playing in America.He also shares the story behind joining Auckland FC, why he initially wasn’t excited about the move, and how it turned into one of the best chapters of his career — culminating in an unforgettable first season and finally experiencing what it feels like to win.Some parts that stood out for me were…What made him so good at such a young ageHow quickly things can change in Football How important it is to be enjoying yourself off the field to thrive on it.He shares how tough he found it mentally while in AmericaHow algorithms are being used to recruit footballersWhat he's loved about the Auckland FC environmentWinning with Auckland FC and experiencing that championship feelingAs you'll hear Lachie is a great lad, honest, reflective and has had an incredible journey for such a young man. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Daniel Lienert-Brown is one of the great servants of New Zealand rugby. With 140 games for the Highlanders, 100 for Canterbury, a Super Rugby title and four NPC titles, DLB has built an incredible career through consistency, resilience and a genuine love for the game.In this episode of What a Lad, DLB opens up about the full journey — from growing up in Christchurch dreaming of one day playing for Canterbury or the Crusaders, to getting his first taste of professional rugby, receiving the call from Jamie Joseph to join the Highlanders and becoming part of their historic 2015 Super Rugby title.What stands out most is just how grateful he is for every opportunity rugby has given him. He talks about those early “pinch yourself” moments, becoming the Highlanders’ most capped forward and reaching 100 games for Canterbury.DLB also opens up about the tougher side of the journey. He reflects on a time when being “the rugby player” became his identity, how that affected his life away from the game, hitting rock bottom in 2021 and how faith, family and perspective helped completely change the way he sees himself today.Some parts that stood out for me in this episode were…Growing up watching Canterbury and the Crusaders and dreaming of one day being there The satisfaction he got from making his dad proudGoing from working at Pak n Save to getting his first Crusaders opportunityWhat made the 2015 Highlanders side special Why Nasi Manu is the best player he played withThe role faith now plays in his lifeWhy gratitude has become such a big part of the way he approaches rugby and lifeDLB is a special man and there is no man who his more grateful for his career then this man, I know you'll enjoy this one! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Well that's the Greatest Rivalry tour all done and dusted and it was a tour that lived up to the hype. This tour had high expectations but after producing 4 incredible tests full with intensity, quality rugby and of course some controversy, everything about this series was a success.South Africa proved why they are the number 1 side in the world claiming the series 3–1, so where does that leave the All Blacks heading towards the Rugby World Cup?For this episode I'm joined by Searley as we cover:How the Springboks won the final TestWhat areas of the game cost the All Blacks in this oneWe look at the controversial refereeing decisions that shaped the gameWhy South Africa’s cohesion is such a major advantageThe All Blacks who raised their stocks during the tourThe positions still up for grabs ahead of the World CupThe players who are to return to the All Blacks and where they fitSouth Africa’s best performers and stock risers, including Malcolm Marx and Morné van den BergAnd heaps moreSouth Africa have confirmed themselves as the best team in the world — but after using 49 players on tour, there are still plenty of reasons for New Zealand fans to feel optimistic. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jeremy's story is one of the most powerful we've ever shared on What a Lad.Growing up in an abusive household, Jeremy experienced years of physical violence. Carrying that trauma into adulthood, he eventually became the very person he never wanted to be, repeating the cycle of violence he had witnessed as a child.In this incredibly honest conversation, Jeremy opens up about the darkest moments of his life, the roleplay that completely changed his perspective, and the counsellor who helped him confront his past for the first time. Today, he dedicates his life to helping others break the same cycle, working with men, families, organisations, and New Zealand Police to create lasting change.Some parts that stood out for me in this episode were…- Growing up surrounded by physical abuse and violence.- His experience of sexual abuse at boarding school.- How childhood trauma shaped his behaviour as an adult.- The moment he realised he had become everything he hated.- The roleplay exercise that changed his life forever.- How he turned his lived experience into helping thousands of others across New Zealand.- His advice for families supporting someone struggling with anger and violence.This is one of the most courageous and important conversations we've ever had on the podcast. Jeremy's willingness to share both the harm he experienced and the harm he caused takes an incredible amount of honesty, and I have no doubt his story will help people better understand trauma, accountability, and the fact that real change is possible.If you’re struggling with anger or worried about your behaviour, find support near you and take the first step. Changeispossible.org.nz Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.