Backstage with Cooper & Matty Johns
Episodes
Christmas Special 🎄
18 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Please note this episode was recorded before the tragic events at Bondi last Sunday.Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their loved ones, a...
BEST OF BACKSTAGE: VOL. 2
14 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The laughs, stories and chaos continue in Best of Backstage: Vol. 2. Featuring unforgettable moments with Gaz & Gayle, Drinky, Jason Ryles, Jarome...
Cooper's Flashback Pick: Cameron Smith Joins Us Before His Last Ever Game.
11 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
There's a lot in this episode… ahead of the Grand Final Cameron Smith calls in for a big chat with Matty and the gang, also Jack is very hungov...
Best of Backstage: Vol. 1
07 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Featuring Braith Anasta, Fletch & Hindy, Jarch, Laurie Daley, Brad Parker, Spud Carroll, Mitchell Starc, Brandon Smith (“Cheese”), Joe...
Trish's Flashback Pick: Cooper's NRL Debut 2020
04 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Big news as Cooper Johns makes his first grade debut for The Storm, Jack gets injured when training with The Souths… the family discuss who has...
The Last Laugh - Razzman is Back! & The Lomax Party
30 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The boys wrap up the year with chaos, laughs, and a few questionable memories.Razzman’s back with a Christmas job enquiry, Brad Parker cops a pr...
Swipe Right on the Johns 📱💘
27 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Love is in the air! Matty, Trish, Cooper & Jack play matchmaker this week — setting up blind dates for listeners, debating the art of romant...
#72 | Nicho Hynes
23 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Nicho Hynes drops by for what was meant to be a calm chat about Season 2025.Instead — we got Byron Bay Drama, prank wars, a ping pong meltdown, ...
“30 Years, The Berghain & a Bad Proposal 💍”
20 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
30 years of marriage to the most awkward proposals ever. The gang revisits “The Burgheim” story, shares proposal disasters, and debates th...
#71 | Gary & Gayle Johns
16 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Matty welcomes his parents, Gayle and Gary Johns — Cooper’s Nan and Pop — for a hilarious, heartfelt chat about 55 years of marriage...
Cooper’s Rubber Ducky 🦆
13 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Johns family bounce from honouring Remembrance Day before diving into Cooper’s rubber ducky saga, Matty’s new tattoo, and a few haunti...
From Oasis to The Ashes, DCE’s a Rooster & R360 Update
09 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Cooper & Matty go from Britpop to backlines, unpacking Oasis mania and England’s Ashes soul-searching. They react to Daly Cherry-Evans&rsquo...
Honey… We Own the Titans
06 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Johns family celebrate becoming co-owners of the Gold Coast Titans. Between talk of country songs, Halloween antics, and a family wedding, Ja...
#70 | Tommy Berry: Melbourne Cup Mindset🏆
02 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Cooper & Matty sit down with champion jockey Tommy Berry ahead of the Melbourne Cup, chatting form, pressure, and life inside racing’s bigge...
Halloween Special! 🎃
30 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What scares you? Let’s hear the untold horror story, of Matt and a few footy mates, walking into a remote Darwin pub. It’s Halloween, and ...
#69 | Scott Drinkwater
26 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Scott Drinkwater joins Cooper & Matty to chat Cowboys culture, Melbourne Storm memories, and life off the field. From Oktoberfest tales to tw...
Kevin Rudd vs. Trump, Ghosts Tours & Louvre Robbery 🇫🇷💰
23 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Johns family unpack a wild week — from Matty’s dab lessons and Kevin Rudd’s Trump humiliation to Cooper’s haunted ghost to...
#68 | Jason Ryles
19 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Jason Ryles joins Cooper and Matty to chat about his first days as Parramatta coach, Bellamy’s best prank, coaching the game’s greats, and...
“The Monkeys Are Teaming Up Against Uncle Joey”
16 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Learn the real reason couples are having destination weddings. The tributes flow in for Jack, Cooper fumigates his grandparents and Trish has a very n...
#67 | Dylan Walker
12 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dylan Walker joins Cooper & Matty for a raw, funny chat about losing his premiership ring, life at Parra, Bozo, Russell Crowe, and NRL culture. Fr...
Jack Johns, take a bow!
09 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What has Trish said to be taken off air!!! Matt cops some parenting criticism, and a nasty email within the week. The tree of trust has a broken...
Walsh, Haas & The GF Madness — Brisbane’s Big Night! Plus International Selections & R360 👀
07 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The boys break down the Broncos’ Grand Final triumph, Reece Walsh’s rise, Rugby 360’s poaching rumours, the post-game chaos from a w...
“Walkouts & Grand Finals”
02 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week it’s chaos on all fronts — from food feuds and Gaz & Gayle to deep dives, vinyl, and the NRL Grand Final. Trish storms out, ...
Grand Final Fever: Broncos v Storm Preview
30 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The big dance is here! 🏆 Broncos take on the Storm in the 2025 NRL Grand Final, and the boys break it all down. Christian Welch dials in to give us...
Broncos End the Dynasty! Storm Survive Sharks | Finals Prelim Review
28 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
History is made — the Broncos have ended Penrith’s dynasty in an all-time prelim, with Adam Reynolds nailing the game-winner to stun the P...
"This has to be our WORST episode ever!"
25 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to Matt’s Meltdown! Cooper shares his shit sleep, Jack has a story to, ‘Nowhere Town’, but bounces back for his first unsarc...
DO or DIE: Can Sharks Stun? Can Broncos Break the Dynasty? | Finals Week 3 Preview
23 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sharks and Storm clash in a bruising prelim decider — can Fitz’s men shock Melbourne?Broncos face the ultimate test against Penrith’...
Sharks Sink Raiders & Panthers Maul the Dogs | Finals Week 2 Review + Fletch & Hindy
21 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Cooper battles through a hangover while the boys dive straight into finals footy. Sharks’ big win over the Raiders is broken down, along with wh...
“This Curry Nearly KILLED the Johns Family ”
18 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week’s family ep fires up straight out of the gates — from “Who stinks?” to Cooper’s fitness regime that still hasn...
Sexton THE MAN! Finals Week 2 Preview
16 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The boys are back to break down all the action heading into Week 2 of the NRL Finals. Big talking points, key matchups, and predictions you don’...
“Reece Walsh: Best 15 Minutes Ever? & Will He Be Suspended?" | Finals Week 1 Review
14 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The boys break down a huge weekend of footy with a spotlight on the Raiders v Broncos clash — and that blistering 15-minute masterclass from Ree...
“Darling, You Weren’t Building an Ark” 🌊🐐
11 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
There’s a turning of the tide today on the Backstage family pod — from soggy bus rides and Teddy Swims serenades to full-blown throat goat...
“Is Reece Walsh Really OUT?!" Finals Bombshells
09 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Finals are here and the boys are fired up! This week, Cooper & Matty break down all four blockbuster matchups — from the Titans upsettin...
#66 | Jahrome Hughes
07 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The boys are joined by Storm halfback Jahrome Hughes for a cracking chat. From fatherhood and being “boyfriend material,” to life alongsid...
Enter the Razzman & Reece Walsh’s Flushie Celebration
04 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week, the Johns crew welcomes a new producer, The Razzman. From women on flights and Reece Walsh’s infamous “flushie” to H...
#65 | Ray Hadley | Part 2
31 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Legendary broadcaster Ray Hadley joins the boys for stories of footy feuds, radio wars and wild moments. From nipple clamps to marathon commentar...
#65 | Ray Hadley | Part 1
31 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Legendary broadcaster Ray Hadley joins the boys for stories of footy feuds, radio wars and wild moments. From nipple clamps to marathon commentar...
“Nothing Says Prime Evil Like a Cat In a Lap”
28 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
From Ashton Ward flashbacks to Cooper’s Springsteen list, the boys cover music, mayhem, and Matty’s Cronk tales. Jack’s going t...
Ray Hadley & the Johns Boys Stitch Up Bulldog Ritchie over Joey - Ryles–Eels Feud
27 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
“A Sneak Peek into Next Week’s Episode with Legendary Broadcaster Ray Hadley – Enjoy the Preview!” Subscribe, Watch, and Follo...
#64 | Player Manager: Steve 'Chimes' Gillis
24 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week we’re joined by Steve “Chimes” Gillis, one of the the NRL’s most experienced player managers with three decades in t...
A Few Beers With Some Wallabies🦘 👀
21 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today we chat about last weekend's night out with some ex-Wallabies — from karaoke chaos to Trish stirring the pot, before the lads dive into we...
#63 | Alex Twal
17 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Alex Twal joins the boys to chat heritage, Tigertown, and his long-awaited Try. From Benji and Maguire to diet hacks and cheat meals, Twal shares stor...
Matty & Joey’s Homeland Insecurity
14 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Johns clan takes flight with a prehistoric intro before diving into Snoop Dogg shout-outs, Gold Coast misadventures, and the legendary Cessnock Po...
#62 | Tim Blackwell
10 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Matty & Cooper go Backstage with radio legend Tim Blackwell, diving into his career from first gigs to the heights of brekky radio.It's got it all...
The Game Explodes. Matt Crosses the Line.
07 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Tensions hit a boiling point when Pictionary turns ugly & the Family are over Trainer bashing.Cooper brings a mysterious “stick” into ...
#61 | Kurt Gidley | Part 2
03 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Is Kurt Gidley actually Cooper’s dad? The boys kick off with a live in-studio paternity test before diving into Gidley’s career, from debu...
#61 | Kurt Gidley | Part 1
03 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Is Kurt Gidley actually Cooper’s dad? The boys kick off with a live in-studio paternity test before diving into Gidley’s career, from debu...
Jack’s Leaving Us? Find Out Who’d Get Laughed Off the Worksite!
31 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Someone’s trying to poach Jack…We’re going full tradie this week — from past jobs to the worksite showdown. Plus, our review ...
#60 | Jake Trbojevic
27 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The boys sit down with Manly and Origin legend Jake Trbojevic for a big chat on leadership, loyalty, and life outside footy. From DCE’s wedding,...
Des Goes Boom 💣, Farewell Ozzy 🦇 & Animation Domination!
24 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Des Hasler’s fiery blow-up might be just what the Titans need 💥, while the boys farewell the Prince of Darkness himself — Ozzy Osbourne...
#59 | Tom Starling | Part 2
20 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Tom Starling joins the boys for a wild episode full of laughs, inside stories, and 2025 Raiders chat.They prank-call Adam Elliott and take a hilarious...
#59 | Tom Starling | Part 1
20 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Tom Starling joins the boys for a wild episode full of laughs, inside stories, and 2025 Raiders chat.They prank-call Adam Elliott and take a hilarious...
Kiwi Matty 🇳🇿, Kalyn’s Call & The C*ckhead Cup 🏆🤬
17 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Matty meets his Kiwi Doppleganger, Cheese x Matty - the boys unpack Kalyn Ponga’s future as rugby comes knocking, and the legendary Cockhead Cup...
#58 | Tim Tszyu
13 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Matthew & Cooper sit down with Tim Tszyu ahead of his massive bout with Sebastian Fundora.They chat legacy, his famous father, Manny Pacquiao, the...
“Umm... This is the Mad Cow Sir” 😡🐄 🍻
10 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The boys take a chaotic trip from Oasis reunions to marriage counselling, with pit stops in Canberra, Townsville, Melbourne and which NRL Player had a...
Game 3 REACTION! Munster's Heroics and Dearden's Brilliance Seal Maroons' Victory
09 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Queensland secured the 2025 State of Origin series with a 24–12 Game 3 victory, driven by Cameron Munster's inspiring leadership amid personal t...
QLD’S MASTERSTROKE? Shibasaki, Hammer & Big Papa Unleashed!
06 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Queensland roll the dice for the decider — Shibasaki’s in, The Hammer shifts to fullback, and Big Papa returns! We break down every m...
🧽 SpongeBob, Matty Johns & The Power of YET?!
03 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Matty breaks down life lessons from SpongeBob 🧽, a royal audio leak, and a Ferrari meltdown.From fights to flippin’ birds. Subscribe, Watch, ...
#57 | Connor Watson | Part 2
29 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The boys catch up with Roosters gun & NSW Blue Connor Watson to relive wild stories from their past, his rise through the NRL, and the moment he g...
#57 | Connor Watson | Part 1
29 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The boys catch up with Roosters gun & NSW Blue Connor Watson to relive wild stories from their past, his rise through the NRL, and the moment he g...
"WTF JACK!" 😂 Matty’s Had a Massive Change of Heart!"
26 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Alex Johnston’s heartfelt letter to Wayne Bennett, Angus Sampson charms the ladies and Trish has become a one can screamer. Subscribe, Wat...
#56 | Mark Hughes
24 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Mark Hughes: Brain cancer survivor and absolute legend on and off the field.The boys chat with the Newcastle great about the Beanie for Brain Cancer R...
#55 | Paul Gallen
22 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Rugby league legend Paul Gallen opens up about his upcoming boxing match against Sonny Bill Williams. Get the inside scoop on the long-awaited grudge ...
Bruiser’s like an STI.
19 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Warwick Capper’s five year ban, mutiny on the deep sea fishing trip Cooper’s wasted career and who’s the stinker? Subscribe, W...
ORIGIN II REACTION! Munster Madness, Cleary Injury & Penalties Galore
18 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The boys break down Queensland’s gutsy Game II win, dissecting the key moments and standout performances. From brutal hits to big plays, they un...
Cleary x Luai: This Is WAR!
15 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Blues bring back the band — Cleary x Luai are back with everything to prove.Over in Maroons camp, Munster’s now captain, and Cherry&rs...
Matty Goes VEGAN?! And AI Dishes Out Marriage Advice 🤖💍
12 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Matt and Trish’s romantic weekend. Friendships gone bad. Chat GPT’s marriage advice and using players as pawns. Subscribe, Watch, an...
#54 | Jacob Preston
08 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The boys sit down with Bulldogs star Jacob Preston to chat about the fiery Eels vs Bulldogs clash. He opens up about life at the Doggies, his rise in ...
“Stop Looking at Yourself you Narcissistic WANKER Johns!”
05 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Nasty review is back, better than ever!! Ben Fordham’s beetle-nut teeth get spotted. Matts biceps are causing a ruckus. Trish accepts that she&r...
#53 | Ash Wicks
01 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ash Wicks from Two Doting Dads joins the show for a chat full of laughs and dad-life real talk. They dive into Trish’s guest appearance, Matty&r...
Which NRL Coach Is a Fan of the Reverse Kangaroo?
29 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We revisit Matt’s bold NRL prophecies from 2008, and Jack slaps a heavy tariff on Trish (emotionally, not economically). Cooper lobs a hand gren...
ORIGIN I REACTION! Nathan's Back, Spencer's Filthy & Bellamy in the Coaches Box...
28 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The boys break down all the action from State of Origin Game 1 in their post-match reaction. They share hot takes, key moments, and plenty of passion ...
It's Cleary's Time
25 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The boys break down the team lists for Origin 1 and preview this week’s blockbuster clash.They dive into each side’s strengths, weaknesses...
Trish Shares Her Night at a Strip Joint.
22 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Jack lets out a couple of zingers. Pizza pie, Lovely legs, plover problems, mocking miner birds and surging seagulls. Don’t be afraid to fact ch...
#52 | Josh Addo-Carr | Part 2
18 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Josh Addo-Carr shares thoughts on team culture, Critta’s arrival, and the pride of State of Origin. From the Koori Knockout to life af...
#52 | Josh Addo-Carr | Part 1
18 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Josh Addo-Carr looks back on his rise in rugby league, from early challenges to his current chapter with the Parramatta Eels. He shares career hi...
He’s Going, She’s Staying, Crichton’s Slaying!
15 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Baddie Patrol was out in full swing last weekend. Cooper gets a geography lesson, Recipe of the Week makes a comeback and when country songs are a...
Our 2025 State of Origin Teams!
13 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The boys are naming their 17-man teams for the 2025 State of Origin series. Who makes the cut, who misses out, and where do the big calls land? Subscr...
#51 | Ant Middleton
11 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
WARNING FOR LISTENERS - This Episode contains Sensitive Topics Matty and Cooper chat with former UK Special Forces soldier, Royal Marines Commando, an...
"Still Haven't Heard From Craig Bellamy"
08 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How good are Rugby League people! Cooper delivers an accidental monologue, Matt relives the moment he got Steph Curried, Owen Wilson loves Magic...
#50 | Joel 'Sugar' Caine
04 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
WARNING FOR VIEWERS - This Episode contains Sensitive Topics Cooper and Matty catch up with Joel Caine to talk footy, Fletch, life after the game, and...
Throw out the Mattress! There's a Snake in the Bed!
01 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Who sent Matt home in a cab? Jack lands one of his best zingers, Coop plays the Good Samaritan and find out what AI really thinks of Trish. Subscribe,...
#49 | Justin 'Scope' Horo | Part 2
27 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Justin 'Scope' Horo joins the hosts to delve into the internal tensions at Manly, share a memorable story involving Richie Fa'aoso, discuss the challe...
#49 | Justin 'Scope' Horo | Part 1
27 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Justin 'Scope' Horo joins the hosts to share stories from their Byron Bay adventures, discuss Daly Cherry-Evans' leadership, delve into NRL training r...
The Tall Tales of Gary Johns
24 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
At this week's family gathering, Cooper steals the spotlight with hilarious tales from Matty's childhood in Cessnock. Meanwhile, a deep dive into Gaz ...
#1 | Popping Off Moments! 🔥📱
23 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We're revisiting the clips that had our socials buzzing and listeners hitting replay. Join us as we relive the top moments that made this month unforg...
#48 | Jamie Humphreys
21 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, the boys chat with Jamie Humphreys, South Sydney Rabbitohs' new halfback, about his impressive start to the 2025 NRL season. They dis...
Ankle Deep In Scandal
17 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Matty laces up for his first run in fifteen years—with predictably hilarious results. Jack suffers through some brutal secondhand embarrassment,...
#47 | Hello Sport | Part 2
13 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Hello Sports 'Tom & Eddy' to chat with Cooper & Matty about cricketing legends, coaches playing mind games, mysterious wombat holes, and their...
#47 | Hello Sport | Part 1
13 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Hello Sports Tom & Eddy join Cooper & Matty to talk Punters & Dribblers, the legend that is becoming Good Day Hill, rogue Wikipedia edits,...
BRING BACK THE TRISH
10 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
She’s back, the prodigal daughter returns. We’ve got the Cooper Johns Cup, Bellyache’s Jimmy’s, Aristotle, Mickey Mouse and th...
#46 | Brandon "Cheese" Smith
06 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Brandon Smith joins Cooper & Matty to chat Roosters, Storm army camps, and recovery.He reflects on his time at the Roosters, the COVID bubble with...
"Where's Trish?"
03 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Trish is MIA, Matty and Jack hijack Cooper’s phone, Multis go wrong, and Marty’s big night steals the show. Subscribe, Watch, and FollowCa...
DCE's Shock Move! Latrell to Centre, Plus Cooper Calls NBA Star Josh Giddey!
01 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Cooper & Matty dive into the latest NRL headlines, starting with Daly Cherry-Evans’ future—will he remain at Manly, or is there a shoc...
#45 | Daniel Patrick
30 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Cooper & Matty chat with Australian designer Daniel Patrick about his journey from playing Jersey Flegg rugby league to building ...
"He Almost Got The Cessnock Slam"
27 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Manly Fans' desperate plea to the Trbojevic's. Matt's oestrogen levels are back on the rise, and Trish gets a little feedback on shit school lunches.&...
#44 | Mark "Spudd" Carroll
23 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Cooper & Matty sit down with Rugby League great Mark "Spudd" Carroll to chat about his legendary career, toughest opponents, brutal rivalries, and...
The Old Rusty Trombone
20 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sam Rockwell, take a bow. Coach explodes at Jack, John C Reilly's debut single, & Conspiracy theories run rampant. Subscribe, Watch, and FollowCat...
#43 | Braith Anasta
16 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Cooper & Matty are joined by Fox Sports presenter and former NRL star Braith Anasta. The boys chat about the Vegas experience, their thoughts on t...
"You Either Win or You Learn"
13 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The boys reveal the effect of Matt's absent parenting. Craig Bellamy shares his thoughts about being followed around by a camera and guess who cops a ...