Backstage with Cooper & Matty Johns
Episodes
#82 | Tom Slingsby | The Hidden Mindset Behind The Broncos 2025 Success
22 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Olympic gold medalist Tom Slingsby joins the boys to talk sailing dominance, the America’s Cup, and elite mindset. He reveals his work with...
Hollywood Has Lost It
19 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The family unpack the weirdest moments from Oscars night, from Conan’s jokes to Hollywood controversies. Cooper reveals a surprising kink, ...
#81 | Kieran Foran | Career Highs, The Comebacks & Footy’s Toughest Battles
15 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
NRL veteran Kieran Foran joins Cooper & Matty to reflect on retirement and a career filled with huge highs and serious challenges.They revisit his...
If you don’t Score here… you’ll never Score!
12 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The Family kicks things off with Peter Wynn’s Score, bubble bath dramas, and Cooper’s Doritos challenge. They break down Round 1, Imm...
FULL ROUND 1 REVIEW | Wayne Hates Streakers? Panthers/Storm DOMINANCE & Raiders’ New Halfback
08 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Round 1 of the NRL season brought chaos and huge statements. Panthers and Storm look streets ahead, while the Raiders may have a new halfback. Co...
Where's Jack?... and Jackie O
05 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The family is reunited once again...sort of. With Jack missing Cooper is left in the producer chair. The family recaps the travel home from Vegas, wha...
#80 | Matthew Gidley | McDonald’s Owner, Newcastle Knights Legend & Vegas
01 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Matthew Gidley joins Cooper & Matty to share behind-the-scenes Newcastle Knights stories, life as a McDonald’s owner, Dana White, classic Kn...
LIVE FROM Allegiant Stadium | NRL in Las Vegas
26 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Live from inside Allegiant Stadium as the NRL launches Round 0 on the world stage. They preview Cowboys v Knights, breaking down key match-ups, X...
#78 | Willie Peters | Vegas, Beating the Broncos & Next NRL Coach?
25 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Hull KR head coach Willie Peters joins us fresh off a huge World Club Challenge win over the Brisbane Broncos, breaking down how his side pulled off t...
Pre-Drinks in Vegas with Brian Carney
24 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
It’s the first night of Vegas Week, and we’re cracking pre-drinks with Brian Carney as the NRL takes over Sin City. Willie Peters&rsq...
NRL 2026 Season Preview: Vegas Chaos, Origin Eligibility Battles & Bold Predictions
22 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The boys rip into the 2026 season with a full breakdown of Vegas Round, Origin eligibility drama, and the latest NRL rule tweaks. They tackle the...
Kama Sutra Breakdown
19 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Trish returns from India with stories, observations, and a surprising deep dive into the Kama Sutra.The boys recap a big weekend at LIV Golf Adelaide,...
#77 | Bronson Garlick | Storm to Rabbitohs, Bennett’s Training Shift & Bellamy’s Army Camps
15 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
New South Sydney Rabbitohs recruit Bronson Garlick opens up on his move from the Melbourne Storm and the training shift under Wayne Bennett. He d...
Meet Our Neighbour Marty… + Haas to Souths? We’re Not Buying It
12 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Neighbour Marty drops in with wild stories, The boys tackle the Payne Haas-to-Souths rumours — and they’re not buying it. Plus m...
#76 | Jesse Williams | The Super Bowl 🏆, Alabama University & Adversity💥
08 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Former Defensive Tackle Jesse Williams joins us to talk Alabama football, the Seattle Seahawks dynasty years, and what it’s really like getting ...
Trish Brought Backup… The Boys Are Cooked
05 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Trish brings in her best mate Leanne for moral support — and together they waste no time putting the blowtorch on the lads. We cover everything ...
#75 | Brad Thorn | All Blacks Culture, 4x NRL Premierships & World Cup Pressure
01 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Brad Thorn joins us for a deep dive into winning, pressure and elite sporting culture.From the ’98 Kangaroos tour and Wayne Bennett to All Black...
Nasty Parking Rangers
29 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Cooper's Playing in the local league in 2026? - Chimp chat, parking Ranger drama, Manly cricket and “The Orr,” and a clutch late quiz. Sub...
#74 | Peter Powers | Hypnosis, Footy Show Fame & Celebrity Stories
26 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Famous hypnotist and comedian Peter Powers joins the show to unpack Matty’s reaction and iconic Footy Show moments.They dive into hypnosis myths...
Salmon Spunk, Beckham Feuds & Cooper Quits Radio?!
22 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The Johns family fire through tennis, shark attacks, road rage and a Beckham feud that spirals quickly.Cooper drops a radio bombshell while Matty deli...
#73 | Reuben Garrick
18 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Reuben Garrick joins ahead of his wedding this week to chat about life at the Sea Eagles in 2026 and his move to the Roosters in 2027. They cover trai...
Matty Johns Meets YUNGBLUD
15 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
There’s talk of golf with Gaz, the cricket over the break, and an unexpected dinner with YUNGBLUD. We wrap it up with Cooper’s Bob Katter,...
NRL 2026 SHOCKS: New Rule Changes, Zac Lomax to Melbourne Storm? & Travis Head Goes Bang
11 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The boys kick off 2026 breaking down the NRL rule changes set to shock fans, the growing whispers around Zac Lomax and a potential move to the Melbour...
Matty's Flashback Pick: It's So Weird...But It's So Funny
08 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Matty's Favourite pick from our Archives in 2022 - Get Ready for this one. “This week brings us dating apps and catfishing, Swiss army dildos an...
Our Best Prank Calls of 2025
04 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
We’ve dug through the archives and pulled out our best-ever prank calls — featuring Nicho Hynes, Ray Hadley, Bulldogs Ritchie, Razzman on ...
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...