Head Game

Best Of: Ultimate Survivors

24 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode of Head Game, we’re taking a look back at some of the incredible survivals we’ve heard on the pod...

Best of: The Ultra-Marathon Mindset

17 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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 conv...

Best Of: Military Mindset

10 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we're taking a look back at Ant's conversations with former soldiers, who have faced enormous challenges while working as part of the milit...

Best Of: When Tragedy Strikes

03 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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, B...

Best Of: On The Frontline

24 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we're taking a look back at the people who put their lives on the line each day to keep us safe. Bruce ‘Hoppo’ Hawkins is known...

Best Of: In The Spotlight

17 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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...

The One-Armed Aussie Who Smashed A Record On Mount Everest

10 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The challenges in Paul Hockey's life started just weeks after he was born. His mother discovered a lump on his arm, which turned out to be cancer. The...

Royal Marine Back In Uniform Just Months After Losing His Leg

03 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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 ha...

From Banking to Open Ocean Adventure: Michelle Lee's Dramatic Life Change

27 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Michelle Lee was living an ordinary 9-5 life, with a stable corporate job in the banking sector. But looking for more out of life, she took to the wat...

From Addiction to Adventure: Luke Richmond's Life of Extremes

20 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Luke Richmond has lived many lives: outback kid, infantry soldier, addict, inmate, endurance adventurer, author, and world-record holder. In this...

Best Of: Kings & Queens Of Fitspo

13 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

I've spoken to some really inspiring people over the last year, many of which have used exercise and fitness as a means to get their head back in the ...

Best of 2025: Against The Odds

06 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Over the last year I've had conversations with some amazing survivors, who not only survived, but are thriving against all odds. First, Suzanne Heywoo...

Best of 2025: Going For Sporting Glory

30 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

With the year drawing to a close, I look back at some of the most impactful conversations I've had over the last year. This episode features some of A...

Best of 2025: Behind The Headlines

23 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 Mast...

How To Raise Resilient Children with Tim Curtis

16 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A parent's instinct is to protect their children from harm, and in a world full of adversity, our kids have never needed resilience more. But wrapping...

Inside The Grim Aftermath Of The Boxing Day Tsunami with Peter Baines

09 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 analysi...

How Saya Sakakibara Overcame A Crippling Fear Of Injury

02 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Saya Sakakibara and her brother Kai grew up competing in BMX racing, starting when her family moved to Japan. When they relocated back to Sydney, the ...

Dr Paul Taylor: The Hardiness Effect flipping the script on stress

25 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

The Phone Call That Saved Barry Barry Du Bois' Life

18 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Content Warning: This episode includes discussion of suicide and mental health issues. Barry Du Bois had been a successful builder who had retired you...

NRL Icon Adam Reynolds On Teamwork And Determination

11 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 thr...

The Real War Experience Behind Jack Carr's 'The Terminal List'

04 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Jack Carr grew up with a love of reading, and when he joined the Navy SEALs, he always carried a book with him into battle. But when we left the milit...

Claire McAuliffe’s Escape From A Religious Cult

28 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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...

How Mindfulness Fuelled Travis Boak's AFL Success

21 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In August 2025, Port Adelaide star Travis Boak called time on his 19-year AFL career. Known for his commitment to the game and strong mental focus ove...

Jaye Pukepuke: Finding Purpose After Prison

14 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 ar...

Matt Lewis: Surviving An Antarctic Shipwreck

07 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

After graduating from university as a marine biologist, Matt Lewis scored his first big role in the field as an observer aboard the South African fish...

Rhonda Hapi-Smith: Inside New Zealand's Most Notorious Prison

30 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Rhonda Hapi-Smith never intended on following her father and brothers into New Zealand's corrections service. But at a crossroads in life as she appro...

Matty Johns: Developing The Discipline To Not Fear Failure

23 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Matty Johns is one of Australia’s best known and most beloved sportsmen. Growing up in a small town with a passion for rugby league, his decade-...

Des Powell: Lessons From Taking On SAS Selection Twice

16 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

During Operation Desert Storm, part of the Gulf War in 1991, Des Powell was part of the Bravo Three Zero patrol that successfully infiltrated ene...

Mark Winterbottom: The Path To Motorsport Glory

09 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Mark Winterbottom is one of Australia's most successful Supercars drivers, but his success didn't come easy. Growing up with a mother battling cancer ...

Mike Amor: What It Takes To Be A Foreign Correspondent

02 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Mike Amor was just 13 months into his role U.S. Bureau Chief for 7NEWS when the World Trade Centre came down on September 11. As the only Australian j...

Curtis McGrath: From Warzone Injury to Paralympic Champion

26 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this special 100th episode of Head Game, Ant speaks with Australian Army veteran Curtis McGrath. Curtis lost both his legs in an IED explosion in A...

Jake Bailey: Bouncing Back After Being Given Two Weeks To Live

19 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In his final year of high school, Jake Bailey thought a persistent toothache was caused by his wisdom teeth. But as his condition deteriorated, furthe...

The Life Lessons Pete Murray Learned From His Father's Death

12 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Pete Murray has been a fixture of the Australian music scene for two decades. With three #1 albums and multiple hit singles under his belt, Pete this ...

How Jack Pitcher Ran 95 Marathons In Just 61 Days

05 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, meet the British roofer who ran the equivalent of 95 marathons across Australia in just 61 days. Jack Pitcher braved the harsh Austra...

Cheng Lei: The Brutal Reality Of Life In A Chinese Prison

29 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

From a young age, Cheng Lei had dreamed of becoming a journalist. After ditching a career in finance, her dreams came true when she was hired as a bus...

Inside The High Performance Mindset of AFL Legend Jonathan Brown

22 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Growing up as the son of a Victorian footy legend, it seemed inevitable Jonathan Brown would follow in his father's footsteps and play AFL. But Browny...

How Fitness & Faith Saved Aussie Hip-Hop Star 360

15 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In 2017 Matt Caldwell, better known to music fans as 360, was riding high on the success of his third top five Australian album. On the outside, he ha...

Adaptive Athlete Louise Hawkins and The Fear Bubble

08 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Louise Hawkins was born with one arm and was immediately rejected by her father. It spawned a shame that drove her to great lengths to try to hide her...

Danni Brooke On What It Takes To Be An Undercover Cop

01 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Danni Brooke joined Britain's Metropolitan Police at 18, but was quickly recruited to join the undercover unit. Her youthful appearance and no-nonsens...

Former Soldier Heston Russell's Private Battles On The Front Line

24 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Former special forces commando Heston Russell has an impressive resume from his time in the Australian Defence Force. The fifth-generation soldier has...

The Dream Family Sailing Trip That Turned Into A Nightmare

17 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Suzanne Heywood was just 6-years-old when her father decided the family would embark on an around-the-world sailing expedition. What seemed like a dre...

Jamila Rizvi on The Diagnosis That Turned Her World Upside Down

10 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Jamila Rizvi was just 31 years old and a rising star in Australia's media landscape when she went to her doctor thinking she was pregnant for a second...

The Life-changing Moment That Helped James Parr Find His Purpose

03 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

James Parr has taken the fashion world by storm, proudly displaying his prosthetic leg and representing the disability community on runways and in pho...

Best of Head Game: Working on the Front Line

27 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Our frontline workers are often unsung heroes, saving lives and keeping us safe with little to no recognition for their bravery or the toll it takes. ...

Best of Head Game: Reaching New Heights

20 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Climbing the world's highest peaks takes courage, strength and endurance. In this episode, Ant looks back on his interviews with three people who embo...

Brutal Reality of Thai Jail Helps Aussie Beat Drug Addiction

13 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

At 29 years of age, Australian Holly Deane-Johns' life was hanging in the balance. Arrested by Thai police while trying to post illicit drugs back to ...

Olympian Elle Armit on Developing a High-Performance Mindset

06 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Growing up in Townsville, Elle Armit grew up swimming and playing in water. As she got older, that turned into a passion for water polo that saw her p...

Sally Gould on The Confronting Reality Of Being A First Responder

29 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Sally Gould is an Intensive Care Paramedic and joins Ant discuss the realities of her life on the frontline. From her earliest memories of life on the...

How Breathwork Saved Johannes Egberts When He Hit Rock Bottom

22 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Johannes Egberts was feeling numb and lost in life when he unexpectedly discovered the power of breath and benefits of cold water plunging.  Sinc...

Mountaineer Nimsdai Purja on Conquering The Death Zone

15 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Mountaineer and ex-British Gurkha Special forces commando Nimsdai Purja is a multi-record holder who became the first man to summit all 8000m 'Death Z...

Riana Crehan on Overcoming Her Most Difficult Years

08 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode we chat with Supercars reporter Riana Crehan about finding purpose after grief and how she overcame her darkest days following the los...

Fighter Pilot Kegan Gill on Surviving 'The Fastest Ejection'

01 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Kegan Gill is a former Navy F/A-18E pilot that survived the fastest ejection in the history of Naval Aviation. His story is an amazing example of psyc...

Billy Dib on His Toughest Fight: Cancer

25 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Billy Dib is a phenomenal world champion in the boxing world. But many of his toughest fights have taken place outside the ring. From losing his wife ...

Julie Goodwin on the Conversation That Saved Her Life

18 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Ant is joined by fellow Dancing With The Stars alumni, Julie Goodwin.  After winning the first season of MasterChef Australia, Julie c...

Polar Explorer Dr Geoff Wilson on Dedicating His Life to Adventure

11 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Geoff Wilson is a world-class polar explorer, keynote speaker and veterinary surgeon. Geoff's impressive accolades include the longest solo, unsup...

Kath Koschel on the Power of Kindness During Unimaginable Tragedy

04 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Kath Koschel is a survivor who has overcome incredible odds and unimaginable tragedy. The former cricketer and Ironman competitor's world came crashin...

The Most Terrifying Moment in Russ Cook’s Run Across Africa

25 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Russ Cook AKA The Hardest Geezer became the first person to ever run the entire length of Africa last year. From his starting point in Cape Agulhas, S...

Erika Cramer on Turning Her Life Around, From Rock Bottom to 7 Figures

18 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Erika Cramer calls herself the 'Queen of Confidence', and spends her days empowering women to take control of their lives through her books, podcasts,...

Calm in the Chaos: How Arnold Dix Rescued 41 Trapped Workers

11 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we meet Arnold Dix who became an unlikely hero in 2023.  In rural Victoria, Arnold Dix is known to locals as a farmer and a part...

Inside the 16 Hour Lindt Cafe Siege

04 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On the 15th of December 2014, the usually bustling Martin Place in Sydney's CBD became the epicentre of chaos, as a terrorist held 18 people hostage i...

Bondi Rescue's Darkest Day

28 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Bruce 'Hoppo' Hopkins' life may look glamorous to most - spending his days in the sun and surf. But the true cost of lifeguarding is far greater than ...

On the Frontline of Australia’s Black Summer

21 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In the firefighting world, Greg Mullins is a legend. He's the former commissioner of Fire and Rescue New South Wales, a Climate Councillor with the Cl...

Best of Head Game: Military Mindset

14 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Military and army personnel are regularly pushed to the limits of the human body and mind.  From Ant's time in the military, he knows first-hand what...

Best of Head Game: Coping With Loss

07 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this special episode, you'll hear from three women who have had to endure unimaginable heartbreak. Dr Lucy Hone, Gina Chick and Safiyya Vorajee eac...

Best of Head Game: The Day That Changed Everything

31 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

As we take a short break, we're looking back at some of the most powerful episodes of 2024. In this special, you'll hear from three guests who thought...

Best of Head Game: At the Mercy of Mother Nature

24 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this special episode, you'll hear from two incredible women who had to think and act fast in a race against the clock to stay alive. Mother Nature ...

20 Years On: Surviving the Boxing Day Tsunami

17 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In December 2004, Rebekah Giles made the spontaneous decision to book a holiday to Thailand. After a busy year working as a lawyer, she decided a week...

BASE Jumper Jeb Corliss on Dedicating His Life to Human Flight

10 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Jeb Corliss was just six years old when he declared that one day, he would fly. His Aunt explained to him that it wasn't possible. But for Jeb, eventu...

Gus Taylor on Climbing out of the Darkness

03 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 greates...

Brett Connellan on the Surf That Changed Everything

26 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Life Lessons From Rugby Legend, Mat Rogers

19 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 fa...

Life Inside a Cult

12 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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. Sh...

The Moment That Made This Bank Robber Turn His Life Around

05 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

For as long as Jeffrey Morgan can remember, he's lived in survival mode. His earliest memories are dominated by family violence, gambling, and alcohol...

How Aminata Conteh-Biger Turned Harrow Into Hope

29 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Aminata Conteh-Biger is an author, inspirational speaker, Founder and CEO of a non-profit organisation, The Aminata Maternal Foundation. Aminata was b...

What It Takes To Summit Everest 18 Times

22 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Inside the Success of the Matildas

15 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Gina Chick on Her Inspiring Approach to Grief

08 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Kellie Finlayson on Thriving With Terminal Cancer

01 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 d...

The True Cost of Working on the Frontline

24 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

With a career spanning over 20 years as an operational police officer, Allan Sparkes was no stranger to high-pressure situations. From murders to robb...

The Magpie That Kept Sam Bloom Alive

17 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 para...

Losing a Loved One in 9/11… Then Meeting the Terrorists

10 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Ex-Commando Damien Thomlinson on Surviving an IED Attack

03 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Damien Thomlinson has one phenomenal comeback story. The former soldier was on night patrol with the Australian Defence Force when an IED attack compl...

The Decision That Changed Osher Günsberg’s Life

27 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Lisa Blair on Becoming the First Woman to Sail Solo Around Antarctica

20 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 yach...

Johann Hari on Addiction and the Quest for Happiness

13 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 inspi...

Ellie Cole on What It Takes To Win a Gold Medal

06 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 Aust...

Stranded for 537 Days in the Coldest Place on Earth

30 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Whilst lockdown was a challenge for most - David Knoff was tested in extraordinary circumstances.  As station leader at the Davis Research Station in...

Resilience Expert Dr Lucy Hone on Navigating Life After Her Own Loss

23 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Dr Lucy Hone's career path as a Resilience Expert became incredibly useful in the aftermath of the earthquake which devastated her city of Christchurc...

How Jimmy Jan Is Embracing Life After Paralysis

16 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 Mo...

Inside the Mind of the French Spiderman, Alain Robert

09 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 an...

Surviving the Highest Speed Ejection From a US Fighter Aircraft

02 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

"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 ...

How the Power of the Waves Saved These Surfers

25 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Ant looks back on three powerful conversations with three very talented surfers. Each have had their own challenges and triumphs, and...

The Ultimate Story of Survival

18 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Beau Miles on the Expedition That Changed His Life

11 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 coas...

How Nigel Brennan Survived 15 Months in Captivity – Part 2

04 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 th...

How Nigel Brennan Survived 15 Months in Captivity – Part 1

28 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Nigel Brennan has one phenomenal story. He was working as a Photojournalist when an opportunity came up to visit Somalia to cover the humanitarian cri...

Mahmood Fazal on Constructing a Life After Crime

21 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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'...

Nedd Brockmann’s Toughest Moment in His Run Across Australia

14 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 m...

Surviving a Volcano Eruption With Tour Guide, Kelsey Waghorn

07 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Kelsey Waghorn's life changed forever when she, along with so many others, was caught up in the horrific Whakaari White Island eruption off the east c...

Olympic Surfer Owen Wright on his Comeback from Catastrophe

30 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

December 10th 2015 was a day that changed everything for champion surfer, Owen Wright. He fought for his life and faced extensive brain trauma, follow...