Head Game

Michael Crossland has been a fighter since birth. He defied the odds of surviving Neuroblastoma - a rare life-threatening cancer, and was the sole survivor of a cancer drug trial.  He speaks to Ant about his lifetime of challenges and lessons. When the odds are stacked against him, time after time - Michael defies those odds. And, he's on a journey to inspire others along the way.  LINKS Learn mor...

For South Australian anaesthetist Richard 'Harry' Harris, cave diving was just a hobby and a passion. After starting in the mid 80s, his love of exploration and adventure took him on many journeys, exploring caves and shipwrecks across the world.  But in 2018, the unique combination of Harry's professional and person lives led to the rescue of 12 boys and their coach from the Tham Luang cave in No...

Comedian and former SAS Australia star, Merrick Watts, joins Ant for an insightful conversation this week. He reflects on his rise to radio stardom, the fracture of beloved duo Merrick and Rosso, and the 'epoch' moment that forced him to change the course of his life.  Ant and Merrick reunite in the same Nova 96.9 studio that Merrick once broadcasted in each morning. A vastly different setting fro...

"Recognise your calling - all you have to do is answer it. Every day, you have to answer that call to your own greatness". Phil Heath is the epitome of discipline and strength. Physically - through winning Mr Olympia seven times, and mentally - through overcoming battles with mental ill-health. Following the release of his new documentary  Breaking Olympia: The Phil Heath Story , he spoke to Ant a...

Ever wondered how you build a business from scratch? Seven years ago Brittney Saunders started a business in her garage. Today it’s grown to an 8-figure empire with almost 60 employees, four retail shops and a booming online store.  Big Business is a brand new podcast from Nova Podcasts where she unpacks exactly how she did it. Each week, Brittney will take you behind the scenes of the day to day...

No oxygen, no goggles, 122m beneath the surface. This, is Arnaud Jerald's happy place.  The French Freediver may just be 28 years old, but he can include 'World Record Holder' on his resume.  He speaks to Ant today about his meteoric career, what it takes to push yourself to those depths, and the art of controlling your emotions.  LINKS Learn more about Arnaud Jerald on his website arnaudjerald.co...

In the midst of the uncharted Amazon, after losing his three companions, Yossi Ghinsberg was tested to the extreme. For three harrowing weeks he battled to survive against all odds, and in the process, discovered his life purpose.  He's the author of the international best-seller ‘Jungle’, and the inspiring story has been made into a full-length feature film starring Daniel Radcliffe. Yossi takes...

"Some of us choose to become victims, while others choose to become victors". Layne Beachley's path to success hasn't been an easy one. The seven-time world surfing legend embraced setbacks and used them to propel her growth - including adoption, mental illness and life-threatening injuries.  Layne opens up to Ant about her life lessons, loss and inspirational legacy. LINKS Find out more about The...

Jeremy Evans is lucky to be alive. In August 2017, he survived a savage three-round mauling from a Grizzly Bear. He suffered severe injuries, and was faced with a 20km solo journey back to safety. Thanks to his resilience, setting 'micro goals' and Baby Shark , Jeremy shares his story with Ant today. In this episode, there is a mention of suicide. If this topic is triggering for you, please seek h...

If anyone's living life to the fullest, it's Pam Reed. Pam was the first female to be the overall winner of one of the toughest races in the world - Badwater. She won twice - and was the first person to run over 300 miles without sleeping in 72 hours.  In this episode, Pam speaks to Ant about her ability to push through mental and physical blocks, her battles with anorexia and love of getting the...

Mike Wolo has a miraculous survival story. In a freak accident while helping out a mate, he was crushed by 10 000lbs of granite. His head was less than 3 inches wide, and he died for six minutes.  Thanks to his quick-thinking best friends, he was brought back to life. But still, his chance of survival was bleak and just 2%.  In this incredible story of resilience, friendship and perseverance, Mike...

In this week's episode, Ant crowns our guest as officially being 'The most hardcore woman on the planet'. A professional Ironwoman at just 17, Bonnie Hancock has competed in 9 Nutri-Grain Ironwoman Series, representing Australia. Bonnie recently became the fastest person to paddle a surf ski 12,700 km around the Australian coastline. Today, she takes us into her mind during that epic journey - sha...

Tia-Clair Toomey Orr is one inspiring woman. She's won the CrossFit Games every year from 2017-2022, was a Rio 2016 Olympan and is a Commonwealth Games Gold Medalist. She's also a gym-owner, author - and most recently, Mum. In this episode, Tia-Clair and Ant discuss conquering goals, breaking down barriers, and what it takes to become #1. LINKS Follow Tia-Clair Toomey Orr here Learn more about Tia...

Safiyya Vorajee is the epitome of strength. This inspiring woman has had to endure unimaginable heartbreak and loss, and is now using her pain and her voice to help others.  In this powerful conversation, Safiyya opens up about her "second life". She talks about how her childhood with domestic violence shaped her, the power of love and purpose, and how her beautiful daugher, Azaylia, is a light in...

Blake Johnston is one unstoppable force. In March 2023, Blakey completed an astonishing goal - breaking the world record of surfing for over 40 hours. Blakey is more than just a legendary surfer - he's a mental health advocate, Director of Cronulla Surfing Academy and a key note speaker.  His mission and his purpose stem from the hardest of heartbreaks - the loss of his father after he'd just turn...

This episode is a special one. Ant is joined by fellow SAS royalty and his good friend, Ollie Ollerton. Ollie's career in the military began at the age of 18 when he joined the Royal Marine Commando's. Throughout his career, he's harnessed the power of the mind and is passionate about the power of finding your purpose. Today, he's the CEO of BREAK-POINT, and joins Ant for an inspirational and thou...

In this episode, you'll hear from two men who have faced two incredibly tough battles. Pat Farmer ran from the North to the South Pole, and Jason McCartney survived the Bali Bombings. Both situations required unparalleled mental and physical strength - and they joined Ant to share their toughest moments.  CW: This episode contains discussions of suicide. If this episode raises any issues for you,...

In this special 'best of' episode, we hear from three people who have beaten the odds and survived the unthinkable - Todd Russell, Paul de Gelder and Jack Beaumont. LINKS Listen to Todd Russell's episode in full here Listen to Paul de Gelder's episode in full here Listen to Jack Beaumont's episode in full here Follow Ant on Instagram , X , and Facebook Learn more about Ant on his website https://w...

We've heard some incredible stories in 2023 from an array of guests. Three guests in particular gave us a front row seat into a lifechanging moment. In this episode, you'll hear from Gary Jubelin, Chris Lemons and Sean Turnell.  LINKS Listen to Gary Jubelin's episode in full here   Listen to Chris Lemons' episode in full here Listen to Sean Turnell's episode in full here Follow Ant on Instagram ,...

In this special 'best of' episode, we take a look back on three powerful moments from 2023 - with Jelena Dokic, Jackson Warne and Jim Davidson.  Trigger warning: This episode contains discussions of domestic violence. I f you think you need immediate assistance, call 000. If you would like to speak to someone about your situation, you may wish to contact one of the following services.  Lifeline –...

In this episode, Ant speaks to Australian Rules footballer and survivor of the 2002 Bali terrorist attack, Jason McCartney. Jason shares what it was like being involved in the tragedy, his long road of recovery, and how his positive mindset helped to get him through. LINKS Find our more about Jason McCartney's inspirational speaking here After Bali is available here Want to see Ant live on stage?...

Jim Davidson and Mike Price, two friends and experienced climbing partners, summited Mount Rainier on June 21, 1992. As they descended, a hidden snowbridge collapsed beneath Jim’s feet and dropped him into a large glacial crevasse. Connected to Jim by the climbing rope, Mike tried to stop the fall but couldn’t. In a heartbreaking conversation, Jim shares this painful memory with Ant - and how loss...

'Improvise... Adapt... Overcome' - these three words always resonated with Paul de Gelder, but they took on a whole new meaning after he was attacked by a shark in 2009. Paul was working as an elite Navy clearance diver, and the incident caused him to lose two limbs.  In this episode, Paul and Ant reflect on that day and what saved his life, his mental health in recovery and how humour, resilience...

Jack Beaumont has one incredible story. He was a fighter pilot for the French air force, when an injury during dogfight training changed his life forever. Jack was then recruited by French intelligence to work for the DGSE - balancing family life with working undercover in clandestine foreign operations.  In this episode, Jack takes us into the mindset of a spy. He delves into the moment where he...

February 6th, 2021 is the day that Sean Turnell's world got flipped upside down. After receiving an anonymous tip off that military leadership in Myanmar were coming for him, Sean went to check out of his hotel, and was arrested. The 58 year old Economist from Australia would go on to spend 650 days behind bars. Sean shares the horrors of that period with Ant - how he survived Yangon's notorious I...