Straight Up - Speaking from the heart and soul about all things Health and Sport related.

Key topics Travel experiences in Russia during the 1980s Cultural differences and historical insights from Europe Travel tips and funny stories from trips across Europe The significance of travel in broadening perspectives Memorable moments from rugby tours and European adventures Chapters 00:00 Introduction and episode overview 00:19 Reflecting on 58 weeks of the podcast 00:27 The joy of travel a...

Travel experiences across the USA, Europe, and the Pacific. Favorite destinations like Fiji, Hawaii, and Tahiti. Travel planning tips and memorable adventures. Cultural insights and travel anecdotes. Traveling with family and friends. Takeaways- Travel broadens horizons and creates lasting memories. Planning ahead and booking trips can enhance the experience. Exploring local culture and hidden gem...

In this episode, Geoff and Nick discuss Geoffs recent journey with nutrition, focusing on a no sugar, no dairy meal plan, and the impact it has on his health and performance. They discuss practical tips, challenges, and the importance of making conscious food choices to improve overall well-being. Key Topics- The benefits of eliminating sugar and dairy Meal portion control and measuring intake Inf...

This episode features a candid conversation about marriage, communication, and personal growth among long-term partners. The hosts share insights from their own experiences, emphasizing gratitude, understanding differences, and maintaining connection through simple rituals like date nights and regular communication. key topics- Communication in marriage The importance of gratitude Gender differenc...

In this episode, Geoff and Nick explore the interconnectedness of physical, mental, and spiritual health, emphasizing the importance of nature, innate intelligence, and a holistic approach to well-being. They share personal insights on aging, fitness, spirituality, and the power of understanding our body's natural healing abilities. Key topics -The role of innate intelligence in health -The co...

In this engaging interview, Rory O'Keeffe shares his journey from Jersey to New Zealand, his passion for MMA, and the mental and physical discipline required to succeed at the highest levels. Discover insights into fight preparation, overcoming setbacks, and the importance of team and strategy in professional fighting. -Rory O'Keeffe's background and early life -Transition from rugby a...

Join Geoff Alley and Nick Laurie as they explore health, fitness, mental resilience, and personal growth through engaging stories, expert insights, and practical tips. This episode covers the importance of rest, mental toughness in ultra running, and the power of gratitude and living in the now. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview 01:02 Understanding Rugby Positions and Cultural Refer...

In this episode, Geoff and Nick explore modern etiquette, sports, and personal development, sharing insights on social manners, sports experiences, and staying motivated. Key Topics- Modern etiquette and social manners Sports experiences and community engagement Staying motivated and setting personal goals Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Weekend Highlights 02:38 Super Rugby and NRL Insights 05:27...

Join hosts Geoff and Nick as they share recent adventures running the Routeburn Track in New Zealand, including the challenges of extreme weather, training insights, and personal reflections on health and motivation. They reflect on personal highs and lows and how to cope. Takeaways Preparation is key for mountain endurance events. Weather can dramatically impact race performance. Mental resilienc...

In this episode, Nick and Geoff share insights on health, mindset, and personal growth, including challenges with habits, the importance of movement, and mental toughness. They discuss recent experiences, a 50-day health challenge, and strategies for lasting change Topics The importance of movement and exercise Strategies for building lasting habits The role of mindset and motivation in health Ins...

Join hosts Geoff and Nick as they recap their adventurous weekend, including trail running, mountain scenery, and lessons learned from pushing physical and mental limits. Discover insights on staying active, mental resilience, and embracing discomfort to stay young. Topics Trail running challenges and lessons Mental resilience and staying young The importance of motion and activity in aging Trail...

In this episode, Geoff and Nick discuss rugby, mental health, men's roles, societal expectations, and personal stories, offering insights into masculinity, health, and relationships. Men's mental health and suicide statistics Societal expectations of men and women The importance of listening and communication Personal stories of struggle and resilience The role of traditional masculinity i...

Most people underestimate the power of resilience, companionship, and mental health in transforming a life — especially after a high-profile rugby career. In this compelling episode, Slade McFarland pulls back the curtain on his extraordinary journey from a fierce rugby player to a mental health advocate, revealing how the toughest moments in his life sparked a mission to help others find strength...

In this episode, Geoff and Nick shares insights on health, running, upcoming events like the Tussock Traverse, and sports analysis with the NRL and Super Rugby seasons in full swing. The conversation covers training tips, race preparations, and the state of New Zealand Rugby and in particular the Sevens program. Topics Race preparation and training tips Upcoming events: Tussock Traverse and other...

In this episode, Geoff Alley and Nick Laurie engage in a deep conversation with Jason Vorster, a seasoned Mixed Martial Artist and fitness coach. They explore Jason's journey from South Africa to New Zealand, his experiences in various fighting disciplines, and the evolution of martial arts into a mainstream sport. The discussion highlights the importance of discipline, nutrition, and mental s...

In this episode of Straight Up, hosts Geoff Alley and Nick Laurie discuss various topics, including the quality of their podcast, Nick's recent experience running the 85K Old Ghost Ultra, the challenges faced during the run, and recommendations for beginner trail runners. They also introduce a transformational program aimed at men over 50, emphasizing the importance of community and support in fit...

In this episode, hosts Geoff Alley and Nick Laurie discuss preparations for upcoming ultra marathons and Hyrox, focusing on the mental and physical challenges of endurance sports. They share insights on training strategies, the importance of mental resilience, and personal experiences from the Hyrox event. The conversation highlights the significance of community support in endurance events and re...

In this episode, host Geoff Alley and co-host Nick Laurie welcome their guest Bruce Wigglesworth to discuss his extensive journey in rugby, coaching, and personal challenges. The conversation delves into 'Pikey's' early experiences with rugby, his transition into coaching and management, and the current challenges facing club rugby. They also explore Pikey's boxing journey, motivat...

In this episode of Straight Up, host Geoff Alley and co-host Nick Laurie welcome their guest, Mike 'Willy' Wilson, who has a rich background in rugby and coaching. Willy discusses his transition from a professional athlete to a community-focused coach, emphasizing the significance of health, wellness, and connection in his work with youth and at-risk individuals. He shares insights on the...

We are back! Season 2 :) In this episode, hosts Geoff Alley and Nick Laurie celebrate the one-year anniversary of their podcast, reflecting on personal experiences during the holiday season and discussing the importance of family connections. They delve into the topic of New Year resolutions, emphasizing the need for actionable steps rather than mere intentions. The conversation shifts to balancin...

In this episode, Geoff and Nick reflect on the journey of their podcast as they wrap up Season One. They discuss personal experiences, including Nicks participation in the Kepler Challenge last weekend and the lessons learned from it. The conversation shifts to listener feedback, highlighting the impact of their discussions on the community. They delve into health insights, emphasizing the importa...

This is a BANGER! In this episode of Straight Up, Geoff and Nick host guest guest Sarah Laurie, and delve into the importance of breathing for stress management and overall health. They discuss how modern lifestyles have led to poor breathing habits and the impact this has on mental health. The conversation covers practical techniques for improving breathing, the science behind it, and how it can...

The conversation delves into the decline of New Zealand rugby, highlighting key losses and the evolution of competitor strategies that have contributed to this downturn. We reflect on the historical context of these changes, particularly since the end of the Steve Hansen era, and discusses the vulnerabilities that have emerged in the New Zealand team. We also discuss the search for genuine 'go...

In this episode, Dr Geoff Alley and Dr Nick Laurie discuss various aspects of men's mental health, the importance of connection and gratitude, and the challenges faced during midlife. They reflect on previous episodes, share personal experiences, and emphasize the need for safe spaces for men to express themselves. The conversation also highlights the role of exercise in mental well-being and...

Straight Up interviews their first guest! In this episode, Geoff Alley and Nick Laurie welcome Shaun Quincey, who shares his incredible journey of rowing solo across the Tasman Sea. Shaun discusses the motivations behind his adventure, the mental and physical challenges he faced, and the importance of planning and support. He reflects on the lessons learned from his experience, including the conce...