In this episode of Ballers Brew, we dive into the fast lane with Olympian, elite coach, and podcast host Brett Hawke. From walking out behind the blocks at the Olympics to coaching NCAA champions and global stars, Brett shares the defining moments that shaped his identity in and out of the pool.

We explore the evolution of sprint swimming, what it takes to train for 21 seconds of explosive performance, and the cultural influences that shape elite environments. Brett unpacks how discomfort fuels growth, the mental game behind high-level coaching, and the personal “why” that drives his work in swimming and storytelling. He also reflects on standout interviews from Inside with Brett Hawke, the impact of international coaching experiences, and the timeless lessons that connect passion, purpose, and performance.

Whether you’re chasing speed, building a team, or searching for your edge—this one’s for you.

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Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro

02:00 – Meet Brett Hawke

09:00 – Olympic Final Emotion

13:00 – Training for 21s

16:00 – Turning Point for Success

20:00 – The Sprint Evolution

28:00 – Trends with Specificity

32:00 – Mastering Speed

38:00 – Culture Shapes Performance

41:00 – Lessons in Coaching

44:00 – Challenges & Discomfort

48:00 – Winning with Purpose

54:00 – Final Reflection

#BallersBrew #WorldsHottest #SportsPodcast #BallerNation #SportsIndustry #SportsTalk #Sports #Coaching #CoachingTips #HighPerformance #Swimming #Athlete #Olympics #NCAA

Audio Credit: "I'm Ready" - AJR

YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f2dJxFIV28Y

⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/ajrbrothers

In this episode of Ballers Brew, we sit down with European gold medalist and Olympian Zane Weir to unpack the journey behind the throws—one built on grit, legacy, and purpose.

From his early days in Amanzimtoti to standing atop the podium for Italy, Zane reflects on the moments that shaped his path: the influence of his Italian grandfather, the shift from rugby to shot put, and the decision to train under legendary coach Paolo Dal Soglio.

He breaks down how he balances raw power with finesse, and how intentional action—not just talent—has driven his rise. We also explore the mental and emotional layers of elite sport: navigating doubt, adapting through COVID, and staying grounded in the face of success.

Zane’s story is about more than medals—it's about identity, presence, and the pursuit of expression through sport. If you’re chasing clarity, motivation, or the confidence to own your path, this one’s for you.

🎧 SUBSCRIBE to the Podcast: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeiVxYEHDi0KS2Lec1x8htw⁠⁠

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• Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/ballersbrew⁠⁠

• Facebook: ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/ballersbrew⁠⁠

• LinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/ballersbrew

Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro

02:00 – Meet Zane

05:00 – Foundations of Growth

10:00 – Shadowboxing Success

16:00 – Authenticity in the Pursuit

20:00 – From Field to Circle

26:00 – The Influence of Environment

31:00 – Decisions Despite Doubt

35:00 – Power of Intentional Action

39:00 – Standing on the Podium

43:00 – Finesse, Refinement, Execution

47:00 – Inner Circle Influence

50:00 – Process and Presence

55:00 – What Holds Up Tomorrow

01:00:00 – Expression as Purpose

01:04:00 – Final Reflection

#BallersBrew #WorldsHottest #SportsPodcast #BallerNation #SportsIndustry #SportsTalk #Sports #HighPerformance #Olympics #TrackAndField #ShotPut #Athlete

Audio Credit: "I'm Ready" - AJR

YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f2dJxFIV28Y

⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/ajrbrothers

In this episode of Ballers Brew, we’re joined by Olympian, Commonwealth Games medalist, and sub-4-minute miler Matt Yates to explore his journey from elite middle-distance runner to transformative coach and founder of The Run Yard.

Matt opens up about how his competitive past shaped a new way of thinking—where performance is matched by emotional intelligence, and leadership means knowing when to listen. He shares lessons on finding meaning in success, building healthy team culture, and the challenge of transitioning beyond elite sport.

We talk about what it really takes to coach the whole athlete: balancing empathy with accountability, creating communities that thrive, and staying resilient when things feel uncertain or unseen. Whether you’re chasing podiums or purpose, Matt’s insights will leave you thinking differently about how growth, grit, and connection all work together.

This episode will shift your perspective on what it really means to win.

🎧 SUBSCRIBE to the Podcast: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeiVxYEHDi0KS2Lec1x8htw⁠⁠

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• Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/ballersbrew⁠⁠

• Facebook: ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/ballersbrew⁠⁠

• LinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/ballersbrew

Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro

03:00 – Meet Matt

07:00 – Motive Matters

09:00 – Forming Perspective

15:00 – Selfish Side of Success

19:00 – Training Group Dynamics

25:00 – The Just Cause for Reason

29:00 – Power of Observation

37:00 – Holistic Wellbeing for Life After Sport

44:00 – Balancing Empathy and Execution

48:00 – From Connections to Community

55:00 – Navigating Obscurity and Obstacles

01:01:00 – Shared Journey to Mental Strength

01:06:00 – Evolving Strategies

01:14:00 – The Team as One

01:21:00 – Matt’s Mission

01:29:00 – Final Reflection

#BallersBrew #WorldsHottest #SportsPodcast #BallerNation #SportsIndustry #SportsTalk #Sports #Coaching #CoachingTips #HighPerformance #Track #Athletics #Athlete #Olympics

Audio Credit: "I'm Ready" - AJR

YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f2dJxFIV28Y⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/ajrbrothers

In this episode of Ballers Brew, we dive into the journey of two-time Olympian and open water phenom Michelle Weber. From breaking records in the English Channel to representing South Africa on the world’s biggest stage, Michelle shares the moments that shaped her identity as both an athlete and a leader.

She unpacks what it takes to stay mentally strong, physically prepared, and grounded in purpose—from endurance training and cultural experiences to her Share-A-Lane initiative and the legacy she hopes to leave behind.

Michelle reflects on the highs and lows of Olympic competition, the lessons learned through adversity, and the deeper ‘why’ that keeps her moving forward. Whether you're an athlete, coach, or simply someone chasing a big goal, this one’s for you.

🎧 SUBSCRIBE to the Podcast: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeiVxYEHDi0KS2Lec1x8htw⁠⁠

📲 Follow for bonus clips & BTS:

• Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/ballersbrew⁠⁠

• Facebook: ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/ballersbrew⁠⁠

• LinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/ballersbrew

Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro

02:00 – Meet Olympian Michelle Weber

08:00 – Passion Meets Purpose

13:00 – Childlike Faith

18:00 –Details in the Picture

22:00 – Sustainable Success

30:00 – Culture in Sport

36:00 – The Road to the Games

44:00 – Share-A-Lane

52:00 – Grounded in Competition

57:00 – Overcoming Adversity

01:02:00 – Matured Direction

01:05:00 – Profound Occurrences

01:13:00 – Final Reflection

#BallersBrew #WorldsHottest #SportsPodcast #BallerNation #SportsIndustry #SportsTalk #Sports #Olympics #OpenWaterSwimming #HighPerformance #OlympicMindset

Audio Credit: "I'm Ready" - AJR

YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f2dJxFIV28Y⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/ajrbrothers

Join us as we explore the realm of sports psychology with Professor Heinrich Grobbelaar, a leading authority and Associate Professor at Stellenbosch University. With extensive academic credentials and practical experience as a Mental Conditioning Coach for Stellenbosch FC, Prof. Grobbelaar delves into the transformative power of mental strategies in athletic performance.

Discover actionable insights on enhancing mental toughness, building confidence, and managing performance anxiety. Prof. Grobbelaar shares his expertise gleaned from pioneering research and working with elite athletes, offering a compelling look into the principles that drive peak athletic achievement.

Whether you're an athlete, coach, or sports enthusiast, tune in to gain valuable perspectives from Prof. Heinrich Grobbelaar on optimizing performance through sports psychology.

🎧 SUBSCRIBE to the Podcast: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeiVxYEHDi0KS2Lec1x8htw⁠

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• Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/ballersbrew⁠

• Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/ballersbrew⁠

• LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/ballersbrew

Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro

04:30 – Meet Prof. Grobbelaar

10:30 – The Power of the Mind

15:00 – Habits of Influence

19:00 – Big Match Temperament

22:00 – The Controllables

27:00 – Coined Composure

33:00 – Mental Maturity

37:00 – Athletic Identity

45:00 – Drivers of Behavior

49:00 – Molded Mindsets

55:00 – Constructed Confidence

01:04:00 – Anxiety Hindrances

01:11:00 – Psychological Performance Tools

01:20:00 – Potential Development

01:27:00 – Final Reflection

#BallersBrew #WorldsHottest #SportsPodcast #BallerNation #SportsIndustry #SportsTalk #Sports #Psychology #HighPerformance #Mindset #SportsPsychology

Audio Credit: "I'm Ready" - AJR

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f2dJxFIV28Y⁠

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ajrbrothers

Join us in this episode as we sit down with Keagan Van Aarde, the dynamic Maties Sport High Performance Senior Manager. From his role as Sport Manager for Cricket and Athletics at Stellenbosch University to his passion for netball, strength and conditioning, and coaching, Keagan has shaped the sporting landscape in remarkable ways. We'll explore his journey from an assistant coach to a key figure in sports management.

Discover how Keagan balances his diverse responsibilities, navigates challenges, and employs strategies to stay ahead of trends and technologies. Learn about his approach to talent scouting, building successful teams, and the critical role of analytics and athlete welfare in ensuring optimal performance. Tune in as Keagan shares insights and stories from his impactful career, offering a candid look into the world of high-performance sports management.

What key to success will you discover from Keagan's journey? Tune in and find out.

🎧 SUBSCRIBE to the Podcast: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeiVxYEHDi0KS2Lec1x8htw⁠

📲 Follow for bonus clips & BTS:

• Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/ballersbrew⁠

• Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/ballersbrew⁠

• LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/ballersbrew

Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro

06:00 – Meet Keagan

10:00 – Unlocking Opportunities

12:00 – From Field to Boardroom

17:00 – Defining Roles

21:00 – Grassroot Foundations

27:00 – Corporate Team Dynamics

30:00 – Sport Science Business Integration

33:00 – Unmeasurable Success

36:00 – Cultivating Team Character

43:00 – On & Off Field Culture

48:00 – Boundaries Defined

53:00 – Being True to Yourself

59:00 – Ensuring Athlete Wellbeing

01:07:00 – The Essence of Purpose

01:09:00  – Embracing Ubuntu

#BallersBrew #WorldsHottest #SportsPodcast #BallerNation #SportsIndustry #SportsTalk #Sports #SportManagement #Leadership #LeadershipDevelopment #HighPerformance

Audio Credit: "I'm Ready" - AJR

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f2dJxFIV28Y⁠

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ajrbrothers

Join us in this episode as we sit down with the unstoppable Sian Moore, aka the 'Swish Queen'. From her electrifying performances on the court as a Protea and SA Fast-Five star to her leadership in securing double crown victories for the Maroon Machine in 2022 and claiming the USSA & Varsity Cup championship titles, to her time as a Western Province Stings Representative. We'll dive into Sian's journey as a student-athlete at the University of Stellenbosch, exploring how she manages the demands of academia alongside her roles in netball.

Discover how she balances representing South Africa internationally while also mentoring within the Maties Netball Club structure. Tune in as Sian shares the highs and lows of being an athlete in a semi-professional environment, offering a candid look into the challenges and triumphs of her inspiring career.

Get ready for an enriching conversation with one of netball's brightest stars!

🎧 SUBSCRIBE to the Podcast: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeiVxYEHDi0KS2Lec1x8htw⁠

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• Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/ballersbrew⁠

• Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/ballersbrew⁠

• LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/ballersbrew

Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro

13:00 – Circumstantial Success

20:00 – Aspire to Inspire

27:40 – Dubious Gamesmanship

36:00 – Self-Contentment

39:00 – Adversity Acknowledgement

44:00 – Confidence Safeguarding

51:00 – Perseverance into Prosperity

55:00 – Partners or Pals

1:01:00 – Box Ticking

1:05:15 – Beyond the Game

1:11:15 – Grass Root Development

1:19:00 – Captains Closing

#BallersBrew #WorldsHottest #SportsPodcast #BallerNation #SportsIndustry #SportsTalk #Sports #StudentAthlete #CoachingTips #HighPerformance #NetballSA #VarsityCup

Audio Credit: "I'm Ready" - AJR

YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f2dJxFIV28Y⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/ajrbrothers

Tune in for a captivating episode with Simon Lawson, Chair of the International Federation of Sports Chiropractic. With a visionary approach to sports medicine, Simon has led the Federation since 2015 and served as President of the Chiropractic Association of South Africa. As a founding member of Chiro Sport SA, he has made remarkable contributions to the field.

Join us as we explore chiropractic care essentials, evolving leadership dynamics in the medical field, and the role of media in today's healthcare landscape. Discover the tangible benefits of chiropractic care and manipulations for performance enhancement, along with the chiropractic industry's place in the global medical market.

🎧 SUBSCRIBE to the Podcast: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeiVxYEHDi0KS2Lec1x8htw⁠

📲 Follow for bonus clips & BTS:

• Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/ballersbrew⁠

• Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/ballersbrew⁠

• LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/ballersbrew

Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro

05:00 – Alignment That Drives & Thrives

08:00 – Chiropractic Care Essentials

10:45 – Circadian Misconceptions

17:15 – Simon Says

26:00 – CASA Kick-Off

28:00 – Multifaceted Leadership

32:00 – Medical to Media

39:00 – Y-Strap Titillation

42:00 – Performance Manipulation Enhancements

49:00 – Prosperity & Wellness

56:00 – Medical Market

1:03:00 –  Global Industry Pivot

1:10:00 – Final Adjustment

#BallersBrew #WorldsHottest #SportsPodcast #BallerNation #SportsIndustry #SportsTalk #Sports #HighPerformance #ChiropracticCare #SportsMedicine #SportsChiropractor

Audio Credit: "I'm Ready" - AJR

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f2dJxFIV28Y⁠

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ajrbrothers

In memory of Wilbur Kraak, whose passion for coaching, education, and community continues to inspire.

In this riveting episode, we delve into a captivating conversation with Wilbur Kraak, Head of the Division of Sport Science at Stellenbosch University, and owner of WJK Coaching Consultancy. With extensive experience and dual PhDs in Sport Science and Sport Coaching, Wilbur shares profound insights into the intricate relationship between athletes and coaches.  

Explore coaching philosophies, psychology, and sporting ethics, along with the essential management structures for optimizing performance. Debunk common misconceptions about coaching roles at various levels. Join us for an enlightening discussion unraveling the dynamics of athlete-coach relationships and gaining valuable insights into the world of coaching.

🎧 SUBSCRIBE to the Podcast: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeiVxYEHDi0KS2Lec1x8htw⁠

📲 Follow for bonus clips & BTS:

• Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/ballersbrew⁠

• Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/ballersbrew⁠

• LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/ballersbrew

Timestamps:

00:00 - Intro

11:00 – Philosophical Foundations

12:30 – The Individual

17:35 – Professional Vulnerability

18:55 – Cultivating Success

29:15 – Management Structures

35:00 – Role Diversity

37:55 – Training Periodization

39:55 – Training Lows

45:35 – Success Stories

47:40 – Community Investment

49:50 – Rugby Relevancy

#BallersBrew #WorldsHottest #SportsPodcast #BallerNation #SportsIndustry #SportsTalk #Sports #Coaching #CoachingTips #HighPerformance #Rugby

Audio Credit: "I'm Ready" - AJR

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f2dJxFIV28Y⁠

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ajrbrothers

From the outset we are kicking it off with a BANG with non other than Curtis Gladney, one of Playbook Athlete's managing partners. Within this episode we dive into various topics pertaining to Curtis' involvement within the sporting industry & the major role his company plays in aiding athletes. 

Your "WHY" has the potential to ground & guide your identity to achieve success! - What is your why?

🎧 SUBSCRIBE to the Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeiVxYEHDi0KS2Lec1x8htw

📲 Follow for bonus clips & BTS:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ballersbrew

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• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ballersbrew

Timestamps:

00:00 - Intro

03:44 - Your Why

12:04 - Dollar Doers

16:20 - Family & Legacy

20:34 - Pulling the Trigger

32:05 - Losses or Lessons

34:15 - Lows to Highs

44:15 - Dream Chasing

#BallersBrew #WorldsHottest #SportsPodcast #BallerNation #SportsIndustry #SportsTalk #Sports #WhyIGrind #DreamBig #HighPerformance

Audio Credit: "I'm Ready" - AJR

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f2dJxFIV28Y

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ajrbrothers