Ben Ikin is the Head of Football at the Brisbane Broncos — one of Australia’s largest sporting organisations — and still holds the record as the youngest ever player to debut in State of Origin.

In this episode, Ben reflects on his upbringing on the Gold Coast, a family full of sport, music and performance, and how that shaped the conversations and values he carried into rugby league. He shares a funny story about being selected for Queensland before his coach even knew what he looked like, and offers plenty of insight into life after sport.

We dive into his transition from elite athlete to media personality and leader, and the habits that helped him succeed — particularly his daily writing routine during his 10-year run on NRL 360. One key takeaway: “I haven’t so much fallen in love with what I do, but I’ve fallen in love with doing the job well — so people want to keep me around.”

Ben is also a proud supporter of two great causes:

Men of League Foundation – https://menofleague.com

Perry Cross Spinal Research Foundation – https://www.pcsrf.org.au

Plenty of wisdom, a few laughs, and some practical tools for anyone navigating big transitions. Enjoy!

About David Mead:

David played 14 years of professional rugby league, representing the Brisbane Broncos, Gold Coast Titans, Catalans Dragons, and captaining the PNG Kumuls. With over 230 professional games and 15 international appearances , he’s gained valuable insight into what it takes to perform at the highest level. Now, through conversations with fellow athletes, business minds, and community leaders, David shares real stories and lessons to inspire and empower the next generation.

Connect with David and follow him on:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/david.mead.94

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidmead411/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/davidmead411

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mead-7604b986/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@davidmead411?lang=en

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@davidmeadpodcast

“Rugby league is a team sport. It’s not about one person.” — Marcus Bai

Marcus is one of the few players in rugby league history to win an NRL Premiership, a Super League title, and a World Club Challenge. He has created an incredible legacy.

In this episode, Marcus shares powerful reflections on his journey from Papua New Guinea to the biggest stages in rugby league. When he first arrived in Australia, the language barrier made it hard to speak up. But that changed in 1998 at the Melbourne Storm. It was teammate Tawera Nikau who helped spark his confidence to find his voice in a team setting, and the culture at Melbourne laid the foundation for the club’s long-term success.

We talk about his upbringing, the role of family, and the responsibility rugby league players have to create positive change across PNG and the Pacific. One thing I’ve always admired about Marcus is his willingness to speak to anyone. This is a quality I would like to learn.

I really enjoyed this conversation and the stories Marcus shared.

About David Mead:

David played 14 years of professional rugby league, representing the Brisbane Broncos, Gold Coast Titans, Catalans Dragons, and captaining the PNG Kumuls. With over 230 professional games and 15 international appearances , he’s gained valuable insight into what it takes to perform at the highest level. Now, through conversations with fellow athletes, business minds, and community leaders, David shares real stories and lessons to inspire and empower the next generation.

Connect with David and follow him on:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/david.mead.94

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidmead411/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/davidmead411

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mead-7604b986/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@davidmead411?lang=en

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@davidmeadpodcast

Albert Kelly is one of the most naturally gifted rugby league players I’ve ever played with and against — but what people don’t always see is the hard work he puts in behind the scenes to back that talent.

In this episode, Albert shares what it was like to grow up in Macksville and Kempsey, NSW, being raised by his hardworking grandparents alongside his younger brother. He speaks with gratitude about the role his cousins played in shaping his skills, and the sacrifices his family made to give him a chance in both school and sport.

We talk about what it felt like to win the Challenge Cup in the U.K., the uncertainty that comes with a career in footy, and the mental toll it can take — along with how he works through those tough moments. Albert also shares insights into his self-talk, pre-game rituals, and the value of doing extra work to reach the top level.

He also touches on something close to his heart — the need for greater protection of sacred Indigenous sites on this land.

This is a raw, honest, and inspiring conversation with a deeply thoughtful player.

About David Mead:

David played 14 years of professional rugby league, representing the Brisbane Broncos, Gold Coast Titans, Catalans Dragons, and captaining the PNG Kumuls. With over 230 professional games and 15 international appearances , he’s gained valuable insight into what it takes to perform at the highest level. Now, through conversations with fellow athletes, business minds, and community leaders, David shares real stories and lessons to inspire and empower the next generation.

Connect with David:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/david.mead.94

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidmead411/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/davidmead411

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mead-7604b986/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@davidmead411?lang=en

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@davidmeadpodcast

Alex Glenn played an incredible 285 professional rugby league games — all at one club, the Brisbane Broncos — a rare achievement in modern sport. He also represented New Zealand and the Cook Islands on the international stage and captained one of Australia’s biggest sporting organisations with humility, resilience, and heart.

In this episode, we dive into the mindset that helped him reach the top and stay there: his elite approach to training, the way he overcame injuries, and the powerful story of playing a full 80 minutes in his final match — just three days after straining his calf at training.

Alex opens up about his upbringing in Beach Haven, New Zealand, where he lived in a full house with several families — a reflection of Pacific Island culture and community. We also discuss the highs and lows of social media, his journey into fatherhood, and what it meant to be a leader on and off the field.

He’s also a passionate supporter of LIVIN, a mental health organisation that exists to break the stigma and encourage open conversations. As they say — It Ain’t Weak To Speak.

This one’s packed with inspiration, vulnerability, and leadership.

📢 To support LIVIN or learn more, visit: https://www.livin.org

Connect with Alex and follow him on:

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/alexglenn___

About David Mead:

David played 14 years of professional rugby league, representing the Brisbane Broncos, Gold Coast Titans, Catalans Dragons, and captaining the PNG Kumuls. With over 230 professional games and 15 international appearances , he’s gained valuable insight into what it takes to perform at the highest level. Now, through conversations with fellow athletes, business minds, and community leaders, David shares real stories and lessons to inspire and empower the next generation.

Connect with David and follow him on:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/david.mead.94

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidmead411/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/davidmead411

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mead-7604b986/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@davidmead411?lang=en

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@davidmeadpodcast

Xavier Coates is a professional rugby league player — and a great friend I’ve been lucky to get to know over the past year. At just 20 years old, he reached one of the highest levels in the game: State of Origin. A proud Papua New Guinean and Australian, Xavier credits his success to his parents, his upbringing, and the fierce backyard battles with his siblings that shaped his competitive edge.

In this episode, we talk about his journey to debuting for the Kumuls, Broncos, and Queensland Maroons, as well as how he handles online bullying, the importance of recovery, and what keeps him grounded.

It’s a powerful mix of humility, drive, and maturity beyond his years.

Connect with Xavier and follow him on:

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

About David Mead:

David played 14 years of professional rugby league, representing the Brisbane Broncos, Gold Coast Titans, Catalans Dragons, and captaining the PNG Kumuls. With over 230 professional games and 15 international appearances , he’s gained valuable insight into what it takes to perform at the highest level. Now, through conversations with fellow athletes, business minds, and community leaders, David shares real stories and lessons to inspire and empower the next generation.

Connect with David and follow him on:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/david.mead.94

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidmead411/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/davidmead411

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mead-7604b986/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@davidmead411?lang=en

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@davidmeadpodcast

Rhyse Martin is a current professional rugby league player with the Leeds Rhinos and a proud PNG Kumuls representative, having debuted for the national team in 2014. In this episode, we talk about the highs and lows of life in professional footy — from his humble upbringing in Australia to the pride of wearing both the NRL and Kumuls jersey.

Rhyse opens up about what he wishes he did differently as a young player, like being more aggressive and less timid around senior teammates, and we unpack the importance of confidence and presence in high-performance environments.

Toward the end, Rhyse speaks honestly about mental challenges and the courage it takes to ask for help — something that’s not easy, but incredibly important. It was a meaningful conversation.

Connect with Rhyse and follow him on:

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

About David Mead:

David played 14 years of professional rugby league, representing the Brisbane Broncos, Gold Coast Titans, Catalans Dragons, and captaining the PNG Kumuls. With over 230 professional games and 15 international appearances , he’s gained valuable insight into what it takes to perform at the highest level. Now, through conversations with fellow athletes, business minds, and community leaders, David shares real stories and lessons to inspire and empower the next generation.

Connect with David and follow him on:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/david.mead.94

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidmead411/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/davidmead411

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mead-7604b986/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@davidmead411?lang=en

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@davidmeadpodcast

Elsie Albert is a trailblazer in rugby league. She is the first homegrown Papua New Guinean woman to sign with the St George Dragons and a proud representative of the PNG Orchids. In this episode, she shares her inspiring journey from growing up in a Christian household, training in the hallway of her dorm just to get better, to overcoming the challenges faced by women playing rugby league in PNG.

Her move to Australia was made possible through the Hezekiah Sports Scholarship, which continues to help young PNG women chase their sporting dreams. If you'd like to support their work, you can make a tax-deductible donation by calling 0449 620 074.

Elsie’s story is one of grit, faith, and breaking new ground.

Connect with Elsie and follow her on:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elsie.albert.16

About David Mead:

David played 14 years of professional rugby league, representing the Brisbane Broncos, Gold Coast Titans, Catalans Dragons, and captaining the PNG Kumuls. With over 230 professional games and 15 international appearances , he’s gained valuable insight into what it takes to perform at the highest level. Now, through conversations with fellow athletes, business minds, and community leaders, David shares real stories and lessons to inspire and empower the next generation.

Connect with David and follow him on:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/david.mead.94

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidmead411/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/davidmead411

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mead-7604b986/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@davidmead411?lang=en

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@davidmeadpodcast

Will Genia played 110 Tests for the Wallabies and had an incredible professional rugby career across Australia, France, and Japan. But his journey started in Papua New Guinea — and at just 12 years old, he left home to attend boarding school in Brisbane.

In this episode, Will shares the challenges of moving countries at a young age, what helped him rise to the top and stay there for over a decade, and the key differences between test-level players and the rest. We dive into his mindset, growth, and the lessons that shaped his life on and off the field.

I’ve listened to this conversation several times — not just because of who Will is, but because of the wisdom he shares throughout.

Connect with Will and follow him on:

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

About David Mead:

David played 14 years of professional rugby league, representing the Brisbane Broncos, Gold Coast Titans, Catalans Dragons, and captaining the PNG Kumuls. With over 230 professional games and 15 international appearances , he’s gained valuable insight into what it takes to perform at the highest level. Now, through conversations with fellow athletes, business minds, and community leaders, David shares real stories and lessons to inspire and empower the next generation.

Connect with David and follow him on:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/david.mead.94

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidmead411/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/davidmead411

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mead-7604b986/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@davidmead411?lang=en

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@davidmeadpodcast

Adam Walsh is a former SAS soldier and now the Welfare Officer at the Brisbane Broncos. In his words, “I’ve worked with elite soldiers and elite athletes — both wear masks. It’s my job to tear those masks off.”

This episode dives deep into the powerful lessons Adam learned in the military, including why doing the “one percenters” is what separates the good from the great. We also talk openly about topics close to both our hearts — domestic violence, online trolling, and how self-awareness and compassion are key to healing and growth.

This conversation left a big impact on me, and I hope it does the same for you.

Connect with Adam and follow him on:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adam_walsh09/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-walsh-911ba4150/

About David Mead:

David played 14 years of professional rugby league, representing the Brisbane Broncos, Gold Coast Titans, Catalans Dragons, and captaining the PNG Kumuls. With over 230 professional games and 15 international appearances , he’s gained valuable insight into what it takes to perform at the highest level. Now, through conversations with fellow athletes, business minds, and community leaders, David shares real stories and lessons to inspire and empower the next generation.

Connect with David and follow him on:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/david.mead.94

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidmead411/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/davidmead411

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mead-7604b986/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@davidmead411?lang=en

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@davidmeadpodcast

This conversation was recorded a few years ago, but I’ve updated the description because Alex Johnston is now just six tries away from breaking the all-time NRL try-scoring record — an incredible milestone.

Alex has already scored 130 tries in just 160 games, won a premiership in his rookie year, and represented both Australia and Papua New Guinea at international level. His strike rate is rare — and he's still going strong.

But this chat goes deeper than his stats. Alex opens up about the person behind the player: his competitive mindset as a kid, the hard work and extra training that shaped him, and why he values education just as much as sport. It was an inspiring and down-to-earth conversation with one of rugby league’s quiet legends. Hope you enjoy it.

Connect with Alex and follow him on:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexjohnston95/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@alexjohnno

About David Mead:

David played 14 years of professional rugby league, representing the Brisbane Broncos, Gold Coast Titans, Catalans Dragons, and captaining the PNG Kumuls. With over 230 professional games and 15 international appearances , he’s gained valuable insight into what it takes to perform at the highest level. Now, through conversations with fellow athletes, business minds, and community leaders, David shares real stories and lessons to inspire and empower the next generation.

Connect with David and follow him on:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/david.mead.94

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidmead411/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/davidmead411

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mead-7604b986/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@davidmead411?lang=en

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@davidmeadpodcast