Elevate with Mets

In this week’s episode of the podcast, we sit down with author, speaker, and mentor Luke Kennedy for a powerful conversation about his journey from a troubled past to a life of impact and purpose.

Luke opens up about growing up in Alexandria, chasing respect through violence, and the spiral into crime, drugs, and organized street fights that eventually saw him stabbed twice before the age of 20. He shares the raw truth of battling anxiety, living behind false identities, and the heavy cost of people-pleasing.

We dive deep into the turning points that helped Luke rewrite his story — from finding faith and fatherhood, to becoming a voice for young people across schools and communities. Luke also talks about his upcoming “Running for Eternity” challenge, where he’ll run 21 marathons in 21 days to raise funds for a local church and inspire others to push beyond their limits.

This episode explores themes of resilience, mental health, identity, and legacy. Whether you’re navigating your own struggles or searching for inspiration to take that next step forward, Luke’s story is a raw reminder that it’s never too late to change your path.

Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with your mates!

Episode 73: Dave Kidwell - From Rugby League to Coaching the Kiwis and Beyond

In this week's episode of the podcast, we sit down with former rugby league player and coach, Dave Kidwell, for an inspiring conversation about his incredible journey in the world of rugby. Dave opens up about his early days in the game, from growing up in New Zealand without a father and being raised by his single mother, to his transition from rugby union to rugby league, and eventually becoming a coach.

We dive deep into Dave’s experiences with legendary coaches like Craig Bellamy and Brad Arthur, discussing what makes their coaching methods so special. Dave also shares fascinating insights from his time coaching the Kiwis, the challenges of being at the helm of New Zealand Rugby League, and the impact of the rise of Tonga in the international rugby scene.

He takes us through his journey into rugby union, including his time coaching with Michael Cheika’s Argentina team and the World Cup experience. With stories about the highs, lows, and lessons learned, this episode offers valuable perspectives on coaching, leadership, and adapting to new challenges.

Whether you’re a rugby fan or not, Dave's story is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the power of teamwork. Tune in for an episode filled with passion, determination, and wisdom from a man who’s seen it all in the world of sport.

Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with your mates!

Elevate with Mets Ep. 72: "The Dark Side of Performance" ft. Tyran Smith

Resilience isn’t built in the spotlight, it’s forged in the dark.

In this powerful episode, Mets sits down with former professional athlete and long-time friend Tyran to talk about a side of high performance rarely discussed: the setbacks.

We’re diving headfirst into the mental and physical toll of chasing greatness — when you’re not at your best, when your body breaks down, when life off the field throws you off course. Whether it’s injury, burnout, relationship struggles, or the crushing weight of expectation, this conversation is a real, unfiltered look at what it takes to keep going when everything says stop.

Tyran shares an unreal story, playing elite-level footy with a broken and dislocated hand, fingers facing the wrong way, bones nearly protruding through the skin. Most would sit it out. Ty? He strapped it up, got injected, and went back into the fire. Not once. Not twice. Four times.

We unpack:

• The "at all costs" mindset: What fuels it? What are the consequences?

• The fine line between toughness and recklessness

• How to stay mentally sharp when your body isn’t cooperating

• Why Lone Crow coffee is going in the suitcase to Europe

• The difference between pushing through and knowing when to pivot

This episode isn’t just about sport, it’s about life. Because whether you’re on the field, in the gym, running a business, or just trying to get through the day, setbacks are universal. What matters is how you respond.

“The older we get, the better we were” -  but this story isn’t just nostalgia. It’s a masterclass in grit, sacrifice, and perspective.

Real talk. Real lessons. Real stories.If you’ve ever had to pick yourself up when no one’s watching, this one’s for you.

Subscribe to Elevate with Mets for more raw, honest conversations that challenge the way we think about growth and greatness.

This week on the Elevate Podcast, we’re joined by a good mate of mine,  a leader I’ve had the privilege to watch up close, in the gym and in life. He embodies the mindset, drive, and discipline it takes to truly perform at the highest level. From brutal training sessions to razor-sharp self-awareness, this episode dives deep into what separates the elite from the rest.

But before we dive in… shoutout to our favourite brew: Lone Crow Coffee. One of our mates recently tried it, and his verdict? “My favourite coffee.” You’ll be seeing more Lone Crow around the studio soon, because when you’re chasing excellence, the fuel matters.

Key Themes This Week:

What Separates the Best from the Rest

We kick things off talking about the Daily M Medal,  the benchmark of individual performance in the league. What’s the secret behind staying at the top of your game? It's not just talent,  it's dedication, grit, and relentless self-drive. These athletes keep showing up: staying longer, working harder, knowing exactly when they’re off and how to fix it.

Self-Awareness as a Superpower

The true greats know themselves. Whether it's refining their craft or recognising when they need to reset, elite players don’t just react, they adjust with intention. That level of awareness? It's rare, and it’s what makes all the difference.

Behind-the-Scenes Stories

From offseason training in WhatsApp groups to outworking everyone while on family trips,  we get into real, raw stories of athletes who live and breathe high performance. One story in particular blew me away, a player whose training intensity on holiday proved why he’s truly elite.

The People Around You Matter

We also talk about the impact of your circle. The wrong voice can plant a seed of complacency,  “It’s too cold”, “Take a day off”,  and before you know it, you’ve slipped. The best athletes stay conscious, stay hungry, and surround themselves with the same.

Why You Should Listen

If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to sustain elite performance,  whether you’re in sport, business, or life,  this episode is for you. It’s honest, energising, and packed with practical insights you can apply immediately.

This week’s episode is pure dynamite!

We sat down with the unstoppable Ricky Colosimo, boxing promoter, entrepreneur, and all-around legend, for a raw and honest chat about life inside and outside the ring.

👊 From growing up as the youngest of six in a tight-knit Italian family to going toe-to-toe with some of Australia’s toughest fighters, Ricky’s story is all about grit, resilience, and the power of an unbreakable will.

 “Everything over there is earned, not given.” Ricky shares how his time in Brooklyn’s toughest gyms taught him that success comes to those who show up and put in the work.

Inside this episode:

🥊 The early days of getting bashed by his brothers, and how that lit the fire that made him a fighter.

🥊 Overcoming a devastating ankle injury right before the Commonwealth Games, and how that moment reshaped his future.

🥊 What it’s like to train in the heart of New York, surrounded by world champions and legends of the sport.

🥊 Lessons in leadership and humility from working every single job in the family pub, from mopping floors to running the show.

🥊 Why mentoring the next generation of fighters is one of his greatest passions today.

💥 This is more than just a boxing story, it’s a story of hustle, heart, and never giving up, no matter the odds.

Hit that Subscribe button and tap the bell for more powerful conversations like this!

👇 Drop a comment below if you’ve ever had to fight for your dreams, or if Ricky’s story inspires you. Let’s hear your thoughts!

Mets opens with a heartfelt welcome to world-renowned neurosurgeon Dr. Charlie Teo, reflecting on Charlie’s lifesaving impact on a close friend’s wife more than 20 years ago. He describes Charlie’s presence as a “pinch yourself moment,” particularly given the systemic challenges that ultimately pushed him out of the Australian medical landscape.

Charlie shares his story, starting with his upbringing in Sydney as the son of Chinese-Singaporean parents. Despite getting a great education, he faced daily racism and a difficult home life, with an abusive father and a supportive mother who became his rock.

He didn’t plan on becoming a neurosurgeon. At first, the field scared him. But once he was in it, he realised he’d found his passion. For Charlie, surgery was never just about medicine, it was about giving people hope when others wouldn’t.

That belief came at a cost. He was heavily criticised for taking on complex, high-risk cases. Eventually, he was pushed out of Australia’s medical system and attacked by the media. But instead of quitting, Charlie kept going, relocating to China and Spain, where he now continues his work and feels more supported.

Alongside surgery, Charlie is now focused on mental health. He talks about Cingulam, a clinic he’s involved with in Sydney that uses advanced brain scanning and magnetic therapy to help people with depression and anxiety, often with life-changing results.

Throughout the episode, Charlie opens up about resilience, staying true to your values, and not letting others define your path. Despite everything he’s been through, he still believes in doing what’s right for patients. As he shares, a piece of advice from an Indian guru sums it all up: “One day, it’ll all make sense.”

What would you do if the UFC called you, with just 9 days to prepare?

This isn’t your typical fighter story. Colby Thickenesse was folding laundry after a long security shift when he got the message that would flip his world upside down: “We need you in the UFC cage. Now.” No eight-week camp. No warning. Just a shot at the big leagues and a ticking clock.

In this episode, Colby pulls back the curtain on:

• The chaos of going from everyday life to the UFC spotlight overnight

• Training with legends like Alexander Volkanovski and the wild behind-the-scenes scramble
• Battling through brutal weight cuts, staff infections, and “Bali belly” all before stepping into the cage
• The mental warfare and raw determination it took to say yes when most would say no
• The real, unfiltered truth about what it takes to seize a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity

If you think you know what it takes to make it in the fight game, think again. This is a story of grit, guts, and going all-in when the world is watching.

Ready for the most unpredictable UFC journey you’ve ever heard? Hit play now and get inspired to chase your own impossible.

Like, comment, and subscribe for more real fight stories and behind-the-scenes action!

🎙️ This Week on Elevate with Mets: The Broncos Blow-Up, Buzz's Spray & Latrell's Superpower 🔥

Why is everyone coming for the Broncos and is it actually fair?
This week, Mets and Jake dive into the biggest NRL drama making headlines, and let’s just say… it’s not your average media recap.

From Buzz Rothfield’s hot takes to a boat trip that’s got the journos fuming, we’re unpacking all the noise and separating the real from the rubbish.

Inside this ep:
🚨 Why Buzz really went after the Broncos
🛥️ The truth behind the “boat ride” — distraction or smart leadership?
🔥 Jake’s player POV on what’s actually happening behind closed doors
👑 Latrell Mitchell: freak performance or something even deeper?
🧠 The psychology of big plays, team culture & media pressure

If you’re sick of the same cookie-cutter footy talk, this one's for you. Raw, unfiltered, and full of insight from someone who’s been in the sheds and under the spotlight.

👇 Jump in the comments — Was Buzz out of line? Can the Broncos bounce back? Is Latrell untouchable when he’s in that kind of mood?

🎧 Don’t just hear the headlines. Hear the truth.

Hit play. Let’s elevate.

Daly Cherry-Evans to the Roosters in 2026: Masterstroke or Massive Pressure?

In this week’s episode, we dive headfirst into one of the biggest NRL bombshells of the year Daly Cherry-Evans is now a very high probability to join the Sydney Roosters for the 2026 season.

But with the shadow of Cooper Cronk’s premiership success still looming large, the question has to be asked:

Is it premiership or bust for DCE?

We break down the weight of expectations, how DCE stacks up against Cronk a half many say was more complete — and what this move could mean for a Roosters side still firing with James Tedesco in unbelievable form.

Also in this episode:

We take a closer look at Ezra Mam’s return to the QLD Cup after a highly publicised off-field incident. Can he rebuild, reset, and earn his spot back in the Broncos’ NRL lineup?

We also break down:

• The biggest NRL headlines from the week

• Game-changing performances

• Team form and finals implications

• Players flying under the radar

• Key match-ups that shifted the ladder

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and drop your thoughts in the comments — we want to hear your take.

This Week on the Pod: Locky Galvin, Tigers Drama & Mental Clarity in a Shaker!

What do you get when you mix game-changing rugby insights with the smoothest New Zealand Whey Protein Isolate on the planet? This week’s episode.

Mets and Jake dive into the Locky Galvin contract saga, straight from the headlines to the heart of the locker room. From shock omissions to match-winning plays at Leichhardt Oval, we unpack how a young talent got caught between club politics and pure performance.

We’re also talking player managers, rugby league egos, and how narratives shift once you start winning. Featuring reflections on Benji’s pressure valve quote, a deeper appreciation of Galvin’s character, and how media pressure distorts the real story.

And yep, we’re fueled by the Hokey Pokey Protein and Electro+ Raspberry, which had us feeling sharper, more focused, and ready to call it as we see it. First-taste reactions included!

Timestamps:

0:00 – Hokey Pokey Protein Review (It's unreal)

4:32 – Locky Galvin: The Headlines vs. Reality

12:19 – Inside the Tigers' Win at Leichhardt

18:07 – Steve “Chimes” & the Player Manager Perspective

26:40 – What Needs to Happen Post-November 1

31:55 – Final Takes: Ego, Contracts & Club Culture

🎧 Whether you're here for the footy takes or the pre-game fuel review, you’ll love this one.

👉 Like, Subscribe & Drop Your Thoughts in the Comments!