Olympic silver medallist Rach Taylor once defined success by the medals she chased in elite rowing. But after stepping away from the water, she discovered the real challenge wasn’t on the podium—it was navigating life after sport.

In this episode, Rach sits down with Amber Daines to share her extraordinary journey from Olympic glory to surf lifesaving, corporate leadership, and now, coaching and tech innovation. With raw honesty and her signature no-BS approach, Rach opens up about the emotional toll of losing her identity, starting over as a mature-age student, and the clunky but courageous road to reinvention.

Today, she’s the founder of Rach Taylor Coaching and a strategic advisor for an HR tech startup aiming to reshape how we work. Together, they explore themes of burnout, resilience, identity, and why finding purpose after sport—or after any major life pivot—isn’t a straight line.

This is a must-listen for anyone navigating change and craving a life that feels more aligned, human, and fulfilling.

Connect with Amber Daines here https://amberdaines.com

Life After the Whistle is a winning podcast thanks to our founding sponsor, the Central Coast Sports College (https://ccsc.nsw.edu.au) , empowering your future through education.

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A gymnast who was told she was too tall. An Olympian labeled too old. A Ninja Warrior who shattered expectations and outperformed every man on the course. Olivia Vivian has made a career out of rewriting the rules.

From surviving a life-threatening birth condition to becoming a seven-time national gymnastics champion and Beijing 2008 Olympian, Olivia’s journey is anything but ordinary. In this candid conversation with Amber Daines, Olivia shares what it takes to defy limitations, rebound from personal loss and injury, and thrive in the unknown. With stories of heartbreak, hilarious honesty, and heroic comebacks—including her record-breaking run on Australian Ninja Warrior—Olivia reminds us that resilience isn’t just a trait, it’s a choice.

Now a motivational speaker, coach, and mentor, Olivia reflects on her evolving second act and why finding your “why” is essential when navigating change. Whether you’re facing a career pivot or personal challenge, this episode offers the motivation to keep going—and go further than you ever thought possible.

Connect with Amber Daines here https://amberdaines.com

Life After the Whistle is a winning podcast thanks to our founding sponsor, the Central Coast Sports College (https://ccsc.nsw.edu.au) , empowering your future through education.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With over 15 years of experience shaping some of Australia’s most high-profile sporting moments, Mark Falvo knows how to build legacy from the ground up. From leading the charge on the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup bid to now spearheading the 2027 Netball World Cup as Chief Operating Officer, Mark has mastered the balance between operational excellence and long-term impact.

In this episode, Amber Daines speaks with Mark about what it takes to deliver a world-class event—from creating athlete-first experiences to building culture within a startup-like organization. Mark shares his insights on why women’s sports deserve more than just moments in the spotlight and how events like the Women’s World Cup can shift generational attitudes.

He also opens up about navigating career change after a long stint in football, taking time to reflect, and re-aligning with purpose. This is a conversation about performance, planning, and what happens when sport becomes a platform for real social change.

Connect with Amber Daines here https://amberdaines.com

Life After the Whistle is a winning podcast thanks to our founding sponsor, the Central Coast Sports College (https://ccsc.nsw.edu.au) , empowering your future through education.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Greg Brownlow began his sporting journey with a racquet in hand, rising through Australia’s tennis ranks before earning a scholarship to play Division 1 college tennis in the U.S. at Austin Peay State University. After completing a degree in Business Administration, Greg launched into a pro tennis career—until injury cut it short. That moment became a turning point, leading him into elite coaching roles on both the ATP and WTA tours and later founding the Future Star Academy, where he developed nationally and globally ranked players.

Today, Greg brings the same high-performance mindset to his dual role as CEO of the Central Coast Mariners and Business Development & Strategic Partnerships Manager at Central Coast Sports College. In this episode, Amber Daines speaks with Greg about the personal growth that comes from navigating identity shifts, the emotional highs and lows of elite sport, and what it means to lead with integrity in business and community. He reflects on building environments that allow athletes—and people—to flourish, and the legacy he hopes to leave in sport and leadership.

Connect with Amber Daines here https://amberdaines.com

Life After the Whistle is a winning podcast thanks to our founding sponsor, the Central Coast Sports College (https://ccsc.nsw.edu.au) , empowering your future through education.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What an extraordinary insightful episode with Dr. Deidre Andersona. Dr. Deidre is a social scientist and expert in athlete transitions who takes you an in incredible journey of understanding the psychological state of elite Athletes at differing times in their careers. 

She dives deep into the challenges all athletes face when transitioning out of their sports careers and they’re significant and different for all athletes depending where they are in their life stage. She discusses the importance of identity and support systems, and the emerging trends in mental health awareness within the sports community. Dr. Anderson shares insights on how to navigate these transitions, the significance of having a plan B, and the common emotional processes athletes experience during this time. The conversation highlights the need for patience and self-awareness as individuals move through significant life changes.                          

Connect with Amber Daines here https://amberdaines.com

Life After the Whistle is a winning podcast thanks to our founding sponsors, the Central Coast Sports College (https://ccsc.nsw.edu.au) , empowering your future through education and sports and Division Technologies (https://divisiontech.io) , your partner for technology leadership & advice with top-tier, affordable technology services for businesses, professional services, and startups.

 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Carol Cooke AM PLY is one of Australia’s most inspiring figures in sport and advocacy. Born in Canada, Carol served 14 years in law enforcement, including four years undercover, before relocating to Australia. Diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 1998, she defied predictions of incapacitation, later excelling in elite sport. Initially a national level swimmer, she switched to rowing, then Para cycling, capturing three Paralympic gold medals (London 2012, Rio 2016) and a silver at the Tokyo Paralympics at age 60. A passionate MS advocate

Carol founded the 24-Hour Mega Swim, raising over $11 million. For her contributions, she was named a Member of the Order of Australia in 2014. Carol is also an accomplished author of Finding Your Inner Gold and The Force Within. Through her motivational speaking, Carol shares her philosophy of resilience, daring audiences to face fears and embrace change with courage and determination. Here Carol Cook shares her remarkable journey from aspiring gymnast to Paralympic champion, overcoming the challenges of multiple sclerosis. She discusses the importance of resilience, self-belief, and the support of loved ones in achieving one's dreams, regardless of age or obstacles. Carol's story is a testament to the idea that it's never too late to pursue your passions and make a positive impact in the world.

Connect with Amber Daines here https://amberdaines.com

Life After the Whistle is a winning podcast thanks to our founding sponsors, the Central Coast Sports College (https://ccsc.nsw.edu.au) , empowering your future through education and sports and Division Technologies (https://divisiontech.io) , your partner for technology leadership & advice with top-tier, affordable technology services for businesses, professional services, and startups.

 

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Matt Levy has been an active swimmer since he was three years old, and competed for over 20 years in hundreds of state, national and international competitions, including five Paralympic Games. 

He worked in the financial industry for over ten years in change management and currently works in the health sector. Matt earned a BA in Business Management and an MBA in Leadership and Innovation. A graduate of the AICD Company Director’s Program Matt also holds multiple board, advisory and ambassadorial roles with sporting, community and humanitarian organisations. 

In 2014, Matt was awarded the Order of Australia Medal for "Service to sport as a Gold Medallist at the London 2012 Paralympic Games." 

In 2015, he was named Athlete of the Year with a Disability at the New South Wales Sports Awards, and in 2018 he was named Swimming Australia’s Paralympic Program Swimmer of the Year. In November 2021, he received a New South Wales Institute of Sport Academic Excellence Award and was named the 2021 Sport NSW Athlete of the Year with a Disability. His fifth Paralympic campaign came to an exciting end when he joined teammates to win the gold medal in the men’s 4x100m freestyle 34 points relay. Matt Levy shares his inspiring journey as a Paralympic swimmer and his transition into a professional career. He discusses the importance of balancing sports with work, the value of mentorship, and the lessons learned throughout his athletic career. Matt discusses the significance of self-reflection, understanding one's purpose, and giving back to the community. Everyone experiences change in their lives listen in on your best way to navigate it. 

Connect with Amber Daines here https://amberdaines.com

Life After the Whistle is a winning podcast thanks to our founding sponsors, the Central Coast Sports College (https://ccsc.nsw.edu.au) , empowering your future through education and sports and Division Technologies (https://divisiontech.io) , your partner for technology leadership & advice with top-tier, affordable technology services for businesses, professional services, and startups.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Patsy Tierney is a name synonymous with excellence in sport aerobics. As the 1998 World Sport Aerobics Champion and an undefeated Australian Champion for over five years, Patsy was at the pinnacle of her sport. Sponsored by Nike, she travelled the world, competing in prestigious events across Europe, Asia, and the United States, earning both international recognition and prize money. She was a regular guest on popular shows like Wide World of Sports, The Bert Newton Show, and Today, and co-hosted Footy Plus, becoming a household name in the 1990s. However, life took a dramatic turn when Patsy became a single mum to two young children. Struggling with mental health, she turned to alcohol and antidepressants to cope, losing both her passion for fitness and her sense of self. But everything changed when Patsy signed up for a fun  run—a decision that reignited her love for fitness and helped her reconnect with her joy as a mother. 

This personal transformation led to the birth of Fit Mumma, a health and fitness business dedicated to empowering mums to prioritise their well-being. Today, Patsy runs the Fit Mumma Classic, Australia’s only functional fitness competition exclusively for mums, and hosts virtual challenges to inspire women everywhere. With certifications in post-natal care, menopause, Olympic weightlifting and over 20 years coaching women, Patsy is a true force of transformation, helping mums rediscover their strength. Here Patsy discusses the importance of community, accountability, and finding joy in fitness, especially for mothers. Here Patsy discusses the importance of community, accountability, and finding joy in fitness, especially for mothers. Patsy also delves into the need for self-care and adapting fitness routines as we age, encouraging listeners to prioritise their well-being and find activities they love.

Reach out to Patsy here https://fitmumma.au

Connect with Amber Daines here https://amberdaines.com

Life After the Whistle is a winning podcast thanks to our founding sponsors, the Central Coast Sports College (https://ccsc.nsw.edu.au) , empowering your future through education and sports and Division Technologies (https://divisiontech.io) , your partner for technology leadership & advice with top-tier, affordable technology services for businesses, professional services, and startups.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Sacha Fulton is a highly respected and qualified consultant, trainer, coach, workshop facilitator and author on Peak Preparation and Performance. As the owner of Peak Preparation and an Australian leader in sports science, Sacha offers over 20 years’ experience in the field of scientific training and preparation techniques for individuals, organisations, community groups and schools. She is driven by her purpose to unlock possibility and cultivate greatness achieving full potential with an elite mindset to enable high performance in any situation. Sacha is a Keynote speaker on subjects ranging from leadership, team performance and motivation, to health, nutrition, and wellbeing. As an Accredited Sports Scientist Sacha is sought for her expertise as a coach consultant, and as an athlete and team preparation specialist at local, state, national and Olympic levels.

Here, Dr. Sasha Fulton discusses the importance of an elite mindset, the journey of athletes, and how to create a supportive environment that empowers individuals beyond their athletic identities. Dr. Fulton shares her insights on scientific training, behaviour change and the significance of embracing mistakes as part of the growth process. The conversation highlights how psychological safety and mindfulness can skyrocket achieving peak performance.

Reach out to Dr Sasha here https://www.peakpreparation.com.au

Connect with Amber Daines here https://amberdaines.com

Life After the Whistle is a winning podcast thanks to our founding sponsors, the Central Coast Sports College (https://ccsc.nsw.edu.au) , empowering your future through education and sports and Division Technologies (https://divisiontech.io) , your partner for technology leadership & advice with top-tier, affordable technology services for businesses, professional services, and startups.

 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ryan Gonsalves is an accredited small business advisor, career coach and lifestyle practitioner. He calls upon over 20 years’ experience as an innovation strategist and engaging people leader in banking and wealth management.   

 Born in Leeds, England, to migrant parents from St. Kitts & Nevis in the Caribbean, Ryan left school at 16 to pursue his career as a professional football (aka soccer) player at Huddersfield Town. After a series of injuries, he moved on to juggle gaining his honours degree whilst playing semi-professionally around Europe and coaching in the US. 

 At a corporate level, he has led diverse teams with strong commercial & political acumen and high emotional intelligence.  His work, at global corporates GE Capital, HSBC, AMP and in the Australian NSW State Government has taken him across Europe, North America, Middle East, Asia and Australia in B2C and B2B2C industries. Today, Ryan dedicates his time as a career coach through his Private Practice at 2ndwind Academy including Olympians, Olympic hopefuls and professional sports including South Sydney Rabbitohs. In this conversation, Ryan Gonsalves shares his journey from professional athlete to corporate leader and career coach. He discusses the importance of communication, the challenges athletes face during career transitions, and offers valuable advice for those pursuing a second career after sports. Ryan delves into the need for athletes to explore their interests outside of sports and to develop skills that will aid in their future endeavours.

Reach out to Ryan here https://www.2ndwind.io/

Connect with Amber Daines here https://amberdaines.com/

Life After the Whistle is a winning podcast thanks to our founding sponsors, the Central Coast Sports College (https://ccsc.nsw.edu.au) , empowering your future through education and sports and Division Technologies (https://divisiontech.io) , your partner for technology leadership & advice with top-tier, affordable technology services for businesses, professional services, and startups.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.