MAYDAY™ Real Talk and Raw Stories

Spencer Leniu breaks his silence on his biggest controversies and why he's ditching mainstream media to build his own platform.

The 25-year-old Sydney Roosters enforcer and three-time NRL premiership winner has become one of the most talked-about front-rowers in the game.

Spence reveals the real story behind the controversy, why players are turning to YouTube and personal brands over traditional media, the mental battles nobody sees, and how he's stayed loyal to his inner circle.

This is what happens when you refuse to let anyone else control your narrative.

🔐 Join the MAYDAY™ Club
https://tr.ee/79nrfSEhYR

🤝 Proudly Supported By:
https://www.instagram.com/nathanslawnsandgardens/

📲 Stay Connected with MAYDAY™
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maydaypodcast00/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@maydaypodcast00

🎬 Directed by:
https://www.instagram.com/jpethy/

⏱️ CHAPTERS:
0:00 – WELCOME TO MAYDAY
0:43 – LOOKED UP TO GROWING UP
1:33 – THE EARLY YEARS
4:21 – AFTER SCHOOL & WEEKENDS
7:48 – LIFE BEFORE RUGBY LEAGUE
9:48 – WHERE IT ALL STARTED
11:48 – DEALING WITH THE BIGGEST CRITICS
15:51 – HANDLING MEDIA PRESSURE
21:53 – FINDING YOUR CIRCLE
24:14 – AWAY FROM THE LIGHTS
32:48 – MOUNT DRUITT TAUGHT YOU
34:21 – WHY HE STARTED VLOGGING
35:32 – HILARIOUS STORY YOU NEED TO HEAR
39:55 – PERSONAL BRANDING
46:13 – THE MOMENT THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING
48:16 – REPRESENTING NSW BLUES
50:52 – 3 PREMIERSHIP RINGS
56:47 – THE SWITCH TO SYDNEY ROOSTERS
59:00 – LOOKING FORWARD TO 2026
1:04:34 – MAYDAY OUTRO

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At just 23, Naufahu Whyte has become a cornerstone of the Roosters pack.
But his journey from juniors to an NRL regular showcases something much deeper than just rugby league success.

In this episode, Naufahu opens up about:

• His unwavering commitment to staying alcohol-free

• Navigating the early temptations of team culture

• Balancing academics, leadership, and life off the field

🔐 Join the MAYDAY™ Club
[https://tr.ee/79nrfSEhYR]

🤝 Proudly Supported By
@nathanslawnsandgardens

🚨 Welcome to the MAYDAY Podcast
Your emergency landing zone for real talk, real stories, and everything in between.

📩 Sponsorship & Collab Enquiries
[email protected]

📲 Stay Connected with MAYDAY™
Instagram: @maydaypodcast00
TikTok: @maydaypodcast00

🎬 Directed by
@jpethy

⏱️ Chapters
0:00 – Welcome to MAYDAY
0:44 – Growing up in Auckland
2:27 – Parents’ discipline
4:10 – Being staunch in the pack
5:50 – Biggest lessons learnt
7:29 – Life outside of footy
10:37 – Switching from union to league
13:01 – Leaving Auckland behind
15:35 – Loving academics
17:22 – Debut at 19
19:08 – Funny Roosters stories
26:12 – Why he chose to rep NZ
29:11 – The power of the international game
32:24 – What motivates him daily
36:05 – Life at the Roosters
46:25 – What success means to you
46:57 – Stepping up as a leader
49:10 – Pac Champs
50:57 – Message from a fan
53:42 – MAYDAY wrap uP

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Benji Marshall opens up on never before told stories – the 2024 Hall of Fame inductee who went from a skinny kid in Whakatane to Tigers premiership superstar overnight.

From that iconic 2005 Grand Final flick pass that inspired a generation, to conquering the world stage with the Kiwis, to his controversial switch to rugby union.

Benji reveals why he chose Wayne Bennett for his final season, and the emotional reality of walking back into Tigers headquarters – not as a player, but as the head coach tasked with rebuilding his beloved club.

🔐 Join the MAYDAY™ Club
[https://tr.ee/79nrfSEhYR]

🤝 Proudly Supported By
https://www.instagram.com/nathanslawnsandgardens/

🚨 Welcome to the MAYDAY Podcast!
Your emergency landing zone for real talk, real stories, and everything in between.

📩 Sponsorship & Collab Enquiries: [email protected]

📲 Stay Connected with MAYDAY™ on Socials:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maydaypodcast00/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@maydaypodcast00

🎬 Directed by: https://www.instagram.com/jpethy/

⏱️ CHAPTERS

00:00 - WELCOME TO MAYDAY
01:01 - GRATITUDE FOR RELATIONSHIP
05:15 - WHAKATANE
07:11 - PRIORITISING BEING A DAD
08:39 - CHOICE BETWEEN UNION AND LEAGUE
10:19 - JOINING TIGERS AS A TEENAGER
15:10 - SKINNY KID EARLY DAYS
17:45 - 2005 GRAND FINAL
25:48 - SURGEON SAID TO RETIRE
28:27 - HOW TO BE A LEADER
31:54 - 2008 WORLD CUP KIWIS
35:36 - SWITCHING TO RUGBY UNION
38:49 - RETIRING WITH RABBITOHS
43:09 - EXPRESSING YOURSELF
46:00 - FINALS RUN 21' BEAT PENRITH, LOSE GF
47:58 - GALVIN RESHUFFLE
49:47 - HARDEST PRE SEASON INBOUND
53:36 - FIRST CHANGE COMING BACK COACH
56:54 - FUTURE OF TIGERS SQUAD
01:06:05 - WHAT YOU DON’T KNOW ABOUT BENJI
01:08:37 - MAYDAY WRAP UP

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We sit down with 18-year-old prodigy Heamasi Makasini, who made his debut for the Wests Tigers while still completing Year 12.

From scoring on debut to walking back into the classroom Monday morning, Heamasi shares his ambitious plans to buy his family a house, and reveals the NRL superstar on his phone lock screen – the player he secretly aspires to become.

🔐 Join the MAYDAY™ Club
[https://tr.ee/79nrfSEhYR]

🚨 Welcome to the MAYDAY Podcast!
Your emergency landing zone for real talk, real stories, and everything in between.

🎙️ Hosted by Terrell Davis May – and around here, we don’t sugarcoat a thing. From the world to sports, culture, controversy, and comebacks, we dive deep.
No filter. No fluff. No fear.

So buckle up – this is your MAYDAY call, and we’re coming in hot. Let’s get into it.

📩 Sponsorship & Collab Enquiries: [email protected]

📲 Stay Connected with MAYDAY™
Instagram: @maydaypodcast00
TikTok: @maydaypodcast00

🎬 Directed by: @jpethy

Listen on Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/4HmtUeniqfvSJiLHAX0EMs?si=qByqr9hUQf6Lhz-KWsowDA

⏱️ CHAPTERS

00:00 – WELCOME TO MAYDAY
00:51 – BEGINNING IN ORANGE
02:03 – ORANGE TO CAMPBELLTOWN
03:27 – TIGERS PATHWAYS
07:01 – RUGBY LEAGUE OR UNION?
09:35 – 3 YEAR DEAL WHILE IN YEAR 11
10:41 – NEWINGTON COLLEGE
13:24 – HOW WAS THE ARMY CAMP?
17:30 – WHEN BENJI SAID DEBUT
19:05 – SCORING ON DEBUT
20:19 – PRESSURE FOR YOUNG KIDS
22:30 – LOCK SCREEN NRL IDOL
23:40 – FINISHING SCHOOL
25:21 – STUDYING OR FOOTY?
26:26 – GAMING 2K
27:10 – WINGER OR CENTER?
31:54 – MAYDAY WRAP UP

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

🔐 Join the MAYDAY Club™
[https://tr.ee/79nrfSEhYR]

-

"The May Brothers announce an exclusive NRL first and deliver an in-depth season review.
From Pacific Championship dreams to the funniest dressing room yarns, this episode reveals what success really looks like beyond the headlines."

-

🚨 Welcome to the MAYDAY Podcast!
Your emergency landing zone for real talk, real stories, and everything in between!

-

🎙️ Hosted by Terrell Davis May, and around here, we don't sugarcoat a thing. From the world to sports, culture, controversy, and comebacks, we dive deep. No filter. No fluff. No fear.

-

Whether it’s breakdowns or breakthroughs, this is where we unpack it all.
So buckle up, this is your MAYDAY call, and we’re coming in hot.

-

📩 Sponsorship & Collab Enquiries
[email protected]

-

-

📲 Stay Connected with MAYDAY™
Instagram: @maydaypodcast00
TikTok: @maydaypodcast00

🎬 Directed by: @jpethy

-

⏱️ CHAPTERS:
00:00 WELCOME TO MAYDAY
00:34 END OF SEASON REVIEW
02:59 EMERGENCY MAYDAY CALL
06:17 END OF SEASON REVIEW
07:06 WHO HAS TINY’S GRAND FINAL RING?
07:32 LEICHHARDT IS SO SPECIAL
09:51 TINY’S RETURN STORY
12:06 PACIFIC CHAMPS
16:06 OFFSEASON RESET MODE
17:11 DREAM HOLIDAY DESTINATIONS
19:04 WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE
24:22 FUNNIEST YARNS EVER
34:35 MAY BROTHERS FAVOURITES
37:16 BEST FOOTY MOMENTS
38:26 STRICT CHILDHOOD GAMING RULES
40:43 MAYDAY WRAP-UP

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"Jake Tago opens up on the reality of chasing an NRL dream, from nearly walking away to working construction, to finally locking in with the Eels securing a 2-year contract extension."

-

🚨 Welcome to the MAYDAY Podcast! Your emergency landing zone for real talk, real stories, and everything in between. 

-

🎙️ Hosted by Terrell Davis May, and around here, we don't sugarcoat a thing. From the world to sports, culture, controversy, and comebacks, we dive deep.

-

Whether it’s breakdowns or breakthroughs, this is where we unpack it all. So buckle up, this is your MAYDAY call, and we’re coming in hot. Let’s get into it.

-

🔐 Join the MAYDAY Club™ ⁠https://tr.ee/79nrfSEhYR⁠

+ Gain access to a world-first NRL player community.

-

📩 Sponsorship & Collab Enquiries ⁠[email protected]⁠

-

📲 Stay Connected with MAYDAY™ on Socials

IG: ⁠@maydaypodcast00⁠ TikTok: ⁠@maydaypodcast00⁠

-

🎬 Directed by: ⁠@jpethy⁠

-

⏱️ CHAPTERS

0:00 – Welcome to MAYDAY

0:51 – Dream to Play Footy

2:47 – Samoan Heritage

4:10 – Nearly Retired

6:50 – Family and Hunger

8:03 – 72 Hour Challenge

9:22 – NRL Debut MOTIVATION

12:11 – Lowest Paid Train and Trial

13:42 – Start of Penrith Dynasty

15:22 – Eels Extension

17:29 – Samoa Call Up

20:45 – What You Do in Downtime

26:12 – Having a Son

27:47 – Eels Locker Room

28:56 – Biggest Lessons in NRL

31:30 – Plan for Next Few Years

33:27 – Message from a Fan

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“Api Koroisau opens up on chasing excellence, stepping into leadership, and how Benji’s standards are reshaping the Tigers’ culture. From his nerve-wrecking 2014 GF debut to 12 years deep still setting the standards, Api shares the mindset that keeps him at the top.”

-

🚨 Welcome to the MAYDAY Podcast! Your emergency landing zone for real talk, real stories, and everything in between.

-

🎙️ Hosted by Terrell Davis May, and around here, we don't sugarcoat a thing. From the world to sports, culture, controversy, and comebacks, we dive deep. No filter. No fluff. No fear.

-

Whether it’s breakdowns or breakthroughs, this is where we unpack it all. So buckle up, this is your MAYDAY call, and we’re coming in hot. Let’s get into it.

-

🔐 Join the MAYDAY Club™ ⁠⁠⁠https://tr.ee/79nrfSEhYR ⁠⁠⁠

Gain access to a world-first NRL player community.

-

📩 Sponsorship & Collab Enquiries: ⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠

-

📲 Stay Connected with MAYDAY™ on Socials

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@maydaypodcast00⁠⁠

TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠@maydaypodcast00⁠⁠⁠

-

🎬 Directed by: ⁠⁠⁠@jpethy⁠⁠

-

⏱️ CHAPTERS

0:00 – Welcome to Mayday
1:15 – Fijian Household
2:47 – Culture Strength
3:27 – Science & Deception @ 9
5:32 – 2014 GF Debut
7:41 – Replacing Isaac Luke
10:38 – Speed v Mental Game
15:01 – Mentors at Souths
15:57 – Souths v Penrith GF Mindset
17:27 – Leadership Role
20:43 – Benji Standards
23:04 – Tigers till 2028
25:43 – Reset Button
27:51 – Api Fans Don’t Know
31:00 – Family & Faith
32:25 – Co-Captains (Api & Romey)
34:21 – Energy Shift
39:15 – Culture & DNA
43:05 – Message to Young 9s
45:59 – Fan Q&A

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“Terrell May opens up on the moment he nearly walked away from the NRL, why Benji’s ‘family first’ message changed his path, and his dream of wearing the Blues jersey. From growing up in Mt Druitt to building resilience, starting Mayday, and chasing Origin, this is Terrell’s story.”

-🚨 Welcome to the MAYDAY Podcast! Your emergency landing zone for real talk, real stories, and everything in between.

-

🎙️ Hosted by Terrell Davis May, and around here, we don't sugarcoat a thing. From the world to sports, culture, controversy, and comebacks, we dive deep. No filter. No fluff. No fear.

-

Whether it’s breakdowns or breakthroughs, this is where we unpack it all. So buckle up, this is your MAYDAY call, and we’re coming in hot. Let’s get into it.

-

🔐 Join the MAYDAY Club™ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://tr.ee/79nrfSEhYR ⁠⁠⁠⁠

Gain access to a world-first NRL player community.

-

📩 Sponsorship & Collab Enquiries⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠

-

📲 Stay Connected with MAYDAY™ on Socials

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@maydaypodcast00⁠⁠⁠

TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@maydaypodcast00⁠⁠⁠⁠

-

🎬 Directed by: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@jpethy⁠⁠⁠

-

⏱️ CHAPTERS

0:25 – WELCOME TO MAYDAY

1:13 – MT DRUITT CHILDHOOD

2:28 – DID YOU ENJOY FOOTY?

6:00 – WANTING TO QUIT NRL

9:44 – TRENT ROBINSON CALL

12:59 – BENJI MARSHALL "FAMILY FIRST"

15:44 – MATURITY IN ROLES

21:16 – ORIGIN DREAMS

24:35 – DAD & RESILIENCE

27:40 – MARATHON GRIND

30:10 – WHY START MAYDAY PODCAST?

32:39 – FAMILY: PROVING DAD WRONG

37:09 – TIGERS AVOID WOODEN SPOON

39:45 – MESSAGE TO YOUNGER SELF

43:21 – TIGERS PORTFOLIO TO WINNING GAMES

45:10 – BIGGEST LESSONS (ON/OFF FIELD)

48:30 – DEPRESSION BATTLES

51:49 – ANCIENT TRIBES

53:30 – WHAT FAMILY FIRST MEANS NOW

57:58 – FAN QUESTION

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“Taylan May breaks his silence on his NRL return, from the darkest setbacks and checking into a psych ward, to faith, redemption, and 441 days later crossing the line at Leichhardt Oval. This is deeper than footy, it’s about fighting for yourself and finding a way back.”
-

🚨 Welcome to the MAYDAY Podcast! Your emergency landing zone for real talk, real stories, and everything in between.

-

🎙️ Hosted by Terrell Davis May, and around here, we don't sugarcoat a thing. From the world to sports, culture, controversy, and comebacks, we dive deep. No filter. No fluff. No fear.

-

Whether it’s breakdowns or breakthroughs, this is where we unpack it all. So buckle up, this is your MAYDAY call, and we’re coming in hot. Let’s get into it.

-

🔐 Join the MAYDAY Club™ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://tr.ee/79nrfSEhYR ⁠⁠⁠⁠

Gain access to a world-first NRL player community.

-

📩 Sponsorship & Collab Enquiries⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠

-

📲 Stay Connected with MAYDAY™ on Socials

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@maydaypodcast00⁠⁠⁠

TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@maydaypodcast00⁠⁠⁠⁠

-

🎬 Directed by: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@jpethy⁠⁠⁠

-

⏱️ CHAPTERS

00:00 – WELCOME TO MAYDAY
01:14 – THE SILENT MOMENTS
02:40 – DAD INSTILLING DISCIPLINE
06:50 – WHAT WAS GOING THROUGH YOUR MIND?
10:05 – THE PSYCH WARD CHAPTER
14:35 – CONNECTION TO FAITH
17:25 – TO THOSE STRUGGLING QUIETLY
19:47 – THE BENJI MARSHALL CALL
20:54 – THE RETURN TO NRL
24:49 – PLAYING NRL WITH TERRELL
26:33 – OUTLETS OUTSIDE OF FOOTY
31:51 – DAILY HABITS & ROUTINE
34:45 – MESSAGE TO THE YOUTH
38:19 – WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE REMEMBERED FOR?

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“From homelessness and addiction to building Nathan’s Lawns & Gardens and changing lives worldwide, Nathan shares his journey of resilience, redemption, and community impact. This is more than clean-ups, it’s proof that no matter how dark it gets, there’s always a way back.”

🚨 Welcome to the MAYDAY Podcast! Your emergency landing zone for real talk, real stories, and everything in between.

-

🎙️ Hosted by Terrell Davis May, and around here, we don't sugarcoat a thing. From the world to sports, culture, controversy, and comebacks, we dive deep. No filter. No fluff. No fear.

-

Whether it’s breakdowns or breakthroughs, this is where we unpack it all. So buckle up, this is your MAYDAY call, and we’re coming in hot. Let’s get into it.

-

🔐 Join the MAYDAY Club™ ⁠⁠https://tr.ee/79nrfSEhYR ⁠⁠

Gain access to a world-first NRL player community.

-

📩 Sponsorship & Collab Enquiries⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠

-

📲 Stay Connected with MAYDAY™ on Socials

Instagram: ⁠⁠@maydaypodcast00⁠

TikTok: ⁠⁠@maydaypodcast00⁠⁠

-

🎬 Directed by: ⁠⁠@jpethy⁠

-

⏱️ CHAPTERS

00:00 – WELCOME TO MAYDAY
01:17 – HOW WAS CHICAGO
01:57 – HOMELESS STORY
05:07 – MINDSET SHIFT IN TEENS
06:12 – RESENTMENT AND EMOTIONAL WEIGHT
08:13 – HAVING HIS FIRST CHILD
13:17 – SURVIVAL, PASSION OR SOMETHING DEEPER
14:19 – GAINING TRACTION ONLINE
15:30 – MILLIONS ONLINE
18:09 – HEAVY CLEANING STORIES
19:18 – COMMUNITY WORKER & GARDENER
22:02 – HATE VS LOVE
23:10 – SOCIAL MEDIA IMPACT
24:05 – MOST DANGEROUS AREAS IN USA
29:06 – USA VS AUSTRALIA WORK
30:15 – CONNECTION TO RUGBY LEAGUE 80’s
33:42 – MOST PROUD MOMENT
34:31 – WHAT KEEPS YOU GROUNDED
39:08 – MESSAGE TO YOUNGER SELF

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.