[ep. 009] - johnny koutroumbis: more than 100 games in the a-league at just 24, johnny has already accomplished so much. but his achievements move beyond just football.

our health is often something we take for granted, but johnny is acutely aware of how quickly things can change. at just 20, he was diagnosed with thyroid cancer.

his story is one of remarkable resilience, recovering and retuning from treatment to play football within the same season. he refused to be defined by his diagnosis, with his journey becoming a source of inspiration for many. 

johnny spoke honestly and openly about his earlier life experiences, the change in his perspective and how he practices gratitude daily.

"trailblazer” is a term thrown around casually in modern times however inty elham truly encapsulates the definition of the word. one of the first uyghurs to run for government in a western country. she is a politician. australian. uyghur. muslim. woman. inty carries a number of labels but she aims to move beyond them all, breaking stereotypes and paving the way for future generations. she is willing to stand for what she believes in, despite the danger it may pose and the fear she feels. we discussed her upbringing, the journey to becoming comfortable within our skin, and how she became interested in politics as well as a number of other topics. she was raw and honest, opening up about her fears and ambitions. 

kusini yengi is someone who is not afraid to be true to himself in a sport lacking personality. he’s honest, vulnerable and open, discussing the challenges of an unsettled childhood, dealing with racial abuse, remaining positive during injury and staying focused on the goal while enjoying every minute of the journey. he has displayed immense resilience and mental strength despite all of life’s challenges. kusini works hard, day in, day out, at his craft in the pursuit of success, with ambitions that lie beyond football.

an elite mma fighter that is unapologetically himself. authentic and transparent, the spartan is not afraid to speak his mind. his elite mentality, cultivated after years of hard work, has allowed him to fight on the world stage. never one to shy away from a challenge, he’s ready to take on the world and put the caruso name on the map.

sam is a creative that puts his heart and soul into each bottle of wine he produces. every release an extension of himself, sold quickly with a perpetual waitlist. moving beyond any label assigned to him or his wine, sam’s journey began at a crossroad. construct or destruct. after years of growth, both personally and professionally, sam has found solace amongst the chaos and lives a truly authentic life.

a story illustrating the beauty and pain of life. the ebb and flow. the first sudanese player to be drafted to the afl. multiple suicide attempts culminating in the infamous bolte bridge incident. a life lived under the relentless lens of the media. grateful of the journey despite all the challenges, majak is finally controlling the narrative. a young father, mental health advocate and ambassador for the sudanese community.

multi record holder, 3 time olympian and dual olympic finalist, genevieve is australia’s most accomplished middle-distance woman. daughter, wife and future mother, she has, and continues to, overcome any and all obstacles on her way to success.

raised in a family of high achieving athletes, liz didn't feel the pressure as she forged a spectacular youth career in pole-vaulting. despite being a two-time olympian liz hasn't found the transition to senior athlete quite so easy. regardless she is happy with her journey, undeterred by the challenges that accompany professional sport. now, liz is looking forward to her next chapter, moving beyond the label "pole vaulter."