Sport Is Life
Download on the App Store

Sport Is Life episodes

  • #216 – Why Great Teams Start with Identity, Not Strategy

    If you want to get support directly from us to remove your repetitive self-doubt, join our FREE community: The Sport Is Life Movement - https://www.facebook.com/groups/sportislife

    Ready to gain the clarity and direction to move forward with purpose, especially when life throws you a curveball? Join the Game Plan training today. https://www.ianhawkinscoaching.com/gameplanmembership

    Episode Summary:


    In this episode, Ian Hawkins explores one of the most overlooked foundations of performance identity. Fresh from a workshop with young footballers preparing for their 2026 season, Ian unpacks how clarity of who you are and what you stand for transforms how you play, lead, and connect. Through real examples from the session, he shows how individual strengths, team values, and shared intent create the culture that fuels results.


    Listeners will learn why identity isn’t a buzzword but the heartbeat of high performance. Whether you’re an athlete, coach, or leader, Ian explains how self-awareness builds consistency, confidence, and resilience, and how embracing what comes naturally makes you magnetic to those around you. It’s a practical roadmap for aligning who you are with how you perform in sport, work, and everyday life.


    About the Host:


    Ian Hawkins is dedicated to showing how sports can transform lives. With extensive experience as an athlete, a coach, PE teacher, community volunteer, and manager at Fox Sports, Ian brings a wealth of knowledge to the podcast. His journey began in his backyard, mentored by his older brother, and has since evolved into coaching elite athletes and business leaders. Ian's commitment to sports and personal development is evident in his roles as a performance coach and active community member. Through "Sport Is Life," Ian shares inspiring stories and valuable lessons to help listeners apply sports principles to all areas of life.


    Join the 2025 Planning Session here https://www.facebook.com/share/1C6AqzhGeY/


    Check Me Out On:

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ianhawkinscoaching

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

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SportIsLife-IanHawkins


    Theme Music Artist:

    One Day Kings https://www.instagram.com/onedaykings/

    See https://www.captivate.fm/privacy-policy-for-listeners for privacy information.

    12 min
  • #215 – Ryan Papenhuyzen: Real Peace Is an Inside Job

    If you want to get support directly from us to remove your repetitive self-doubt, join our FREE community: The Sport Is Life Movement - https://www.facebook.com/groups/sportislife

    Ready to gain the clarity and direction to move forward with purpose, especially when life throws you a curveball? Join the Game Plan training today. https://www.ianhawkinscoaching.com/gameplanmembership

    Episode Summary:


    When Melbourne Storm star Ryan Papenhuyzen shared, “Real peace is an inside job,” it was more than a cryptic post, it was a wake-up call. In this episode, Ian Hawkins breaks down the deeper meaning behind Papenhuyzen’s reflection on peace, purpose, and personal responsibility after stepping away from the NRL.


    Ian explores how Papenhuyzen’s words reveal a truth about life and high performance, that peace doesn’t come from trophies, results, or control, but from knowing you gave it everything you had. Through his own experience with loss, growth, and mindset coaching, Ian unpacks what it really means to take ownership of your thoughts and emotions, stop blaming external factors, and find calm in the chaos.


    This is a must-listen for athletes, coaches, and anyone navigating pressure, uncertainty, or transition, a reminder that the inner game always determines the outer result.


    About the Host:


    Ian Hawkins is dedicated to showing how sports can transform lives. With extensive experience as an athlete, a coach, PE teacher, community volunteer, and manager at Fox Sports, Ian brings a wealth of knowledge to the podcast. His journey began in his backyard, mentored by his older brother, and has since evolved into coaching elite athletes and business leaders. Ian's commitment to sports and personal development is evident in his roles as a performance coach and active community member. Through "Sport Is Life," Ian shares inspiring stories and valuable lessons to help listeners apply sports principles to all areas of life.


    Join the 2025 Planning Session here https://www.facebook.com/share/1C6AqzhGeY/


    Check Me Out On:

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ianhawkinscoaching

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

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SportIsLife-IanHawkins


    Theme Music Artist:

    One Day Kings https://www.instagram.com/onedaykings/

    See https://www.captivate.fm/privacy-policy-for-listeners for privacy information.

    11 min
  • #214 – Jarvo Strikes Again: Week In Review

    If you want to get support directly from us to remove your repetitive self-doubt, join our FREE community: The Sport Is Life Movement - https://www.facebook.com/groups/sportislife

    Ready to gain the clarity and direction to move forward with purpose, especially when life throws you a curveball? Join the Game Plan training today. https://www.ianhawkinscoaching.com/gameplanmembership

    Episode Summary:


    In this light-hearted Weekend Review, Ian Hawkins and Ben dive into one of sport’s most bizarre ongoing sagas. Jarvo’s latest pitch invasion. From diving platforms to the All Blacks’ anthem, Jarvo’s antics have become a strange kind of performance art, blending audacity with humour. Ian and Ben recap his wildest stunts, from infiltrating Olympic ceremonies to crashing cricket matches and NFL games, asking the question: how does he keep getting in?


    The duo also touch on the latest in sport, the newly announced Ashes squad, rising cricket talents, Josh Giddey’s NBA form, and the Wallabies’ continued struggles. Packed with laughs, stories, and insights from their own playing days, this episode captures the joy of sport in all its unpredictability, from serious performance chat to pure entertainment.


    About the Host:


    Ian Hawkins is dedicated to showing how sports can transform lives. With extensive experience as an athlete, a coach, PE teacher, community volunteer, and manager at Fox Sports, Ian brings a wealth of knowledge to the podcast. His journey began in his backyard, mentored by his older brother, and has since evolved into coaching elite athletes and business leaders. Ian's commitment to sports and personal development is evident in his roles as a performance coach and active community member. Through "Sport Is Life," Ian shares inspiring stories and valuable lessons to help listeners apply sports principles to all areas of life.


    Join the 2025 Planning Session here https://www.facebook.com/share/1C6AqzhGeY/


    Check Me Out On:

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ianhawkinscoaching

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

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SportIsLife-IanHawkins


    Theme Music Artist:

    One Day Kings https://www.instagram.com/onedaykings/

    See https://www.captivate.fm/privacy-policy-for-listeners for privacy information.

    13 min
  • #213 – Concussion Recovery & Peak Brain Performance with Lisa Cramer

    If you want to get support directly from us to remove your repetitive self-doubt, join our FREE community: The Sport Is Life Movement - https://www.facebook.com/groups/sportislife

    Ready to gain the clarity and direction to move forward with purpose, especially when life throws you a curveball? Join the Game Plan training today. https://www.ianhawkinscoaching.com/gameplanmembership

    Episode Summary:


    What really happens to the brain after a concussion ? and how can athletes recover fully, not just physically but mentally and emotionally?


    In this powerful conversation, Ian Hawkins sits down with Lisa Kramer, double board-certified neurofeedback specialist and founder of MindBody Neuro and MBN Sport. With over 26 years in the field, Lisa reveals how cutting-edge tools like EEG brain mapping and neurofeedback are revolutionising recovery from head injuries.


    Lisa shares eye-opening insights into the link between concussion, aggression, and emotional regulation, and explains how the right brain training can reduce pain, improve sleep, and restore balance. The discussion explores real-life recovery stories, practical prevention steps for athletes, and why a holistic, data-driven approach combining neurofeedback, physical therapy, and nutrition delivers lasting results.


    Whether you’re an athlete, coach, parent, or anyone passionate about mental performance and wellbeing, this episode will change the way you see concussion recovery, from fear and frustration to possibility and performance.


    About the Guest:


    Lisa Cramer, MA, LCPC, BCN, QEEG-DL


    Owner & Clinical Director, Mind Body Neurotherapy ((Illinois & Colorado)


    Lisa Cramer is a Board‑Certified Neurofeedback Specialist and QEEG Analyst with over 24 years of clinical experience in mental health. She founded Mind Body Neuro of Illinois (2016) and Mind Body Neuro of Colorado, where she leads interdisciplinary teams to implement evidence‑based neurotherapy protocols for complex neurological and psychological conditions.


    Areas of Expertise


    • Functional Neurofeedback & QEEG Analysis: Precision EEG assessments and personalized feedback interventions

    • Clinical Leadership: Founder and director of two high‑volume group practices

    • Integrative Mental Health: Combining advanced neurotech with holistic wellness strategies


    Thought Leadership & Vision


    Lisa advocates for the integration of EEG‑driven modalities as frontline treatments for:

    • Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Concussion & CTE

    • Chronic Pain & Inflammatory Conditions

    • Mood Dysregulation & Cognitive Decline


    She is committed to global education and standardization, accelerating adoption of neurofeedback, photobiomodulation, and neurostimulation in mainstream mental health care.


    Signature Presentation Topics


    1. Emerging Frontiers in Neurotherapy: Photobiomodulation, Infralow Neurofeedback & Neurostimulation

    2. Optimizing Brain Health Without Medication: Strategies for reducing pharmacotherapy reliance

    3. Clinical Applications in Concussion & Cognitive Resilience: Protocols for acute and chronic injury recovery


    Impact & Innovation


    • Quantifiable Outcomes: Demonstrated 30–50% reduction in symptom severity across PTSD, anxiety, and post‑concussion syndromes

    • Program Development: Architect of scalable neurotherapy systems now implemented in multiple clinics nationwide


    Links:

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-cramer-lcpc-bcn-qeegd-l-02304174

    Practice Websites: https://www.mbncolorado.com | https://www.mindbodyneuro.com

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

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GoBrainGo/


    About the Host:


    Ian Hawkins is dedicated to showing how sports can transform lives. With extensive experience as an athlete, a coach, PE teacher, community volunteer, and manager at Fox Sports, Ian brings a wealth of knowledge to the podcast. His journey began in his backyard, mentored by his older brother, and has since evolved into coaching elite athletes and business leaders. Ian's commitment to sports and personal development is evident in his roles as a performance coach and active community member. Through "Sport Is Life," Ian shares inspiring stories and valuable lessons to help listeners apply sports principles to all areas of life.


    Join the 2025 Planning Session here https://www.facebook.com/share/1C6AqzhGeY/


    Check Me Out On:

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ianhawkinscoaching

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

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SportIsLife-IanHawkins


    Theme Music Artist:

    One Day Kings https://www.instagram.com/onedaykings/

    See https://www.captivate.fm/privacy-policy-for-listeners for privacy information.

    1 hr 6 min
  • #212 – When the High Wears Off: Reece Walsh and the Mental Toll of Success

    If you want to get support directly from us to remove your repetitive self-doubt, join our FREE community: The Sport Is Life Movement - https://www.facebook.com/groups/sportislife

    Ready to gain the clarity and direction to move forward with purpose, especially when life throws you a curveball? Join the Game Plan training today. https://www.ianhawkinscoaching.com/gameplanmembership

    Episode Summary:


    Even the brightest stars hit a wall. In this episode, Ian Hawkins looks at the human side of high performance through the lens of Reece Walsh’s recent form. After weeks of triumphs: finals glory, a grand-final win, a test debut, Man-of-the-Match honours. Walsh’s energy visibly dipped. Ian explores why that’s normal, not weakness: relentless schedules, media duties, and public expectations push mental reserves past breaking point.


    Drawing parallels between elite sport and everyday life, Ian challenges listeners to spot their own signs of fatigue. As the year closes, he shares practical strategies for rest, recovery, and resetting. What real restoration looks like beyond just a lazy weekend. Learn how to refill your tank through planning, connection, and purpose, so you can finish strong and start the new year clear and focused.


    About the Host:


    Ian Hawkins is dedicated to showing how sports can transform lives. With extensive experience as an athlete, a coach, PE teacher, community volunteer, and manager at Fox Sports, Ian brings a wealth of knowledge to the podcast. His journey began in his backyard, mentored by his older brother, and has since evolved into coaching elite athletes and business leaders. Ian's commitment to sports and personal development is evident in his roles as a performance coach and active community member. Through "Sport Is Life," Ian shares inspiring stories and valuable lessons to help listeners apply sports principles to all areas of life.


    Join the 2025 Planning Session here https://www.facebook.com/share/1C6AqzhGeY/


    Check Me Out On:

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ianhawkinscoaching

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

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SportIsLife-IanHawkins


    Theme Music Artist:

    One Day Kings https://www.instagram.com/onedaykings/

    See https://www.captivate.fm/privacy-policy-for-listeners for privacy information.

    12 min
  • #211 – Jonah Pezet: The Mindset Behind a Rising NRL Star

    If you want to get support directly from us to remove your repetitive self-doubt, join our FREE community: The Sport Is Life Movement - https://www.facebook.com/groups/sportislife

    Ready to gain the clarity and direction to move forward with purpose, especially when life throws you a curveball? Join the Game Plan training today. https://www.ianhawkinscoaching.com/gameplanmembership

    Episode Summary:


    Real high performance isn’t just about skill; it’s about identity. In this episode, Ian Hawkins unpacks the story of Jonah Pezet, the young NRL half whose rise through adversity has captured the attention of major clubs and fans alike. From an ACL injury to a breakout semi-final performance, Jonah’s journey is built on more than talent; it’s founded on composure, professionalism, and character.


    Ian explores the influence of Jonah’s father, former NRL player Troy Pezet, and the pride that comes from seeing your child not only succeed, but embody the values that last beyond sport. This episode digs into what really drives success, calmness under pressure, decision-making, leadership, and the courage to step outside your comfort zone.


    Whether you’re a parent, coach, or athlete, you’ll walk away with a reminder that true high performance is 90 percent identity who you are when things don’t go to plan, and how you carry yourself in every part of life.


    About the Host:


    Ian Hawkins is dedicated to showing how sports can transform lives. With extensive experience as an athlete, a coach, PE teacher, community volunteer, and manager at Fox Sports, Ian brings a wealth of knowledge to the podcast. His journey began in his backyard, mentored by his older brother, and has since evolved into coaching elite athletes and business leaders. Ian's commitment to sports and personal development is evident in his roles as a performance coach and active community member. Through "Sport Is Life," Ian shares inspiring stories and valuable lessons to help listeners apply sports principles to all areas of life.


    Join the 2025 Planning Session here https://www.facebook.com/share/1C6AqzhGeY/


    Check Me Out On:

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ianhawkinscoaching

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

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SportIsLife-IanHawkins


    Theme Music Artist:

    One Day Kings https://www.instagram.com/onedaykings/

    See https://www.captivate.fm/privacy-policy-for-listeners for privacy information.

    12 min
  • #210 – Addiction in Sport: Why High Performers Fall Hard

    If you want to get support directly from us to remove your repetitive self-doubt, join our FREE community: The Sport Is Life Movement - https://www.facebook.com/groups/sportislife

    Ready to gain the clarity and direction to move forward with purpose, especially when life throws you a curveball? Join the Game Plan training today. https://www.ianhawkinscoaching.com/gameplanmembership

    Episode Summary:


    Not every battle in sport is physical; many are fought in the mind. In this episode, Ian unpacks addiction in sport, beyond gambling and substances, to include the cravings for escape, validation, and the relentless pressure to keep performing when the stadium lights are off. Using the recent Luke Bateman story as a springboard, Ian explores how young athletes with sudden income, spare time, and constant stimulation can slide into self-sabotage; why “millionaire mindset” and financial discipline matter; and how chasing the rush becomes a pattern that erodes health, wealth, and identity.


    Ian weaves in his own hard-won lessons, late-night pokies, the dopamine hit, and the power of circuit breakers, to show listeners how to spot the real drivers underneath compulsive habits. You’ll learn practical ways to interrupt the loop: focus on root causes, rebuild routines around control, connection, and purpose, and become the circuit breaker who ends generational patterns. If success hasn’t brought you peace; if your habits are running the show; this is a clear, compassionate path back to control.


    About the Host:


    Ian Hawkins is dedicated to showing how sports can transform lives. With extensive experience as an athlete, a coach, PE teacher, community volunteer, and manager at Fox Sports, Ian brings a wealth of knowledge to the podcast. His journey began in his backyard, mentored by his older brother, and has since evolved into coaching elite athletes and business leaders. Ian's commitment to sports and personal development is evident in his roles as a performance coach and active community member. Through "Sport Is Life," Ian shares inspiring stories and valuable lessons to help listeners apply sports principles to all areas of life.


    Join the 2025 Planning Session here https://www.facebook.com/share/1C6AqzhGeY/


    Check Me Out On:

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ianhawkinscoaching

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

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SportIsLife-IanHawkins


    Theme Music Artist:

    One Day Kings https://www.instagram.com/onedaykings/

    See https://www.captivate.fm/privacy-policy-for-listeners for privacy information.

    15 min
  • #209 – John Tapp on Perseverance, Purpose and 50,000 Race Calls

    If you want to get support directly from us to remove your repetitive self-doubt, join our FREE community: The Sport Is Life Movement - https://www.facebook.com/groups/sportislife

    If you’re ready to take the next step in your own game plan, to find your voice, your purpose, and your next level, click here to connect with me https://www.ianhawkinscoaching.com/contact

    Episode Summary:

    Before microphones and TV cameras, John “Tappy” Tapp was a kid painting paddle-pop sticks and calling phantom races down a stormwater canal. In this intimate conversation, he traces that boyhood obsession to a legendary broadcasting career: 50,000 race calls, three decades with Channel 9, and the surreal 1976 Melbourne Cup; called in a thunder-soaked Flemington when colours were unrecognisable and instinct had to take over. Tapp unpacks craft and composure under pressure, sharing the methods he used to lock in fields, stay calm when memory blanks hit, and deliver accuracy as TV transformed the sport.

    We meet the mentors and moments that shaped him. Doyen caller Ken Howard, Kingston Town’s silken stride, and Mount Eden’s impossible Miracle Mile, and the resilience behind the mic: early rejections, the audition that almost wasn’t, and why perseverance (and a smart team at home) mattered most. Now 84, Tapp reflects on purpose, giving back through Variety and Diabetes Australia, and building a 550-episode podcast that keeps him connected to the industry he loves. It’s a masterclass in passion, professionalism, and staying power.

    About the Guest:

    John Tapp

    Race Caller, Media Personality & MC

    John Tapp is one of Australia’s most iconic sports commentators, best known for his remarkable career spanning 50 years in the media and for calling more than 50,000 horse races. Affectionately known as “Tappy,” John became a household name as Channel Nine’s racing presenter for over three decades, where his voice became synonymous with some of the nation’s most memorable racing moments.

    Awarded the Order of Australia Medal in 1996, John was recognised not only for his exceptional contribution to horse racing but also for his unwavering commitment to charitable work. Over the years, he has served as a proud ambassador and “voice” for organisations such as The Variety Club of Australia and Diabetes Australia, helping raise vital awareness and funds for those in need. In 2007, Australia Post honoured him as an Australian Legend, a testament to his enduring influence on both sport and society.

    John’s passion for racing began humbly in the 1940s, when as a young boy from a modest family, he would paint paddle pop sticks in racing colours and call them as they floated down a stormwater channel near his home. That same imagination and drive carried him to the grandstands of Randwick and the broadcasting booths of Australia’s biggest networks.


    Beyond the racetrack, John’s life has been shaped by both triumph and challenge. His son’s battle with Type One Diabetes inspired John to dedicate his time and voice to supporting medical research and children’s charities. Alongside his wife Ann, he has helped raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for The Variety Club, Bear Cottage, The Ted Noffs Foundation, and Hands Across the Water.


    A charismatic speaker and MC, John is admired for his authenticity, humility, and deep wisdom, qualities that make him a captivating storyteller. His belief that “the harder you work, the luckier you get” reflects not just his career philosophy, but the resilience and heart that define his legacy.


    Links:


    Website: https://www.johntapp.racing/

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100070578990289&sk=photos

    Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/john-tapp-racing/id1387780157

    Yoututbe: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-1eq--0vXKyoUCYbkcUj3w/videos

    Twitter: https://x.com/johntappracing?lang=en


    About the Host:


    Ian Hawkins is dedicated to showing how sports can transform lives. With extensive experience as an athlete, a coach, PE teacher, community volunteer, and manager at Fox Sports, Ian brings a wealth of knowledge to the podcast. His journey began in his backyard, mentored by his older brother, and has since evolved into coaching elite athletes and business leaders. Ian's commitment to sports and personal development is evident in his roles as a performance coach and active community member. Through "Sport Is Life," Ian shares inspiring stories and valuable lessons to help listeners apply sports principles to all areas of life.


    Join the 2025 Planning Session here https://www.facebook.com/share/1C6AqzhGeY/


    Check Me Out On:

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ianhawkinscoaching

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

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SportIsLife-IanHawkins


    Theme Music Artist:

    One Day Kings https://www.instagram.com/onedaykings/

    See https://www.captivate.fm/privacy-policy-for-listeners for privacy information.

    1 hr 6 min
  • #208 – The #1 Mistake Sports Parents Make (And What to Do Instead

    #208 – The #1 Mistake Sports Parents Make (And What to Do Instead)

    If you want to get support directly from us to remove your repetitive self-doubt, join our FREE community: The Sport Is Life Movement - https://www.facebook.com/groups/sportislife

    Ready to gain the clarity and direction to move forward with purpose, especially when life throws you a curveball? Join the Game Plan training today. https://www.ianhawkinscoaching.com/gameplanmembership

    Episode Summary:


    Every parent wants their child to succeed in sport: to perform well, improve, and love the game. But as Ian explains in this heartfelt episode, there’s one behaviour that quietly holds so many young athletes back: constant correction and criticism. Drawing on his experience as a coach, parent, and performance mentor, Ian unpacks why focusing on mistakes destroys confidence and connection, and how encouragement and belief drive long-term success.


    Through real-life stories from community football and examples from elite sport, Ian shows why even top athletes like Reece Walsh still make mistakes, and why that’s part of the journey. He reveals what parents can do instead: spot bright moments, praise effort and controllables, and give validation, recognition, and certainty that fuels trust and motivation.


    Whether you’re a coach, parent, or athlete, this episode reframes what real high performance looks like. Because lasting confidence doesn’t come from fear or pressure; it grows from encouragement, connection, and love.


    About the Host:


    Ian Hawkins is dedicated to showing how sports can transform lives. With extensive experience as an athlete, a coach, PE teacher, community volunteer, and manager at Fox Sports, Ian brings a wealth of knowledge to the podcast. His journey began in his backyard, mentored by his older brother, and has since evolved into coaching elite athletes and business leaders. Ian's commitment to sports and personal development is evident in his roles as a performance coach and active community member. Through "Sport Is Life," Ian shares inspiring stories and valuable lessons to help listeners apply sports principles to all areas of life.


    Join the 2025 Planning Session here https://www.facebook.com/share/1C6AqzhGeY/


    Check Me Out On:

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ianhawkinscoaching

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

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SportIsLife-IanHawkins


    Theme Music Artist:

    One Day Kings https://www.instagram.com/onedaykings/

    See https://www.captivate.fm/privacy-policy-for-listeners for privacy information.

    13 min
  • #207 – Week in Review: Leadership & Corruption in Sport

    If you want to get support directly from us to remove your repetitive self-doubt, join our FREE community: The Sport Is Life Movement - https://www.facebook.com/groups/sportislife

    Ready to gain the clarity and direction to move forward with purpose, especially when life throws you a curveball? Join the Game Plan training today. https://www.ianhawkinscoaching.com/gameplanmembership

    Episode Summary:


    Ian Hawkins flies solo for this Weekend Review to unpack a packed fortnight in sport.


    He opens with football’s revolving door: Ange Postecoglou’s record-short 39-day Premier League tenure, and the Wallabies’ narrow win over Japan, questioning whether Australian rugby’s struggles are structural or mindset-based.


    From there, Ian spotlights Australian triathlete Matthew Hauser’s world-title win in Wollongong, an incredible endurance feat that deserved more mainstream attention. The conversation then turns to cricket, where Steve Smith returns as Test captain in place of Pat Cummins. Ian dives into the stats: Smith’s batting average skyrockets to 68.98 when captaining, a reminder that leadership can elevate performance rather than distract from it.


    Rounding out the episode, Ian tackles global headlines of corruption and integrity across multiple sports, from Turkish referees caught gambling to NBA insiders leaking injury info, and doping bans in athletics. He also reflects on Oscar Piastri’s Formula 1 slump, drawing eerie parallels to Mark Webber and Daniel Ricciardo’s experiences with team politics.


    It’s a candid, fast-paced wrap-up of sport’s highs, controversies, and patterns, all through Ian’s signature Aussie lens on resilience, leadership, and the mindset behind performance.


    About the Host:


    Ian Hawkins is dedicated to showing how sports can transform lives. With extensive experience as an athlete, a coach, PE teacher, community volunteer, and manager at Fox Sports, Ian brings a wealth of knowledge to the podcast. His journey began in his backyard, mentored by his older brother, and has since evolved into coaching elite athletes and business leaders. Ian's commitment to sports and personal development is evident in his roles as a performance coach and active community member. Through "Sport Is Life," Ian shares inspiring stories and valuable lessons to help listeners apply sports principles to all areas of life.


    Join the 2025 Planning Session here https://www.facebook.com/share/1C6AqzhGeY/


    Check Me Out On:

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ianhawkinscoaching

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

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SportIsLife-IanHawkins


    Theme Music Artist:

    One Day Kings https://www.instagram.com/onedaykings/

    See https://www.captivate.fm/privacy-policy-for-listeners for privacy information.

    15 min

About Sport Is Life

From the publisher's feed

The Sport Is Life podcast explores how sport can positively change your life. Join us as we delve into the powerful life lessons that sport teaches you, lessons that can be applied to every aspect of your life. Host Ian Hawkins shares wisdom and insights gained from a lifetime of experience as an athlete, husband, father, PE teacher, community volunteer, manager at Fox Sports and a performance coach to elite athletes, business owners, corporate leaders, and other coaches. Tune in to hear how sports can provide the tools you need to excel in your personal and professional life. From practical advice to heartfelt stories, the "Sport Is Life Podcast" is your guide to unlocking the potential within you through the power of sport.