Sport Is Life

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:

The Wallabies made history with a win at Ellis Park, their first in more than 60 years, sparking the question: are they really back, or is this just another false dawn for Australian rugby? In this episode, Ian Hawkins explores what the victory means, not just for the team but for the connection between rugby and the wider Australian sporting public.

Ian reflects on rugby’s highs and lows, from the glory years that drew even league and AFL fans into the fold, to the decline that saw disconnection from the community and dwindling interest. He also shares a personal behind-the-scenes story from his Fox Sports days that may have contributed to the Wallabies’ 23-year Bledisloe drought, a lighthearted take on the so-called “curse.”

But the conversation goes deeper than wins and losses. What makes fans stick? Beyond the scoreboard, it’s about resilience, connection, and the sense that a team is fighting for more than just results. Ian ties this lesson back to life reminding listeners that true success comes not just from victory, but from building meaningful connections, contributing to community, and playing the bigger game.

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.

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 the comeback of Bernard Tomic, one of Australian sport’s most polarising figures, as he attempts to rewrite his story and find redemption through purpose. Once criticised for his on-court behaviour and off-court controversies, Tomic now appears driven by something deeper, a desire to return to the top 100 and to do things the right way.

Ian reflects on the power of purpose in high performance, drawing parallels with Andre Agassi’s rediscovery of meaning in his career and examining how athletes like Tomic, Mitchell Pearce, and Todd Carney have transformed personal struggles into platforms for helping others. He highlights the importance of self-awareness, empathy, and looking beyond the headlines to understand the human stories behind public figures.

Listeners are encouraged to consider their own journeys of redemption. Where have you stumbled? Where could you pay it forward by using your experiences to guide someone else? Whether you’re chasing a comeback or helping others avoid the same pitfalls, this episode offers a powerful reminder that purpose can transform pain into impact and give new meaning to the struggles you’ve overcome.

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.

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 build confidence, share your story, and step up in your own life? Join the Game Plan Membership here – https://www.ianhawkinscoaching.com/gameplanmembership

Episode Summary:

In this episode of Sport Is Life, Robbie Feldmann reflects on the defining moments that shaped his journey as an athlete, coach, and leader. With honesty and humility, Robbie shares the pivotal turning points in his rugby career from the discipline and resilience learned on the field to the personal challenges that tested his character off it.

Robbie discusses how sport instills values that extend far beyond the scoreboard, teamwork, accountability, and the ability to handle adversity. He also explores the importance of mindset, adaptability, and seizing opportunities, revealing how those lessons continue to guide him in business and life today.

For anyone navigating change, chasing growth, or looking for inspiration from the world of sport, Robbie’s story is a reminder that the real victories come from the moments that matter most.

About the Guest:

Robbie Feldmann

Sports Producer | Commentator | Broadcaster

Robbie Feldmann is a highly experienced sports producer and commentator with over 20 years in television and radio across New Zealand and Australia. Passionate about bringing sport to life for fans, he has worked extensively behind the scenes and on air, building a reputation for his deep knowledge, professionalism, and engaging delivery.

Currently, Robbie is part of the football coverage team at Channel 10 and Paramount+, while also lending his voice to Shute Shield rugby commentary. His career has spanned multiple codes and formats, giving him a versatile perspective on the media landscape and the ability to connect with diverse sporting audiences.

Having spent much of his career encouraging others to shine, Robbie is now embracing his own path in the spotlight — pursuing his ultimate ambition of becoming a full-time sports commentator. With a mix of industry expertise, on-air presence, and a lifelong love of sport, Robbie continues to carve out his place as a trusted voice in Australian and New Zealand sport.

Link/s:

"Nice Drop of Port", Auckland FC fans podcast

- www.youtube.com/@NiceDropofPort

- https://open.spotify.com/show/0uNeSM65BYM0v4EdH0DJCp?si=8d5eb3ae1bf941c2

About the Host:

Ian Hawkins, host of "Sport Is Life," 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.

If you’re working too hard too quieten the headnoise, check out my Performance Meditation training here - https://www.ianhawkinscoaching.com/performancemeditation

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

If you'd like to take your self-awareness to the next level, Ian is happy to share his personal journaling process—a simple yet powerful tool to help you reflect, grow, and lead with intention. Just send a message to [email protected] to receive your free copy.

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.

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 heartfelt episode, Ian Hawkins shares the pivotal moment when he and his wife made the courageous decision to leave their high-paying corporate careers to reclaim their health, their time, and their family’s wellbeing. What started as an apparent pursuit of financial success was, in reality, a deeper quest for freedom the freedom to be present for their children’s milestones, to live with intention, and to build a life they didn’t want to escape from.

Ian takes listeners inside the sacrifices, the delayed gratification, and the mindset shifts that came with trading income for impact. He explains how clarifying priorities, setting boundaries, and aligning daily choices with core values transformed not just their lifestyle, but their sense of purpose. This journey also taught their children valuable lessons in patience, resilience, and living within their means.

More than a personal story, this episode challenges listeners to examine their own priorities. Are you living in the right order? Are your health, relationships, and purpose truly at the top? Ian offers practical questions to help you audit your life, reset your direction, and take bold steps toward a more fulfilling future one built on freedom, presence, and values-driven action.

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.

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 a surprising health crisis facing elite athletes in 2025 not hamstring tears, but infections. Drawing on insights from the NRL Physio and his own coaching experience, Ian reveals how emotional and psychological stress can weaken the immune system, leaving players more vulnerable to illness, reinfection, and prolonged recovery times.

He unpacks research linking stress and depressive symptoms to slower healing and higher rates of infection-related hospital readmission, highlighting the hidden mental and emotional pressures elite athletes face from family expectations and media scrutiny to personal life challenges. Ian also reflects on the cultural patterns that discourage emotional expression, especially among men, and the generational messages that perpetuate emotional suppression.

Offering both a warning and an opportunity, Ian outlines how sporting organisations can address the deeper causes of illness by creating support systems that tackle mental and emotional wellbeing, not just physical treatment. He emphasises the power of involving families in the process, breaking stress cycles, and building environments where athletes can thrive both on and off the field.

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.

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 shares the three key steps from his signature system that helped a professional golfer transform his mindset, trust his decisions, and perform under pressure with results that reached far beyond the course. Drawing from months of one-on-one coaching, Ian explains how subtle shifts in self-awareness, perspective, and high-performance habits can deliver consistency and confidence not just in sport, but in business and life.

Through the golfer’s story, Ian unpacks the importance of knowing yourself at a deep level understanding your personal performance profile, recognising your strengths, and aligning your actions accordingly. He explores how changing the narrative you tell yourself can reshape your mental process, enabling you to stay calm and confident even after setbacks.

Listeners will learn how to build a high-performance state they can step into at will, create aligned habits that drive consistency, and fast-track their own growth by leveraging proven strategies rather than years of trial and error. This is a practical and inspiring roadmap for anyone looking to lift their game and achieve sustained results.

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.

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 of Sport Is Life, Ian Hawkins challenges the “hustle and grind” mentality, sharing why real transformation comes not from chasing results but from growing into the person you need to be to achieve your vision. Inspired by a coaching session with a business client, Ian explores how limiting beliefs can cap our potential and how rewiring them opens up space to dream again.

Through a vivid “garden” analogy, Ian unpacks how to create the right environment for growth, success, and flow: planting empowering beliefs, nurturing yourself with light and fuel, removing weeds that stifle progress, and surrounding yourself with the right people. He also explains the science behind the brain’s Reticular Activating System and the magic-like synchronicity that happens when you get crystal clear on your goals.

Whether you’re an athlete, leader, or high performer, this episode offers practical and inspiring steps to stop chasing and start attracting the opportunities, people, and resources you need to flourish.

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/

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 build confidence, share your story, and step up in your own life? Join the Game Plan Membership here – https://www.ianhawkinscoaching.com/gameplanmembership

Episode Summary:

In this powerful and thought-provoking episode of Sport is Life, Ian Hawkins is joined by performance psychologist Joel Curtis for a deep dive into the mental game behind elite success. With over two decades of experience working with athletes, corporate leaders, and creatives, Joel brings grounded, no-fluff wisdom to the table, challenging common myths about motivation, mindset, and pressure.

From the raw truths behind performance anxiety to the importance of embracing discomfort, Joel unpacks why the pursuit of "happiness" often falls flat and how discipline, self-awareness, and values-driven action create real fulfillment. He shares personal stories, client breakthroughs, and actionable strategies to reframe failure, bounce back from setbacks, and build inner strength on and off the field. Whether you're an athlete, business leader, or simply striving for personal growth, this episode offers a roadmap to mastering your mindset for long-term performance.

About the Guest:

Principal Psychologist | Sport Psychologist | Speaker

Owner, Endeavour Wellness – Sydney, Australia

Joel Curtis is the Principal Psychologist and founder of Endeavour Wellness, a leading private psychology practice based in Sydney since 2009. He holds a Master’s Degree in Sport Psychology from Western Sydney University and brings over a decade of experience helping individuals and teams unlock their full potential.

With a strong belief in the power of personal growth, Joel takes a client-centred, non-judgmental approach, working closely with individuals to understand their unique stories and tailor strategies that promote resilience, happiness, and success. His work spans a broad spectrum — from supporting everyday mental wellbeing to enhancing elite performance.

As a registered Sport Psychologist, Joel works with athletes, coaches, and professional teams across multiple disciplines to strengthen their mental game and sharpen their competitive edge. In addition, he partners with business owners, executives, and sales teams to enhance leadership, communication, and high-performance culture in the workplace.

Joel is passionate about helping people thrive — in sport, business, and life.

Link/s:

Website: www.endeavourwellness.com.au

Email: [email protected]

LinkedIn: Joel Curtis - linkedin.com/in/joel-curtis-a5b2b321

About the Host:

Ian Hawkins, host of "Sport Is Life," 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.

If you’re working too hard too quieten the headnoise, check out my Performance Meditation training here - https://www.ianhawkinscoaching.com/performancemeditation

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

If you'd like to take your self-awareness to the next level, Ian is happy to share his personal journaling process—a simple yet powerful tool to help you reflect, grow, and lead with intention. Just send a message to [email protected] to receive your free copy.

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.

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 of Sport Is Life, Ian Hawkins reflects on a recent coaching session with a young cricketer that sparked an important conversation about self-belief, overthinking, and bouncing back from setbacks. Drawing from years of experience in performance coaching, Ian dives into the psychological spiral that often follows a mistake and how that single moment can dangerously shake an athlete’s confidence. But he flips the script with a mindset reframe: one mistake doesn’t define you.

Ian shares practical tools for turning overthinking into a superpower, reframing setbacks as opportunities, and building a personal "database of success" through journaling. He unpacks stories of elite athletes like Shane Warne to emphasize the importance of self-belief and resilience. Whether you're a leader, athlete, or high performer, this episode offers game-changing insights on mental fitness and how to consistently come back stronger.

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.

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 makes Tiger Woods’ dominance at the 2000 U.S. Open more impressive than the 15-stroke margin? His mindset. In this reflective solo episode, Ian Hawkins explores Tiger’s legendary performance at Pebble Beach not just from a sporting lens, but through the lens of consistency, mental resilience, and identity.

Ian dissects Tiger’s post-victory comments, especially his focus on eliminating mental errors and staying consistent, rather than intimidating opponents. From there, the episode turns inward: how can you find your own version of that consistency? Ian shares powerful insights on uncovering your “100,000 hours” those hard-earned life experiences that reveal your strengths and purpose. This episode challenges listeners to reflect on their life’s golden thread and shows how aligning with your authentic identity leads to next-level performance, joy, and fulfillment.

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.