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Sport Is Life
Sport Is Life episodes
- #126 – Why the Panthers Are Struggling: The Hidden Power of Team Connectors in High Performance
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
Want to get better at handling pressure? Start with our Performance Meditation training and learn how to stay calm, focused, and consistent — no matter what. - https://www.ianhawkinscoaching.com/performancemeditation
Episode Summary:
In this episode of Sport Is Life, Ian Hawkins explores why the best teams—from sports to business to family—thrive on connection. Using the recent struggles of the Penrith Panthers as a case study, Ian reflects on the impact of losing key “connector” players like Jarome Luai and how it affects team performance and cohesion. He delves into what makes a connector special, why they’re often misunderstood or underappreciated, and how to empower them to elevate group dynamics.
Whether you lead a team or are the cheeky glue that holds your crew together, this episode offers powerful lessons on creating flow, connection, and high performance through relational leadership
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 - #125 – The Most Underrated High Performance Strategy? Rest, Review & The 4 Stages of Flow
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
Want to get better at handling pressure? Start with our Performance Meditation training and learn how to stay calm, focused, and consistent — no matter what. - https://www.ianhawkinscoaching.com/performancemeditation
Episode Summary:
Ian Hawkins explores one of the most undervalued yet essential performance tools—flow—and the four key stages that drive it: goal setting, struggle, flow state, and recovery. Drawing from Steve Kotler’s book The Rise of Superman, Ian shares personal stories and practical insights on how to apply flow in everyday life, sport, and business. He unpacks why rest, review, and recovery are not optional extras but critical components for maintaining high performance and long-term momentum.
Whether you’re chasing better results at work, in sport, or in your personal life, this episode gives you the strategy to do it more intentionally—and more joyfully.
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.
14 min - #124 – People First: Coaching with Purpose, Values, and Trusting Your Gut with Phil Moss
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
Are you ready to find your “Why”? Join the Purpose Training here https://www.facebook.com/groups/1520159328628207
Episode Summary:
In this powerful episode of Sport is Life, Ian Hawkins is joined by former A-League coach and current executive leadership coach, Phil Moss. From the football pitch to the boardroom, Phil shares the pivotal lessons he’s learned about leadership, resilience, and staying true to your values. He opens up about his coaching journey, including his time with the Central Coast Mariners and Olyroos, and how a decision to stand by his principles ultimately cost him his job—but shaped who he is as a leader. Phil also revisits the harrowing 1997 Maccabiah Games bridge collapse, offering deeply personal insights into crisis, instinct, and emotional regulation.
Whether you’re in sport, business, or just trying to lead with more purpose, this episode is packed with real talk and wisdom about putting people first, leading with courage, and trusting your gut.
About the Guest:
Phil Moss is a former professional footballer turned elite coach, leadership expert, and media analyst whose career has spanned the playing field, the corporate boardroom, and national media. Born in England and raised in Australia, Phil carved out a successful playing career in the National Soccer League before captaining Australia at the 1997 Maccabiah Games in Israel.
Following his playing days, Phil transitioned into coaching, holding key roles in the A-League as Assistant and Head Coach of the Central Coast Mariners and Assistant Coach at Sydney FC. He also served as Assistant Coach of the Australian U23 team (Olyroos), helping them qualify for the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Phil holds the prestigious Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Professional Coaching Diploma.
A passionate advocate for coaches, Phil was the inaugural President of Football Coaches Australia (FCA), championing better support and recognition across the profession.
Since 2018, Phil has brought his deep understanding of leadership, performance, and culture into the corporate world. As an Executive Leadership Coach at NAB, he was honoured with NAB’s top accolade—the NAB Honouree Award in 2024.
In addition to his coaching and leadership work, Phil is a respected football analyst, regularly appearing on Channel 10, Paramount+, and the Big Sports Breakfast.
Whether on the pitch, in the boardroom, or behind the mic, Phil Moss leads with values, purpose, and a belief in putting people first.
Link/s:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phil-moss-a61a65103/?originalSubdomain=au
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.
1 hr 19 min - #123 – You Say You Want Change… So Why Aren’t You Taking Action?
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
Want to get better at handling pressure? Start with our Performance Meditation training and learn how to stay calm, focused, and consistent — no matter what. - https://www.ianhawkinscoaching.com/performancemeditation
Episode Summary:
In this episode of Sport Is Life, Ian Hawkins gets real about the inner battles many face when they know they need to make changes—but still hesitate. Whether it’s fear of what they might uncover, imposter syndrome, doubt that self-care is “worth it,” or worrying what others will think, Ian breaks down the psychological blockers that stop people from seeking help. He shares the blunt truth: most breakthroughs come from small mindset shifts, and there’s always a solution if you stay curious and open. You’ll hear inspiring stories, practical insights, and a powerful reminder that investing in your growth doesn’t just change your life—it changes the lives of those around you too.
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 - #122 – Injury Persona Weekly Wrap: Burnout, Anxiety & the Athletes Who Push Too Far
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
Want to get better at handling pressure? Start with our Performance Meditation training and learn how to stay calm, focused, and consistent — no matter what. - https://www.ianhawkinscoaching.com/performancemeditation
Episode Summary:
In this episode of Sport Is Life, Ian Hawkins explores the Burnout Injury Persona—a pattern seen in athletes and high achievers who push their physical limits to quiet inner anxiety. Ian unpacks how chronic anxiety often hides behind overworking and overtraining, leading to soft tissue injuries, chronic fatigue, or full physical burnout. Drawing on both his own experience with glandular fever and a broken leg, and the stories of others, Ian outlines how addressing underlying emotional patterns is key to lasting change.
This episode offers critical insights for athletes, parents, coaches, and leaders who support high performers running on empty.
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.
10 min - #121 – Helping the Emotional Athlete: A New Take on the Spencer Leniu Incident & the Struggle for Fairness
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
Want to get better at handling pressure? Start with our Performance Meditation training and learn how to stay calm, focused, and consistent — no matter what. - https://www.ianhawkinscoaching.com/performancemeditation
Episode Summary:
In this episode of Sport Is Life, Ian Hawkins dives into the misunderstood world of highly emotional athletes, using Spencer Leniu’s recent reaction as a case study. Ian explores why players—and people in general—who are emotionally sensitive and have a strong sense of fairness may “overreact” in high-pressure situations. Ian breaks down how these individuals aren't broken or flawed but often lacking the tools and support to regulate their emotions. With the right understanding and guidance, their emotional intensity can be transformed into powerful leadership, empathy, and team unity.
Whether you’re a coach, parent, or teammate, this episode provides practical insights for supporting sensitive souls in sport and in 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.
11 min - #120 – The Curse of the High Performer: Why Success Never Feels Like Enough (And What To Do About It)
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
Want to get better at handling pressure? Start with our Performance Meditation training and learn how to stay calm, focused, and consistent — no matter what. - https://www.ianhawkinscoaching.com/performancemeditation
Episode Summary:
In this episode of Sport Is Life, Ian Hawkins explores a familiar feeling for high performers—the pursuit of success that never seems quite enough. Drawing from his coaching work and interviews, Ian unpacks how misplaced success metrics, lack of self-awareness, and unsupported environments can lead even the most talented people to feel unfulfilled. He explains how recognising your unique "credentials" (your true strengths and gifts), getting the right support, and redefining success on your own terms can bring lasting satisfaction, purpose, and the results you’ve been chasing all along.
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.
9 min - #119 – Leading with Curiosity: Culture, Values, and Coaching for Belonging and Impact with Brett White
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
Want to get better at handling pressure? Start with our Performance Meditation training and learn how to stay calm, focused, and consistent — no matter what. - https://www.ianhawkinscoaching.com/performancemeditation
Episode Summary:
In this powerful episode of Sport Is Life, Ian Hawkins is joined by leadership and coaching expert Brett White. What started as an accidental email turned into a high-impact conversation on sport, leadership, and the human side of performance. Brett shares insights from over 25 years of experience developing leaders and 18+ years in football coaching, including his transformative work in Cambodia and at Bonnet Bay FC.
Together, Ian and Brett explore the behaviors that define great coaches and leaders, the importance of self-awareness, and the hidden damage caused by performance-first mindsets. They dive into values-based leadership, how to create cultures of trust, the influence of sports parenting, and practical strategies for getting the best out of people—on the field and in life.
Whether you're a sports parent, a business leader, or simply passionate about growth, this episode is packed with stories, strategies, and mindset shifts to elevate your game.
About the Guest:
Brett White is a respected sports coach, leadership expert, and passionate advocate for resilience and growth. With over 18 years of experience in football coaching and more than 25 years developing leaders, Brett is currently leading Bonnet Bay FC’s Premier League squad for the 2024/25 season. He holds an FFA Senior C Licence and is currently completing his AFC B Licence Diploma.
In addition to his coaching career, Brett has spent the past decade working with elite athletes, teams, and leaders across sport and business, helping them build mindset strength and lasting resilience.
His latest book, Behave: The Power of Coach Behaviour in Shaping Athletes’ Performance and Growth, is receiving outstanding feedback from coaches and leaders worldwide.
Brett also serves as Football Director at Happy Football Cambodia Australia, a role through which he helps bring hope and opportunity to underprivileged youth in Cambodia. From 2014 to 2019, he served as Coach & Player Development Manager at Bonnet Bay FC, where he oversaw the development of 600 players, 30 coaches, and 42 teams.
He is the CEO and Founder of Be Leaders and the BE Academy, established in 2014, which continues to empower leaders and organisations around the world.
Link/s:
Book: https://a.co/d/ckwFjsy
Website: www.beleaders.com.au
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.
1 hr 16 min - #118 – The Emotional Suppression Trap: Why Bottling It Up Backfires — And How Self-Awareness Unlocks Real Strength
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
Want to get better at handling pressure? Start with our Performance Meditation training and learn how to stay calm, focused, and consistent — no matter what. - https://www.ianhawkinscoaching.com/performancemeditation
Episode Summary:
In this deeply insightful episode of Sport Is Life, Ian Hawkins explores the power and importance of emotional awareness and regulation. Using conversations with high performers—including an Olympic silver medallist—as a springboard, Ian unpacks how emotional suppression leads to inner conflict, stress, and even physical issues. Ian shares practical tools like journaling, meditation, and self-reflection to help listeners embrace their full emotional range, build genuine inner calm, and unlock a new level of strength, clarity, and potential in life and relationships.
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.
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/
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 - #117 – Injury Persona Weekly Wrap: Will Pucovski’s Retirement, the Hamstring Epidemic & Why the Real Solution Might Surprise You
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
Are you ready to Find Your Purpose? Join the Training here https://www.facebook.com/groups/1520159328628207
Episode Summary:
In this week’s Injury Persona Wrap, Ian Hawkins delves into the emotional and psychological side of recurring injuries and chronic pain, sparked by Will Pucovski’s early retirement from cricket due to concussion-related symptoms and a rash of hamstring injuries in the NRL. Ian explores how unconscious patterns, identity beliefs, and family dynamics can keep injury cycles in motion—and more importantly, how you can shift those beliefs to promote healing. With stories from athletes, clients, and his own experiences, Ian reveals how deeper awareness and alternative approaches can unlock true recovery.
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.
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/
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.
Sport is more than just a game; Sport Is Life.