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:

Pain isn’t random; it’s information. In this reflective solo episode, Ian Hawkins shares a personal experience that shifted his perspective on stress, injury, and emotional load. What began as a stubborn stye during a holiday quickly became a deeper lesson. Despite feeling “not stressed,” his body told a different story. Through kinesiology, emotional clearing, and intentional nervous system regulation, Ian uncovered an underlying theme; what am I not seeing? The physical symptom wasn’t just an infection; it was a signal

The episode expands into a broader message for high performers. Injuries aren’t always just biomechanics, stress isn’t only workload, and fatigue isn’t simply lack of sleep. Emotional alignment drives physical state. Ian connects this insight to his parents’ health journeys and to a client whose back pain resurfaced during a major life shift; highlighting how the body mirrors emotional pressure and perceived lack of support. The takeaway is clear: stop asking “Why is this happening to me?” and start asking “What is this trying to show me?” Because once you interpret the signal correctly, recovery can accelerate.

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:

If you saw him years ago, you might have crossed the street to avoid him. Big presence, heavy energy, carrying pain you couldn’t quite name. But underneath it all was an empath; a man who had absorbed other people’s emotions his entire life and confused sensitivity with weakness. In this powerful episode, Ian Hawkins shares the story of a long-term coaching client who transformed from emotional sponge and self-blamer into a man with boundaries, clarity, and leadership. It’s a raw exploration of identity, accountability, and what happens when empathy is finally protected instead of exploited

The conversation reframes a common narrative around men and emotion. Empathy is not weakness; unprotected empathy is. Without boundaries, people-pleasing turns into resentment, burnout, and identity loss. But empathy with structure becomes strength. The turning point came when this client chose accountability over survival; shifting from reacting to life to designing it. This episode is a call to men who feel deeply, carry others’ burdens, and struggle to say no. Leadership begins the moment empathy is guarded, identity is reclaimed, and boundaries are set without apology.

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 happens when a doctor tells you your career is over at 15 years old? In this episode, Ian Hawkins unpacks the remarkable comeback story of Javon Andrews, who fractured his C4 and C5 vertebrae in a rugby league match and was told he would never play again. Instead of accepting the diagnosis as destiny, Andrews rebuilt not just his body, but his belief system. Thirty months later, he returned to the field, earned a development deal with the West Tigers, and is now pushing toward an NRL debut

But this episode goes deeper than one athlete’s comeback. Ian shares his own history of serious injuries; broken feet, spinal fractures, knee damage, and repeated warnings to stop running and lifting. The core message is powerful: a diagnosis is information, not identity. Recovery begins in the mind. With the right support system, intentional belief shifts, and small daily actions, limitations can be challenged. Whether you’re dealing with injury, illness, or a setback in life, this is a reminder that authority isn’t the final word; your response is.

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:

The NRL 2026 season preview series rolls on as Ian Hawkins and Steve break down the Cowboys, Raiders, and Panthers; but not before diving into the bombshell move of Payne Haas to South Sydney and the ripple effects it could have across the competition. The conversation unpacks the Broncos fallout, South Sydney’s forward pack boost, SuperCoach scoring chaos, and how new rule tweaks; including extended benches and six-again changes; could dramatically speed up the game.

From there, the focus turns to the three clubs. The Cowboys are dissected through the lens of roster balance, culture fit, and whether Drinkwater can elevate from talent to leader. The Raiders are praised for their forward depth, youth development, and mental steel; but questions remain around their young halves and whether last year’s heartbreak fuels growth or lingers. As for the Panthers, it’s about legacy; can Ivan Cleary’s machine withstand the grind, or does the dynasty finally crack? Ladder predictions, Dally M picks, SuperCoach strategy, and bold calls make this one of the most opinionated previews yet.

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:

If you love sport for its stories, characters, and moments that still give you goosebumps decades later, this episode is a gift. Ian Hawkins sits down with Jon Harker, one of the most recognisable voices in Australian sport, for a long-form conversation that travels through eras most fans only know from highlight reels. From hosting Sportsworld to calling Olympics, Kangaroo Tours, and iconic Test matches, Jon shares how chance encounters, curiosity, and backing people shaped a career spent at the heart of Australian sporting history.

The conversation is rich with behind-the-scenes yarns; legends like Jack Gibson, Rex Mossop, Johnny Raper, Bruce McAvaney, and Cliff Lyons come to life through stories that reveal integrity, leadership, and old-school standards that feel increasingly rare. A centrepiece of the episode is Jon’s iconic call of the Australian women’s water polo gold medal at the Sydney 2000 Olympics; a moment he describes with deep emotion, context, and respect for the athletes who changed their sport forever. It’s a reminder that great sport isn’t just about results; it’s about people, purpose, and the moments that stay with us long after the final siren.

About the Guest:

Jon Harker

Chief Operating Officer at Carlile Swim Group

Jon Harker is a lifelong waterman, sports storyteller and senior leader at Carlile Swimming, one of Australia’s most influential swimming institutions. Drawn to the water from a young age, Jon represented Australia in junior water polo, won national surf titles across multiple levels, competed nationally in swimming, boxed competitively, and still works as a boxing trainer today.

His career began as a newspaper copy boy in the era of typewriters and afternoon papers, before evolving into a rare blend of sport, live commentary and business leadership. Today, Jon plays a key role in Carlile Swimming, which operates 31 facilities nationwide, employs over 1,800 staff, and teaches more than 60,000 children each week.

The episode explores Carlile’s extraordinary legacy; from founders Forbes and Ursula Carlile pioneering Australia’s first commercial swim school, indoor teaching pools, baby swimming and sports science, to their lasting Olympic impact and Hall of Fame recognition. Jon also shares the remarkable resurgence of Carlile’s competitive program, culminating in a National Age Championship title in 2025 and continued success at national open water events.

We also touch on Olympic gold medallist Olivia Wunsch’s full-pathway journey through Carlile, and Jon’s involvement in the Starlight Super Swim, highlighting why sport’s greatest impact often goes well beyond medals and results.

Links:/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-harker-8a542712/

Website: https://www.carlile.com.au/

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.

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:

The NRL season is almost here, and Ian Hawkins and Steve continue their 2026 season preview series with one of the most opinionated episodes yet, breaking down the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks, Dolphins, and Newcastle Knights. The conversation dives into leadership, roster balance, injury concerns, and the pressure points that could define each club’s season, with some bold calls around overrated and underrated players, ladder positions, and who might slide out of finals contention.

The episode also goes deep on mental edge, development timelines, and how team identity shapes long-term success. The Dolphins are tipped as a genuine riser if fitness holds, the Sharks are questioned on whether consistency is enough to take the next step, the Bulldogs’ spine remains the big watch, and the Knights face a tough rebuild year despite exciting young talent. As always, SuperCoach insights, Dally M predictions, Origin smokies, and honest fan-challenging opinions round out a preview designed to spark debate as kickoff approaches

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 sits down with Tim Groundwater; a world-class sports producer and creative who has worked with FIFA, Netflix, UEFA, and global icons like Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and David Beckham. Tim shares his journey from filming backyard cricket and dog documentaries as a kid to producing some of the biggest sporting content on the planet. The conversation explores his late career pivot, the courage it took to walk away from comfort, and the passion for storytelling that carried him through years of uncertainty before breaking into elite sports television

Tim takes listeners behind the scenes of global productions; from tunnel access at Wembley and fan chaos in Tunisia and Morocco, to deeply human stories like Auckland City’s Club World Cup run and culturally powerful moments such as filming a haka with local communities. Along the way, he unpacks the realities of high-performance creativity; collaboration over ego, obsession with detail, and the discipline required to manage massive projects. This episode is a masterclass in backing yourself, serving the story, and trusting that when you align craft with curiosity, sport can take you places far bigger than you ever imagined

About the Guest:

Tim Groundwater

Producer, videographer, and Senior Project Manager

Producer, videographer, and senior project manager with 10 years’ experience working with some of the world’s biggest sporting organisations and production companies. I’ve filmed and produced content for FIFA, NETFLIX, UEFA, IMG, TNT Sports, English Cricket and Euroleague Basketball amongst others.

Most notably:

- I was Series Producer on the Official 2022 FIFA World Cup Preview Series – a 16-episode series that shot in 31 countries and was distributed to all of FIFA’s global broadcast partners.

- Producer on the 6-part NETFLIX docuseries ‘Kickoff – Saudi Pro League’. Also Edit Producer on EP1 of that series which was Cristiano Ronaldo’s episode.

- With my own company, Green Corn Productions, I exec produced, filmed and edit produced 33 VT’s for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup Trophy Tour. I travelled to 35 cities, in 21 countries between January and June of this year.

Links:/

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

Website: www.greencorn.tv

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:

n Hawkins and Steve continue their NRL season preview, breaking down four clubs with brutally honest analysis: Manly Sea Eagles, Sydney Roosters, Gold Coast Titans, and the Warriors. The episode blends footy IQ with candid opinion as the hosts assess roster strength, injury risks, coaching pressure, and mental edge, while also serving up SuperCoach tips and ladder predictions.

Manly come under heavy fire, with serious concerns raised around forward depth, hooker options, and Tom Trbojevic’s durability, leading to bold wooden spoon predictions if injuries strike. In contrast, the Roosters are praised for their elite spine, youth development, and Trent Robinson’s man-management, with both hosts tipping them as genuine premiership contenders despite potential early-season teething issues. The Titans segment highlights systemic problems in pathways and recruitment, placing massive responsibility on Tino Fa’asuamaleaui and Jayden Campbell to carry a rebuilding squad, while questioning whether raw talent alone can overcome structural instability.

Throughout the episode, listeners get practical SuperCoach insights, Origin smokies, underrated players to watch, and a deep dive into the psychological side of team performance. It’s a must-listen for NRL fans who want more than surface-level previews, delivering straight talk, strategic breakdowns, and preseason predictions with zero fluff.

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:

A simple run turns into a powerful life lesson. In this solo episode, Ian Hawkins reflects on three moments from a single training run that revealed how quickly conditions can change, how easily rhythm can be lost, and why resets matter more than momentum. Feeling strong with the wind at his back, Ian unpacks the danger of assuming you’ve “got it sorted” when life feels easy, and why awareness during good conditions is just as important as resilience during hard ones.

The episode explores the importance of understanding your personal rhythm, recognising what knocks you off it, and knowing how to return when disruption hits. From being jolted out of flow by a near-miss with a car, to the grounding power of barefoot recovery, Ian connects physical experience with mental clarity. It’s a reminder that performance, wellbeing, and clarity aren’t about avoiding resistance; they’re about responding well, resetting intentionally, and recharging so you’re ready for what comes next.

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:

A single over becomes a masterclass in high performance. In this solo episode, Ian Hawkins breaks down Steve Smith’s extraordinary decision during a Big Bash match to decline a run, take control of the strike, and then smash 32 runs in one over. Through the contrast between Steve Smith and Babar Azam, Ian explores what happens when instincts are trusted, ego is parked, and decisions are made for the benefit of the team rather than personal emotion.

The episode goes deeper than cricket, unpacking universal performance lessons around self-awareness, delayed gratification, emotional control, and finding the zone under pressure. Ian highlights how ego-driven reactions narrow clarity, while calm, values-based responses expand performance in sport, business, and life. It’s a sharp reminder that pressure doesn’t break us; it reveals us, and the louder the ego gets, the quieter performance usually becomes.

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.