Transforming the Game

🎙 Markets to Millionaire: Katie Kay’s Journey
What happens when resilience meets unapologetic vision? Katie Kay didn’t just transform her life—she transformed the game.

In this raw and powerful episode, Kristina Katsanevas sits down with serial entrepreneur Katie Kay, who went from being kicked out of home at 19 to negotiating royalty-based exits and dominating male-led industries like construction and vape retail. Katie shares the real, unfiltered truth about building businesses with backbone—leveraging brand, systems, and negotiation to create life-changing outcomes.

If you’re scaling a business, navigating exits, or leading in a competitive space—this is more than inspiration. It’s a playbook.

🎯 Why You Should Listen
In this episode, you’ll learn how to:
✅ Build leverage when you’re underestimated
✅ Scale with systems—not stress
✅ Negotiate royalty-based exits
✅ Use branding to dominate niche markets
✅ Overcome gender bias with strategy, not apology

⏱ Chapters
00:00 – Katie’s Origin: From Family Fallout to Entrepreneurial Fire
04:48 – Flea Market Beginnings: Vapes, Hustle, and Vision
14:27 – Doubling Down on the Customer Experience
20:14 – The First Exit: How Katie Negotiated Royalties
24:31 – On Coaching and Compressing Time
28:12 – Gender Bias in Trades & How She Flipped It
34:30 – Second Exit & Meeting Adam Coffey
36:26 – Making Australia’s Young Rich List
40:11 – Brand Is the Battlefield: Why You Must Stand Out
45:41 – Protecting the Kingdom: Scaling with Systems
49:22 – Legacy Play: Giving Back to Build Forward

📲 Follow & Connect with Katie Kay
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiekayofficial/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/katherine.terry.395/

🌍 Connect with Kristina Katsanevas / Transforming the Game
🔗 All links: ⁠https://beacons.ai/transformingthegame⁠
🌐 Web: ⁠https://www.kristinakatsanevas.com⁠
📸 Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/kristinakatsanevas⁠
📘 Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/kristina.katsanevas⁠
📺 YouTube: Transforming the Game Podcast
⁠
🎧 Listen: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube

✨ Please subscribe, like, and leave a comment. Join the Transforming the Game tribe—your support means the world.

 🎙️ From Homeless at 12 to Pro Football Star | Luis Ruiz on Focus, Faith & Football | Transforming the Game Podcast

How does a boy with no shoes, sleeping in parks, go on to play against Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, and Thierry Henry—then build a global football academy impacting 5,000+ kids?

Meet Luis Ruiz, the Costa Rican powerhouse behind Ruiz Football Academy (www.ruizfootballacademy.com) and the soon-to-air international reality show helping young athletes win contracts and change their lives.

🔥 Why You Need to Listen

In this raw and inspiring conversation with host Kristina Katsanevas, Luis opens up about:
✅ Surviving domestic violence and homelessness at 12
✅ Finding football as a lifeline and source of hope
✅ Playing professionally in Costa Rica, Europe, USA, and Australia
✅ Coaching 5,000+ kids and partnering with Real Madrid & Borussia Dortmund
✅ Building a TV show that gives 22 players a shot at a pro contract
✅ Why resourcefulness beats resources every time

🔥 Whether you're a parent, coach, athlete or entrepreneur, Luis's story is a masterclass in focus, resilience, and betting on yourself.

🎧 Tune in and ask yourself: How bad do you really want it?

⏱️ Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Luis Ruiz's Journey

06:30 Overcoming Adversity and Finding Focus

11:14 The Path to Professional Football

15:24 Life Lessons and the Importance of Skills

19:38 Holistic Development for Young Athletes

26:08 Overcoming Adversity and Self-Worth in Football

30:29 Transitioning to Coaching and Establishing an Academy

38:24 Teaching and Coaching at the University Level

45:16 Future Aspirations and Staying True to Oneself

👇 WATCH NOW & SUBSCRIBE

 YouTube | Spotify | Apple Podcasts
🔗 beacons.ai/transformingthegame

📲 Follow Luis Ruiz:
 🌐 Website: www.ruizfootballacademy.com
📸 Instagram: @the_ruiz_story

🌍 Connect with Kristina Katsanevas / Transforming the Game

🔗 All links: ⁠https://beacons.ai/transformingthegame⁠
🌐 Web: ⁠https://www.kristinakatsanevas.com⁠
📸 Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/kristinakatsanevas⁠
📘 Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/kristina.katsanevas⁠
📺 YouTube: Transforming the Game Podcast

🎧 Listen on Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube

Please subscribe, like and comment. Join the Transforming the Game Tribe. I really appreciate your time and support. 

A masterclass in managing difficult people, de-escalating tension, and reclaiming power in high-conflict situations — without turning toxic.

Meet Gabe Karp former trial attorney turned venture capitalist, and author of the brilliant book Don’t Get Mad at Penguins. With a career built in the courtroom, the boardroom, and startup war rooms, Gabe knows how to turn tension into traction.

He’s not afraid of a fight but he’s learned how to win by staying calm, intentional, and disarming. In this fast, fiery, and funny conversation, we dive into practical tools to handle workplace bullies, defuse explosive situations, and navigate “Miltons” the people who thrive on chaos.

Plus, don’t miss the Penguin Lightning Round where Gabe helps us all sort out what to fight for… and what to let go.

If you’ve ever left a meeting feeling like you should’ve said more (or less)... this one’s for you.

👤 About Gabe Karp

Gabe Karp is a seasoned trial lawyer, startup exec, and venture capitalist with a surprising superpower — turning conflict into clarity. As the author of Don’t Get Mad at Penguins, Gabe brings humor and insight into how we deal with toxic disagreements and difficult people. He’s also a TEDx speaker and a sought-after voice in emotional intelligence and leadership development.

🔥 Why You Need to Listen

✅ Learn how to respond to aggression without escalating
✅ Get tactical scripts for navigating difficult workplace convos
✅ Understand the “shopping list voice” technique to calm conflict
✅ Learn how owning a mistake can build trust
✅ Discover why not getting mad might be your biggest power move

📬 Connect with Gabe Karp

📚 Book: Don’t Get Mad at Penguins – https://www.gabekarp.com
🎥 TED Talk: How to Thrive with Difficult People – Watch on YouTube
🌐 Website & Resources: https://www.gabekarp.com

🌍 Connect with Kristina Katsanevas / Transforming the Game

🔗 All links: ⁠https://beacons.ai/transformingthegame⁠
🌐 Web: ⁠https://www.kristinakatsanevas.com⁠
📸 Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/kristinakatsanevas⁠
📘 Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/kristina.katsanevas⁠
📺 YouTube: Transforming the Game Podcast

🎧 Listen on Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube

Mason Sawyer | The 1090 Way to Live After Loss

“You can know you're going to lose, but how you fight still matters.” – Mason Sawyer

After losing five members of his family in a tragic car accident in 2021, Mason Sawyer did what many couldn’t—he chose to stay in the fight.

We explore the incredible story of his brother Race—a fighter who said yes to life, even when the odds were stacked against him. His fearless “trip to New York” mindset became a symbol of resilience that Mason now sees reflected in his son Blue. His nephew Rider, who embodied his fathers determination in all he did. He speaks tenderly about his wife Kortni, his high school sweetheart, who he describes as so perfect it should’ve been him instead. About Frankie, their daughter with the spark of a basketball superstar in the making. And Riggins, his little lion-hearted boy whose strength still echoes in Mason’s every step. Through their memories, Mason finds both the ache of absence and the fuel to keep going—because they lived fully, and now, so must he. 

Mason doesn’t speak at people—he listens, relates, and reminds us all: life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you respond.

🎧 Why You Need to Listen
✅ You’ll feel every emotion—from heartbreak to healing
✅ You’ll learn how to support someone through grief (and yourself)
✅ You’ll rethink parenting, relationships, and what it means to truly live
✅ You’ll understand why sharing your story can become your greatest strength
✅ You’ll discover how community, conversation, and courage change lives

Whether you’ve faced grief, felt alone, or just need perspective—you’ll walk away with more strength than you came in with.

🧭 Episode Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Mason Sawyer and the 1090 Podcast
02:13 The Meaning Behind the 1090 Philosophy
05:00 Sports and Mental Toughness: Lessons from the Court
07:24 A Brother's Fight: The Story of Race
13:37 Grief and Resilience: Learning from Loss
19:38 Parenting After Loss: A New Perspective
25:14 Tattooing as a Form of Healing
25:44 The Journey of Tattoos and Grief
31:09 Navigating Grief Through Conversation
35:35 Honoring Pain and Finding Joy
40:44 The Importance of Relationships
45:57 Living Life Fully and Fearlessly
53:17 In honor

📬 Connect with Mason or Request Him to Speak
🎙️ Listen to The 10ninety Podcast on The 10 Ninety - YouTube
📸 Follow Mason on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/masonsawyer91/    | https://www.instagram.com/10ninetyrule/
📨 Book Mason for speaking or events: Reach out via 10ninety.com or DM on Instagram

Connect with Kristina
Follow me: ⁠https://beacons.ai/transformingthegame⁠
Web: ⁠https://www.kristinakatsanevas.com⁠
Instagram: ⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/kristinakatsanevas  ⁠
Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/kristina.katsanevas  ⁠ 
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TransformingtheGamePodcast

Do you or know someone who has a story that has to be told? Email [email protected]

If you could subscribe, like and comment, I would really appreciate your support.

🎙️ Show Me the Money: Inside the Business of Sports with Phil Stoneman 

In this power-packed episode of Transforming the Game, Kristina Katsanevas sits down with Phil Stoneman, founder and CEO of M5 Management and one of Australia’s leading authorities in sports management, athlete representation, and sponsorship strategy.

From negotiating multi-million-dollar deals with global giants like Lexmark, Kellogg’s, Ampol, and Citibank, to mentoring both world champions and executives finding purpose beyond the boardroom, Phil shares the raw, real, and often surprising truths about what it really takes to succeed in the sports business.

Phil’s journey is driven by a personal story of “what could have been,” and it’s shaped his relentless passion for helping athletes—and now executives—realize their full potential. Whether you’re an aspiring athlete, brand builder, or leader in transition, this episode will challenge what you think you know about value, selling, and success.

🔥 Why You Need to Listen
• Discover how athlete management is more than mentorship—it’s a business transaction.
• Learn why you have to double your sponsorship investment to see results
• Understand how to properly value sports assets—and why most brands get it wrong.
• Hear Phil’s emotional story that sparked his obsession with potential and performance.
• Learn how the same resilience in sport applies to life after corporate.
• Gain insight into athlete mental health and identity loss after retirement—and how M5 tackles it.
• Get inspired by real-life transformations, including the story of a world Ironman champion and a corporate exec who just needed a second shot.

📌 Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Phil Stoneman and His Journey

12:52 Unfulfilled talent. Pushing 1% of 1%

15:49 The Art of Athlete Management

18:22 Understanding the Value of Athletes

21:38 The Sales Process in Sports Sponsorship

24:21 Evaluating Sponsorship Assets

27:40 The Importance of Activation in Sponsorships

30:41 Challenges in Selling Sponsorships

33:39 The Role of Athlete Managers

36:19 Setting Athletes Up for Success

40:13 Navigating Mental Health in Sports Management

42:34  Transitioning Athletes to Life After Sports

43:02Executive can run too, life after corporate

51:06 Curiosity, power of yes & Sliding doors

56:18 Paying It Forward: Supporting Future Generations

 Connect with Phil Stoneman & M5 Management
🌐 Website: www.m5management.com.au
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/m5management/
🎥 M5 Showreel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K9ShlrQoz7Y 

Connect with Kristina

Follow me: ⁠https://beacons.ai/transformingthegame⁠ 

Web: ⁠https://www.kristinakatsanevas.com⁠ 

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

Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/kristina.katsanevas  ⁠  

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TransformingtheGamePodcast

Do you or know someone who has a story that has to be told? Email [email protected]

If you could subscribe, like and comment, I would really appreciate your support.

🎙️ Show Me the Money: Inside the Business of Sports with Phil Stoneman 

In this power-packed episode of Transforming the Game, Kristina Katsanevas sits down with Phil Stoneman, founder and CEO of M5 Management and one of Australia’s leading authorities in sports management, athlete representation, and sponsorship strategy.

From negotiating multi-million-dollar deals with global giants like Lexmark, Kellogg’s, Ampol, and Citibank, to mentoring both world champions and executives finding purpose beyond the boardroom, Phil shares the raw, real, and often surprising truths about what it really takes to succeed in the sports business.

Phil’s journey is driven by a personal story of “what could have been,” and it’s shaped his relentless passion for helping athletes—and now executives—realize their full potential. Whether you’re an aspiring athlete, brand builder, or leader in transition, this episode will challenge what you think you know about value, selling, and success.

🔥 Why You Need to Listen
• Discover how athlete management is more than mentorship—it’s a business transaction.
• Learn why you have to double your sponsorship investment to see results
• Understand how to properly value sports assets—and why most brands get it wrong.
• Hear Phil’s emotional story that sparked his obsession with potential and performance.
• Learn how the same resilience in sport applies to life after corporate.
• Gain insight into athlete mental health and identity loss after retirement—and how M5 tackles it.
• Get inspired by real-life transformations, including the story of a world Ironman champion and a corporate exec who just needed a second shot.

📌 Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Phil Stoneman and His Journey

12:52 Unfulfilled talent. Pushing 1% of 1%

15:49 The Art of Athlete Management

18:22 Understanding the Value of Athletes

21:38 The Sales Process in Sports Sponsorship

24:21 Evaluating Sponsorship Assets

27:40 The Importance of Activation in Sponsorships

30:41 Challenges in Selling Sponsorships

33:39 The Role of Athlete Managers

36:19 Setting Athletes Up for Success

40:13 Navigating Mental Health in Sports Management

42:34  Transitioning Athletes to Life After Sports

43:02Executive can run too, life after corporate

51:06 Curiosity, power of yes & Sliding doors

56:18 Paying It Forward: Supporting Future Generations

 📲 Connect with Phil Stoneman & M5 Management
🌐 Website: www.m5management.com.au
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/m5management/
🎥 M5 Showreel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K9ShlrQoz7Y

Connect with Kristina

Follow me: ⁠https://beacons.ai/transformingthegame⁠ 

Web: ⁠https://www.kristinakatsanevas.com⁠ 

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

Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/kristina.katsanevas  ⁠  

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TransformingtheGamePodcast

Do you or know someone who has a story that has to be told? Email [email protected]

If you could subscribe, like and comment, I would really appreciate your support.

Robb Evans is a global fitness authority, dedicated to transforming lives through tailored health and wellness solutions. As the founder of Studioz Personal Training and 36 years of health, fitness, and nutrition experience, Robb operates on a global scale, providing life results for health and fitness and does it through accountability, coaching clients worldwide. His ventures include innovative fitness programs, high-performance mindset coaching, and sustainable wellness strategies with results that last - in excess of 22,000 lbs of fat loss.

Why you need to listen to this episode: 
- Unfiltered Real Talk from a World-Leading Voice: Robb has done nearly 4,000 podcast episodes, sharing hard-won insights on health, mindset, and success—he’s been where most haven’t even dared to go.

- Micro Habits Massive Action: Learn why small, consistent wins outlast unsustainable sprints—especially when it comes to fitness, business, and life transformation.

- The Hidden Power of Health First: Robb’s philosophy flips the script: get your health right, and your life will follow—from wealth to relationships to clarity.

- Personal Story That Hits Deep: From being bullied and invisible to standing on world stages, Robb’s story is raw, human, and deeply motivating.

- No-BS Strategies That Actually Work: Forget hype or overnight fixes—Robb reveals what it really takes to be in the top 1% of your game, and how to sustain its.

Chapters
00:00 The Journey of Podcasting: From Fear to Confidence
04:01  Leading by Example: Coaching Through Health and Wellness
06:12 Building Momentum: The Importance of Small Wins
09:02 Transforming Mindsets: The Overflow Effect of Health
11:46 Navigating Individual Challenges: Tailoring Approaches to Clients
14:12 The Power of Online Coaching: Connecting Beyond Borders
17:01 Measuring Success: Beyond the Scale
18:29 Mindset and Body Image in Fitness
24:02 Overcoming Childhood Challenges through Music
29:56 The Journey of Self-Discovery and Resilience

Free Consultation: 
Every Listener can receive a free Consultation with Robb to discuss their health, fitness and mindset goals to achieve their healthy lifestyle. Be sure to mention “Transforming the Game Podcast”. 
Go to: https://www.StudiozPT.com.au 

Follow Robb:
Website: https://www.MeetRobbEvans.com 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robb.evans.73
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/studiozpt
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@robbevans2499
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evansr1/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@robbevans1?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

Follow Me:
Follow me: ⁠https://beacons.ai/transformingthegame⁠ 
Web: ⁠https://www.kristinakatsanevas.com⁠ 
Instagram: ⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/kristinakatsanevas  ⁠ 
Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/kristina.katsanevas  ⁠  
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TransformingtheGamePodcast

If you could subscribe, like and comment, I would really appreciate your support.

In this engaging conversation, Kristina Katsanevas interviews Melanie Petrinec, a prominent figure in Australian journalism, discussing her journey, the evolving media landscape, and the essential qualities for success in journalism. They explore the challenges of maintaining ethical standards in an age of fake news, the impact of technology, and the importance of understanding audience dynamics. Melanie shares insights on balancing passion with productivity, the media's responsibility to society, and the need for diversity of thought. 

20 years in Australia’s mainstream media, from regional newsrooms to the top of one of Australia’s biggest newspapers—Melanie Petrinec has scaled the media ladder with grit and adaptability. Starting in Rockhampton in 2005, she is an award-winning court reporter, has led state-wide news teams, and now drives one of Australia’s largest media outlets, the Courier-Mail as Deputy Editor. Today, we dive into her journey, the evolving media landscape, and how quiet resilience can be a leadership superpower. Let’s get into it!

WHY THIS EPISODE IS ONE TO WATCH

🎙 Insider Insights from a Media Mogul – With two decades of journalism experience, Melanie shares hard-earned wisdom on navigating the ever-evolving media industry.

🕵️‍♀️ Cracking into Journalism – Learn why curiosity, persistence, and sheer enthusiasm are non-negotiables for aspiring media professionals.

🌍 The Digital Media Revolution – Discover how the industry has shifted towards online platforms and what it means for content creators, businesses, and journalists.

📰 The Ethics of News in a Clickbait Era – Understand why ethical reporting is more critical than ever in the fight against fake news and misinformation.

🤖 AI in Journalism: Friend or Foe? – Explore the impact of technology and artificial intelligence on newsrooms and the challenges of responsible integration.

📣 The Power of Audience Connection – Learn why understanding reader preferences is essential for media sustainability and subscription retention.

⚖️ Balancing Passion & Popularity – Find out how journalists juggle passion projects with audience-driven content while maintaining integrity.

💡 Media’s Role in Spreading Hope – Gain insights into why the industry must focus on solutions and positive narratives, not just sensationalism.

🌏 Diversity of Thought in Storytelling – See why inclusive representation in media shapes a more balanced and informed society.

If you're a business leader, content creator, or aspiring journalist, this episode is packed with powerful takeaways you can’t afford to miss! 🎧✨

Gary Brown is transforming the way Australians achieve financial success. As the founder of Hatcher and the creator of The Hatcher Advantage, Gary is setting a new standard in financial leadership by helping individuals and businesses take control of their financial health with clarity and confidence.

With over 14 years of experience, Gary isn’t your average accountant. He’s a visionary leader who fuses analytical precision with practical strategies, delivering real results. The Hatcher Advantage is Gary’s signature approach—empowering people to align their finances with their values and unlock their full potential.

On a mission to become Australia’s #1 Accountant, Gary is committed to breaking down the barriers of traditional financial advice. Known for his sharp insights and straight-talking style, he makes even the most complex financial challenges simple and actionable.

Whether you’re a business owner, entrepreneur, or someone ready to take control of your future, Gary’s advice will inspire you to think differently about your money—and your life.

Get ready for big ideas, practical tips, and a fresh take from the accountant who’s rewriting the rules of financial success.

Why you need to listen to this episode: 
In this episode, Gary shares invaluable insights on achieving financial freedom. He emphasises the importance of taking control of your finances, avoiding common pitfalls like overspending, and making wise investments. Gary delves into the power of passive income, the crucial role of financial advisors, and strategic planning to secure the future for generations to come. He also highlights the significance of understanding the time value of money and making informed decisions between investments and savings.

Key Takeaways:

• Financial freedom offers the choice to work or not.
• Passive income can alleviate financial stress and provide lifestyle choices.
• Avoid common financial mistakes like overspending and not investing for the future.
• Understanding the time value of money is essential for wealth creation.
• Strategic financial planning is crucial for setting up future generations for success.

Follow Gary:
Website: https://hatcher.com.au
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/financewithgarybrown/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/14428164

Follow Me:

Follow me: ⁠https://beacons.ai/transformingthegame⁠
Web: ⁠https://www.kristinakatsanevas.com⁠
Instagram: ⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/kristinakatsanevas  ⁠
Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/kristina.katsanevas  ⁠ 
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TransformingtheGamePodcast

If you could subscribe, like and comment, I would really appreciate your support.

Leanne Ward is an Australian dietitian, nutritionist, author, podcaster and businesswoman. She has a Masters in Dietetics, a Bachelor in Health Sciences and a Certificate in Public Health. She is a busy mum to two young girls, Mia and Matilda and loves her daily coffee habit, regular gym sessions and exploring new places when she can.
 

Where to find Leanne:
Website: www.leannewardnutrition.com.au
Website coaching: https://leangutmindmethod.com  

Supplements: https://designedbydietitians.com
Book: https://www.penguin.com.au/books/reset-nourish-burn-9781761345937
Podcast: Leanne Ward Nutrition Podcast & The Nutrition Couch Podcast 

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