Under The Cap

What does it take to perform at the highest level, handle the pressure of the big stage, and find your place in surf lifesaving beyond competition?

This episode, we sit down with Jen Parry, one of Australian surf lifesaving’s most decorated athletes and a recent inductee into the SLSA Hall of Fame.

From joining a small surf club in Emu Park to representing Australia, winning 15 world titles, 29 world championship medals and setting multiple world records, Jen’s career has taken her around the world and across almost every part of surf lifesaving.

But her story doesn’t end when the racing does. From athlete to Australian team selector, mentor and commentator, Jen has continued to find new ways to contribute to the sport. And as we discover, calling surf sports is a whole different challenge to competing in them.

In this episode we cover:

• What it’s really like racing on the world stage and dealing with pressure
• The transition from elite athlete to Australian team selector and mentor
• Why Jen made the move into commentary and what makes surf sports so difficult to call
• The preparation, research and nerves that go into commentating live competition
• Why some of Jen’s favourite memories have nothing to do with medals
• Her advice for athletes chasing selection and competing on the world stage
• The one thing Jen wishes she could tell her younger self: back yourself

CONNECT WITH UTC:
Instagram → @_theyouthcollective
Website → www.theyouthcollective.com.au

Every episode we sit down with inspiring people to explore careers, purpose, mental health and what it means to make a difference in your community. Subscribe now so you never miss a conversation that could change yours.

Think you’d make a great guest or know someone who would? We want to hear from you. DM us on Instagram and let’s have a conversation.

What if the secret to performing better, feeling better and going home safer was as simple as how you hydrate?
This episode we sit down with Toni McQuinn, co-founder of Body Armor — the Gold Coast based health and performance brand on a mission to bring sports science to the people who need it most.
From compulsory military service in Finland to 12 years in mining and eventually building a business with his brother and best mates, Toni’s journey is anything but ordinary. And his passion for helping people perform at their best, whether they're an elite athlete or a lifeguard on patrol, is contagious.
In this episode we cover:
-What to actually look for on a sports drink label and why most of what's on the shelf isn't doing what you think-The five key electrolytes your body needs and what happens when you get them wrong-The hydration protocol Tony challenges everyone to try for 24 hours-What it's really like to start a business with your brother and best mates
100 no's before the first yes — how Body Armor got its foot in the door-Why Body Armor partnered with Surf Life Saving Queensland-Tony's one piece of advice to his younger self
CONNECT WITH UTC:
Instagram → @_theyouthcollective
Website → theyouthcollective.com.au
CONNECT WITH BODY ARMOR:
Website → bodyarmour.com.au
Instagram → @bodyarmour.au
Every episode we sit down with inspiring people to explore careers, purpose, mental health and what it means to make a difference in your community. Subscribe now so you never miss a conversation that could change yours.
Think you'd make a great guest or know someone who would? We want to hear from you. DM us on Instagram and let's have a conversation.

From snapping a paddle mid-race to achieving a childhood dream, what does it really take to become an elite Iron Woman?

This episode we sit down with third-generation Maroochydore SLSC lifesaver and Iron Woman champion Tiarnee Massie. After an incredible season claiming the Iron Woman crown at Aussies and taking out the Shaw and Partners Series, Tiarnee takes us behind the podium and into the reality of competing at the highest level.

From chasing a childhood dream to navigating the highs and lows of elite competition, Tiarnee's story is a reminder that anything is possible with hard work, resilience and self-belief. But most importantly — don't forget to enjoy the journey along the way.

In this episode we cover:

-How Tiarnee went from third-generation nipper to Iron Woman champion

-The power of sports psychology and visualisation — and how she wrote the script for the perfect race

-How she self-sabotaged a race by one point and what she learned from it

-The infamous paddle snap at the Coolangatta Gold and how she finished seventh

-Why she almost drowned as a child and went on to save a man's life at just 15

-Balancing elite sport with a full time job as a dental assistant-Why the mental side of sport is more important than the physical

-What surf lifesaving taught her about resilience, community and service-Her advice to young athletes — enjoy it while you can

-What the next season looks like for Tiarnee

CONNECT WITH UTC:

Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/_theyouthcollective/ 

Website → Homepage - The Youth Collective 

CONNECT WITH TIARNEE:

Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/tiarneexmassie/ 

Every episode we sit down with inspiring people to explore careers, purpose, mental health and what it means to make a difference in your community. Subscribe now so you never miss a conversation that could change yours.

Think you'd make a great guest or know someone who would? We want to hear from you. DM us on Instagram and let's have a conversation. 📩

What happens when the worst day of your life becomes the reason you show up for thousands of others?

This episode we sit down with Casey Lyons, CEO and co-founder of LIVIN — the Gold Coast born mental health organisation that started with a t-shirt and has since reached over 340,000 people face to face across Australia.

Built in memory of his best mate Dwayne, Casey's story is one of grief, purpose and the power of community. And his message is simple: it ain't weak to speak.

CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains conversations about mental health and suicide. Please take care while listening. Support resources are included in the show notes below.

In this episode we cover:

- How Casey went from carpenter and footy player to founding one of Australia's most powerful mental health organisations

- Why stigma is still the biggest barrier preventing people from getting help

- The statistics that should stop us all in our tracks — 9 Australians take their life every single day

- Chris Hemsworth, Movie World and the moment LIVIN went global

- The shoulder to shoulder approach — how LIVIN actually gets through to young people

- What surf lifesaving taught Casey about teamwork, mateship and service

- A special segment where one of our members calls in with a question for Casey

- How to check in on a mate without overstepping

- Why education leads to understanding, understanding leads to acceptance, and acceptance leads to hope

CONNECT WITH UTC:

Instagram →  https://www.instagram.com/_theyouthcollective/ 

Website →  Homepage - The Youth Collective 

CONNECT WITH LIVIN:

Website →  https://livin.org/about-us/ 

Instagram →  https://www.instagram.com/livinorg/ 
Casey’s Linkedin →  Casey Lyons - LIVIN | LinkedIn 

SUPPORT SERVICES:

→ Beyond Blue

→ Black Dog Institute

→ Better Help

Every episode we sit down with inspiring people to explore careers, purpose, mental health and what it means to make a difference in your community. Subscribe now so you never miss a conversation that could change yours.

Think you'd make a great guest or know someone who would? We want to hear from you. DM us on Instagram and let's have a conversation. 📩

What does it take to turn a love for the ocean into a movement that's changing the lives of young Australians? 

We're kicking off Season 2 in a big way, Sarah and Macca sit down with Cal Glanznig and Cooper Chapman, co-founders of Blue Minds Youth Ocean Leadership Program, to unpack how two former nippers turned a love for the ocean into a movement changing the lives of young Australians.

From professional surfer and mental health advocate to filmmaker, local councillor and ocean leader, this episode will leave you inspired to take action in your own community.

In this episode we cover:

- How nippers sparked a lifelong love of the ocean for both Cal and Cooper

- Going from professional athlete to purpose-driven change-maker

- How Cal fundraised $50,000 for solar panels at his high school

-The link between mental health and our connection to nature

- How to back yourself when you feel underqualified or like an imposter- Why hope lies in action — and what that actually looks like

- What surf clubs can do right now to protect their local beach
- How the Blue Minds Academy is turning young people into ocean leaders

CONNECT WITH UTC:
Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/_theyouthcollective/ 
Website → Homepage - The Youth Collective 

CONNECT WITH BLUE MINDS:
Website → Blue Minds Youth Ocean Leadership 
Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/blueminds__/ 
Kal’s Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/kalglanznig/ 
Cooper’s Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/cooperchapman/ 

Every episode we sit down with inspiring people to explore careers, purpose, mental health and what it means to make a difference in your community. Subscribe now so you never miss a conversation that could change yours.

Think you'd make a great guest or know someone who would? We want to hear from you. DM us on Instagram and let's have a conversation. 📩

This week, Sez and Macca sit down with crime journalist and author of The Sting, Kate Kyriacou from Maroochydore Surf Life Saving Club — and it’s a fascinating conversation.

Kate shares how she originally set out to become a sports reporter but found herself in crime journalism after stepping in to cover someone else’s round while they were away. That simple decision to say “yes” changed the course of her career and opened the door to covering some of Australia’s most significant criminal cases. It’s a powerful reminder that opportunities don’t always arrive in the form you expect, and sometimes your path reveals itself when you’re willing to step outside your plan.

In this episode, we explore what it’s really like working as a crime reporter and the importance of maintaining humanity in journalism, even when covering confronting and complex stories. Kate reflects on how skills developed through surf lifesaving — staying calm under pressure, managing conflict, leading teams and communicating clearly — have been invaluable in high-stakes reporting environments.

We also discuss her book The Sting, which details the undercover police operation that led to the conviction of Daniel Morcombe’s killer. Kate offers insight into the responsibility of telling such significant stories with care and integrity.Beyond the newsroom, Kate speaks about how surf lifesaving has grounded her throughout her career. As a Patrol Captain and boatie at Maroochydore, the club has provided lifelong friendships, connection and a steady outlet away from the intensity of crime reporting. No matter where work has taken her, lifesaving has given her a sense of community and belonging.

This is a great episode for aspiring writers, future journalists, and anyone who loves true crime — especially if you’re a crime junkie like Sez.

Content note:This episode discusses serious criminal cases which may be confronting for some listeners. If anything raised in this conversation brings up difficult feelings, please consider reaching out for support.

You can visit our Guidance & Support page here:https://lifesaving.com.au/guidance-and-support

Or contact:

Lifeline – 13 11 14

Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636

Kids Helpline – 1800 55 1800

Please take care of yourself while listening.

For this special International Women’s Day episode, Sez and Macca sit down with powerhouse marine scientist and surf lifesaver Dr Mel Cowlishaw, and it’s a conversation you won’t want to miss.

With more than 20 years in marine science, a PhD, and a strong voice for environmental action and women in STEM, Mel brings both depth and authenticity to the mic. A long-time surf lifesaver (and Summer Surf Girl!), she’s spanned clubs from South East Queensland to Northern Queensland throughout her studies and has made significant contributions to stinger research for SLSQ.

In this inspiring and wide-ranging chat, we explore what it really means to be a board member, within Surf Life Saving and across the not-for-profit sector, and how to advocate for yourself and your values as a female leader. Mel shares honest insights into preparing for and navigating difficult conversations, supporting other women in leadership, and creating cultures where inclusivity and equality are more than just words.

We also dive into the realities of completing a PhD, building a career in marine science, and why climate recognition and action are critical and how that translates into the corporate world.

This episode is empowering and refreshingly real. Tune in as we celebrate an influential scientist, leader and lifesaver who is making waves in every sense of the word, and help us honour the incredible women shaping our movement and our world.

The beloved Jess Roberts joins Sez and Mac on the podcast today. Larger than life, and even louder than that, this powerhouse shines a light on a side of herself that many may not often see. We chat with Jess about her professional journey through lifesaving, from lifeguard and community awareness presenter to her current role as Member Development Coordinator for the Sunshine Coast Branch. Jess shares the lessons she’s learned along the way, from being a Nipper in the North Barrier to now working full-time for Surf Life Saving Queensland, and why trusting yourself is key to everything. The passion in Jess’s voice is undeniable as she speaks about giving back to the next generation of lifesavers and creating the same opportunities she gained so much from. This is a powerful episode, we dive into some of the struggles that can hold us back as humans, and how sometimes we’re the ones who need to remind ourselves: “Nah girl, you got this.”

Today, Macca is riding solo and sits down with Kirsten Phillips, better known as KP. When she’s not on the beach at Met Caloundra SLSC or part of the Mum Squad at a Youth Development Camp, KP is the Director of Strategy and Engagement at Biosecurity Queensland. KP shares her professional journey from a fresh-faced journalist grappling with the very relatable feeling of “I don’t think this is for me”, to moving into government communications across a range of sectors. We chat about the weird and wonderful pests and diseases that KP and her team work to protect our state and country from, the not-so-obvious transferable skills between working in biosecurity and being a lifesaver, and how KP’s lifesaving journey taught her invaluable skills she now applies in her professional life. Not only is KP a super-volunteer, she’s also the State Membership Officer for SLSQ and, more recently, a Winston Churchill Fellow. As part of her fellowship, KP will be travelling the globe to research volunteer onboarding and engagement to boost participation and retention across surf lifesaving. We talk about where saying “yes” can take you, and how going with the flow can lead to unexpected pathways you never thought you’d explore. We missed Sez, but loved chatting with KP.

Today, Sez and Mac sat down with Farmer and Etty Bay SLSC member Mark Nucifora to chat about his journey to owning a 360-acre banana farm in Far North Queensland. It’s a real and raw conversation about hard work, passion and grit and what it truly takes to make a living off the land. Mark shares his story as a young boy from FNQ who moved to Brisbane for university, only to take an unexpected plot twist into a career as a spacecraft engineer, working across multiple countries and monitoring satellites. Mark walks us through managing change and making big decisions, including returning home to his family farm and stepping into a leadership role. We explore resilience, teamwork and humility as key attributes for navigating the testing nature of farming. Amongst the consistent challenges of weather, workforce and compliance, Mark shines a light on the reality of farming and shares how he stays grounded and determined. So next time you’re eating a banana, think of farmers like Mark and thank them for their hard work in producing the delicious, healthy food we’re so lucky to have.

Dive into this powerful episode