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In this episode of Awesome Humans, host Brett McCallum sits down with Australian basketball legend Sam Mackinnon for a wide-ranging, often hilarious, and deeply human conversation. From his early days growing up in Melbourne, juggling football and basketball dreams, to his rise through the NBL and international tournaments—including Olympic battles against LeBron James and Shaquille O’Neal—Sam shares what it’s really like behind the stats. The chat spans career highlights, personal struggles, his coaching philosophy, and the journey of raising a basketball-playing son in today’s fast-paced sporting world. Show Notes Sponsored by: Official Beer Co - GC Lager In this episode: Sam's early memories and why he nearly played AFLBeing recruited in Year 11 and signing his first NBL contract at 17Playing against LeBron, Shaq, Scottie Pippen and the Dream TeamWhat it was like representing Australia at the OlympicsThe highs and lows of a long career: MVPs, injuries, and setbacksTransitioning to coaching and building the Taranaki Airs into a contenderHis perspective on fatherhood, divorce, and raising elite kids in sportLife lessons from basketball—and what’s nextQuickfire Q&A:Favourite food? (Steak!) | Favourite place? (Sunshine Beach) | Most proud of? (His kids)

Host Brett McCallum sits down with former AFL star Dane Swan to explore his journey from a footy-loving kid to one of the game’s greats.  He opens up about his early memories, the highs and lows of professional sport, and the unique energy of playing on Anzac Day. As well as life beyond the game (including personal passions, from the stories behind his tattoos to unforgettable moments with football legends), future aspirations, and the joys of family. Reflecting on his career, he shares what it meant to win the prestigious Brownlow Medal, the pressures that came with it, and why team camaraderie mattered more than individual accolades. 

In this episode of Awesome Humans, host Brett McCallum sits down with former NRL star Jarrod Wallace for an honest, no-holds-barred chat about life on and off the field. Jarrod takes us back to his early days, sharing memories of his childhood, the journey that led him to professional rugby league, and the pivotal role coach Wayne Bennett played in shaping his career. They dive into the highs and lows of life in the NRL—overcoming injuries, switching teams, and the behind-the-scenes dynamics that make or break team chemistry. Jarrod opens up about the personal challenges athletes face, from media scrutiny to balancing family life with the demands of elite sport. He also reflects on playing for a cause, the influential players who left their mark on him, and his bold decision to continue his career in France—cultural shocks and all. As he discusses his transition out of professional rugby, Jarrod reveals his newfound passion for radio, his aspirations for the future, and why family will always be his greatest motivation. It’s a raw, inspiring, and sometimes surprising conversation with one of rugby league’s most genuine voices.

In this episode of Awesome Humans, Brett welcomes Hayley Melidonis, a former global business development professional turned entrepreneur. In this engaging conversation, Hayley shares her transformative journey through travel, career changes, and personal growth. From her experiences in Japan during the Olympics to her transition into the tech industry, she reflects on how these moments shaped her identity and aspirations. Enjoy!

In this episode of Awesome Humans, Brett interviews Justine Jade, a multifaceted creative who shares her journey from a new-age upbringing to a profound spiritual awakening in Mexico. Justine discusses her experiences with somatic therapy, her transition from atheism to faith in Jesus, and the complexities of her identity and relationships. The conversation explores her early life, family background, and career beginnings in radio, comedy, and music, highlighting the challenges and triumphs she faced along the way. Enjoy!

In this episode of Awesome Humans, host Brett McCallum interviews Mack Lindon, a man who faced false accusations of rape, leading to a tumultuous journey through the legal system and prison. Mack shares his early life, experiences in school, and the dual paths of nursing and acting he pursued. He recounts the challenges of being incarcerated, the impact of his experiences on his personal growth, and his eventual exoneration. The conversation delves into the societal implications of incarceration and the need for rehabilitation over punishment. In this conversation, the speaker discusses the complexities of seeking justice, the journey of storytelling through film, and the importance of transparency in parenting. They share their experiences of creating films amidst personal and societal chaos, emphasizing resilience and the power of storytelling.

Hello Awesome Humans and welcome back to another episode! In this episode Brett welcomes Ian Dixon into the studio. As an distinguished actor with credits in shows like "Underbelly" and "Heartbreak High", Ian also holds a Ph.D., provides fascinating insights into his transition from acting to academia and shares details about his current role as a professor at Nanyang Technology University in Singapore. Tune in as they explore the unique journey of a performer turned scholar, weaving together the worlds of entertainment and education.

Hello Awesome Humans and welcome back to another episode! In today's episode, your host Brett welcomes former professional rugby league player turn musician, Don Rogers, into the studio. In the 70's, Don was a professional rugby league player for the Cronulla Sharks and Western Reds and is now a crane operator by day and a country musician by night. After a chance encounter at his work in February of this year (2023), Don gained his confidence as a musician and started playing open mics and jam nights and has not let up since. Say hello to this week's totally Awesome Human!

Hello Awesome Humans and welcome back to another episode! In today's episode, your host Brett McCallum welcomes Justin Geange into the studio. After listening to one of Justin's poems at an open mic night Brett instantly knew he wanted to get him into the studio to record an episode. Justin's life has been full of many ups and downs, from getting into the semi-finals of Australia's Got Talent to very nearly taking his own life in the wake of being made redundant. He chats about his struggles with bipolar, the stigma surrounding mens mental health and goes in depth about the day that was almost the end. This month is Movember, the leading charity changing the face of men's health. If you, or someone you know, is feeling low, don't hesitate to reach out for support using these local support resources.

Hello Awesome Humans and welcome back to another episode! In today's episode, your host Brett McCallym welcomes aussie football legend Preston Campbell and long time friend of the show, Aunty Linda into the studio. Following a successful NRL career, Preston is now a popular indigenous ambassador and voice for mental health and those suffering depression after stepping forward to share his own personal experiences. Say hello to this week's totally Awesome Human!

Hello Awesome Humans and welcome back to another episode! In today's episode, your host Brett McCallum welcomes the one and only Moyra Major into the studio. Moyra has been a familiar voice on Gold Coast radio for over a decade and has had the pleasure of interviewing people from all over the globe throughout her career. She runs Major Confident, a public speaking company helping those who struggle to face an audience and is a creative writer at heart.  Say hello to this week's totally Awesome Human!

Hello Awesome Humans! Joining us in the studio today is NBL1 North MVP Jason Cadee. Jason has been in and around basketball since he was a youngster, with both of his parents playing to a high level. Months after he signed his first professional contract, Jason was involved in a serious car accident on one of Sydney's busiest highways leaving him with a broken pelvis. Despite this, Jason has gone on to represent his local team, State and Country, but still just loves the game and chooses to play in the NBL off-season to keep himself ticking over. Tune in today to listen to this episode's totally Awesome Human!

Hello Awesome Humans! Joining us in the podcast studio today we have author, speaker and entrepreur Gavin McGahey. Gavin is dedicated to helping others and making a positive impact on the world around him. His podcast '100 Breaths' is a journey of discovery and self-help and his book 'The Little Book of Noticing' is based on true anecdotal stories from his own life experiences and contains tools and techniques to raise your frequency, consciousness and awareness. Tune in today to listen to this episode's totally Awesome Human!

Hello Awesome Humans! In the podcast studio today we are honoured to welcome Ambassador of Guatemala, Ronald Recinos. Prior to taking up his position as Ambassador, Ronald was the President of the Board of Directors of the Quetzal Port Company in Guatemala and the legal adviser to the President of the Republic of Guatemala. He has a Master's degree in Commercial and Competition Law and a Postgraduate Certificate in Law with emphasis in Contracts in the New Economy. Tune in today to listen to this week's totally Awesome Human!

Hello Awesome Humans! In the podcast studio today we have speaker, domestic violence survivor and advocate for domestic violence prevention, Simone O'Brien. Simone's journey starts in 2012 where she suffered a horrific domestic violence attack which involved emotional and psychological abuse and ended with her being beaten with a baseball bat to within inches of her life. Through determination and the support of her family, friends, neighbours, doctors and nurses, Simone got through that night and now shares her story to raise awareness of domestic violence. Tune in today to listen to this week's absolutely Awesome Human!