Not an Overnight Success

Today's wonderful guest, Sir John Kirwan, or JK as we know him, was one of the best rugby legends on the planet. He was known as being one of the toughest men but, JK spent a lot of his rugby career paralysed by anxiety. During his time as an All Black, the conversation around mental health was very different to what it is today and JK was, at least in part, a reason that our understanding of mental health has shifted.
In this chat we speak about what the early days of being an All Black were like; not much pay and the need for a second job! He played 63 test matches for the All Blacks from 1984 to 1994 and was part of the winning 1987 Rugby World Cup team. He also played for the Warriors and had success as a rugby coach, including on the international stage with Italy and Japan.
We speak about JK's family and why he has such a deep connection to Italy. 
In 2012, JK was knighted for his services to mental health – an honour & a life long responsibility as he says. At least he got a scone! He is the co-founder of Groov who are on a mission to improve the daily well being and reduce the suffering of people living with poor mental health. 
You can now watch our podcasts on Youtube!
As for all of these podcasts, Shaw and Partners have generously donated $10k to the charity of choice of each of our guests. 
Sir John Kirwan chose to donate the money to Gotcha4life
This podcast is brought to you by Shaw and Partners.
It is hosted by Gus Worland and produced by Keeshia Pettit
 
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's episode, we dive into the extraordinary life and career of Ellie Cole, Australia's most successful female Paralympian.
From her early battle with cancer to her remarkable achievements in the pool, Ellie shares her journey of resilience, determination, and many, many 3am wake ups.
We speak about the impact of her cancer diagnosis on her family, given that she was diagnosed at age 2. Ellie shares her feelings around 'survivor's guilt' and how many cancer survivors feel their illness impacted their family.
Ellie shares why she developed a deep passion for swimming, and the challenges she faced as she navigated her path to success. From confronting her own retirement to finding love, starting a family, and embracing her role as a commentator for the Paris Olympics, Ellie's story is one that will have you feeling motivated. This episode is filled with heart, laughter, and insight as we celebrate the incredible Ellie Cole!
You can now watch our podcasts on Youtube!
As for all of these podcasts, Shaw and Partners have generously donated $10k to the charity of choice of each of our guests. 
Ellie chose to donate $5000 to Camp Quality and $5000 to Challenge - Supporting kids with cancer
This podcast is brought to you by Shaw and Partners.
It is hosted by Gus Worland and produced by Keeshia Pettit
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's episode is such an enjoyable chat with Gus Gould!
In the rugby league world, Gus is known as being a player, a general manager, a commentator and the most successful NSW State of Origin coach in history. 
He's also known for telling it like it is and voicing his honest opinions, despite them not always being popular. But, this chat was full of deep and meaningful conversations about his family and what led him to the various positions that he has held within the rugby league world. He hasn't planned a single thing in his life!
We have some belly laughs about how he got his nickname 'Gus' and when he met Nick Politis & subsequently joined the Roosters. 
This chat had me see a completely different side of Gus that I hadn't expected. 
He speaks about what he looks for in an up and coming player and how he never intended to be a young leader.
You can now watch our podcasts on Youtube!
As for all of these podcasts, Shaw and Partners have generously donated $10k to the charity of choice of each of our guests. 
Gus chose to donate the money to The Mark Hughes Foundation
This podcast is brought to you by Shaw and Partners.
It is hosted by Gus Worland and produced by Keeshia Pettit
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joining the podcast today is the wonderful Allison Langdon. 
We tend to see quite a serious side of Ally through her journalism on TV, but this chat is filled with so many laughs and funny stories from Ally's journey to being where she is today.
Ally was a country ballerina, who grew up on a farm without a silver spoon in her mouth.
She was always so focussed and determined, until she reached Uni and learnt to let her hair down a bit more! 
Ally started by doing work experience with channel 9 23 years ago, and she hasn't left! 
We speak about :
Her early days of journalism and what that taught her
Climbing the ranks in the news arena
Working on the Today Show and the injury that she's still managing from her first days on the show
Why she decided to move from the Today show to A Current Affair
Working out the work/life balance and quality time with her kids
Ally's husband, how they met and what type of family they've made
You can follow Ally on Instagram
You can now watch our podcasts on Youtube!
As for all of these podcasts, Shaw and Partners have generously donated $10k to the charity of choice of each of our guests. 
Ally chose for the donation to go to The Mirabel Foundation
This podcast is brought to you by Shaw and Partners.
It is hosted by Gus Worland and produced by Keeshia Pettit
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joining the podcast today is one of the world's best neurosurgeons Charlie Teo.
Charlie had a 'tough love' type of childhood. He's always been a hard worker, and worked hard for everything that he's got in his life.  
Medicine wasn't always on the cards for Charlie. He got his black belt in karate and even started a motor mechanic apprenticeship before eventually 'bumbling and fumbling' his way into surgery!
Charlie labels himself as a bit of a philistine, and of course, our teddy bear Gus wants to open up Charlie's mind to being comfortable in vulnerability and leaning into emotion.
Charlie looks back on his life with a lot of self awareness of his strengths and also his weaknesses.  
In this chat we speak about:
Charlie's regrets
Bringing up children that he is proud of and wants to be around
His non-conventional way into neurosurgery
How he never 'played the game' 
The controversy that he faced 
What is in store for his future
You can find more from Charlie here.
You can now watch our podcasts on Youtube!
As for all of these podcasts, Shaw and Partners have generously donated $10k to the charity of choice of each of our guests. 
Charlie chose to share the money between the following charities:
The Charlie Teo Foundation, Villa Kitty, Zambi Wildlife Foundation and Voiceless
This podcast is brought to you by Shaw and Partners.
It is hosted by Gus Worland and produced by Keeshia Pettit
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.