Head Game
Fighter Pilot Kegan Gill on Surviving 'The Fastest Ejection'
Kegan Gill is a former Navy F/A-18E pilot that survived the fastest ejection in the history of Naval Aviation. His story is an amazing example of psychological resilience and emotional intelligence. In this episode, Ant dives deep into Kegan's long road to recovery and the incredible head game that got him back in the cockpit. You can find out more about Kegan's book Phoenix Revival: The Aftermath of Naval Aviation's Fastest Survived Ejection at www.kegangill.com. LINKS Find out more about Kegan at www.kegangill.com Follow Ant on Instagram , X , and Facebook Learn more about Ant on his website antmiddleton.com Follow Nova Podcasts on Instagram for videos from the podcast and behind the scenes content @novapodcastsofficial . CREDITS Host: Ant Middleton Editor: Adrian Walton Executive Producer: Anna Henvest Managing Producer: Elle Beattie Nova Entertainment acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which we recorded this podcast, the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation. We pay our respect to Elders past and present. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
1 apr. 2025 - 49 min 51 sec
Billy Dib on His Toughest Fight: Cancer
Billy Dib is a phenomenal world champion in the boxing world. But many of his toughest fights have taken place outside the ring. From losing his wife in her battle with cancer, to facing his own diagnosis less than a decade later, Billy has tackled each of life's challenges with an incredible mindset. Ant takes a deep dive into Billy's life in this inspiring conversation. His resilience, dedication and drive have resulted in a unique approach to life, with lessons we can all learn from. LINKS Find out more about Billy Dib at billydib.com Follow Ant on Instagram , X , and Facebook Learn more about Ant on his website antmiddleton.com Follow Nova Podcasts on Instagram for videos from the podcast and behind the scenes content @novapodcastsofficial . CREDITS Host: Ant Middleton Editor: Adrian Walton Executive Producer: Anna Henvest Managing Producer: Elle Beattie Nova Entertainment acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which we recorded this podcast, the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation. We pay our respect to Elders past and present. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
25 mars 2025 - 45 min 53 sec
Julie Goodwin on the Conversation That Saved Her Life
This week, Ant is joined by fellow Dancing With The Stars alumni, Julie Goodwin. After winning the first season of MasterChef Australia, Julie catapulted into the spotlight. What followed were book deals, a radio show, cooking school and TV hosting opportunities. Julie was burning the candle at both ends 'and in the middle', leaving no time for self-care. As a result, Julie's mental health suffered and she reached breaking point. In this powerful conversation, she opens up about turning her life around to prioritise her health, family and friends first. This episode contains discussions of suicide and PTSD. If this is triggering for you, please give this episode a miss or seek help by visiting Lifeline's website at https://www.lifeline.org.au/ or by calling 13 11 14. LINKS Follow Julie Goodwin on Instagram @_juliegoodwin Purchase a copy of Julie's memoir Your Time Starts Now here Check out Julie's website juliegoodwin.com.au Follow Ant on Instagram , X , and Facebook Learn more about Ant on his website antmiddleton.com Follow Nova Podcasts on Instagram for videos from the podcast and behind the scenes content @novapodcastsofficial . CREDITS Host: Ant Middleton Editor: Adrian Walton Executive Producer: Anna Henvest Managing Producer: Elle Beattie Nova Entertainment acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which we recorded this podcast, the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation. We pay our respect to Elders past and present. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
18 mars 2025 - 45 min 08 sec
Polar Explorer Dr Geoff Wilson on Dedicating His Life to Adventure
Dr. Geoff Wilson is a world-class polar explorer, keynote speaker and veterinary surgeon. Geoff's impressive accolades include the longest solo, unsupported Polar Journey in Human History (2019/20), the first summit of Dome Argus, solo and unsupported (2019/20), the fastest unsupported crossing of Greenland, South to North (2017) and the fastest solo, unsupported crossing of Antarctica (2013/14). He was the first to cross the Torres Strait by kiteboard (2012), completed the first and only wind-assisted crossing of the Sahara Desert (2009) and the first wind powered crossing of the Simpson Desert, Australia solo supported (2022). In this episode he speaks about how he balances his passion for adventure with being a family man, his scariest near-death experiences, and explains his purpose behind it all. This episode contains discussions of suicide and PTSD. If this is triggering for you, please give this episode a miss or seek help by visiting Lifeline's website at https://www.lifeline.org.au/ or by calling 13 11 14. LINKS Find out more about Dr Geoff Wilson at drgeoffwilson.com Follow Ant on Instagram , X , and Facebook Learn more about Ant on his website antmiddleton.com Follow Nova Podcasts on Instagram for videos from the podcast and behind the scenes content @novapodcastsofficial . CREDITS Host: Ant Middleton Editor: Adrian Walton Executive Producer: Anna Henvest Managing Producer: Elle Beattie Nova Entertainment acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which we recorded this podcast, the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation. We pay our respect to Elders past and present. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
11 mars 2025 - 48 min 21 sec
Kath Koschel on the Power of Kindness During Unimaginable Tragedy
Kath Koschel is a survivor who has overcome incredible odds and unimaginable tragedy. The former cricketer and Ironman competitor's world came crashing down when she broke her back twice in the span of five years and was told that she would never walk again. Kath defied the odds by teaching herself to walk again and embracing every challenge given to her. She's now using her story to motivate and inspire others, and has done some phenomenal work in starting The Kindness Factory. She joins Ant in this episode for a moving conversation about hope, resilience and forgiveness. This episode contains discussions of suicide. If this is triggering for you, please give this episode a miss or seek help by visiting Lifeline's website at https://www.lifeline.org.au/ or by calling 13 11 14. LINKS Find out more about Kath Koschel and The Kindness Factory here Follow Kath on Instagram here Follow Ant on Instagram , X , and Facebook Learn more about Ant on his website antmiddleton.com Follow Nova Podcasts on Instagram for videos from the podcast and behind the scenes content @novapodcastsofficial . CREDITS Host: Ant Middleton Editor: Adrian Walton Executive Producer: Anna Henvest Managing Producer: Elle Beattie Nova Entertainment acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which we recorded this podcast, the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation. We pay our respect to Elders past and present. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4 mars 2025 - 56 min 09 sec
The Most Terrifying Moment in Russ Cook’s Run Across Africa
Russ Cook AKA The Hardest Geezer became the first person to ever run the entire length of Africa last year. From his starting point in Cape Agulhas, South Africa, through sandstorms in the Sahara Desert, rainforests, mountain ranges and long empty roads stretched out for miles in front of him, Russ ran the equivalent of 386 marathons before finally crossing the finish line in Tunisia 50 weeks later. In this episode, Russ speaks about the enormous physical and mental toll this feat had, and the terrifying moments where he truly thought he was going to die. LINKS Follow Russ Cook on Instagram @hardestgeezer Read more of Russ' story in his book, Hardest Geezer: Mind Over Miles here Follow Ant on Instagram , X , and Facebook Learn more about Ant on his website antmiddleton.com Follow Nova Podcasts on Instagram for videos from the podcast and behind the scenes content @novapodcastsofficial . CREDITS Host: Ant Middleton Editor: Adrian Walton Executive Producer: Anna Henvest Managing Producer: Elle Beattie Nova Entertainment acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which we recorded this podcast, the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation. We pay our respect to Elders past and present. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
25 feb. 2025 - 42 min 07 sec
Erika Cramer on Turning Her Life Around, From Rock Bottom to 7 Figures
Erika Cramer calls herself the 'Queen of Confidence', and spends her days empowering women to take control of their lives through her books, podcasts, coaching and courses. But behind Erika's infectious warmth and energy are years of struggle and heartache. Erika grew up in the US and endured a traumatic childhood, navigating the brutal foster care system, her mother's mental illness, sexual abuse, and abandonment. In her adult years, she lost her husband in a tragic car accident and hit rock bottom. In this important conversation, she shares how she had to dig deep to find the strength and resilience to turn her life around, and is using her story to help others. CW: This episode contains discussions of child sexual abuse, violence and mental ill-health. If you think you need immediate assistance, call 000. If you would like to speak to someone about your situation, you may wish to contact one of the following services. Lifeline Call 13 11 14, or visit www.lifeline.org.au . 1800RESPECT Call 1800 737 732, or visit www.1800respect.org.au . LINKS Erika Cramer is the author of Becoming Magnetic, which is published by Penguin Books and out now. Purchase a copy here Find out more about Erika at thequeenofconfidence.com Listen to Erika's podcast here Follow Ant on Instagram , X , and Facebook Learn more about Ant on his website antmiddleton.com Follow Nova Podcasts on Instagram for videos from the podcast and behind the scenes content @novapodcastsofficial . CREDITS Host: Ant Middleton Editor: Adrian Walton Executive Producer: Anna Henvest Managing Producer: Elle Beattie Nova Entertainment acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which we recorded this podcast, the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation. We pay our respect to Elders past and present. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
18 feb. 2025 - 51 min 18 sec
Calm in the Chaos: How Arnold Dix Rescued 41 Trapped Workers
In this episode, we meet Arnold Dix who became an unlikely hero in 2023. In rural Victoria, Arnold Dix is known to locals as a farmer and a part-time truck driver. But his name reached global recognition when he played a pivotal role in rescuing 41 Indian workers trapped after a deadly tunnel collapse. As a barrister, scientist and engineer, his intersection of skills made him the perfect person to ask for advice. Arnold dropped everything to help, and got on a flight. But when he reached India, he soon realised the role he'd actually need to fill would be one of leadership and hope. LINKS Find out more info and purchase a copy of Arnold's new book, The Promise , here Follow Ant on Instagram , X , and Facebook Learn more about Ant on his website antmiddleton.com Follow Nova Podcasts on Instagram for videos from the podcast and behind the scenes content @novapodcastsofficial . CREDITS Host: Ant Middleton Editor: Adrian Walton Executive Producer: Anna Henvest Managing Producer: Elle Beattie Nova Entertainment acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which we recorded this podcast, the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation. We pay our respect to Elders past and present. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
11 feb. 2025 - 46 min 01 sec
Inside the 16 Hour Lindt Cafe Siege
On the 15th of December 2014, the usually bustling Martin Place in Sydney's CBD became the epicentre of chaos, as a terrorist held 18 people hostage inside the Lindt Cafe. Ben Besant was the Tactical Operations Unit officer that brought the 16 hour ordeal to a close by eliminating the terrorist. In the decade since that day he's been known as 'Officer A', but as of November 2024, Ben is stepping into the limelight to share his account of what happened across those brutal 16 hours. He speaks to Ant about his role and mindset during the siege, and the 'high price' he's paid for his service as a result. This episode contains Ben Besant s first-hand experience of the Lindt Caf Siege and includes discussions of terrorism, violence, death and PTSD. If any of these topics are triggering for you, please give this episode a miss or seek help by visiting Lifeline's website at https://www.lifeline.org.au/ or by calling 13 11 14. LINKS Ben's book, Tiger! Tiger! Tiger! is available to purchase at tigertigertigerbook.com Follow Ant on Instagram , X , and Facebook Learn more about Ant on his website antmiddleton.com Follow Nova Podcasts on Instagram for videos from the podcast and behind the scenes content @novapodcastsofficial . CREDITS Host: Ant Middleton Editor: Adrian Walton Executive Producer: Anna Henvest Managing Producer: Elle Beattie Nova Entertainment acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which we recorded this podcast, the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation. We pay our respect to Elders past and present. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4 feb. 2025 - 42 min 46 sec
Bondi Rescue's Darkest Day
Bruce 'Hoppo' Hopkins' life may look glamorous to most - spending his days in the sun and surf. But the true cost of lifeguarding is far greater than most realise. In this episode, the star of the hugely popular Bondi Rescue opens up about the toughest parts of the job, the toll it's taken on his life and how things are changing for the better. In this episode, there is a mention of suicide. If this topic is triggering for you, please seek help by visiting Lifeline's website at https://www.lifeline.org.au/ or by calling 13 11 14. LINKS Check out Hoppo's podcast at lifesabeach.co Follow Ant on Instagram , X , and Facebook Learn more about Ant on his website antmiddleton.com Follow Nova Podcasts on Instagram for videos from the podcast and behind the scenes content @novapodcastsofficial . CREDITS Host: Ant Middleton Editor: Adrian Walton Executive Producer: Anna Henvest Managing Producer: Elle Beattie Nova Entertainment acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which we recorded this podcast, the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation. We pay our respect to Elders past and present. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
28 jan. 2025 - 47 min 05 sec