Head Game

Gus Taylor is happiest when he's climbing. From the Blue Mountains to Joshua Tree, Gus has travelled the world, seeing each new place from the greatest heights. But his favourite hobby became 'revolting' to him, after he faced not one, but two life changing moments.  In this episode, he shares his devastating journey of losing one of his best mates in a freak-accident, and his return to the ropes to honour him.  LINKS 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. CREDITSHost: Ant MiddletonEditor: Adrian WaltonExecutive 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.

On March 30th 2016, Brett Connellan was having a terrible day. He decided he'd try and turn his mood around by doing his favourite thing - heading out for a surf. But Brett's terrible day soon became a complete nightmare, when he was bitten by a shark. Brett joins Ant in-studio to share his remarkable story of survival. He tells Ant about the the devastating moment he was told he'd never surf again, and - his triumphant return to the waves. LINKS Follow Brett on Instagram @brettconnellan Find out more about Brett's story and his documentary, 'Attacking Life' at brettconnellan.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. CREDITSHost: Ant MiddletonEditor: Adrian WaltonExecutive 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.

Mat Rogers shares a raw and vulnerable insight into his life in this episode. From his inspiring career as both a Rugby league and union legend, to facing heartbreak behind the scenes, Mat opens up to Ant in this powerful conversation.  He speaks about how he wanted to carve his own path in the sport he loved, the tragic passing of both his mother and father, and how he found the strength to carry on.  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 Follow Mat on Instagram @mat_rogers6 Details of Mat's memoir, A Father's Son can be found here Find out more about Mat's charity and donate to 4 ASD Kids at 4asdkids.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. CREDITSHost: Ant MiddletonEditor: Adrian WaltonExecutive 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.

In this episode, Ant is joined by Carli McConkey. Carli was just 21 years old when she attended a wellness festival in Sydney one Sunday afternoon. She met with a psychic, hoping to gain some clarity and direction. But that encounter ended up altering the course of her life for 13 years. Carli shares her story of losing her identity, freedom and family. She also opens up about the realisation that she needed to escape, and how she fought against mind control techniques in order to do so.  If you suspect you or someone you know may be involved in a cult, support is available at www.cifs.org.au If you think you need immediate assistance, call 000. If you would like to speak to someone for support, 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 Find out more about Carli McConkey's book, The Cult Effect, here More information about Carli's work on cult education and recovery can be found on her website, carlimcconkey.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. The matters discussed in this episode are Carli McConkey’s personal opinions and experiences relating to the allegations of abuse detailed in her book The Cult Effect: A True Story of Mind Control in Australia 1996 (2027). CREDITSHost: Ant MiddletonEditor: Adrian WaltonExecutive 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.