33 episodes

Join Ant Middleton as he speaks with people that have beaten the odds and achieved the unthinkable by getting their head in the game. You’ll hear extraordinary stories of survival, relive heroic moments, unpack the details of life-changing decisions, and celebrate the achievement of seemingly impossible goals. This podcast series highlights what we’re capable of when we harness the power of the mind.

Head Game Nova Podcasts

    • Society & Culture
    • 4.8 • 272 Ratings

Join Ant Middleton as he speaks with people that have beaten the odds and achieved the unthinkable by getting their head in the game. You’ll hear extraordinary stories of survival, relive heroic moments, unpack the details of life-changing decisions, and celebrate the achievement of seemingly impossible goals. This podcast series highlights what we’re capable of when we harness the power of the mind.

    Olympic Surfer Owen Wright on his Comeback from Catastrophe

    Olympic Surfer Owen Wright on his Comeback from Catastrophe

    December 10th 2015 was a day that changed everything for champion surfer, Owen Wright. He fought for his life and faced extensive brain trauma, following a severe wipeout at Pipeline in Hawaii. The journey back to the ocean, was a difficult one.

    In this inspiring conversation, Owen reflects on that fateful day, and shares the mindset tools that helped aid his recovery. He's one of the country's best surfers - and through resilience and determination, made one incredible comeback.  

    LINKS


    Learn more about Owen's memoir Against The Water here
    Follow Owen on Instagram @owright
    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 Producers: Anna Henvest & Edwina StottManaging Producer: Elle Beattie
    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    • 50 min
    Persevering After an Unthinkable Diagnosis

    Persevering After an Unthinkable Diagnosis

    Michael Crossland has been a fighter since birth. He defied the odds of surviving Neuroblastoma - a rare life-threatening cancer, and was the sole survivor of a cancer drug trial. 

    He speaks to Ant about his lifetime of challenges and lessons. When the odds are stacked against him, time after time - Michael defies those odds. And, he's on a journey to inspire others along the way. 

    LINKS


    Learn more about Michael Crossland at michaelcrossland.com
    Follow Michael on Instagram @michaelcrossland
    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 Producers: Anna Henvest & Edwina StottManaging Producer: Elle Beattie
    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    • 49 min
    Inside the Thai Cave Rescue With Humble Hero, Richard Harris

    Inside the Thai Cave Rescue With Humble Hero, Richard Harris

    For South Australian anaesthetist Richard 'Harry' Harris, cave diving was just a hobby and a passion. After starting in the mid 80s, his love of exploration and adventure took him on many journeys, exploring caves and shipwrecks across the world. 

    But in 2018, the unique combination of Harry's professional and person lives led to the rescue of 12 boys and their coach from the Tham Luang cave in Northern Thailand. 

    He's reluctant to be called a hero - but that's exactly what he is. It was one of the riskiest rescue operations of all time, but he knew he had to get the boys back to their parents, one way or another. 

    LINKS


    Listen to Harry's Real Risk podcast at realriskpodcast.com
    Follow Harry on Instagram at @realriskpodcast
    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 Producers: Anna Henvest & Edwina StottManaging Producer: Elle Beattie
    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    • 45 min
    Merrick Watts on the Call That Changed Everything

    Merrick Watts on the Call That Changed Everything

    Comedian and former SAS Australia star, Merrick Watts, joins Ant for an insightful conversation this week.

    He reflects on his rise to radio stardom, the fracture of beloved duo Merrick and Rosso, and the 'epoch' moment that forced him to change the course of his life. 

    Ant and Merrick reunite in the same Nova 96.9 studio that Merrick once broadcasted in each morning. A vastly different setting from their previous meeting as Staff and Number 10. 

    LINKS


    Follow Merrick Watts on Instagram @merrickwatts
    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 Producers: Anna Henvest & Edwina StottManaging Producer: Elle Beattie
    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    • 49 min
    Bodybuilding Legend Phil Heath on the Secret to His Success

    Bodybuilding Legend Phil Heath on the Secret to His Success

    "Recognise your calling - all you have to do is answer it. Every day, you have to answer that call to your own greatness".

    Phil Heath is the epitome of discipline and strength. Physically - through winning Mr Olympia seven times, and mentally - through overcoming battles with mental ill-health. Following the release of his new documentary Breaking Olympia: The Phil Heath Story, he spoke to Ant about his life lessons, toughest challenges, and what the mindset of a champion looks like. 

    Trigger warning: This episode contains discussions of suicide. 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 Lifeline.


    Lifeline – Call 13 11 14, or visit www.lifeline.org.au.

    LINKS


    Breaking Olympia: The Phil Heath Story is available now on digital platforms. Find out more here.
    Follow Phil Heath on Instagram @philheath
    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 Producers: Anna Henvest & Edwina StottManaging Producer: Elle Beattie
    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    • 49 min
    Introducing: Big Business

    Introducing: Big Business

    Ever wondered how you build a business from scratch?

    Seven years ago Brittney Saunders started a business in her garage.

    Today it’s grown to an 8-figure empire with almost 60 employees, four retail shops and a booming online store. 

    Big Business is a brand new podcast from Nova Podcasts where she unpacks exactly how she did it.

    Each week, Brittney will take you behind the scenes of the day to day of running a business and teach you all the lessons she wishes she’d known from the start.

    She'll also interview other inspiring founders to get their entrepreneurial wisdom. 

    Follow and subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts.
    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    • 1 min

Customer Reviews

4.8 out of 5
272 Ratings

272 Ratings

table 41 ,

Michael Crossland

I have been waiting for this interview and wow wow wow! Ant I loved it! I’m a huge fan of Michael’s having seen him speak many times before. How can you (still) not get emotional listening?! He is the definition of resilience, courage and strength as of course is his beautiful Mum. Strength is born from adversity and you will always find a way when facing your darkest days like Michael and his Mum both have. Thanks Ant for the amazing podcast!

Bro - Luke ,

Inspirational

Ant, loving the Head Game series, powerful, informative and inspirational.

Mrmanunga ,

Love it

Great podcast, Ant you are an inspiration to many keep up the great work.

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