Sporting Max

Sporting Max
  • 5.0 (23)
  • SPORT
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Our host Max Becker takes us on the journey of the lives of sporting stars, their careers, struggles, growing up and of course a few laughs along the way!

  1. 28 APR

    Sophie Taylor: From Non-Selection to Captaining the Hockeyroos | #246

    In episode 247, Max chats with Hockeyroos star Sophie Taylor! Sophie takes us inside one of the most challenging and defining journeys in elite sport - from being told she’d never play for Australia again, to returning to the national program and captaining her country. Sophie opens up on the realities of non-selection, the emotional toll of missing the Tokyo Olympics, and how stepping away from the system - including time overseas in Europe - helped her rediscover her love for the game and rebuild her identity beyond hockey. We dive into her development through the Australian pathway, the challenges of transitioning to the international level, and what it takes to perform inside high-pressure tournament environments. She also shares insights on leadership, resilience, and perspective - from supporting teammates through selection battles to leading a young group on return to the Hockeyroos setup. Plus, her journey from a young multi-sport athlete, overcoming chronic fatigue, to representing Australia on the international stage. A powerful, honest conversation on resilience, identity, and what it really takes to navigate the highs and lows of elite sport. All this and much more in episode 246 of Sporting Max! www.instagram.com/sportingmax.podcast/

    44 min

  2. 24 APR

    Bharat Sundaresan: Cricket Saved My Life | #245

    In episode 245, Max chats with world-renowned cricket writer and broadcaster Bharat Sundaresan! Bharat takes us inside the current state of Australian cricket - from a defining 12–18 month period ahead, to the transition between generations, and what will ultimately shape the legacy of this Pat Cummins-led team. We dive into the upcoming Test schedule, including tours to India, England, and South Africa, and why this stretch could define an era of Australian cricket. Bharat breaks down the evolving squad - from senior figures in the final stages of their careers, to the next wave of players looking to take ownership of the team. He also shares insight into selection decisions, the depth of talent pushing through the system, and how Australia can avoid the drop-off seen in previous generations. Beyond the game, Bharat opens up on his remarkable personal journey - from growing up in Mumbai obsessed with cricket, to overcoming addiction, finding purpose, and building a career that has taken him across the world and into the Australian media landscape. Plus, we discuss storytelling in sport, his approach to journalism, and why connecting with the human side of athletes is what truly matters. A powerful and insightful conversation on cricket, resilience, identity, and finding purpose. All this and much more in episode 245 of Sporting Max! www.instagram.com/sportingmax.podcast/

    1hr 2min

  3. 20 APR

    Craig Starcevich: Building a Dynasty - Inside Brisbane’s AFLW Success | #244

    In episode 244, Max chats with Brisbane Lions AFLW Senior Coach Craig Starcevich! Craig takes us inside one of the most successful programs in AFLW history - and what it actually takes to build and sustain a premiership team in a constantly evolving competition. We dive into Brisbane’s journey across multiple Grand Finals, including the heartbreak of narrow losses and the resilience required to continually respond and stay at the top. Craig shares how the group has maintained a competitive edge, why consistency and connection drive success, and how elite teams reset and go again each season. He also breaks down the realities of AFLW’s rapid growth - from expansion, equalisation, and player movement, to building culture when the competition was still finding its feet. Craig explains how Brisbane established their identity early, the non-negotiables that define their program, and why effort, pressure, and competitiveness remain at the core of everything they do. Plus, we go inside his journey through the AFL system - from premiership player at Collingwood, learning under Robert Walls and Leigh Matthews, to helping drive Brisbane’s dominant three-peat era as a high-performance coach - and how those experiences have shaped his philosophy as a leader today. A fascinating conversation on culture, leadership, resilience, and what it truly takes to build a winning program at the elite level. All this and much more in episode 244 of Sporting Max! www.instagram.com/sportingmax.podcast/

    53 min

  4. 16 APR

    Ryan Leff: How NBA Deals Really Happen - Inside Player Movement & Contracts | #243

    In episode 243, Max chats with NBA Agent Ryan Leff! Ryan takes us inside the world of NBA player representation - from managing elite talent to navigating the business, pressure, and constant movement behind the scenes of the league. We dive into the evolution of today’s NBA - the rise in scoring, the impact of young stars like Cade Cunningham and Victor Wembanyama, and how the modern game has shifted from defence-first to high-paced, offensive firepower. Ryan also breaks down the realities of being an agent - what actually happens during trades, how deals come together, and the responsibility of managing not just players, but their families, careers, and long-term futures. Plus, we explore what separates players who last in the NBA from those who don’t, the importance of character and fit when signing talent, and why communication, honesty, and trust are at the core of every successful player-agent relationship. He also shares his journey into the industry - from building relationships at college to working his way up inside Glushon Sports Management, learning every aspect of the business along the way. A fascinating, behind-the-scenes look at the NBA from the agent’s perspective - covering player movement, team dynamics, and what it really takes to build a long-term career in the league. All this and much more in episode 243 of Sporting Max! www.instagram.com/sportingmax.podcast/

    28 min

  5. 10 APR

    Mike Weinar: Inside an NBA Finals Run - How Championship Teams Are Really Built | #242

    In episode 242, Max chats with former Indiana Pacers Assistant Coach Mike Weinar! What actually goes into an NBA Finals run? Mike takes us inside the Indiana Pacers’ 2025 run to the NBA Finals - breaking down how a connected, resilient group led by Tyrese Haliburton was able to respond under pressure, come back in big moments, and compete on the biggest stage in basketball. We also dive into his 17-year journey in the NBA, working alongside Rick Carlisle, including a front-row seat to the Dallas Mavericks’ 2011 championship run and what it really takes to build a title-winning team. Mike shares incredible insight into playoff basketball - why defence tightens, how game plans evolve across a series, and how coaches approach the biggest moments when there are no secrets left. Plus, we explore leadership at the elite level - from building trust with players, to maximising talent, and why the best teams are deeply connected from the stars to the end of the bench. A fascinating, behind-the-scenes look at coaching, culture, and high performance in the NBA. All this and much more in episode 242 of Sporting Max! www.instagram.com/sportingmax.podcast/

    50 min

  6. 13 MAR

    Elle Armit: Inside Australia’s Olympic Water Polo Campaign | #241

    In episode 241, Max chats with Australian water polo Olympian Elle Armit! Elle takes us inside the reality of chasing Olympic success - from the years of preparation and sacrifice required to make the Australian team, to the emotional rollercoaster of competing at the Olympic Games. She shares the moment she received the life-changing phone call telling her she’d been selected for the Olympics, what it’s really like walking into the Olympic Village for the first time, and the unforgettable semi-final where the Aussie Stingers defeated the USA in a dramatic penalty shootout to book a place in the Olympic gold medal match. Elle also opens up about the journey behind the scenes - fighting for selection across multiple Olympic cycles, navigating coaching changes, and the relentless standards required to stay at the top of international sport. Plus, we discuss the often unseen side of elite performance - the emotional comedown after the Olympics, balancing life as a school teacher while training and competing at the highest level, and the complex feeling of standing on the podium with an Olympic silver medal. A fascinating conversation about resilience, high performance, and what it truly takes to compete on the world’s biggest stage. All this and much more in episode 241 of Sporting Max! www.instagram.podcast/sportingmax.podcast/

    35 min

  7. 9 MAR

    Kim Keedle: Inside F1 High Performance & Oscar Piastri’s Rise | #240

    In episode 240, Max chats with former McLaren Formula 1 Performance Manager Kim Keedle! Kim takes us inside the world of Formula 1 high performance - from preparing drivers for the physical demands of racing at over 300km/h to managing the relentless global travel, media commitments, and pressure of a 24-race season. We dive into Kim’s work with Oscar Piastri, including the moment he realised the young Australian was different while working with him in Formula 2, and what it takes physically and mentally to make the leap to Formula 1. Kim also shares insights into how F1 drivers train, why neck strength and endurance are critical for racing under extreme G-forces, and what separates fast drivers from world champions - including why competitiveness and mindset matter just as much as physical preparation. Plus, Kim discusses his transition away from Formula 1 and into the startup world, working alongside Daniel Pratt and Matt Spangher on Pocket Mentor - an AI-powered mentorship app designed to bring elite coaching frameworks and performance principles to everyday people. All this and much more in episode 240 of Sporting Max! www.instagram.com/sportingmax.podcast/

    25 min

  8. 3 MAR

    Ryan Hoover: Inside the NBA Trade Deadline & Building the Bucks’ 2021 Championship | #239

    In episode 239, Max chats with Milwaukee Bucks Vice President of Global Scouting Ryan Hoover! Ryan takes inside what it’s really like inside the front office during the NBA trade deadline. From the intensity of deadline decisions to the process of identifying and developing elite talent, this is a rare look into how decisions are made at the highest level. We dive into the Bucks’ approach to scouting, why relationships and character matter just as much as talent, and the philosophy behind building a championship roster. Ryan also breaks down what makes Giannis Antetokounmpo different - and why the best in the world aren’t just talented, but wired differently. Plus, stories from his journey - from working for free in the Detroit Pistons video room to helping build a championship team in Milwaukee - and what he’s learned from being around some of the best players and leaders in the game. A must-listen for anyone interested in high performance, talent identification, and what it really takes to win at the elite level. All this and much more in episode 239 of Sporting Max!

    23 min
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5
out of 5
23 Ratings

About

Our host Max Becker takes us on the journey of the lives of sporting stars, their careers, struggles, growing up and of course a few laughs along the way!

Information

  • Creator
    Sporting Max
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    260
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    Sporting Max

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