Under The Cap

Surf Life Saving Queensland
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Non-Profit

Hosted by Sarah and Macca, each episode dives into the stories of people who embody the values of surf lifesaving, both on and off the beach. They uncover the real journeys, unexpected career paths, challenges and lessons from the incredible humans empowering the next generation of lifesavers. From volunteers and leaders to changemakers and trailblazers, these are honest conversations and real stories proving that when the noddy cap comes off, the impact of surf lifesaving is only just beginning.

  1. 5 Aug

    Youth Mental Health & Ocean Conservation | Blue Minds Co-Founders Cal Glanznig & Cooper Chapman

    What does it take to turn a love for the ocean into a movement that's changing the lives of young Australians? We're kicking off Season 2 in a big way, Sarah and Macca sit down with Cal Glanznig and Cooper Chapman, co-founders of Blue Minds Youth Ocean Leadership Program, to unpack how two former nippers turned a love for the ocean into a movement changing the lives of young Australians.From professional surfer and mental health advocate to filmmaker, local councillor and ocean leader, this episode will leave you inspired to take action in your own community.In this episode we cover:- How nippers sparked a lifelong love of the ocean for both Cal and Cooper- Going from professional athlete to purpose-driven change-maker- How Cal fundraised $50,000 for solar panels at his high school-T he link between mental health and our connection to nature- How to back yourself when you feel underqualified or like an imposter- Why hope lies in action — and what that actually looks like- What surf clubs can do right now to protect their local beach- How the Blue Minds Academy is turning young people into ocean leadersCONNECT WITH UTC:Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/_theyouthcollective/ Website → Homepage - The Youth Collective CONNECT WITH BLUE MINDS:Website → Blue Minds Youth Ocean Leadership Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/blueminds__/ Kal’s Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/kalglanznig/ Cooper’s Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/cooperchapman/ Every episode we sit down with inspiring people to explore careers, purpose, mental health and what it means to make a difference in your community. Subscribe now so you never miss a conversation that could change yours.Think you'd make a great guest or know someone who would? We want to hear from you. DM us on Instagram and let's have a conversation. 📩

    Youth Mental Health & Ocean Conservation | Blue Minds Co-Founders Cal Glanznig & Cooper Chapman

  2. 22 Mar

    Episode 20 - From the Beach to Australia’s Biggest Crime Stories with Kate Kyriacou

    This week, Sez and Macca sit down with crime journalist and author of The Sting, Kate Kyriacou from Maroochydore Surf Life Saving Club — and it’s a fascinating conversation. Kate shares how she originally set out to become a sports reporter but found herself in crime journalism after stepping in to cover someone else’s round while they were away. That simple decision to say “yes” changed the course of her career and opened the door to covering some of Australia’s most significant criminal cases. It’s a powerful reminder that opportunities don’t always arrive in the form you expect, and sometimes your path reveals itself when you’re willing to step outside your plan. In this episode, we explore what it’s really like working as a crime reporter and the importance of maintaining humanity in journalism, even when covering confronting and complex stories. Kate reflects on how skills developed through surf lifesaving — staying calm under pressure, managing conflict, leading teams and communicating clearly — have been invaluable in high-stakes reporting environments. We also discuss her book The Sting, which details the undercover police operation that led to the conviction of Daniel Morcombe’s killer. Kate offers insight into the responsibility of telling such significant stories with care and integrity.Beyond the newsroom, Kate speaks about how surf lifesaving has grounded her throughout her career. As a Patrol Captain and boatie at Maroochydore, the club has provided lifelong friendships, connection and a steady outlet away from the intensity of crime reporting. No matter where work has taken her, lifesaving has given her a sense of community and belonging. This is a great episode for aspiring writers, future journalists, and anyone who loves true crime — especially if you’re a crime junkie like Sez. Content note:This episode discusses serious criminal cases which may be confronting for some listeners. If anything raised in this conversation brings up difficult feelings, please consider reaching out for support. You can visit our Guidance & Support page here:https://lifesaving.com.au/guidance-and-support Or contact: Lifeline – 13 11 14 Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636 Kids Helpline – 1800 55 1800 Please take care of yourself while listening.

    Episode 20 - From the Beach to Australia’s Biggest Crime Stories with Kate Kyriacou

  3. 8 Mar

    Episode 19 - International Women's Day Special with Dr Mel Cowlishaw: Science, Leadership, and Surf Life Saving

    For this special International Women’s Day episode, Sez and Macca sit down with powerhouse marine scientist and surf lifesaver Dr Mel Cowlishaw, and it’s a conversation you won’t want to miss. With more than 20 years in marine science, a PhD, and a strong voice for environmental action and women in STEM, Mel brings both depth and authenticity to the mic. A long-time surf lifesaver (and Summer Surf Girl!), she’s spanned clubs from South East Queensland to Northern Queensland throughout her studies and has made significant contributions to stinger research for SLSQ. In this inspiring and wide-ranging chat, we explore what it really means to be a board member, within Surf Life Saving and across the not-for-profit sector, and how to advocate for yourself and your values as a female leader. Mel shares honest insights into preparing for and navigating difficult conversations, supporting other women in leadership, and creating cultures where inclusivity and equality are more than just words. We also dive into the realities of completing a PhD, building a career in marine science, and why climate recognition and action are critical and how that translates into the corporate world. This episode is empowering and refreshingly real. Tune in as we celebrate an influential scientist, leader and lifesaver who is making waves in every sense of the word, and help us honour the incredible women shaping our movement and our world.

    Episode 19 - International Women's Day Special with Dr Mel Cowlishaw: Science, Leadership, and Surf Life Saving

  4. 23 Feb

    Episode 18 - What Happens When You Trust Yourself: Jess Roberts’ Journey from Nipper to Full-Time Leader

    The beloved Jess Roberts joins Sez and Mac on the podcast today. Larger than life, and even louder than that, this powerhouse shines a light on a side of herself that many may not often see. We chat with Jess about her professional journey through lifesaving, from lifeguard and community awareness presenter to her current role as Member Development Coordinator for the Sunshine Coast Branch. Jess shares the lessons she’s learned along the way, from being a Nipper in the North Barrier to now working full-time for Surf Life Saving Queensland, and why trusting yourself is key to everything. The passion in Jess’s voice is undeniable as she speaks about giving back to the next generation of lifesavers and creating the same opportunities she gained so much from. This is a powerful episode, we dive into some of the struggles that can hold us back as humans, and how sometimes we’re the ones who need to remind ourselves: “Nah girl, you got this.”

    Episode 18 - What Happens When You Trust Yourself: Jess Roberts’ Journey from Nipper to Full-Time Leader

  5. 8 Feb

    Episode 17 - Saying Yes: KP on Careers, Lifesaving and Unexpected Pathways

    Today, Macca is riding solo and sits down with Kirsten Phillips, better known as KP. When she’s not on the beach at Met Caloundra SLSC or part of the Mum Squad at a Youth Development Camp, KP is the Director of Strategy and Engagement at Biosecurity Queensland. KP shares her professional journey from a fresh-faced journalist grappling with the very relatable feeling of “I don’t think this is for me”, to moving into government communications across a range of sectors. We chat about the weird and wonderful pests and diseases that KP and her team work to protect our state and country from, the not-so-obvious transferable skills between working in biosecurity and being a lifesaver, and how KP’s lifesaving journey taught her invaluable skills she now applies in her professional life. Not only is KP a super-volunteer, she’s also the State Membership Officer for SLSQ and, more recently, a Winston Churchill Fellow. As part of her fellowship, KP will be travelling the globe to research volunteer onboarding and engagement to boost participation and retention across surf lifesaving. We talk about where saying “yes” can take you, and how going with the flow can lead to unexpected pathways you never thought you’d explore. We missed Sez, but loved chatting with KP.

    Episode 17 - Saying Yes: KP on Careers, Lifesaving and Unexpected Pathways

  6. 28 Jan

    Episode 16 - The Long Way Home: From Spacecraft Engineering to Life on a 360-Acre Banana Farm

    Today, Sez and Mac sat down with Farmer and Etty Bay SLSC member Mark Nucifora to chat about his journey to owning a 360-acre banana farm in Far North Queensland. It’s a real and raw conversation about hard work, passion and grit and what it truly takes to make a living off the land. Mark shares his story as a young boy from FNQ who moved to Brisbane for university, only to take an unexpected plot twist into a career as a spacecraft engineer, working across multiple countries and monitoring satellites. Mark walks us through managing change and making big decisions, including returning home to his family farm and stepping into a leadership role. We explore resilience, teamwork and humility as key attributes for navigating the testing nature of farming. Amongst the consistent challenges of weather, workforce and compliance, Mark shines a light on the reality of farming and shares how he stays grounded and determined. So next time you’re eating a banana, think of farmers like Mark and thank them for their hard work in producing the delicious, healthy food we’re so lucky to have. Dive into this powerful episode

    Episode 16 - The Long Way Home: From Spacecraft Engineering to Life on a 360-Acre Banana Farm

  7. 13 Jan

    Episode 15 - Choosing Courage Over Comfort: Jess Clifford's Bold Career Pivot

    In this episode, we sit down with Jess Clifford, proud member of Emu Park SLSC and journalist with the ABC. Jess shares her journey from studying Law and Journalism to making the bold decision to follow her passion and step away from law to pursue a career in community journalism. We unpack the reality of life in a newsroom, the pressures and rewards of telling local stories, and how emerging technologies and AI are reshaping the future of journalism. Jess also reflects on the lessons she wishes she’d known starting out and the advice she’d give to young journalists carving their own path. A candid and insightful conversation about courage, curiosity, and staying true to what matters most.

    Episode 15 - Choosing Courage Over Comfort: Jess Clifford's Bold Career Pivot

  8. 19/12/2025

    Episode 14 - From Surf to Service, With 3 Olympics in Between: Aly Bulls' Story

    In this episode, we sit down with Aly Bull, surf lifesaver from Alexandra Headland SLSC, three-time Olympic kayaker, and professional firefighter,  to unpack a journey that was anything but linear. It’s a jam-packed conversation exploring the parallels between elite sport, emergency services, and surf lifesaving. Aly shares how the foundations built through lifesaving shaped her mindset, leadership skills, and ability to perform under pressure when it matters most.  We talk candidly about setbacks, resilience, and the reality of bouncing back stronger, along with the importance of teamwork and determination in achieving long-term goals. An honest and inspiring discussion about persistence, purpose, and the people and experiences that help build extraordinary outcomes. Dive into this episode where the green and gold meets the red and yellow.

    Episode 14 - From Surf to Service, With 3 Olympics in Between: Aly Bulls' Story
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About

Hosted by Sarah and Macca, each episode dives into the stories of people who embody the values of surf lifesaving, both on and off the beach. They uncover the real journeys, unexpected career paths, challenges and lessons from the incredible humans empowering the next generation of lifesavers. From volunteers and leaders to changemakers and trailblazers, these are honest conversations and real stories proving that when the noddy cap comes off, the impact of surf lifesaving is only just beginning.

Information

  • Creator
    Surf Life Saving Queensland
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    21
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Surf Life Saving Queensland
  • Show Website
    Under The Cap