What a Lad

Presented by Betcha

What a Lad is a podcast by James Marshall who talks to some of the biggest names and best lads on the planet. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. 11시간 전

    Uilisi Halaholo- What a Lad

    Uilisi Halaholo has a story so good it was one of the reasons I started this podcast. A naturally gifted player from a young age, who was heading down the wrong path to make the most of his talent. Caught up in the wrong lifestyle, drinking and getting into trouble on a regular basis. A turning point came when he became a young father ultimately forced him to change direction. He put down the bottle, transformed himself physically and decided to give rugby a genuine crack. That decision started a journey that would take him from fighting for an opportunity with the Southland Stags, to the Hurricanes, winning a Super Rugby title, moving across the world to Cardiff and eventually representing Wales. But reaching the top didn't mean the challenges stopped. Willis opens up about the criticism he received for representing Wales, devastating injuries, missing the opportunity to play against the All Blacks, losing a close family member, financial uncertainty and one of the darkest periods of his career. Some parts that stood out for me in this episode were… What his life as a teenager was like! Why having his daughter changed his mindset. Why the move to Southland was the best thing for him Why he chose a contract with the Hurricanes over other offers How he ended up on a Wider Squad contract in 2016 the year he started in the final! The decision to move to Cardiff The brutal run of injuries and juggling being a father to 5 girls How all of those highs and lows shaped the person he is today As you’ll hear Uilisi is a lad! His story is an incredible example of how much can change when you decide to take control of your life. Plenty of laughs in this one, but also some incredibly raw and powerful moments. As always, if you enjoy the episode please give it a like, subscribe to the channel and share it with a mate. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Uilisi Halaholo- What a Lad
  2. 8월 5일

    Kurt Eklund - What a Lad

    Kurt Eklund has one of the most unique journeys in New Zealand rugby. A Super Rugby champion, Māori All Blacks captain and one of the most respected hookers in the country, Kurt's path to the top was anything but conventional. He spent eight years working as a builder, and admits he never thought professional rugby was a realistic goal. After only starting two games for Auckland across four seasons, a devastating knee injury left him ready to walk away from rugby altogether. But after losing his mum to breast cancer, everything changed. Determined to make her proud, Kurt found a new purpose, reignited his love for the game, and eventually made his Super Rugby debut for the Blues at the age of 28. Some other parts that stood out for me in this episode were… - Why he never believed a professional rugby career was possible - How losing his mum completely changed his outlook on rugby and life - The story behind making and captaining the Māori All Blacks - Winning Super Rugby with the Blues after years of grinding away - Why he's heading to Japan and the next chapter for his young family - His passion for fishing, protecting New Zealand's oceans and life beyond rugby - Plenty more hilarious stories Kurt is one of the most genuine people you'll come across. Humble, funny and incredibly self-aware, his story is a reminder that success doesn't always come early and that everyone's journey looks different. He truely is one of the great lads in NZ rugby! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Kurt Eklund - What a Lad
  3. 7월 22일

    Jeremy Eparaima - Change is Possible

    Jeremy's story is one of the most powerful we've ever shared on What a Lad. Growing up in an abusive household, Jeremy experienced years of physical violence. Carrying that trauma into adulthood, he eventually became the very person he never wanted to be, repeating the cycle of violence he had witnessed as a child. In this incredibly honest conversation, Jeremy opens up about the darkest moments of his life, the roleplay that completely changed his perspective, and the counsellor who helped him confront his past for the first time. Today, he dedicates his life to helping others break the same cycle, working with men, families, organisations, and New Zealand Police to create lasting change. Some parts that stood out for me in this episode were… - Growing up surrounded by physical abuse and violence. - His experience of sexual abuse at boarding school. - How childhood trauma shaped his behaviour as an adult. - The moment he realised he had become everything he hated. - The roleplay exercise that changed his life forever. - How he turned his lived experience into helping thousands of others across New Zealand. - His advice for families supporting someone struggling with anger and violence. This is one of the most courageous and important conversations we've ever had on the podcast. Jeremy's willingness to share both the harm he experienced and the harm he caused takes an incredible amount of honesty, and I have no doubt his story will help people better understand trauma, accountability, and the fact that real change is possible. If you’re struggling with anger or worried about your behaviour, find support near you and take the first step. Changeispossible.org.nz Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Jeremy Eparaima - Change is Possible
  4. 7월 15일

    Daniel Hobbs- Change is Possible

    Daniel Hobbs may not be a household name in New Zealand sport, but his story is one of the most powerful we've ever shared on What a Lad. Known throughout Tasman rugby as a respected strength and conditioning coach, Daniel opens up about the horrific abuse he endured growing up at the hands of his stepfather. From living in constant fear, to enduring years of physical and emotional abuse, to the heartbreaking moment he nearly took his own life at just nine years old, this is a story of incredible resilience. Daniel shares how he overcame the lasting effects of childhood abuse, the PTSD that still impacts him today, and why he made a conscious decision to become the kind of man and father he never had Some parts that stood out for me in this episode were… - Growing up in a household filled with fear, violence and control. - The unimaginable abuse he, his mum and sister endured for years. - The moment he nearly took his own life at just nine years old. - The long-term effects of PTSD and childhood trauma. - Discovering the truth about his biological father later in life. - Why he's most proud of breaking the cycle of abuse. - His advice for anyone currently going through a difficult time. This is one of the bravest conversations we've ever had on the podcast. Daniel's willingness to share his story is an incredible act of courage, and I have no doubt it will help people who are facing similar struggles or know someone who i Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Daniel Hobbs- Change is Possible
  5. 7월 8일

    Lukhan Salakaia-Loto - What a Lad

    Lukhan Salakaia-Loto has one of the most remarkable stories in Australian rugby. He didn't even start playing rugby union until Year 12, yet just a few years later he was making his Super Rugby debut before earning his first Wallabies cap against the Springboks. In this episode of What a Lad, Lukhan opens up about the journey that shaped him. From missing representative teams as a teenager and using rejection as motivation, to becoming one of Australia's most respected forwards, playing for the Reds, Northampton Saints, the Rebels, the Barbarians and the Wallabies. He also shares his thoughts on missing this year's Wallabies squad despite making the Super Rugby Team of the Year, why he's at peace with the decision, and how becoming a father has completely changed his perspective on rugby and life. Some parts that stood out for me in this episode were… - Starting rugby union in Year 12 after growing up playing rugby league - Missing representative teams and the conversation with his dad that changed his mindset forever - Earning his first Wallabies cap only a year after his Super Rugby debut - The influence Brad Thorn had on his career and development - His experiences playing for Northampton Saints, the Rebels, the Barbarians and against the British & Irish Lions - Why family now comes before rugby and what he hopes his kids remember about him Lukhan is one of the genuine good guys in rugby. Honest, humble and incredibly resilient, this conversation gives a great insight into the mindset behind one of Australia's best forwards. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Lukhan Salakaia-Loto - What a Lad
  6. 7월 1일

    Ben Volavola- What a Lad

    Ben Volavola has one of the most unique careers in world rugby. Across a 13-year professional journey, he's played for the Waratahs, Crusaders, North Harbour, Canterbury, Rebels, Racing 92, Bordeaux, Perpignan, Agen, Leicester Tigers, Queensland Reds and now returns home to join the Fijian Drua. A two-time Rugby World Cup representative and one of Fiji's most experienced first fives, Ben has experienced the highs of winning Super Rugby and the lows of missing a Rugby World Cup squad. Throughout it all, he's built a reputation as one of rugby's ultimate professionals and a respected teammate wherever he's played. Some parts that stood out for me in this episode were… - Why rugby was the only plan he ever had growing up - The decision to represent Fiji after coming through the Australian pathway - What he learned from the Crusaders culture and why the best cultures win championships - The heartbreak of missing Fiji's 2023 Rugby World Cup squad and how he found motivation again - Playing alongside stars like Israel Folau & Richie Mo'unga - Why he's returning home to join the Fijian Drua and help build the future of Fijian rugby - The lessons he's taken from playing professionally across Australia, New Zealand, France and England Ben has experienced almost every corner of professional rugby, but what stood out most was his humility, gratitude and perspective. This is a fascinating conversation about resilience, culture, leadership and what it really takes to build a long career in professional sport. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Ben Volavola- What a Lad

소개

What a Lad is a podcast by James Marshall who talks to some of the biggest names and best lads on the planet. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.