Sport Is Life

Ian Hawkins
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Sports

The Sport Is Life podcast explores how sport can positively change your life. Join us as we delve into the powerful life lessons that sport teaches you, lessons that can be applied to every aspect of your life. Host Ian Hawkins shares wisdom and insights gained from a lifetime of experience as an athlete, husband, father, PE teacher, community volunteer, manager at Fox Sports and a performance coach to elite athletes, business owners, corporate leaders, and other coaches. Tune in to hear how sports can provide the tools you need to excel in your personal and professional life. From practical advice to heartfelt stories, the "Sport Is Life Podcast" is your guide to unlocking the potential within you through the power of sport. Sport is more than just a game; Sport Is Life.

  1. 2d ago

    #326 – NRL | ROOSTERS ARE PREMIERS! The Moments That Won an Incredible Grand Final

    The Sydney Roosters are the 2026 NRL Premiers. Ian and Steve wrap up the Grand Final and break down a remarkably controlled Roosters performance that eventually wore down a Newcastle side that simply refused to go away. Despite falling 12–0 behind, the Roosters never panicked. They dominated field position, completed at 90%, repeatedly forced Newcastle to work out of their own end and trusted an elite defensive system that has been building throughout the season. Rather than asking how Newcastle lost a 12-point lead, the boys argue this was a Grand Final the Roosters won through relentless pressure, discipline and control. James Tedesco caps an outstanding season with the Clive Churchill Medal after another enormous performance, prompting the question of where he now sits among the great fullbacks of the modern era. There’s also a huge farewell performance from Mark Nawaqanitawase, Spencer Leniu’s devastating impact from the bench, and some brilliant individual stories throughout the Roosters’ premiership-winning side. But Newcastle deserve plenty of credit too. Despite being starved of possession and field position, missing key forwards and looking physically exhausted, they were still within striking distance in the final minutes. Kalyn Ponga produced an extraordinary individual performance, while Newcastle’s young forwards showed exactly why there is so much excitement around what this team could become. Ian and Steve also reflect on the incredible support Newcastle received throughout Grand Final week and what the Knights’ remarkable rise has meant to the Hunter community. Then attention turns to the Rugby League World Cup and the Australian squad, including some notable omissions and whether the Kangaroos have enough size through the middle to handle the powerful Kiwi, Tongan and Samoan packs. Season one done. What a way to finish it. About the Host: Ian Hawkins is dedicated to showing how sports can transform lives. With extensive experience as an athlete, a coach, PE teacher, community volunteer, and manager at Fox Sports, Ian brings a wealth of knowledge to the podcast. His journey began in his backyard, mentored by his older brother, and has since evolved into coaching elite athletes and business leaders. Ian's commitment to sports and personal development is evident in his roles as a performance coach and active community member. Through "Sport Is Life," Ian shares inspiring stories and valuable lessons to help listeners apply sports principles to all areas of life. Check Me Out On: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ianhawkinscoaching Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ianhawkinscoaching YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SportIsLife-IanHawkins Theme Music Artist: One Day Kings https://www.instagram.com/onedaykings/ See https://www.captivate.fm/privacy-policy-for-listeners for privacy information.

  2. Sep 29

    #325 – NRL GRAND FINAL PREVIEW: ROOSTERS v KNIGHTS — WHO HANDLES THE PRESSURE

    Episode Summary: It all comes down to this. The Sydney Roosters and Newcastle Knights meet in the 2026 NRL Grand Final, and Ian and Steve break down the match-ups and moments that could decide the premiership. The Roosters arrive with big-game experience throughout their side and a defence that has become increasingly difficult to break down. Newcastle come in from the opposite direction; a young team riding an extraordinary wave of momentum after fighting their way past South Sydney, the Warriors and Penrith. Can that youthful fearlessness carry them through one more enormous challenge, or will the Roosters’ experience prove decisive when the pressure reaches its highest point? Then there’s the battle of the superstar fullbacks. Kalyn Ponga is producing some of the best football of his career, while James Tedesco remains one of the game’s great big-match performers. If the forward packs cancel each other out, could Ponga or Tedesco be the player who unlocks the Grand Final? The battle through the middle could be even more important. Newcastle’s young forwards have continued to defy expectations, but now face an experienced Roosters pack while dealing with the enormous loss of Phoenix Crossland. Ian and Steve look at how Newcastle can survive the opening exchanges, where each team can attack, and why the first 20 minutes could shape the entire game. Plus, do the fairytales actually matter? From Daly Cherry-Evans’ final game to Newcastle’s remarkable run and the similarities to their famous 1997 premiership, there are storylines everywhere. But once the ball is kicked off, does any of it make a difference? Ian and Steve also review the seasons of the Dolphins, Warriors and Panthers before making their Grand Final calls. One game. Two very different journeys. Who handles the pressure? About the Host: Ian Hawkins is dedicated to showing how sports can transform lives. With extensive experience as an athlete, a coach, PE teacher, community volunteer, and manager at Fox Sports, Ian brings a wealth of knowledge to the podcast. His journey began in his backyard, mentored by his older brother, and has since evolved into coaching elite athletes and business leaders. Ian's commitment to sports and personal development is evident in his roles as a performance coach and active community member. Through "Sport Is Life," Ian shares inspiring stories and valuable lessons to help listeners apply sports principles to all areas of life. Check Me Out On: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ianhawkinscoaching Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ianhawkinscoaching YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SportIsLife-IanHawkins Theme Music Artist: One Day Kings https://www.instagram.com/onedaykings/ See https://www.captivate.fm/privacy-policy-for-listeners for privacy information.

  3. Sep 27

    #324 – NRL | HOW GOOD IS RUGBY LEAGUE?! | Knights Pull Off the Impossible

    If you want to get support directly from us to remove your repetitive self-doubt, join our FREE community: The Sport Is Life Movement - https://www.facebook.com/groups/sportislife Ready to gain the clarity and direction to move forward with purpose, especially when life throws you a curveball? Join the Game Plan training today. https://www.ianhawkinscoaching.com/gameplanmembership Episode Summary: How good is rugby league? After an extraordinary weekend of preliminary finals, Ian and Steve break down the two performances that have set up a fascinating NRL Grand Final between the Newcastle Knights and Sydney Roosters. Newcastle produced one of the great finals performances to eliminate Penrith, somehow holding the Panthers out despite playing almost the entire second half with 12 men following Phoenix Crossland’s send-off. The boys unpack the Knights’ incredible defensive effort, the performances of Sandon Smith, Kalyn Ponga and Bradman Best, and the unbelievable support from the Newcastle fans. They also debate whether Crossland should have been sent off for the tackle that left Nathan Cleary with a broken foot, and what Penrith’s elimination means after years of dominating the competition. On the other side of the draw, the Roosters dominated the Dolphins to book their place in the Grand Final. Their forward pack took control early, their completion rate remained strong and Sam Walker’s return added another dimension to an attack already hitting form at exactly the right time. Ian and Steve look at where the Dolphins missed their opportunity and why the Roosters have become such a difficult team to stop. Plus, Will Badel returns with the Grand Final numbers, including an extraordinary piece of history: either Newcastle will become the team that wins the premiership from outside the top four, or the Roosters will break the long-standing hoodoo around teams conceding 50 points in a season. Something has to give. About the Host: Ian Hawkins is dedicated to showing how sports can transform lives. With extensive experience as an athlete, a coach, PE teacher, community volunteer, and manager at Fox Sports, Ian brings a wealth of knowledge to the podcast. His journey began in his backyard, mentored by his older brother, and has since evolved into coaching elite athletes and business leaders. Ian's commitment to sports and personal development is evident in his roles as a performance coach and active community member. Through "Sport Is Life," Ian shares inspiring stories and valuable lessons to help listeners apply sports principles to all areas of life. Check Me Out On: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ianhawkinscoaching Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ianhawkinscoaching YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SportIsLife-IanHawkins Theme Music Artist: One Day Kings https://www.instagram.com/onedaykings/ See https://www.captivate.fm/privacy-policy-for-listeners for privacy information.

  4. Sep 24

    #323 – Shane Shackleton | “Who Even Am I?” Life After the NRL

    If you want to get support directly from us to remove your repetitive self-doubt, join our FREE community: The Sport Is Life Movement - https://www.facebook.com/groups/sportislife Ready to gain the clarity and direction to move forward with purpose, especially when life throws you a curveball? Join the Game Plan training today. https://www.ianhawkinscoaching.com/gameplanmembership Shane’s website - https://thesteadyadvantage.com Episode Summary: Former NRL forward Shane Shackleton joins Ian Hawkins for a conversation full of laughs, honesty and some brilliant rugby league stories. Shack takes us back to his first-grade debut under Ricky Stuart, including the questionable decision to give his famously hard-edged coach some cheek after celebrating a little too enthusiastically. There’s also the story of believing he’d put a huge shot on Petero Civoniceva, only to realise the Broncos legend had barely noticed. But underneath the humour is a much deeper story about the pressures of professional sport and the person behind the footballer. Shack reflects on the parts of his career he wishes he understood differently; trying to be liked, using humour as a shield, playing below what he now believes was his potential, and constantly searching for the small edges while caught inside the pressure of professional footy. He speaks openly about the difficulty of stepping away from the game and the questions that followed retirement; particularly what happens when the identity you’ve built your life around suddenly disappears. The conversation also explores his horrific injury and recovery, the emotional side of elite sport, fatherhood, self-belief and the perspective that only came once he had enough distance from his playing career to look back clearly. It’s a funny episode, but also a powerful conversation about identity, regret, growth and the lessons athletes often don’t fully understand until their careers are over. About the Guest: Shane Shackleton Former NRL player, Counsellor, Performance coach and Founder of The Steady Advantage. Shane Shackleton is a former NRL player, counsellor, performance coach and founder of The Steady Advantage. He spent close to a decade playing professional rugby league with clubs including the Sydney Roosters and Parramatta Eels—essentially getting folded in half for a living while learning firsthand what pressure does to people. After football, Shane’s path was anything but linear. He worked as a prison officer, immigration officer and truck driver before moving into counselling, coaching and human performance. That mix of professional sport, real-world experience and formal training shaped the work he does today. Through The Steady Advantage, Shane helps individuals, leaders and teams understand the patterns operating beneath their performance—the automatic responses that can quietly limit confidence, decision-making, leadership and action. His work combines psychology, neuroscience and lived experience, then strips away the jargon so people can actually use it when pressure arrives. Links:/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shane-shackleton-8a618574/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shaneshackleton_/?hl=en Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ae/podcast/shane-shackleton-interview/id1609818659?i=1000682396605 Website: https://thesteadyadvantage.com

  5. Sep 22

    #322 – NRL | SAM WALKER IS BACK! Brilliant or Ridiculous? | NRL Preliminary Finals Preview

    If you want to get support directly from us to remove your repetitive self-doubt, join our FREE community: The Sport Is Life Movement - https://www.facebook.com/groups/sportislife Ready to gain the clarity and direction to move forward with purpose, especially when life throws you a curveball? Join the Game Plan training today. https://www.ianhawkinscoaching.com/gameplanmembership Episode Summary: IS SAM WALKER’S RETURN RIDICULOUS OR BRILLIANT? Sam Walker is back just 24 days after syndesmosis surgery; and with a Grand Final spot on the line, the Roosters are taking one hell of a gamble. But they’re not the only team rolling the dice. Nathan Cleary is battling his own injury concerns as Penrith prepare to face a Newcastle side that just keeps finding a way to win. Could the Knights actually knock off the Panthers and complete one of the great NRL turnarounds? We preview both Preliminary Finals; Dolphins v Roosters and Panthers v Knights; and look at where each game could be won and lost. We also ask whether South Sydney are low-balling Cody Walker, with the veteran five-eighth reportedly being offered around $300,000 for another season. And with Latrell Mitchell also heading towards the open market, are Souths preparing for a significant change in direction? Then there’s the referees. After another week dominated by controversial decisions, have the officials and bunker become too big a story in the NRL Finals; and is the system itself setting referees up to fail? We also continue our 2026 season reviews with the Cowboys, Rabbitohs and Sharks; what went right, what went wrong and what gives each club hope heading into 2027. Is bringing Sam Walker back just 24 days after surgery ridiculous or brilliant? Let us know what you reckon in the comments. About the Host: Ian Hawkins is dedicated to showing how sports can transform lives. With extensive experience as an athlete, a coach, PE teacher, community volunteer, and manager at Fox Sports, Ian brings a wealth of knowledge to the podcast. His journey began in his backyard, mentored by his older brother, and has since evolved into coaching elite athletes and business leaders. Ian's commitment to sports and personal development is evident in his roles as a performance coach and active community member. Through "Sport Is Life," Ian shares inspiring stories and valuable lessons to help listeners apply sports principles to all areas of life. Check Me Out On: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ianhawkinscoaching Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ianhawkinscoaching YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SportIsLife-IanHawkins Theme Music Artist: One Day Kings https://www.instagram.com/onedaykings/ See https://www.captivate.fm/privacy-policy-for-listeners for privacy information.

  6. Sep 20

    #321 – NRL | WARRIORS: CHOKED OR ROBBED?

    If you want to get support directly from us to remove your repetitive self-doubt, join our FREE community: The Sport Is Life Movement - https://www.facebook.com/groups/sportislife Ready to gain the clarity and direction to move forward with purpose, especially when life throws you a curveball? Join the Game Plan training today. https://www.ianhawkinscoaching.com/gameplanmembership Episode Summary: The Warriors are out of the 2026 NRL Finals after another home finals loss. But was it their own doing, or were they robbed by some crucial decisions? Ian Hawkins and Steve Cato unpack the Warriors' exit and ask the big question: did they choke, or were they robbed? We also look at Newcastle's remarkable finals run and whether they can genuinely go all the way, plus the case for Justin Holbrook as Dally M Coach of the Year. The Knights have gone from wooden spooners to a preliminary final in just 12 months, with largely the same playing group. The Roosters sent a huge warning with their 46–10 demolition of Cronulla, while another Sharks finals exit raises an uncomfortable question: is it time for a major clean-out? Also discussed: • Warriors; three home finals, three losses • Can Newcastle win the premiership? • Should Justin Holbrook be Coach of the Year? • Roosters make a massive statement • What needs to change at the Sharks? • Will Badel's finals stats and what they tell us heading into the preliminary finals Did the Warriors CHOKE or were they ROBBED? Let us know what you reckon in the comments. Subscribe to Sport Is Life for our NRL reviews, previews and straight-up conversations about rugby league. About the Host: Ian Hawkins is dedicated to showing how sports can transform lives. With extensive experience as an athlete, a coach, PE teacher, community volunteer, and manager at Fox Sports, Ian brings a wealth of knowledge to the podcast. His journey began in his backyard, mentored by his older brother, and has since evolved into coaching elite athletes and business leaders. Ian's commitment to sports and personal development is evident in his roles as a performance coach and active community member. Through "Sport Is Life," Ian shares inspiring stories and valuable lessons to help listeners apply sports principles to all areas of life. Check Me Out On: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ianhawkinscoaching Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ianhawkinscoaching YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SportIsLife-IanHawkins Theme Music Artist: One Day Kings https://www.instagram.com/onedaykings/ See https://www.captivate.fm/privacy-policy-for-listeners for privacy information.

  7. Sep 16

    #320 – Shannon Ryan | Running the New York Marathon with Type 1 Diabetes

    If you want to get support directly from us to remove your repetitive self-doubt, join our FREE community: The Sport Is Life Movement - https://www.facebook.com/groups/sportislife Ready to gain the clarity and direction to move forward with purpose, especially when life throws you a curveball? Join the Game Plan training today. https://www.ianhawkinscoaching.com/gameplanmembership Shannon is taking on the New York City Marathon on 1 November 2026, marking 40 years of living with Type 1 Diabetes while raising funds for Breakthrough T1D Australia. https://bluearmy.breakthrought1d.org.au/fundraisers/shannonryannyc2026/shannon--s-t1d---new-york-marathon-journey Episode Summary: Shannon Ryan has lived with Type 1 Diabetes for nearly 40 years. Now he’s preparing to take on one of the biggest physical and mental challenges of his life; running the New York City Marathon while raising $200,000 for Breakthrough T1D. But this conversation is about much more than running a marathon. Shannon shares what it was like being diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at just eight years old, the discipline required to manage the condition every day, and how advances in technology have transformed his life. He also talks about building himself from virtually no running to completing a half marathon, and the physical and mental preparation required to get himself to New York. There’s also another part to Shannon’s story. Ian and Shannon first worked together in 2018, during a challenging period in Shannon’s personal and professional life. Seven years later, they reflect on what changed; rebuilding self-belief, understanding who he was, setting boundaries, finding the right people to surround himself with, and ultimately discovering something bigger than himself to work towards. Today, that purpose is helping the Type 1 Diabetes community that has been part of Shannon’s life for almost four decades. About the Guest: Shannon Ryan Program Manager for Innovation and Entrepreneurship Shannon Ryan is currently Program Manager for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at La Trobe University (Melbourne), where he spearheads the development and delivery of entrepreneurship programs, fostering creativity through partnerships, workshops, innovation sprints, and mentoring across campuses and regional/international communities, including India. His diverse career spans building design and construction, sport, regional economic development, and higher education, underpinned by over 20 years of expertise in sponsorship activation, strategic relationship building, and program management. He operates Shannon Ryan Consulting (since 2016) for diverse projects and holds leadership roles as Board Member of the Northern Health Foundation, driving healthcare innovation and philanthropy, and member of La Trobe’s Digital Health Working Group, enhancing industry-connected learning. A committed advocate for Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) awareness with nearly 40 years living with the condition, Shannon channels his personal experiences into meaningful community impact, including his current “Shannon’s New York Run for Type 1” campaign to run the New York City Marathon in November, to raising funds ($200,000) for Breakthrough T1D and amplifying his stories of resilience. Married to Ilona with two young daughters, Audra and Eden, who keep him busiest and proudest, he supports the Essendon Football Club in the AFL (fast-tracking his grey hair). Holding an MBA from the Australian Institute of Business (Adelaide) and a Bachelor of Arts in Sports Administration from Victoria University (Melbourne), he builds ecosystems that create lasting impact, as explored in his recent podcast with Ian Hawkins, whom he first collaborated with in September 2018 during a pivotal period of personal and career renewal Links:/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sryan78/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shanryan2878/ About the Host: Ian Hawkins is dedicated to showing how sports can transform lives. With extensive experience as an athlete, a coach, PE teacher, community volunteer, and manager at Fox Sports, Ian brings a wealth of knowledge to the podcast. His journey began in his backyard, mentored by his older brother, and has since evolved into coaching elite athletes and business leaders. Ian's commitment to sports and personal development is evident in his roles as a performance coach and active community member. Through "Sport Is Life," Ian shares inspiring stories and valuable lessons to help listeners apply sports principles to all areas of life. Check Me Out On: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ianhawkinscoaching Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ianhawkinscoaching YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SportIsLife-IanHawkins Theme Music Artist: One Day Kings https://www.instagram.com/onedaykings/ See https://www.captivate.fm/privacy-policy-for-listeners for privacy information.

  8. Sep 15

    #319 – NRL | CAN THE WARRIORS HANDLE THE PRESSURE? | NRL Finals Week 2

    If you want to get support directly from us to remove your repetitive self-doubt, join our FREE community: The Sport Is Life Movement - https://www.facebook.com/groups/sportislife Ready to gain the clarity and direction to move forward with purpose, especially when life throws you a curveball? Join the Game Plan training today. https://www.ianhawkinscoaching.com/gameplanmembership Episode Summary: The pressure is on the Warriors. After going down in Week 1 of the finals, they return home for a sudden-death clash with Newcastle in front of more than 40,000 fans at Eden Park. Will the home crowd lift them, or does the weight of expectation become their biggest challenge? We also look at whether the Roosters can finally snap their five-game losing run against Cronulla, whether the Sharks or Knights can make a genuine run through September, and review the 2026 seasons of the Raiders, Storm and Sea Eagles. Ian Hawkins and Steve Cato break it all down on Sport Is Life. What do you reckon: is playing at home an advantage for the Warriors this week, or does it add even more pressure? Subscribe for our NRL reviews, previews and straight-talking footy conversations every week. About the Host: Ian Hawkins is dedicated to showing how sports can transform lives. With extensive experience as an athlete, a coach, PE teacher, community volunteer, and manager at Fox Sports, Ian brings a wealth of knowledge to the podcast. His journey began in his backyard, mentored by his older brother, and has since evolved into coaching elite athletes and business leaders. Ian's commitment to sports and personal development is evident in his roles as a performance coach and active community member. Through "Sport Is Life," Ian shares inspiring stories and valuable lessons to help listeners apply sports principles to all areas of life. Join the 2025 Planning Session here https://www.facebook.com/share/1C6AqzhGeY/ Check Me Out On: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ianhawkinscoaching Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ianhawkinscoaching YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SportIsLife-IanHawkins Theme Music Artist: One Day Kings https://www.instagram.com/onedaykings/ See https://www.captivate.fm/privacy-policy-for-listeners for privacy information.

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About

The Sport Is Life podcast explores how sport can positively change your life. Join us as we delve into the powerful life lessons that sport teaches you, lessons that can be applied to every aspect of your life. Host Ian Hawkins shares wisdom and insights gained from a lifetime of experience as an athlete, husband, father, PE teacher, community volunteer, manager at Fox Sports and a performance coach to elite athletes, business owners, corporate leaders, and other coaches. Tune in to hear how sports can provide the tools you need to excel in your personal and professional life. From practical advice to heartfelt stories, the "Sport Is Life Podcast" is your guide to unlocking the potential within you through the power of sport. Sport is more than just a game; Sport Is Life.

Information

  • Creator
    Ian Hawkins
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    300
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Ian Hawkins
  • Show Website
    Sport Is Life

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