Head Game Nova Podcasts

Kelsey Waghorn's life changed forever when she, along with so many others, was caught up in the horrific Whakaari White Island eruption off the east coast of New Zealand in 2019. Kelsey, just 25 at the time, was working as a tour guide. On what should have been a regular, routine day, instead she ended up in an induced coma and sustained full thickness burns to 45% of her body. 

She speaks to Ant about the toll this had on her physical and mental health, her journey with PTSD and the loss of a very close friend. 

CW: This episode contains discussions of PTSD. If this episode raises any issues for you, help is available through Lifeline on 13 11 14 or via their website lifeline.org.au.

LINKS


Follow Kelsey Waghorn on Instagram @kezzelsify
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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

"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.