Sporting Max

Sporting Max

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. Oct 30

    John Buchanan: Inside Australia's Golden Era, The Ashes & The World Cup | #271

    In episode 271, Max chats with former Australian cricket coach John Buchanan! From his early playing days and transition into coaching to guiding Queensland to its historic first Sheffield Shield title and taking charge of Australia in 1999, John reflects on the journey and leadership philosophy that shaped one of cricket's most successful coaching careers. We dive into Australia's golden era, coaching legends including Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath, Ricky Ponting, Steve Waugh and Adam Gilchrist, the contrasting leadership styles of Waugh and Ponting, and the standards and culture that underpinned Australia's sustained dominance. John takes us behind the scenes of Australia's back-to-back World Cup triumphs in 2003 and 2007, Shane Warne's shock departure on the eve of the 2003 tournament, Andrew Symonds' remarkable innings against Pakistan, and the historic 2004 Test series victory in India. He opens up on the devastating 2005 Ashes defeat, his own shortcomings as coach, the questions surrounding his future, and the determination to reclaim the Ashes. He reflects on Australia's controversial military boot camp, the players' reactions, and the extraordinary 5–0 whitewash of England in 2006-07. Plus, we discuss his unconventional coaching methods, managing elite personalities, the importance of continually evolving, his transition into business leadership, and what separates successful teams from those capable of sustaining excellence over time. A fascinating conversation on Australian cricket's golden era, the Ashes, World Cup triumphs, Shane Warne, Ricky Ponting, leadership, culture and building one of the most dominant teams in sporting history. All this and much more in episode 271 of Sporting Max! www.instagram.com/sportingmax.podcast/

  2. Oct 22

    Scott Morrison: Inside the Utah Jazz, Brad Stevens & the Pressures of Coaching in Perth | #271

    In episode 271, Max chats with Utah Jazz Assistant Coach Scott Morrison! From coaching university basketball in Canada to taking a year away from his job to volunteer in the NBA D-League, Scott reflects on the unlikely journey that eventually took him to the NBA. We dive into contacting all 30 NBA teams looking for an opportunity, receiving just one rejection while the remaining teams ignored him, driving buses and doing laundry for the Maine Red Claws, and the unexpected opportunity that led to him becoming Head Coach of the Celtics' D-League affiliate. Scott also takes us behind the scenes of his time in Boston, working alongside Brad Stevens, how their contrasting coaching styles changed his approach to leadership, the emergence of Jayson Tatum, the Celtics' remarkable run to the 2018 Eastern Conference Finals, and interviewing for the Boston head coaching position following Stevens' move into the front office. Morrison opens up on his move to Australia, the pressure of replacing Trevor Gleeson at the Perth Wildcats, coaching through COVID, working with Bryce Cotton and Jesse Wagstaff, and the difficult end to the season that brought the club's historic playoff streak to an end. Plus, we discuss the Utah Jazz entering a new phase ahead of the 2026–27 NBA season, Will Hardy's leadership, Ace Bailey and Darryn Peterson, the expectations surrounding Utah's young roster, and the lessons Scott has learned throughout his coaching career. A fascinating conversation on the NBA, Brad Stevens, the Boston Celtics, the Perth Wildcats, leadership, resilience, player development and building a winning culture. All this and much more in episode 271 of Sporting Max! www.instagram.com/sportingmax.podcast/

  3. Oct 5

    Braden Cotter: Inside the COE & Developing Australia’s Next Generation | #270

    In episode 270, Max chats with Basketball Australia Centre of Excellence Head of Basketball Braden Cotter! From spending more than a decade working outside basketball to returning to coaching and eventually leading one of the most important development programs in Australian basketball, Braden reflects on his coaching journey and the experiences that have shaped his approach. We go inside the Centre of Excellence and what it takes to develop Australia’s next generation of elite players, from creating a high-performance environment and teaching athletes how to become professionals to the role relationships, education and life away from basketball play in their development. Braden also takes us inside how Basketball Australia identifies talent, why selection starts long before one strong tournament, the data and depth charting behind the process, and how the COE decides when a player is ready for their next challenge. Plus, we discuss the development of Luke Paul, the mentality that separated him during his time at the COE, the rapid rise of Johnny Furphy, working with emerging bigs, learning from experienced coaches, and Braden’s ambition to return to head coaching in the future. A fascinating conversation about talent identification, player development, high-performance environments and the pathway producing the next generation of Australian basketball talent. All this and much more in episode 270 of Sporting Max! www.instagram.com/sportingmax.podcast/

  4. Sep 28

    Quinn Clinton: Inside the New Zealand Breakers’ NBL27 Identity, Gordon Herbert & His Coaching Rise | #269

    In episode 269, Max chats with New Zealand Breakers assistant coach Quinn Clinton! From playing college basketball at Saint Mary’s to injuries ending his playing career and becoming a head coach in his mid-20s, Quinn reflects on the journey that has quickly taken him from player to one of New Zealand basketball’s rising young coaches. We dive into his time at Saint Mary’s, the influence of Randy Bennett, returning home to win a championship with the Canterbury Rams, learning under Judd Flavell and navigating the transition from teammate to head coach. Quinn also takes us inside his return to the New Zealand Breakers, working under World Cup-winning coach Gordon Herbert, the new-look roster and the identity they’re building heading into NBL27. Plus, we discuss Parker Jackson-Cartwright, the shooting around him, and why Quinn believes defence and rebounding will ultimately determine how far the Breakers can go this season. All this and much more in episode 269 of Sporting Max! www.instagram.com/sportingmax.podcast/

  5. Sep 8

    Glen Bartlett: Inside the Rebuild of the Melbourne Football Club | #268

    In episode 268, Max chats with former Melbourne Football Club president Glen Bartlett for an extensive conversation about his life in football, leadership and the eight years he spent helping rebuild the Demons. From captaining East Perth and becoming part of West Coast’s inaugural AFL squad to a career in law, leadership and ultimately the presidency of the Melbourne Football Club, Bartlett reflects on the experiences and values that shaped him long before he arrived at the MCG. Glen takes us inside Melbourne’s transformation after taking over as president in 2013, when the club was struggling on and off the field, and the long-term plan to rebuild the organisation into a respected and successful football club. We dive into the appointment of Paul Roos and the extraordinary reaction inside Melbourne when the premiership coach first walked through the doors, with Bartlett recalling the feeling that the club had just landed a “movie star.” Glen also opens up on his partnership with Peter Jackson, changing standards and culture inside the club, Melbourne’s list rebuild, becoming a destination club, the rise to the 2018 preliminary final and why he believed the Demons had built a list capable of winning the premiership before the breakthrough finally arrived in 2021. He reflects on stepping away from the presidency during that 2021 season, being at Optus Stadium when Melbourne ended its 57-year premiership drought, and what the Melbourne Football Club means to him today. Bartlett says the goal throughout his presidency was to create a professional club built around high standards, stability and sustained success. Plus, we go back to Glen’s football career, the serious kidney injury that nearly ended it, his four games with the inaugural West Coast Eagles, being drafted by Brisbane, his move into law and the leadership principles that have followed him throughout his career. A wide-ranging conversation about Melbourne’s rebuild, Paul Roos, Peter Jackson, leadership, culture, the 2021 premiership and the story of Glen Bartlett beyond how his presidency ended. All this and much more in episode 268 of Sporting Max! www.instagram.com/sportingmax.podcast/

  6. Aug 24

    Angus Brandt: The Return to Perth | #267

    In episode 267, Max chats with Perth Wildcats champion Angus Brandt! After seven years playing overseas, Angus is back in the NBL and back where it all began, returning to Perth for the first time since winning two championships with the Wildcats. We dive into why the time was finally right to return to Australia, why the opportunity with Perth was “too good to turn down,” how the move came together in just four days, and the family reasons behind his decision to come home. Angus also opens up on his role with the Wildcats heading into NBL27, backing up Jo Lual-Acuil Jr., what he can bring to the group, and why winning another championship is now his number one priority. Plus, we discuss spending seven seasons in Japan, the pressure and responsibility of playing as an import, how his game has developed overseas, playing all 60 games last season, why age is “just a number on a page,” and his desire to potentially spend another two or three years playing in the NBL. Angus also takes us inside reuniting with Jesse Wagstaff seven years later, the championship expectations that come with playing for Perth, John Rillie’s messaging to the group, and why defence needs to become a pillar of the Wildcats if they are to contend for another title. A fascinating conversation on returning home, life in Japan, longevity, family, championship ambitions, the Perth Wildcats, and what comes next. All this and much more in episode 267 of Sporting Max! www.instagram.com/sportingmax.podcast/

  7. Aug 18

    Damian Cotter: Japan’s NBA Ambition, Yuki Kawamura & His Coaching Future | #266

    In episode 266, Max chats with Australian basketball coach Damien Cotter! After spending the 2025-26 season on the coaching staff of the Chicago Bulls, Damien reflects on his time inside the NBA, working alongside Billy Donovan, coaching Josh Giddey, and the experiences that shaped an unforgettable year in Chicago. We dive into Giddey’s development throughout the season, what makes him such a unique player, the inner workings of an NBA coaching staff, working with Yuki Kawamura, and the lessons Damien takes away from his time with the Bulls. Damien also takes us inside his new role leading B.League United, the ambitious plan to develop Japan’s next generation of talent, the differences between player development in Japan, Australia and the NBA, and what he wants to achieve with the program. Plus, Damien opens up on his coaching future, revealing he has spoken with Australian and Chinese clubs, his conversations with Billy Donovan about potentially working together again, why he is taking his time choosing his next opportunity, and why his next job could ultimately be his last. A fascinating conversation on life inside the NBA, player development, coaching, international basketball, Josh Giddey’s growth, and what comes next. All this and much more in episode 266 of Sporting Max! www.instagram.com/sportingmax.podcast/

  8. Aug 13

    Angus Glover: Three ACLs, Two Championships & the Comeback | #265

    In episode 265, Max chats with South East Melbourne Phoenix star Angus Glover! From three ACL reconstructions and being told to retire from basketball to becoming a two-time NBL champion and representing the Australian Boomers, Angus reflects on the incredible highs and lows that have shaped his career. We dive into tearing his ACL at the Nike Hoop Summit, being surrounded by future NBA stars including RJ Barrett and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, his dad donating his hamstring for his third ACL reconstruction, the emotional journey back to basketball, and what it meant to finally pull on the green and gold. Angus also takes us behind the scenes of the Sydney Kings’ back-to-back championships, Chase Buford’s impact on the group, the pressure of Game 5 in front of 18,000 fans, his famous off-the-backboard dunk, playing alongside LaMelo Ball, and the difficult final season in Sydney that ultimately led him to South East Melbourne. Plus, we discuss the Phoenix’s championship ambitions heading into NBL27, Josh King’s impact, embracing the Sixth Man role, the infamous halftime spray that sparked a huge comeback, and what South East Melbourne needs to take the next step after consecutive semi-final appearances. A fascinating conversation on resilience, championship success, overcoming adversity, confidence, team culture, and making the most of every opportunity. All this and much more in episode 265 of Sporting Max! www.instagram.com/sportingmax.podcast/

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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
    286
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    Sporting Max

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