Rise Above with Dayne Weston

Dayne Weston
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Mental Health
  • Updated Biweekly

Rise Above Podcast — with Dayne Weston Hosted by former NRL player and mental health advocate Dayne Weston, the Rise Above Podcast brings real, raw conversations to light, the ones we often hide. Through honest stories, lived experiences and open vulnerability, this podcast reminds you that you’re not alone. Each episode offers practical insight, hope, and encouragement to help you heal, grow and rise above what’s been holding you back. Instagram: dayne_weston

Episodes

  1. Mar 22

    Episode 9: Luke Croker - From drug addiction and suicide attempts to 3.5 years sober

    From an early age, Luke Croker was exposed to drugs, violence and chaos that no child should ever experience. His childhood was shaped by a father addicted to heroin, in and out of jail, where “quality time” often looked like riding bikes to the local dealer’s house. By the age of 11, Luke was already helping package drugs to sell. Instead of learning how to love, Luke learned how to survive. At 18, Luke took drugs for the first time and what began as an escape quickly spiralled into addiction to drugs and alcohol. His life became a cycle of pain, leading to multiple suicide attempts and long stints in psychiatric wards. But Luke’s story doesn’t end there. After reaching the depths of addiction and despair, Luke took ownership of his life and encountered something that changed everything, faith in Jesus Christ. Now 3.5 years sobar, Luke is walking a completely different path, proving that your past does not have to define your future. This is a raw and powerful conversation about addiction, survival, redemption and the life-changing power of transformation. A story of hope for anyone who believes they’re too far gone. A big thank you to ACTV Coolangatta and Better Half Journal for proudly sponsoring this podcast your support means a lot. The Better Half Journal is available online at www.betterhalfjournal.com Use the discount code: riseabove at the checkout to receive 25% discount on your order. Enjoy the episode and don’t forget to FOLLOW or SUBSCRIBE to stay updated with our latest releases. https://actvstrengthco.com/location/coolangatta/ https://www.betterhalfjournal.com

    1h 15m

  2. Mar 1

    Episode 8: The company you keep with Lidia Weston

    In this episode, Lidia and I sit down and go deeper than we ever have before about leading your family and what that has actually looked like in our marriage. Over the past few months, we’ve both shared parts of our journey on social media, the struggles, the growth, the lessons. For a long time, we struggled. A lot of that came down to my leadership, my lack of accountability and the areas I needed to grow in as a husband and as a man. This conversation isn’t about perfection.
It’s about responsibility.
It’s about doing the work.
It’s about choosing growth over ego. We talk about what leading your family really means, the hard seasons we had to walk through, the role accountability played in changing our marriage, why surrounding yourself with strong, godly people matters and how this is something we continually work on, not just once, but daily. Our hope is that this episode answers some of the questions you’ve been asking and gives both husbands and wives practical insight into what healthy, faith-filled leadership can look like in the home. If you’re navigating challenges in your marriage, or if you simply want to lead your family better, this conversation is for you. A big thank you to ACTV Coolangatta and Better Half Journal for proudly sponsoring this podcast your support means a lot. The Better Half Journal is available online at www.betterhalfjournal.com Use the discount code: riseabove at the checkout to receive 25% discount on your order. Enjoy the episode and don’t forget to FOLLOW or SUBSCRIBE to stay updated with our latest releases. https://actvstrengthco.com/location/coolangatta/ https://www.betterhalfjournal.com

    1h 20m

  3. Feb 15

    Episode 7: Josh Hupfeld - Finding Purpose

    In this episode, I sit down with Josh Hupfeld to unpack what purpose really looks like when life doesn’t go the way you expected. Josh grew up in a loving family environment with strong relationships, which sparked an early interest in people and human behaviour. That curiosity led him toward studying psychology before pivoting into becoming a social worker. Working in child safety, Josh was exposed to heavy and confronting situations on a daily basis. Over time, he noticed himself becoming desensitised, less empathetic and emotionally worn down. After stepping away from social work, Josh found himself supporting his wife in building her now highly successful wedding dress brand, MWL. While this season was fruitful, Josh quietly wrestled with a growing sense that something was missing, a lack of personal purpose. That became the birthplace of a passion project: Better Half Journal. Journaling had been a powerful tool throughout Josh’s life and he wanted to create something that would help others slow down, reflect and reconnect with themselves through consistent practice. This is an honest conversation about burnout, identity, purpose and how something small, done consistently, can create meaningful change. The Better Half Journal is available online at www.betterhalfjournal.com Use the discount code: riseabove at the checkout to receive 25% discount on your order. A big thank you to ACTV Coolangatta and Better Half Journal for proudly sponsoring this podcast your support means a lot. Enjoy the episode and don’t forget to FOLLOW or SUBSCRIBE to stay updated with our latest releases. https://actvstrengthco.com/location/coolangatta/ https://www.betterhalfjournal.com

    1h 6m

  4. Feb 1

    Episode 6: AJ Williams - Surviving domestic violence to raising daughters with love

    AJ Williams - Surviving domestic violence to raising daughters with love At just 14 years old, AJ was forced to make a choice no child ever should, live in fear or step in to protect his mum. For years, Thursday nights meant violence, alcohol, and survival. Watching his stepdad abuse his mother became a grim routine… until one night AJ intervened. That decision cost him his home. Aj left with his younger sister. Couch surfing. Trying to be a kid while carrying trauma far beyond his years. Even years later, his body remembered.
The panic attacks. The restless Thursday nights. Pain that followed him into adulthood without asking permission. Today, AJ is a father of three and instead of repeating the cycle, he’s breaking it. He’s becoming the man he once needed, so his daughters never have to grow up the way he did. This is why vulnerability matters. 
Because when one man speaks, others realise: I’m not alone and there is a way through. Aj is now the founder of Revel Saunas, a multi-million-dollar recovery and wellness business changing the game in Australia. This conversation is raw, real and a powerful reminder that no matter where you’ve come from, you’re never too far gone to turn it all around. Proud of you brother. A big thank you to ACTV Coolangatta and Borderline Plumbing for proudly sponsoring this podcast your support means a lot. Enjoy the episode and don’t forget to FOLLOW or SUBSCRIBE to stay updated with our latest releases. https://actvstrengthco.com/location/coolangatta/ https://borderlineplumbing.com.au

    1h 19m

  5. Jan 18

    Episode 5: Adam Free - Dying to Yourself

    In this episode, I sit down with Adam Free — a retired Green Beret from the U.S. Army Special Forces and a man fully surrendered to Jesus. Adam doesn’t just speak about faith, he lives it. His journey is marked by obedience, conviction and a willingness to tell the truth without softening it. I met Adam through our wives, who work for the same company and over time we’ve built a genuine friendship. Watching the fruit of his walk with Christ has deeply resonated with my own. This is a raw, grounded and challenging conversation. Adam shares what it’s like to live at both extremes — a mind once governed by the flesh, where death felt like the only option and a life now surrendered to the Spirit, where living with purpose is the mission. We talk masculinity, leadership, marriage, surrender and the simple but confronting truth that changed everything. If you’re feeling stuck, numb or exhausted from carrying life alone, this episode is for you. A big thank you to ACTV Coolangatta and Sofia Interiors for proudly sponsoring this podcast your support means a lot. Enjoy the episode and don’t forget to FOLLOW or SUBSCRIBE to stay updated with our latest releases. https://actvstrengthco.com/location/coolangatta/ https://sofiainteriors.com.au/collections/tapware-accessories

    1h 23m

  6. Jan 4

    Episode 4: Casey Lyons - CEO & Co-Founder of LIVIN

    In 2013, the world lost a beautiful young man, Dwayne Lally to suicide, a loss that shocked many and revealed a silent battle few could see. Dwayne lived with depression and bipolar disorder. He felt like a burden in a world where all he wanted was to be happy and make others happy too. Despite having the world at his feet, he was fighting battles deeper than most could understand. From this loss, LIVIN was born.In this episode, I sit down with LIVIN Co-Founder and CEO Casey Lyons to talk about his journey, Dwayne’s legacy and the mission to change how we approach mental health. LIVIN’s message is simple but powerful:
“It ain’t weak to speak. ”This is an important conversation, one that reminds us why speaking up can save lives. If you’re struggling or know someone who is, please seek professional support. You don’t have to do this alone. A big thank you to ACTV Coolangatta and Sofia Interiors for proudly sponsoring this podcast your support means a lot. Enjoy the episode and don’t forget to FOLLOW or SUBSCRIBE to stay updated with our latest releases. https://actvstrengthco.com/location/coolangatta/ https://sofiainteriors.com.au/collections/tapware-accessories

    1h 8m

  7. 12/14/2025

    Episode 3: Our Story

    Lidia joins me as we open up our story, the highs, the heartbreak and the hidden battles that shaped our marriage. We talk about her upbringing, the weight she carried from a young age and the pain we both brought into the relationship. Two broken people trying to build something whole… and at times wondering, “Is this really God’s plan for us?” This isn’t a polished love story. It’s real. It’s raw. It’s two people sitting down and telling the truth about what almost broke us and what ultimately rebuilt us. We’re far from perfect. But we never gave up. 
We chose the hard conversations, the healing, the forgiveness and the work it took to create the marriage we have today. If you and your partner are walking through deep waters right now, I pray this episode reminds you: you’re not alone and your marriage is worth fighting for. A big thank you to ACTV Coolangatta for proudly sponsoring this podcast your support means a lot. Enjoy the episode and don’t forget to FOLLOW or SUBSCRIBE to stay updated with our latest releases.

    1h 17m

  8. 11/30/2025

    Episode 2: Jason Apps - Redefining Strength

    While travelling and living in Canada, Jason Apps had a snowboarding accident that left him a quadriplegic at just 20 years old. But that’s not where his story ends. In this episode, we dive into Jason’s journey, growing up in Bega, moving to Newcastle, his dream of travelling and living overseas, and the moment everything changed. But more importantly, we explore what’s happened since. What inspires me most is this, despite his injury, Jason refuses to let life pass him by. He’s determined, grateful and still chasing joy with everything he has. This is a powerful, honest conversation about resilience, perspective and choosing to keep moving forward.
 One you don’t want to miss. A big thank you to ACTV Coolangatta for proudly sponsoring this podcast your support means a lot. Enjoy the episode and don’t forget to FOLLOW or SUBSCRIBE to stay updated with our latest releases.

    1h 2m
  9. Episode 1: My Story

    11/16/2025

    Episode 1: My Story

    This one’s personal. 
In our very first episode, I open up about my journey, from the highs of an NRL career to the lows of battling anxiety, depression and the pain of starting over. My wife Lidia joins me to share her perspective and what it was like walking beside me through those seasons. We talk about childhood trauma, performance-based love and the pressure of chasing success while silently struggling inside. This is the story that shaped Rise Above, raw, honest and real. My hope is that by sharing my story, it encourages others to see the power in vulnerability and start applying it to their own lives. A big thank you to ACTV Coolangatta for proudly sponsoring this podcast your support means a lot. Enjoy the episode and don’t forget to FOLLOW or SUBSCRIBE to stay updated with our latest releases.

    1h 10m
  • 9 Episodes

About

Rise Above Podcast — with Dayne Weston Hosted by former NRL player and mental health advocate Dayne Weston, the Rise Above Podcast brings real, raw conversations to light, the ones we often hide. Through honest stories, lived experiences and open vulnerability, this podcast reminds you that you’re not alone. Each episode offers practical insight, hope, and encouragement to help you heal, grow and rise above what’s been holding you back. Instagram: dayne_weston

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