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Keegan and Company
Keegan and Company
Author: Keegan Hipgrave
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© 2026 Keegan Hipgrave
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Ever wondered what drives the world’s top athletes beyond the scoreboard?
Former professional NRL player Keegan Hipgrave uncovers the untold truths about mental health, resilience, and redefining success - one candid conversation at a time.
188 Episodes
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Grace Grove is a paediatrics doctor, a marathon runner preparing for London Marathon, and a content creator who's built a community by just being herself. We talked about burning out in 2025 trying to do it all, why she's doing less this year and doing it with more intention. Going from serial people-pleaser to showing up as her true self. What working in paediatrics has taught her about giving people grace. The LSKD 10-year vision exercise that made her cry. Sitting on the bathroom floor before Sydney Marathon with pre-race nerves so bad she was convinced she had food poisoning. And why becoming a mum is the one thing she'd give everything else up for. If you enjoyed this episode check out these similar episodes:#106 Mary Fowler#91 Montana Farah-Seaton#166 Katie MartinFollow Grace: InstagramTikTok YouTube See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How long do you actually need to spend in nature to feel the effects on your mental health? And once you do, how long does it last? In this episode, Dr Megan Lee breaks down the research behind green and blue spaces - what they are, why they work, and what's actually happening in your body when you step onto sand barefoot or dive under a wave. We talk about the COVID study that changed the field, why social connection is consistently the number one predictor of wellbeing across all of her research, and why nature ties together all five pillars of wellbeing without you even trying. For more just like this, listen to Megan's first episode; "#121 Dr Megan Lee: How to be Happy".Spotify Apple PodcastsYouTube Subscribe to be the first to know about new episodes: SpotifyApple PodcastsYouTube Follow for more: Podcast Instagram: @keeganandcompanypodcast Keegan's Instagram: @keeganhipgrave TikTok: @keeganandcompanySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"Do I actually believe I can be a world champion?" That's the question Molly Picklum had to sit with before anything else. Last year at 22 she became the WSL Women's World Champion and in this conversation she opens up about the mental shift that got her there. We talk about getting cut from tour and hating the sport she loved, the "Just Admit It" list she writes the night before every comp, the moment she stopped saying "I'm trying my best" and finally said "this is the year," and what flashed through her mind three minutes before she won it all. We also discuss the balance between being soft as a person and hard as a professional, having good people in your corner, and why the pace of nature is slow but everything gets done. If you enjoyed this episode check this one out next: #124 Mark Mathews: Recreate the Fear SpotifyApple PodcastsYouTube Subscribe to be the first to know about new episodes: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4L7zyEBXeNYBDK4rRjBK0K Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/keegan-and-company/id1695873736 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Keeganandcompany Follow for more: Podcast Instagram: @keeganandcompanypodcast Keegan's Instagram: @keeganhipgrave TikTok: @keeganandcompanySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The average Australian spends 7 hours a day on a screen. But something is shifting. Gen Z is revolting against screens, hustle culture, and the pressure to be productive every waking moment. They're calling it the rise of whimsy. Keegan sits down with Dr Megan Lee to unpack why young people are building "analog baskets," bricking their phones, and choosing imperfection over polished perfection. They get into why slowing down actually makes you better, how our lives have become performative, and why the things that make you feel the best are the ones nobody else sees. For more just like this, listen to Megan's first episode; "#121 Dr Megan Lee: How to be Happy".Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0LHMO0odO3xozfpQrjp3AN?si=-0uQbEfgSHe9LZF1vS83kA Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/121-dr-megan-lee-how-to-be-happy/id1695873736?i=1000724228539 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JhtXXVS7gAg Listen and subscribe: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4L7zyEBXeNYBDK4rRjBK0K Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/keegan-and-company/id1695873736 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Keeganandcompany Follow for more: Podcast Instagram: @keeganandcompanypodcastKeegans Instagram: @keeganhipgraveTikTok: @keeganandcompany See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode, Keegan sits down with Katie Martin to explore her journey into the fitness industry and the experiences that shaped her approach to health and wellbeing. From becoming a qualified personal trainer while still in high school to navigating challenges like chronic fatigue, Katie shares how adversity refined her perspective on longevity, nutrition, and mental health. The conversation highlights the importance of gut health, mindset, and building habits that prioritise long-term wellbeing over short-term results. Katie also reflects on the power of goal-setting and resilience, offering practical insight into how clear direction and discipline can transform ambition into lasting growth.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What's your purpose? If you've ever sat in that space of knowing what you're doing isn't quite it but having no idea what is, this episode is for you. I've spent years helping hundreds of players transition out of the NRL and professional sport, and this is the question that comes up more than any other. It's not just athletes either. It's people in the military, people wanting a career shift, university students, and mates in their 30s and 40s who've been in the same job for years but know there's something else. In this episode I break down the actual psychology and process behind finding your why. We cover Howard Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences (there are eight, not two), Maslow's concept of the impulsive voice and how the outside world buries it as we grow up, and the step-by-step framework for uncovering your purpose through specific childhood experiences and the common threads that connect them. This is the episode I've done the most research on and probably the one I'm most passionate about. If it was easy, everyone would be living in complete contentment. But there is a process, and if you're curious about it, this is the place to start. Resources mentioned in this episode: Frames of Mind by Howard Gardner Find Your Why by Simon Sinek Start With Why by Simon Sinek Mastery by Robert Greene How To Find Your Purpose - Robert Greene x Andrew Huberman (Huberman Lab Podcast) If this episode helped you, share it with someone who needs to hear it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Join Keegan as he chats with NRL Legend, Jai Arrow. He reveals the hardships and the sacrifices he has made for the game, shedding light on the lesser-known aspects of being a professional athlete. Jai discusses how fatherhood has transformed his perspective on life. Sharing the emotional and challenging experience of his daughter's birth, Jai explains how becoming a father has reshaped his priorities and brought new purpose into his life. The conversation also explores the delicate balance between professional commitments and personal life, offering a candid view of the challenges and rewards that come with being a dad and a top-tier athlete.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode of 'The Psychology of' series, Keegan sits down with registered psychologist and fellow runner Kyle Andrews to unpack the psychology behind Fear of Failure and FOPO — fear of other people's opinions — and how it shows up in everything from walking into a room where you don't know anyone, to not throwing the pass because you're scared of what people might say. Keegan and Kyle break down how avoidance gives us short term relief but keeps us stuck long term, why our brains build things up to be way bigger than they actually are, and why we massively overestimate how much other people are actually thinking about us. They get into what gradual exposure looks like in practice, how to reframe failure with a growth mindset, and why having someone in your corner, whether that's a psych, a physio, or a mate, can be the difference between staying in your head and actually moving forward. Keegan also shares how FOPO nearly stopped him from starting this podcast, and how Nathan Cleary's battle with fear of other people's opinions during his career became one of the most powerful examples of what it looks like to break through it. Find Kyle at: https://www.instagram.com/_kyleandrews/ https://www.instagram.com/living_with_meaning_therapy/ https://livingwithmeaning.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode, Keegan sits down with marathon runner and creator Jake Barraclough, who moved from the UK to Japan to immerse himself in one of the toughest distance-running cultures in the world. Training up to 280km per week, Jake shares how discipline, resilience, and relentless curiosity drive his pursuit of Olympic-level performance. From overcoming major health setbacks to documenting his journey for more than 120,000 YouTube subscribers, Jake reveals the mindset behind pushing human limits. This conversation dives into Japanese training culture, elite endurance, and why most people never discover how far they can truly go.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode of 'The Psychology of' series, Keegan sits down with registered psychologist and fellow runner Kyle Andrews to explore what actually happens to our brains and bodies when we move, and why the people we move with matter just as much.From the science behind the runner’s high and flow states, to why outdoor activity hits different than indoor, Keegan and Kyle unpack how physical activity and social connection are two of the most powerful tools for positive mental health.They also get into the difference between simply being around people and being around your people. Why finding a community with shared values doesn’t just feel good, it fundamentally changes how connected, comfortable, and authentically yourself you can be.Find Kyle at:https://www.instagram.com/_kyleandrews/ https://www.instagram.com/living_with_meaning_therapy/ https://livingwithmeaning.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode, Keegan sits down with Australian marathon record-holder Andy Buchanan for an honest conversation about purpose, discipline, and the long road to excellence. From growing up inspired by his parents’ love of marathons to representing Australia on the world stage, Andy shares how consistency became his competitive edge. He unpacks the mindset behind his relentless long runs, how he navigates injury and pressure, and why routine feels like a “cheat code to life.” Grounded by teaching and coaching, Andy reveals what truly drives him and why he believes the best is still ahead.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week on the podcast, Keegan sits down with registered psychologist, runner, and good mate Kyle Andrews to unpack The Psychology of Motivation. In this episode, we discuss: Why motivation is unreliable. Why action beats motivation (every time) Why we wait to feel “ready” before starting How systems and routines create consistency Intrinsic vs extrinsic motivation If you’ve ever struggled to stay consistent, start something meaningful, or wondered why your motivation disappears when you need it... this episode is for you. You can check out more of Kyle’s work below Instagram: @living_with_meaning_therapyWebsite: https://livingwithmeaning.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week on the pod we sit down with Katy Bradley; nutritionist and endurance athlete. In this conversation we talk about why so many people under-fuel by mistake, how to cut weight (the healthy way) without destroying your performance, and what a proper carb load actually looks like ahead of a big race. Katy is a couple of weeks out from her first Ironman and breaks down her personal tips and tricks that she is going to be taking into race day. Katy opens up about losing her dad to cancer, how watching his relentless work ethic shaped who she is today. What helped, what didn't, and why the hardest thing she's ever been through gave her even more mental strength today which she carries into everything now.Learn more about Katy Bradley here:https://www.instagram.com/katybradleyyhttps://www.instagram.com/katy_bradley_nutrition https://katybradleynutrition.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ever been stuck on a thought you can't shake? This episode will help you understand why that happens and what you can actually do about it. This week on the pod we break down the psychology of rumination - what happens when we get stuck on a thought and can't move past it. We've all been there. An injury, a breakup, someone who did wrong by you, a thought that just keeps circling. You replay it, reframe it, spiral on it - and somehow feel worse than when you started. In this solo episode we define what rumination actually is, the traits and life events that make us more prone to it, the difference between rumination and healthy emotional processing, and the science-backed strategies that help us break the cycle. We also get into the Two Wolves analogy, Andy Buchanan's mid-marathon anchoring technique, and a simple visualisation that's been a genuine game changer. Resources: https://www.verywellmind.com/repetitive-thoughts-emotional-processing-or-rumination-3144936 https://www.psychiatry.org/news-room/apa-blogs/rumination-a-cycle-of-negative-thinking https://stoptransingkids.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/nolen-hoeksma-2008.pdfSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week on the pod we sit down with Kitalé Wilson; filmmaker, writer, polar explorer and adventurer. Kitalé spent his early years living on a sailboat in Indonesia, travelling through Africa and Southeast Asia, and growing up on a family farm in rural Australia. Now at 25, recently nominated for Young Australian Filmmaker of the Year and screening at Banff Film Festival, he's channelling a lifetime of adventure into storytelling through film, photography, and writing. In this conversation we talk about what it means to grow up with a polar explorer for a father and a therapist for a mother. How those two forces shaped his approach to adventure, creativity, and life. We hear about near misses - hurricane force winds on a 40-foot sailboat in the Southern Ocean, a torn tent in a -30°C snowstorm on an Icelandic glacier - and what those experiences teach you about ego, vulnerability, and mortality. We also get into why slowing down could be considered a social rebellion these days, the balance between pushing hard and being present, vulnerable masculinity, and why the most dangerous thing you can bring on an expedition is your ego. This episode is proudly supported by Dometic: Helping power outdoor adventures. If you’re looking to upgrade your setup, you can save 20% at Dometic.com with our exclusive community code. Discount code: “KEEGAN20 Learn more about Kitalé Wilson here: https://kitale.xyz https://www.instagram.com/kitalewilson/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode, host Keegan sits down with AFL veteran Jeremy Howe to reflect on a 16-year career shaped by resilience, leadership and values. From his journey through Melbourne and Collingwood to the evolution of club culture, Jeremy shares how prioritising family, vulnerability, and mental health has transformed both performance and perspective. He opens up about personal loss, the lessons learned through grief, and the importance of mentorship in elite sport. The conversation also explores preparing for life after football, offering honest insight into identity, longevity, and navigating pressure beyond the game.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode, Keegan sits down with elite Ironman athlete and co-founder of Dr. Hydrate, Caine Eckstein for aconversation on endurance, discipline, and building something that lasts. From his early days in surf lifesaving to dominating Ironman events and the Coolangatta Gold, Caine shares the unseen pressures of competing at the highest level and the mindset required to stay consistent over time. The conversation explores his transition from elite sport to business, including the birth of Dr. Hydrate, world-record pull-ups, and the lessons sport taught him about work ethic, resilience, and showing up daily.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jess Fox shares the Olympic mindset tools she used to prepare for Paris, including visualisation, journaling for athletes and why she stopped chasing results and started chasing the experience. From silver and bronze “eras” to committing to a “gold story only” mindset, Jess explains the subconscious habits and mental preparation that helped her perform under pressure. She also talks about using Champions Park in Paris as her phone screensaver to lock in the feeling of winning, and how she practised those emotions years before the Olympic moment by visualising the crowd during podium ceremonies. If you’re into sports psychology, high performance habits, confidence, and mental resilience, this one’s for you.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Join Keegan as he sits down with James Newbury, fitness entrepreneur and elite competitor, for a wide-ranging conversation on training, business, and personal growth. James shares his journey from childhood athletics to competing at the highest levels of CrossFit and HYROX, including how he rapidly built a thriving, community-driven gym environment. Together they unpack the power of consistency, adapting through setbacks, and learning from failure, alongside the sacrifices required to pursue excellence. This episode highlights the value of shared experiences, resilient mindset, and building environments that bring the best out of people.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode, we break down how to actually set goals that stick. We explore research from Emily Balcetis at NYU on how motivation and visual perception shape what we see as possible, and why your mindset changes your outcomes. We also discuss findings from Gail Matthews, showing that writing down and sharing your goals can increase your chances of success by up to 33%. Finally, we unpack how hard your goals should be and why the right level of challenge matters.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.






