Sportish

Kieren Perkins knows what it takes to win (Atlanta 96, 1500m, ICONIC), but he’s far more interested in whether Australians are still playing sport at all.   As an Olympic champion and now CEO of the Australian Sports Commission, Kieren is urging us to be a nation of “doers” rather than just “watchers”.   If you want kids to love sport for life, it starts with participation, curiosity, and showing up.   +++  Sportish podcast is powered by the Australian Sports Commission and produced by Deadset Studios.   We’re spotlighting Australia’s sport participation strategy Play Well. You can find plenty more resources and information at ausport.gov.au/playwell. Kieren Perkins is a 3 time Olympian and the CEO of the Australian Sports Commission.   This episode was hosted by Libby Trickett and Georgie Trickett, produced by Luci McAfee with sound design by Melissa May. The Executive Producers are Kellie Riordan and Sarah Dabro. Ann Chesterman is the Production Manager.  We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which this podcast was made. We pay our respects to Elders past and present. We also recognise the outstanding contribution that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples make to sport and celebrate the power of sport to tell stories and promote reconciliation. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Boxing Day can mean different things to different people – shopping the sales or eating endless Christmas leftovers. For many, the Boxing Day test is central to the day: family crowded around the TV, arguing over runs, soaking up the game.   For Rana Hussain, cricket gave that same sense of belonging. But in fact organised sport wasn’t really set-up for her. Whether it was the non-inclusive uniforms, the lack of knowledge of cultural expectations, or simply the lack of diversity in the food offered at sports clubs, Rana felt locked out of sport.   Today, Rana’s changing that. As founder of Good Human, she’s helped sporting organisations like Cricket Australia and various football clubs build spaces that are inclusive, welcoming, and community focused.  +++  Sportish is powered by the Australian Sports Commission, and produced by Deadset Studios.  We’re spotlighting Australia’s sport participation strategy Play Well. You can find plenty more resources and information at ausport.gov.au/playwell. If you or your sporting club wants to get involved in spreading the Play Well message, check out the Play Well Partner Toolkit. This episode was hosted by Libby Trickett and Georgie Trickett, produced by Luci McAfee with sound design by Melissa May. The Executive Producer is Kellie Riordan and Sarah Dabro. Ann Chesterman is the Production Manager.  We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which this podcast was made. We pay our respects to Elders past and present. We also recognise the outstanding contribution that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples make to sport and celebrate the power of sport to tell stories and promote reconciliation. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Before sport was graded, scored and analysed... what did you love to play? Not just do, but actually, play?  That feeling of joy, curiosity and being completely immersed in something is known as the 'play state'. Mindset coach Ben Crowe says most of us leave it behind far too early. As sport becomes organised, measured, and outcome-driven, we change from playing for love to playing for approval.  Redefining success and reconnecting with play is central to Ben’s work with athletes including tennis stars Ash Barty and Andre Agassi and surfer Molly Picklum. It's helped them transform their relationships with sport as a result.   Ben says play is as essential as sleep, so how do we bring more of it back, for ourselves and for our kids?  +++  Sportish is powered by the Australian Sports Commission and produced by Deadset Studios.    We’re spotlighting Australia’s sport participation strategy Play Well. You can find plenty more resources and information at ausport.gov.au/playwell.   Ben Crowe is the founder of Mojo Crowe, and author of Where the Light Gets In.   Sportish is hosted by Libby Trickett and Georgie Trickett, produced by Luci McAfee with sound design by Melissa May. The Executive Producer is Kellie Riordan and Sarah Dabro. Ann Chesterman is the Production Manager.  We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which this podcast was made. We pay our respects to Elders past and present. We also recognise the outstanding contribution that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples make to sport and celebrate the power of sport to tell stories and promote reconciliation. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Swimmer Ellie Cole has spent most of her life adapting. Losing her leg aged three meant learning how to move differently, think differently, and push through moments most kids never face. That early resilience didn’t just make her a Paralympian - it shaped how she sees sport and who gets to take part in it.  Ellie’s clear about one thing: inclusive sporting spaces aren’t just for athletes with disabilities. When kids grow up training beside people with different bodies and different life experiences, they learn how to work with others, how to communicate, and how to build real community.  When more people can participate, everyone benefits. So if inclusion makes sport stronger, why not design every club that way?  +++  Sportish podcast is powered by the Australian Sports Commission and produced by Deadset Studios.   We’re spotlighting Australia’s sport participation strategy Play Well. You can find more resources at ausport.gov.au.   Ellie Coles’ book is Felix and His Fantastic Friends.   This episode was hosted by Libby Trickett and Georgie Trickett, produced by Luci McAfee with sound design by Melissa May. The Executive Producers are Kellie Riordan and Sarah Dabro. Ann Chesterman is the Production Manager.  We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which this podcast was made. We pay our respects to Elders past and present.  We also recognise the outstanding contribution that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples make to sport and celebrate the power of sport to tell stories and promote reconciliation. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As a kid growing up in the suburbs of Melbourne, sport was the soundtrack for Hugh van Cuylenburg’s childhood. That deep, visceral connection to sport looks different since Hugh founded The Resilience Project, but the lessons of sport continue to inform every aspect of his life.   “I experienced shocking burnout. I wouldn’t have got through it all without track. There’s no way. I feel like [sport is] almost petrol. I feel when my tank is empty. I go the track and I fill up and go; I’m good now,” he says.  And the broader opportunity for sport? To be the place where neurodiverse, or people with a disability, or just the less talented can also be involved.   +++ Sportish is powered by the Australian Sports Commission and produced by Deadset Studios.   We’re spotlighting Australia’s sport participation strategy Play Well. You can find more resources at ausport.gov.au/playwell.   Hugh van Cuylenburg is the founder of The Resilience Project and a co-host on The Imperfects. This episode was hosted by Libby Trickett and Georgie Trickett, produced by Luci McAfee with sound design by Melissa May. The Executive Producers are Kellie Riordan and Sarah Dabro. Ann Chesterman is the Production Manager.  We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which this podcast was made. We pay our respects to Elders past and present. We also recognise the outstanding contribution that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples make to sport and celebrate the power of sport to tell stories and promote reconciliation. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Imagine walking out in front of 15,000 people, taking a deep breath, smiling and thinking: “How cool is this?” That was Ash Barty on centre court… and she still chose to leave while at the top of her game.  Ash shares her insights into what really sits behind those trophies: the brutal Wimbledon loss that sent her back to the drawing board, the conversation with her coach that flipped her mindset, and the “why not me?” question she now shares with kids.  From the West Brisbane Tennis Centre to Grand Slams (via cricket) and back to community sport, she’s seen more than most and truly understands what it is to “play” sport.  It’s Ash Barty being her authentic self; light, fun and keen to remind all of us that playing well is actually about joy, balance and finding your people. +++  Sportish podcast is powered by the Australian Sports Commission and produced by Deadset Studios.   We’re spotlighting Australia’s sport participation strategy Play Well. You can find plenty more resources and information at ausport.gov.au/playwell.   Find out more about how the Ash Barty Foundation is working with communities all across Australia to help encourage access to sport and education. Read more about Ash's children’s picture books here.   This episode was hosted by Libby Trickett and Georgie Trickett, produced by Luci McAfee with sound design by Melissa May. The Executive Producer is Kellie Riordan and Sarah Dabro. Ann Chesterman is the Production Manager.  We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which this podcast was made. We pay our respects to Elders past and present.  We also recognise the outstanding contribution that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples make to sport and celebrate the power of sport to tell stories and promote reconciliation. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hello Sporties. Did you listen to the trailer? Are you as excited as we are?! Well, before the first episode of the new season of Sportish comes out next week, we have a little treat for you. We wanted to bring you behind the scenes and have a quick gasbag about some of the amazing guests you'll hear from this season and the things that happened on (and off) the mic. Tune in!  +++  This season of Sportish is powered by the Australian Sports Commission and produced by Deadset Studios. We’re spotlighting Australia’s sport participation strategy Play Well. You can find more resources at ausport.gov.au.   Sportish is hosted by Libby Trickett and Georgie Trickett. Producer is Luci McAfee, sound design by Melissa May. Executive Producers are Kellie Riordan and Sarah Dabro. Ann Chesterman is Production Manager.  We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which this podcast was made. We pay our respects to Elders past and present. We also recognise the outstanding contribution that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples make to sport and celebrate the power of sport to tell stories and promote reconciliation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have you seen it all on the sidelines? Cheered the wins. Felt the losses. Sat through missed selections. Heard the “I don’t want to go anymore.”  If you’re an amateur athlete, a coach, a parent, or a volunteer — this new season of Sportish is for you.  You’ll hear from Australia’s high-profile athletes and thinkers. Go inside the mindset shift that keeps Ash Barty in love with sport even after retirement. Dive in with Paralympic swimmer Ellie Cole for the first time after losing her leg. Discover why mindset coach Ben Crowe wants you to play more, in sport and in life. Plus, why Hugh van Cuylenburg insists sport is one of the best teachers we have.  Sportish is packed with practical tips, plenty of laughs, and real strategies the whole family can use to move more, feel great, and really enjoy sport.  +++  This season of Sportish is powered by the Australian Sports Commission and produced by Deadset Studios. We’re spotlighting Australia’s sport participation strategy Play Well. You can find more resources at ausport.gov.au.   Sportish is hosted by Libby Trickett and Georgie Trickett. Producer is Luci McAfee, sound design by Melissa May. Executive Producers are Kellie Riordan and Sarah Dabro. Ann Chesterman is Production Manager.  We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which this podcast was made. We pay our respects to Elders past and present. We also recognise the outstanding contribution that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples make to sport and celebrate the power of sport to tell stories and promote reconciliation. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Scotty James and Jakara Anthony had some tough days at the [Olympic] office over the weekend and we go deep on the impact of expectation. We have a red hot documentary recommendation (100% sport meets reality TV) and if you've ever thought "maybe one day..." about a triathlon, this is your sign to start!  Libby and Georgie xxx PS - have some Sportish thoughts? Get them off your chest - email us at hello@sportish.com.au or message us via Instagram @beingsportish Have we got you thinking about trying a tri? Head to The Starting Line and check out the awesome and FREE online program, club connector, and relay finder that's been developed by AusTriathlon for community athletes. We'll be taking a look ourselves... Hosts: Georgie and Libby Trickett Connect with Us: Instagram: @beingsportish Website: www.sportish.com.au Email: hello@sportish.com.au See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

All the Opening Ceremony vibes, including Libby's last Mariah reference point (R&B Fridays). Of course we watched Lindsey Vonn and had thoughts on her 41 year old Olympic campaign. And we give a shout out to a VERY deserving Mid Week Hall Of Fame. Come join us!   Libby and Georgie xxx PS - have some Sportish thoughts? Get them off your chest - email us at hello@sportish.com.au or message us via Instagram @beingsportish Hosts: Georgie and Libby Trickett Connect with Us: Instagram: @beingsportish Website: www.sportish.com.au Email: hello@sportish.com.au See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Libby has had the most awkward interaction with an international cricket star and we've nearly died. Georgie's become a sports reporter on the sidelines of softball, Libby has thoughts on Coco Gauff and just how special is a winter or summer Olympics and Paralympics (just a bit more than your regular football season thank you very much!). Tune in!  Libby and Georgie xxx PS - have some Sportish thoughts? Get them off your chest - email us at hello@sportish.com.au or message us via Instagram @beingsportish Hosts: Georgie and Libby Trickett Connect with Us: Instagram: @beingsportish Website: www.sportish.com.au Email: hello@sportish.com.au See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sporties! We are back and do we have CHATS for you. Are there 2 many influencers at the tennis? Should Netflix be encouraging a man to scale a skyscrapper without a rope? And how do we feel about the new Scotty James documentary on Netflix. Rest assured, we are refreshed, we are ready for the kids to go back to school and WE HAVE THOUGHTS.  Libby and Georgie xxx PS - have some Sportish thoughts? Get them off your chest - email us at hello@sportish.com.au or message us via Instagram @beingsportish Hosts: Georgie and Libby Trickett Connect with Us: Instagram: @beingsportish Website: www.sportish.com.au Email: hello@sportish.com.au See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We've all been the worst of on a team (yes, even our resident Olympian). And through that process, we learnt oh so much. Here's a snippet from a chat we had a couple of years ago with our non-sporty mate, Rebecca Sparrow, all about what we learnt when we found ourselves to be the worst on a team.  Libby and Georgie xxx PS - have some Sportish thoughts? Get them off your chest - email us at hello@sportish.com.au or message us via Instagram @beingsportish Hosts: Georgie and Libby Trickett Connect with Us: Instagram: @beingsportish Website: www.sportish.com.au Email: hello@sportish.com.au See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We hear it so often - where are kids supposed to go when they just want to the play sport for fun? Once you get to 18+, there are a HUGE amount of social sport opportunities. But well before that, once the Auskicks and the Net Set Go stops, and the grading begins, where are kids who aren't competitive meant to play? This is a chat we had with tween and teen educator and author Rebecca Sparrow a couple of years ago about the need for kids to have social sport options.  Libby and Georgie xxx PS - have some Sportish thoughts? Get them off your chest - email us at hello@sportish.com.au or message us via Instagram @beingsportish Hosts: Georgie and Libby Trickett Connect with Us: Instagram: @beingsportish Website: www.sportish.com.au Email: hello@sportish.com.au See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Some Saturdays you may be on the sidelines of kids sport and wonder if you've accidentally turned up to the AFL Grand Final. Or the Super Netball GF. Or even game 5 of the Ashes. Because the level of parent involvement is just, well, INTENSE. Be it yelling, taunting, or even having a crack at the ref, parent behaviour is a real issue in kids sport. This is part of a chat we had with tween and teen educator and author Rebecca Sparrow, about the sidelines of kids sport and how we can all make little changes that make a big difference.  Libby and Georgie xxx PS - have some Sportish thoughts? Get them off your chest! Email us at hello@sportish.com.au or message us via Instagram @beingsportish Hosts: Georgie and Libby Trickett Connect with Us: Instagram: @beingsportish Website: www.sportish.com.au Email: hello@sportish.com.au See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's Christmas holidays and while we may not know what day it is we certainly know this - as one year closes we ALWAYS start thinking about what next year might bring. And central to that is the how of getting things done. Be it sport, exercise or movement (or anything else for that matter!) understanding how motivation works is crucial. We hope you enjoy this chat we had with Rebecca Sparrow from a couple of years ago - between the 3 us of we have elite, community and reluctant sports particpation all covered!   Libby and Georgie xxx PS - have some Sportish thoughts? Get them off your chest - email us at hello@sportish.com.au or message us via Instagram @beingsportish.  Hosts: Georgie and Libby Trickett Connect with Us: Instagram: @beingsportish Website: www.sportish.com.au Email: hello@sportish.com.au See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The McLaren Team has lost their minds and we are wondering whether Max is actually the 3rd Papaya Driver. Paralympic swimming superstar Rowan Crothers joins us to talk about the upcoming social media ban PLUS Georgie revisits her softball spirital home and Libby is in her happy place after the 3rd week of the Sportish Swimming Club.  Sporties, while we might be signing off for the summer break there's still SO MANY great chats you can catch up with back in the feed AND you can keep track of us and sport and life over on our Instagram, @beingsportish.  Wishing all the Sporties the merriest of Christmases and a happy new year. We can't wait to share with you our new season of Sportish in 2026!  Libby and Georgie xxx PS - have some Sportish thoughts? Get them off your chest - email us at hello@sportish.com.au or message us via Instagram @beingsportish.  Hosts: Georgie and Libby Trickett Connect with Us: Instagram: @beingsportish Website: www.playonmedia.com.au Email: hello@sportish.com.au See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We don't know how to feel about the hot hot mess that is the Sky Sports Halo TikTok account - definitely giving "pink it and shrink it vibes" but is everyone also just a bit angry? Former Aussie Diamond and Queensland Firebird Gretel Bueta joins us to talk about the hottest new netball comp - Fire5 - happening on the Gold Coast this weekend. Plus we went for a 2km swim last Friday and have now we've decided that you guys should join us!  Libby and Georgie xxx PS We love the questions the Sporties come up with! You can email us at hello@sportish.com.au or message us via Instagram @beingsportish.  Hosts: Georgie and Libby Trickett Connect with Us: Instagram: @beingsportish Website: www.playonmedia.com.au Email: hello@sportish.com.au See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We are DEEP in all the sporting analogies and wisdom of Brené Brown, following the release of her new book Strong Ground and honestly, Libby won't stop talking about it. Georgie's got thoughts on the new football comedy Chad Powers (it's definitely NOT Ted Lasso, to be clear) and we chat about how on earth you can do exercise with some many children and so little time. Come join us! Libby and Georgie xxx PS We love the questions the Sporties come up with! You can email us at hello@sportish.com.au or message us via Instagram @beingsportish.  Hosts: Georgie and Libby Trickett Connect with Us: Instagram: @beingsportish Website: www.playonmedia.com.au Email: hello@sportish.com.au See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kids in water polo are playing in multiple teams, multiple age groups and multiple locations in one weekend - is it too much? We don't know much about water polo, but we certainly know someone who does! This week we welcome to the Sportish studio the coach of the Australian Women's Water Polo Team (The Stingers) and Olympian, Bec Rippon.  Big thanks to Bec and to our Sporties for sending through questions - we love them! If you've got a kids sports issue you'd like us to discuss, email us at hello@sportish.com.au or message us via Instagram @beingsportish.  Libby and Georgie xxx Hosts: Georgie and Libby Trickett Connect with Us: Instagram: @beingsportish Website: www.playonmedia.com.au Email: hello@sportish.com.au See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.