Head Game

Mike Amor was just 13 months into his role U.S. Bureau Chief for 7NEWS when the World Trade Centre came down on September 11. As the only Australian journalist on the ground in New York that day, it fell on his shoulders to keep Australians updated on the tragedy unfolding in the aftermath of that horrific attack. A seasoned broadcast journalist, Mike has been a fixture of our TV screens for more than two decades. In this episode, he reveals his humble beginnings at a regional newspaper, takes us inside his first major story covering the Port Arthur Massacre, and details the toll being an international correspondent took. From reporting inside war zones, covering natural disasters and school shootings to interviewing celebrities on the red carpet, Mike Amor has done it all. Now he's giving a look behind the lens. LINKS Mike's book 'News Cowboys' is out now Follow Mike on Instagram Catch Mike Amor on 7NEWS Melbourne 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 Producer: Damien Haffenden Managing Producer: Elle Beattie Nova Entertainment acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which we recorded this podcast, the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation. We pay our respect to Elders past and present.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this special 100th episode of Head Game, Ant speaks with Australian Army veteran Curtis McGrath. Curtis lost both his legs in an IED explosion in Afghanistan, and being his teams medic, directed his own lifesaving care as he lay bleeding in the desert. As he was airlifted out for treatment, he joked with his unit that he'd soon be at the Paralympics. Within months Curtis was trialling sports to get into, eventually settling on Para-canoe. Within four years, he was an international champion, winning Gold at three Paralympic Games and winning titles all over the world.  In this in-depth chat, Curtis talks about his reasons for joining the military, the small mistake that lead to disaster that day in Afghanistan, and the mindset he needed to win Paralympic gold. LINKS Curtis' book 'Blood, Sweat & Steel' is out now Follow Curtis on Instagram More on Paralympics Australia 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 Producer: Damien Haffenden Managing Producer: Elle Beattie Nova Entertainment acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which we recorded this podcast, the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation. We pay our respect to Elders past and present.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In his final year of high school, Jake Bailey thought a persistent toothache was caused by his wisdom teeth. But as his condition deteriorated, further tests revealed the horrific truth. An aggressive form of cancer was infiltrating his body, and doctors told Jake that without treatment, he'd have as little as two weeks left to live. His courageous end-of-school-year speech went viral and his story captivated his home nation of New Zealand. After going into remission, Jake studied psychology and travelled the world learning about resilience, in an effort to help young people learn how to overcome adversity. In this episode, Jake shares with Ant what having cancer taught him, and what he's learned about resilience in the years since his diagnosis. LINKS Jake's book 'The Come Back Code' is out now Follow Jake on Instagram More from Jake Bailey 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 Producer: Damien Haffenden Managing Producer: Elle Beattie Nova Entertainment acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which we recorded this podcast, the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation. We pay our respect to Elders past and present.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pete Murray has been a fixture of the Australian music scene for two decades. With three #1 albums and multiple hit singles under his belt, Pete this year launched his biggest tour to date - with nearly 60 shows across Australia and New Zealand. Initially planning a career in rugby union, a missed call and a string of injuries ended his sporting dreams. Pete didn't pick up a guitar until he was 23, but it sparked a passion for music that saw him propelled to the top of the charts. In this episode, Pete reveals his struggles with the success of his hit album 'Feeler', his issues dealing with a major record label and the life lessons he took away from his father's premature passing. LINKS See Pete's tour dates at PeteMurray.com Listen to 'Better Days (Pete's Version) Pete Murray's new album 'Longing' is released October 3 Listen to Pete's new single 'Home To Me' Listen to 'I Am Fire' 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 Producer: Damien Haffenden Managing Producer: Elle Beattie Nova Entertainment acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which we recorded this podcast, the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation. We pay our respect to Elders past and present.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, meet the British roofer who ran the equivalent of 95 marathons across Australia in just 61 days. Jack Pitcher braved the harsh Australian outback, including the infamous Nullarbor, to set a new British record for running 4,320km from Perth to Sydney’s Bondi Beach. Jack reveals to Ant how he did it with almost no money and few resources, the many setbacks he suffered along the way, the mindset that helped him reach his goal, and how a packet of Tim Tams saved his life. LINKS Follow Jack Pitcher on Instagram More info on the SSAFA (UK) 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 Producer: Damien Haffenden Managing Producer: Elle Beattie Nova Entertainment acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which we recorded this podcast, the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation. We pay our respect to Elders past and present.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From a young age, Cheng Lei had dreamed of becoming a journalist. After ditching a career in finance, her dreams came true when she was hired as a business journalist in China. But that dream turned into a nightmare in 2020 when Lei was arrested by Chinese authorities and accused of sharing state secrets. Hidden away in isolation and denied due process, it would be more than 1,000 days before she would see her kids or family again.  In this episode of Head Game, journalist and author Cheng Lei reveals to Ant Middleton what it's really like inside China's prison system, and how she kept her self mentally resilient in conditions designed to break her down. LINKS Cheng Lei's book 'A Memoir Of Freedom' is available now Watch the Sky News Australia documentary 'Cheng Lei: My Story' here 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 Producer: Damien Haffenden Managing Producer: Elle Beattie Nova Entertainment acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which we recorded this podcast, the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation. We pay our respect to Elders past and present.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Growing up as the son of a Victorian footy legend, it seemed inevitable Jonathan Brown would follow in his father's footsteps and play AFL. But Browny's rise from country league player to one of the best players of all time wasn't smooth sailing, and success was never guaranteed. In this episode, the former Brisbane Lions captain shares the advice and training that helped him become an elite athlete,  kicking an astonishing 594 goals over 256 matches, and later pivot to a successful media career. LINKS Listen to Browny's Podcast wherever you get your podcasts 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 Producer: Damien Haffenden Managing Producer: Elle Beattie Nova Entertainment acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which we recorded this podcast, the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation. We pay our respect to Elders past and present.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 2017 Matt Caldwell, better known to music fans as 360, was riding high on the success of his third top five Australian album. On the outside, he had the fame, the money and the success he'd always wanted. But deep inside, the people pleaser in him was deeply insecure. Chasing that euphoria of success, he'd turned to drugs. Just two years later, Matt's addiction would result in him collapsing from an overdose during his biggest tour to date, forcing its cancellation. In this episode of Head Game, 360's candid conversation about how addiction gripped him for so many years, how rehab had little effect on him and what finally turned his life around. LINKS 360's new album 'Out Of The Blue' is out now 360 is touring Australia in July and August: tix and info here Listen to 360 and Pez's ForthWrite podcast 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. Ant Middleton is back in Australia with The Trilogy Tour, his most powerful and transformative live experience yet. Saturday 19th July 2025 - The Star Event Centre, Pyrmont NSW; Saturday 26th July 2025 - The Star Theatre, Gold Coast QLD. Visit Ticketek for tickets! This episode contains discussions of drug abuse. If this episode raises any issues for you, help is available from Lifeline's National Alcohol & Other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015 CREDITSHost: Ant MiddletonEditor: Adrian WaltonExecutive Producer: Damien Haffenden Managing Producer: Elle Beattie Nova Entertainment acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which we recorded this podcast, the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation. We pay our respect to Elders past and present.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Louise Hawkins was born with one arm and was immediately rejected by her father. It spawned a shame that drove her to great lengths to try to hide her disability.  At her lowest, Louise wanted to end it all. But with the help of Ant’s book ‘The Fear Bubble’ and a supportive fitness community, she finally found her way to self-confidence and is now thriving as an adaptive athlete and motivational speaker. This episode contains discussions of suicide and mental ill-health. If this episode raises any issues for you, help is available from Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636. LINKS Follow Louise on Instagram 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. Ant Middleton is back in Australia with The Trilogy Tour, his most powerful and transformative live experience yet. Saturday 19th July 2025 - The Star Event Centre, Pyrmont NSW; Saturday 26th July 2025 - The Star Theatre, Gold Coast QLD. Visit Ticketek for tickets! CREDITSHost: Ant MiddletonEditor: Adrian WaltonExecutive Producer: Damien Haffenden Managing Producer: Elle Beattie Nova Entertainment acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which we recorded this podcast, the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation. We pay our respect to Elders past and present.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Danni Brooke joined Britain's Metropolitan Police at 18, but was quickly recruited to join the undercover unit. Her youthful appearance and no-nonsense attitude was perfect for taking down predators and infiltrating organised crime gangs. But 10 years of living a double life eventually took its toll. In this episode Danni reveals what it took to become the UK's most effective female undercover cop, the delicate balance of working a dangerous job as a mother and why she's happy a serial predator attacked her.   LINKS Danni's book 'Undercover Copper' is available now Follow Danni on Instagram 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. Ant Middleton is back in Australia with The Trilogy Tour, his most powerful and transformative live experience yet. Saturday 19th July 2025 - The Star Event Centre, Pyrmont NSW; Saturday 26th July 2025 - The Star Theatre, Gold Coast QLD. Visit Ticketek for tickets! CREDITSHost: Ant MiddletonEditor: Adrian WaltonExecutive Producer: Damien Haffenden Managing Producer: Elle Beattie Nova Entertainment acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which we recorded this podcast, the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation. We pay our respect to Elders past and present.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former special forces commando Heston Russell has an impressive resume from his time in the Australian Defence Force. The fifth-generation soldier has service in his blood, with more than 100 combat missions under his belt.  His drive and passion helped him work his way quickly through the ranks. But behind the success, self-doubt, the loss of a soldier under his command and hiding his sexuality play on Heston's mind.  LINKS Heston's book 'Forging The Will To Fight' is available now Listen the Heston's podcast 'The ABCs of Heston Russell'  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. Ant Middleton is back in Australia with The Trilogy Tour, his most powerful and transformative live experience yet. Saturday 19th July 2025 - The Star Event Centre, Pyrmont NSW; Saturday 26th July 2025 - The Star Theatre, Gold Coast QLD. Visit Ticketek for tickets! CREDITSHost: Ant MiddletonEditor: Adrian WaltonExecutive Producer: Damien Haffenden Managing Producer: Elle Beattie Nova Entertainment acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which we recorded this podcast, the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation. We pay our respect to Elders past and present.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Suzanne Heywood was just 6-years-old when her father decided the family would embark on an around-the-world sailing expedition. What seemed like a dream trip sailing the world's blue waters and sandy beaches soon became a nightmare, with powerful storms damaging the boat and supplies running low.  After years with little schooling or friends, her parents abandoned Suzanne and her brother in New Zealand and continued their adventure. Hoping for more out of life, Suzanne took a chance by writing letters to elite universities in the hope education could help turn her life around. Her efforts paid off. LINKS Follow Suzanne on Instagram Suzanne's book 'Wavewalker' is available now 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. Ant Middleton is back in Australia with The Trilogy Tour, his most powerful and transformative live experience yet. Saturday 19th July 2025 - The Star Event Centre, Pyrmont NSW; Saturday 26th July 2025 - The Star Theatre, Gold Coast QLD. Visit Ticketek for tickets! CREDITSHost: Ant MiddletonEditor: Adrian WaltonExecutive Producer: Damien Haffenden Managing Producer: Elle Beattie Nova Entertainment acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which we recorded this podcast, the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation. We pay our respect to Elders past and present.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jamila Rizvi was just 31 years old and a rising star in Australia's media landscape when she went to her doctor thinking she was pregnant for a second time. The diagnosis was far more dire than she could have anticipated, and it left her body with permanent, life-changing damage.  In this candid interview, Jamila details the extraordinary methods doctors used to save her life, how her family rallied around her in her darkest hours, the toll the tumour has taken on her body, and how the experience has given her a new sense of purpose. LINKS Follow Jamila Rizvi on Instagram Jamlia's book with Rosie Waterland 'Broken Brains' is available now 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 Producer: Damien Haffenden Managing Producer: Elle Beattie Nova Entertainment acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which we recorded this podcast, the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation. We pay our respect to Elders past and present.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

James Parr has taken the fashion world by storm, proudly displaying his prosthetic leg and representing the disability community on runways and in photoshoots for the likes of Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger and lululemon. In this episode, James discusses how the resilience he built up during his unconventional childhood helped him navigate the cancer diagnosis that led to the amputation of his leg, and how having a disability has helped him find his purpose. LINKS Follow James Parr on Instagram and TikTok 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 Producer: Damien Haffenden Managing Producer: Elle Beattie Nova Entertainment acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which we recorded this podcast, the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation. We pay our respect to Elders past and present. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our frontline workers are often unsung heroes, saving lives and keeping us safe with little to no recognition for their bravery or the toll it takes. In this special episode, Ant looks back on interview with some inspirational emergency services workers who have seen and experienced things many of us could only imagine: former police officer Allan Sparkes, former Commissioner of Fire and Rescue New South Wales Greg Mullins and paramedic Sally Gould. LINKS Listen to Ant's full episode with ex-cop Allan Sparkes Follow Allan Sparkes on Instagram @allansparkes_cv Find out more about Allan and his book, The Cost of Bravery, at allansparkes.com Check out Ant's full chat with firefighter Greg Mullins More on Greg Mullins' book 'Firestorm' here Sally Gould's book Frog: The Secret Diaries of a Paramedic is out now 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 Producer: Anna Henvest Managing Producer: Elle Beattie Nova Entertainment acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which we recorded this podcast, the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation. We pay our respect to Elders past and present. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Climbing the world's highest peaks takes courage, strength and endurance. In this episode, Ant looks back on his interviews with three people who embody those characteristics and so much more: Kenton Cool, Jim Davidson and Nimsdai Purja. LINKS Hear Ant's full chat with Kenton Cool See more from Kenton Cool at kentoncool.com Check out Ant's episode on Kenton's podcast, Cool Conversations, here Listen to Ant's full interview with Jim Davidson Find our more about Jim Davidson and his books,The Ledge and The Next Everest on his website https://www.speakingofadventure.com/ Follow Nims on Instagram.  For more information on Nims and his guiding visit nimsdai.com 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 Producer: Anna Henvest Managing Producer: Elle Beattie Nova Entertainment acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which we recorded this podcast, the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation. We pay our respect to Elders past and present. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At 29 years of age, Australian Holly Deane-Johns' life was hanging in the balance. Arrested by Thai police while trying to post illicit drugs back to Australia, she faces the death penalty in a foreign country. Her life is spared, but a harrowing jail experience prompted Holly to turn her life around and finally kick her drug addiction. LINKS Holly's book Holly’s Hell: Seven Years in a Thai Prison is available now You can also follow Holly on Instagram 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 Producer: Anna Henvest Managing Producer: Elle Beattie Nova Entertainment acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which we recorded this podcast, the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation. We pay our respect to Elders past and present. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Growing up in Townsville, Elle Armit grew up swimming and playing in water. As she got older, that turned into a passion for water polo that saw her play overseas, before ultimately representing Australia at two Olympics. With the Stingers, she won silver in Paris, helping them become the most successful Australian water polo team ever at an overseas Olympic Games.  While training daily and working her day job as a teacher, Elle is told she's being dropped from the team. Her coach says she’s not ready, that Elle is standing in the way of her own success. She speaks with Ant about the mindset needed to represent your country and finding your purpose. LINKS Follow Elle on Instagram 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 Producer: Anna Henvest Managing Producer: Elle Beattie Nova Entertainment acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which we recorded this podcast, the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation. We pay our respect to Elders past and present. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sally Gould is an Intensive Care Paramedic and joins Ant discuss the realities of her life on the frontline. From her earliest memories of life on the job, to coping with unpredictable and dangerous situations - this is a conversation is a revealing account of life as a paramedic.  You can find out more about Sally's book, Frog: The Secret Diaries of a Paramedic, at simonandschuster.com.au. LINKS 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 Producer: Anna Henvest Managing Producer: Elle Beattie Nova Entertainment acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which we recorded this podcast, the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation. We pay our respect to Elders past and present. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Johannes Egberts was feeling numb and lost in life when he unexpectedly discovered the power of breath and benefits of cold water plunging.  Since that discovery over ten years ago, he has made this his life's work and is a world-class breathwork and cold water immersion coach.  Ant chats with Johannes to understand the impact this discovery had on his life, and hear some simple ways we can all experience the benefits of breath and cold water.  Johannes has just released a book full of his tips and advice, The Cold Therapy Plan. You can find out more at breathlessexpeditions.com.  LINKS Follow Johannes on Instagram.  Learn more about Johannes at breathlessexpeditions.com 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 Producer: Anna Henvest Managing Producer: Elle Beattie Nova Entertainment acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which we recorded this podcast, the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation. We pay our respect to Elders past and present. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.