What a Lad

Holly Parkes and Greg Johnson are two of the most purpose-driven people you’ll ever hear from.Holly Parkes first came on the podcast during one of the toughest times of her life, sharing what it was really like trying to support someone battling a serious brain injury and searching for answers that never seemed to come. Greg is a former NZ SAS operator who spent years exposed to explosive blasts, before discovering his own brain injury had been misdiagnosed for years.Together, they are now doing incredible work helping players, veterans, and everyday people who have struggled with brain injuriesFrom believing there was no hope to discovering a clinic that is actually helping people recover, this conversation is full of knowledge, and deeply important.In this episode we dive into:- Greg’s SAS career and how repeated blast exposure damaged his brain- Being misdiagnosed with mental health issues instead of brain injury- What brain injury actually does to your body, energy, personality and relationships- Why so many athletes and veterans are slipping through broken pathways- How Holly desperately searched for help and finally found a clinic doing things differently- The Brain Health & Biofeedback Clinic in Dunedin and how it works- Real people they are helping right now and the changes they’re already seeing- Why brain injuries are not a death sentence- What needs to change in sport, medicine, and support systemsAnd heaps more.As you'll hear these two are super passionate about this topic which I know is a topic of relevance for many. The best thing about this episode is that if you are concerned or worried about your head there is hope! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Reuben O’Neill has one of the most interesting stories in New Zealand rugby! A proud Taranaki lad, a cult hero in every team he’s played in, and a man who battled more adversity than most ever knew. From crippling cramps, constant injuries, and being diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes — to somehow rising all the way into an All Blacks camp before he’d even played Super Rugby.In this episode some of the things we talk about were..- How he's always embraced being himself- Being diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes and having no idea how to manage it- The shock All Blacks call-up having played just a few NPC games- The setbacks of a Neck fusion surgery, Achilles issues, stress fractures and how he kept coming back- How injuries turned him into a DJ, a truck driver, a nutritionist and more- The story behind “DJ Mince on Toast”- Why he believes the Crusaders have had more success than the ChiefsAnd he answers all your questions!Rueben is a unique human, always happy to be himself, enjoys taking the piss and is not afraid of awkwardness. He's genuine lad and someone who makes every environment better in his own unique way. I'm sure you will enjoy this inspiring story from this great man! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Welsh Rugby superstar Hadleigh Parkes is one of the great stories in rugby! A self described battler who played for Manawatu, Auckland, the Blues and the Hurricanes and at one point nearly walked away from the game altogether! It wasn't until a life changing call, a change of mindset and a move to Wales where he quickly turned himself into one of the best midfielders in the World!In this episode here are some of the things we talk about:- The glory days of ripping it up for Palmy boys with a stacked 1st XV side.- Crazy stories from playing in South Africa- The mindset shift that changed his entire career- Why he felt it was so important to learn the Welsh national anthem- Two tries on debut for Wales- How he played in a Rugby World Cup with a broken hand!- He answers all your questions!- And so many more great yarnsAnyone who has played with Hadleigh will know he is one of the all time champion lads. The teammate you just you to be around. Such a humble man who has always enjoyed a good time! I'm sure you'll enjoy this one with the great man. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sam Lane is one of NZs very best hockey players and an absolute lad! He is 100+ gamer for the New Zealand Black Sticks, two-time Olympian, captain and full-time financial advisor… somehow all at once. His journey is one of the most unbelievable combinations of talent, tragedy, resilience and pure Kiwi grit you’ll hear.This episode has everything — the brutal reality of playing for a national team with almost no funding, a run of injuries that would end most careers, the inspirational comeback to make the Paris Olympics, and the heartbreaking loss of his mum during the biggest years of his life.In this episode, Sam opens up on:- How NZ Hockey lost 60% of its funding overnight- How humble the Black Sticks set up is with players literally having to take unpaid leave to represent their country- The injury setbacks he's had including his knee exploding and his foot collapsing- The emotional toll of losing his mum to cancer- His partner Greta's horrific accident after being hit by a car- The challenge to be available for the Paris Olympics- What it’s really like playing in the Indian Hockey League- And the mindset that’s kept him going through it allHe’s humble, tough, honest and one incredibly inspiring lad. I know you'll enjoy this one with the great kiwi Sam Lane! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Freedom Vaha'akaolo’s story is one of the wildest and most emotional you’ll ever hear. He is one incredibly talented rugby player who certainly didn't take the typical pathway.From the age of just 11 years old he was homeless, eating from trash cans, and learning how to survive. Years later, he was scoring tries for Otago using his speed and power which earned him a spot with the Highlanders.During that time he was involved in a cruel catfish scam almost ended it all.In this episode, Freedom opens up about:- What made a kid with two loving parent want to be homeless- What life was like on the streets as a young teenager- The impact that moving to 7 new schools had on him- His identity struggle coming from mixed heritage and the impact that had.- How he made the NZ schools camp in basically his first year of rugby- His pathway into professional rugby and the challenges involved.- How an online relationship turned into a disaster being catfished,- And how he’s rebuilt himself through faith, therapy, and sport again.It’s raw. It’s real. It’s one of the most powerful stories ever shared on What a Lad and that is no exaggeration. Let me know what you thought about it in the comments👇 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens is one of the most electric players in New Zealand rugby!A proud Taranaki man, who went from Blues prospect to a Highlanders star as his story takes a wild turn when a routine game left him with a fractured neck!What followed is a powerful story of perspective, gratitude, and rediscovering his love for the game. Jacob’s honesty and maturity in this chat is incredible and the way he speaks about identity, family and resilience is seriously inspiring.Some parts that stood out for me were..• Growing up in Taranaki with his Fijian/Dutch heritage• Breaking into Super Rugby straight out of school• Losing the love for rugby and finding it again in Dunedin• The incredible story of playing on with a broken neck• How close he was to being paralysed• The mindset shift that changed everything• Life beyond rugby — content creation, purpose and gratitudeAnd heaps moreJacob is genuine, humble and wise beyond his years. He's a real talent and someone I believe will have a massive future in the game. I'm sure you will enjoy this one! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Two absolute lads on one outrageous mission. Alex and Ben decided they wanted to do something that would really push them to their limits for Movember so became the first ever to walk across New Zealand in a straight line. What followed was six days of chaos: rafting rivers in a leaking dinghy, crawling through blackberry, dodging bulls, and getting zapped by electric fences, all to raise money and awareness for men’s health.In this episode they open up about around the challenges they have faced which included losing loved ones to prostate cancer and suicide. They found these challenges and Movember has given them a purpose bigger than themselves. They also reveal their next wild challenge as they continue their mission to get blokes talking and checking in.Some bits that stood out for me were..• Why they decided to walk in a perfectly straight line across NZ• The madness of rafting rivers, bulls, and electric fences• How the six-day adventure raised over $11,000 for Movember• The deeper reason behind their mission – losing loved ones to men’s health battles• The power of mateship during difficult times• What they've got planned in the futureAnd heaps more!It’s raw, funny and bloody inspiring. These lads are a serious reminder to talk to your mates, get checked, and step outside your comfort zone. If you've been thinking about getting something checked then get it checked today! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Steve Devine is one of the toughest men to ever pull on a rugby jersey. A proud Aussie who moved over to NZ for an opportunity with Auckland, where he quickly made NZ home. Where the fearless competitive halfback played a huge part in Auckland and the Blues success. From that came an his chance to wear the All Black jersey which he managed to do 10 times.But behind that toughness was a brutal reality, years of repeated head knocks that left him battling crippling migraines, light sensitivity, and a fight just to feel human again.In this episode, Steve opens up on:- Life growing up in Australia and why the move to NZ- Stories from the Auckland and Blues glory days- The 40+ concussions that changed his life- The miracle treatment that helped him get his life back- How he’s now leading the charge with NeuroCheck, a game-changing concussion scanner- How he's found his transition with life after rugby becoming a firemanAnd heaps moreSteve story is honest, powerful, emotional and even shocking at times. Sharing his story from a place of just wanting to help others and for no one having to go through what he has been through. He is such a champion lad and let me know what you thought of the episode in the comments. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tom Christie is one of the toughest workhorses in New Zealand rugby.In this episode the multiple Super Rugby champion opens up on leadership, injuries, and why he’s leaving the Crusaders to chase a new challenge with Newcastle’s Red Bulls.From captaining the NZ U20s to battling setbacks and rediscovering his love for the game, this is Tom Christie like you’ve never heard him before.In this episode we chat about...How he learnt to tackle as a young fellaWhat it meant leading the NZ U20s sideLife at the Crusaders and what it takes to stay consistentHow his mindset has changed around topping the tackle countThe injury battles and how he rebuilt his confidenceHis honest reflections on missing All Blacks selectionHow he's handled non selection better than anyone I have worked withWhy he's decide to move to Newcastle and the next chapter of his journeyAnd heaps more.As you'll hear, Tom is such a champion and has played a massive part of the Crusaders success during his time. He's one of the most self aware and articulate players I have coached. While players love playing with him cause they just know he will never let you down. He is a lad! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mitchell Scott was one of the most talented outside backs in New Zealand rugby, electric pace, unreal footwork, and a try-scoring instinct few could match. But behind the highlight reels was a rollercoaster journey through tragedy, addiction, injuries, and redemption.From losing his father at just three years old, to wearing an ankle bracelet just months before representing New Zealand U20s in one of the greatest teams ever assembled. Mitch’s story is raw, honest and full of lessons.In this episode we dive into:- His early years and the loss that shaped his drive.- The influence of drugs and alcohol from a young age- How he made the NZ 20s after just coming off home detention. - Why he had to get out of Perth while playing for the force- Addiction, psychosis and recovery- Finding peace, purpose and passion again through coaching in Otago- The power of mental health, routine, and clean living- How he’s preparing for fatherhood and helping young players avoid his mistakesAnd heaps more.This episode sums up what the What a Lad podcast is all about, it’s brutally honest, funny, emotional, and inspiring, a true What a Lad story! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jacob Ellison is one of Wellington’s great unsung heroes – a tough, mobile front-rower who gave absolutely everything every time he pulled on a jersey. From the Wellington Lions and Hurricanes to the Highlanders, the Māori All Blacks and several seasons in Japan, Jacob built a reputation as the ultimate team man.But this chat is about far more than scrums. Jacob opens up about his remarkable life:His unusual pathway from the wing to the front rowThe shift from Hurricanes to Highlanders and life as a “middle-ground” proHow he's managed having epilepsy throughout his careerHis powerful and emotional journey with IVF, loss and finally becoming a dadThe key to managing the life after rugby transitionSome classic stories including an interesting epilepsy diagnosis from a Japanese doctor Learning the hard way about agents, contracts and preparing for life after rugbyAnd heaps more including your questions!It’s funny, raw and inspiring – from yellow-jersey court sessions to Jamie Joseph’s sniper-rifle pep talks, right through to the lessons he passes on to young players today.If you love genuine stories from genuine people, this is a special listen.#WhatALad #RugbyPodcast #JacobEllison Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kylem O’Donnell is a lad who has truly lived the highs and lows of chasing the rugby dream. From starring at Hamilton Boys’ High to winning an NPC title with Taranaki and travelling the world with the All Blacks Sevens, he looked destined for it all. But behind the speed, fitness and flair, Kylem’s story is one of setbacks, mental battles, and resilience.In this episode he opens up like never before from the challenge of dealing with injuries and non-selection, to a being on the receiving end of brutal bouncer assault. He even shares some incredibly hard moments in his life including a terrifying drug-induced psychosis that had him running along the motorway naked! However the most powerful of all are the moments where Kylem shares his raw struggles with mental health, including times he nearly didn’t make it through, and the support that helped him fight back.This episode is not just about the rugby it’s about honesty, vulnerability, and rediscovering who you are. An incredible chat with a man who is now using his own journey to inspire and help others. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark Hammett has done it all in the game. With 81 games for the Crusaders, 4 Super Rugby titles, 29 Tests for the All Blacks and now a spot in the Crusaders Hall of Fame, Hammer’s rugby journey is an incredible one. Add in a coaching career that’s taken him from the Crusaders, Hurricanes, Cardiff Blues, Sunwolves, Tasman and Highlanders, the influence he has had on each side has been huge!In this episode we dive into his remarkable journey: from a soccer player, to the early days of professional rugby, and the mindset that carried him through as both player and coach.In this episode we go through..The competitive edge that drove the Crusaders dynastyWhat he learnt from coaches like Robbie Deans and Wayne SmithThe realities of early professional rugby contracts and suspensionsAll Black memories including the infamous SAS campHis move to coach the Hurricanes & the controversial decisions around Ma’a Nonu and Andrew HoreHis stints overseas with Cardiff and Japan’s SunwolvesLessons learned at the Highlanders and what he’d do differentlyHis passion for neuroscience, brain health and life after rugbyWhat he’s most proud of and the advice he lives byAnd heaps moreHammer is humble, competitive, brutally honest and one of the most authentic leaders you’ll hear from. There's so much gold in this one for everyone and whether you loved him or not as a player or a coach I know you'll have a new found respect for him after this one! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Will Genia is one of the all-time great halfbacks and after this conversation I'm sure you'll understand why. With over 100 Tests for the Wallabies, a Super Rugby title with the Reds and stints with the Rebels, Stade Francais and the Kintetsu Liners Will had a bit of everything in his career!In this episode we dive into his remarkable journey: from growing up in Papua New Guinea where he dreamt of becoming a cricketer, to falling in love with Rugby and the insane work ethic that took him from Colts to the Wallabies in the blink of an eye. In this episode we go through..One of the strongest mindsets to continually get better I have hear.His journey through the grades and how he felt like an imposter at each step.Winning super rugby and that incredible try that he scored in that final!The highs and heartbreaks of three Rugby World CupsHis brutal ACL injury and his comeback to star against the LionsLife in France and six more years in JapanWhy he walked away when he still could’ve played onHis transition into coaching alongside Quade CooperAnd heaps more.If you think you work hard this episode might question that, Wills work ethic and drive blew me away. He's also humble, honest, insightful and just one of the absolute great lads! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this powerful episode I’m joined by Holly Parkes, someone who lived through the reality of caring for Shane Christie in his final years. Holly has bravely come on the podcast not for herself, but to continue Shane’s mission, to shine a light on the devastating impact of brain injuries and to give others a clearer understanding of what life with CTE really looks like.She opens up about what it was like supporting Shane day-to-day, the heartbreaking changes she witnessed, and the strength it took to stand by him as he fought through some heavy paranoia episodes. Holly also shares her own journey — the lessons, the love, and the hope she wants to pass on to players, families, and anyone impacted by brain injury.This was the hands down the heaviest podcast I've ever done. It’s raw, honest and emotional, but above all it’s a conversation that Holly wanted to have so that Shane’s suffering wasn’t in vain. This is an episode that will move you, challenge you, and hopefully help those who might be facing similar battles. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Du’Plessis Kirifi has had one of the more inspiring journeys to the top and is one heck of lad to top it off. From growing up in Taranaki and spending part of his childhood in Samoa, to working three jobs while chasing his rugby dream, Dups has had anything but a straight road to the top.He opens up on the setbacks that shaped him — missing out on NZ U20s after being told he was “good enough but a bit of a dickhead”, the grind of trying to pack on size when everyone said he was too small, and the lessons he learned from competing hard in his early Hurricanes days.But through sheer hard work and resilience, he’s gone from labouring on worksites and sleeping in mates’ garages to captaining Wellington, becoming a leader at the Hurricanes, and finally achieving his All Black dream.In this episode we chat about…Growing up between Samoa and Taranaki, and the values his family instilled in himThe brutal honesty that sparked his turnaround after missing NZ U20sThe conscious effort he puts into his speaking The near move to Japan and the moment that kept him in New ZealandThe call from Razor How he got such big Quads!And heaps moreAn inspiring story of perseverance, self-awareness — this is such a good epiosde. Dups is not only a competitor on the field but also one of the most thoughtful and articulate players in the game. What a lad! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The latest Western Force signing George Bridge is our guest this week and what a lad he is! From humble beginnings in Gisborne, to carving up for Canterbury, the Crusaders, and then going on to wear the black jersey on the biggest stage of all! But it hasn’t all been smooth sailing. George had his struggles moving down to Christchurch as a 17 year old, he had to deal with some brutal injuries – knees, pec tears, appendicitis, he had three surgeries in eight months! He even played a Super Rugby Final with a nasty vomit bug. Despite all that, he kept bouncing back and showing his class and always finishing of tries!Some highlights for me in this one were..Hearing why he made the leap from Gisborne to Christchurch, The pathway he took to becoming an All Black,The influence of Leon MacDonald,The heartbreak of the 2019 World Cup semi-final, Why he moved to France and how he found itHis next chapter with the Force,And heaps more including all your questions.George is someone who always took his opportunity on the field through work rate and the never give up attitude. Players loved playing with this man cause he would never let them down and he is a champion lad! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For this one I am joined by one of the Black Ferns’ most exciting talents, Amy du Plessis. Amy’s journey has been nothing short of inspiring, from growing up in South Africa to becoming a Rugby World Cup winner with the Black ferns! Her silky skills and ability to play anywhere has made her a hugely valuable asset for NZ Rugby and now she’s now preparing to take on the world again in the 2025 Rugby World Cup! In this episode we chat about..* Life growing up in South Africa and why her family moved to NZ* How she got into Rugby* Why she travelled 5 hours a day to play for Otago* Why her move to Canterbury was “the best thing I’ve ever done”* Being named in the Black Ferns and working under legends Wayne Smith & Graham Henry* Playing in front of sold-out crowds and winning the RWC* Her love for Super Rugby and Matatū* The build-up to the upcoming RWC and her expectations heading in* And plenty of great adviceAs you’ll hear, Amy is such a champion human, and this yarn is packed with stories, laughs and some really inspiring takeaways. This is such a cool insight into the women’s game as we look to cheer on our Black Ferns to hopefully another RWC! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Angus Ta’avao is one of the biggest characters in New Zealand rugby, someone who is always good value to be around and has a great ability to bring a side together with his personality.Angus has done it all: NPC champ with Taranaki, Super Rugby champ with the Blues, he's an All Black, TV star, saxophone shredder and he is still playing rugby as good as he ever has! Angus is the ultimate lad. In this episode we get into- Why he has decided to move down to the Highlanders for 2026!- He talks through the moment when he said he’d never play rugby again.- He reflects on "that tackle" where he was concussed, red carded and suspended.- The journey he has been on as a father- He goes through the potential options for life after footy- We chat why he’s decided to move south- And of course plenty of random chatThis one’s got everything – laughs, honesty and a heap of inspiration from one of the great characters of our game. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oli Mathis is one of the most talented young players in the country. The Hamilton Boys star produced some of the most iconic NZ Schools performances we’ve ever seen. Whether he’s been playing loose forward or on the wing, the 20-year-old has been unstoppable playing for Waikato, the All Blacks 7’s side & the NZ U20s. In this episode, we chat about:What it was like growing up in Waihi on the farmWhy he moved to Hamilton Boys and his time in the First XVWe talk about those incredible NZ Schools performances and what he felt set him apart as a schoolboyWhy he turned down the Crusaders Academy to stay in the Chiefs regionHis experiences with Waikato, Chiefs wider squad, All Blacks 7s and NZ U20sThe frustration of missing the U20 World Cup Final through injuryLife as a hybrid forward/wing and where he sees his best positionWhere he see’s his future in the game And heaps moreAs you’ll hear Oli is a passionate rugby man, he always has been! And then when he’s not on the field, he is up on the hills hunting in true kiwi style. This is an awesome insight into someone with a huge future ahead of him, a special talent and one of the great lads. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.