Beyond Sport with Fiona Stewart

This episode is going to be a little different from the weekly interview that’s been coming into you ears each week for well…almost 9 months straight. You’ve just got me, for a quick bonus episode chatting to you about expectations.   AIS MENTAL FITNESS PROGRAM https://www.ais.gov.au/mental-fitness-program

Liam’s adventures involve not just burning rubber on the race tracks but the life-shaping experiences and transformative power of sport are that he uncovers. The episode delves into the technicalities of drag racing, memorable milestones like the British Championship and numerous European victories. The tales are laced with an undertone of intense challenges, unyielding passion, undying spirit, and the deep sense of community within the drag racing world.   drag racing, bracket racing, junior racing, reaction times, pedaling, breakouts, achievements, sacrifices, racing community, fostering friendships, inclusivity, lessons learned,  future of motorsport, media promotion, 

On average, one woman a week in Australia is murdered by her current or former partner. 10 women a day are hospitalised for assault injuries perpetrated by a spouse or domestic partner. 1 in 3 women have experienced physical violence since the age of 15. These statistics have been pulled from the Australian Bureau of Statistics and tell a shocking truth about domestic violence within our society. Now you’re thinking, what’s this got to do with sport? Well, this episode’s guest is determined to be more than a statistic. Kim O’Riley is a survivor of domestic violence, an advocate for educating sporting clubs and empowering them to take a zero-tolerance approach when it comes to violence. Kim bravely share’s her journey, whilst still living with the effects that a former partner has inflicted, in the hope that it can help others. And what I like most, using sport as the tool to do so. A trigger warning for this episode as we discuss some heavy topics such as domestic violence and mental health, if this is something that is distressing for you, please feel to give this one a skip, if you require assistance with this, please check the resources in the show notes, or if you’re in Australia call 1800 RESPECT.   https://www.1800respect.org.au/ https://itsneverok.com.au/ - Kim’s website https://9now.nine.com.au/a-current-affair/victoria-police-interviews-released-following-domestic-violence-attack/e906c3a8-e3c7-48af-91b0-ffceb8457602 - background information

In this episode we are joined by Mitch James, a former competitive swimmer who found a love for lifesaving, in particular inflatable rescue boat racing. Mitch and I swam at neighbouring clubs once upon a time; however our paths didn’t cross until this year, now that we are working together at Life Saving Victoria. In this chat, Mitch takes us through his swimming journey, and how that lead him to the world of lifesaving. We chat about the how competitive pool swimming can help you when out in the ocean rescuing someone, and the link between tumble turns and waves, if you’re puzzled don’t worry, Mitch gives the best description. Mitch really shows how being involved in the sport of lifesaving can be beneficial for the community, with over 50 lifesaving clubs made up of more than 37,000 members, working together to prevent aquatic related death and injury in all Victorian communities, which I think is pretty special.  As always, you can find all links to things mentioned in the show notes. Lets dive on in to the chat. https://beyondsportwithfionastewart.com/ https://youtu.be/pxBQLFLei70 (speech referenced by Mitch) https://lsv.com.au/

THIS EPISODE IS A MUST LISTEN. My second chat with the incredible Isis Holt, recorded earlier in the year,  we chat mental health and how she prepares for big competitions. If you want more from Isis check out the episode from last year recorded before the Tokyo Paralympics. This episode was recorded in collaboration with INSPIRETEK and doesn't follow the usual format of the podcast, however if you like it please send me a message for more like this.   Check out the websites here https://www.isisholt.com/mtjt https://www.inspiretek.io/ https://beyondsportwithfionastewart.com/  

We are back to the fortnightly interview schedule with Ironman, Glenn Strutt. Glenn started off as a competitive swimmer, however funny enough, our paths didn’t cross in the swimming world, it was years later, on a beach at the start of a triathlon. In this episode we hear about Glenn’s journey through sport and the rollercoaster that life outside of sport can take you on, but at the end of the day sport can be that tool to help you keep going. With the commonwealth games on right now, and after watching the world championships of so many sports it’s a timely reminder that at the end of the day we are all humans going through our own battles and working towards achieving our own goals, no matter what sport you do or level you participate at. Before we dive into the chat, just a reminder to reach out on Instagram or Facebook if you’ve enjoyed today’s episode, or even better, share it with a friend who you think would enjoy it.     https://beyondsportwithfionastewart.com/  

We’re going to try something that is a little bit different for this podcast. If you can’t already tell from over 70 episodes, I love sport and the power it has to positively impact individuals and the greater community. However, I think it’s also important to acknowledge that not everything is sunshine and roses, bringing us to todays episode. I’ve teamed up with one of the most popular guests, Todd Buschkuehl. Todd is a medical student with lived experience about todays topic. CONCUSSIONS IN SPORT. You can find out more about his journey in sport WAY back in season one, and can find his youtube channel via the link in the shownotes. I don’t want to spend too long introducing this subject other than saying that this topic is something we should all be aware of and take seriously, as athletes, as family members, as coaches and as fans. A knock to the head isn’t something to be brushed off. The purpose of this episode isn’t to provide medical advice, but it’s to help get the conversation started and point you in the direction of some resources that could be found helpful. As always, I’d love to hear from you if you’ve liked this episode or found it interesting, reach out on Instagram or via email. I’d also love that if there’s someone in your life who’d benefit from this episode, or any episode, please share it with them. Last thing from me before we get into it, there is discussion about mental health, depression, and suicide in this episode. If you’re in Australia you can reach out to organisations like Lifeline or BeyondBlue for assistance.   Sport Australia Concussion Position Statement - https://www.sportaus.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0005/683501/February_2019_-_Concussion_Position_Statement_AC.pdf Article on Mental Health in children after concussion- Mental health after paediatric concussion: a systematic review and meta-analysis | British Journal of Sports Medicine (bmj.com) Head Check App https://www.headcheck.com.au/ The Australian Sports Brain Bank https://www.brainbank.org.au/

In this episode we talk with Sami Palmer, a world champion tumbler from the UK. Sami talks about what got her started in gymnastics, and what lessons she got from over a decade competing on the international circuit. She's now enjoying her time making an impact on the Australian gymnastics scene and sharing her knowledge and experience with the next generation. I hope you find Sami’s energy and passion as magnetic as I did. https://www.samipalmer.com/

A few weeks ago I had the absolute pleasure of chatting to winter Olympian, Bree Walker. Now, Bree started on the track as a junior but she was determined to represent her country and made the switch to bobsleigh. In this episode Bree takes us through her journey and what it’s like experiencing all the highs and lows that comes with being an elite athlete, but she also takes us though some of the incredible lessons she’s learnt along the way. Coming from Australia where winter sports are not always the most funded or accessible sports to participate in, it’s been really interesting having the opportunity to chat with some of Australia’s most recent winter Olympians, if you’re a snow sport fan make sure you also check out my chat’s with Seve De Campo and Jessica Yeaton, after you’ve listened to this episode with Bree.

I’m a huge believer that sport provides the perfect environment to learn, explore and grow. This weeks guest, Gerard McDermott talks us through his journey through triathlon and more recently track cycling. Gerard shares his lessons and insight into how sport has helped him develop a growth mindset not just whilst in lycra but also in the business context. Hope you enjoy this episode and as always, you can connect via Instagram @beyondsportwithfionastewart, I’d love to hear what you get out of each episode.

Have you ever thought about how sport can help build character and teach you resilience? Well today I'm chatting to Matt Rizzo about the lessons being involved in athletics has taught him. In this chat you’ll hear how Matt got involved in athletics and how at 18 years old he became the winner of one of Australia’s most famous running races, the 2017 Stawell Gift.   Coming from the same high school, being influenced by some of the same teachers, just a few years apart. It was incredible being able to reflect with Matt on some of the pivotal moments in his sporting journey. A notable shout out goes to one of our teachers Nige Knighton who made a huge impact on both our sporting journeys, there’s actually two episodes with Nige back in season two if you’d like to hear some of his wisdom, but for now… lets jump into the chat with Matt.

In this episode, our guest, speedway racecar driver, from Western Australia, Laura Byrnes shares her journey in motor sport. Not only is Laura an absolute delight to speak to, she passionately advocates for participation in motorsport. She shares the message that it doesn’t matter your age, gender, height or weight, motorsport and driving is an incredible sport to be involved in. In this episode Laura is generous with sharing the lessons she’s learnt along the way and how motorsport has shaped the person she is today. As always, you can find links to any of the things discussed in the episode in the show notes, and behind the scenes content on our Instagram page @beyondsportwithfionastewart. Let’s get into the chat with Laura. https://www.redshamrockracing.com/ https://www.miraclebabies.org.au/ https://steelblue.com/au/about/breast-cancer-care-wa/

If you are a regular listener, you may have noticed that the weekly drop of episodes have slowed down, the demands of work and life have taken priority over the last few months, and as organised and on top of things as I try to be… I haven’t been able to put the time required to bring you a weekly episode. From now, I’m going to aim for a fortnightly release until life settles down a little, so that I can still get all the important messages across with the time and quality they deserve. There’s now over 50 interviews with wonderful people involved in the world of sport for you to go back and listen too. If you have a sport or anyone in particular you’d like to hear from send me a message via Instagram @beyondsportwithfionastewart. Now, let me introduce you to this episode’s guest joining me all the way from the United States, Jessica Yeaton, 2 time Winter Olympian for Australia in Cross Country Skiing. Jessica spent her first few years in Dubai before moving to Alaska and discovering the wonderful world of winter sports. In this episode you’ll hear how Jess’ introduction to the sporting world wasn’t just straight into snow sports and how her love and passion for exercise has influenced her life today. That’s more than enough from me, let’s hear from Jess.   https://jessicayeaton.wordpress.com/

After a week off, I’m so excited to bring you an episode with three time Olympic Swimmer, Alicia Coutts. Representing Australia at the 2008, 2012 and 2016 Olympics Alicia came away with 5 Olympic medals, including a gold medal and making Olympic history in the 2012 4x100m freestyle relay. In this episode Alicia talks about her early years in the sport, including what happened on the day of her first swimming competition at seven years old. We chat about the benefits being involved in swimming has given her and the lessons she’s learnt along the way. It was an absolute pleasure to chat with Alicia, as a busy mum or three she put time aside in her day to share her journey with us, you may hear a minute or two of her youngest in the background, but push through because it’s an important message.

This weeks episode is with a good friend, Robert Keeney. Rob takes us through the world of combat sport, particularly kickboxing, BJJ and MMA, he shares his insights into what sport can teach you and the lessons he has learnt about himself along the way. You’ll get to hear what made him want to, in his words, put his pretty face on the line by starting a combat sport and how the love of training has transitioned over to his professional life.

Welcome to part two of my chat with Alana Baldi, if you haven’t listened to part one, hit pause and go and listen. You’ll get to hear about Alana’s journey in sport and how she got involved in volunteering. In this episode Alana opens up and shares the lessons that sport has taught her and gives us an insight into the difference sport can make as a tool for social inclusion, and where she sees it in the future.

Introducing this weeks guest Alana Baldi. Coming from rural Victoria Alana has been involved in the sporting world since she was a kid through athletics and cricket. Not only has Alana been actively involved in sport but she is a huge advocate for sport being used for social inclusion particularly for underrepresented communities. With an extensive sporting volunteer and coaching resume Alana spends her time and effort helping others achieve their dreams in sport. This chat will be split into two parts with part two being released next week. If you haven’t already make sure you hit follow wherever you are listening so it can come straight into your library.

This weeks guest is a close to home one, Bec Henderson. I normally introduce guests by their sport, but with Bec she’s a multi-dimensional athlete. Bec and I know each other as we grew up swimming for the same swim club, where Bec specialised in the open water events. She then added triathlon to the mix as well as race walking. Debuting at her first Olympics last year in the 20km racewalk. In this episode we delve into the benefits of training for multiple sports as well as an insight into some of the nutrition and training studies that go on behind the scenes with high performance athletes. I’ve always admired Bec’s balanced attitude when it comes to sport and training and it was a pleasure to take a bit of a trip down memory lane with her. Just a reminder, if you’re liking these episodes to hit follow or subscribe wherever you are listening. If you’re feeling extra generous I’d love it you shared it with someone who you think would also enjoy it. You don’t need to be a sporting expert to gain something from these chats.    FIND US ON INSTAGRAM @beyondsportwithfionastewart

I had the absolute pleasure of being joined by this weeks guest, Australian swimmer, Sally Hunter. I had a bit of a fan girl moment when Sal agreed to come onto the podcast, as I grew up watching her achieve so many things during the decade she represented Australia in the pool, including competing at two Olympics, two Commonwealth games, and multiple world championships. But Sally’s journey in swimming hasn’t stopped there, after retiring in 2016 she has been coaching as well as mentoring and advocating for young athletes in the world of sport. Before getting into the interview, I wanted to mention that after recording Sal and I had a chat about how to navigate getting back in the pool after retiring but not being able to face it. The advice she gave me was to get rid of any expectations, not count laps or time yourself – which as a competitive swimmer these things are all pretty much second nature. But a few days later, guess who found themselves back in the pool and getting out with a smile on their face looking forward to the next time. I know it’s easier said than done, but it’s a piece of advice I had to pass on. https://www.sallyhunter.com.au/ https://otlr.org.au/

I'm please to introduce the first guest for 2022, two time Paralympian, Hannah Dodd. Hannah has represented Australia in not one, but two sports, equestrian and wheelchair basketball. Not only has Hannah competed at the highest level in what I’d call polar opposite sports but she’s done so with a positive attitude. Hannah mentions something we haven’t heard before on the podcast when it comes to resilience, so keep your ears open for that part of our chat. Thanks enough from me, lets get into it.