Head Game

Nicholas Gibbons was still a teenager when was deployed to Afghanistan as a Royal Marine. One night while on patrol, an IED blast claimed the lower half of his right leg. After enduring five operations to repair the remainder of his limb and rehabilitation, Nick was fitted with a prosthetic leg and put his uniform back on, returning to training just three months later. He was deployed as an amputee to a non-combat zone, even competing in the Warrior Games. But after he was eventually medically discharged from the military, Nick lost drive and direction, finding himself in prison.
In this conversation, Nick details the warning signs he ignored that led him to spiral after leaving the Marines, how he has now turned his life around, and the process of finding a renewed purpose in life.
LINKS
More on the 'Once, We Were Warriors' documentary
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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.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Michelle Lee was living an ordinary 9-5 life, with a stable corporate job in the banking sector. But looking for more out of life, she took to the water. Inspired by the book 'Rowing the Atlantic‘ by Roz Savage, she started an intensive training regiment. Her determination say her eventually become the first Australian female to row solo across the Atlantic Ocean, then the first woman in the world to row the Pacific Ocean solo and unassisted.
In this episode, Michelle opens up to Ant about her mindset shift to take on her many adventures, what it takes to spend months on end alone on the open water, and what's next for her.
LINKS
Follow Michelle on Instagram
Visit Michelle's website
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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.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Luke Richmond has lived many lives: outback kid, infantry soldier, addict, inmate, endurance adventurer, author, and world-record holder. In this episode, Luke unpacks the moments that shaped his life, from growing up in remote Australia enduing relentless bullying, to joining the army at 17, and spiralling into an addiction that left him locked up in a foreign jail. And how hitting rock bottom became his turning point.
Luke shares with Ant how the brutal discipline of Muay Thai training helped helped him rebuild his identity and fuel a passion for extreme adventure. From climbing the some of the highest peaks in violent snowstorms to record-breaking ocean crossings, Luke reveals what endurance has taught him about fear, failure, and staying alive. Luke also explains the philosophy behind his book Five Years to Live, and why adventure isn’t about ego, it's about staying human.
LINKS
Follow Luke on Instagram
Grab Luke's books including 'Five Years To Live' 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.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I've spoken to some really inspiring people over the last year, many of which have used exercise and fitness as a means to get their head back in the game. Firstly, fellow Brit Jack Pitcher decided running across Australia was the perfect project to focus his energy on when his mind wasn't quite right. Then, congenital amputee Louise Hawkins on how CrossFit inspired her to stop hiding her disability. And finally, Australian model and influencer James Parr on returning to the gym just weeks after losing his leg.
SUPPORT
For immediate support in a crisis, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14
More resources are available from Beyond Blue
LINKS
Listen to the full interview with Jack Pitcher here
Listen to the full interview with Louise Hawkins here
Listen to the full interview with James Parr 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.
CREDITS
Host: Ant Middleton
Editor: Adrian Walton
Executive Producer: Damien Haffenden
Managing Producer: Ricardo Bardon
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.

Over the last year I've had conversations with some amazing survivors, who not only survived, but are thriving against all odds. First, Suzanne Heywood details how a dream sailing trip as a child turned into a nightmare at the hands of her narrowly-focussed father. Then, Matthew Lewis on how he was forced to take control when the fishing vessel he was working on sank in the Antarctic Ocean. And finally journalist and author Jamila Rizvi on the brain tumour diagnosis that forever changed her life.
LINKS
Listen to the full interview with Suzanne Heywood here
Listen to the full interview with Matthew Lewis here
Listen to the full interview with Jamila Rizvi 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.
CREDITS
Host: Ant Middleton
Editor: Adrian Walton
Executive Producer: Damien Haffenden
Managing Producer: Ricardo Bardon
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.