Episode 26 Building Mental Resilience with David Galbraith
In this insightful episode of Life From The Sidelines, we sit down with David Galbraith, a New Zealand Registered Clinical Psychologist with extensive experience working with elite athletes, including the All Blacks, Chiefs, and Olympic athletes. David shares his journey from a sports-loving childhood to becoming a renowned sports psychologist, helping athletes and their partners thrive both on and off the field.We dive into the mental health challenges faced by professional athletes, particularly rugby players, and explore how partners can support them without adding pressure. David offers practical strategies for improving communication, maintaining work-life balance, and recognizing signs of mental health struggles. He also provides actionable mental resilience practices for couples and advice on building a supportive community to navigate the unique challenges of professional sports.Whether you’re an athlete partner, a sports enthusiast, or someone passionate about mental health, this episode is packed with wisdom and inspiration. Tune in and discover how to strengthen your relationship, prioritize mental well-being, and thrive together in the high-pressure world of professional sports.
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Episode 25 Human First, Ref Second: Ben O’Keeffe’s Transformative Approach to the Game
In this special episode of LFTSL, we sit down with Ben O’Keeffe, the renowned international rugby referee from New Zealand who has officiated at two Rugby World Cups, recently reached 100 Super Rugby games, and is now celebrating a personal milestone—his engagement to Wilhelmina! Ben shares his remarkable journey, from his childhood days in New Zealand playing sports to the steps he took to become a top-tier referee, balancing the pressure of the global stage with his equally impressive career in the medical field.Dive into Ben’s experience officiating high-stakes matches across hemispheres, hear how he learned to speak French for Top 14 matches, and discover how he manages co-founding oDocs Eye Care while also providing anti-wrinkle treatments in Auckland! If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to excel in such diverse fields—both on and off the pitch—this episode is a must-listen. Plus, learn about the tight-knit community of rugby referees and the mental resilience tools needed to thrive amid controversy and high expectations.Tune in to hear:Ben’s early life and the spark that led him to pursue refereeing.Refereeing at the Rugby World Cup—the pinnacle of a ref’s career.The balancing act of being a world-class referee and a medical professional.Key advice for aspiring referees who dream of breaking into the big leagues.Join us for a conversation that will entertain, inspire, and give you a whole new appreciation for the critical role referees play in the world of rugby!
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Episode 24 Wellness, Hyrox & Life Beyond the Game with Fiona Wainiqolo
Join us, Kayla and Jada in a captivating conversation with special guest Fiona Wainiqolo, wife of Fijian rugby star Jiuta Wainiqolo. Fiona pulls back the curtain on her life off the field—managing family schedules, training for Hyrox competitions, and planning for life after rugby. From morning chaos to unexpected travel dates, discover how these athlete wives juggle motherhood, fitness, and business ventures while staying true to their wellness goals. Fiona also shares her journey into property investments in Fiji and launching the “Siosio” merch brand, revealing the importance of financial foresight and creating multiple income streams. Whether you’re an athlete’s partner or just looking for inspiration on balancing career, family, and self-care, this episode is filled with candid insights, practical tips, and a hearty dose of motivation. Tune in to hear how Fiona and Jiuta support each other’s ambitions, and learn the secrets to thriving—on and off the field.https://siosioapparel.com/
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Libby Boxall on Building a Global Brand, Life as an Athlete's Wife & Motherhood
In this episode, we sit down with Libby Boxall—a qualified nutritionist, naturopath, entrepreneur, wife to pro footballer Michael Boxall, and mother of two—to discuss her incredible journey. From founding Dose & Co and Milou Beauty to navigating life as an athlete’s wife, Libby shares how she turned her passion for health and beauty into a global brand while raising a family and supporting her husband’s soccer career from the sidelines. She also opens up about working with Khloé Kardashian, the challenges of being a female entrepreneur, and the importance of self-care amidst a busy life. Join us as Libby reveals her biggest business lessons, motherhood insights, and wellness philosophies—plus, what’s next for her brands! Listen now and follow Libby on Instagram: @libbyboxall
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Episode 22 Starting Over & Building a Life Abroad: Gardenia’s Journey in the Rugby World
What happens when your partner’s career takes you across the world—again and again? 🌍 In this episode, Kayla and Jada sit down with Gardenia, wife of pro rugby player Kimami, to talk about the challenges and rewards of constantly starting over in new cities with each contract. From immersing herself in French culture and learning the language to building strong social connections in the rugby world, Gardenia shares how she’s embraced change and made each new place feel like home. 🏡🇫🇷We dive into:🔹 The importance of community when you’re always on the move🔹 How learning French made life in France so much easier🔹 Navigating the rugby scene and why being social is key🔹 Tips for making new places feel like home—fastIf you’ve ever relocated, started fresh in a new country, or had to rebuild your social circle from scratch, this episode is for you.
As wives to professional athletes and athletes in our own right, we bring a unique perspective to the world of sports. We understand the sacrifices, the highs and lows and the hard work that goes into being an athlete. But we also know the importance of humanizing athletes and showing their personal side beyond statistics and scores.With our feminine approach to sports and sports commentating, we aim to bring a fresh perspective to the industry. We believe that there is a need for more diverse voices in sports media and we are here to fill that void. We want to share our own personal experiences as athletes and partners to one, and also shed light and insights on the journeys of others who navigate this space.Through our writing and commentary, we hope to inspire and empower others to pursue their dreams, both on and off the field. We want to show that athletes are more than just their performance and that their personal stories and struggles make them relatable and HUMAN.
New Zealand