EP 30 EAAST 7s Building Resilience and Legacy in Women’s Rugby
In this episode of Life From The Sidelines, we dive into the world of women’s rugby coaching with Willie Walker, Coach and Amy Courtney, Manager of the Nz Cavs 7s team, two passionate advocates for the sport. Together, they share their journeys—from unexpected beginnings to nearly a decade of shaping the game for women. We explore what it takes to build resilience in athletes, the unique dynamics of coaching women, and why treating players as individuals truly matters.Willie and Amy open up about the joys and challenges of working in a sport that’s still fighting for recognition and resources. They discuss the crucial role of family support, how open communication empowers athletes (especially mothers), and why management needs to prioritize the personal lives of their players. Most importantly, they reflect on the legacy they hope to leave: a strong foundation for future generations of women in rugby and a reminder that sport is only one part of a much bigger life journey.Tune in for honest stories, practical insights, and a celebration of the community that makes women’s rugby so special.
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EP 29 EAAST 7s Resilience & Reinvention: Lessons from Teddy’s Journey On and Off the Field
In this inspiring episode, we dive deep into Teddy’s remarkable journey—a story defined by resilience, adaptability, and a relentless pursuit of purpose. Teddy opens up about how maximizing personal potential isn’t just about individual success, but about giving back and uplifting others. We explore how cultural values influence life both on and off the field, and how setbacks, like injuries, can unlock unexpected opportunities and new directions.Teddy shares candid reflections on why everything happens for a reason, and how embracing entrepreneurship can offer athletes a fulfilling path after their sports careers. He emphasizes the vital role of family support, the importance of taking ownership of your own story, and why relying solely on external networks isn’t enough. Throughout, Teddy’s humble beginnings and powerful insights remind us that inspiration can come from anywhere—and that every challenge holds the seed for new growth.Whether you’re an athlete, a partner, or anyone navigating life’s unpredictable sidelines, this conversation will uplift and empower you to redefine your journey with courage and intention.
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Episode 27 Tima Savea on Motherhood, Mental Health, and Life Beyond Rugby
In this heartfelt episode, Tima Savea takes us on an inspiring journey from her roots in Iraq to building a life in New Zealand and navigating the unique challenges of living in France. She opens up about the delicate balancing act of motherhood, marriage, and mental health, sharing deeply personal stories of cultural transitions, the impact of COVID-19, and the power of family support.Tima dives into her IVF experience, the pressures of social media, and the importance of staying authentic in the influencer world. She also reflects on the lessons learned through friendship, personal growth, and the evolving dynamics of life after rugby. This candid conversation is a celebration of resilience, maturity, and the grace it takes to overcome life’s hurdles. Tune in for a raw and uplifting discussion that will leave you feeling empowered and connected.
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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!
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.
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