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.
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1:21:39
The Kiwiventures- Ben & Alex
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.
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51:24
Steve Devine- What a Lad
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.
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1:16:29
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1:16:29
Tom Christie- What a Lad
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.
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1:14:33
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1:14:33
Mitchell Scott- What a Lad
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.
What a Lad is a podcast by James Marshall who talks to some of the biggest names and best lads on the planet. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
New Zealand