Refuse to Lose Podcast

Talakai the Tank Engine - recently Jake sat down with the rising Sharks star for Fox League.
He talks about how his own arrogance led to his sacking at South Sydney.
His time as a garbage man and the guilt he felt not being able to support his family and six siblings.

He's softly spoken but very honest about his own flaws and how he turned them around to revive his footy career at Cronulla!

One of the baddest men on the planet Tai Tuivasa stopped by for a chat today!

We talk about his rapid rise through the UFC heavyweight ranks and his desire to be a world champ.
Tai is unapologetically himself and is brutally honest. We talk about the tough times growing up in Western Sydney and how he turned around a potential life of crime to be one of the most popular athletes in the world.

He strives to be a role model for underprivileged kids like himself, teaching them to appreciate what they have... while also never settling for it if you have big dreams.

He talks his wild and brutal footy career, his secret swimming talents and even locked himself into a $1000 bet with @jakeyduke plus plenty more. Check it out. 💰🏊🏽‍♂️

Video also available now on @kayosports 🎥

It was an honour and a real career highlight to sit down with one of the G.O.A.Ts of the NRL and talk about absolutely everything!! We chat about his stints in rehab and his on-going battle with bi-polar; how his Goanna Academy is helping to change the mental health outcomes for other young men, we talk hanging up on Russell Crowe twice, sharing the 2014 GF win with one of his idols Cathy Freeman. Plus how he almost played AFL for Essendon and SO SO much more !!!

I've watched a lot of G.I interviews over the years and I honestly don't think I've seen him so raw but also so relaxed, entertaining and at peace.

SEASON 3 of the podcast kicking off with a BANG!! Check it out now LIVE on Kayo Sports

Really interesting and honest chat with Australian Netball legend Caitlin Bassett. Due to serious knee injuries, the former Australian captain finds herself in an unwanted and unique position, currently without a super netball contract despite still being a member of the Australian squad.

In this emotional chat we talk the possibility of retirement, the difficulties of realising her 18-year professional career could be over and the difficult trail of self discovery she is currently on.

That plus all the highlights from her glittering career, her concerns for the future of Australian Netball and its development of young players, her love of animals and her hopes for the future!! That plus plenty more!

Finally got a chance to get Ryan James on the poddy! One of the nicest blokes in Rugby League despite being a beast on the field! We chat about his move to the Broncos and how he's come back so strong after so many devastating injuries!

We chat getting his Masters in Business and how he's striving to help other Indigenous people start their own initiatives. We talk his charity work and his own foundation plus plenty more fun stuff including the time he met Margot Robbie! Also available on Kayo Sports.

Tyrell Sloan's story is a wild one. His parents struggled with drug and and alcohol abuse, therefore he was raised by his grandmother from two months old, who was also on welfare.
He is one of the nicest and most driven young men you'll ever meet! Wisdom beyond his 19 years.
A great story for all to hear! We hope you enjoy!

Alex Volkanovski is one of Australia's most under appreciated World Champions. He is the current Featherweight title holder in the UFC and is preparing to defend his crown again this year after winning a scary battle against COVID-19. We talk dealing with hate and criticism, his championship mindset, the growth of Mixed Martial Arts, plus cooking, Rugby League and plenty more random stuff along the way.
We hope you enjoy!

This is a very special episode to myself and Rhys and one of the things I am most proud of in my career so far.

It's called Rabbitohs Raw and was originally taped as a special feature piece on Fox Sports for Indigenous round in the NRL in 2021.

This is the extended cut which includes my entire interview with Rabbitohs superstars Latrell Mitchell, Cody Walker and Damien Cook.

If you missed the original episode, it can be found on Kayo Sports at any time.

In this chat we have a bit of fun and get to know the guys a little bit better. But the main purpose of this round table discussion was to investigate the topic of race and on a smaller scale, what it's like to be a black, high profile athlete in Australia in 2021.

Guys like Latrell Mitchell and Cody Walker have been subjected to some vile abuse and racism throughout their careers but have always stood tall and taken a stand as proud Indigenous men.

Today they open up about it all, supported by their non-Indigenous teammate Damien Cook, who speaks on what he's seen these guys go through and how he believes we all need to listen and educate each other to move forward as a society.

It's an enthralling chat packed with additional content that couldn't make the TV version because of time constraints but should still be heard.

It's all part of an important conversation and by listening in to today's episode you are showing that you too are willing to learn and make a difference... so thank you.

I hope you get something out of it.

This episode features Australian Women's Cricket star Ash Gardner and it's another we've done in conjunction with News Corp and The Daily Telegraph to celebrate the companies first ever Indigenous sports month.

As a proud Kamilaroi man I've been very lucky to be involved in this initiative through my work at Fox Sports and I'm very proud to share it with our Refuse to Lose listeners as well.

Indigenous sports month profiles the most prominent Indigenous athletes in Australia not only to celebrate their on field brilliance but also to speak about some of the issues they are passionate about.

My chat today with Ash centre's around her passion for cricket and the evolution of the women's game in the past 10 years. We also speak about being just one of three Indigenous Australian's to ever play a test match for Australia in both men's and women's cricket and how we need to do more to increase those numbers. We also speak about her charity "The Ash Gardner Foundation" and how they are trying to improve education outcomes for Indigenous youth so that kids can have better employment prospects when they finish school.

Ash also speaks about her own cultural identity and how it's something she is still learning due to the fact that her mother was adopted at a very young age and didn't get to properly embrace her Aboriginality. We also have a bit of fun and reflect on that unforgettable moment where our Aussie women got to share the stage with Katy Perry after winning the T20 World Cup in front of a packed MCG on International Women's Day back in 2020.

I hope you enjoy my chat with Ash Gardner.

Recently I sat down with Melbourne Storm halfback Jahrome Hughes for Fox League to talk about his career in the NRL and the prospect of the Storm defending their premiership in 2021.

It was such an enthralling chat and we had a lot of people ask to hear more so I asked Fox League and they were more than happy for me to share the whole interview with you guys.

Those who don't know Jahrome's story... his career is another of resilience and perseverance. He bounced around from club to club trying to get a start in first grade, moving all over the country ... from the Gold Coast, to Townsville and then to Melbourne. He debuted at 18 in the NRL but then only played 2 more first grade games in the space of 4 years.

Jahrome then joined the Melbourne storm purely on the basis to learn from the likes of Billy Slater, Cooper Cronk, Cameron Smith and Craig Bellamy. He never thought he'd be able to crack into that team but thought he could atleast use his time at the champion club as a learning experience that might springboard him to a gig somewhere else.

Now five years later not only did he get a start, he turned himself from an out of favour fullback into a premiership winning halfback through nothing else but sheer will, determination and hard work. He is the very definition of refusing to lose. Enjoy Jahrome Hughes' story!!

This is the first episode of Season 2 of the show, so thank you for coming back for another year and if you're a new listener don't forget to go back and check out all our previous shows.

To open up 2021 we are chatting to Gold Coast Titans halfback Jamal Fogarty! Again, Jamal is a guy Rhys and I grew up playing footy with and he is an absolute champion bloke on and off the field.

Jamal has a really incredible story about his journey to Rugby League success. He had a breakthrough season in 2020 after years of bouncing around clubs and reserve grade trying to get an opportunity. Jamal had to wait more than 1000 days between his second and third games in the NRL. But he never gave up, continually training and pushing himself to one day realise his dream.

But it's also what Jamal did during those 1000 days that illustrates what kind of man he is. While training for and playing semi-professional football, he was also working a full time job as a youth worker trying to improve the lives of disconnected kids on the Gold Coast. A job that while rewarding, can also be very emotionally draining ... and this is all while raising his own family.

You can hear the passion in Jamals voice as he talks about helping others, but then the shy, almost embarrassment when he is asked questions about himself. He's just that kind of humble guy. Throughout the chat we also cover his debut selection in the Indigenous Allstars, his 2020 season which of course includes the now infamous Josh Papalii ankle tap, plus his hopes for the Titans this year and plenty plenty more .

I really hope you enjoy my chat with Jamal Fogarty.

A year on from our first episode, Jake sat down with James Roberts for Nine News.

2020 was a tough year for James, the COVID break and a season ending injury once again triggered the demons he's battled since childhood.

Roberts spent time in mental health facilities and at times considered quitting Rugby League.

I'm pleased to say the time away renewed his self-worth and his passion for playing football and he is back.

In this interview we spoke about the trauma of last year, his move to the Tigers and how he's hoping to move forward in the future.

Enjoy!

Hey guys welcome to another bonus episode of the Refuse to Lose Podcast.

This week I did an interview with 2 x World Champion surfer Tyler Wright for Nine News but it was such an enthralling chat that I've decided to share the whole thing with you.

Tyler is in Hawaii preparing for the restart of the World Surf League after it has been on hiatus for the year due to the COVID 19 pandemic.

But Tyler has been bascially wiped out of competative surfing for over two years.

Back in 2018 she became very ill after contracting Influenza A while on Tour in South Africa.

It lead to a severe bout with Post-Viral Syndrome over the next two seasons ... where she was constantly bed-ridden with tiredness, body aches, brain fog, headaches, and extreme light and sound sensitivities.

At times Tyler thought she was going to die and the notion of ever surfing again was the furtherest thing from her mind.

But after years of specialists meetings and rehabilitation for her mind and body Tyler is back. But everything has changed.

Her mindset, her outlook on life, her views on surfing, competing and how it all ranks in the scheme of life have all been flipped upside down by her illness.

But her mindset is as resilient as ever. And it's a mindset that runs in her family. Her brother Owen also came back from a severe brain injury he suffered while surfing many years ago and I make reference to that in the chat as well.

Please enjoy.

Welcome to the next episode of the Refuse to Lose Podcast! My guest today is Parramatta Eels superstar Dylan Brown.
Dylan is truly one of the most unique characters we've had on the podcast. He's just 20 years old but as you'll soon realise... he has the maturity and temperament of someone much older and wiser.

Dylan has a confidence and swagger to do things his way. He packed up his bags in a matter of weeks and moved from NZ at 15 to come and play for Parramatta despite never really watching Rugby League as a kid.

He has a crazy work ethic and resilient mind set. Whether its his physical training ... where he was once put himself in hospital trying to win a time trial at training or whether he's decided to learn how to sew so he can start his own clothing brand that honours his heritage.

Dylan is also extremely aware of a the world around him, especially for someone so young and does plenty of work with children who are less fortunate than him to give back for all hes been blessed with.

This chat has a bit of every thing ... including his embarrassing encounters with footy legends ... to how game day nerves cause him a lot of stomach issues. Don't listen to that part while you're eating breakfast. We also talk big money contracts, playing for the all blacks and so much more. I hope you enjoy it

Welcome to the next episode of the Refuse to lose podcast !

My guest today is cross code football superstar Charlotte Caslick.

Charlotte rose to prominence four years ago by leading the Australian Women's Rugby 7's team to Olympic gold in the sports introduction to the games.

But in doing so her and her teammates achieved so much more. They were trail blazers in normalising women's contact sport in Australia and in doing so forced the other major football codes across the country to invest heavily in their own women's leagues.

Charlotte recently switched codes to play in the NRLW and was once again an absolute stand out on the field before injury cut her season short.

In this episode we discuss changing sports, we speak about how she went from a girl who was terrified of contact to becoming one of the best female footballers on the planet. We talk about body image and breaking down stereotypes about female athletes when it comes to appearance.

We also chat about the Olympics and her hopes of defending the girls crown in Tokyo ... plus plenty more left field stuff including ...Donald Trump, scary doll collections and cows!! I hope you enjoy.

This episode of The Refuse to Lose Podcast features Gavin Badger.
This is Gavin's first in-depth interview since retiring as a referee.
He doesn't hold back ... telling stories about on-field sledging, the toughest players to deal with plus his incredible life ... from child sex abuse survivor to discovering his Indigenous heritage. Amazing chat.

THIS IS YOUR NRL LIFE - JOEL THOMPSON.
The Sea Eagles hardman tells some cracking stories about his career from faking injuries, to talking smack on the field to cutting his tongue in half...

He holds nothing back in this wild chat to celebrate his amazing career in the NRL.
You won't be disappointed.

This episode features NRL legend and New South Wales origin coach Brad 'Freddy' Fittler.

Freddy is a Panthers and Roosters Premiership legend plus a former captain of New South Wales and Australia.
Throughout this podcast, Freddy tells me how he developed from a party boy in his youth to a philosophical thinker who lives his life driven by a mantra of giving to others.

We speak about the passing of his best mate and how that shaped his life as well as the countless work he does for the homeless.

Freddy's random and colourful personality is on full display in this podcast as we talk everything from his pet Llamas, to his random thoughts about magicians, his war on deodorant and his pre-game ritual of throwing up his ice cream plus heaps more.

Hope you enjoy.

This is our 10th episode and a very special one for me.

I'm chatting with Rugby League legend Preston Campbell ... a Dally M medallist with the Sharks and Premiership winner with the Panthers.

But anyone who know's Preston will tell you his greatest achievements are off the field.

In this podcast Preston speaks open and honestly about his multiple suicide attempts whilst still playing in the NRL ... and how he overcame that mental anguish to become one of the most charitable and respected athletes in Australian sport.

He speaks about the "kill them with kindness" mantra he has used to navigate a world that hasn't always been kind to him.

Preston has changed the lives of many young men and women around the country ... including myself. A program he set up at the Gold Coast Titans gave me my first journalism cadetship and helped me get the job I have now at Channel 9.

We have a bit of fun as well ... Preston shares stories about the many famous people he's met over the years ... including the Queen, David Beckham and the one and only Muhammed Ali.

I hope you get as much out of the chat as I did.

And remember if you or anyone you know is struggling to cope you can call
Lifeline on 13 11 14

To celebrate Indigenous round in the NRL this week I've sat down with two of the games most prominent Aboriginal players ... Cody Walker and Josh Addo-Carr.

This episode features Rabbitohs half Cody Walker and in it we focus on a number of things including his upbringing in Casino, his late start to his NRL career and his idols. We also focus strongly on how he has used his voice for change since coming into first grade despite facing major criticism and backlash along the way.

Cody is so well spoken and measured which makes him a leading voice amongst not just Indigenous but all players in the game. This interview is so informative and interesting I hope you enjoy it!

To celebrate Indigenous round in the NRL this week I've sat down with two of the games most prominent Aboriginal players ... Cody Walker and Josh Addo-Carr.

This episode features Melbourne Storm flyer Josh Addo-Carr. The Fox as he is commonlly known is one of the games most entertainjng characters. His laugh alone is enough to crack you up and there is plenty of it in this chat. We speak about his pre game superstitions ... you won't believe how many he has. We speak about being the fastest man in the NRL. Josh also opens up about his grand father Wally Carr, a champion boxer, and the affect he had on his life. There is a great story about the night his grandfather got in a brawl with eels champion Ray Price so listen out for that. And of course we also get into his passion for his people and making a difference for young aboriginal kids all over the country. Enjoy.

In this episode Parramatta Eels stars Blake Ferguson, Junior Paulo and Will Smith talk about the Black Lives Matter movement and how they have encountered racism in their careers.
It's an issue they're very passionate about given 59% of the Eels NRL squad is made up of Indigenous or Pacific Island players.

Episode 6 OUT NOW with NBA star Patty Mills all the way from the USA 🇺🇸 We chat about his humanitarian work including; his passion for culture, bringing clean water to Indigenous communities and his relief work in the Australian bushfires. Plus, we also talk about the resumption of the NBA season as well as chasing that elusive Boomers medal at next year's Tokyo Olympics games. Enjoy!!

In this episode of the Refuse to Lose Podcast, for the first we are stepping outside Rugby League and I couldn't think of a better guy to do it with then Kieran Jack. Kieren is a former captain of the Sydney Swans who played 256 games in the AFL. But he is so much more than just an athlete.

In this episode Kieren touches on his early life growing up as the son of a Balmain Tigers legend. He touches on his transition into the AFL and how he turned himself from a draft reject into a premiership winning superstar who played in three grand finals. He also lifts the lid on the entire Adam Goodes booing saga for the very first time. Giving an insight in to what it was like to be a teammate of Adam's during the AFL's darkest days. He talks about the anger, the confusion and the great sorrow it caused him and how he still looks back on what he could have done differently at the time.

Kieren also talks about retirement and how it's allowed him to throw himself into community work and help him become an advocate for a number of important issues. I've done a lot of sports interviews for my job and this is seriously one of the most honest, intellectual and eye opening conversations I've ever had. There is also some great locker room stories ranging from the Dalai Lama, to toothbrushes. Please enjoy my chat with Kieren jack.

This episode of the Refuse to Lose Podcast is with South Sydney Rabbitohs star Liam Knight. Liam discusses his nomadic childhood, being homeless as a first grade footballer, his Mum's passing, the spray he copped from Roosters coach Trent Robinson and his infamous 'aero guard' drink driving charge plus plenty of laughs as well.

Episode 3 of the Refuse to lose podcast is with Manly Sea Eagles superstars Jake and Tom Trbojevic.

The brothers are a little different to previous guests. They haven't had to endure a tough up bringing or being subject to heavy trauma on their road to being professional athletes. But that doesn't stop them from having a great message to share.

Despite all their success, playing for New South Wales and Australia ... they are two of the most giving people with their time you could meet. They do plenty of work in their home community on the northern beaches of Sydney from coaching young kids to working with mental health charities. We cover off that plus plenty of other fun footy chat and of course a good Des Hasler story. Please enjoy!

Episode 2 of the Refuse to Lose Podcast is with Manly Sea Eagles star Joel Thompson.
Joel has spoken a lot about his story and his charity The Mindset Project previously.

In this podcast he also discusses: his fears for suicide and domestic violence in the Covid19 crisis; his own bi-polar, treating it with medication and its affect on his footy; sobriety after a nasty accident that almost killed him; plus a lot of fun footy stories. Enjoy!!

This episode of the Refuse to Lose Podcast features Rabbitohs superstar James Roberts or Jimmy the Jet as he's known to NRL fans.

This is the first time James has spoken in depth about his life and to say the least ... it's an emotional rollercoaster.
He is a man blessed with incredible football ability but burdened with hurdles most of us would struggle to comprehend.

His story is not only inspirational but extremely eye opening.

In this introductory episode, host Jake Duke provides an overview of the Refuse to Lose Podcast, touching on how and why the show was created whilst giving listeners an idea of what athletes and topics they can expect to hear in the coming episodes.