In this episode of Awesome Humans, host Brett McCallum sits down with Australian basketball legend Sam Mackinnon for a wide-ranging, often hilarious, and deeply human conversation. From his early days growing up in Melbourne, juggling football and basketball dreams, to his rise through the NBL and international tournaments—including Olympic battles against LeBron James and Shaquille O’Neal—Sam shares what it’s really like behind the stats. The chat spans career highlights, personal struggles, his coaching philosophy, and the journey of raising a basketball-playing son in today’s fast-paced sporting world.

Show Notes

Sponsored by: Official Beer Co - GC Lager

In this episode:

• Sam's early memories and why he nearly played AFL
• Being recruited in Year 11 and signing his first NBL contract at 17
• Playing against LeBron, Shaq, Scottie Pippen and the Dream Team
• What it was like representing Australia at the Olympics
• The highs and lows of a long career: MVPs, injuries, and setbacks
• Transitioning to coaching and building the Taranaki Airs into a contender
• His perspective on fatherhood, divorce, and raising elite kids in sport
• Life lessons from basketball—and what’s next

Quickfire Q&A:
Favourite food? (Steak!) | Favourite place? (Sunshine Beach) | Most proud of? (His kids)

Host Brett McCallum sits down with former AFL star Dane Swan to explore his journey from a footy-loving kid to one of the game’s greats.

He opens up about his early memories, the highs and lows of professional sport, and the unique energy of playing on Anzac Day. As well as life beyond the game (including personal passions, from the stories behind his tattoos to unforgettable moments with football legends), future aspirations, and the joys of family.

Reflecting on his career, he shares what it meant to win the prestigious Brownlow Medal, the pressures that came with it, and why team camaraderie mattered more than individual accolades.

In this episode of Awesome Humans, host Brett McCallum sits down with former NRL star Jarrod Wallace for an honest, no-holds-barred chat about life on and off the field. Jarrod takes us back to his early days, sharing memories of his childhood, the journey that led him to professional rugby league, and the pivotal role coach Wayne Bennett played in shaping his career.

They dive into the highs and lows of life in the NRL—overcoming injuries, switching teams, and the behind-the-scenes dynamics that make or break team chemistry. Jarrod opens up about the personal challenges athletes face, from media scrutiny to balancing family life with the demands of elite sport.

He also reflects on playing for a cause, the influential players who left their mark on him, and his bold decision to continue his career in France—cultural shocks and all. As he discusses his transition out of professional rugby, Jarrod reveals his newfound passion for radio, his aspirations for the future, and why family will always be his greatest motivation.

It’s a raw, inspiring, and sometimes surprising conversation with one of rugby league’s most genuine voices.

In this episode of Awesome Humans, Brett welcomes Hayley Melidonis, a former global business development professional turned entrepreneur. In this engaging conversation, Hayley shares her transformative journey through travel, career changes, and personal growth. From her experiences in Japan during the Olympics to her transition into the tech industry, she reflects on how these moments shaped her identity and aspirations.

Enjoy!

In this episode of Awesome Humans, Brett interviews Justine Jade, a multifaceted creative who shares her journey from a new-age upbringing to a profound spiritual awakening in Mexico. Justine discusses her experiences with somatic therapy, her transition from atheism to faith in Jesus, and the complexities of her identity and relationships. The conversation explores her early life, family background, and career beginnings in radio, comedy, and music, highlighting the challenges and triumphs she faced along the way.

Enjoy!

In this episode of Awesome Humans, host Brett McCallum interviews Mack Lindon, a man who faced false accusations of rape, leading to a tumultuous journey through the legal system and prison. Mack shares his early life, experiences in school, and the dual paths of nursing and acting he pursued. He recounts the challenges of being incarcerated, the impact of his experiences on his personal growth, and his eventual exoneration. The conversation delves into the societal implications of incarceration and the need for rehabilitation over punishment. In this conversation, the speaker discusses the complexities of seeking justice, the journey of storytelling through film, and the importance of transparency in parenting. They share their experiences of creating films amidst personal and societal chaos, emphasizing resilience and the power of storytelling.

Hello Awesome Humans and welcome back to another episode! In this episode Brett welcomes Ian Dixon into the studio. As an distinguished actor with credits in shows like "Underbelly" and "Heartbreak High", Ian also holds a Ph.D., provides fascinating insights into his transition from acting to academia and shares details about his current role as a professor at Nanyang Technology University in Singapore. Tune in as they explore the unique journey of a performer turned scholar, weaving together the worlds of entertainment and education.

Hello Awesome Humans and welcome back to another episode! In today's episode, your host Brett welcomes former professional rugby league player turn musician, Don Rogers, into the studio. In the 70's, Don was a professional rugby league player for the Cronulla Sharks and Western Reds and is now a crane operator by day and a country musician by night. After a chance encounter at his work in February of this year (2023), Don gained his confidence as a musician and started playing open mics and jam nights and has not let up since.

Say hello to this week's totally Awesome Human!