With a career spanning over 20 years as an operational police officer, Allan Sparkes was no stranger to high-pressure situations. From murders to robberies to rescues,  Allan had to confront intense and difficult cases on a daily basis. But this took a harsh toll, and he found himself battling post-traumatic stress disorder and depression. 

Now, Allan is passionate about preventing severe burnout and supporting those working on the frontline. He shares his journey from feeling hopeless and worthless, to becoming a recipient of the prestigious Cross of Valour 

In this episode, there is a mention of suicide. If this topic is triggering for you, please seek help by visiting Lifeline's website at https://www.lifeline.org.au/ or by calling 13 11 14.

LINKS
Follow Allan Sparkes on Instagram @allansparkes_cv
Find out more about Allan and his book, The Cost of Bravery, at allansparkes.com
Follow Ant on Instagram, X, and Facebook
Learn more about Ant on his website antmiddleton.com
Follow Nova Podcasts on Instagram for videos from the podcast and behind the scenes content – @novapodcastsofficial.
If you enjoy listening to Head Game, you can vote for us in the 'Listener's Choice' category at the Australian Podcast Awards. Submit your vote at australianpodcastawards.com/voting

CREDITS
Host: Ant Middleton
Editor: Adrian Walton
Executive Producer: Anna Henvest 
Managing Producer: Elle Beattie

Nova Entertainment acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which we recorded this podcast, the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation. We pay our respect to Elders past and present. 

With a career spanning over 20 years as an operational police officer, Allan Sparkes was no stranger to high-pressure situations. From murders to robberies to rescues,  Allan had to confront intense and difficult cases on a daily basis. But this took a harsh toll, and he found himself battling post-traumatic stress disorder and depression. 
Now, Allan is passionate about preventing severe burnout and supporting those working on the frontline. He shares his journey from feeling hopeless and worthless, to becoming a recipient of the prestigious Cross of Valour 
In this episode, there is a mention of suicide. If this topic is triggering for you, please seek help by visiting Lifeline's website at <a href="https://www.lifeline.org.au/" data-outlook-id="94ee5a94-aabc-45de-920a-5e41963ae18a">https://www.lifeline.org.au/</a> or by calling 13 11 14.
LINKS
<ul>
<li>Follow Allan Sparkes on Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/allansparkes_cv/?hl=en">@allansparkes_cv</a></li>
<li>Find out more about Allan and his book, The Cost of Bravery, at <a href="https://www.allansparkes.com">allansparkes.com</a></li>
<li>Follow Ant on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/antmiddleton/">Instagram</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/antmiddleton">X</a>, and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/antmiddletonsas/">Facebook</a></li>
<li>Learn more about Ant on his website <a href="https://www.antmiddleton.com/">antmiddleton.com</a></li>
<li>Follow Nova Podcasts on Instagram for videos from the podcast and behind the scenes content – <a href="https://www.instagram.com/novapodcastsofficial/">@novapodcastsofficial</a>.</li>
<li>If you enjoy listening to Head Game, you can vote for us in the 'Listener's Choice' category at the Australian Podcast Awards. Submit your vote at <a href="https://www.australianpodcastawards.com/voting">australianpodcastawards.com/voting</a></li>
</ul>
CREDITS Host: Ant Middleton Editor: Adrian Walton Executive Producer: Anna Henvest  Managing Producer: Elle Beattie
Nova Entertainment acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which we recorded this podcast, the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation. We pay our respect to Elders past and present.

Join Ant Middleton as he speaks with people that have beaten the odds and achieved the unthinkable by getting their head in the game. You’ll hear extraordinary stories of survival, relive heroic moments, unpack the details of life-changing decisions, and celebrate the achievement of seemingly impossible goals. This podcast series highlights what we’re capable of when we harness the power of the mind.

Join Ant Middleton as he speaks with people that have beaten the odds and achieved the unthinkable by getting their head in the game. You’ll hear extraordinary stories of survival, relive heroic moments, unpack the details of life-changing decisions, and celebrate the achievement of seemingly impossible goals. This podcast series highlights what we’re capable of when we harness the power of the mind.

Join Ant Middleton as he speaks with people that have beaten the odds and achieved the unthinkable by getting their head in the game.

Head Game

The True Cost of Working on the Frontline

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/2fb3740d-3436-44af-8cc0-a91900716aa5/clips/f466e7d0-d779-4043-b724-b1f400075ee8/transcript

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