"The one thing you have absolutely no control over is when you're gonna get rescued. What you have 100% of control over is 'are you going to be alive when you get rescued?'".

This mindset kept Captain Brian Udell afloat for four gruelling hours in the middle of the Atlantic, after surviving one of the fastest known ejections in history. 

Injured and afraid, Brian knew he had to harness his mind to stay alive and get back home to his wife. She was at home, four months pregnant with their first child. He refused to let her get that knock at the door, and shares with Ant how he made sure to prevent that from happening. 

LINKS
Find out more about Captain Brian Udell's public speaking at aviationspeakers.com/brian-udell
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.

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. 

"The one thing you have absolutely no control over is when you're gonna get rescued. What you have 100% of control over is 'are you going to be alive when you get rescued?'".
This mindset kept Captain Brian Udell afloat for four gruelling hours in the middle of the Atlantic, after surviving one of the fastest known ejections in history. 
Injured and afraid, Brian knew he had to harness his mind to stay alive and get back home to his wife. She was at home, four months pregnant with their first child. He refused to let her get that knock at the door, and shares with Ant how he made sure to prevent that from happening. 
LINKS
<ul>
<li>Find out more about Captain Brian Udell's public speaking at <a href="https://www.aviationspeakers.com/brian-udell">aviationspeakers.com/brian-udell</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>
</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

Surviving the Highest Speed Ejection From a US Fighter Aircraft

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/2fb3740d-3436-44af-8cc0-a91900716aa5/clips/62e5b9d5-1776-45e9-8bc8-b1a000171ff7/transcript

Kellie Finlayson shares her inspiring story with Ant in this episode. The young Mum and wife of AFL star, Jeremy Finlayson, was just 25 when she was diagnosed with terminal bowel cancer in 2021. Having just given birth to Sophia, she put some unusual symptoms down to being postpartum, but the results of a delayed colonoscopy revealed the life-changing news. 

She opens up about how this robbed her of her first year of motherhood, the ongoing fight to stay alive each day, and how the support of her family and friends kept her going.

LINKS
Find out more about prevention and early detection of bowel cancer at jodileefoundation.org.au
Follow Kellie Finlayson on Instagram @kelliefinlayson_
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. 

Kellie Finlayson shares her inspiring story with Ant in this episode. The young Mum and wife of AFL star, Jeremy Finlayson, was just 25 when she was diagnosed with terminal bowel cancer in 2021. Having just given birth to Sophia, she put some unusual symptoms down to being postpartum, but the results of a delayed colonoscopy revealed the life-changing news. 
She opens up about how this robbed her of her first year of motherhood, the ongoing fight to stay alive each day, and how the support of her family and friends kept her going.
LINKS
<ul>
<li>Find out more about prevention and early detection of bowel cancer at <a href="https://jodileefoundation.org.au/">jodileefoundation.org.au</a></li>
<li>Follow Kellie Finlayson on Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/accounts/login/?next=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fkelliefinlayson_%2F%3Fhl%3Den&amp;is_from_rle">@kelliefinlayson_</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.

Kellie Finlayson on Thriving With Terminal Cancer

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/2fb3740d-3436-44af-8cc0-a91900716aa5/clips/ad9eca0f-fe1e-480c-811a-b1f70068ef6f/transcript

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.

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

In the blink of an eye, Sam Bloom's life changed forever. The active Mum-of-three was on a family holiday in Thailand when a tragic fall left her paralysed from the chest down. What followed were months of rehab and heartbreak, as Sam battled with severe injuries and her declining mental health. 

In this episode, she speaks about how the love of her family and a little bird got her through, in a story that's captured the world's attention.

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 Sam on Instagram @samjbloom
Find out more about Sam and her books at sambloom.com.au
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. 

In the blink of an eye, Sam Bloom's life changed forever. The active Mum-of-three was on a family holiday in Thailand when a tragic fall left her paralysed from the chest down. What followed were months of rehab and heartbreak, as Sam battled with severe injuries and her declining mental health. 
In this episode, she speaks about how the love of her family and a little bird got her through, in a story that's captured the world's attention.
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 Sam on Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/samjbloom/?hl=en">@samjbloom</a></li>
<li>Find out more about Sam and her books at <a href="https://sambloom.com.au/">sambloom.com.au</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.

The Magpie That Kept Sam Bloom Alive

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/2fb3740d-3436-44af-8cc0-a91900716aa5/clips/a6b680a4-75cb-4895-a790-b1e60162f2da/transcript

Surviving the Highest Speed Ejection From a US Fighter Aircraft

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