At 29 years of age, Australian Holly Deane-Johns' life was hanging in the balance. Arrested by Thai police while trying to post illicit drugs back to Australia, she faces the death penalty in a foreign country. Her life is spared, but a harrowing jail experience prompted Holly to turn her life around and finally kick her drug addiction.

LINKS
Holly's book Holly’s Hell: Seven Years in a Thai Prison is available now
You can also follow Holly on Instagram
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. 

At 29 years of age, Australian Holly Deane-Johns' life was hanging in the balance. Arrested by Thai police while trying to post illicit drugs back to Australia, she faces the death penalty in a foreign country. Her life is spared, but a harrowing jail experience prompted Holly to turn her life around and finally kick her drug addiction.
LINKS
<ul>
<li>Holly's book Holly&rsquo;s Hell: Seven Years in a Thai Prison is available <a href="https://www.hollydeanejohns.com.au/buy-the-book">now</a></li>
<li>You can also follow Holly on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/hollydeanejohns">Instagram</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 &ndash; <a href="https://www.instagram.com/novapodcastsofficial/">@novapodcastsofficial</a>.</li>
</ul>
CREDITS Host: Ant Middleton Editor: Adrian Walton Executive Producer: Anna Henvest&nbsp; 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.&nbsp;

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

Brutal Reality of Thai Jail Helps Aussie Beat Drug Addiction

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/2fb3740d-3436-44af-8cc0-a91900716aa5/clips/d6e241f5-d328-4ba3-b2b6-b2db00243d75/transcript

I've spoken to some really inspiring people over the last year, many of which have used exercise and fitness as a means to get their head back in the game. Firstly, fellow Brit Jack Pitcher decided running across Australia was the perfect project to focus his energy on when his mind wasn't quite right. Then, congenital amputee Louise Hawkins on how CrossFit inspired her to stop hiding her disability. And finally, Australian model and influencer James Parr on returning to the gym just weeks after losing his leg.

SUPPORT
For immediate support in a crisis, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14
More resources are available from Beyond Blue

LINKS
Listen to the full interview with Jack Pitcher here
Listen to the full interview with Louise Hawkins here
Listen to the full interview with James Parr here
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: Damien Haffenden 
Managing Producer: Ricardo Bardon

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.

I've spoken to some really inspiring people over the last year, many of which have used exercise and fitness as a means to get their head back in the game. Firstly, fellow Brit <a href="https://novafm.com.au/podcast/head-game/736adb51-4b57-4933-9295-6bf413f73ac1/2025-08-06/running-95-marathons-in-just-61-days">Jack Pitcher</a> decided running across Australia was the perfect project to focus his energy on when his mind wasn't quite right. Then, congenital amputee <a href="https://novafm.com.au/podcast/head-game/736adb51-4b57-4933-9295-6bf413f73ac1/2025-07-09/adaptive-athlete-louise-hawkins-and-the-fear-bubble">Louise Hawkins</a> on how CrossFit inspired her to stop hiding her disability. And finally, Australian model and influencer <a href="https://novafm.com.au/podcast/head-game/736adb51-4b57-4933-9295-6bf413f73ac1/2025-06-04/losing-his-leg-helped-james-parr-find-his-purpose">James Parr</a> on returning to the gym just weeks after losing his leg.
SUPPORT
<ul>
<li>For immediate support in a crisis, contact <a href="https://www.lifeline.org.au/">Lifeline</a> on 13 11 14</li>
<li>More resources are available from <a href="https://www.beyondblue.org.au/">Beyond Blue</a></li>
</ul>
LINKS
<ul>
<li>Listen to the full interview with Jack Pitcher <a href="https://omny.fm/shows/head-game/running-95-marathons-in-just-61-days">here</a></li>
<li>Listen to the full interview with Louise Hawkins <a href="https://omny.fm/shows/head-game/adaptive-athlete-louise-hawkins-and-the-fear-bubble">here</a></li>
<li>Listen to the full interview with James Parr <a href="https://omny.fm/shows/head-game/losing-his-leg-helped-james-parr-find-his-purpose">here</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 &ndash; <a href="https://www.instagram.com/novapodcastsofficial/">@novapodcastsofficial</a>.</li>
</ul>
CREDITS
Host: Ant Middleton Editor: Adrian Walton Executive Producer: Damien Haffenden&nbsp; Managing Producer: Ricardo Bardon
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.

Best Of: Kings & Queens Of Fitspo

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/2fb3740d-3436-44af-8cc0-a91900716aa5/clips/e2ab6432-8d5f-4a0b-aa61-b3aa002f4351/transcript

Over the last year I've had conversations with some amazing survivors, who not only survived, but are thriving against all odds. First, Suzanne Heywood details how a dream sailing trip as a child turned into a nightmare at the hands of her narrowly-focussed father. Then, Matthew Lewis on how he was forced to take control when the fishing vessel he was working on sank in the Antarctic Ocean. And finally journalist and author Jamila Rizvi on the brain tumour diagnosis that forever changed her life.

LINKS
Listen to the full interview with Suzanne Heywood here
Listen to the full interview with Matthew Lewis here
Listen to the full interview with Jamila Rizvi here
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: Damien Haffenden 
Managing Producer: Ricardo Bardon

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.

Over the last year I've had conversations with some amazing survivors, who not only survived, but are thriving against all odds. First, <a href="https://novafm.com.au/podcast/head-game/736adb51-4b57-4933-9295-6bf413f73ac1/2025-06-17/the-dream-family-sailing-trip-that-turned-into-a-nightmare">Suzanne Heywood</a> details how a dream sailing trip as a child turned into a nightmare at the hands of her narrowly-focussed father. Then, <a href="https://novafm.com.au/podcast/head-game/736adb51-4b57-4933-9295-6bf413f73ac1/2025-10-07/matt-lewis-surviving-an-antarctic-shipwreck">Matthew Lewis</a> on how he was forced to take control when the fishing vessel he was working on sank in the Antarctic Ocean. And finally journalist and author <a href="https://novafm.com.au/podcast/head-game/736adb51-4b57-4933-9295-6bf413f73ac1/2025-06-10/jamila-rizvi-on-the-diagnosis-that-turned-her-world-upside-down">Jamila Rizvi</a> on the brain tumour diagnosis that forever changed her life.
LINKS
<ul>
<li>Listen to the full interview with Suzanne Heywood&nbsp;<a href="https://omny.fm/shows/head-game/the-dream-family-sailing-trip-that-turned-into-a-nightmare">here</a></li>
<li>Listen to the full interview with Matthew Lewis&nbsp;<a href="https://omny.fm/shows/head-game/matt-lewis-surviving-an-antarctic-shipwreck">here</a></li>
<li>Listen to the full interview with Jamila Rizvi <a href="https://omny.fm/shows/head-game/jamila-rizvi-on-the-diagnosis-that-turned-her-world-upside-down">here</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 &ndash; <a href="https://www.instagram.com/novapodcastsofficial/">@novapodcastsofficial</a>.</li>
</ul>
CREDITS
Host: Ant Middleton Editor: Adrian Walton Executive Producer: Damien Haffenden&nbsp; Managing Producer: Ricardo Bardon
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.

Best of 2025: Against The Odds

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/2fb3740d-3436-44af-8cc0-a91900716aa5/clips/5179b85a-01d7-4728-96d0-b3a900360c8f/transcript

With the year drawing to a close, I look back at some of the most impactful conversations I've had over the last year. This episode features some of Australia's sporting greats: former Brisbane Lions captain Jonathan Brown on getting his head right early in his AFL career; then Olympian Elle Armit on the heartbreak of being dropped from representing Australia, and how she built herself back up; and finally - how a $2 raffle ticket changed the course of Mark 'Frosty' Winterbottom's life.

LINKS
Listen to the full interview with Jonathan Brown here
Listen to the full interview with Elle Armit here
Listen to the full interview with Mark Winterbottom here
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: Damien Haffenden 
Managing Producer: Ricardo Bardon

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 the year drawing to a close, I look back at some of the most impactful conversations I've had over the last year. This episode features some of Australia's sporting greats: former Brisbane Lions captain <a href="https://novafm.com.au/podcast/browny-s-podcast/a60637ef-3263-4099-9043-4f23d849d965">Jonathan Brown</a> on getting his head right early in his AFL career; then Olympian <a href="https://novafm.com.au/podcast/head-game/736adb51-4b57-4933-9295-6bf413f73ac1/2025-05-06/olympian-elle-armit-on-developing-a-high-performance-mindset">Elle Armit</a> on the heartbreak of being dropped from representing Australia, and how she built herself back up; and finally - how a $2 raffle ticket changed the course of <a href="https://novafm.com.au/podcast/head-game/736adb51-4b57-4933-9295-6bf413f73ac1/2025-09-09/mark-winterbottom-from-struggle-comes-success">Mark 'Frosty' Winterbottom</a>'s life.
LINKS
<ul>
<li>Listen to the full interview with Jonathan Brown <a href="https://novafm.com.au/podcast/head-game/736adb51-4b57-4933-9295-6bf413f73ac1/2025-07-23/inside-afl-legend-jonathan-browns-high-performance-mindset">here</a></li>
<li>Listen to the full interview with Elle Armit <a href="https://omny.fm/shows/head-game/olympian-elle-armit-on-developing-a-high-performance-mindset">here</a></li>
<li>Listen to the full interview with Mark Winterbottom&nbsp;<a href="https://omny.fm/shows/head-game/mark-winterbottom-from-struggle-comes-success">here</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 &ndash; <a href="https://www.instagram.com/novapodcastsofficial/">@novapodcastsofficial</a>.</li>
</ul>
CREDITS
Host: Ant Middleton Editor: Adrian Walton Executive Producer: Damien Haffenden&nbsp; Managing Producer: Ricardo Bardon
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.

Best of 2025: Going For Sporting Glory

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/2fb3740d-3436-44af-8cc0-a91900716aa5/clips/9a6fd079-740e-4072-b7ff-b3a9002f87e5/transcript

Brutal Reality of Thai Jail Helps Aussie Beat Drug Addiction

In 1 playlist(s)

Head Game

Social links

Follow podcast

Recent clips