In this episode, Ant sits down with Ellie Cole to hear about her elite mindset. After losing her right leg to cancer at age 3, in 2021 she became Australia’s most decorated female Paralympic athlete, with a record-breaking 17 Paralympic medals and OAM to her name.

In January 2024 she was also awarded an AM for her "significant service to sport as an advocate for diversity and inclusion”. 

LINKS
Follow Ellie on Instagram @elliecoleswim
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. 

In this episode, Ant sits down with Ellie Cole to hear about her elite mindset. After losing her right leg to cancer at age 3, in 2021 she became Australia’s most decorated female Paralympic athlete, with a record-breaking 17 Paralympic medals and OAM to her name.
In January 2024 she was also awarded an AM for her "significant service to sport as an advocate for diversity and inclusion”. 
LINKS
<ul>
<li>Follow Ellie on Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/elliecoleswim/?hl=en">@elliecoleswim</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

Ellie Cole on What It Takes To Win a Gold Medal

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/2fb3740d-3436-44af-8cc0-a91900716aa5/clips/731a3d77-375c-482c-8c7f-b1c000338f8e/transcript

Gina Chick joins Ant to share her extraordinary life story. From a wild childhood filled with adventures to the devastating loss of her young daughter, Gina's approach to life and grief is truly unique.

Gina shares how she's gotten through her lowest moments, and the tools she's learned along the way that will help others. 

LINKS
Gina's memoir, We Are the Stars, is out now. Find out more and purchase a copy here.
Follow Gina Chick on Instagram @gigiamazonia
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. 

Gina Chick joins Ant to share her extraordinary life story. From a wild childhood filled with adventures to the devastating loss of her young daughter, Gina's approach to life and grief is truly unique.
Gina shares how she's gotten through her lowest moments, and the tools she's learned along the way that will help others. 
LINKS
<ul>
<li>Gina's memoir, We Are the Stars, is out now. Find out more and purchase a copy <a href="https://www.simonandschuster.com.au/books/We-Are-the-Stars/Gina-Chick/9781761630248">here.</a></li>
<li>Follow Gina Chick on Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/accounts/login/?next=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fgigiamazonia%2F%3Fhl%3Den&amp;is_from_rle">@gigiamazonia</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.

Gina Chick on Her Inspiring Approach to Grief

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/2fb3740d-3436-44af-8cc0-a91900716aa5/clips/3b1a8ba5-f71b-4fd1-9ca1-b1fd00150935/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

Ellie Cole on What It Takes To Win a Gold Medal

Head Game

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