Michelle Lee was living an ordinary 9-5 life, with a stable corporate job in the banking sector. But looking for more out of life, she took to the water. Inspired by the book 'Rowing the Atlantic‘ by Roz Savage, she started an intensive training regiment. Her determination say her eventually become the first Australian female to row solo across the Atlantic Ocean, then the first woman in the world to row the Pacific Ocean solo and unassisted.

In this episode, Michelle opens up to Ant about her mindset shift to take on her many adventures, what it takes to spend months on end alone on the open water, and what's next for her.

LINKS
Follow Michelle on Instagram
Visit Michelle's website
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.

Michelle Lee was living an ordinary 9-5 life, with a stable corporate job in the banking sector. But looking for more out of life, she took to the water. Inspired by the book 'Rowing the Atlantic&lsquo; by Roz Savage, she started an intensive training regiment. Her determination say her eventually become the first Australian female to row solo across the Atlantic Ocean, then the first woman in the world to row the Pacific Ocean solo and unassisted.
In this episode, Michelle opens up to Ant about her mindset shift to take on her many adventures, what it takes to spend months on end alone on the open water, and what's next for her.
LINKS
<ul>
<li>Follow Michelle on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/michelleleesolorower">Instagram</a></li>
<li>Visit Michelle's <a href="https://solorower.com/">website</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>

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

From Banking to Open Ocean Adventure: Michelle Lee's Dramatic Life Change

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/2fb3740d-3436-44af-8cc0-a91900716aa5/clips/67d00d59-5af8-4f26-b62a-b3df017724f5/transcript

Luke Richmond has lived many lives: outback kid, infantry soldier, addict, inmate, endurance adventurer, author, and world-record holder. In this episode, Luke unpacks the moments that shaped his life, from growing up in remote Australia enduing relentless bullying, to joining the army at 17, and spiralling into an addiction that left him locked up in a foreign jail. And how hitting rock bottom became his turning point.

Luke shares with Ant how the brutal discipline of Muay Thai training helped helped him rebuild his identity and fuel a passion for extreme adventure. From climbing the some of the highest peaks in violent snowstorms to record-breaking ocean crossings, Luke reveals what endurance has taught him about fear, failure, and staying alive. Luke also explains the philosophy behind his book Five Years to Live, and why adventure isn’t about ego, it's about staying human.

LINKS
Follow Luke on Instagram
Grab Luke's books including 'Five Years To Live' 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.

Luke Richmond has lived many lives: outback kid, infantry soldier, addict, inmate, endurance adventurer, author, and world-record holder.&nbsp;In this episode, Luke unpacks the moments that shaped his life, from growing up in remote Australia enduing relentless bullying, to joining the army at 17, and spiralling into an addiction that left him locked up in a foreign jail.&nbsp;And how hitting rock bottom became his turning point.
Luke shares with Ant how the brutal discipline of Muay Thai training helped helped him rebuild his identity and fuel a passion for extreme adventure. From climbing the some of the highest peaks in violent snowstorms to record-breaking ocean crossings, Luke reveals what endurance has taught him about fear, failure, and staying alive.&nbsp;Luke also explains the philosophy behind his book Five Years to Live, and why adventure isn&rsquo;t about ego, it's about staying human.
LINKS
<ul>
<li>Follow Luke on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/luke_olocadventures">Instagram</a></li>
<li>Grab Luke's books including 'Five Years To Live' <a href="https://www.olocadventures.com/shop">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>

From Addiction to Adventure: Luke Richmond's Life of Extremes

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/2fb3740d-3436-44af-8cc0-a91900716aa5/clips/3d14b10b-1d14-427b-8510-b3d70054d955/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

From Banking to Open Ocean Adventure: Michelle Lee's Dramatic Life Change

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