Life After the Whistle with Amber Daines
Life After the Whistle with Amber Daines explores how sporting legends and athletes build their lives and careers after sport. Each guest shares the mindset, lessons and playbook they use to navigate their second act. The show is supported by founding sponsors Central Coast Sports College and Division Technologies. Listeners can connect with Amber through her website, amberdaines.com.
Episodes
Embracing Change with Peter FitzSimons
Peter FitzSimons is a former rugby player turned author and journalist. They discuss Peter's transition from sports to writing, his views on luck and hard work, and his advice for navigating major life changes. Peter shares personal stories, including his unexpected journey into journalism and his reflections on embracing change. Connect with Amber Daines here https://amberdaines.com Life Aft
Redefining Failure: A Journey Beyond Success with Amber Daines
In this episode of Life After the Whistle, Amber Daines explores the complex relationship between success and failure, particularly for athletes transitioning out of their sports careers. She discusses how the definition of failure evolves after achieving significant success and the challenges of redefining one's identity and purpose post-retirement. The conversation divers into the importance of
Exploring the Self to Better the Man with Jamie Young
Jamie Young is a newly retired professional soccer player with a storied career of 25 years. He left home at the age of 15 to play soccer in England, which is considered as one of the most elite countries in world soccer. After 13 years, he decided to return home and play in the A-League which is the highest level of soccer in Australia. Overall, he played close to 600 professional games, was vote
Find Successful People and Follow their Path with Ben Lucas
Ben Lucas is the co-founder of Sydney’s leading fitness and yoga studio Flow Athletic and is a former NRL player for the Cronulla Sharks. Ben is one of Australia’s leading personal trainers, with a client list that includes Erin Holland, Sammy Robinson, and Elton John. Ben is also an ambassador for the Sydney Marathon and a member of Athletes for Life. Ben has also been named the head
The Humble Olympic Champion - Bronwen Knox
Bronwen Knox is a four-time Olympian and one of Australia’s most decorated water polo players, with 399 international appearances and two Olympic bronze medals to her name. After nearly two decades in elite sport, she has built a parallel career as a lawyer and a governance and integrity leader. She is the National Integrity Manager for Australian Taekwondo and Judo Australia, overseeing com
Ballet, Business, and Beyond with Emma Franklin Bell
Emma Franklin Bell is a writer and coach who was born and raised on the sunny Central Coast of NSW. At 16 years old she moved interstate to pursue who passion for dance and performance. This led to a career in dance studio ownership, teaching, studio coaching, assessing and adjudicating. In her late twenties Emma broadened her skills out into business, marketing, podcasting and writing. She has le
Gracie Elvin: A Journey of Resilience and Advocacy
Gracie Elvin is a two-time Australian national road cycling champion and former Olympian and the first Australian woman to podium at the iconic Tour of Flanders, amongst other things. But Gracie’s greatest legacy may lie off the bike. In 2017, she co-founded The Cyclists’ Alliance, the first-ever women’s cycling union. Gracie is more than a decorated athlete - she’s a leade
Controlled Stress and Health: Tom Harvey from Athlete to Entrepreneur
Tom Harvey is the co-founder of TH7, Australia’s leading wellness and recovery destination designed to help people live better, longer. A former professional rugby 7s player for the Queensland Reds and Australian 7s, Tom’s journey into performance and recovery began with a career-halting injury — and a Theragun. What followed was a deep personal dive into science-backed tools, he
High Performance is a Journey, not a Destination - Chris Webb
Hailing from the Barrington Coast of NSW, Chris was born into an independently owned Stock andStation Agency family where his passion for livestock, the agricultural community and sport originated. He attended boarding school for secondary education in Sydney and then to the University of Queensland Gatton College to study Property Valuation to pursue his interest in real estate and
Grit, Resilience and Balance the Keys to Success with NRL Star Billy Pedden
Billy Pedden is a former professional rugby league player best known for his time with the Newcastle Knights during the foundation years of the NRL club. A tough competitor on the field, Billy built his career around hard work, resilience, and loyalty to his team and community. Since hanging up his boots, Billy has taken those same values into life after football. He’s carved out a new path
Lessons from the Locker Room: Amber Reflects
In this special bonus episode, Life After the Whistle host Amber Daines steps behind the mic solo to reflect on some of the most powerful themes from her conversations with elite athletes. From letting go of a lifelong identity to rediscovering purpose through structure, Amber unpacks the hidden emotional journeys behind every athlete’s second act. She explores what it means to borrow new id
Grounded after Greatness: Jure Koščak on Reclaiming the Self Beyond Sport
Jure Koščak spent over a decade chasing perfection as an elite table tennis athlete. From national titles to international competitions, his life was built on precision, discipline, and the pursuit of results. But behind the podiums was a deeper disconnect—burnout, physical pain, and a growing sense that performance without presence was no longer enough. In this episode, Jure sits dow
Leading with Purpose On and Off the Field with Neil Tunnah
From the rugby grounds of Jedburgh to boardrooms across the globe, Neil Tunnah’s career has been shaped by connection, clarity, and consistency. Neil is an accredited University of Queensland & Rugby Australia Level 4 High-Performance Coach, and a World Rugby Accredited High-Performance Trainer & Educator. Neil transitioned into leadership consulting—bringing with him a rare mi
The Elite Mindset: Lessons from an Olympic Rower
In this conversation, Olympic rower Nick Lavery shares his unique journey from discovering rowing to competing at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. He discusses the challenges and triumphs of elite performance, the importance of teamwork and communication in rowing, and the personal reflections that led him to transition from sports to a career in marketing. Nick has learnt that the mindset is key and also
Rewiring the Mind for Peak Performance with Dr. Lise Janelle
As a competitive rower for 17 years, Dr. Lise Janelle knows firsthand the grit, precision, and pain that define elite sport. But it’s what came after the races—when the training stopped and identity shifted—that truly reshaped her path. Now a world-renowned performance coach, author, and creator of the Heart Freedom Method, Lise helps high-achieving athletes and entrepreneurs cle
From Court to Corporate: Jason Cadee’s Next Chapter
With a 15-season career and 424 games in the NBL, Jason Cadee has lived the dream many athletes chase. But what happens when the final whistle blows? In this episode, Amber Daines sits down with Jason just months into his new life off the court. From his early days as a towel boy in Bankstown to representing Australia and winning NBL’s Sixth Man of the Year, Jason shares the highs, the heart
Rethinking Performance and Purpose with Rach Taylor
Olympic silver medallist Rach Taylor once defined success by the medals she chased in elite rowing. But after stepping away from the water, she discovered the real challenge wasn’t on the podium—it was navigating life after sport. In this episode, Rach sits down with Amber Daines to share her extraordinary journey from Olympic glory to surf lifesaving, corporate leadership, and now, co
Redefining Impossible with Olivia Vivian
A gymnast who was told she was too tall. An Olympian labeled too old. A Ninja Warrior who shattered expectations and outperformed every man on the course. Olivia Vivian has made a career out of rewriting the rules. From surviving a life-threatening birth condition to becoming a seven-time national gymnastics champion and Beijing 2008 Olympian, Olivia’s journey is anything but ordinary. In th
Building Legacy Beyond the Game with Mark Falvo
With over 15 years of experience shaping some of Australia’s most high-profile sporting moments, Mark Falvo knows how to build legacy from the ground up. From leading the charge on the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup bid to now spearheading the 2027 Netball World Cup as Chief Operating Officer, Mark has mastered the balance between operational excellence and long-term impact. In this episo
The Making of a Sports Leader: Insights from Greg Brownlow
Greg Brownlow began his sporting journey with a racquet in hand, rising through Australia’s tennis ranks before earning a scholarship to play Division 1 college tennis in the U.S. at Austin Peay State University. After completing a degree in Business Administration, Greg launched into a pro tennis career—until injury cut it short. That moment became a turning point, leading him into el
Dr. Deidre Anderson Mental Health and Transition: A New Era for Athletes
What an extraordinary insightful episode with Dr. Deidre Andersona. Dr. Deidre is a social scientist and expert in athlete transitions who takes you an in incredible journey of understanding the psychological state of elite Athletes at differing times in their careers. She dives deep into the challenges all athletes face when transitioning out of their sports careers and they’re signif
Against All Odds: Carol Cooke's Inspiring Journey
Carol Cooke AM PLY is one of Australia’s most inspiring figures in sport and advocacy. Born in Canada, Carol served 14 years in law enforcement, including four years undercover, before relocating to Australia. Diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 1998, she defied predictions of incapacitation, later excelling in elite sport. Initially a national level swimmer, she switched to rowing, then Pa
Purpose beyond the Pool with Matt Levy
Matt Levy has been an active swimmer since he was three years old, and competed for over 20 years in hundreds of state, national and international competitions, including five Paralympic Games. He worked in the financial industry for over ten years in change management and currently works in the health sector. Matt earned a BA in Business Management and an MBA in Leadership and Innovati
Aerobics Champion Patsy Tierney on Heartbreak, Transformation and Empowering Mamas Through Fitness
Patsy Tierney is a name synonymous with excellence in sport aerobics. As the 1998 World Sport Aerobics Champion and an undefeated Australian Champion for over five years, Patsy was at the pinnacle of her sport. Sponsored by Nike, she travelled the world, competing in prestigious events across Europe, Asia, and the United States, earning both international recognition and prize money. She was a reg
Empowering Athletes Beyond Their Identity and Unlocking Peak Performance with Dr. Sacha Fulton
Dr Sacha Fulton is a highly respected and qualified consultant, trainer, coach, workshop facilitator and author on Peak Preparation and Performance. As the owner of Peak Preparation and an Australian leader in sports science, Sacha offers over 20 years’ experience in the field of scientific training and preparation techniques for individuals, organisations, community groups and schools. She
From Athlete to Executive: A Journey of Transition with Ryan Gonsalves
Ryan Gonsalves is an accredited small business advisor, career coach and lifestyle practitioner. He calls upon over 20 years’ experience as an innovation strategist and engaging people leader in banking and wealth management. Born in Leeds, England, to migrant parents from St. Kitts & Nevis in the Caribbean, Ryan left school at 16 to pursue his career as a profess
From NRL Star to Mental Health Advocate with Dan Hunt
Dan Hunt had an impressive NRL sporting career that spanned over nine years culminating in his 150th game played for the St George Illawarra Dragons. During his career as a professional athlete, he struggled with and overcame many adversities. Dan was diagnosed with Type 2 bipolar disorder in 2010. At the height of his mental illness and the struggle it presented, he felt alone and isolated as ac
From Olympic Dreams to Engineering Realities with Amie Thompson
Amie Thompson is a 29 year old who, as a dual Olympian Artistic Swimmer, competed on the world stage at the 2016 Rio and 2020 Tokyo Olympics. These days she channels her dedication and energy into her current career as an electrical engineer. She is also a coach, guiding the next generation of athletes with the same enthusiasm, passion and expertise that propelled me to Olympic heights.  
