Behind the Hype

Defying the Odds - Turning Blindness into Strength - with DEREK RABELO (Blind Big - wave Surfer and Author)

In this episode we hear from Derek Rabelo at the Stand Tall 2024 event in Sydney.
Derek is a blind, big-wave surfer and author who was the first blind person to ride life-threatening monster waves at Pipeline in Hawaii. Derek has overcome significant adversity in life, defying the odds and re-defining what it means to believe in yourself and to never stop chasing your dreams. Derek recently surfed some of the biggest and most dangerous waves in the world in Nazare, Portugal.
 

What do I do after High School? The Pressure of Year 11 - with TAMARA SWISSA (PART 2)

PART 2 - What do I do after high school?
A question many people struggle with. All the changes and all the choices.
In this episode, Nathan and Anna interview Tamara Swissa, a high school student from Sydney, about the pressures and challenges she faces. The increased workload in year 11, the importance of finding the right group of friends, and the social pressures of social media.
Tamara shares her experiences and strategies for managing these pressures and staying motivated. Anna and Nath also offer advice on balancing schoolwork and social life, and remind listeners that there are many paths to success.

What do I do after High School? The Pressure of Year 11 - with TAMARA SWISSA (PART 1)

PART 1 - What do I do after high school?
A question many people struggle with. All the changes and all the choices.
In this episode, Nathan and Anna interview Tamara Swissa, a high school student from Sydney, about the pressures and challenges she faces. The increased workload in year 11, the importance of finding the right group of friends, and the social pressures of social media.
Tamara shares her experiences and strategies for managing these pressures and staying motivated. Anna and Nath also offer advice on balancing schoolwork and social life, and remind listeners that there are many paths to success.

How I Turned my Life Around - From Drugs to Dreams with DARCY COGDALE (PART 3)

Darcy shares his story of struggling with bullying, loneliness, and low self-esteem from a young age. He turned to drugs, crime, and a toxic lifestyle to find acceptance and escape his pain.
After hitting rock bottom and attempting suicide, he sought a fresh start in New Zealand but eventually returned to his old habits. Darcy found validation and a sense of belonging in the drug scene, becoming a supplier and gaining attention. He reflects on the destructive nature of societal norms and the importance of avoiding toxic influences. Darcy shares his journey from drug addiction to sobriety and becoming a successful personal trainer.
Darcy emphasizes the importance of routine, structure, and working on oneself mentally and physically. He highlights the significance of finding purpose and helping others as a way to maintain sobriety and create a fulfilling life. Darcy offers advice to young people struggling with addiction, urging them to work on themselves now to avoid a harder future.
 
TRIGGER WARNING - In PART 2, Darcy shares his lowest point where he contemplated suicide. If you are suffering, do not be alone. You can find help at LIFELINE AUSTRALIA :  13 11 14

How I Turned my Life Around - From Drugs to Dreams with DARCY COGDALE (PART 2)

TRIGGER WARNING - In this episode, Darcy shares his lowest point where he contemplated suicide. If you are suffering, do not be alone. You can find help at LIFELINE AUSTRALIA :  13 11 14
 
Darcy shares his story of struggling with bullying, loneliness, and low self-esteem from a young age. He turned to drugs, crime, and a toxic lifestyle to find acceptance and escape his pain.
After hitting rock bottom and attempting suicide, he sought a fresh start in New Zealand but eventually returned to his old habits. Darcy found validation and a sense of belonging in the drug scene, becoming a supplier and gaining attention. He reflects on the destructive nature of societal norms and the importance of avoiding toxic influences. Darcy shares his journey from drug addiction to sobriety and becoming a successful personal trainer.
Darcy emphasizes the importance of routine, structure, and working on oneself mentally and physically. He highlights the significance of finding purpose and helping others as a way to maintain sobriety and create a fulfilling life. Darcy offers advice to young people struggling with addiction, urging them to work on themselves now to avoid a harder future.

How I Turned my Life Around - From Drugs to Dreams with DACRY COGDALE (PART 1)

Darcy shares his story of struggling with bullying, loneliness, and low self-esteem from a young age. He turned to drugs, crime, and a toxic lifestyle to find acceptance and escape his pain.
After hitting rock bottom and attempting suicide, he sought a fresh start in New Zealand but eventually returned to his old habits. Darcy found validation and a sense of belonging in the drug scene, becoming a supplier and gaining attention. He reflects on the destructive nature of societal norms and the importance of avoiding toxic influences. Darcy shares his journey from drug addiction to sobriety and becoming a successful personal trainer.
Darcy emphasizes the importance of routine, structure, and working on oneself mentally and physically. He highlights the significance of finding purpose and helping others as a way to maintain sobriety and create a fulfilling life. Darcy offers advice to young people struggling with addiction, urging them to work on themselves now to avoid a harder future.
TRIGGER WARNING - In PART 2, Darcy shares his lowest point where he contemplated suicide. If you are suffering, do not be alone. You can find help at LIFELINE AUSTRALIA :  13 11 14

Discovering Your Passion and Purpose - with STEPH RICE (3 x Olympic Gold Medalist)

In this episode we hear Grace Rowe interview Steph Rice, an Olympic Gold Medal swimmer at the Stand Tall 2024 Event.
She shares her journey and experiences from school life and bullying, through to her commitment that led to winning 3 Gold Medals at the Olympics in Beijing.
She started swimming at a young age and became serious about it at 14. She found solace and passion in swimming and was inspired by Suzy O'Neil. Steph trained rigorously, swimming 15 kilometers a day, six days a week, for 10 years.
She emphasizes the importance of having a dream and accountability to stay motivated. Steph also opens up about her struggles with bullying and finding her place in school and she shares the excitement and challenges of competing in the Olympics. Steph encourages young people to try everything and reflect on their experiences to discover their passion and purpose.

Struggling with Identity - with MOLLY CROFT (Part 2)

In this episode Anna discusses Identity with Molly Croft. 
Despite the daunting diagnosis of high-grade Metastatic Osteoblastic Osteosarcoma at just 12 years old, Molly has refused to let her circumstances define her.
She explains how the diagnosis and recovery from Cancer shaped her identity and she questioned, once returning to school, would people still like her? would they want to be friends anymore? Having gone through such a life changing event, you cannot help but question who you are in the world and where do you go from there. 
Follow @mollycroft on instagram to hear her story 
 
 

The Man, The Myth, The Legend - NEDD BROCKMANN

In this episode we hear from the legend that is Nedd Brockmann, interviewed by Nick Farr-Jones at the Stand Tall 2024 Sydney event.
At 23 years old Nedd Brockmann became the fastest ever Australian to run across the country.
He embarked on the nearly 4,000km run that took 46 days, to raise money for the homeless charity 'Mobilise.' By the end of his run he had raised $2.5 million.
On his final day more than 10,000 people welcomed him home in an emotional finish that will be remembered for years.
Nedd's relentless focus on never giving up and continuing to show up has inspired the nation. His incredible achievement and the way he did it has resonated with all ages and demographics and is driving people across Australia to take on new challenges.

Find a Rainbow in Every Day - with MOLLY CROFT

In this episode Anna chats with Molly Croft, a Stand Tall Ambassador and a beacon of resilience and empowerment.
Despite the daunting diagnosis of high-grade Metastatic Osteoblastic Osteosarcoma at just 12 years old, Molly has refused to let her circumstances define her.
She stands as a leading light in raising awareness and raising over $1 million for sarcoma-related causes.
In 2021, Molly was honoured with the prestigious NSW Women's Award for "One to Watch," recognising her potential to enact positive change. Furthermore, her unwavering commitment to Sarcoma awareness and her remarkable fundraising endeavours have earned her the esteemed title of Dubbo Regional Citizen of the Year for 2024, a testament to her profound impact on her community.
As co-founder of the Tie Dye Project, her tireless advocacy serves as a beacon of hope for those affected by Sarcoma. Additionally, Molly emphasises the importance of mental health, reminding everyone facing tough times to look for the rainbow amidst life's storms.