What a Lad

Tim Bateman- Life after Rugby

Life after rugby or life after professional sport is hard. As you would’ve heard in previous episodes with retired players, everyone handles it differently. The goal of this episode is to help prepare players better for that transition and who better to give advice than the legend Tim Bateman. Timmy has nailed his transition, he’s formed NZ’s largest wellbeing centre in @ostudio_nz, he’s written and released 2 top selling children’s books, he’s coaching the Crusaders development team, he’s a great father to his kids and husband to his wife and he is just a champion all round lad. 
However as you’ll hear, even Tim has struggled with life post footy but what he has done, is he has narrowed it down to 6 challenges. These challenges are what he believes are key to overcoming to nail the transition. Even thinking about and/or understanding some of these challenges, I think will help massively for when that time comes. This is a podcast I wish I could’ve done 5 years ago as some of Timmys theory’s are gold for anyone coming to the end.
If you know someone who is coming to the end of their sporting career, sharing this episode with them could help them massively so please do so.
Also thanks to our mates at speights for sponsoring this episode.

Eljiah Taylor- What a Lad

Elijah Taylor is a Rugby League legend here in NZ. He has played big roles for NRL sides including the Warriors, Panthers and Tigers, as well as playing internationally for the Kiwis. He is a man with the drive to succeed more than most and has put everything into his rugby league career, which is still going strong today. He is also a qualified pilot and a future rap star, a man of many talents!
However, the bulk of this episode is about one of the craziest stories I've ever heard. During his career his manager stole over 400k from his bank account! I love how open and honest Elijah is in this episode, he's a seriously good lad who just wants no one else to be in the same position he got in to.
If you enjoy this episode as much as I did please give it a share.
And thanks to our mates at Speights for bringing you this episode.

Michael Fatialofa- What a Lad

The Speights What a Lad podcast season 4 is under way and what a guest to start! Michael Fatialofa was one of the toughest players on the field I ever played with and he proved he was even tougher off it after a life changing tackle.
While playing for Worcester, Michael Fatialofa was hit awkwardly in a tackle that caused him to be Paraliyzed from the neck down and told he will never walk again. From that moment his life completely changed and hearing the battle he has gone through the last 3 years left me feeling inspired, sad and proud of what he has been able to achieve.
This episode is an awesome reminder to be truely grateful for everything you have in your life, as like in Michaels case it can literally be taken away from you over night. I'm so grateful for Fat's coming on What a Lad and speaking so openly about his journey, it is one of the most powerful and inspiring episodes yet! If you enjoy this episode please give it a share!
Cheers to our mates at Speights for bringing you this episode, good on ya mate!

Tamati Ellison- What a Lad

Here it is, the last episode of Season 3 and there is no better way to finish what has been a massive season then with greatest lad of them all Tamati Ellison! 
The gifted singer, actor, rugby player, baby maker and coach has had some journey to date and there was so much to go through in this one.
From his child acting days to his pathway into the All Blacks and so many good stories along the way. Tamati is widely regarded as one of the best lads you could meet and after listening to this episode I'm sure you will see why. I loved this conversation and enjoyed listening back to it even more. If you enjoy the episode please give it a share 🙏🏼
If you're keen to make the most of this free class opportunity at O-Studio use the code WHATALADCLASS at check out for 100% off! Also if you’re interested in more information about O-Studio from the legend Tim Bateman then click here O-Studio
Also if you’re looking to build, renovate your existing home or looking at a commercial development get in touch with Hayden. Email hayden@earlqs.co.nz
P 027 255 4977
 

Noah Hotham- What a Lad

Noah Hotham is one of the most exciting young rugby talents on the planet and it was a pleasure to get him on the podcast and go through the first 19 years of the young mans life.
The Tasman Mako and NZ u20 star has burst on to the NZ rugby scene in 2022 and has just signed a 3 year deal with the Crusaders. It's not often kids come straight out of school in the physical shape Noah did but after hearing about his time at Hamilton Boys it now all makes sense. Noah is fit, fast and strong and has an incredible ability to break open a game which was proven in this years Bunnings Cup scoring 7 tries himself.
This young man has a massive future in the game and he is an absolute lad. If you enjoy this episode please give it a share, it'd be much appreciated.
If you're interested in more information about O-Studio from the legend Tim Bateman then click here O-Studio
Also if you’re looking to build, renovate your existing home or looking at a commercial development get in touch with Hayden. Email hayden@earlqs.co.nz
P 027 255 4977
 

Jamie O’Donnell- What a Lad

Breathing is something we do every minute of the day and it's crazy how many of us don't breathe correctly including myself. It's mind blowing to hear how beneficial changing the way you breathe can be for high performance sport or everyday life. 
So in this episode I catch up with the breath guru Jamie O'Donnell and talk all things breathing. This episode will definitely make you think about the way you breath and hopefully you pick up some tips on how you can breathe better and perform better or live a better lifestyle.
I can't really do the episode justice by writing about it so give it a listen and if you enjoy it or know someone who would benefit in hearing it then please give it a share.
If you're interested in more information about O-Studio from the legend Tim Bateman then click here O-Studio
Finally if you enjoy your racing go and give champion trainer Regan Todd at Todds Racing a follow!

Colin Slade- What a Lad

After however many episodes I have done so far, it's clear that every single rugby career is full of up and downs. In Colin Slade's case, the highs were some of the biggest highs you can get in the game, kicking match winning conversions for the All Black and winning plenty of titles, including 2 RWCs. However when I think of players who had an unfair amount of injuries, Colin Slade would be right up there. Double digits surgeries, double digit concussions and even when he needed his body the most during the 2011 RWC he went down with a groin injury.
Sladey has also experienced rugby all around the world and I felt like he summed up the differences between the different countries perfectly. He also shares plenty of good stories from along the way and some great advice mixed into this one too.
As always if you enjoy this episode please give it a share.
If you're interested in more information about O-Studio from the legend Tim Bateman then click here O-Studio
Finally if you enjoy your racing go and give champion trainer Regan Todd at Todds Racing a follow! Or DM me if you're keen to get in on What a Lad (the horse).
 

Tony Lamborn- What a Lad

After the recent retirement of the great American International Tony Lamborn, I knew I just had to get him on and man he does not dissapoint! A man who has never been shy to tell it is, does exactly that in this episode with some unreal yarns.
Having played for plenty of team's all over the world, Tony has plenty of unique experiences on and off the field. It was also really cool to hear him speak about some of the struggles he has faced and how he managed to get through the tough times. 
I'm sure after listening to this episode you'll have a good idea of what the man Tony Lamborn is like off the field. He is an absolute lad who loves a good time. If you enjoy this episode please give it a share.
If you're interested in more information about O-Studio from the legend Tim Bateman then click here O-Studio
Finally if you enjoy your racing go and give champion trainer Regan Todd at Todds Racing a follow! Or DM me if you're keen to get in on What a Lad (the horse).

Mike Coman- Q&A

I know you've all heard the Mike Coman story (Season 1, episode 3) which was one of the greatest episodes to date. Now we've got him back on by popular demand for a Q&A, where you guys throw him some real hard hitting questions!
Now Moo is one of my best mates and even I learnt heaps about him in this one and I even learnt heaps in general. From parenting advice to rugby and life advice, this episode has it all. Moo is a natural story teller and there is plenty of laughs to be had listening to this one.
As always if you enjoy this episode please give it a share!
 
If you're after the best coffee beans in NZ or one of there many tea selections head over to Pomeroys and use the code LAD03 for 20% off
 
Also if you're keen to get your hands on some Pure Sport products, then click this link here Pure Sport and use the discount code whatalad20 for 20% off 

Matt Duffie- What a Lad

Our first ever dual code international has jumped on What a Lad in the form of one of the greats Matt Duffie!
 
Matt who started off as a teenager with the Melbourne Storm playing with the big 4 Greg Inglis, Cam Smith, Cooper Cronk and Billy Slater! He then had the chance to represent the Kiwis before being hammered by injuries which eventually saw him switch codes.
 
After a rough start in Super Rugby with the Blues and spending a lot of the season playing club. He worked hard, he learnt the game, he found his form, and went on to be one of the best outside backs in the country, which saw him named as an All Black. 
 
The Matt Duffie story like so many guys careers, is full of highs and lows but something he wouldn't change at all, shaping him into the lad he is today! Such a good episode this one and heaps of great insights and tips into becoming a professional rugby player or athlete.
 
If you enjoy this episode please give it a share!
 
If you're interested in more information about O-Studio from the legend Tim Bateman then click here O-Studio
If you enjoy your racing go and give champion trainer Regan Todd at Todds Racing a follow! Or DM me if you're keen to get in on What a Lad (the horse).
Finally if you're keen to get your hands on some Pure Sport products, then click this link here Pure Sport and use the discount code whatalad20 for 20% off