In this week’s episode of the Elevate with Mets Podcast, we sit down with professional rugby league player Liam Knight for a raw and powerful conversation about resilience, identity, and redemption — both on and off the field.
Liam opens up about his early days in rugby league with Manly, the tough decision to leave for the Roosters, and the challenges that came with chasing opportunity without the right support network. He shares the struggles he faced with ego, lifestyle choices, and the mental battles that nearly derailed his career.
We dive into the turning points — from his move to Canberra, the lessons under Wayne Bennett at South Sydney, to the brutal injuries and surgeries that forced him to confront his identity beyond the game. Liam speaks candidly about his journey through rehab, giving up alcohol, and doing the deep inner work through therapy to rebuild his life and mindset.
Now playing for Hull FC in the Super League, Liam has reignited his love for footy, found clarity in his purpose, and is setting his sights on returning to the NRL with stronger leadership and perspective than ever before.
This episode isn’t just about rugby league — it’s about facing your demons, rebuilding after rock bottom, and finding purpose beyond identity. Whether you’re a player, fan, or anyone navigating life’s challenges, Liam’s story is one you don’t want to miss.
Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with your mates!
What does it take to optimize your energy, hormones, and health in a world full of misinformation and over-the-counter garbage? In this powerhouse episode, Lucas Aoun—Australia's leading biohacker, founder of Ergogenic Health, and host of the Boost Your Biology podcast—joins Mets to break it all down.
From natural testosterone enhancement to cutting-edge peptides, elite supplement sourcing, and the truth about creatine and taurine, Lucas reveals the secrets behind his global reputation as a high-performance health coach. You'll also hear about his personal health transformation, supplement formulation process, and why DHT, dopamine, and GABA are key to unlocking your alpha energy.
✅ Topics covered:
How Lucas hacked his biology after gut health issues
The dark side of cheap supplements (Woolworths & Amazon beware!)
Secrets behind TUDCA, ergothioneine, and in-before™ supplements
Creatine purity: German vs Chinese
Why dileucine may be the next evolution of aminos
The science of TRT-free testosterone boosting
The peptide revolution: BPC-157, ACE-167, and more
How mindset, career fulfillment, and winning affect your biology
💥 Whether you're a CEO, athlete, or just want to feel better after 35, this episode delivers game-changingknowledge. Get ready to level up your vitality, focus, and performance—naturally.
👇 DROP A COMMENT with your biggest insight or question, and don't forget to:
👍 Like | 🔔 Subscribe | 🧠 Share with someone who needs to biohack smarter
📩 Lucas's TRT-Free Protocol: https://trtfree.com
🧪 Follow Lucas on IG: @ergogenic_health
🎧 Listen to the Boost Your Biology Podcast
#ElevateWithMets #LucasAoun #Biohacking #Peptides #Supplements #MensHealth
In this week’s episode of the podcast, we sit down with former Sydney Roosters legend Anthony Minichiello for an incredible deep dive into his life, career, resilience, and passion for health.
Anthony takes us back to his childhood in southwest Sydney, growing up on five acres with strong Italian roots, and how gymnastics and athletics gave him the foundation to become one of rugby league’s most dynamic players. We explore his journey from signing with the Roosters at just 16, to playing in six grand finals, winning premierships, and becoming one of the most loyal one-club players in the game.
But it wasn’t always smooth sailing. Anthony opens up about his brutal four-year injury run — including multiple back surgeries — and the mindset it took to fight his way back when doctors told him he was finished. He shares the exact nutrition, lifestyle, and recovery protocols that helped him literally rehydrate his spine and return to the top level of the NRL.
We also dive into:
What it was like playing under legendary coaches like Ricky Stuart, Phil Gould, and Graham Murray.
The leadership of Nick Politis and the culture that shaped the Roosters’ long-term success.
The pivotal 2002 premiership win and the unforgettable 2013 grand final alongside Sonny Bill Williams.
His transition into life after footy and building MiniFit, inspiring kids through movement, nutrition, and wellness — including PE programs for special needs schools.
His philosophy on resilience, leadership, and living a healthy, balanced life.
This episode is packed with lessons on hard work, loyalty, and the power of rebuilding your body and mind. Whether you’re a rugby fan or not, Anthony’s story will inspire you to push through adversity and take control of your health.
Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with your mates!
This week we’re joined by Mia Rennie, Australia’s freestyle skiing prodigy and one of the youngest athletes ever to debut on the World Cup stage. Born in Penrith in 2003, Mia has represented Australia at the Youth Olympic Games, multiple World Championships, and international Big Air and Slopestyle events, all before turning 20.
But Mia’s story goes far beyond the podium. From growing up in a sporty family with deep ties to cricket, to carving her own path in skiing from the age of 3, Mia’s journey is one of resilience, passion, and creativity. She opens up about:
The rise: breaking records at World Juniors and on the World Cup stage.
The setbacks: a full knee reconstruction before Beijing and what rehab taught her about identity, mental health, and patience.
The pivot: Winter Olympics commentary, social storytelling, journalism, and public speaking.
The mindset: chasing the “impossible,” building a strong support crew, and always kicking the sh*t out of Plan B.
Mia also shares how she balances elite sport with creativity, purpose-driven work (including climate advocacy), and building a future beyond competition. At just 22, her perspective will fire you up.
🎧 Now available on YouTube and Spotify.
#ElevateWithMets #Podcast #MiaRennie #FreestyleSkiing #AthleteMindset #Resilience #Inspiration
This week on the podcast, we welcome our first Olympian guest Sam Fricker.
At just 19 years old, Sam represented Australia on the world stage at the Olympic Games and the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. But his story goes far beyond sport.In this episode, we dive into:
- Sam’s journey from a restless kid with ADHD and dyslexia to becoming a three-time Australian champion.
- The mindset frameworks and systems he built to overcome setbacks, injuries, and self-doubt.
- Why momentum, persistence, and showing up every day matter more than talent.
- The role of family, coaching, and discipline in shaping his success.
- How he turned diving into a platform for entrepreneurship, content creation, and business opportunities.
- His unfiltered perspective on failure, social media criticism, and building resilience.
Sam also shares how he juggles training up to six hours a day while running businesses and creating content across multiple platforms and why breaking rules (but not the law) is often the key to staying ahead.If you’ve ever struggled with setbacks, self-belief, or finding the discipline to stay consistent, this conversation will give you powerful takeaways to apply in sport, business, and life.
🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe to the channel, leave a comment with your biggest takeaway, and share this episode with someone who needs to hear it.
In this week’s episode of the podcast, we sit down with author, speaker, and mentor Luke Kennedy for a powerful conversation about his journey from a troubled past to a life of impact and purpose.
Luke opens up about growing up in Alexandria, chasing respect through violence, and the spiral into crime, drugs, and organized street fights that eventually saw him stabbed twice before the age of 20. He shares the raw truth of battling anxiety, living behind false identities, and the heavy cost of people-pleasing.
We dive deep into the turning points that helped Luke rewrite his story — from finding faith and fatherhood, to becoming a voice for young people across schools and communities. Luke also talks about his upcoming “Running for Eternity” challenge, where he’ll run 21 marathons in 21 days to raise funds for a local church and inspire others to push beyond their limits.
This episode explores themes of resilience, mental health, identity, and legacy. Whether you’re navigating your own struggles or searching for inspiration to take that next step forward, Luke’s story is a raw reminder that it’s never too late to change your path.
Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with your mates!
Episode 73: Dave Kidwell - From Rugby League to Coaching the Kiwis and Beyond
In this week's episode of the podcast, we sit down with former rugby league player and coach, Dave Kidwell, for an inspiring conversation about his incredible journey in the world of rugby. Dave opens up about his early days in the game, from growing up in New Zealand without a father and being raised by his single mother, to his transition from rugby union to rugby league, and eventually becoming a coach.
We dive deep into Dave’s experiences with legendary coaches like Craig Bellamy and Brad Arthur, discussing what makes their coaching methods so special. Dave also shares fascinating insights from his time coaching the Kiwis, the challenges of being at the helm of New Zealand Rugby League, and the impact of the rise of Tonga in the international rugby scene.
He takes us through his journey into rugby union, including his time coaching with Michael Cheika’s Argentina team and the World Cup experience. With stories about the highs, lows, and lessons learned, this episode offers valuable perspectives on coaching, leadership, and adapting to new challenges.
Whether you’re a rugby fan or not, Dave's story is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the power of teamwork. Tune in for an episode filled with passion, determination, and wisdom from a man who’s seen it all in the world of sport.
Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with your mates!
Elevate with Mets Ep. 72: "The Dark Side of Performance" ft. Tyran Smith
Resilience isn’t built in the spotlight, it’s forged in the dark.
In this powerful episode, Mets sits down with former professional athlete and long-time friend Tyran to talk about a side of high performance rarely discussed: the setbacks.
We’re diving headfirst into the mental and physical toll of chasing greatness — when you’re not at your best, when your body breaks down, when life off the field throws you off course. Whether it’s injury, burnout, relationship struggles, or the crushing weight of expectation, this conversation is a real, unfiltered look at what it takes to keep going when everything says stop.
Tyran shares an unreal story, playing elite-level footy with a broken and dislocated hand, fingers facing the wrong way, bones nearly protruding through the skin. Most would sit it out. Ty? He strapped it up, got injected, and went back into the fire. Not once. Not twice. Four times.
We unpack:
The "at all costs" mindset: What fuels it? What are the consequences?
The fine line between toughness and recklessness
How to stay mentally sharp when your body isn’t cooperating
Why Lone Crow coffee is going in the suitcase to Europe
The difference between pushing through and knowing when to pivot
This episode isn’t just about sport, it’s about life. Because whether you’re on the field, in the gym, running a business, or just trying to get through the day, setbacks are universal. What matters is how you respond.
“The older we get, the better we were” - but this story isn’t just nostalgia. It’s a masterclass in grit, sacrifice, and perspective.
Real talk. Real lessons. Real stories.If you’ve ever had to pick yourself up when no one’s watching, this one’s for you.
Subscribe to Elevate with Mets for more raw, honest conversations that challenge the way we think about growth and greatness.
This week on the Elevate Podcast, we’re joined by a good mate of mine, a leader I’ve had the privilege to watch up close, in the gym and in life. He embodies the mindset, drive, and discipline it takes to truly perform at the highest level. From brutal training sessions to razor-sharp self-awareness, this episode dives deep into what separates the elite from the rest.
But before we dive in… shoutout to our favourite brew: Lone Crow Coffee. One of our mates recently tried it, and his verdict? “My favourite coffee.” You’ll be seeing more Lone Crow around the studio soon, because when you’re chasing excellence, the fuel matters.
Key Themes This Week:
What Separates the Best from the Rest
We kick things off talking about the Daily M Medal, the benchmark of individual performance in the league. What’s the secret behind staying at the top of your game? It's not just talent, it's dedication, grit, and relentless self-drive. These athletes keep showing up: staying longer, working harder, knowing exactly when they’re off and how to fix it.
Self-Awareness as a Superpower
The true greats know themselves. Whether it's refining their craft or recognising when they need to reset, elite players don’t just react, they adjust with intention. That level of awareness? It's rare, and it’s what makes all the difference.
Behind-the-Scenes Stories
From offseason training in WhatsApp groups to outworking everyone while on family trips, we get into real, raw stories of athletes who live and breathe high performance. One story in particular blew me away, a player whose training intensity on holiday proved why he’s truly elite.
The People Around You Matter
We also talk about the impact of your circle. The wrong voice can plant a seed of complacency, “It’s too cold”, “Take a day off”, and before you know it, you’ve slipped. The best athletes stay conscious, stay hungry, and surround themselves with the same.
Why You Should Listen
If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to sustain elite performance, whether you’re in sport, business, or life, this episode is for you. It’s honest, energising, and packed with practical insights you can apply immediately.
This week’s episode is pure dynamite!
We sat down with the unstoppable Ricky Colosimo, boxing promoter, entrepreneur, and all-around legend, for a raw and honest chat about life inside and outside the ring.
👊 From growing up as the youngest of six in a tight-knit Italian family to going toe-to-toe with some of Australia’s toughest fighters, Ricky’s story is all about grit, resilience, and the power of an unbreakable will.
“Everything over there is earned, not given.” Ricky shares how his time in Brooklyn’s toughest gyms taught him that success comes to those who show up and put in the work.
Inside this episode:
🥊 The early days of getting bashed by his brothers, and how that lit the fire that made him a fighter.
🥊 Overcoming a devastating ankle injury right before the Commonwealth Games, and how that moment reshaped his future.
🥊 What it’s like to train in the heart of New York, surrounded by world champions and legends of the sport.
🥊 Lessons in leadership and humility from working every single job in the family pub, from mopping floors to running the show.
🥊 Why mentoring the next generation of fighters is one of his greatest passions today.
💥 This is more than just a boxing story, it’s a story of hustle, heart, and never giving up, no matter the odds.
Hit that Subscribe button and tap the bell for more powerful conversations like this!
👇 Drop a comment below if you’ve ever had to fight for your dreams, or if Ricky’s story inspires you. Let’s hear your thoughts!
Mets opens with a heartfelt welcome to world-renowned neurosurgeon Dr. Charlie Teo, reflecting on Charlie’s lifesaving impact on a close friend’s wife more than 20 years ago. He describes Charlie’s presence as a “pinch yourself moment,” particularly given the systemic challenges that ultimately pushed him out of the Australian medical landscape.
Charlie shares his story, starting with his upbringing in Sydney as the son of Chinese-Singaporean parents. Despite getting a great education, he faced daily racism and a difficult home life, with an abusive father and a supportive mother who became his rock.
He didn’t plan on becoming a neurosurgeon. At first, the field scared him. But once he was in it, he realised he’d found his passion. For Charlie, surgery was never just about medicine, it was about giving people hope when others wouldn’t.
That belief came at a cost. He was heavily criticised for taking on complex, high-risk cases. Eventually, he was pushed out of Australia’s medical system and attacked by the media. But instead of quitting, Charlie kept going, relocating to China and Spain, where he now continues his work and feels more supported.
Alongside surgery, Charlie is now focused on mental health. He talks about Cingulam, a clinic he’s involved with in Sydney that uses advanced brain scanning and magnetic therapy to help people with depression and anxiety, often with life-changing results.
Throughout the episode, Charlie opens up about resilience, staying true to your values, and not letting others define your path. Despite everything he’s been through, he still believes in doing what’s right for patients. As he shares, a piece of advice from an Indian guru sums it all up: “One day, it’ll all make sense.”
What would you do if the UFC called you, with just 9 days to prepare?
This isn’t your typical fighter story. Colby Thickenesse was folding laundry after a long security shift when he got the message that would flip his world upside down: “We need you in the UFC cage. Now.” No eight-week camp. No warning. Just a shot at the big leagues and a ticking clock.
In this episode, Colby pulls back the curtain on:
If you think you know what it takes to make it in the fight game, think again. This is a story of grit, guts, and going all-in when the world is watching.
Ready for the most unpredictable UFC journey you’ve ever heard? Hit play now and get inspired to chase your own impossible.
Like, comment, and subscribe for more real fight stories and behind-the-scenes action!
🎙️ This Week on Elevate with Mets: The Broncos Blow-Up, Buzz's Spray & Latrell's Superpower 🔥
Why is everyone coming for the Broncos and is it actually fair?
This week, Mets and Jake dive into the biggest NRL drama making headlines, and let’s just say… it’s not your average media recap.
From Buzz Rothfield’s hot takes to a boat trip that’s got the journos fuming, we’re unpacking all the noise and separating the real from the rubbish.
Inside this ep:
🚨 Why Buzz really went after the Broncos
🛥️ The truth behind the “boat ride” — distraction or smart leadership?
🔥 Jake’s player POV on what’s actually happening behind closed doors
👑 Latrell Mitchell: freak performance or something even deeper?
🧠 The psychology of big plays, team culture & media pressure
If you’re sick of the same cookie-cutter footy talk, this one's for you. Raw, unfiltered, and full of insight from someone who’s been in the sheds and under the spotlight.
👇 Jump in the comments — Was Buzz out of line? Can the Broncos bounce back? Is Latrell untouchable when he’s in that kind of mood?
🎧 Don’t just hear the headlines. Hear the truth.
Hit play. Let’s elevate.
Daly Cherry-Evans to the Roosters in 2026: Masterstroke or Massive Pressure?
In this week’s episode, we dive headfirst into one of the biggest NRL bombshells of the year Daly Cherry-Evans is now a very high probability to join the Sydney Roosters for the 2026 season.
But with the shadow of Cooper Cronk’s premiership success still looming large, the question has to be asked:
Is it premiership or bust for DCE?
We break down the weight of expectations, how DCE stacks up against Cronk a half many say was more complete — and what this move could mean for a Roosters side still firing with James Tedesco in unbelievable form.
Also in this episode:
We take a closer look at Ezra Mam’s return to the QLD Cup after a highly publicised off-field incident. Can he rebuild, reset, and earn his spot back in the Broncos’ NRL lineup?
We also break down:
• The biggest NRL headlines from the week
• Game-changing performances
• Team form and finals implications
• Players flying under the radar
• Key match-ups that shifted the ladder
Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and drop your thoughts in the comments — we want to hear your take.
This Week on the Pod: Locky Galvin, Tigers Drama & Mental Clarity in a Shaker!
What do you get when you mix game-changing rugby insights with the smoothest New Zealand Whey Protein Isolate on the planet? This week’s episode.
Mets and Jake dive into the Locky Galvin contract saga, straight from the headlines to the heart of the locker room. From shock omissions to match-winning plays at Leichhardt Oval, we unpack how a young talent got caught between club politics and pure performance.
We’re also talking player managers, rugby league egos, and how narratives shift once you start winning. Featuring reflections on Benji’s pressure valve quote, a deeper appreciation of Galvin’s character, and how media pressure distorts the real story.
And yep, we’re fueled by the Hokey Pokey Protein and Electro+ Raspberry, which had us feeling sharper, more focused, and ready to call it as we see it. First-taste reactions included!
Timestamps:
0:00 – Hokey Pokey Protein Review (It's unreal)
4:32 – Locky Galvin: The Headlines vs. Reality
12:19 – Inside the Tigers' Win at Leichhardt
18:07 – Steve “Chimes” & the Player Manager Perspective
26:40 – What Needs to Happen Post-November 1
31:55 – Final Takes: Ego, Contracts & Club Culture
🎧 Whether you're here for the footy takes or the pre-game fuel review, you’ll love this one.
👉 Like, Subscribe & Drop Your Thoughts in the Comments!
In this raw and powerful episode, we dive DEEP with one of the sharpest minds in rugby league management — and we don’t hold back. From the moment we shut down the gym for 3 months (and everyone thought we were insane), to the legends who’ve walked our floors (yes, even Arnold Schwarzenegger as a kid!), we unpack 15 years of transformation, grit, and community.
🏉 Hear firsthand stories from behind the scenes in the NRL — player scandals, agent wars, the pressure of contracts, and the heartbreak of careers cut short. We break down what really happens when the headlines hit, and how trust, culture, and values can make or break a team… or a gym.
🔥 Topics We Cover:
What happened when Arnold trained here 💪
How culture shapes clubs AND fitness communities
The real story behind agent Isaac Moses and Locky Galvin
Mental health in sport & why agents must step up
Lessons from Jared Mullen’s comeback and the value of second chances
Managing egos, families, and futures — all in one call
Why this gym still stands as a sanctuary for ex-players and everyday legends
📍 Whether you're into rugby, gym culture, or just love a no-BS conversation about leadership, loyalty, and redemption — this episode’s for YOU.
🎧 Hit play, subscribe, and come for a walk through the stories that shaped us.
🎙️ EPISODE #63 – Lonnie’s Back: Mindset, Movement & Meaningful Growth
One of our most powerful episodes yet , Lonnie returns to the podcast and brings with him wisdom, realness, and a deeper perspective on life, fitness, family, and everything in between.
If you connected with his first appearance, this episode will hit even harder. Why? Because this time it’s not just about the reps in the gym, it’s about the reps in life.
In this episode, we dive into: Why fitness is the foundation, not just for strength, but for mental clarity
🔥 Lonnie’s reflections on social media, personal branding & pivoting with purpose
🔥 The lessons learned at our recent Thailand retreat: community, recovery, and the power of shared effort
🔥 Balancing high-performance with fatherhood and emotional resilience
🔥 Handling injuries, setbacks, and motivation slumps — and why rest is part of the work
🔥 How to lead from the front, even when you feel like quitting
🔥 Building discipline, values, and self-awareness — in training and in life
From deep talks on growth and accountability, to laughs about gym floods and sandbag lifts in Fiji — this one is packed with the kind of raw insight and relatable energy that makes the podcast what it is.
This isn’t surface-level chat. This is about pushing boundaries, evolving as men, as leaders, and as humans. Whether you're in the trenches or chasing your next level — this episode is a reminder: you've got more in you.
👍 LIKE | 💬 COMMENT | 🔔 SUBSCRIBE
Drop your thoughts below — and tell us what part hit home for you.
This week on the podcast, we’re focusing on how NRL players and enthusiasts can take their fitness and nutrition to the next level! Whether you’re an aspiring player, a current NRL athlete, or a passionate fan looking to get into better shape, we’ve got the insights you need. We dive into how to maintain peak performance during the season, dealing with travel schedules, and balancing training with recovery.
We’ll also be tackling the nutrition side of things, exploring strategies for fueling your body for high-intensity workouts and matches, while keeping energy levels consistent and supporting muscle recovery. Plus, we share tips on dealing with common issues like IBS flare-ups, ensuring your nutrition plan is both effective and gut-friendly.
Don’t miss out on our expert advice for creating a fitness plan that aligns with the demands of NRL while helping you stay injury-free, build strength, and maintain a balanced lifestyle. Whether you’re on or off the field, we’ll help you set the right mindset and structure for success.
We’re back in Australia after an intense 10 days in Thailand, and this episode dives straight into the retreat experience. The goal? To push every individual beyond their limits, physically, mentally, and emotionally, while creating a seamless experience in training, nutrition, and recovery.
Initially, this was set to be the last retreat, but something shifted along the way. As the days progressed, the group fed off each other’s energy, taking on every challenge and demanding more.
The feedback was powerful, proving that the retreat delivered more than expected. People left with confidence, new perspectives, and tools to bring back home, exactly what we set out to achieve.
Michael Fualalo has built a reputation as one of the top speed coaches in rugby league, working with some of the fastest players in the game. His journey started in group fitness, but under the mentorship of speed specialist Roger Fabri, he refined his approach to acceleration and movement mechanics, carving a path into elite-level coaching.
Beyond training athletes, Michael has played a key role in revitalizing Cabramatta Rugby League, bringing a fresh perspective to player development. His deep-rooted connection to the game, influenced by his father, "Uncle Charlie," has shaped his coaching philosophy, blending discipline, technical expertise, and a passion for progress.
In this episode, Michael shares his experiences breaking into the industry, the challenges of coaching at the highest level, and what it takes to build true speed and agility in athletes.
