In this episode of Awesome Humans, host Brett McCallum sits down with Australian basketball legend Sam Mackinnon for a wide-ranging, often hilarious, and deeply human conversation. From his early days growing up in Melbourne, juggling football and basketball dreams, to his rise through the NBL and international tournaments—including Olympic battles against LeBron James and Shaquille O’Neal—Sam shares what it’s really like behind the stats. The chat spans career highlights, personal struggles, his coaching philosophy, and the journey of raising a basketball-playing son in today’s fast-paced sporting world.

Show Notes

Sponsored by: Official Beer Co - GC Lager

In this episode:

• Sam's early memories and why he nearly played AFL
• Being recruited in Year 11 and signing his first NBL contract at 17
• Playing against LeBron, Shaq, Scottie Pippen and the Dream Team
• What it was like representing Australia at the Olympics
• The highs and lows of a long career: MVPs, injuries, and setbacks
• Transitioning to coaching and building the Taranaki Airs into a contender
• His perspective on fatherhood, divorce, and raising elite kids in sport
• Life lessons from basketball—and what’s next

Quickfire Q&A:
Favourite food? (Steak!) | Favourite place? (Sunshine Beach) | Most proud of? (His kids)

Host Brett McCallum sits down with former AFL star Dane Swan to explore his journey from a footy-loving kid to one of the game’s greats.

He opens up about his early memories, the highs and lows of professional sport, and the unique energy of playing on Anzac Day. As well as life beyond the game (including personal passions, from the stories behind his tattoos to unforgettable moments with football legends), future aspirations, and the joys of family.

Reflecting on his career, he shares what it meant to win the prestigious Brownlow Medal, the pressures that came with it, and why team camaraderie mattered more than individual accolades.

In this episode of Awesome Humans, host Brett McCallum sits down with former NRL star Jarrod Wallace for an honest, no-holds-barred chat about life on and off the field. Jarrod takes us back to his early days, sharing memories of his childhood, the journey that led him to professional rugby league, and the pivotal role coach Wayne Bennett played in shaping his career.

They dive into the highs and lows of life in the NRL—overcoming injuries, switching teams, and the behind-the-scenes dynamics that make or break team chemistry. Jarrod opens up about the personal challenges athletes face, from media scrutiny to balancing family life with the demands of elite sport.

He also reflects on playing for a cause, the influential players who left their mark on him, and his bold decision to continue his career in France—cultural shocks and all. As he discusses his transition out of professional rugby, Jarrod reveals his newfound passion for radio, his aspirations for the future, and why family will always be his greatest motivation.

It’s a raw, inspiring, and sometimes surprising conversation with one of rugby league’s most genuine voices.