Matty Johns is one of Australia’s best known and most beloved sportsmen. Growing up in a small town with a passion for rugby league, his decade-long NRL career opened the door to a successful media career following appearances on Channel 9's The Footy Show.

But as Matty admits to Ant in this episode, success didn’t come easily. Growing up in a small rural town, he almost followed his father down the coal mine. But after setting his sights on a footy career, a sibling rivalry with brother Andrew, and the mistrust he placed in his own talent helped fuel his determination and winning mindset.

LINKS

• Check out the 'Backstage with Cooper & Matty Johns' podcast
• Listen to the 'Matty & Cronk' podcast
• Catch Matty Johns on Fox Sports
• Listen to Ant Middleton's appearance on 'Backstage with Cooper & Matty Johns'
• Follow Ant on Instagram, X, and Facebook
• Learn more about Ant on his website antmiddleton.com
• Follow Nova Podcasts on Instagram for videos from the podcast and behind the scenes content – @novapodcastsofficial.

CREDITS

Host: Ant Middleton
Editor: Adrian Walton
Executive Producer: Damien Haffenden
Managing Producer: Elle Beattie

Nova Entertainment acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which we recorded this podcast, the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation. We pay our respect to Elders past and present.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

During Operation Desert Storm, part of the Gulf War in 1991, Des Powell was part of the Bravo Three Zero patrol that successfully infiltrated enemy lines to take out scud missiles. It was a story that was overshadowed by the tragedy of Zero Two Bravo, which saw three soldiers killed and another four captured.

In this episode, Des recounts his reluctant entry into the military, influenced by his family's military background, to joining the Parachute Regiment, facing SAS selection twice, and the lessons he learned along the way.

LINKS

• Des' book 'SAS: My Trial By Fire: True Stories and Life Lessons from SAS Selection' is out now: Australia / UK
• Follow Des on Instagram
• Follow Ant on Instagram, X, and Facebook
• Learn more about Ant on his website antmiddleton.com
• Follow Nova Podcasts on Instagram for videos from the podcast and behind the scenes content – @novapodcastsofficial.

CREDITS

Host: Ant Middleton
Editor: Adrian Walton
Executive Producer: Damien Haffenden
Managing Producer: Elle Beattie

Nova Entertainment acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which we recorded this podcast, the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation. We pay our respect to Elders past and present.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mark Winterbottom is one of Australia's most successful Supercars drivers, but his success didn't come easy. Growing up with a mother battling cancer and struggling to make ends meet, a raffle ticket changed the course of his career. Winning a mini-bike as a kid fuelled his passion for motorsport, which saw him move into a successful karting career and formula racing. His path to glory at Mount Panorama wasn't quick or easy, but for the man affectionately known as 'Frosty', his grit and determination finally saw him take out the Bathurst 1000 in 2013.

In this episode, Mark details the struggles he faced growing up, how he turned trauma and weakness into fuel for success, and how he never took no for an answer.

LINKS

• Mark's book 'Frosty' is out now
• Follow Mark on Instagram
• Follow Ant on Instagram, X, and Facebook
• Learn more about Ant on his website antmiddleton.com
• Follow Nova Podcasts on Instagram for videos from the podcast and behind the scenes content – @novapodcastsofficial.

CREDITS

Host: Ant Middleton
Editor: Adrian Walton
Executive Producer: Damien Haffenden
Managing Producer: Elle Beattie

Nova Entertainment acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which we recorded this podcast, the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation. We pay our respect to Elders past and present.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.