Sporting Max

In this episode of the Business Series, Max chats with Kai Bloomfield, founder of Trainstop, the modern way of recruiting athletes. Kai shares how his entrepreneurial mindset led to the creation of Trainstop, the process of turning an idea into a live app, and how they're engaging younger athletes through camps and off-season training. From starting out as an intern at Collingwood in 2018 to launching a platform that's reshaping athlete recruitment, Kai takes us inside the rapid journey from concept to launch - and where Trainstop is heading next. All this and much more in this episode of the Business Series! www.instagram.com/sportingmax.podcast/

In episode 213, Max chats with Australian basketball star Angus Brandt! Angus takes us through building resilience, championships, and a potential NBL return. From starting out as a lanky kid dreaming of playing professionally, to the impact of coach Damian Cotter and the college offers that shaped his path, Angus opens up on the highs and setbacks of his career. He shares how he balanced the college lifestyle, the long road back from an ACL injury, and the moment he signed his first contract with the Sydney Kings. Angus also takes us inside the Perth Wildcats' championship years - the infectious mindset, the ruthless drive to win, and the brilliance of playing alongside Bryce Cotton. Plus, we touch on whether an NBL return is on the cards. All this and much more in episode 213 of Sporting Max! www.instagram.com/sportingmax.podcast/

In episode 212, Max chats with Former Melbourne and Fremantle CEO Cameron Schwab! Cam takes us through growing up around his late father Alan, listening to the legendary conversations of Tom Hafey and Ron Barassi, to walking into the Melbourne Football Club at just 18 and instantly earning Ron's respect, Cam's story is remarkable. He breaks down becoming the youngest CEO in AFL history at Richmond at only 24, and leading the famous Save Our Skin campaign which raised over $1 million from members to save the Richmond Football Club. Cam also reflects on turning around Melbourne as CEO, the appointment of Neale Daniher as coach, and the challenges of the salary cap breaches between 1995 and 1998. We dive into how he got Fremantle out of $8 million in debt, how he helped shape the identity of a non-Victorian club, and the traits and values that were instilled in him from a young age. Cam shares powerful insights into what makes a great leader, how to continually evolve, and how he now reflects on his own leadership style. All this and much more in episode 212 of Sporting Max! www.instagram.com/sportingmax.podcast/

In episode 211, Max chats with Executive GM BBL Alistair Dobson! Alistair takes us through all the talking points ahead of the biggest season in league history. We dive into one of the hottest topics in Australian cricket - the proposed privatisation of the BBL, with a potential plan to sell 49% of teams to investors including IPL owners. Alistair also shares his perspective on the global competition for T20 talent, and how the league plans to maximise the impact of big-name signings heading into BBL15. All this and much more in episode 211 of Sporting Max! www.instagram.com/sportingmax.podcast/

In episode 210, Max chats with Legendary NBA Skills Trainer Phil Beckner! Phil takes us inside what it truly takes to be great. From growing up in a broken home to finding the one person who believed in him, to training Damian Lillard for 15 years, Phil's journey is proof of resilience and relentless standards. At the core of his philosophy are two ultimate factors: your behaviours and your responses. These are what separate those who stand out from those who fall behind. We dive into the processes behind becoming the best in the world, how to hold yourself and others accountable, and what it was like working with now NBA championship-winning coach Mark Daigneault at OKC Blue. Phil also takes us inside the Weber State locker room, where 2 of 5 coaches voted that Damian Lillard wouldn't make it through training camp. He shares how Dame proved them wrong, and gives an update on his recovery and the work they're doing with Formula Zero. An incredible conversation with one of the best in the game. All this and much more in episode 210 of Sporting Max! www.instagram.com/sportingmax.podcast/

In episode 209, Max chats with Australian Boomers Legend Daniel Kickert! Daniel takes us through striving for excellence, trusting the process, and building a championship culture with the Sydney Kings. From starting out at the AIS alongside Damian Martin, to being recruited by basketball powerhouse Saint Mary's College, Dan made a seamless transition to the US college system before carving out a career across Europe. He reflects on adapting to different styles of play abroad, his return home with Melbourne United and the Sydney Kings, and the shift into coaching. Dan takes us inside the making of the Kings' back-to-back championships — from Chase Buford's forward-thinking style of play (heavily criticised at first, but ultimately a winner) to the mindset of playing with a chip on their shoulder: us vs the world. An incredible insight into the journey, standards, and one of Australia's greatest basketball mind's. All this and much more in episode 209 of Sporting Max! www.instagram.com/sportingmax.podcast/

In episode 208, Max chats with legendary high performance director Andrew Russell! Andrew takes us through starting out at Essendon working with James Hird and Matthew Lloyd - including helping Hird return to his best and leading to a premiership. At just 23 years old, he built trust with senior players, a foundation that would shape the rest of his career. From training days at Port Adelaide, where Michael Wilson once pushed himself to the point of exhaustion, to identifying the trigger for Hawthorn's dynasty, Andrew shares the insights that define elite performance. He takes us inside how he and Alastair Clarkson built a powerhouse Hawks side from 2005, the breakthrough 2008 flag, and the challenge of managing success. One story stood out: when the players returned a combined 85kg heavier after that flag, Andrew wheeled in 85kg of lard, dropped it on the table, and said, “This is your new teammate.” That moment set the tone for the years that followed. Andrew shares what separates good from great athletes, highlighting the relentless determination of Kane Cornes and Sam Mitchell. We also unpack his time at Carlton and the unbelievable run the Blues had in 2023. An incredible look at the culture, standards, and mindset behind greatness in Australian sport. All this and much more in episode 208 of Sporting Max! www.instagram.com/sportingmax.podcast/

In episode 207, Max chats with The Age's Marc McGowan! Marc clears the air on last week's Footy Classified feedback. We dive into what it really takes to get a “10” from Marc, his journey from Star News Group to footy in the NT and the AFL, and his insights on always planning your next move. We also break down whether Essendon let Jordan Ridley go, along with the latest on Charlie Curnow. All this and much more in episode 207 of Sporting Max! www.instagram.com/sportingmax.podcast/

In episode 206, Max chats with Essendon Bombers President David Barham! David takes us through tours with Greg Norman, travelling the world covering sport alongside Bruce McAvaney, and behind the unearthing of the lost AFL archive. One of the most powerful moments he shared was finding lost footage of John Kennedy Snr — and watching John sit with his head in his hands, overwhelmed as the tape flickered back to life. We also spoke about his transition to Essendon. How do you balance the hunger for immediate success with the discipline required to stay the course through a rebuild? David walked through the detailed studies and planning that have gone on behind the scenes to set the club up for sustained success. An incredible career, an incredible mind - and an incredible perspective on leadership, both in sport and beyond. All this and much more in episode 206 of Sporting Max! www.instagram.com/sportingmax.podcast/

In episode 205, Max chats with Inaugural Matildas Head Coach Tom Sermanni! Tom takes us through the evolution of Australian women's football. From establishing the first national program three decades ago to the first game on home soil, and the landmark reform that saw Australia join the Asian confederation for World Cup qualifiers. Tom takes us back to his beginnings in Scotland, the move to Australia, and the excitement of building something from scratch with the Matildas. He recalls the days when female players had to pay to represent their country, guiding the team to a 2007 World Cup quarter final against Brazil, and the toughest challenges he faced as coach. He also unpacks the fallout from the 2023 World Cup and Paris Olympics, where he rejoined the Matildas to restore confidence and belief. From his first message to the squad after Paris, to empowering players to get back to their best, to handing Sam Kerr her international debut — Tom's story is one of leadership, resilience, and building a legacy that transformed the game in Australia. All this and much more in episode 205 of Sporting Max! www.instagram.com/sportingmax.podcast/

In episode 204, Max chats with AFL Umpires Association CEO Rob Kerr! Rob takes us through some of the game's biggest issues — from laws of the game and umpire contact to the stand rule and the future of umpiring. He shares his perspective on how umpires are being asked to adjudicate, the protection they need, and feedback on the introduction of the four-umpire system. Rob's career has spanned some of the most significant developments in Australian football. From helping establish the AFL's first player development program at the Sydney Swans to leading the AFLPA as CEO, he was central to negotiating collective bargaining agreements, introducing education and training grants for players, and launching the first Indigenous players camp to better support Indigenous athletes. At the Brisbane Lions, Rob served as National Recruiting Manager, where he identified Dayne Zorko and helped shape the club's recruiting strategy. Rob guides us through joining Essendon as GM of Football, steering the club through governance restructure and rebuilding its list in the years following the supplements saga. All this and much more in episode 204 of Sporting Max! www.instagram.com/sportingmax.podcast/

In episode 203, Max chats with AFLPA GM of Legal Brendan Schwab! Brendan delivers a masterclass on player advocacy, rights, governance, and the long-term impacts of concussion. As GM of Legal at the AFLPA and former World Players Association CEO, Brendan shares the fundamental rights players deserve today that didn't exist 30 years ago, how he founded Australia's first footballers' association with the Socceroos, and why helping athletes understand that the person is greater than the athlete is essential. On sporting governance, Brendan is clear — if you're on a club board, you can't just make up the numbers. If you can't create impact with integrity and values-driven leadership, it's time to step aside. We also dive into the AFL media debate and the high-pressure environment for players and coaches, exploring how media intensity can affect performance and wellbeing. Brendan outlines how we can reduce the long-term risks of concussion, the AFLPA's work to support players dealing with head knocks, and why their latest survey revealed that 55% of players rank mental wellbeing as their number one priority. And, we tackle a big question in the game — when is it time for an AFL illicit drugs code reform? All this and much more in episode 203 of Sporting Max! www.instagram.com/sportingmax.podcast/

In episode 202, Max chats with Channel 7 Director of Sport Chris Jones! Chris shares his journey from landing his first job at Seven, to learning from some of the best in the business, and living with Craig Hutchison. From breaking stories alongside Hutchy in the newsroom, to recognising his strengths and pivoting into the producing side of sport, Chris has built a career at the forefront of Australian sports broadcasting. In this episode, he takes us behind the scenes of the 2017 US Masters at Augusta, explains how major broadcast rights deals are struck, shares his take on the new AFL rights agreement, unpacks Seven's investment in LIV Golf, and previews a huge summer of cricket - with Stuart Broad joining the Channel 7 team. All this and much more in episode 202 of Sporting Max! www.instagram.com/sportingmax.podcast/

Harry Froling's story is one of the most powerful and emotional comebacks in Australian sport. From being the victim of a life-threatening coward punch attack, to rebuilding his life and returning to professional basketball, Harry takes us through the moment everything changed — the night of the attack, waking up in hospital, and the complete lack of support from the club he was contracted with at the time. Harry talks candidly about learning to find his identity away from basketball, realising who truly cares for you when everything falls apart, and how narrowing his circle of friends gave him clarity and peace. He shares the crucial role Simon Mitchell played in his recovery, and how he eventually fought his way back to the NBL, suiting up for the Illawarra Hawks in what can only be described as a monster return. All this and much more in episode 201 of Sporting Max! www.instagram.com/sportingmax.podcast/

In episode 200, Max chats with Australian Olympic Swimming Champion Shayna Jack! Shayna takes us through being atop the swimming world at 19, to the call accusing her wrongly of doping. Stripped of her identity, doubted by the system, and forced to fight for the truth she knew: that she was innocent. Shayna opens up on the day she got the call from Sports Integrity Australia, the relentless battle to prove the substance couldn't have logically or physically entered her body, and the emotional toll of being branded a cheat — despite the facts. She shares the mindset that got her back to the top of the sporting world, the road to Paris, the bond with coach Dean Boxall, and the moment she stood on the Gold podium in Paris, having cleared her name and reclaimed her dream. We reflect on Paris, and finding a purpose to do it all again in LA in 2028. All this and much more in episode 200 of Sporting Max! www.instagram.com/sportingmax.podcast/

In episode 200, Max chats with St Kilda Legend Lenny Hayes! From walking into Moorabin on day one as a kid and learning from Robert Harvey, to being cleaned up by Glenn Archer on debut, and becoming one of the most respected people in football. We chat on St Kilda success from 2008 - 2010, and what it meant to Lenny, the emotion of the drawn 2010 Grand Final and Brendan Goddard's iconic mark off Lenny's boot. All this and much more in episode 200 of Sporting Max! www.instagram.com/sportingmax.podcast/

In this exclusive interview, Max chats with Brisbane Lions Chairman Andrew Wellington! Andrew takes us through his perspective on the NGA and Northern Academies, and where we're getting lost in the debate when it comes to NGA, Northern Academies, and Father son. Andrew shares where the AFL made a mistake when it comes to the NGA pathways, the conversations around the club at the halfway point of 2024 at 13th on the ladder, and what makes Chris Fagan so great! All this and much more in this exclusive interview of Sporting Max! www.instagram.com/sportingmax.podcast/

In episode 199, Max chats with Former Tottenham Hotspur Assistant Coach Sergio Raimundo! Sergio takes us through Tottenham, the Europa League final, and working with Ange Postecoglou! All this and much more in episode 199 of Sporting Max! www.instagram.com/sportingmax.podcast/

In episode 198, Max chats with Former Professional Golfer Paul Gow! Paul takes us through the PGA Tour, Korn Ferry tour, and the US Open! All this and much more in episode 198 of Sporting Max! www.instagram.com/sportingmax.podcast/

In episode 197, Max chats with Professional PGA Golfer Jack Munro! Jack takes us through the PGA Tour, the Asian Tour, and Rory McKilroy coming to the Australian Open! All this and much more in episode 197 of Sporting Max! www.instagram.com/sportingmax.podcast/

In episode 196, Max chats with Melbourne Demons Head of Recruiting Jason Taylor! Jason takes us through his time at St Kilda, Collingwood, and Melbourne! All this and much more in episode 196 of Sporting Max!

In episode 195, Max chats with Adelaide Crows High Performance Manager Darren Burgess! Darren takes us through Adelaide, Liverpool, and Melbourne! All this and much more in episode 195 of Sporting Max! www.instagram.com/sportingmax.podcast/

In episode 194, Max chats with Australian National Swim Team Head Coach Rohan Taylor! Rohan takes us through the Olympics, how to set a high performance culture, creating a legacy for swimming in Australia! All this and much more in episode 194 of Sporting Max! www.instagram.com/sportingmax.podcast/

In episode 193, Max chats with former Australian Cricketer Bryce McGain! Bryce takes us through Victoria, Australia, and test debut! All this and much more in episode 193 of Sporting Max! www.instagram.com/sportingmax.podcast/

In episode 192, Max chats with Former ICC CEO Malcolm Speed! Malcolm takes us through Cricket Australia, the ICC, and the 2003 World Cup! All this and much more in episode 196 of Sporting Max! www.instagram.com/sportingmax.podcast/

In episode 191, Max chats with former North Melbourne Player Ben Brown! Ben takes us through North Melbourne, Melbourne, and the 2021 Grand Final! All this and much more in episode 191 of Sporting Max! www.instagram.com/sportingmax.podcastIn episode 191, Max chats with former North Melbourne Player Ben Brown! Ben takes us through North Melbourne, Melbourne, and the 2021 Grand Final! All this and much more in episode 191 of Sporting Max! www.instagram.com/sportingmax.podcast

In episode 190, Max chats with St Kilda Player Development Welfare Manager Tony Brown! Tony takes us through the saints, Ross Lyon, and the 1997 grand final! All this and much more in episode 190 of Sporting Max! www.instagram.com/sportingmax.podcast/

In episode business series, Max chats with Founder SportsGrad Reuben Williams! Reuben takes us through the conception behind SportsGrad, the SportsGrad accelerator program, and streamlining people to their dream job in sport! All this and much more in business series!

In episode 189, Max chats with South East Melbourne Phoenix Head Coach Josh King! Josh takes us through South East Melbourne, Germany and the play in halftime spray! All this and much more in episode 189 of Sporting Max! www.instagram.com/sportingmax.podcast/

In episode 188, Max chats with Sydney Swans Player Hayden McLean! Hayden takes us through the 2024 Grand Final review, the coaching transition, and the Swans! All this and much more in episode 188 of Sporting Max! www.instagram.com/sportingmax.podcast/

In episode 187, Max chats with Lakers Nation Reporter Ryan Ward! Ryan takes us through the Luka trade, playoffs, and how far the Lakers can go! All this and much more in episode 187 of Sporting Max! www.instagram.com/sportingmax.podcast/

In episode 186, Max chats with Senior National Basketball Business Reporter The Athletic Mike Vorkunov! Mike takes us through Phoenix, Luka, and the playoffs! All this and much more in episode 186 of Sporting Max! www.instagram.com/sportingmax.podcast/

In episode 185, Max chats with The Ringer's Howard Beck! Howard takes us through the Lakers, New York Times, and Sports Illustrated! All this and much more in episode 186 of Sporting Max! www.instagram.com/sportingmax.podcast/

In episode Business Series, Max chats with Founder and CEO of Tribeca Financial! Ryan takes us through financial wellbeing, how to measure financial wellbeing, and how to build a winning cashflow structure! All this and much more in business series! www.instagram.com/sportingmax.podcast/

In episode 184, Max chats with ESPN insider Kane Pitman! Kane takes us through the Luka trade, Jimmy Butler and Golden State, and ESPN! All this and much more in episode 184 of Sporting Max! www.instagram.com/sportingmax.podcast/

In episode 183, Max chats with Cricket Agent Neil Maxwell! Neil takes us through Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Punjab Kings! All this and much more in episode 183 of Sporting Max! www.instagram.com/sportingmax.podcast/

In episode 182, Max chats with The Process Basketball Founder Tremaine Dalton! Tremaine takes us through finding Wemby, Jayda Curry, and Naismith Hall of Fame nominees!

In episode of 181, Max chats with Former Essendon Bombers Player Dyson Heppell! Dyson takes us through the Bombers, the Essendon drug saga, and his retirement! All this and much more in episode 181 of Sporting Max! www.instagram.com/sportingmax.podcast/

In episode 180, Max chats with CEO Football Australia James Johnson! James takes us through the AFC, City Football, Football Australia, and the Matildas! All this and much more in episode 180 of Sporting Max! www.instagram.com/sportingmax.podcast/

In episode 179, Max chats with Tasmania Jackjumpers Head Coach Scott Roth! Scott takes us through Tassie, the NBA, and the values that underlie Tassie! All this and much more in episode 179 of Sporting Max! www.instagram.com/sportingmax.podcast/

In episode 178, Max chats with Olympic Swimmer Mack Horton! Mack takes us through the standoff, Rio, and making himself nervous to energy! All this and much more in episode 178 of Sporting Max! www.instagram.com/sportingmax.podcast/

In episode 185, Max chats with Fremantle Dockers Player Bailey Banfield! Bailey takes us through his mind wondering during games, Fremantle, and selection! All this and much more in episode 185 of Sporting Max! www.instagram.com/sportingmax.podcast/

In episode 176, Max chats with triathlete Matt Hauser! Matt takes us through the Olympics, Hamburg, and his first win in World Championship series in Montreal! All this and much more in episode 176 of Sporting Max! www.instagram.com/sportingmax.podcast/

In episode 175, Max chats with COO Brighton and Hove Albion Paul Mullen! Baul takes us through Brighton, Womens World Cup, and being a top 10 premier league and top 4 premier league team! All this and much more in episode 175 of Sporting Max! www.instagram.com/sportingmax.podcast/

In episode 174, Max chats with Hawthorn President Andy Gowers! Andy takes us through racism mediation, the expectations at the Hawks, and playing for the Hawks! All this and much more in episode 174 of Sporting Max! www.instagram.com/sportingmax.podcast/

In episode 173, Max chats with CEO Hockey Australia David Pryles. David takes us through the Paris, 2021 culture review, and the Comm games! All this and much more in episode 173 of Sporting Max!

In episode 172, Max chats with Broadcaster Ben Damon! Ben takes us through Mike Tyson, Tim Tszyu and Michael Zerafa, and what's next for Tim Tszyu! All this and much more in episode 172 of Sporting Max! www.instagram.com/sportingmax.podcast/

Magic Pod - With Andrew Parkinson, Darren Lucas, Sam Mackinnon, Tony Ronaldson, and Kevin Goorjian by Sporting Max

In episode 171, Max chats with NBL Referee Ken Widegon! Ken takes us through college, referee streetball, and NBL! All this and much more in episode 171 of Sporting Max! www.instagram.com/sportingmax.podcast/

In episode 170, Max chats with Broadcaster Tim Lane! Tim takes us through Channel 9, Channel 10, and 3AW! All this and much more in episode 170 of Sporting Max! www.instagram.com/sportingmax.podcast/

In episode 169, Max chats with Olympic Gold Medallist Grace Brown. Grace takes us through Olympics, Gold Medal, and World Championships! All this and much more in episode 169 of Sporting Max! www.instagram.com/sportingmax.podcast/