What a Lad
Sports
About
What a Lad is a podcast by James Marshall who talks to some of the biggest names and best lads on the planet. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
- Peter Gubb- What a Lad
This episode features Peter Gubb, a notable figure in rugby league, sharing his experiences. Topics include his journey in high-level football, insights on training and longevity, the pursuit of an NRL dream, and personal anecdotes.
- Brad Thorn- What a Lad
In this episode of What a Lad, Brad Thorn discusses his career as a cross-code athlete in rugby league and rugby union. He reflects on his transition between codes, his time playing for the All Blacks, his training mindset, and his experie…
- Seti Tafua- What a Lad
Seti Tafua recounts his journey from a promising rugby player to facing paralysis after a severe neck injury. He discusses his recovery, the mindset that helped him walk again, and his transition to becoming the Hurricanes Analyst.
- Jason Holland- What a Lad
Jason Holland, a respected New Zealand rugby coach known for his attacking detail and leadership, shares his career journey on "What a Lad." He details his experiences from a young age, playing and coaching in various teams including Munst…
- Marc Ellis- What a Lad
This episode of What a Lad features former All Black Marc Ellis sharing stories from his rugby career, including his rise to the national team and memorable games. Ellis also recounts his university days, business ventures, and offers pers…
- Cam Suafoa- What a Lad
Cameron Suafoa shares his experiences with rugby, including his diagnosis with a rare sarcoma, playing unknowingly with cancer, and his subsequent treatment and return to the sport. He also discusses coming to terms with a terminal diagnos…
- Pasilio Tosi- What a Lad
In this episode of What a Lad, Pasilio Tosi shares his path in New Zealand rugby, detailing his experiences with farm work, switching to prop, learning scrummaging, and financial difficulties before making the All Blacks.
- Paul Tito- What a Lad
Paul Tito shares his rugby experiences, detailing his transition from player to coach, including playing alongside notable figures and coaching Georgia to a win against Wales.
- Tane Edmed- What a Lad
On the What a Lad podcast, Tane Edmed discusses his rugby career, including his journey from Sydney to the Wallabies, the pressures of professional sport, and his aspirations with the Brumbies.
- Patrick Tuipulotu- What a Lad
Patrick Tuipulotu shares insights from his rugby career, covering his upbringing, transition to rugby, becoming an All Black, battling injuries, and winning championships with the Blues.
- Tim Bateman- What I've learnt starting my own business
Former professional rugby player Tim Bateman discusses his transition into entrepreneurship, exploring the challenges of building a business and his PRIME framework. He shares insights on leadership, sales, and the realities of running a c…
- Pita Ahki- What a Lad
This episode features rugby player Pita Ahki discussing his non-linear career path, including early struggles in New Zealand, injury concerns in France, and his eventual success winning multiple Top 14 and Champions Cup titles. Ahki also s…
- Tom Savage- What a Lad
Tom Savage recounts his rugby career, detailing his unconventional path from level five to the Premiership, his extensive time with Gloucester, a move to Japan, and his current role with Moana Pasifika, highlighting his work ethic and resi…
- Super Rugby Preview Ft Searley Talks Sport
In this episode of What a Lad, host and guest Searley from Searley Talks Sport provide a detailed preview of the 2026 Super Rugby season. They discuss team prospects, key players, potential All Blacks contenders, the impact of rule changes…
- Manasa Mataele- What a Lad
Manasa Mataele shares his experiences in professional rugby, detailing his journey from Fiji, the challenges of injuries and self-doubt, and the impact of personal loss. He also discusses his pride in representing Fiji and his return to pl…
- Chris Jack- What a Lad
Chris Jack, a former All Black with 67 caps, shares insights into his rugby career, including winning championships and facing struggles. He discusses his work ethic, early career experiences with the Crusaders, playing alongside legends,…
- Jeremy Manning- What a Lad
Jeremy Manning shares his unconventional rugby journey, from playing professionally at 16 to representing Munster against the All Blacks. The episode covers his experiences with Ronan O'Gara, a period away from rugby, his work with the Roy…
- Cam Mcbride- What a Lad
Cam McBride shares his journey from a decade in the New Zealand Police to becoming the content creator for the Crusaders. He details his experiences, including frontline policing, sports massage, and overcoming imposter syndrome in his new…
- Owen Franks- What a Lad
In this episode of What a Lad, former All Black Owen Franks discusses his rugby career, his diagnosis with testicular cancer, and his life after rugby. Topics covered include his upbringing, professional rugby experiences, and the physical…
- Holly Parkes and Greg Johnson- What a Lad
Holly Parkes and Greg Johnson discuss their work advocating for and supporting individuals with brain injuries. They covertopics including blast exposure for veterans, the limitations of current diagnostic pathways, and the impact of brain…
- Rueben O'Neil- What a Lad
This episode features Rueben O’Neill discussing his rugby career, including his diagnosis with Type 1 diabetes, overcoming numerous injuries like neck fusion surgery and Achilles issues, and his unexpected call-up to the All Blacks. He als…
- Hadleigh Parkes- What a Lad
This episode features Welsh rugby star Hadleigh Parkes, detailing his career path, mindset changes, and experiences, including playing in a World Cup with a broken hand and scoring two tries on his debut for Wales. Parkes also answers list…
- Sam Lane- What a Lad
Sam Lane, a prominent New Zealand hockey player, shares his journey including the financial struggles of the Black Sticks, severe injuries, the loss of his mother, and his determination to compete in the Paris Olympics.
- Freedom Vaha'akolo- What a Lad
Freedom Vaha'akaolo shares his life story, including experiencing homelessness at age 11, navigating life on the streets, moving between schools, and facing identity struggles due to his mixed heritage. The episode covers his journey into…
- Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens- What a Lad
This episode features rugby player Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens discussing his journey from a promising prospect to a Highlanders star, his experience playing with a fractured neck, and the resulting shift in perspective, gratitude, and r…
- The Kiwiventures- Ben & Alex
Alex and Ben discuss their Movember challenge of walking across New Zealand in a straight line, detailing the chaotic six days of rafting, blackberry crawling, and dodging bulls. They share how the adventure raised over $11,000 for Movembe…
- Steve Devine- What a Lad
Steve Devine shares his experiences playing rugby in Australia and New Zealand, including his time with the All Blacks. He details the significant effects of over 40 concussions, his path to recovery, and his current work with concussion s…
- Tom Christie- What a Lad
In this episode of What a Lad, Tom Christie, a New Zealand rugby player, discusses his experiences with leadership, injuries, and his move to Newcastle. He reflects on his time with the Crusaders, his mindset around performance, and challe…
- Mitchell Scott- What a Lad
This episode features Mitchell Scott, discussing his rugby career, experiences with tragedy, addiction, and recovery. Topics include his early life, overcoming home detention to play for NZ U20s, struggles with addiction and psychosis, and…
- Jacob Ellison- What a Lad
Jacob Ellison discusses his rugby career across various teams, his experiences managing epilepsy, and his journey with IVF, loss, and becoming a father. The episode also covers his transition out of rugby and includes personal anecdotes an…
- Kylem O'Donnell- What a Lad
This episode features Kylem O’Donnell discussing his rugby career, from high school to the All Blacks Sevens, detailing setbacks, injuries, mental health challenges, and a period of drug-induced psychosis. He shares his journey of resilien…
- Mark Hammett- What a Lad
Former All Black and professional rugby coach Mark Hammett discusses his career in this episode of What a Lad. He covers his experiences as a player for the Crusaders, his coaching roles across various teams, and insights into rugby cultur…
- Will Genia- What a Lad
This episode features former Wallabies player Will Genia discussing his extensive rugby career. Topics include his upbringing in Papua New Guinea, his dedication to the sport, major career achievements like winning Super Rugby, experiences…
- Holly Parkes on What a Lad
Holly Parkes discusses her experience caring for Shane Christie during his final years, focusing on the devastating realities of brain injuries and CTE. She shares insights into his daily struggles, paranoia, and the emotional toll, aiming…
- Du’Plessis Kirifi - What a Lad
This episode features Du’Plessis Kirifi, detailing his journey from Taranaki and Samoa, overcoming setbacks in his rugby career, and working hard to achieve his dream of becoming an All Black.
- George Bridge- What a Lad
George Bridge joins the What a Lad podcast to share his rugby career path, including his move from Gisborne, becoming an All Black, overcoming significant injuries, and his transition to the Western Force.
- Amy Du Plessis on What a Lad
Amy du Plessis, a Rugby World Cup winner with the Black Ferns, shares her inspiring journey from growing up in South Africa to becoming a key player for NZ Rugby. The episode covers her transition to the sport, significant career moves, ex…
- Angus Ta'avao- What a Lad
This episode features Angus Ta'avao discussing his rugby career, including his time with Taranaki, the Blues, and the All Blacks. He reflects on a tackle that resulted in a concussion, red card, and suspension, his journey as a father, and…
- Oli Mathis- What a Lad
Oli Mathis, a notable young rugby player, discusses his upbringing on a farm in Waihi, his experiences at Hamilton Boys, and his standout performances in NZ Schools. He shares insights into his career with Waikato, the All Blacks 7s, and N…
- Jamison Gibson Park- Fan Favourite
This episode features Jamison Gibson Park, discussing his rugby career, including his rural upbringing on Great Barrier Island, challenges like missing the NZ 20's, and his success with the Hurricanes and Leinster before his debut for Irel…
- Daniel Bell- What a Lad
In this episode of What a Lad, commentator Daniel Bell discusses his career in Heartland Rugby, his experiences working with his childhood heroes, and his approach to voice work. He also shares stories from his time traveling across the co…
- Sam Darry- What a Lad
Sam Darry, a towering rugby player, shares his journey from schoolboy success to becoming an All Black with the Blues. The episode covers his upbringing, athletic experiences like rowing, his career choices, insights from coaches, and his…
- Mitchell Drummond- What a Lad
Mitchell Drummond, holder of the most Super Rugby titles with 8, discusses his decorated career, including 3 NPC titles and an All Blacks test appearance. He shares insights on leadership, team success, and career decisions, alongside pers…
- Colin Mansbridge- What a Lad
Colin Mansbridge, CEO of the Crusaders for 8 years with 7 titles, shares insights on leadership, handling the team's miss in the 2024 season, and decisions like banning cow bells and the Crusaders rebrand. He also touches on his love for r…
- Nic Gill- What a Lad
Nic Gill, the longtime trainer for the All Blacks, shares insights from his 18-year career, covering his coaching approach, experiences with the team, and lessons learned in elite sports.
- Michael Fatialofa- Fan Favourite
This episode revisits a conversation with former rugby player Michael Fatialofa, detailing his experience after a tackle resulted in paralysis. The episode reflects on his challenging journey and inspiring achievements over three years.
- Scott Waldrom- What a Lad
Scott Waldrom discusses his rugby career, including playing with Jonah Lomu, overcoming challenges like being told he was too small, dealing with injuries, and his experiences in the sport and post-career.
- Marty Banks- What a Lad
Marty Banks, a former cult rugby hero, shares his experiences beyond the field, detailing struggles with self-confidence, significant injury pain, and the challenges of post-rugby life. He reflects on his global career and personal journey.
- Mark Stafford- Fan Favourite
This episode of "What a Lad" features Mark Stafford, who recounts his journey to prominence in New Zealand sports and with TAB. Stafford shares dramatic stories, including a car crash incident that led to his rugby career ending and behind…
- Ioane Moananu- What a Lad
This episode features Ioane Moananu discussing his rise to become a leading Super Rugby hooker, highlighting his passion for the sport despite early career setbacks and injuries, and emphasizing the impact of professional habits on perform…