Cam Webster was part of the Team NZ crew who won the Americas Cup in Barcelona in 2024.

What made this moment of sporting success even more significant for Cam was the journey he took to get there.

Before joining Team NZ, Cam spent 15 years dedicating his life to rowing. He even endured the devastation of missing out on the Olympics, twice, and watching on TV has his mates went on to win gold medals.

In June 2022 Cam retired from rowing. Then in December that year he trialed for Team NZ and the rest is history.

This is part of the Cam Webster story. It is his first ever podcast and it is an absolute honor that its here with me.

Some of the stuff we talk about include:

+ The frustrations of trying your absolute best and it not being quite good enough.

+ Being told, after years of grinding, that you weren’t quite good enough to go to the Olympics. Then watching your best friends and former teammates go on to win a gold medal.

+ Adapting to life after rowing and how that drastic life shift looked.

+ Then the Team New Zealand stuff from the grueling trials right up to winning the Americas Cup.

Cam Webster is a hard-working guy with a great attitude. His story is a reminder that sometimes your best is not good enough.

This is also a masterclass in positivity, adversity, resilience and bouncing back from disappointment. So many cool gems and takeaways in this conversation.

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Honey Hireme-Smiler is one of the greatest rugby players New Zealand has ever produced, across both league and union.

But Honey Hireme-Smiler is so much more than just a sporting legend.

She’s a mum, a trailblazer, a role-model, a commentator, a mentor, and an unapologetic force for good.

This is a small part of the Honey Hireme-Smiler story:

+Stories about her most memorable playing moments. Including playing both league and rugby for New Zealand in two different countries in the space of a week

+The bitter disappointment of not being selected to go to the Olympics then watching the games on TV when her teammates won silver.

+Her journey from self-described town bully to head girl during her high school years.

+Her reflections on nursing her mum during her brief battle with cancer.

There's also lots of fun, light moments too- including a very awkward story about meeting Prince Harry at Buckingham palace!

Honey is the real deal. She was a savage on the field. But off the field she is softly spoken, intelligent, articulate, kind, loyal and hilarious. This was the first time we met, and I felt like she was an old friend.

***

Thanks to Generate for sponsoring this episode.

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**The views, thoughts and opinions expressed in this podcast belong solely to the host and guests and may not reflect the views of the show sponsors**

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Brook Macdonald on the Crash That Changed His Life, Racing Again & Resilience

In this episode, legendary Kiwi downhill mountain biker Brook Macdonald (aka The Bulldog) opens up like never before.

He talks about:

🏆 Becoming a professional athlete and millionaire by age 30

💥 The horrific 2019 crash that broke his back at World Champs

🧠 The mental and physical battle to walk — and race — again

🔥 Red Bull sponsorship, mindset, money mistakes & what’s next

From chasing World Cup podiums to learning how to walk again, Brooke’s story is one of resilience, mindset, and insane determination.

Whether you’re into sport, rehab stories, or just love hearing people who’ve pushed the limits, you'll love this chat with "The Bulldog"

00:00 – Intro: Brooke MacDonald aka "The Bulldog"

02:15 – The niche challenge of mountain biking and chasing sponsors

03:35 – Why Red Bull is more than just a logo sponsor

05:30 – Early life: Rugby dreams vs mountain bike obsession

10:15 – Turning pro as teen: $125K contract + early career grind

15:12 – Financial lessons: Millionaire by 30 and no regrets?

22:00 – The crash that changed everything: 2019 World Champs

27:40 – 5 hours on the mountain in agony: The rescue disaster

34:15 – “Am I paralyzed?” Coming to terms with a broken back

41:00 – Learning to walk again – and race again

46:50 – Survivor’s guilt at Burwood Spinal Unit

50:45 – How mindset, discipline and quiet confidence fueled recovery

56:15 – Getting back on the bike: Fear, setbacks & progress

1:03:40 – What’s next after racing? Business, adrenaline & legacy

1:08:20 – Final reflections: Mental toughness, pride & how Brooke wants to be remembered

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.