I sit down with Rugby League icon Sean Long to talk about his incredible journey from signing with Wigan at just 15 years old to becoming one of the most respected players in the game.

But his path wasn't always smooth. Sean opens up about the intense highs of winning championships and the crushing lows of injuries, struggles with mental health, and the challenges he faced post-retirement.

This is a raw and honest conversation about resilience, authenticity, and the power of staying true to oneself, no matter the obstacles.

In this episode, I sit down with Antonio Vizintin, one of the 16 survivors of the 1972 Andes plane crash.

Antonio, also known as "Tintin," shares his harrowing journey of survival over 72 days in one of the world’s most unforgiving environments. From being a 19-year-old rugby player on a flight to Chile to enduring unimaginable conditions in the Andes, Antonio’s story is one of resilience, transformation, and teamwork.

He discusses the critical role rugby played in his survival, the tough decisions the group had to make, and how the ordeal shaped his life and perspective. Antonio’s reflections offer a powerful lesson in human endurance, the strength of unity, and the will to live.

Show Notes:

• The Crash and Initial Survival: Antonio recounts the chaos immediately following the crash and how the rugby captain’s leadership helped them focus and make critical decisions.
• The Role of Rugby Values: Antonio explains how the values learned from rugby, such as discipline, sacrifice, and teamwork, were key to their survival.
• Facing Hard Decisions: The group’s decision to resort to cannibalism and how they navigated the psychological and moral challenges of the situation.
• Surviving the Avalanche: Antonio shares the terrifying experience of an avalanche that buried the survivors and took more lives, forcing the group to reorganize leadership and survival strategies.
• Expeditions to Find Help: Details of the expeditions led by Antonio, Nando, and Roberto to find a way out, eventually leading to their rescue after an incredible 10-day journey.
• The Emotional Impact of Survival: Antonio reflects on how the experience changed his perspective on life, deepened his connections with loved ones, and taught him the importance of expressing emotions.
• Post-Rescue Reflections: The overwhelming global attention the survivors received and the life lessons Antonio took away from the experience.
• Antonio’s Message on Human Strength: How the tragedy revealed the incredible strength of the human spirit and the power of unity in the face of adversity.

Episode description

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Liam Hennessy, a pioneer in sports performance and coach education, and the founder of Setanta College. Liam shares his transformative journey through the highs and lows of life, including his influential role in the development of Irish rugby and his personal battle with cancer. We dive deep into the power of relationships, the art of transformation, and the profound lessons learned from life's challenges.

Show notes

Introduction:

• Craig White introduces Dr. Liam Hennessy, highlighting his contributions to sports performance and Irish rugby.

Career and Vision in Irish Rugby:

• Liam reflects on his long-term vision for Irish rugby and its evolution over the years.
• Discussion on the development pathways and the importance of investing in grassroots programs for sustained success.
• The challenges and successes of implementing a top-down, bottom-up approach in rugby development.

Personal Transformation through Illness:

• Liam opens up about his cancer diagnosis in 2009 and the subsequent journey of treatment and recovery.
• Insights into how this experience reshaped his outlook on life and his approach to personal and professional challenges.

Turning Pain into Purpose:

• Exploring the concept of turning crises into blessings and finding purpose through adversity.
• How Liam’s experiences with illness have deepened his understanding of life and strengthened his relationships.

The Role of Education and Coaching:

• The significance of education in sports and the creation of pathways for coaches and players.
• Liam's work with Setanta College and the impact of continuous learning and adaptation in coaching.

Movement Efficiency and Athletic Development:

• Discussion on the importance of movement efficiency in athletic performance.
• The link between foundational movement skills and long-term player development.

Spiritual Growth and Mindfulness:

• Liam shares how his journey with cancer has influenced his spiritual growth and connection to mindfulness.
• The importance of going with the flow and embracing the present moment.

Reflections on Life and Legacy:

• Liam’s thoughts on legacy, life after rugby, and the ongoing journey of self-discovery.
• The role of gratitude and positivity in navigating life’s challenges.