Speak Free with MattyG

EPISODE #82: Kit Laulilii, Wests Tigers young gun forward joins me, MattyG, in the Speak Free Studio. We talked Kit’s big move next year to new franchise Perth Bears, his recovery from concussion this season, growing up a Wests Tigers fan and how much it’s meant to be part of the close-knit Wests Tigers culture, the May brothers re-signing prank, and so much more!

EPISODE #81: Ziad Soltani, inspirational sports photographer & videographer joins me, MattyG, in the Speak Free Studio. At just 12 years old, Ziad was diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumour and faced a life-threatening battle. Against all odds, multiple operations & a high-risk surgery performed by Charlie Teo, and the support of a community that rallied behind him helped change the course of his life.We chat about his remarkable journey, the rugby league community that stood by him, his passion for the NRL & the Bulldogs, and how he now uses sports photography and videography to inspire others and raise awareness through his work in the game he loves.This is a story of resilience, gratitude and never giving up.

EPISODE #80: Keith Galloway, Wests Tigers legend, life member, and one of the best props to ever wear our colours joins MattyG in the Speak Free Studio to chat Keith’s career, which totalled 210 games in the NRL (173 at Wests Tigers) and 42 games in Super League. They also chatted his huge achievements including representing NSW for State of Origin in 2011, and representing Australia in the Kangaroos for 5 Test Matches. The boys talked the Wests Tigers culture and how it shifted from 2006-2015, Keith’s favourite players he’s ever played with, and his admiration for Tim Sheens as a coach. They also discussed this year’s Wests Tigers team, and how well Benji is doing as Head Coach to bring the club back to a winning culture, plus a whole heap more!

EPISODE #79: Pheonix Godinet, rising Wests Tigers star, joins MattyG in the Speak Free Studio to chat Pheonix’s journey through the Wests Tigers pathways, his coaching/skills work and content creation, and how his dad has had such a positive impact on him not only as a player, but as a person, plus a whole heap more!

EPISODE #78: Isaac Issa, super popular rugby league journalist, returns to the Speak Free Studio, joining MattyG to discuss his rapid rise in rugby league media over the past year, including landing a role with ESPN and becoming NRL accredited media. They also got into some of the biggest talking points in rugby league, including the success of the latest edition of the NRL in Las Vegas and the Wests Tigers finally heading there in 2027, the huge announcement that State of Origin will be played in New Zealand in 2027, and of course they gave some predictions for how the 2026 season will unfold, plus a whole heap more!

EPISODE #77: WESTS TIGERS 2026 SEASON PREVIEW In this special episode, Speak Free brings together some of your favourite Wests Tigers loving content creators - ShakTV, Lachie Pringle (Playing & Simple Podcast), NRL Fanatic & of course your host, MattyG - for a deep dive into the 2026 season. The boys break down:🔥 Round-by-round predictions (zero Wests Tigers bias…🤥)🐯 Players they're most excited to watch💥 Who’s primed for a breakout year📈 Where their Tigers will finish on the ladder🏟️ Their shared love for The 8th Wonder

EPISODE #76: Jared Haywood, Wests Tigers young gun hooker, joins MattyG in the Speak Free Studio to discuss his rise through the ranks, his development within the Tigers system, and what it’s like training alongside Jarome Luai and Api Koroisau under the guidance of head coach Benji Marshall. They explore the renewed confidence and culture shift at the club, with Haywood backing the Tigers for a Top 8 push — and potentially more. Jared also reflects on the team he supported growing up, his family's positive influence on him, plus so much more!

EPISODE #75: Julian Ali, NRL content creator & St George Illawarra Dragons die hard, joins MattyG in the Speak Free Studio to discuss Julian’s journey in content creation, and the rise of the rugby league creator community, especially in the past two years. They also chatted about his multiple public crushes on NRLW stars, the gratitude & responsibility that comes with having the club you support & love giving you recognition, and they made some early predictions for 2026, plus a whole heap more!

EPISODE #74: Mitch Field, NRL content creator & Dragons die hard joins MattyG in the Speak Free Studio to discuss how Mitch got started in content creation, and the video that blew up and launched him into the NRL space. They also chatted in detail about the Polaroid series, and how he achieved the mammoth task of having all 17 NRL clubs take shots with his Polaroid camera. Mitch also opened up about losing his Dad, and how it’s shaped who he is today. They also chatted plenty of footy of course, and made some early predictions for the 2026 season, plus a whole heap more!

EPISODE #73: Heath Mason, Wests Tigers young gun fullback & five eighth, joins MattyG in the Speak Free Studio to discuss Heath’s young career coming up through the Wests Tigers Pathways system all the way to getting his NRL debut in 2024, and earning himself a top 30 spot heading into 2026. They also spoke of the positive culture of the club, and the changes that have been made to ensure Wests Tigers are successful on the footy field. The boys also talked about Heath’s proud Indigenous heritage, what making his debut at Leichhardt Oval was like, how he doesn’t let online hate or negative comments affect him, plus a whole heap more!

EPISODE #72: Heamasi Makasini, Wests Tigers recent debutant and one of the most promising and most talked about young guns in the NRL joins MattyG in the Speak Free Studio to discuss Heamasi growing up playing rugby union, and later on rugby league, starring for Newington College in the GPS Rugby Union competition and representing Australia in the Under 18s national team, whilst also making a huge mark playing in the Wests Tigers pathways system since the age of 14. They also chatted about Masi’s huge NRL debut in Round 27 this year against the Gold Coast Titans and how it felt to score a try on debut in front of his family and friends, his biggest influences & inspirations growing up, the incredible culture being built at the club and the close bond between the entire playing group, and Masi’s belief that Wests Tigers will be playing finals footy in 2026!

EPISODE #71:  Isaac Issa, super talented rugby league journalist joins MattyG in the Speak Free Studio to discuss Isaac’s journey with his journalism career & his gigs at the ABC & Zero Tackle, as well as the immense growth of his social media following this year. They also chatted about the relationship between the NRL, rugby league journalists and content creators in the fast changing sporting media landscape and of course, they chatted plenty of footy, plus a whole heap more!

EPISODE #70: Jean-Claude Bitar (JC), insanely popular content creator & the NRL’s MOST FEARED fan joins MattyG in the Speak Free Studio to discuss JC getting famously blocked on social media from his own beloved club, the St George Illawarra Dragons, and having his Instagram account reported by the club & shut down! They also chatted the Wests Tigers ‘Khod’ try celebration against the Bulldogs, JC taught MattyG how to give the perfect Khod, and of course, they chatted plenty of footy plus a whole heap more!

EPISODE #69: Haynesy, the popular NRL content creator & vlogger, and Sydney Roosters die hard supporter, joins MattyG in the Speak Free Studio and opens up in a Speak Free Exclusive about the infamous drama that went down on the Punters & Dribblers Facebook Group last October, and how it affected his personal life, whilst also taking responsibility for his own mistakes he’s made. They also talked Haynesy’s incredible dedication to the Sydney Roosters with him travelling to every single home & away game, some predictions for the remainder of this NRL season, Haynesy’s soft spot for MattyG's beloved Wests Tigers due to his family ties, plus a whole heap more!

EPISODE #68: The Leaguie, NRL content creator and Sydney Roosters fan, joins MattyG in the Speak Free Studio to discuss his journey with content creation, and his point of difference in delivering news and opinion about their beloved game to his audience. They covered topics such as whether it is ethical/legal to have cameras in the change rooms, the role of content creators in advancing all areas of the game including the NRLW, how both their teams are travelling this year, plus a whole heap more!

EPISODE #67: Former NRL player & one of the most influential sports content creators in Australia - the king of the rugby league podcast game, Denan Kemp joins MattyG for this very special episode of Speak Free. Recording from the Bloke Studios, they talked Denan’s incredibly successful media career following his professional footy career and the immense growth of the Bloke In A Bar brand. They also chatted how Denan set incredible standards within the sports content space early on, how those standards have filtered down to the wider NRL content creator community, and Kempy also gave great advice for other aspiring podcasters/content creators trying to make their mark. There was plenty of footy talk as well, talking about their favourite stadiums/grounds to watch footy, the future of MattyG's beloved Wests Tigers, State of Origin, plus a whole heap more!

EPISODE #66: Emilio Da Savage, super popular NRL content creator & passionate Bulldogs diehard joins MattyG in the Speak Free Studio to discuss Emilio’s journey in content creation, as well as the passion he has for the Bulldogs and the culture the fans have created. They also chatted a heap of footy, including who they think is winning the premiership, their State Of Origin predictions, Emilio’s excitement to watch his team in Vegas next year plus a whole heap more!

EPISODE #65: Hectic Fred, super popular & talented NRL content creator & Bulldogs die-hard joins MattyG in the Speak Free Studio to discuss Fred’s journey in content creation, and how he built his following and community in the rugby league space. They also chatted plenty of footy, including Lachlan Galvin’s move to the Bulldogs & the impact the whole saga has had on the Wests Tigers season, how well the doggies are going this year and what it means to Fred as a lifelong supporter, plus a whole heap more! Oh, and we of course talked about THAT F***ING TELSTRA AD!

EPISODE #64: Louisa Hope, the incredibly inspiring Lindt Cafe Siege hostage & survivor, joins MattyG in the Speak Free Studio to tell her story. The Lindt Café Siege was a terrorist attack that unfolded in Sydney’s Martin Place on 15–16 December 2014. Man Haron Monis, an Iranian-born Australian citizen, entered the Lindt Chocolate Café armed with a sawn-off shotgun and claimed to have explosives. He took 18 people hostage. One of those people was Louisa Hope, who was trapped in there fearing for her & her mother’s lives, for an agonising 17 hours, right until the very end. In this very special episode of Speak Free, Louisa bravely retells exactly what happened from her point of view, from the moment she walked into the cafe with her mother, right up until those horrific final moments in the early hours of the morning the following day, when cafe manager Tori Johnson was horribly shot and killed by Monis, and police stormed the cafe to finally bring an end to the siege, with fellow hostage Katrina Dawson also being tragically killed by police bullet fragments in the process. Louisa & MattyG also talked about the outpouring of grief from the Australian community that followed & how we came together as a nation, how Louisa has coped in the decade since, and the importance of her sharing her story to help her heal from her trauma.

EPISODE #63: Ryan Flaxman (Flaxxy), super entertaining sports content creator & Penrith Panthers die hard joins MattyG in the Speak Free Studio to discuss Flaxxy's journey in content creation, and his gratitude for the opportunities and experiences it has afforded him, as well as how supportive the NRL content creator community is as a whole and the positive impact it’s had on the greatest game of all. They also chatted plenty of footy, including both their experiences at Magic Round this year, Flaxxy’s Vegas trip to watch his Panthers, how certain teams are travelling this season, plus a whole heap more!

EPISODE #62: Jesse Sene-Lefao, former NRL & Super League player, and co-founder of Talk Your Walk Foundation, joins MattyG in the Speak Free Studio to discuss his rugby league career, playing for Manly Sea Eagles, Cronulla Sharks, and moving over to England to play for the Castleford Tigers, and how the ups and downs of rugby league helped shape him into the man he is today. They also chatted about Jesse's foundation, Talk Your Walk, and the amazing work they’re doing in empowering people (especially school students) to become the best version of themselves, and why working within the mental health space is so important to Jesse, as he opened up about his own personal experiences with mental health issues that both himself and his family have faced.

EPISODE #61: Harvey & Lachie, the very talented co-hosts from the super entertaining sports podcast, Playing & Simple join MattyG in the Speak Free Studio for this special podcast collab to discuss how they got started in the podcast game, and how that culminated in the birth of Playing & Simple. They then got stuck into some hard hitting rugby league chat, with plenty of topics discussed such as the Vegas season opener and it’s role in the game moving forward, MattyG & Lachie’s beloved Wests Tigers and how they’re travelling this season, the Sydney Roosters wanting to keep Souths out of Allianz Stadium, the Penrith Panthers dynasty potentially ending, plus a whole heap more!

EPISODE #60:  Cam & Eli, insanely talented music producers/artists known together as FKD (Fear Kills Dreams) join MattyG in the Speak Free Studio to discuss their journey from how they both individually got started in music, how similar both their life experiences have been and how that helped form their professional relationship and close personal bond to create FKD. They also chatted their experience travelling overseas together in the US, and the motivation they got from that trip, the incredible events they’ve hosted under the FKD brand, and their plans for the future to host more events, and bring that house party culture to not only Western Sydney, but to the world! 

EPISODE #59: Zac Swanton, inspirational transformation coach, joins MattyG in the Speak Free Studio to discuss Zac’s journey with turning his life around from drug addiction, to now being sober and in recovery along with getting fit and healthy, and how getting a coach changed his life and why he wants to now give back to others struggling. They also talked Zac's goals and plans with content creation and his own coaching business, and why having a strong mindset full of self belief and determination is so important to change your life for the better, plus a whole heap more!

EPISODE #58: In Part 2 of this double episode, Retro, from Retro Rugba Leeg continues with MattyG in the Speak Free Studio! They talked Retro’s journey in content creation and the growth of his social media following. They also talked the best jerseys, both new and retro, how some clubs are getting it so right for the fans with their merchandise whilst others continually drop the ball, how NRL jerseys and especially retro jerseys have become so popular not just as collectors items but as fashion pieces worn outside of game days, plus a whole heap more!

EPISODE #57: Retro, from Retro Rugba Leeg, a super talented content creator and rugby league jersey enthusiast, joins MattyG in the Speak Free Studio to discuss and preview the 2025 NRL Season, in this first part of a double episode! They gave their predictions for how they think teams are gonna go this year (including some out there predictions that go against what the bookies are saying), they talked the excitement surrounding MattyG's beloved Wests Tigers, and they also give a rundown previewing the first round in full, plus a whole heap more!

EPISODE #56: Glenn Paul, actor, presenter, model & wedding celebrant, joins MattyG in the Speak Free Studio to discuss some hard hitting topics including Glenn’s personal story with divorce & his mental health struggles, the inequalities within the family court system, the importance of friendship to get you through hard times, plus a whole heap more. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out to these services and seek help: Lifeline: 13 11 14, or text 0477 13 11 14 Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 MensLine Australia: 1300 78 99 78

EPISODE #55: Harry Falchi (Falcon), a super talented content creator, podcaster & visionary known for Helos & Co, and Sporting Club Helos, joins MattyG in the Speak Free Studio to discuss his journey in content creation, how he built his brand, his love for football (soccer) and more specifically his love of the culture of sport, his new exciting career leap of quitting his job and working for himself full time, plus a whole heap more!

EPISODE #54: The first edition of “That’s Actually Crazy”w/ Shit Dribblers AKA. MattyG and his best mate, Jack Farrell-Hodgetts! These will be special episodes of Speak Free, with one or two happening each year from now, as the boys discuss life, current affairs, controversial topics and have a lot of laughs along the way! This episode they talked deeply about MattyG's mental health struggles and journey seeking help, and Jack offered an incredible insight on how to be the best friend you can be to support and help your mates. It showcased a perspective people don’t hear of much, of how a friend’s mental health struggles does affect those closest to them as well. They also covered the government failures within the mental health space, what their friendship has meant to the both of them, as well as a range of other topics!  If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out to these services and seek help: Lifeline: 13 11 14, or text 0477 13 11 14 Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 MensLine Australia: 1300 78 99 78 Unbound Minds Kingswood: https://www.unboundminds.com.au/

EPISODE #53: Shak TV, super talented & popular content creator and fellow Wests Tigers die hard joins MattyG in the Speak Free Studio to discuss his journey with content creation and in particular his comedy work creating skits for social media, their mutual love and support for the Wests Tigers and what the club means to both of them, plus a whole heap more!

EPISODE #52: Millscanride (Taylor Mills), super talented scooter rider & content creator joins MattyG in the Speak Free Studio to discuss his journey with scooter riding and content creation, his past drug use & addictions and how he overcame that, and they also talked about the tragedy of Taylor losing his little brother at a young age and the impact that had on him.

EPISODE #51: Lavender Baj, super talented digital content creator, podcaster and Newcastle Knights die hard joins MattyG in the Speak Free Studio to discuss the NRL, State of Origin, Lavender’s new role at the Newcastle Knights hosting their podcast, the rise of women’s sports in Australia and the Matilda’s mega success story plus a whole heap more!

EPISODE #50: Millie Fontana (aka Mill vs Govt), super talented and extremely knowledgeable political commentator and content creator joins MattyG in the Speak Free Studio for this very special milestone episode to discuss the state of Australian politics, Millie’s journey in fighting against tyranny, mandates and the erosion of our freedoms during the Covid-19 pandemic, the digital identity bill & other very problematic government legislation and what they mean going forward for our country, and a whole heap more!

EPISODE #49: Matty Georges, multi-talented creative, business owner, and creative director/content manager for some very high profile athletes joins MattyG in the Speak Free Studio to discuss his incredible career, his close friendship and professional relationship with tennis superstar Nick Kyrgios, his travel experiences for work including the 2021 Rugby League World Cup (held in 2022) in England with the Lebanon team, and the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, and they also talked plenty of footy + so much more!

EPISODE #48: Matt & Madeline Everingham, Tiktok & influencer power couple join MattyG in the Speak Free Studio to discuss their journey, through meeting, falling in love and getting married young, as well as Madeline’s career as a full time influencer and content creator and how Matt is on his way to following the same path, whilst also having his own successful roofing business. They covered the truth of what other influencers and the special events they attend are really like. They also talked in depth about the trauma Madeline has faced, losing her mum at a young age, and the impact that has had on her becoming the woman she is today.

EPISODE #47: Brock Rodziewicz, super talented local country singer and songwriter joins MattyG in the Speak Free Studio to discuss Brock’s journey with music, his experiences performing at various popular venues, his biggest influences within the music industry, the process of how he writes his songs and they also talked the reasons country music has grown so popular and become more mainstream in recent years.

EPISODE #46: Nick Stav, super talented content creator, Twitch streamer and TikTok superstar joins MattyG in the Speak Free Studio to discuss Nick’s career & his journey being a content creator & Twitch streamer, his experiences working with major sporting and television networks for the FIFA World Cup and the FIFA Women’s World Cup, and they also talked plenty of football (soccer), footy (league) & even Nick’s past beef with another very popular Twitch streamer, along with a whole lot more!

EPISODE #45: Katelin Vincent, super talented empowerment coach, podcast host and founder of You Go Girlfriend & You Go Bro joins MattyG in the Speak Free Studio to discuss Katelin's career & her transition from school teaching into empowerment coaching & content creation, her own battles with mental health & anxiety especially following Covid-19, her goals for the future of You Go Girlfriend & You Go Bro, and the importance of men and women understanding each other and themselves better, along with a whole lot of laughs!

EPISODE #44: Troy Eggleston, winner of the first season of SBS’s Mastermind Australia in 2019, past contestant on ABC’s Hard Quiz, and current high school science teacher joins MattyG in the Speak Free Studio to discuss Troy's career as a high school science teacher, his experiences and success on popular television game shows Mastermind Australia and Hard Quiz, as well as his goal to be a chaser on Channel 7’s The Chase Australia. They also talked about Troy's recent diagnosis with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and had plenty of NRL chat and banter.

EPISODE #43: Liam Ison & Louie Ndlovu, the brains behind RealWrld, a clothing label out of Western Sydney, join MattyG in the Speak Free Studio to discuss the journey of RealWrld, starting a business at a young age, the importance of having the clothes manufactured here in Australia, and what’s to come for the brand. They also talked Liam’s footy career, Louie’s music production and DJing career, and both their goals for the future!

EPISODE #42: Kat Haddad, super talented sports presenter, podcaster, producer and content creator joins MattyG in the Speak Free Studio to discuss her career working for Optus Sport and covering the FIFA Women’s World Cup last year, as well as her new gig with Rugby League Guru. They also talked plenty of football (soccer) and footy (rugby league), how Kat developed her passion for sport into a career, and so much more!

EPISODE #41: Tuesday Rovere, talented producer and studio manager of The 27 Project joins MattyG in the Speak Free Studio to discuss her career as a producer, her journey with The 27 Project, her role at Penrith Panthers and they even discussed some conspiracy theories they believe to be true, plus a whole heap more!

EPISODE #40: Warick Beynon (Wazzeh), former pro scooter rider, extreme sports content creator and social media star joins MattyG in the Speak Free Studio to discuss Warick's career as an athlete, his journey being a content creator, the various brands he’s worked with, as well as many important topics such as mental health, social media, the issue of tall poppy syndrome in Australia, and a whole heap more!

EPISODE #39: Nickeh (Nick Hodgskin), incredibly talented filmmaker, videographer, business owner and co-founder of The 27 Project joins MattyG in the Speak Free Studio to discuss his his huge year, including travelling & filming for Russell Crowe & his band, the challenges he’s faced since starting his own company Pixelpark, the sacrifices he’s made to be successful and what it means to do something you love for a living, as well as the success and culture of The 27 Project!

EPISODE #38: Stephan Rochecouste, NSW & Australian representative wheelchair rugby league player & former wheelchair tennis player, model and disability awareness advocate joins MattyG in the Speak Free Studio to discuss his incredible sporting achievements, the immense challenges he's faced throughout his career, his passion for disability awareness and his own personal lived experience, as well as ways to change how society views people with a disability.

EPISODE #37: Glenn Paul, actor, presenter, model, wedding celebrant and overall superstar joins MattyG in the Speak Free Studio to discuss following your passions, men’s mental health, issues within today’s society, Glenn’s ambassador work with Bully Zero and personal experience of bullying, and of course we also covered his incredible multi-talented career.

EPISODE #36: Nick Betar, podcast host of The Betar Project joins MattyG in the Speak Free Studio to discuss his journey of podcasting and future goals within that space, mental health, and a couple of their own personal struggles they've experienced.

EPISODE #35: Caleb Coroneos, super popular videographer and content creator joins MattyG in the Speak Free Studio to discuss his success & future goals, mental health, social media, creativity and hanging out with the most famous and "controversial" man on the planet, Andrew Tate.

EPISODE #34: Spares, talented music producer & DJ, joins MattyG in the Speak Free Studio to discuss following your passions and dreams, creativity, self image and the importance of self belief.

EPISODE #33: Speak Free is back for 2023, bigger and better than ever! Bombr Marshall, owner and founder of Bombr Sneakers and co-founder of 27 Project joins MattyG in the brand new Speak Free Studio to discuss business, important factors that build success, and their shared love for Western Sydney.