The Nest Effect

What does it take to compete at a national level and chase a spot on the world stage?“It’s not just strength, it’s years of technique that make the difference.”In this episode of The Nest Effect, Antoine Vidal sits down with rising discus athlete Jamieson Pooles as he prepares for Nationals in Brisbane. With just days to go, Jamieson shares the mindset, discipline, and dedication required to perform when it matters most.From humble beginnings at a school sports carnival to competing for a chance to represent Australia internationally, Jamieson opens up about the sacrifices, setbacks, and lessons learned along the way.He dives into the technical side of discus, the importance of patience in mastering technique, and the mental strength required to bounce back from adversity, including competing overseas while seriously ill.This is a powerful conversation about resilience, growth, and enjoying the journey whether you’re an athlete, business owner, or simply chasing your own goals.🌱 The WattleNest is a community that connects business and sport to build stronger, healthier, and more inclusive communities.Whether you're an athlete, business owner, or passionate supporter — there's a place for you in the Nest.🔗 Jump on the website to find out moreMusic by Yurii Semchyshyn from Pixabay Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Nest Effect, Antoine sits down with rising boxer Spencer Riys, who is redefining what commitment looks like.Balancing Year 12 through homeschooling with a demanding training schedule of up to five hours a day, Spencer shares what it really takes to pursue a career in boxing — from early sacrifices to mental resilience.Spencer opens up about: 🥊 Transitioning from team sports to boxing 🥊 The discipline required to cut distractions and stay focused 🥊 Learning from losses and analysing performance 🥊 The reality of competing in regional Australia 🥊 His goal of becoming a world championThis episode is a must-listen for athletes, entrepreneurs, and anyone chasing a goal that requires consistency, sacrifice, and belief.🎧 Listen now and be inspired by a young athlete who refuses to quit.The Nest Effect is hosted by Antoine Vidal and powered by The WattleNest, 🌱 The WattleNest is a community that connects business and sport to build stronger, healthier, and more inclusive communities.Whether you're an athlete, business owner, or passionate supporter — there's a place for you in the Nest.🔗 Jump on the website to find out moreMusic by Yurii Semchyshyn from Pixabay Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🌟 Ji Wallace: Olympic Silver Medallist, Performer, Advocate, Mentor 🌟From bouncing on a backyard trampoline to standing on the Olympic podium, Ji Wallace’s journey is one of courage, resilience, and authenticity.In this episode, we explore his early love for trampolining, the pressure and thrill of competing at the Sydney 2000 Olympics, and the historic silver medal moment — Australia’s first Olympic gymnastics medal. We dive into his world-record achievements in double mini trampoline, his daring moves in Cirque du Soleil performances, and his long recovery from a major injury that tested his resilience and mindset.Beyond sport, Ji shares his journey as a gay athlete living with HIV, and how he now gives back through The WattleNest, supporting and mentoring the next generation of athletes to reach their potential. He reflects on the mindset, resilience, and guidance required to nurture young talent and inspire the future of Australian sport.Tune in for a conversation about taking risks, redefining identity, and leaving a legacy that transcends sport.🌱 The WattleNest is a community that connects business and sport to build stronger, healthier, and more inclusive communities.Whether you're an athlete, business owner, or passionate supporter — there's a place for you in the Nest.🔗 Jump on the website to find out moreMusic by Yurii Semchyshyn from Pixabay Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Recorded late last year, The Nest Effect features an inspiring conversation with Adam Sheppard, para-athletics coach, retired wheelchair racer, and multi-sport athlete.Adam’s life is defined not by limitations, but by possibilities. From competing internationally and setting records in wheelchair racing to discovering a new passion in para powerlifting, Adam embodies resilience, courage, and determination.In this episode, we explore:Adam’s journey from swimming and basketball to world-class wheelchair racingHow sport empowered him to overcome barriers and inspire othersThe mindset behind his transition into coaching and mentoringHis bold decision to undergo bilateral amputation to improve his quality of lifeWhat keeps him motivated to keep chasing new challengesThis episode celebrates strength in adversity and shows how embracing your journey can lift others higher.The Nest Effect is hosted by Antoine Vidal and powered by The WattleNest, 🌱 The WattleNest is a community that connects business and sport to build stronger, healthier, and more inclusive communities.Whether you're an athlete, business owner, or passionate supporter — there's a place for you in the Nest.🔗 Jump on the website to find out moreMusic by Yurii Semchyshyn from Pixabay Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of The Nest Effect, we sit down with Tasha Price — elite adaptive athlete, speaker, advocate, and co-founder of InvincAble.Tasha opens up about turning adversity into fuel, building resilience through intentional mindset shifts, and the power of creating safe “nests” of support for herself and those around her. This conversation dives deep into identity, leadership, and showing up with empathy — even when life throws unexpected challenges your way.In this episode, you’ll discover:• How mindset shifts can turn obstacles into opportunities• The vital role of community, belonging, and support systems• Practical tools for resilience, personal growth, and values-driven leadershipWhether you’re facing personal challenges, leading a team, or aiming to make a meaningful impact, this episode will leave you inspired, empowered, and grounded.🔗 Learn more about Tasha’s work at tashaprice.com and InvincAble🎧 Available now on all major podcast platformsThe Nest Effect is hosted by Antoine Vidal and powered by The WattleNest, 🌱 The WattleNest is a community that connects business and sport to build stronger, healthier, and more inclusive communities.Whether you're an athlete, business owner, or passionate supporter — there's a place for you in the Nest.🔗 Jump on the website to find out moreMusic by Yurii Semchyshyn from Pixabay Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Recorded late last year, this marks our first podcast release for 2026What does it really take to pursue excellence across ten events — while building a full-time professional career?In this episode of The Nest Effect, host Antoine Vidal sits down with Christian Paynter, an Australian decathlete, data scientist, and community leader redefining what high performance looks like on and off the track.Christian shares his journey from representing Victoria and fundraising his way to international competition in Greece, to balancing elite athletics with postgraduate study in data science and a leadership role with the City of Melbourne.This is a conversation about:Playing the long game in sport and lifeManaging identity beyond medals and rankingsUsing data, discipline, and mindset to stay consistentBelieving in yourself when the path isn’t linearWhether he’s running the 1500m, clearing the pole vault, or analysing performance metrics, Christian proves that real growth comes from commitment, curiosity, and doing the hard things well — every day.🎧 If you’re chasing excellence in sport, business, or life — this episode is for you.The Nest Effect is hosted by Antoine Vidal and powered by The WattleNest, 🌱 The WattleNest is a community that connects business and sport to build stronger, healthier, and more inclusive communities.Whether you're an athlete, business owner, or passionate supporter — there's a place for you in the Nest.🔗 Jump on the website to find out moreMusic by Yurii Semchyshyn from Pixabay Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Nest Effect, host Antoine Vidal sits down with Jack Howell — a driven young athlete who’s carving his own path through discipline, mindset, and purpose.Jack shares the habits and motivations behind his rise, how he navigates pressure and setbacks, and the importance of staying grounded while chasing big ambitions. Whether you’re an up-and-coming athlete, a coach, or anyone striving toward meaningful goals, this episode delivers raw insight and real inspiration.Tune in for a powerful conversation about focus, resilience, and what it truly takes to keep showing up.#TheNestEffect #JackHowell #AthleteMindset #Resilience #GrowthJourney #AustralianAthletes🌱 The WattleNest is a community that connects business and sport to build stronger, healthier, and more inclusive communities.Whether you're an athlete, business owner, or passionate supporter — there's a place for you in the Nest.🔗 Jump on the website to find out moreMusic by Yurii Semchyshyn from Pixabay Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Nest Effect, we’re joined by Australian pole vault athlete Olivia Gross, a rising talent in one of track and field’s most demanding disciplines.Olivia shares how curiosity turned into commitment, what it takes to balance training and competition, and the mindset required to perform when the bar keeps rising. From overcoming doubt and handling pressure, to breakthrough moments and finding joy in performance, her story offers powerful lessons for athletes, entrepreneurs, and anyone chasing big goals behind the scenes.Whether you’re in sport, business, or creative pursuits, this conversation is about courage over comfort, momentum over fear, and continuing the climb when the spotlight isn’t always on — but the passion always is.👇 In this episode, we cover:How Olivia discovered pole vaultThe mental and physical demands of the sportManaging pressure and self-doubtBreakthrough moments in competitionWhy fun fuels performanceThe importance of coaching and support🎧 Subscribe for more conversations on mindset, momentum, and making your mark. 👍 Like, comment, and share if Olivia’s journey inspires you.#TheNestEffect #OliviaGross #PoleVault #AthleteMindset #WomenInSport #AustralianAthletes🌱 The WattleNest is a community that connects business and sport to build stronger, healthier, and more inclusive communities.Whether you're an athlete, business owner, or passionate supporter — there's a place for you in the Nest.🔗 Jump on the website to find out moreMusic by Yurii Semchyshyn from Pixabay Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Nest Effect – Janine Watson: Still StandingIn this unforgettable episode of The Nest Effect, host Antoine Vidal sits down with world champion para-taekwondo athlete Janine Watson, whose journey redefines resilience.Diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis at just 25 and told she could be in a wheelchair within five years, Janine faced a future filled with uncertainty. Instead of retreating, she chose to rise.From losing her vision on the sports field in regional Queensland to becoming Australia’s first Paralympian in taekwondo at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, Janine’s story is one of relentless determination, elite performance, and extraordinary mindset.You’ll hear:What it feels like to be told you have 15 years to liveHow she trained through fatigue, paralysis and heat intoleranceThe science behind her heat acclimatisation strategyThe mental tools that carried her through pandemic isolationAnd the mindset behind her historic 63–0 bronze medal victoryWith honesty, humour and unshakeable courage, Janine shares what it truly means to control the controllables and stand tall — even when your body says you can’t.This isn’t just a story about sport. It’s a masterclass in resilience.🎧 If you’ve ever faced adversity, questioned your limits, or needed a reminder of what’s possible — this episode is for you.🌱 The WattleNest is a community that connects business and sport to build stronger, healthier, and more inclusive communities.Whether you're an athlete, business owner, or passionate supporter — there's a place for you in the Nest.🔗 Jump on the website to find out moreMusic by Yurii Semchyshyn from Pixabay Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chasing Gold: Sarah Blizzard is heading to the 2026 Winter Olympics! 🥇❄️Meet Sarah Blizzard — a powerhouse Australian athlete whose journey from the track to the ice is redefining what it means to chase big dreams.Once a standout sprinter and four-time Stawell Gift finalist, Sarah made the bold leap into the world of bobsleigh in 2019 — a sport few Aussies even know exists.Now, she’s competing overseas with her sights firmly set on qualifying for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Cortina, Italy. From mastering explosive sprint starts to piloting down icy tracks at over 120km/h, Sarah’s story is one of courage, adaptability, and relentless drive.Having already represented Australia at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, she continues to push the boundaries of Australian sport — all while partially self-funding her journey in one of the world’s most demanding disciplines.Tune in as we dive into the grit, mindset, and passion behind Sarah’s rise — and how she’s taking Australian bobsleigh to the next level, one icy run at a time.🌱 The WattleNest is a community that connects business and sport to build stronger, healthier, and more inclusive communities.Whether you're an athlete, business owner, or passionate supporter — there's a place for you in the Nest.🔗 Jump on the website to find out moreMusic by Yurii Semchyshyn from Pixabay Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is more than a replay — it’s a moment in history.Before they became World Mixed Doubles Curling Champions in 2026, Dean Hewitt and Tali Gill joined The Nest Effect to share their journey — and what it really takes to chase an unlikely dream from a sunburnt country with almost no ice.From sliding on hallway tiles in Brisbane to competing on the Olympic stage, this conversation captures the grit, sacrifice, and belief that would eventually lead them to the top of the world.In this episode, we revisit:How their partnership began and evolvedThe reality of training for a winter sport in AustraliaThe highs, heartbreaks, and chaos of the 2022 Winter OlympicsThe mindset that carried them through uncertainty and adversityNow, as Australia’s first-ever World Champions in mixed doubles curling, this conversation hits differently.It’s proof that big dreams don’t need perfect conditions — just relentless commitment.🎙️ Recorded before history was made. Even more powerful now.🌱 The WattleNest is a community that connects business and sport to build stronger, healthier, and more inclusive communities.Whether you're an athlete, business owner, or passionate supporter — there's a place for you in the Nest.🔗 Jump on the website to find out moreMusic by Yurii Semchyshyn from Pixabay Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🎧 In this episode of The Nest Effect Podcast, we’re joined by Sara Sammons — a rising star in Australian ice hockey and a powerhouse forward for the Perth Inferno in the Australian Women’s Ice Hockey League (AWIHL). At just 24, Sara is already making waves nationally and internationally as a key player for the Aussie Flyers, Australia’s national women’s ice hockey team.🚨 In this conversation, we explore:Sara’s journey from grassroots hockey to the global stageCompeting in the AWIHL and representing Australia in international tournamentsThe mindset, discipline, and leadership required to excel in elite women’s ice hockeyBalancing high-performance sport with study, work, and everyday lifeEmpowering the next generation of female athletes in male-dominated sportsWhether you're an aspiring athlete, a fan of ice hockey, or passionate about women in sport, Sara’s story is a powerful reminder of what it means to lead with passion, purpose, and grit — on and off the ice.🔥 Tune in to skate with purpose — only on The Nest Effect.🌱 The WattleNest is a community that connects business and sport to build stronger, healthier, and more inclusive communities.Whether you're an athlete, business owner, or passionate supporter — there's a place for you in the Nest.🔗 Jump on the website to find out moreMusic by Yurii Semchyshyn from Pixabay Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🎙️ In this episode of The Nest Effect, host Antoine Vidal sits down with Cameron Scott — a full-time Nurse Unit Manager and elite Australian bobsleigh pilot — as he chases qualification for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Cortina, Italy.As the driver and leader of Bobteam Scott, Cam is currently competing on the North American Cup bobsleigh circuit, racing across Canada and the US — all while balancing the high-stakes world of elite sport with a demanding healthcare career.🏁 Inside this high-speed conversation:How Cam transitioned from nursing to international bobsleighWhat it takes to compete for Olympic qualification in a niche winter sportLife on the road with Bobteam Scott and the North American Cup circuitThe mental and physical demands of balancing elite sport and healthcareResilience, risk, and what it really means to back yourself against the oddsWhether you're an aspiring Olympian, dual-career professional, or just fascinated by high-performance mindset and sports resilience, Cam’s story is proof that courage, focus, and grit can push you through even the steepest turns.Strap in — this ride is fast, focused, and full of purpose.Insta Page #TheNestEffect #CameronScott #BobteamScott #WinterOlympics #AussieAthletes #MindsetAndGrit🌱 The WattleNest is a community that connects business and sport to build stronger, healthier, and more inclusive communities.Whether you're an athlete, business owner, or passionate supporter — there's a place for you in the Nest.🔗 Jump on the website to find out moreMusic by Yurii Semchyshyn from Pixabay Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🔥 Top 10 in the World. Olympic Qualification Secured. 4 World Cups. 9 Days. One incredible season. 🔥Huge congratulations to Abbey Willcox on an extraordinary World Cup campaign — competing in 4 World Cups in just 9 days and finishing the regular season Top 10 overall 🌍👏Ahead of her push to qualify for the 2026 Winter Olympics, Antoine Vidal caught up with Abbey to unpack the journey behind the results.Abbey takes us behind the flips — from competitive gymnastics to launching 15 meters into the air, navigating life-changing injuries, missed Olympic dreams, and the unforgettable moment of standing on a World Cup podium.🎧 In this episode, we cover:🌀 Gymnastics → elite aerial skiing🏆 First World Cup podium & breakthrough moments💪 Comeback after major injury & missing Beijing 2022🧠 Mental toughness, recovery & high-performance mindset🌟 Redefining success after setbacksWhether you’re an athlete, chasing big goals, or rebuilding after a setback, Abbey’s story is a powerful reminder of what resilience really looks like.🎙️ Listen nowPodcast Powered by The WattleNest 🪺🌱 The WattleNest is a community that connects business and sport to build stronger, healthier, and more inclusive communities.Whether you're an athlete, business owner, or passionate supporter — there's a place for you in the Nest.🔗 Jump on the website to find out moreMusic by Yurii Semchyshyn from Pixabay Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From heartbreak to healing, today’s guest has lived through the highs and lows of elite sport. Kiana Elliott began her athletic journey as a gymnast at just six years old, but devastating injuries forced her into early retirement at 14. Searching for a new path, she discovered weightlifting — and by 17, she was already breaking Australian youth records.Since then, Kiana has gone on to:Represent Australia at the 2014 Youth Olympics and 2020 Tokyo OlympicsWin gold at the Oceania ChampionshipsBecome a strong contender for Paris 2024 qualificationBut Kiana’s story is about more than medals. She’s an advocate for bone health, a mentor to young athletes, and a powerful voice on reinvention, resilience, and finding purpose beyond setbacks.In this episode of The Nest Effect, we explore how Kiana turned identity loss into strength, and how she’s now using her platform to inspire the next generation.🌱 The WattleNest is a community that connects business and sport to build stronger, healthier, and more inclusive communities.Whether you're an athlete, business owner, or passionate supporter — there's a place for you in the Nest.🔗 Jump on the website to find out moreMusic by Yurii Semchyshyn from Pixabay Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From the classroom to the boxing ring, Jeff Horn’s journey is a story of quiet strength, grit, and resilience. Once a bullied kid from Brisbane, Jeff shocked the world in 2017 when he defeated Manny Pacquiao in front of 50,000 fans at Suncorp Stadium.But behind the gloves is more than a world champion — Jeff is a former schoolteacher, father, and motivational speaker who continues to inspire others to overcome the odds.In this episode, we dive into Jeff’s story of courage, pressure, and purpose — and what it really means to punch through life’s toughest challenges, both literally and figuratively.🌱 The WattleNest is a community that connects business and sport to build stronger, healthier, and more inclusive communities.Whether you're an athlete, business owner, or passionate supporter — there's a place for you in the Nest.🔗 Jump on the website to find out moreMusic by Yurii Semchyshyn from Pixabay Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we sit down with Australian weightlifter Rory Scott, a top competitor in the men’s 81 kg division and standout member of Queensland’s Milton Weightlifting Club. Rory’s journey is one of relentless progress: after an outstanding 2023 season, he earned his place on the Australian team, claimed silver at the 2023 Pacific Games with a 301 kg total, and became Queensland’s top male lifter at the 2025 State Senior Championships.But Rory’s story goes beyond medals. As a dedicated coach and mentor, he runs local workshops to help others develop their weightlifting skills, confidence, and strength — showing that true strength is about lifting up others as much as lifting heavy weights.🌱 The WattleNest is a community that connects business and sport to build stronger, healthier, and more inclusive communities.Whether you're an athlete, business owner, or passionate supporter — there's a place for you in the Nest.🔗 Jump on the website to find out moreMusic by Yurii Semchyshyn from Pixabay Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bullseyes & Breakthroughs: Jess Lloyd on Archery, Anxiety, and the Power of CommunityIn this inspiring episode of The Nest Effect, we sit down with international archer Jess Lloyd—born and raised in Brisbane—who shares her journey from backyard beginner to elite competitor. Jess opens up about the mental battles behind the bow, including overcoming target panic and building resilience through setbacks.We also explore how the WattleNest community has supported her growth, from coaching camps to mindset mentorship. Expect humour, honesty, and a rapid-fire round that might just surprise you.Whether you’re an athlete, a coach, or just someone curious about the mind-games behind the bullseye, this one’s for you.🌱 The WattleNest is a community that connects business and sport to build stronger, healthier, and more inclusive communities.Whether you're an athlete, business owner, or passionate supporter — there's a place for you in the Nest.🔗 Jump on the website to find out moreMusic by Yurii Semchyshyn from Pixabay Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to The Nest Effect — a podcast where we honour stories that truly matter. Stories of courage. Stories of connection. Stories that make a lasting impact in our community. Created by the WattleNest Team, this podcast is a space for athletes and changemakers to:Share their personal journeys — the triumphs, the challenges, and the purpose that fuels themHighlight the collective impact we’re building through the WattleNest communityMost importantly, inspire others to join in and be part of something bigger Whether you're an athlete who’s defied the odds, one of our remarkable beneficiaries, a cheerleader for change, or a corporate leader driving social progress — your voice matters. Your story could be the spark that inspires someone else to act.We can’t wait to share these powerful conversations with the world.🌱 The WattleNest is a community that connects business and sport to build stronger, healthier, and more inclusive communities.Whether you're an athlete, business owner, or passionate supporter — there's a place for you in the Nest.🔗 Jump on the website to find out moreMusic by Yurii Semchyshyn from Pixabay Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.