PODCAST · sports
What a Lad
by Presented by Betcha
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
-
Caleb Tangitau- What a Lad
Caleb Tangitau is one of the most exciting young talents in New Zealand rugby. Known for his incredible speed, footwork and ability to score tries from anywhere, he has become one of the most dangerous attacking players in Super Rugby with the Highlanders. In this episode of What a Lad, Caleb…
more -
Lachlan Brook- What a Lad
Lachie Brook’s journey to becoming an Auckland FC champion has been anything but straightforward. From making his professional debut at just 16 in the A-League, to playing around the world in England and America, his career has included some incredible highs and some seriously tough lows. In this...
-
Louie Chapman- What a Lad
Five years ago Louie Chapman first came on What a Lad with a very different story to where he is now. Back then, Louie was still trying to establish himself in professional rugby in his first season with the Tasman Mako. Since then, he’s experienced the highs and lows of chasing a career in the...
-
Daniel Lienert-Brown- What a Lad
Daniel Lienert-Brown is one of the great servants of New Zealand rugby. With 140 games for the Highlanders, 100 for Canterbury, a Super Rugby title and four NPC titles, DLB has built an incredible career through consistency, resilience and a genuine love for the game. In this episode of What a…
more -
Sean Maitland- What a Lad
I know everyone will remember Sean Maitlands beautiful stride as he galloped down the field, what an athlete and what a journey he has had! From growing up in Tokoroa, to playing for the British and Irish Lions and everything in between! In this episode of What a Lad, Sean opens up about his…
more -
The Greatest Rivalry Test 4 Review Ft Searley
Well that's the Greatest Rivalry tour all done and dusted and it was a tour that lived up to the hype. This tour had high expectations but after producing 4 incredible tests full with intensity, quality rugby and of course some controversy, everything about this series was a success. South Africa...
-
The Greatest Rivalry Preview TEST 4 Ft Searley
The final Test of the Greatest Rivalry Tour is here, with the All Blacks and Springboks heading to Baltimore for one last showdown! South Africa lead the series 2-1 after two huge wins at home, but what's install for this one!? Searley is back to break down everything ahead of the final Test,...
-
The Greatest Rivalry Test 3 Review Ft Bryn Hall
The All Blacks vs Springboks Greatest Rivalry Tour continues to deliver, with another massive Test match that had everything! Bryn Hall joins me to break down the third Test, where the All Blacks produced some outstanding rugby early before the Springboks once again showed why they’re the best in...
-
The Greatest Rivalry Preview TEST 3 Ft Bryn Hall
The Greatest Rivalry Tour is all square at 1-1 and Test Three is set to be massive! Bryn Hall joins me to break down where the All Blacks can improve, the Springboks’ set-piece dominance, the kicking battle, scrum tactics and the key selections ahead of another huge Test in South Africa. We also...
-
Dr Kerry Spackman- What a Lad
Dr Kerry Spackman has spent decades studying one fascinating question — what separates the very best from everyone else? As a cognitive neuroscientist and high-performance consultant, Kerry has worked with Formula One legends, Olympians, key All Blacks and some of the world's highest performers,...
-
The Greatest Rivalry Test 2 Preview Ft Jeff McTainsh
Episode 3 of The What a Lad Greatest Rivalry series, reviewing the All Blacks’ thrilling midweek clash against the Lions and previewing a massive second Test against the Springboks in Cape Town! For this episode, I’m joined by the great Jeff McTainsh, who has been calling the action throughout…
more -
The Greatest Rivalry Test 1 Review Ft Searley
Episode 2 of The What a Lad Greatest Rivalry series, reviewing an incredible opening Test between the All Blacks and Springboks at Ellis Park! For this episode, I’m joined again by the great Searley from Searley Talks Sport as we break down how the All Blacks managed to come away with a huge…
more -
The Greatest Rivalry Test 1 Preview Ft Tamati Ellision & Searley
Episode 1 of The What a Lad Greatest Rivalry preview show where we preview all you need to know about the test between the All Blacks and the Springboks this weekend! For this episode we get an insight from inside the All Black camp with All Black assistant coach Tamati Ellison as well as the…
more -
Uilisi Halaholo- What a Lad
Uilisi Halaholo has a story so good it was one of the reasons I started this podcast. A naturally gifted player from a young age, who was heading down the wrong path to make the most of his talent. Caught up in the wrong lifestyle, drinking and getting into trouble on a regular basis. A turning...
-
Daniel Kirkpatrick- What a Lad
Dan Kirkpatrick was an age grade superstar who was starting Super Rugby with the Hurricanes at just 20 years old. He’s a guy I always remember as being just a genuine good guy and he’s had a hell of a journey both on and off the field In this episode of What a Lad, Dan opens up about becoming a...
-
Kurt Eklund - What a Lad
Kurt Eklund has one of the most unique journeys in New Zealand rugby. A Super Rugby champion, Māori All Blacks captain and one of the most respected hookers in the country, Kurt's path to the top was anything but conventional. He spent eight years working as a builder, and admits he never thought...
-
Antonio Shalfoon- What a Lad
Antonio Shalfoon is someone who is a very different person off the field than he may seem on it. Known as a bit of a grub on the field, off the field he is one of the greats and his journey to professional rugby is as inspiring as any. To start he wasn't offered his first full Super Rugby…
more -
Jeremy Eparaima - Change is Possible
Jeremy's story is one of the most powerful we've ever shared on What a Lad. Growing up in an abusive household, Jeremy experienced years of physical violence. Carrying that trauma into adulthood, he eventually became the very person he never wanted to be, repeating the cycle of violence he had...
-
Daniel Hobbs- Change is Possible
Daniel Hobbs may not be a household name in New Zealand sport, but his story is one of the most powerful we've ever shared on What a Lad. Known throughout Tasman rugby as a respected strength and conditioning coach, Daniel opens up about the horrific abuse he endured growing up at the hands of…
more -
Lukhan Salakaia-Loto - What a Lad
Lukhan Salakaia-Loto has one of the most remarkable stories in Australian rugby. He didn't even start playing rugby union until Year 12, yet just a few years later he was making his Super Rugby debut before earning his first Wallabies cap against the Springboks. In this episode of What a Lad,...
-
Ben Volavola- What a Lad
Ben Volavola has one of the most unique careers in world rugby. Across a 13-year professional journey, he's played for the Waratahs, Crusaders, North Harbour, Canterbury, Rebels, Racing 92, Bordeaux, Perpignan, Agen, Leicester Tigers, Queensland Reds and now returns home to join the Fijian Drua.…
more -
Super Rugby Review + All Black naming reaction
The 2026 Super Rugby season is officially done and what a finish it was. The Hurricanes capped off a remarkable campaign with a dominant 60-5 victory in the final, producing one of the most complete performances we've seen in Super Rugby history. In this episode, we break down the final, review...
-
Liam Squire- Fan Favourite
Liam Squire was one of the most feared players in world rugby, he had an incredible ability to throw his body into contact with zero thought of self preservation. While that approach helped Liam Squire the player, it's taken a serious toll on the body of Liam Squire the man. He's had an endless...
-
Jayden Broome- What a Lad
Jayden Broome is one of the most inspiring young rugby players you'll come across. A proud Gore local who spent his childhood with a rugby ball in his hands with a dream to become a professional rugby player. He was doing everything he could to reach that dream and everything was tracking that…
more -
Kieran Read- What a Lad
Kieran Read is one of the greatest All Blacks of the professional era. A two-time Rugby World Cup winner, four-time Super Rugby champion and former All Blacks captain, Kieran built a career defined by consistency, leadership and an incredible work ethic. From a typical Kiwi childhood in Papakura,...
-
Jeff McTainsh- What a Lad
Jeff McTainsh is quickly becoming one of the leading voices in New Zealand rugby. From growing up in Dunedin dreaming of the All Blacks, to commentating games off the TV as a kid, Jeff has built an incredible career through persistence, passion and years of hard work behind the scenes. After...
-
Bryce Heem- What a Lad
Bryce Heem is one of the most underrated rugby players New Zealand has produced. From leaving school early and working trades, to partying his way through his late teens, Bryce carved out a 15-year professional rugby career through hard work, resilience and taking every opportunity that came his...
-
Peter Gubb- What a Lad
Peter Gubb is one of rugby league’s great characters. A Queensland Cup legend known for his physicality, longevity and hilarious stories, Gubby shares plenty of great yarns in this one. From the 3rd XV at school to still playing high-level footy at 37, his journey is anything but ordinary. Some...
-
Brad Thorn- What a Lad
Brad Thorn is one of the most unique athletes to ever come out of New Zealand. A cross-code legend known for his physicality, discipline and longevity, Thorn built an incredible career winning amore variety of titles than anyone to have played the game. In this episode of What a Lad, Thorny opens...
-
Seti Tafua- What a Lad
Seti Tafua has one of the most powerful and inspiring stories you’ll hear in New Zealand rugby. A talented young player chasing his dream overseas, Seti’s life changed in an instant after a horrific neck injury left him paralysed and fighting for his life. Doctors told him he may never walk…
more -
Jason Holland- What a Lad
Jason Holland is one of the most respected coaches in New Zealand rugby. A brilliant rugby mind known for his attacking detail, leadership and ability to get the best out of people. The man known as Alfie has built an impressive career through Manawatu, Taranaki, Munster, Canterbury, the…
more -
Marc Ellis- What a Lad
Marc Ellis is one of the most iconic and entertaining characters New Zealand rugby has ever produced. A former All Black known for his speed, skill and ability to light up a game, Ellis became just as famous off the field for his larger-than-life personality, quick wit and outrageous stories that...
-
Cam Suafoa- What a Lad
Cameron Suafoa is one of the toughest and most resilient players ever! A hard-working loose forward who earned everything through grit and determination, Cam built his career through Auckland, Tasman and North Harbour before becoming a standout for the Blues and earning selection for the Māori…
more -
Pasilio Tosi- What a Lad
Pasilio Tosi is one of the most unique stories in New Zealand rugby right now. A 140kg powerhouse known for his brutal scrummaging and ball carrying, Tosi has quickly become a key figure for the Hurricanes and has fully earnt his place as an All Black. But his journey to the top was anything but...
-
Paul Tito- What a Lad
Paul Tito is one of the most respected figures in New Zealand rugby. A tough, uncompromising forward known for his work rate, leadership and physicality, Paul built an outstanding career with Taranaki, the Hurricanes and overseas with Cardiff, where he played over 120 games and captained the…
more -
Tane Edmed- What a Lad
Tane Edmed is one of the most exciting young playmakers in Australian rugby. A great Aussie lad with a fierce competitive edge and a relentless work ethic, Tane has already built an impressive career with the Waratahs, North Harbour, the Brumbies and of course represented his country with the...
-
Patrick Tuipulotu- What a Lad
Patrick Tuipulotu has been one of the most respected forwards in world rugby for over a decade. A powerful lock known for his physicality, leadership and work ethic, Patrick has built an incredible career with the Blues and the All Blacks, playing more than 50 tests for his country and captaining...
-
Tim Bateman- What I've learnt starting my own business
Tim Bateman is a former professional rugby player who has transitioned from pro sport into the world of business and for me personally is the smartest man I met in the game. Every conversation I have ever had with him I have learnt something and this is certainly no different. From the structure...
-
Pita Ahki- What a Lad
Pita Ahki is living proof that careers aren’t always built in a straight line. From struggling for opportunities in New Zealand and watching contracts dry up, to being told by Toulouse doctors that he had a “bad knee” and might not even get signed — Ahki’s journey could have gone very…
more -
Tom Savage- What a Lad
Tom Savage is one of those players who never took the easy route and deserves every bit of success that he gets! From jumping from level five rugby to the Premiership in a single summer, to playing over 190 games for Gloucester, moving to Japan at the peak of his career, and now helping build...
-
Super Rugby Preview Ft Searley Talks Sport
Super Rugby is back! And so is the What a Lad Super Rugby Preview and who better to talk to than the great Searley from Searley Talks Sport to break down everything you need to know about Super Rugby 2026. We go through every team, highlight key players and share some bold predictions as we look...
-
Manasa Mataele- What a Lad
Manasa Mataele is one of the players who is incredibly hard to tackle! His power, speed, athleticism, and freakish offloads has made him hard to handle for any opposition! From growing up in Suva, Manasa’s journey has taken him from Fiji to New Zealand, across to Australia, and now back home with...
-
Chris Jack- What a Lad
Chris Jack was one of the all time greats! A perfect combination of a massive workrate an incredible skillset, deceptive speed and a high rugby IQ which he showed during his 67 cap test career. In this episode of What a Lad, you'll hear Chris like you've never heard him before. From the good…
more -
Jeremy Manning- What a Lad
Jeremy Manning’s rugby journey is anything but ordinary. At just 16 years old he was playing against for the Marlborough Red Devils in the NPC which included playing in a Ranfurly Shield game against Canterbury while still being at school. He made the NZ secondary schools team on the wing ahead…
more -
Cam Mcbride- What a Lad
Cam McBride is the very talented man behind the camera responsible for bringing the Crusaders to life every week. In this episode of What a Lad, Cam talks about his time in the police, finding a new career through content creation, and working behind the scenes at the Crusaders. In this episode…
more -
Owen Franks- What a Lad
produced and after this episode it’s easy to see why. A 108-test All Black, multiple-time World Cup winner, and a cornerstone of the Crusaders’ most dominant era. Owen built his career on work ethic, consistency, and doing whatever it took to get himself in the best position to perform week in…
more -
Holly Parkes and Greg Johnson- What a Lad
Holly Parkes and Greg Johnson are two of the most purpose-driven people you’ll ever hear from. Holly Parkes first came on the podcast during one of the toughest times of her life, sharing what it was really like trying to support someone battling a serious brain injury and searching for answers...
-
Rueben O'Neil- What a Lad
Reuben O’Neill has one of the most interesting stories in New Zealand rugby! A proud Taranaki lad, a cult hero in every team he’s played in, and a man who battled more adversity than most ever knew. From crippling cramps, constant injuries, and being diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes — to somehow...
-
Hadleigh Parkes- What a Lad
The Welsh Rugby superstar Hadleigh Parkes is one of the great stories in rugby! A self described battler who played for Manawatu, Auckland, the Blues and the Hurricanes and at one point nearly walked away from the game altogether! It wasn't until a life changing call, a change of mindset and a…
more -
Sam Lane- What a Lad
Sam Lane is one of NZs very best hockey players and an absolute lad! He is 100+ gamer for the New Zealand Black Sticks, two-time Olympian, captain and full-time financial advisor… somehow all at once. His journey is one of the most unbelievable combinations of talent, tragedy, resilience and…
more
We're indexing this podcast's transcripts for the first time — this can take a minute or two. We'll show results as soon as they're ready.
No matches for "" in this podcast's transcripts.
No topics indexed yet for this podcast.
Loading reviews...
Loading similar podcasts...
Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does What a Lad have?
What a Lad currently has 357 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is What a Lad 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.
How often does What a Lad release new episodes?
What a Lad publishes regularly with 357 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to What a Lad?
You can listen to What a Lad on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts What a Lad?
What a Lad is created and hosted by Presented by Betcha.
URL copied to clipboard!