Shooting the Breeze with Andrew James

"Life is about seizing opportunities."In this episode of Shooting the Breeze, Andrew James speaks with Katie Mactier, former Olympic cyclist and now a successful real estate professional. Katie shares her journey from a late start in cycling to becoming a world champion and Olympic silver medalist. She reflects on her transition from high-pressure sports to the real estate industry, how the lessons of competitive sports prepared her for her career post-cycling, and the value of resilience and a positive mindset in both fields.Shooting the Breeze will return with more inspiring guests and engaging stories in 2026!Follow Shooting the Breeze on Instagram and TikTokLearn more about Andrew James and Belle Property Armadale

“Food has always been, for me, an introduction into another place.”In this episode of Shooting the Breeze, host Andrew James interviews renowned Australian chef Gary Mehigan, who shares his culinary journey from Hayling Island, England, to becoming a household name in Australia. Gary discusses his early inspirations, the challenges he faced in the restaurant industry, and the impact of MasterChef on his career. He reflects on the dynamic food culture in Australia, the importance of teamwork in the kitchen, and the lessons learned from failure. Additionally, Gary shares insights on his own real estate journey and the significance of home and family in his life.Follow Shooting the Breeze on Instagram and TikTokLearn more about Andrew James and Belle Property Armadale

"I've never worked a day, it's a hobby."In this episode of Shooting the Breeze, host Andrew James is joined by Nick Johnstone of Nick Johnstone Real Estate for an engaging conversation reflecting on their extensive careers in the real estate industry. Together, they discuss the evolution of the industry and how they’ve navigated the changes, the importance of building genuine relationships, and the significance of mentorship in fostering the next generation of real estate professionals.Nick and Andrew share their personal journeys, their passion for people and their insights into how they’ve each enjoyed long, award-winning careers in the industry they love.Follow Shooting the Breeze on Instagram and TikTokLearn more about Andrew James and Belle Property Armadale

"Data is the new oil."In this episode of Shooting the Breeze, host Andrew James speaks with Chris Hume, Director of Champion Data, who shares his journey from a passion for sports and numbers to leading a company that has revolutionised sports analytics. Chris reflects on the growth of Champion Data, the value of leadership in building a strong team and the impact of COVID-19 on the business. Chris also discusses the evolution of sports statistics, the company's global partnerships and connections to emerging sports, and the role of AI in the industry’s future.Follow Shooting the Breeze on Instagram and TikTokLearn more about Andrew James and Belle Property Armadale

"The club comes first in every decision."In this episode of Shooting the Breeze, host Andrew James speaks with Andy Gowers, President of the Hawthorn Football Club, about his journey from a successful playing career to leadership in sports administration. Andy shares insights on teamwork, the importance of empowering others, and the challenges of leading one of the AFL’s most successful clubs. Their conversation also covers the significance of community engagement, strategies for on-field success, and the evolving landscape of sports management, offering valuable insights for aspiring athletes and leaders alike.Follow Shooting the Breeze on Instagram and TikTokLearn more about Andrew James and Belle Property Armadale

“I just wanted to give back.”In this inspiring episode of Shooting the Breeze, host Andrew James speaks with Mill Chen, founder of Mill’s Kitchen, a community initiative raising funds for the Royal Melbourne Hospital through mouth-watering cooking events. Mill shares her cooking journey, the inspiration behind Mill’s Kitchen, and the role food can play as a powerful connector in the community. She discusses her aspirations for the future of Mill’s Kitchen, the hard work and generous support that go into her cooking events, and how she balances her professional life with her philanthropic efforts. The conversation highlights the powerful role that philanthropy can play in the community.Follow Shooting the Breeze on Instagram and TikTokLearn more about Andrew James and Belle Property Armadale

“I didn’t want to be at the football on Saturday, I wanted to be at the races!”In this episode of Shooting the Breeze, host Andrew James speaks with leading Melbourne bookmaker Mark Sampieri about his unique journey from a childhood spent at the racetrack with his bookmaker father, to a career in physiotherapy to becoming a prominent figure in the betting industry himself. Mark discusses the evolution of bookmaking and the impact of online betting, along with advice for aspiring bookmakers and insights into where the industry could be heading. Mark also reflects on his experiences working with elite athletes, his property investment journey and the importance of mentorship and learning from your mistakes.Follow Shooting the Breeze on Instagram and TikTokLearn more about Andrew James and Belle Property Armadale

"The harder you work, the luckier you get."In this debut episode of Shooting the Breeze, host Andrew James speaks with Paul Connors, founder of Connors Sports Management, about his journey in AFL player management. Paul shares insights on building his agency, identifying and securing talent, adapting to changes in the industry, and the importance of financial education for players. He reflects on his contributions to the field, the challenges of the trade period, and the significance of property investment for athletes. The conversation highlights the evolution of player management and the personal connections that drive success in the industry.Follow Shooting the Breeze on Instagram and TikTokLearn more about Andrew James and Belle Property Armadale