Episode 19

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Published on:

17th Oct 2024

# 19 - Defeating Adversity with Jonathan Niziol: Life Lessons from Sport and Overcoming Challenges

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Episode Summary

In this episode, Ian and Jonathan discuss the significance of resilience, empathy, and the athlete's mindset in both sports and life. Jonathan described his journey from being a competitive lacrosse player in Canada to overcoming personal problems such as his mother's abrupt death, struggles with alcohol and drug addiction, and recovery from acute pancreatitis, which led to sobriety and a focus on mental health.

  • Recognise the significant influence of incorporating an athlete's mindset into all facets of life.
  • Learn about emphasises the life skills he learnt from sports, including as collaboration, empathy, and the value of hard effort.
  • Discover the significance of self-forgiveness, the lessons he gained from his hardships, and the importance of hard effort and perseverance in achieving top performance.

About the Guest:

Jonathan's journey took a dramatic turn after the sudden passing of his mother just before his 21st birthday, followed by the heartbreaking loss of three close friends and a traumatic experience of sexual assault during a casting as an adult. These events triggered a downward spiral spanning over a decade, marked by battles with alcohol and drug addiction, panic disorder, anxiety, and depression, impacting every facet of his life from jobs to relationships. Today, he celebrates 15 years of sobriety from alcohol and 6 1/2 years free from all other substances. As an esteemed international model, he has become a beacon of inspiration within the fitness and wellness community, known for his genuine and supportive demeanor that touches those around him. Yet, he remains determined to extend his impact even further

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About the Host:

Ian Hawkins, host of "Sport Is Life," is dedicated to showing how sports can transform lives. With extensive experience as an athlete, a coach, PE teacher, community volunteer, and manager at Fox Sports, Ian brings a wealth of knowledge to the podcast. His journey began in his backyard, mentored by his older brother, and has since evolved into coaching elite athletes and business leaders. Ian's commitment to sports and personal development is evident in his roles as a performance coach and active community member. Through "Sport Is Life," Ian shares inspiring stories and valuable lessons to help listeners apply sports principles to all areas of life.


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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ianhawkinscoaching

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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SportIsLife-IanHawkins


Theme Music Artist:

One Day Kings  https://www.instagram.com/onedaykings/

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About the Podcast

Sport Is Life
It's More Than Just A Game
The Sport Is Life podcast explores how sport can positively change your life. Join us as we delve into the powerful life lessons that sport teaches you, lessons that can be applied to every aspect of your life. Host Ian Hawkins shares wisdom and insights gained from a lifetime of experience as an athlete, husband, father, PE teacher, community volunteer, manager at Fox Sports and a performance coach to elite athletes, business owners, corporate leaders, and other coaches. Tune in to hear how sports can provide the tools you need to excel in your personal and professional life. From practical advice to heartfelt stories, the "Sport Is Life Podcast" is your guide to unlocking the potential within you through the power of sport.

Sport is more than just a game; Sport Is Life.

About your host

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Ian Hawkins

Ian Hawkins, host of "Sport Is Life," is dedicated to showing how sports can transform lives. With extensive experience as an athlete, a coach, PE teacher, community volunteer, and manager at Fox Sports, Ian brings a wealth of knowledge to the podcast. His journey began in his backyard, mentored by his older brother, and has since evolved into coaching elite athletes and business leaders. Ian's commitment to sports and personal development is evident in his roles as a performance coach and active community member. Through "Sport Is Life," Ian shares inspiring stories and valuable lessons to help listeners apply sports principles to all areas of life.