Episode 204

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Published on:

29th Oct 2025

#207 – Week in Review: Leadership & Corruption in Sport

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Episode Summary:


Ian Hawkins flies solo for this Weekend Review to unpack a packed fortnight in sport.


He opens with football’s revolving door: Ange Postecoglou’s record-short 39-day Premier League tenure, and the Wallabies’ narrow win over Japan, questioning whether Australian rugby’s struggles are structural or mindset-based.


From there, Ian spotlights Australian triathlete Matthew Hauser’s world-title win in Wollongong, an incredible endurance feat that deserved more mainstream attention. The conversation then turns to cricket, where Steve Smith returns as Test captain in place of Pat Cummins. Ian dives into the stats: Smith’s batting average skyrockets to 68.98 when captaining, a reminder that leadership can elevate performance rather than distract from it.


Rounding out the episode, Ian tackles global headlines of corruption and integrity across multiple sports, from Turkish referees caught gambling to NBA insiders leaking injury info, and doping bans in athletics. He also reflects on Oscar Piastri’s Formula 1 slump, drawing eerie parallels to Mark Webber and Daniel Ricciardo’s experiences with team politics.


It’s a candid, fast-paced wrap-up of sport’s highs, controversies, and patterns, all through Ian’s signature Aussie lens on resilience, leadership, and the mindset behind performance.


About the Host:


Ian Hawkins 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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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.