Episode 207

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Published on:

30th Oct 2025

#210 – Addiction in Sport: Why High Performers Fall Hard

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Episode Summary:


Not every battle in sport is physical; many are fought in the mind. In this episode, Ian unpacks addiction in sport, beyond gambling and substances, to include the cravings for escape, validation, and the relentless pressure to keep performing when the stadium lights are off. Using the recent Luke Bateman story as a springboard, Ian explores how young athletes with sudden income, spare time, and constant stimulation can slide into self-sabotage; why “millionaire mindset” and financial discipline matter; and how chasing the rush becomes a pattern that erodes health, wealth, and identity.


Ian weaves in his own hard-won lessons, late-night pokies, the dopamine hit, and the power of circuit breakers, to show listeners how to spot the real drivers underneath compulsive habits. You’ll learn practical ways to interrupt the loop: focus on root causes, rebuild routines around control, connection, and purpose, and become the circuit breaker who ends generational patterns. If success hasn’t brought you peace; if your habits are running the show; this is a clear, compassionate path back to control.


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.