Awesome Humans is a podcast by Brett McCallum. Entrepreneur, author, speaker, and all-round Aussie bloke, Brett McCallum has been in the IT business with his company Virtech for over 15 years, alongside many other ventures - with a range of successes and learning experiences along the way. In this series, Brett interviews all sorts of inspiring humans from varied backgrounds to share their stories with the world. Many of Brett's guests have an entrepreneurial background and an amazing story about their successes and failures along the way.
Podcast by Podfire.
AH110 - Sam Mackinnon | Olympic Hoops, Fatherhood & Battling NBA Legends Like LeBron and Shaq
In this episode of Awesome Humans, host Brett McCallum sits down with Australian basketball legend Sam Mackinnon for a wide-ranging, often hilarious, and deeply human conversation. From his early days growing up in Melbourne, juggling football and basketball dreams, to his rise through the NBL and international tournaments—including Olympic battles against LeBron James and Shaquille O’Neal—Sam shares what it’s really like behind the stats. The chat spans career highlights, personal struggles, his coaching philosophy, and the journey of raising a basketball-playing son in today’s fast-paced sporting world.
Show Notes
Sponsored by: Official Beer Co - GC Lager
In this episode:
Sam's early memories and why he nearly played AFL
Being recruited in Year 11 and signing his first NBL contract at 17
Playing against LeBron, Shaq, Scottie Pippen and the Dream Team
What it was like representing Australia at the Olympics
The highs and lows of a long career: MVPs, injuries, and setbacks
Transitioning to coaching and building the Taranaki Airs into a contender
His perspective on fatherhood, divorce, and raising elite kids in sport
Life lessons from basketball—and what’s next
Quickfire Q&A:
Favourite food? (Steak!) | Favourite place? (Sunshine Beach) | Most proud of? (His kids)
10 Mar 2025
AH109 - Dane Swan
Host Brett McCallum sits down with former AFL star Dane Swan to explore his journey from a footy-loving kid to one of the game’s greats.
He opens up about his early memories, the highs and lows of professional sport, and the unique energy of playing on Anzac Day. As well as life beyond the game (including personal passions, from the stories behind his tattoos to unforgettable moments with football legends), future aspirations, and the joys of family.
Reflecting on his career, he shares what it meant to win the prestigious Brownlow Medal, the pressures that came with it, and why team camaraderie mattered more than individual accolades.
3 Feb 2025
AH108 - Jarrod Wallace
In this episode of Awesome Humans, host Brett McCallum sits down with former NRL star Jarrod Wallace for an honest, no-holds-barred chat about life on and off the field. Jarrod takes us back to his early days, sharing memories of his childhood, the journey that led him to professional rugby league, and the pivotal role coach Wayne Bennett played in shaping his career.
They dive into the highs and lows of life in the NRL—overcoming injuries, switching teams, and the behind-the-scenes dynamics that make or break team chemistry. Jarrod opens up about the personal challenges athletes face, from media scrutiny to balancing family life with the demands of elite sport.
He also reflects on playing for a cause, the influential players who left their mark on him, and his bold decision to continue his career in France—cultural shocks and all. As he discusses his transition out of professional rugby, Jarrod reveals his newfound passion for radio, his aspirations for the future, and why family will always be his greatest motivation.
It’s a raw, inspiring, and sometimes surprising conversation with one of rugby league’s most genuine voices.
Podcast Authority Score: 44 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
89
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
0
Contact Awesome Humans
Guest appearances
Books guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Host of Awesome Humans?
Claim your podcast to manage its listing and keep your show details accurate.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
