Sport Is Life

About Sport Is Life

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.

Publisher

Ian Hawkins

Category

education · health & fitness · sports

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

18 Sept 2024

Latest episode

4 Nov 2026

Latest episodes

331 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   4 Nov 2026

   #331 – NRL | Tonga v Samoa EXPLODES! Plus NRL Transfer Chaos

   Episode Summary: The Rugby League World Cup has delivered one of its greatest spectacles, and now we're heading into two blockbuster semi-finals! Ian and Steve look back at an extraordinary Sunday at CommBank Stadium, where Tonga and Samoa produced an unforgettable contest. The passion, the atmosphere, the physicality and the noise from the crowd were something special. But with Tonga advancing to face New Zealand and Samoa preparing to take on Australia, could we be heading towards a World Cup final without the Kangaroos? Australia might be undefeated, but Ian and Steve have serious concerns about the Kangaroos' forward pack. They've struggled to dominate the middle throughout the tournament, and Samoa have the size, aggression and confidence to make life extremely difficult. Could Ronald Volkman's inclusion provide the attacking spark Samoa need to cause a massive upset? Meanwhile, Steve believes Tonga and New Zealand have been the two best teams in the competition. Their semi-final promises an enormous battle through the middle, with Kalyn Ponga's availability potentially deciding the outcome. The boys also question whether Tonga and Samoa will benefit from last weekend's emotional encounter or struggle to back it up. Away from the World Cup, the November 1 NRL transfer frenzy hasn't quite materialised, but the speculation is building. Sam Walker's future at the Roosters remains uncertain, with PNG emerging as a possible destination. Bradman Best, Bostock, Hudson Young, Cameron Munster and Harry Grant are all part of the discussion as clubs position themselves for the next wave of player movements. The boys also debate whether the Perth Bears have recruited enough quality to be competitive in their inaugural season, particularly if Matt Burton joins the club. And there's a remarkable twist in Josh Addo-Carr's situation at Parramatta following a negative B-sample result. Plus, a tribute to Bulldogs great Paul Langmack, a discussion about England's disappointing World Cup campaign and why the growth of Pacific rugby league could change the international game forever. Four nations. Two semi-finals. And for the first time in a long time, nobody can confidently predict who'll be playing in the World Cup final. 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. Check Me Out On: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ianhawkinscoaching Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ianhawkinscoaching YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SportIsLife-IanHawkins Theme Music Artist: One Day Kings https://www.instagram.com/onedaykings/ See https://www.captivate.fm/privacy-policy-for-listeners for privacy information.

2. 

   28 Oct 2026

   #330 – NRL | Tonga v Samoa EXPLODES! Plus NRL Transfer Chaos

   Episode Summary: The NRL season might be over, but the drama is only getting started! With November 1 approaching, Ian and Steve dive into one of the most extraordinary player markets in recent memory. Big-money offers, contract negotiations falling apart, expansion clubs circling and some of rugby league's biggest names potentially on the move. Sam Walker's contract situation at the Roosters raises plenty of questions. Do the premiers really want to keep their young halfback, or have they got something bigger planned? Ian throws up an intriguing possibility involving Mitchell Moses and Parramatta, while the boys discuss the speculation surrounding Tom Dearden and Herbie Farnworth. Hudson Young's contract negotiations spark another debate about player valuations, the salary cap and whether the NRL's rules are creating unintended problems. There's also plenty to unpack at Melbourne, with Cameron Munster and Harry Grant attracting attention, and the Perth Bears and PNG preparing to reshape the player market. The boys then turn their attention to the worrying state of English rugby league. With the NRL's proposed investment in Super League rejected, can the English game find a way to rebuild its popularity, attract better players and become a genuine international force again? On the field, Australia has survived another scare, this time against Fiji. Ian and Steve question whether the Kangaroos have the forward power, backline balance and intensity to handle the tournament's strongest nations when the knockout matches arrive. And then there's the blockbuster everyone is waiting for. Tonga v Samoa at CommBank Stadium. Two proud Pacific nations, enormous forward packs, passionate supporters and a rivalry that promises an extraordinary atmosphere. The boys preview the battle, discuss what it means for the semi-finals and explain why this fixture deserves a regular place on the international rugby league calendar. Plus, previews of England v PNG, New Zealand v Fiji and Australia v Cook Islands. How good is rugby league when the biggest stories keep coming, even after the NRL season ends? 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. Check Me Out On: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ianhawkinscoaching Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ianhawkinscoaching YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SportIsLife-IanHawkins Theme Music Artist: One Day Kings https://www.instagram.com/onedaykings/ See https://www.captivate.fm/privacy-policy-for-listeners for privacy information.

3. 

   25 Oct 2026

   #329 – NRL | Season Review

   Episode Summary: How wrong can three blokes get their NRL predictions? With the 2026 NRL season officially in the books, Ian and Steve look back at their preseason ladder predictions, the calls they made throughout the year and the moments that made this one of the most unpredictable seasons in recent memory. Some predictions were pretty good. Others were absolute disasters! The Newcastle Knights made fools of just about everyone, going from wooden spooners in 2025 to Grand Finalists in 2026. Meanwhile, the Melbourne Storm and Brisbane Broncos were tipped to finish near the top but missed the finals altogether. Ian and Steve revisit where they got it right, where they got it horribly wrong and how quickly their opinions changed as the season unfolded. Then there's Lyle, a Dragons supporter who wasn't shy about criticising the boys' predictions before submitting his own ladder. With all three ladders scored, who comes out on top, and who earns bragging rights for the summer? The boys also revisit their State of Origin predictions, Nathan Cleary's Dally M Medal, the Rookie of the Year debate and Ian's remarkable rollercoaster of opinions on the Cronulla Sharks. Beyond the predictions, Ian and Steve reflect on their favourite moments of 2026, including Newcastle's incredible finals run, New South Wales' Origin triumph and the powerful displays of passion and community that make rugby league special. There's also plenty of discussion about the changing interpretation of the rules, the impact on different teams and whether the game got its balance right. Plus, the boys share some exciting plans for Sport Is Life in 2027, including live YouTube episodes, more fan involvement and taking the show on the road. The predictions might have been questionable, but the entertainment certainly wasn't! 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. Check Me Out On: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ianhawkinscoaching Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ianhawkinscoaching YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SportIsLife-IanHawkins Theme Music Artist: One Day Kings https://www.instagram.com/onedaykings/ See https://www.captivate.fm/privacy-policy-for-listeners for privacy information.

Who has been a guest on Sport Is Life

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Adam Mogg
• Cody Walker
• Andrew Swain
• Tony Priddle
• Nick Piper

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

5,379

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

1 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

12 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 59 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

74

Social presence

91

YouTube

68

Engagement

0

Contact Sport Is Life

Guest appearances

Does not typically book guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.

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