REAL STUFF with Hunter Johnson

AFL Star | Bailey Smith | The Man Behind the Mullet, Rock Bottom, Mental Health & Purpose Beyond Footy #21

Bailey Smith: The Story You Haven’t Heard  In his most personal interview yet, AFL star Bailey Smith joins Real Stuff podcast to share the man behind the mullet - and the mental health journey that shaped him. Speaking with host and Stuff That Matters Founder Hunter Johnson, Bailey opens up about the aftermath of his ACL injury, the emotional toll of leaving the Bulldogs, and the private struggles that followed.  From not being able to get out of bed and training alone, to seeking intensive professional help, Bailey reflects on how hitting rock bottom helped him develop healthier coping tools and rebuild from the inside out. He speaks candidly about body image, perfectionism, and the pressure of living under constant scrutiny - and how he’s learning to prioritise Bailey the person, not just the footballer.  Now thriving at Geelong and committed to shifting the culture around masculinity, Bailey’s story is raw, timely and deeply human - especially in the wake of the Selwood tragedies and Australia’s broader men’s mental health crisis.  We thank Bailey for the trust, courage and friendship that made this podcast possible.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

Richmond Great | Trent Cotchin | Leadership, Authenticity & Redefining Success #20

In this episode of REAL STUFF, Hunter Johnson goes deep with one of the AFL’s most decorated captains, Trent Cotchin. From winning a Brownlow Medal to leading a struggling club to three premierships, Trent shares the lessons he’s learned about leadership, reflecting on his journey to discovering and trusting his authentic self—embracing vulnerability and the simplicity of "just being Trent." They explore the challenges of imposter syndrome, the tension between perfection and excellence, and how building a culture of love and empathy turned the Tigers’ fortunes around. Trent also opens up about his transition from on-field leadership to inspiring others beyond the game. From stepping into the business world to staying grounded in his "why," he reveals how curiosity, growth, and presence continue to drive his evolution. In a raw and emotional "Triple H" segment, Trent shares his Hero, Highlight, and Hardship—diving into personal setbacks and moments that shaped his leadership philosophy. This isn’t just a sports story; it’s a conversation about resilience, authenticity, and leading with purpose. Whether you’re an AFL fan or pursuing your own version of success, this episode will leave you inspired to rethink what it means to win. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

Olympic Boxer | Harry Garside | Self-Discovery, Embracing Vulnerability & Redefining Success #19

Harry Garside: Embracing Growth and Redefining Success In this REAL STUFF episode, Hunter Johnson sits down with Olympic boxing champ Harry Garside – a multi-medal athlete shattering stereotypes. From Commonwealth gold to the Tokyo and Paris Olympics and beyond, Harry’s success in the ring is just the start. Hunter and Harry dive into big topics like failure on the public stage, self-love vs. self-hatred, and the future of education. Harry shares his journey of self-discovery, battling fame’s pressures, and embracing both his masculine and feminine sides. They explore Harry’s struggles with self-criticism, vulnerability, and balancing high performance with emotional well-being. His thoughts on fatherhood, community, and connection are raw and inspiring. This is one conversation you won’t want to miss! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

AFL Legend | Jarryd Roughead | Resilience, Family & Life Beyond Footy #18

Jarryd Roughead: Resilience Beyond the Footy Field In this inspiring episode of REAL STUFF, host Hunter Johnson sits down with AFL legend Jarryd Roughead. Known for his loyalty to the Hawthorn Football Club, where he spent his entire footy career, Roughead shares his journey from a small-town country kid to a four-time premiership player. He also reflects on the profound lessons he’s learnt both on and off the field. Roughy reminisces about his roots in Leongatha, where he grew up as the eldest of three and embraced his country heritage. Despite the high-profile life in the AFL, his grounded approach has always kept him close to home. He discusses the challenges of transitioning from small-town life to the big city and the pressures that came with being thrust into the AFL system as a top draft pick. Hunter and Roughy delve into the resilience required to navigate pivotal life moments, including his father’s long battle with MS, his own cancer journey, and his approach to staying positive amid adversity. Jarryd reflects on how footy has shaped him, but also underscores the importance of life beyond the sport, especially the balance between fatherhood and family. One of the most personal parts of Jarryd’s story is his battle with skin cancer. At 29, he was confronted with a melanoma diagnosis that eventually spread to his lungs, turning his world upside down. Through gruelling treatments and clinical trials, he managed to beat the odds and make a full recovery. While he never sought the spotlight as a “poster boy” for skin cancer prevention, Jarryd’s experience has turned him into a powerful advocate for sun protection. Now, Jarryd is teaming up with us to encourage young men to make sunscreen a part of their daily routine. His story is a powerful reminder to take sun safety seriously, because, as Jarryd puts it, “sun protection matters.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

NRL Champion & Brand Ambassador | Kalyn Ponga | Mental Wellbeing, Values-Driven Leadership, Learning from Mistakes & Redefining Masculinity #17

Kalyn Ponga: NRL Champion and Advocate for Mental Wellbeing The first episode of REAL STUFF season 3, host Hunter Johnson sits down with Kalyn Ponga, captain of the Newcastle Knights and reigning Dally M Medalist. From the high-stakes world of NRL to advocating for mental health, Kalyn shares his journey and insights. Kalyn is celebrated not only for his on-field achievements as a State of Origin hero but also for his grounded and compassionate approach to life. Despite the accolades, he remains deeply connected to his values and personal growth. During the podcast, Hunter and Kalyn delve into crucial topics like managing mental wellbeing, especially in light of Kalyn’s experiences with concussions. They discuss the importance of values-driven leadership and the role of learning from mistakes in personal development. Kalyn also opens up about the influence of positive role models, particularly his relationship with his father, which has been pivotal in his journey. They explore the significance of finding one’s identity and self-expression while challenging outdated masculine stereotypes that can restrict creativity and authenticity. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of Kalyn’s commitment to breaking down barriers and his belief in using his platform for positive change. The conversation is both insightful and engaging, offering a candid look into the life of an NRL superstar who is much more than his impressive stats. Kalyn Ponga’s story is a testament to the power of resilience and self-discovery, making this episode a compelling listen for anyone interested in sports, leadership, and personal growth. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]