Marlee and Me

In Conversation: Corban Baxter & Kiana Takairangi - Helping the next Generation

Marlee sits down with two of the NRLW's most influential figures, Corban Baxter and Kiana Takairangi, to discuss a journey that started on the playing field and evolved into a shared business and community mission. The duo—who grew up together and share a deep, personal bond—candidly discuss the future of the women's game, sharing their vision for the next generation of players and the league's growth. They reveal what it's like to run a business together while juggling elite sporting careers. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

In Conversation: Emma Verran - The Name, The Game, and The Insatiable Drive

Marlee sits down with the dynamic NRLW and former Olympic Rugby Sevens star Emma Verran (née Tonegato) for a raw and honest conversation about identity, pressure, and never being satisfied. Emma opens up about celebrating a recent wedding anniversary and how her family history, including her Italian roots, shaped her. She bravely discusses her decision to change her surname, sharing her deeply personal rationale: "Who I am on the field, isn't who I am off it." Emma gets candid about her drive, discussing the motivation she found in not being selected for Origin, her surprise at winning a Dally M, and the shift in perspective that comes with age. Finally, she reflects on the positive influence of her husband, Jamie, and the profound lessons learned from her skin cancer scare. This is a must-listen on what drives one of the toughest competitors in women's sport. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

In Conversation: Sam Thaiday & David Lakisa - Beyond the Jersey

Broncos, Queensland, and Australia legend Sam Thaiday, who connects his Torres Strait Islander heritage to his career success; and respected Pasifika consultant David Lakisa, who works tirelessly to validate the unique cultural identities of athletes joins Marlee for an in depth chat. Together, they offer a deep, moving discussion on the vital intersection of culture, community, and elite sport, exploring why embracing Māori and Pasifika voices is crucial for athlete well-being and the future of the game. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

In Conversation: Josh Kerr - Culture Elevates Culture

Josh Kerr (or as he has become to be known as 'The Microwave man') is one of the biggest characters in the NRL. As a proud Quandamooka man from the Moreton Bay region, Josh opens up about navigating his path and understanding his place in the world, influenced profoundly by his family and community.  We delve into how his cultural roots and the significance of the Indigenous All Stars experience helped him forge a strong sense of self, shaping him into the passionate player and advocate we know – someone who brings his whole identity to every game. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

In Conversation: Broncos Hero Gayle Broughton on Her Journey: ‘I Shouldn’t Be Standing Here’

Gayle Broughton, has an incredible story rooted in her Māori identity and her journey from Hawera, New Zealand.  She opens up about the unique challenges she faced growing up and how her whānau played a vital role in guiding her towards sport.  That journey led her to incredible heights, like winning Olympic medals with the Black Ferns, to the devastating lows like losing her best friend at a young age, and how close she came to calling it quits. Gayle shares how her background shaped her into the powerful athlete she is today, always grounded by her heritage. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.