Brook Macdonald on the Crash That Changed His Life, Racing Again & Resilience

In this episode, legendary Kiwi downhill mountain biker Brook Macdonald (aka The Bulldog) opens up like never before.

He talks about:

🏆 Becoming a professional athlete and millionaire by age 30

💥 The horrific 2019 crash that broke his back at World Champs

🧠 The mental and physical battle to walk — and race — again

🔥 Red Bull sponsorship, mindset, money mistakes & what’s next

From chasing World Cup podiums to learning how to walk again, Brooke’s story is one of resilience, mindset, and insane determination.

Whether you’re into sport, rehab stories, or just love hearing people who’ve pushed the limits, you'll love this chat with "The Bulldog"

00:00 – Intro: Brooke MacDonald aka "The Bulldog"

02:15 – The niche challenge of mountain biking and chasing sponsors

03:35 – Why Red Bull is more than just a logo sponsor

05:30 – Early life: Rugby dreams vs mountain bike obsession

10:15 – Turning pro as teen: $125K contract + early career grind

15:12 – Financial lessons: Millionaire by 30 and no regrets?

22:00 – The crash that changed everything: 2019 World Champs

27:40 – 5 hours on the mountain in agony: The rescue disaster

34:15 – “Am I paralyzed?” Coming to terms with a broken back

41:00 – Learning to walk again – and race again

46:50 – Survivor’s guilt at Burwood Spinal Unit

50:45 – How mindset, discipline and quiet confidence fueled recovery

56:15 – Getting back on the bike: Fear, setbacks & progress

1:03:40 – What’s next after racing? Business, adrenaline & legacy

1:08:20 – Final reflections: Mental toughness, pride & how Brooke wants to be remembered

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this raw and powerful episode, K’Lee opens up like never before. From becoming a pop star at 14 to surviving an abusive relationship and being held at gunpoint, K’Lee’s story is one of strength, resilience, and redemption.

She shares the truth behind early fame, the music industry’s dark side, her battle with postpartum depression, and nearly losing her baby — twice. We also explore how she rebuilt her life through radio, family, and personal growth.

This is one of the most gripping and heartfelt conversations I've ever had on the podcast.

🎤 Topics include:

• The cost of early fame
• Surviving domestic violence and trauma
• What it’s really like to be held at gunpoint
• Postpartum depression and NICU heartbreak
• Raising six kids while running businesses and hosting a radio show
• Powerful messages for young women, men, and parents

Whether you knew her as K’Lee the pop star, or are meeting her for the first time — this conversation will stay with you.

👀 Watch to the end for a powerful message to her children — it’s unforgettable.***

Before the episode begins, I just want to give flowers to my long-term sponsors- Generate Kiwisaver.

These guys win awards all the time. That’s because they are great at what they do, which is Generating wealth for their clients.

When it comes to your retirement savings, no one wants to be caught short, so do your future self a favour and get some FREE No Obligation KiwiSaver advice from Generate.

Generate have a track record of delivering strong long-term performance for their members – which will really pay off by the time you reach retirement.

And they’ve got advisers across the country to help make sure your investment is set up best for you.

Head to https://www.generatewealth.co.nz/dom/

The issuer of the scheme is Generate Management Limited. To see their Product disclosure statement go to their website. Past performance does not guarantee future returns.

**The views, thoughts and opinions expressed in this podcast belong solely to the host and guests and may not reflect the views of the show sponsors**

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dave Wood is a high-performance coach.

He hosts workshops at West Auckland’s Piha Beach called Calm Under Pressure which combine mental and physical challenges- clients (including UFC stars, Team NZ champions and Olympic athletes) often describe these workshops as life changing.

Dave Wood has done a lot, seen a lot and learned a lot.

I genuinely believe if you are listening to this episode in the right frame of mind- ready to learn and open to some new ways of thinking, this podcast conversation could be transformational.

It’s a podcast of two halves. The first half is stuff we can all draw from around mental skill development and personal growth.

The second half is all about Dave and who he is: a kid who struggled with learning who became the youngest surf lifesaving captain in New Zealand before going on some INSANE travel adventures before becoming an emergency paramedic.

After listening to this, if you are keen to attend one of Dave’s Calm Under Pressure workshops, you will get 20% OFF if you book BEFORE June 7 2025

https://wmw.co.nz/book-now/calm-under-pressure/

https://www.instagram.com/integrated__training/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this very non-political conversation, Christopher Luxon shares insights into his personal life, family values, and career journey.

Some of the ground we cover includes:

+ How his upbringing shaped him. And how his parents cope with the criticism he cops

+ His friendship with Sir John Key

+ Why he has never touched alcohol.

+ The backstory of his relationship with Amanda and how they make it work.

+ His best and worst habits according to his family and much much more!

The goal with these podcasts is always the same- to try and get a better understanding of a person through long form conversations.

Maybe it will change your opinion on the Prime Minister. Or maybe it won’t. And either of those outcomes are fine.

I enjoyed the conversation, and I hope you do too.

****

This episode is sponsored by Generate Kiwisaver.

Choosing a KiwiSaver provider with strong long-term performance matters- and Generate is an award-winning KiwiSaver provider with a track record of delivering strong long-term returns.

Start planning now—Book a chat with an adviser at:https://www.generatewealth.co.nz/dom/

Because the choices you make today will shape the retirement you’ll have tomorrow.

The issuer of the scheme is Generate Management Limited. To see their Product disclosure statement go to their website. Past performance does not guarantee future returns.

**The views, thoughts and opinions expressed in this podcast belong solely to the host and guests and may not reflect the views of the show sponsors**

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mitch Lowe is one of the key players in New Zealand's live music industry.

His company Audiology has organized over 500 events across New Zealand and Australia with artists including Bryan Adams, Cardi B, T Pain, Fisher, Snoop Dogg and even The Wiggles. He is also the brains behind major festivals like Bay Dreams, Mardi Gras, Sound splash, and more.

But that’s just the tip of the iceberg- Audiology is one of his THIRTY different businesses too!

Beyond his entrepreneurial endeavors, he is a father and a husband who describes himself as a "Full time Dad. Part time Promoter" and this is a small part of the Mitch Lowe story!

+The BTS of bringing massive musical acts to NZ and building Bay Dreams into an iconic festival.

+The most incredible story about partying with T Pain in Christchurch.

+How he operates with integrity in a business that is not always known for it.

+His biggest adversities, including losing millions of dollars on numerous occasions and going through an acrimonious split with a business partner.

+Why he will NEVER go back to Bali (this story is WILD)

+How marriage and parenthood have reset his priorities and so much more!.

Mitch Lowe is a big thinker and a do-er. He’s a guy who takes big swings and makes things happen.

I really enjoyed connecting with him for this podcast and I hope you do too.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pax Assasdi is one of the most recognizable voice's in New Zealand comedy.

If you are not familiar with Pax. Get ready- you’re about to meet an awesome human.

He’s a very brief bio: he’s a stand-up comedian, writer, actor and TV host.

He created and starred in a TV show loosely based on his life called “Raised by Refugees.” (which you can stream on Neon)

He’s been on pretty much every TV show a comedian can go on: 7 Days, The Project, and Have You Been Paying Attention?

He’s doing two crowd work shows as part of the 2025 NZ comedy festival. On Thursday 22 and Friday 23rd of May at the Q Theatre in Auckland:

https://nz.patronbase.com/_QTheatre4/Productions/C523/Performances

This conversation is a small part of the Pax Asadi story.

+ His experiences as a child of refugee immigrant parents in New Zealand.

+ How one viral stand-up moment changed his career.

+ The piece of advice from Ursula Carlson has shaped his career.

+ Why has he never had a drop of alcohol.

+ His reflections on being fired from his breakfast radio show after 6 months and much much more.

***********

What do you see yourself doing in retirement?

Moving to the beach? Exploring the world? Spending more time with friends and family?

Whatever your dream, there’s one big question —how much will it cost?

That’s why choosing a KiwiSaver provider with strong long-term performance matters.

Generate is an award-winning KiwiSaver provider with a track record of delivering strong long-term returns- you can see their latest returns for yourself on their website. Because the choices you make today will shape the retirement you’ll have tomorrow.

Start planning now—Book a chat with an adviser at

https://www.generatewealth.co.nz/dom/

The issuer of the scheme is Generate Management Limited. To see their Product disclosure statement go to their website. Past performance does not guarantee future returns.

**The views, thoughts and opinions expressed in this podcast belong solely to the host and guests and may not reflect the views of the show sponsors**

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stefan Ozich is now part of a very small group of guests to make a return appearance on the podcast.

ICYMI, Stefan first appeared on the podcast towards the end of 2024.

At the time he was about to embark on a jaw-dropping run- the length of New Zealand on the Te Araroa trail. Twice. Cape Reinga to Bluff and all the way back again. That’s 6000km. A handful of people have run the T.A trail. Stefan is the only person to do it twice.

And he did it with the goal of raising as much money as possible for a men’s mental health charity.

In this episode, we explore the incredible journey of his 114 days.

From the motivations behind his journey, including personal losses and mental health advocacy, to the physical and mental challenges he faced.

Stefan shares insights into endurance running, recovery, and the importance of gratitude.

The conversation also touches on the dynamics of crew support, the daily routines that kept him going, the profound interactions with others along the way, reflections on personal growth and much much more.

Stefan is a unique individual. He can put him mind to daunting physical and mental challenges then accomplish them with a smile on his face.

I loved connecting with him Again for the podcast and I hope you guys do too.

Dom@Podlab.nz

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Theo Shakes is an insanely talented 23-year-old New Zealand-based actor, writer, director, and content creator who is living proof of what happens when some natural talent meets a lot of hard work.

Theo has 2 million Tik-Tok followers and over 200 million likes. But I feel like it would be unfair to just call him a Tik-Tokker because there is so much more to this guy, and this is a small part of the Theo Shakes story:

+ His recollections of moving from the UK to NZ at 4

+His creative process with writing, filming and releasing a new Tik-Tok every 2 days

+Making a movie with Elijah Wood

+Getting love from Will Smith on Tik-Tok,

+How he makes money on Tik-Tok and much more.

At the time of releasing this, Theo is about to do his debut comedy show in Auckland called "Judging by the Look of Things."

Here is the link with all the info for tickets and times:

https://nz.patronbase.com/_QTheatre4/Productions/C545/Performances

***

Massive thanks to my friends at the Generate Kiwisaver scheme for sponsoring this episode.

We know you’ve heard of FOMO but have you heard of FORO? Fear of running out, when it comes to your retirement savings.

No one wants to be caught short, so do your future self a favour and get some KiwiSaver advice from Generate.

Generate have a track record of delivering strong long-term performance for their members – which will really pay off by the time you reach retirement.

And, they have advisers across the country to help make sure your investment is set up best for you.

Don’t have FORO – plan for tomorrow!

Head to generatekiwisaver.co.nz/dom

The issuer of the scheme is Generate Management Limited. To see their product disclosure statement go to their website. Past performance does not guarantee future returns.

**The views, thoughts and opinions expressed in this podcast belong solely to the host and guests and may not reflect the views of the show sponsors**

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.