Shaped by Trent Cotchin

[Watch the full episode here] Matt Thomas built a career in the AFL, helped launch one of Australia's most successful gym franchises, and on paper had everything going for him. Then it all fell apart at once.In this raw and honest conversation with Trent Cotchin, Matty talks about the moment he nearly died at 20, the breakdown of his marriage, and the long road back to himself.He's honest about ego, identity, the loneliness that comes with public failure, and why he believes joy, not success, is what most men are actually chasing but won't admit.A conversation about high performance, leadership, pressure, masculinity, mindset, and what it really takes to rebuild when life tests you.This episode is powered by Mageze freedom of movement.If this conversation hit different, you'll want to be on our list. Every week we pull one moment from the episode, what it revealed, and what you can actually do with it. It's called The Debrief. Sign up at https://www.shapedbytrentcotchin.com.au/

[Watch the episode here] Western Bulldogs great Luke Darcy joins us for a conversation about the people, moments and experiences that have shaped his life both on and off the field.From growing up with a father who deeply influenced his outlook on life, to leadership, family, business and navigating life after football, Luke reflects on the lessons he’s carried through every chapter.We also unpack the injury that changed the course of his AFL career, how it affected him at the time, and the perspective it ultimately gave him moving forward.This is a thoughtful, honest and light-hearted conversation around identity, growth, high performance and what really matters once the noise of footy settles.Stay up to date:@shapedbytrentcotchinIf you’re interested in leadership, mindset, performance and the conversations shaping modern culture join our shaped community;https://www.shapedbytrentcotchin.com.au/ This episode is powered by Mageze freedom of movement. Luke's leadership company Aleda Collective

[Watch the episode here] In this episode of Shaped, Trent sits down with former teammate and close mate Alex Rance for a raw and honest conversation.They go where not many conversations go, unpacking retirement, religion, relationships, and the identity shift that comes when footy ends. This is a deep dive into leadership, vulnerability, and what actually matters when the game is over.This episode is powered by Mageze freedom of movement.Stay up to date:@shapedbytrentcotchin

[Watch episode here] In this episode of Shaped, we sit down with former AFL footballer turned podcaster and businessman Dyl Buckley for an honest conversation about life beyond the game.Dylan opens up about his personal journey through mental health challenges, the importance of self-care, and how learning to slow down helped him become a better partner, father, and leader. He reflects on the transition from AFL into business, sharing the lessons, identity shifts, and resilience required to navigate life after elite sport.This episode is powered by Mageze freedom of movement.Stay up to date with Shaped:@shapedbytrentcotchin

We’re back with Season 6 of Shaped, and we open with a powerful and deeply important conversation. We sit down with former Brisbane Lions footballer, SANFL great, and Queensland AFL Hall of Fame inductee Leigh Ryswyk, who recently made history by publicly coming out as the first gay AFL footballer.In this raw and courageous episode, Leigh shares his journey of self-discovery, identity, and coming out in elite sport, opening up about the challenges he faced, the fear of not being accepted, and the emotional toll of hiding who he truly was. He speaks candidly about mental health, authenticity, and the importance of creating safe, inclusive environments, not just in sport, but in life.This conversation goes beyond football. It’s about courage, vulnerability, belonging, and the power of being seen for who you are.This episode of Shaped is brought to you by Mageze.Whether you’re training, working, or just getting through a busy day, Mageze supports muscle recovery, relaxation, and everyday movement - so you can keep showing up and feeling good. Mageze - The Freedom of Movement.Shop Mageze at Chemist Warehouse hereFollow for more at: https://www.instagram.com/shaped.bytrentcotchin/Watch the episode here: Youtube Episode#LeighRyswyk #ShapedPodcast #TrentCotchin #AFL #LGBTQInSport #GayAthlete#InclusionMatters #MentalHealth #Authenticity #PrideInSport#AFLCommunity #ComingOutStory #AFL #footy#gatherround

What does it take to stand at the edge of fear and jump anyway?Lydia Lassila is not just an Olympic champion. She is someone who repeatedly chose courage over comfort. A five time Winter Olympian, Olympic gold and bronze medalist, trailblazer of women’s aerial skiing, mother and entrepreneur, Lydia has spent her life redefining what is possible both on and off the snow.In this episode, Trent Cotchin sits down with Lydia Lassila for a raw and deeply human conversation about fear, resilience, identity, and reinvention. From growing up in Melbourne’s western suburbs to learning how to ski and becoming an Olympian in just 18 months, Lydia shares the defining moments that shaped her life. This conversation goes far beyond medals, exploring the cost of high performance, devastating injuries, motherhood during an elite sporting career, and the courage it takes to attempt what no woman had ever done before on the Olympic stage.In this episode, you will learn:Why fear is not something to eliminate but something to work withHow Lydia rebuilt her career after career threatening injuries and setbacksWhat it really takes to perform under extreme pressureWhy identity outside of sport is critical for long term fulfilmentHow motherhood changed the way Lydia approached success and purposeThis is a powerful reminder that success is not just about winning. It is about bravery, self-belief, and having the courage to see how far you are truly capable of going.Follow Shaped for more conversations that explore the moments that define us.