The Nest Effect

🌟 Ji Wallace: Olympic Silver Medallist, Performer, Advocate, Mentor 🌟From bouncing on a backyard trampoline to standing on the Olympic podium, Ji Wallace’s journey is one of courage, resilience, and authenticity.In this episode, we explore his early love for trampolining, the pressure and thrill of competing at the Sydney 2000 Olympics, and the historic silver medal moment — Australia’s first Olympic gymnastics medal. We dive into his world-record achievements in double mini trampoline, his daring moves in Cirque du Soleil performances, and his long recovery from a major injury that tested his resilience and mindset.Beyond sport, Ji shares his journey as a gay athlete living with HIV, and how he now gives back through The WattleNest, supporting and mentoring the next generation of athletes to reach their potential. He reflects on the mindset, resilience, and guidance required to nurture young talent and inspire the future of Australian sport.Tune in for a conversation about taking risks, redefining identity, and leaving a legacy that transcends sport.

Recorded late last year, The Nest Effect features an inspiring conversation with Adam Sheppard, para-athletics coach, retired wheelchair racer, and multi-sport athlete. Adam’s life is defined not by limitations, but by possibilities. From competing internationally and setting records in wheelchair racing to discovering a new passion in para powerlifting, Adam embodies resilience, courage, and determination.In this episode, we explore:Adam’s journey from swimming and basketball to world-class wheelchair racingHow sport empowered him to overcome barriers and inspire othersThe mindset behind his transition into coaching and mentoringHis bold decision to undergo bilateral amputation to improve his quality of lifeWhat keeps him motivated to keep chasing new challengesThis episode celebrates strength in adversity and shows how embracing your journey can lift others higher.

On this episode of The Nest Effect, we sit down with Tasha Price — elite adaptive athlete, speaker, advocate, and co-founder of InvincAble.Tasha opens up about turning adversity into fuel, building resilience through intentional mindset shifts, and the power of creating safe “nests” of support for herself and those around her. This conversation dives deep into identity, leadership, and showing up with empathy — even when life throws unexpected challenges your way.In this episode, you’ll discover:• How mindset shifts can turn obstacles into opportunities• The vital role of community, belonging, and support systems• Practical tools for resilience, personal growth, and values-driven leadershipWhether you’re facing personal challenges, leading a team, or aiming to make a meaningful impact, this episode will leave you inspired, empowered, and grounded.🔗 Learn more about Tasha’s work at tashaprice.com and InvincAble🎧 Available now on all major podcast platforms

Recorded late last year, this marks our first podcast release for 2026What does it really take to pursue excellence across ten events — while building a full-time professional career?In this episode of The Nest Effect, host Antoine Vidal sits down with Christian Paynter, an Australian decathlete, data scientist, and community leader redefining what high performance looks like on and off the track.Christian shares his journey from representing Victoria and fundraising his way to international competition in Greece, to balancing elite athletics with postgraduate study in data science and a leadership role with the City of Melbourne.This is a conversation about:Playing the long game in sport and lifeManaging identity beyond medals and rankingsUsing data, discipline, and mindset to stay consistentBelieving in yourself when the path isn’t linearWhether he’s running the 1500m, clearing the pole vault, or analysing performance metrics, Christian proves that real growth comes from commitment, curiosity, and doing the hard things well — every day.🎧 If you’re chasing excellence in sport, business, or life — this episode is for you.

In this episode of The Nest Effect, host Antoine Vidal sits down with Jack Howell — a driven young athlete who’s carving his own path through discipline, mindset, and purpose.Jack shares the habits and motivations behind his rise, how he navigates pressure and setbacks, and the importance of staying grounded while chasing big ambitions. Whether you’re an up-and-coming athlete, a coach, or anyone striving toward meaningful goals, this episode delivers raw insight and real inspiration.Tune in for a powerful conversation about focus, resilience, and what it truly takes to keep showing up.#TheNestEffect #JackHowell #AthleteMindset #Resilience #GrowthJourney #AustralianAthletes

In this episode of The Nest Effect, we’re joined by Australian pole vault athlete Olivia Gross, a rising talent in one of track and field’s most demanding disciplines.Olivia shares how curiosity turned into commitment, what it takes to balance training and competition, and the mindset required to perform when the bar keeps rising. From overcoming doubt and handling pressure, to breakthrough moments and finding joy in performance, her story offers powerful lessons for athletes, entrepreneurs, and anyone chasing big goals behind the scenes.Whether you’re in sport, business, or creative pursuits, this conversation is about courage over comfort, momentum over fear, and continuing the climb when the spotlight isn’t always on — but the passion always is.👇 In this episode, we cover:How Olivia discovered pole vaultThe mental and physical demands of the sportManaging pressure and self-doubtBreakthrough moments in competitionWhy fun fuels performanceThe importance of coaching and support🎧 Subscribe for more conversations on mindset, momentum, and making your mark. 👍 Like, comment, and share if Olivia’s journey inspires you.#TheNestEffect #OliviaGross #PoleVault #AthleteMindset #WomenInSport #AustralianAthletes

In this episode of The Nest Effect — powered by The WattleNest — host Antoine Vidal sits down with Janine Watson, a world champion para-athlete whose story is a masterclass in resilience, purpose, and personal transformation.Diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis at 25, Janine could have let that define her. Instead, she chose to rise. Through sheer grit and unwavering focus, she found her way to Taekwondo, claimed a World Championship, and etched her name into Paralympic history.This is a conversation about identity, courage, and choosing to keep going — even when the path forward feels impossible.#TheNestEffect #JanineWatson #WattleNest #Paralympian #TaekwondoChampion #MSAwareness #WomenInSport #PurposeAndPower #ResilienceRedefined

Chasing Gold: Sarah Blizzard is heading to the 2026 Winter Olympics! 🥇❄️Meet Sarah Blizzard — a powerhouse Australian athlete whose journey from the track to the ice is redefining what it means to chase big dreams.Once a standout sprinter and four-time Stawell Gift finalist, Sarah made the bold leap into the world of bobsleigh in 2019 — a sport few Aussies even know exists.Now, she’s competing overseas with her sights firmly set on qualifying for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Cortina, Italy. From mastering explosive sprint starts to piloting down icy tracks at over 120km/h, Sarah’s story is one of courage, adaptability, and relentless drive.Having already represented Australia at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, she continues to push the boundaries of Australian sport — all while partially self-funding her journey in one of the world’s most demanding disciplines.Tune in as we dive into the grit, mindset, and passion behind Sarah’s rise — and how she’s taking Australian bobsleigh to the next level, one icy run at a time.

Breaking the Ice with Dean Hewitt & Tahli Gill | The Nest Effect PodcastThey made Olympic history — now they’re sharing the story behind the brooms and the ice.In this episode, we sit down with Dean Hewitt and Tahli Gill, Australia’s first-ever Olympic curling duo, as they continue their journey to qualify for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Cortina, Italy. With their sights set on the next big challenge, they talk about grit, resilience, and what it’s like to rewrite the rules of Aussie winter sports.We explore how they became partners, the sacrifices it took to qualify for the 2022 Winter Olympics, and the unique challenges they face training for a snow sport in a sunburnt country. Plus, they share how they’re working to grow the sport of curling back home, inspiring future generations.Whether you're a sports fan, a dreamer, or just love a good underdog story, this one's for you.