January hits different.

The Christmas break gives you space to breathe, reflect, and ask the hard questions. Am I happy at work? Am I growing? Or am I just surviving until the next long weekend?

In Episode 17 of Dropped Balls & Big Calls, I’m joined by recruiter Mollie-May Bennett of Brightside Recruitment to pull back the curtain on the Australian job market in 2026, with a sharp focus on NDIS and aged care, candidate experience, and what employers are actually looking for right now. We talk honestly about the biggest mistakes jobseekers make, how to stand out without being cringe, why cultural fit often matters more than salary, and how tools like LinkedIn and AI are shaping hiring without replacing the human element.

If you’re thinking about a move, hungry for growth, or just sick of feeling stuck, this episode is packed with practical advice, straight talk, and a few uncomfortable truths that might save you months of frustration. Because finding the right role isn’t about gaming the system. It’s about trust, communication, and knowing what really matters.

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If you think sprint car racing is just loud engines and late nights, think again.

In Episode 16 of Dropped Balls & Big Calls, I sit down with Matthew Leversedge, one of New Zealand’s most respected sprint car racers, to talk about what really powers a racing career. Spoiler alert: it’s not just horsepower and talent.

From starting out at five years old to navigating the brutal realities of sponsorships, pressure and mental health, Matthew opens up about the unseen side of motorsport and the resilience required to survive it.

This is a conversation about family, identity, mindset and doing things the right way, even when it would be easier not to.

Our new website is live! Check out www.bigcallspod.com.au

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This week’s episode is a bit different. I’ve been feeling lost lately, so I went back to the words of my late mate, Kev.

Kev lived with muscular dystrophy, but he also lived with more accountability and perspective than most of us ever find. In this episode, I read his final blog and reflect on the lessons he left behind.

It’s a reminder to pay attention to our self-talk, own our choices, and live with purpose, even when life feels heavy. Read Kevin's blog here: Kevin's Blog:

Dropped Balls and Big Calls is a Podcast by The Setback Collective https://www.setbackcollective.com.au/ #Bigcallspod #Droppedballsandbigcalls #kevinjefcoate #resilience #musculardystrophy #selftalk #mentalhealth #disability #thesetbackcollective