Australian Deaflympian, goalkeeper and coach Justeen Kruger shares what goes into her life as an elite athlete, from adapting her soccer skills after losing her hearing, to representing Australia on the international stage, to her weekly training and work schedule.

She talks about how her initial hesitation to step into coaching developed into a genuine passion for teaching, as well as the time, work and commitment that goes on behind the scenes to train and compete, build a personal brand and pay the bills.

Andrea, Shane and Justeen also discuss the impact of cultural moments like the Matildas’ historic 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup run and the latest season of Ted Lasso, which focuses on a women’s football team. They explore how these moments are helping to raise the profile of women’s sport, alongside the ongoing need for greater representation and funding for female athletes and coaches.

We’d also like to acknowledge Justeen’s other sponsors and supporters:

• Aussie Athlete Fund
• Athlete Brand Builder – Vickie
• EPIC Goalkeeping Gloves
• Endurance Recovery Boots
• Recovry Zone – Ice Baths
• Bearbodyco – Use code JUSTEEN10 for 10% off your entire order!

Connect with Justeen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justeen-kruger-688489b7/ | @justeenkruger

Support Justeen: https://asf.org.au/campaigns/justeen-kruger

Australian Canoe Slalom and Kayak Cross athlete Merle Long chats to Andrea and Shane about being born into a paddling family in the USA, his background as an EMT and wilderness first aid trainer, how a Sydney flood led to him making Australia his home, and his experience transitioning from a junior and U23 athlete to the senior team in 2026.

Merle talks about his race prep and mindset, his offseason training routine and the realities of spending months overseas for the European racing season.

He also shares what the Olympic qualification process involves and his hopes for the 2028 LA Olympic Games, where the Kayak Cross event will be held in Oklahoma City, only a couple of thousand miles from his birthplace in Idaho.

Connect with Merle: https://www.linkedin.com/in/merle-long-34a372391/ | @merle_kayaks More from Aintree Group: https://aintreegroup.com.au/

Megan Dickinson from The Live Life Whole Project sits down with Shane and Andrea to talk about the work she and her business partner, Sarah Roughhead, are doing to improve health and wellness education for young women across Australia.

Drawing on her own health journey and the experiences she witnessed throughout her career as a physiotherapist, Megan (Meg) shares the story behind The Live Life Whole Project, the country’s only female-specific, evidence-informed health education platform.

The program has grown to reach more than 27,000 girls across Australia, with a new online platform giving teachers greater access to health and wellness resources launching officially in Term 1 2027.

Find out more about The Live Life Whole Project: https://thelivelifewholeproject.com.au Disclaimer: This episode contains discussion about mental health challenges and disordered eating. Please take care while listening and reach out for support if needed. https://www.beyondblue.org.au/ https://www.lifeline.org.au/ https://butterfly.org.au/