Shows
Life From The SidelinesEP 30 EAAST 7s Building Resilience and Legacy in Women’s RugbyIn this episode of Life From The Sidelines, we dive into the world of women’s rugby coaching with Willie Walker, Coach and Amy Courtney, Manager of the Nz Cavs 7s team, two passionate advocates for the sport. Together, they share their journeys—from unexpected beginnings to nearly a decade of shaping the game for women. We explore what it takes to build resilience in athletes, the unique dynamics of coaching women, and why treating players as individuals truly matters.Willie and Amy open up about the joys and challenges of working in a sport that’s still...2025-06-0919 minLife From The SidelinesEP 29 EAAST 7s Resilience & Reinvention: Lessons from Teddy’s Journey On and Off the FieldIn this inspiring episode, we dive deep into Teddy’s remarkable journey—a story defined by resilience, adaptability, and a relentless pursuit of purpose. Teddy opens up about how maximizing personal potential isn’t just about individual success, but about giving back and uplifting others. We explore how cultural values influence life both on and off the field, and how setbacks, like injuries, can unlock unexpected opportunities and new directions.Teddy shares candid reflections on why everything happens for a reason, and how embracing entrepreneurship can offer athletes a fulfilling path after their sports careers. He emphasizes the vi...2025-06-0316 minLife From The SidelinesEpisode 27 Tima Savea on Motherhood, Mental Health, and Life Beyond RugbyIn this heartfelt episode, Tima Savea takes us on an inspiring journey from her roots in Iraq to building a life in New Zealand and navigating the unique challenges of living in France. She opens up about the delicate balancing act of motherhood, marriage, and mental health, sharing deeply personal stories of cultural transitions, the impact of COVID-19, and the power of family support.Tima dives into her IVF experience, the pressures of social media, and the importance of staying authentic in the influencer world. She also reflects on the lessons learned through friendship, personal growth, and...2025-05-1951 minLife From The SidelinesEpisode 26 Building Mental Resilience with David GalbraithIn this insightful episode of Life From The Sidelines, we sit down with David Galbraith, a New Zealand Registered Clinical Psychologist with extensive experience working with elite athletes, including the All Blacks, Chiefs, and Olympic athletes. David shares his journey from a sports-loving childhood to becoming a renowned sports psychologist, helping athletes and their partners thrive both on and off the field.We dive into the mental health challenges faced by professional athletes, particularly rugby players, and explore how partners can support them without adding pressure. David offers practical strategies for improving communication, maintaining work-life balance, and...2025-04-2852 minLife From The SidelinesEpisode 25 Human First, Ref Second: Ben O’Keeffe’s Transformative Approach to the GameIn this special episode of LFTSL, we sit down with Ben O’Keeffe, the renowned international rugby referee from New Zealand who has officiated at two Rugby World Cups, recently reached 100 Super Rugby games, and is now celebrating a personal milestone—his engagement to Wilhelmina! Ben shares his remarkable journey, from his childhood days in New Zealand playing sports to the steps he took to become a top-tier referee, balancing the pressure of the global stage with his equally impressive career in the medical field.Dive into Ben’...2025-03-2846 minLife From The SidelinesEpisode 24 Wellness, Hyrox & Life Beyond the Game with Fiona WainiqoloJoin us, Kayla and Jada in a captivating conversation with special guest Fiona Wainiqolo, wife of Fijian rugby star Jiuta Wainiqolo. Fiona pulls back the curtain on her life off the field—managing family schedules, training for Hyrox competitions, and planning for life after rugby. From morning chaos to unexpected travel dates, discover how these athlete wives juggle motherhood, fitness, and business ventures while staying true to their wellness goals. Fiona also shares her journey into property investments in Fiji and launching the “Siosio” merch brand, revealing the importance of financial foresight and creating multiple income streams. Whether you’re an ath...2025-02-2658 minLife From The SidelinesEpisode 23 Libby Boxall on Building a Global Brand, Life as an Athlete's Wife & MotherhoodIn this episode, we sit down with Libby Boxall—a qualified nutritionist, naturopath, entrepreneur, wife to pro footballer Michael Boxall, and mother of two—to discuss her incredible journey. From founding Dose & Co and Milou Beauty to navigating life as an athlete’s wife, Libby shares how she turned her passion for health and beauty into a global brand while raising a family and supporting her husband’s soccer career from the sidelines. She also opens up about working with Khloé Kardashian, the challenges of being a female entrepreneur, and the importance of self-care amidst a busy life...2025-02-1153 minLife From The SidelinesEpisode 22 Starting Over & Building a Life Abroad: Gardenia’s Journey in the Rugby World What happens when your partner’s career takes you across the world—again and again? 🌍 In this episode, Kayla and Jada sit down with Gardenia, wife of pro rugby player Kimami, to talk about the challenges and rewards of constantly starting over in new cities with each contract. From immersing herself in French culture and learning the language to building strong social connections in the rugby world, Gardenia shares how she’s embraced change and made each new place feel like home. 🏡🇫🇷We dive into:🔹 The importance of community when you’re always on the move2025-02-0340 minLife From The SidelinesEpisode 21 What we learnt from our First Empowerment DinnerIn this special episode, we take you behind the scenes of our very first Life from the Sidelines Women’s Empowerment Dinner. This event was all about building connections, sharing stories, and creating a space for women to celebrate their journeys together.We’ll share the vision behind the dinner series, the highlights from the evening, and how you can join our growing community. Whether you’re looking for inspiration or curious about how this empowering night came together, this episode is for you. Tune in and be part of the conversation!2025-01-2726 minLife From The SidelinesEpisode 20 Rugby Laughs, Iconic Plays, and Flipping the Script with Pita Ahki & Emmanuel MeafouOn this laugh-filled episode of Life from the Sidelines, Kayla, Jada, and their husbands take you on a rugby adventure like no other. From breaking down the latest rugby news to sharing iconic plays and hilarious bloopers, we’ve got something for every type of fan.But here’s the twist—midway through, the guys flip the script and turn the mic on us! We’re spilling what it’s really like to be sideline supporters, balancing family life with the intensity of rugby careers, and our most embarrassing moments cheering from the stands.Tune in for unf...2025-01-2022 minLife From The SidelinesEpisode 19 Milica Anscombe: Balancing Motherhood, Rugby Life, and EntrepreneurshipThis week, we’re joined by the inspiring Milica Anscombe, wife of professional rugby player Gareth Anscombe, mother, and entrepreneur behind "Home Host UK." Milica shares her journey of starting her own business while managing the demands of family life and the unique challenges of being part of the rugby community.In this episode, Milica opens up about:The courage it takes to just start and build something meaningful.Balancing the fast-paced life of rugby with raising a family.Her experience launching "Home Host UK" and the lessons she’s learned along the way.Wh...2025-01-1435 minLife From The SidelinesLife From the Sidelines: New Year’s Resolutions, Rugby Drama, & BTS IntroductionJoin Life From the Sidelines as we kick off the New Year discussing personal resolutions, upcoming rugby events, and hot takes from an ex-All Black legend criticizing France’s squad decisions for 2025. Plus, meet our behind-the-scenes star, Oceane, who keeps our podcast running smoothly.2025-01-0632 minLife From The SidelinesEpisode 17 Life From the Sidelines: Reflecting on the Year with our husbandsAs the year comes to a close, we’re inviting our biggest teammates—our husbands—onto the mic for a candid and heartfelt conversation. Together, we’re looking back on the wins, challenges, and growth that defined our year both on and off the field. From life as partners to athletes and the lessons we’ve learned along the way, this episode is a special celebration of love, sport, and everything in between. Tune in for laughter, reflections, and a glimpse into how we’re setting our intentions for the year ahead.2024-12-1740 minLife From The SidelinesEpisode 16 Love, Legacy and The Game: Tyla & Tupuria King's journeyIn this episode, we dive deep into the inspiring lives of Tyla King (née Nathan-Wong) and Tupuria King, two world-class athletes who have achieved greatness in their respective sports while building a life of love and shared values. From Tyla’s incredible journey as a New Zealand Rugby Sevens legend and three-time Olympian to Tupuria’s dominance as a world champion in waka ama, we explore their individual achievements, their love story, and the challenges they face as a power couple in the world of sports.Join us as they share how their famil...2024-11-251h 00Life From The SidelinesEpisode 15 Navigating Life Abroad: Faith, Family, and Career with Pam TimuJoin us for an inspiring conversation with Pam Timu, wife of professional rugby player Caleb Timu, as she shares her journey from Colomiers, France, where she balances life as a mother of three and a wife to an international athlete. Pam opens up about the challenges of relocating for her husband’s career, the emotional toll of adjusting to a new culture, and her struggles with mental health. Discover how her faith became a lifeline, and hear about her incredible transition into a new career in web development. This episode is a powerful reflection on finding identity, purpose, and ba...2024-10-2935 minLife From The SidelinesEpisode 14 Sisterhood & Strength: Helen Faasalele's story & Remembering our sisterIn this special and deeply personal episode, we welcome Helen Faasalele, wife of professional rugby player Piula Faasalele, to share her journey as the spouse of an international athlete. Together, we reflect on the challenges, sacrifices, and triumphs of being a partner to a professional rugby player, while also honoring the life and memory of our beloved friend, Helen Tekori. We share stories of sisterhood, grief, and the enduring bonds that unite wives of athletes. Through laughter and tears, we celebrate Helen’s incredible legacy of friendship, strength, and love. Join us for this heartfelt tribute to the power of...2024-10-2157 minLife From The SidelinesEpisode 13 Love, Rugby, and Resilience: The Keilani Bituniyata StoryIn this episode, we sit down with Keilani Bituniyata, wife of Fijian rugby star Setareki Bituniyata, to hear her incredible story. Keilani shares her journey from life in Fiji to starting a new chapter in France, balancing motherhood, and supporting her husband’s international rugby career.We explore their love story, how they met, and the challenges of dating and marrying a professional athlete. Keilani reflects on adjusting to French culture, raising their children in a foreign country, and finding community in a new land.We also dive into the realities of being a rugby wi...2024-10-0240 minLife From The SidelinesEpisode 12 Life Update: Balancing Holiday Fun, Running a Marathon & Life’s Ups and Downs: Double Champs & Saying GoodbyeIn this episode, We are sharing all about our recent holiday and the wild experience of training for (and running!) a marathon while being married to a pro athlete. We’ll talk about the fun and challenges of juggling vacation time with training, and how life as an athlete's wife always keeps you on your toes.Plus, we will touch on the big wins this year—our husbands being crowned double champions in their rugby season (such a proud moment!). But with the highs came some real lows too. We sadly lost a dear sister Madame Tekori over...2024-09-2330 minLife From The SidelinesEpisode 11 Sophie Bennet: Ultra Marathon runner, Empowering women to move and of course life supporting our partners from the sidelines...Sophie Bennett partner to Alan Ryan Strength & Conditioning coach of Stade Toulousain, a former team manager at Bath Rugby, shares her journey in sports and her transition to a new role. She discusses her passion for sport, her experience in coaching and managing rugby teams, and her love for running and CrossFit. Sophie also talks about her relationship with her partner, Alan Ryan, and the challenges they faced being in different countries. She reflects on the emotional process of leaving Bath Rugby and the importance of family and support in her life. Sophie shares her passion for running and...2024-05-201h 03Life From The SidelinesEpisode 10 Dina Celina Registered Nutritionist, The importance of prioritising your wellnessIn this episode, Jada and Kayla interview Dina Celina, the fiancee of Scottish rugby player Blair Kinghorn. Dina shares her background as a registered nutritionist and DJ, and how she balanced her careers with supporting Blair's rugby career. She discusses the challenges and rewards of being in a rugby relationship and emphasizes the importance of maintaining independence and self-care. Dina also talks about her transition from DJing to focusing full-time on her nutrition business. The episode concludes with a discussion about Blair's move to Toulouse and the couple's future plans. In this conversation, Jada Meafou and Kayla Ahki intervies...2024-03-2548 minLife From The SidelinesWE ARE BACK 2024!!! Jada had a baby, Kaylas running a marathon2024-02-0734 minLife From The SidelinesEpisode 9 Catch up with the husbands: Pita Ahki & Emmanuel MeafouPitas rugby World Cup Experience, Emmanuels French Nationalisation. Catch up with us and our hubbys as we chit chat through life in France and rugby.2023-12-0347 minLife From The SidelinesEpisode 8 Taylah Johnson (Tomokino) Sports Commentator for Sky Sport NZ, Former Manu Sina player, Wife and MotherOn this Episode of Life From the Sidelines (LFTS) we sit down and talanoa with Taylah Johnson a wife and mother on all sides of the Sidelines. A player, A wife to a player and also an expert sport commentator with a background in law and accounting... what doesn't she do?Taylah opens up about her experience watching her husband being forced into retirement due to medical reasons and almost losing him and how that has impacted how they live their lives now. We talk rugby and sit and listen to Taylah talk about rugby in awe...2023-10-191h 17Life From The SidelinesEP7 Lara Masirewa: Rugby World Cup,Living in Japan, Mens Mental healthThis episode contains discussions around Mens Mental health. If this is something you are dealing with or someone you know is dealing with please reach out for help. journey with us into the life of a Wife of a RWC player in the Japanese team. We discuss the ins and outs of the international team and how cut throat it can be when you are injured and sent home early. We also discuss how Lara supported her husband on his mental health journey. 2023-10-0746 minLife From The SidelinesWhine of the Week - Dealing with Crazy Females that want our menReview some of our favourite French wines with us while we whine about the silly things we have to deal with being wives of athletes. On our first Whine of the week episode we tell you the story of dealing with crazy women in our DMs, fake accounts and crazy stalkers...all apart of Life From the Sidelines.For legal reasons: this story is completely made up... lol2023-10-0727 minLife From The SidelinesEP 6: Catch up with Kayla & Jada Stade Toulouse Grand final, Jadas having a baby, Pitas Playing for Tonga and lots morecatch up with us after almost 4 months! Lots happening and lots to come as we follow the 2023 RWC2023-09-1842 minLife From The SidelinesEP 5: Megan Ely supporting our partners through injury, losing your contract overnight, moving to France - The lows of Rugby and how to bounce backMultiple Injuries, wasps going bankrupt, losing your job overnight, moving to France a month later and restarting all over again. Megs perspective supporting her partner Jack Willis through some of the lowest points an athlete can go through and bouncing back. An interesting and emotional journey of how ruthless the rugby business can be on not only the players but the families around them as well. Thank you Megan for sharing your journey with us 🤍2023-09-131h 03Life From The SidelinesEP 4 Helen Tekori: Near death experiences, building community and life after rugbyOn this Episode of LFTS we talk with Madame Helen Tekori. The Queen of community building, the life of the party and everyones favourite person here in Toulouse, France. We talk about everything from working in a factory in NZ to living the WAG life in the South of France. Madame Tekori is a safe haven for a lot of us women here in France, she's the first person we meet, the first person we get drunk with and just the ultimate socialite! We are so grateful for women like Helen and a lot of us families would not...2023-06-141h 08Life From The SidelinesEP3 Rachelle Faumuina Faith, Family, Property Investment and Preparing for life after rugby.On this episode of LFTS we talk to Rachelle Faumuina and go down memory lane as she reminisces on her life from the side lines being the wife to All Blacks Legend Charlie Faumuina. Rachelle talks to us about her and her husbands passion for community and real estate and how they've intertwined those passions into rugby to help them prepare for the next chapter; Life after Rugby. We are blessed to know, love and have Rachelle as a big sister and to get to have spent years on this side of the world with her. WE WILL MISS Y...2023-05-291h 23
Life From The SidelinesEp 2: Ann Marie Palamo building her career, being a supportive wifey, power of mindset, preparing for life after rugbyOn this episode of LFTS we discuss how Ann Marie manages balancing her amazing career as a Lead Soft Tissue Therapist for England Rugby and The British Lions, Managing her Business Offical Sport Services and being a supportive wifey to her Pro Rugby Player husband Thretton Palamo. We chat about long distance, Mindset, timing and even preparing for life after Rugby.2023-05-0451 min
Life From The SidelinesEp 1: Intro to us, Fighting keyboard warriors, Sacrifices we make & Kaylas birthing storyOn this episode of Life From the Sidelines we open up a little bit about ourselves and share our thoughts on keyboard warriors, making sacrifices to be supportive wives and also get into the story of Kayla giving birth to Sadie 2023-04-1948 min