

2 Worlds Collide Podcast
Sam Bamford
Hosted by Sam Bamford, an Australian Army Combat Veteran and former Paratrooper who deployed to Afghanistan in 2012, the 2 Worlds Collide Podcast is driven by curiosity and a deep interest in people living diverse lives. Sam brings compelling conversations with individuals from various backgrounds, exploring their achievements, challenges, and how a powerful mindset has shaped their journey.
Tune in for motivational stories and inspiring insights as guests share how they’ve turned adversity into advantage. Whether you’re seeking inspiration or looking to learn about the power of resilience, this podcast offers lessons for navigating life’s toughest challenges.
Tune in for motivational stories and inspiring insights as guests share how they’ve turned adversity into advantage. Whether you’re seeking inspiration or looking to learn about the power of resilience, this podcast offers lessons for navigating life’s toughest challenges.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 19, 2024 • 1h 4min
#24 - Leo Gal - The Fight for Greatness: Rising MMA Star, Concussions, and Controversy in Combat Sports
In this compelling episode, we welcome Leo Gal, a rising young MMA fighter from Adelaide, as he shares his intense journey in the world of mixed martial arts. 🥊
Leo takes us behind the scenes of his career, discussing the physical and mental challenges he faces, including the effects of concussions and his thoughts on the controversial Power Slap competition. His story is a testament to the dedication, resilience, and mental toughness required to compete at the highest levels of combat sports.
Beyond the cage, Leo’s insights into fighter life, his rapid rise in the MMA scene, and the impact of concussions on athletes shed light on the highs and lows of this demanding sport. His journey offers inspiration for anyone facing their own battles, whether in or out of the ring.
In this episode, we explore:
Leo’s rise in the MMA world and his relentless dedication to the sport
The intense training required to compete at an elite level
The effects of concussions and the challenges they pose for fighters
Leo’s perspective on the controversy surrounding Power Slap, created by Dana White
Mental toughness and resilience in combat sports
Tune in for a raw and insightful conversation about the reality of fighter life, the importance of mental strength, and what it takes to succeed in the fast-paced world of MMA. 💥
Connect with us:
🌐 Website: www.2worldscollide.com.au
📱 Instagram: @2worldscollidepodcast
🐦 TikTok: @2.worlds.collide.podcast
📱 X: @2worldsPodcast
📱 YouTube: @2WorldsCollidePodcast
Leo Gal, MMA fighter, Combat sports, Concussions in sports, Power Slap, Dana White, Fighter life, Mental toughness, MMA Adelaide, Combat resilience, Athlete mindset, Combat sports podcast, 2 Worlds Collide

Oct 13, 2024 • 1h 54min
#23 - Matthew French - From Combat to Community - Resilience, Loss, and Leading the Next Generation
In this powerful episode, we welcome Matthew French, former Australian Army Paratrooper, who shares the first-ever public account of the tragic incident on August 29, 2012, when three Australian soldiers were killed in Afghanistan. Matthew gives us a deeply personal look into the emotional and psychological toll of combat, as well as the incredible mental resilience it takes to navigate such devastating losses.
Beyond his military service, Matthew is now the founder of Veteran Mentors, a groundbreaking program that uses military-style training to empower troubled youth with essential life skills like resilience, discipline, and leadership. His story is a testament to the enduring strength of veterans, not just on the battlefield but in their ability to give back to the community and shape the next generation of leaders.
In this episode, we explore:
Matthew’s journey as a paratrooper and his deployment to Afghanistan
The emotional impact of the August 29, 2012 incident
His personal path to PTSD recovery and mental resilience
How Veteran Mentors is making a lasting impact on youth through structured, military-inspired programs
Tune in for an inspiring discussion about military life, the challenges of returning to civilian life, and the transformative power of leadership and mentorship.
Connect with us:
🌐 Website: 2worldscollide.com.au
📱 Instagram: @2worldscollidepodcast
🐦 TikTok: @2.worlds.collide.podcast
📱 X: @2worldsPodcast
Matthew French, Paratrooper, Afghanistan deployment, August 29 incident, Veteran Mentors, PTSD recovery, Military life, Youth leadership programs, Combat resilience, Mentorship, Veterans’ mental health, Military-to-civilian transition, Mental toughness

Oct 5, 2024 • 1h 36min
#22 - John Dixon Former 2 Commando Special Forces Sniper - Global Conflicts, Elite Military Life & Human Trafficking
We’re excited to welcome John Dixon, former 2 Commando Special Forces Sniper, to the 2 Worlds Collide Podcast! 🎖️🔥 In this episode, John shares his military journey, spanning deployments to East Timor, Iraq, and Afghanistan, along with his experience working in high-risk regions across Africa, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East.
John provides deep insights into:
Special Forces life and global security operations
The conflicts in Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Middle East
Human trafficking, particularly child trafficking, and its comparison to the global drug trade
Mental resilience and PTSD recovery for veterans
Transitioning from military service to a career in private security
This episode explores critical social issues, military life, and global conflict dynamics, giving listeners a deep dive into pressing national and international matters.
Key Topics:
Special Forces life
Global conflicts: Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Middle East
Human trafficking and child trafficking
Mental resilience and PTSD
Transition from military to private security
Military life, Special Forces, Russia-Ukraine conflict, Israel-Middle East conflict, Human trafficking, Child trafficking, Global security, PTSD recovery, Veteran resilience, Combat stories, Elite military training
#2WorldsCollidePodcast #JohnDixon #MilitaryLife #SpecialForces #RussiaUkraineWar #HumanTrafficking #PTSDRecovery #VeteranStories #GlobalConflicts #PodcastAustralia #LinkInBio

Sep 28, 2024 • 1h 35min
#21 - Ross Nihill - Military Resilience & Extreme Fitness: From Royal Marine to Paramedic
In this episode, we’re excited to welcome Ross Nihill, a former British Royal Marine Commando, Australian Airborne Infantry Paratrooper, and current Paramedic, to the 2 Worlds Collide Podcast! 🎖️🔥 Ross shares his remarkable journey, from his challenging upbringing in the UK to serving in high-stakes military deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan alongside host Sam Bamford.
We discuss Ross’s transition from military service to civilian life, where he now works as a paramedic on the Gold Coast. Additionally, Ross channels his passion for fitness into extreme challenges like Hyrox and Ironman competitions. 🏋️♂️🚴♂️
Key Topics:
Life as a Royal Marine Commando and Airborne Infantry Paratrooper
Deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan
Transition from military to civilian life as a paramedic
Hyrox and Ironman competition challenges
Mental resilience, military fitness, and overcoming adversity
Tune in for an inspiring look at resilience, extreme fitness, and life after the military.
Royal Marine Commando, Airborne Infantry, Afghanistan war, Hyrox competition, Ironman training, Paramedic life, Military to civilian transition, Veteran stories, Combat veteran, Mental resilience, PTSD recovery, Extreme fitness, Elite fitness challenges
#2WorldsCollidePodcast #RossNihill #RoyalMarines #Hyrox #Ironman #AfghanistanWar #MilitaryLife #EliteFitness #MentalToughness #PTSDRecovery #VeteranStories #ParamedicLife #PodcastAustralia #ExtremeFitness #CombatVeteran #ResilienceJourney

Sep 21, 2024 • 1h 9min
#20 - Jordan Knight - Immigration, Housing Crisis & Free Speech: Jordan Knight on Australia's Future
We’re thrilled to have Jordan Knight, founder of Migration Watch Australia 🫡, join the 2 Worlds Collide Podcast! 🇦🇺🌍 In this episode, we take a deep dive into immigration in Australia, with Jordan discussing how mass immigration is impacting housing, wages, and the country's social fabric. 🏠📊
We also explore the ongoing housing crisis, the political landscape, and concerns around free speech and government censorship. Jordan highlights the need for open dialogue to address these pressing issues and how they will shape Australia's future.
Key Topics:
Mass immigration and its impact on housing and wages in Australia
Australia's housing crisis and solutions for affordable housing
Free speech, government censorship, and political issues
The importance of dialogue on immigration and housing policy
Stay connected with Migration Watch Australia:
🌐 Website: https://www.migrationwatchaustralia.com.au
📱 TikTok: @migrationwatchaustralia
🐦 X (Twitter): @migrationwaus
📱 Instagram: @migrationwatchau
Immigration in Australia, Housing crisis, Wage stagnation, Free speech, Government censorship, Political landscape Australia, Immigration reform, Affordable housing, Social impact of immigration, Open dialogue on national issues, National debate
#2WorldsCollidePodcast #JordanKnight #ImmigrationDebate #HousingCrisis #FreeSpeech #GovernmentCensorship #PoliticalSceneAustralia #PodcastAustralia #CurrentEvents #AffordableHousing #NationalDialogue

Sep 15, 2024 • 1h 7min
#19 - Andrew Lock - Mountaineering & Death Zone Survival
I’m excited to welcome Australia’s most decorated mountaineer, Andrew Lock, to the 2 Worlds Collide Podcast. 🧗♂️❄️ Andrew is the only Australian to have summited all 14 of the world’s 8000m peaks, including some of the most dangerous mountains like Everest, K2, Annapurna, and Nanga Parbat. Known for his minimalist style—small teams, minimal support, and no bottled oxygen (except on Everest)—Andrew has gained the respect of Himalayan climbers and defied the odds by avoiding frostbite after decades of climbing.
In this episode, we explore Andrew’s toughest challenges, surviving in the "death zone," and how he’s maintained a 50% success rate on 8000m peaks, where the death-to-summit ratio can be as high as one-in-five. 🧠💪
Key Topics:
High-altitude mountaineering
Climbing without oxygen
Surviving in the "death zone"
Everest, K2, Annapurna, and other dangerous climbs
Minimalist climbing style and success rates
To get in contact with Andrew about climbing courses and speaking events, visit his website here: https://andrew-lock.com
High-altitude mountaineering, Death zone survival, 8000m peaks, Everest climbing, K2 summit, Climbing without oxygen, Extreme adventure sports, Dangerous mountains, Andrew Lock, Minimalist climbing style, Outdoor adventure podcast
#2WorldsCollidePodcast #AndrewLock #Mountaineering #Everest #K2 #Annapurna #ExtremeSports #8000mPeaks #DeathZoneSurvival #HighAltitudeClimbing #MinimalistClimbing #PodcastAustralia #AdventurePodcast #DangerousMountains

Sep 8, 2024 • 1h 2min
#18 - Stephen Lane - Exercise Scientist, Mental Strength & Elite Endurance Racing
We’re thrilled to have Stephen Lane, a leading exercise scientist, cycling coach, and long-distance racer, join the 2 Worlds Collide Podcast! 🚴♂️🔥 In this episode, Stephen shares his deep knowledge of elite sports, focusing on how athletes can reach peak performance through physical training and mental strength. 🧠💪
We discuss the key role of mental toughness in pushing limits and achieving greatness, and Stephen reflects on his own experiences in long-distance races, highlighting the endurance, grit, and determination required to tackle such intense challenges. 🏞️🚀
Key Topics:
Elite sports coaching and performance optimization
The role of mental strength in achieving athletic greatness
Stephen's long-distance racing experiences
Grit, determination, and overcoming athletic challenges
Training tips for ultra-endurance events
Stephen Lane, Endurance racing, Mental strength in athletes, Cycling coach, Sports science, Long-distance racing, Athlete coaching, Grit and determination, Endurance challenges, Athlete mindset, Performance coaching, Elite sports
#2WorldsCollidePodcast #StephenLane #ExerciseScience #CyclingCoach #MentalStrength #EnduranceRacing #LongDistanceRacing #AthleteMindset #SportsScience #ElitePerformance #PodcastAustralia #AthleteCoaching #PeakPerformance #LinkInBio

Sep 1, 2024 • 1h 2min
#17 - Breanna Hargrave - Resilience & Sports Transition: Breanna Hargrave's Journey in Cycling
Breanna Hargrave is a true testament to resilience, adaptability, and the pursuit of excellence. After making the decision to transition from athletics to cycling at the age of 28, Breanna quickly became one of Australia’s top track cyclists, earning two bronze medals at the 2014 Commonwealth Games and representing Australia at the 2022 Commonwealth Games. Alongside her sporting success, Breanna balances a career as a physiotherapist in Norwood, South Australia.
In this episode, we dive into Breanna's unique story, discussing the challenges of switching sports, her international competitions, and the mindset that has driven her to excel in both cycling and her career.
Key Topics:
Transitioning to track cycling from athletics at 28
Achieving success at the Commonwealth Games
Balancing professional sport and a career as a physiotherapist
Athlete mental toughness and performance mindset
Inspiring women in sports and overcoming challenges
Track cycling, Late sport transition, Commonwealth Games, Athlete resilience, Balancing sport and career, Physiotherapist athlete, Cycling achievements, Performance mindset, Women in sports, Sports excellence
#2WorldsCollidePodcast #BreannaHargrave #TrackCycling #AthleteResilience #SportsTransition #CommonwealthGames #PhysiotherapistAthlete #CyclingAchievements #WomenInSports #PerformanceMindset #PodcastAustralia #BalancingSportAndCareer #SportsExcellence

Aug 25, 2024 • 1h 12min
#16 - Matthew Panos - Football Journey & Non-Surgical Knee Recovery
On Episode 16 of 2 Worlds Collide Podcast, I’m excited to introduce my good friend, Matthew Panos. 🌟 After being drafted to the Western Bulldogs in 2009, Matthew returned home to Norwood FC, where he became a dual premiership player and earned the Jack Oatey Medal. 🏅
In this episode, we discuss Matthew’s football career, the highs and lows of professional sport, and his current knee rehabilitation, where he’s taking an unconventional, non-surgical approach to recovery. Matthew shares how this path is helping him get back to the game sooner than expected and the mindset behind his resilient comeback.
Key Topics:
Matthew Panos’ football journey: AFL to SANFL
Jack Oatey Medal and Norwood FC premiership success
Knee injury rehabilitation and non-surgical recovery
Mental strength and resilience in professional sports
Overcoming injury and football comebacks
Matthew Panos, Norwood FC, AFL draft journey, Knee rehabilitation, Non-surgical recovery, Jack Oatey Medal, Athlete resilience, Football comeback, Professional sports, Injury recovery
#2WorldsCollidePodcast #MatthewPanos #AFL #NorwoodFC #InjuryRecovery #KneeRehabilitation #ProfessionalFootball #AthleteResilience #SportsMindset #JackOateyMedal #PodcastAustralia #LinkInBio #SportsComeback

Aug 18, 2024 • 1h 6min
#15 - Dominic Henderson AKA “The Dominator” - Abalone Diving & Shark Encounters with Dominic Henderson | 2 Worlds Collide Podcast
We’re thrilled to welcome Dominic Henderson, aka “The Dominator,” to Episode 15 of the 2 Worlds Collide Podcast! 🎙️ Dominic is an abalone diver and one of the fearless stars of the TV series Abalone Wars. Abalone diving is considered one of the world’s most dangerous jobs, with divers facing shark-infested waters and extreme conditions to harvest abalone. 🦈🌊
In this episode, Dominic shares his intense experiences, from shark encounters to navigating the tough and dangerous conditions under the sea. We also explore the mental and physical challenges of abalone diving, and what it takes to thrive in such a high-stakes environment. 🌊🧠
Key Topics:
Dominic’s career as an abalone diver and star of Abalone Wars
Shark encounters and facing extreme diving conditions
Mental toughness required in dangerous professions
Ocean survival and thriving under pressure
Commercial diving and the abalone industry
Dominic Henderson, Abalone Wars, Abalone diving, Shark encounters, Dangerous jobs, Commercial diving, Ocean exploration, Mental toughness, High-stakes professions, Risk-taking jobs, Ocean survival
#2WorldsCollidePodcast #DominicHenderson #TheDominator #AbaloneWars #AbaloneDiving #SharkEncounters #ExtremeConditions #OceanExploration #CommercialDiving #MentalToughness #RiskTaking #OceanSurvival #PodcastAustralia #HighStakesJobs #LinkInBio