The High Performers Platform

From Prospect to Pro: Stefan Colakovski on Growth, Grit & the Game

Wed, 16 Apr 2025 15:00:00 +1000

This week on The High Performers Platform, we’re joined by Stefan Colakovski.

A-Leagues forward and creative force with a story rooted in resilience.

From academy dreams to grand final pressure, Stefan shares the mindset shifts, sacrifices, and silent battles behind the scenes of pro football.

Inside:

⚽ Breaking through as a young pro

⚽ Navigating injuries, contracts, and identity

⚽ What it really takes to keep chasing the dream

For athletes going all in, this one’s for you. Tune in now!

The Road to Pro: Mastering Football & Resilience with Nicholas Olsen

Sat, 22 Mar 2025 09:00:00 +1100

Making it as a pro is tough, but staying there? That’s the real challenge. We’re joined by Sydney Oxidate Pro Head Coach Nicholas Olsen for an exclusive deep dive into football development, resilience, and the mindset required to not just reach the top—but to stay there. If you’re serious about your game, this is one episode you can’t afford to miss!

#21: Mike Byard - Pretty Little - Ones purpose, passion and experience through life towards achieving your dream venture

Mon, 29 Mar 2021 17:00:00 +1100

Introducing Mike Byard from Pretty Little.

Pretty little is a communal dining project conceived from Mike Byard’s love of entertaining, meeting and engaging with fellow humans. Mike believes that everyone has a story to tell and Pretty Little aims to connect people with a shared love of food via unique dining experience.

Pretty Little: https://www.prettylittle.com.au/
Pretty Little Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prettylittle3183/
Mike Byard Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikebyard/

Oxidate’s Website: https://www.oxidate.com.au
Oxidate Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oxidate_performance/
Oxidate Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2iQXkX28ZiZHbHSV-91eLQ/

#20: Brad Dwight - Australia's Newest IFBB Professional Body Builder

Mon, 22 Mar 2021 14:00:00 +1100

Australia’s newest IFBB professional bodybuilder Brad Dwight

Brad earned his pro status by winning the overall at this years IFBB national titles in Brisbane in February

Age-27

From- Queanbeyan NSW Australia/ Canberra

Occupation- full time tradesman (concreter) and for the last 12 months been learning the refrigeration trade. And I guess now I can add professional bodybuilder to the list haha

Sporting history/ background- club rugby league age 10-16, athletics (100m sprint mostly) ran for ACT/Aus at pacific school games in 2008, started training with some weights in my last couple of years of foot ball (just a home weight set) started training in a real gym when I started at Erindale college in 2010 didn’t start training with the intention to compete until I was out of school around 2012

Bodybuilding history:

- Inba ACT titles (teen division)September 2013 (4th)
- Inba NSW titles (teen division) October 2013 (4th)
- Ifbb Australasian titles (junior division) March 2015 (? Not well)
- Ifbb NSW & AUS titles (novice division) October 2017 (1st nsw, 3rd national)
- Ifbb NSW Titles (u100/heavyweight) September 2018 (3rd)
- Ifbb AUS titles (u100/ heavyweight) October 2018 (7th-8th)
- Ifbb Nsw Arnold classic qualifier (u100/heavyweight) March 2020 (1st)
- Ifbb Arnold Classic Australia (u100/heavyweight) March 2020 (1st)- then 2nd in the overall for the pro card
- Ifbb NSW titles (u100/heavyweight) February 2021 (2nd)
- Ifbb AUS titles (u100/heavyweight) March 2021 (1st) and (1st overall to win the pro card)

Years competing: 7

Brads Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bathroomrave/
Brads Coaches: https://www.instagram.com/aussie_transformation_coach/
https://www.instagram.com/schembript/

Oxidate’s Website: https://www.oxidate.com.au
Oxidate Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oxidate_performance/
Oxidate Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2iQXkX28ZiZHbHSV-91eLQ/

#19: Kaine Sheppard - A Professional Footballers Journey - The highs and lows of chasing the dream (Part 2)

Mon, 08 Mar 2021 14:00:00 +1100

Part 2 is out now! We were fortunate enough to sit down with Kaine Sheppard and discuss all things football and opportunities.

Kaine shared a lot during this interview, starting with his back story, where football began for him, sacrifices made, the impact it had on his family and how he progressed whilst making sure he took every opportunity.

Great insight from semi professional football to professional football.

Many take homes for young aspiring players and parents.

Kaines website & Information: https://linktr.ee/kainesheppard14
Kaine's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kainesheppard/

Oxidate’s Website: https://www.oxidate.com.au
Oxidate Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oxidate_performance/
Oxidate Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2iQXkX28ZiZHbHSV-91eLQ/

#18: Kaine Sheppard - A Professional Footballer's Journey - The highs and lows of chasing the dream (Part 1)

Wed, 03 Mar 2021 13:00:00 +1100

We were fortunate enough to sit down with Kaine Sheppard and discuss all things football and opportunities.

Kaine shared a lot during this interview, starting with his back story, where football began for him, sacrifices made, the impact it had on his family and how he progressed whilst making sure he took every opportunity.

Great insight from semi professional football to professional football.

Many take homes for young aspiring players and parents.

Kaines website & Information: https://linktr.ee/kainesheppard14
Kaine's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kainesheppard/

Oxidate’s Website: https://www.oxidate.com.au
Oxidate Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oxidate_performance/
Oxidate Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2iQXkX28ZiZHbHSV-91eLQ/

#17: Lincoln Shrubb - Nexor Sports Performance - What to look out for when entering the industry, internship fallacies & what makes a good coach

Thu, 18 Feb 2021 11:00:00 +1100

This was a very insightful conversation on all things coaching. Revealing some big truths in the industry towards work placement, internships and what makes a good coach.

We love real world people, coaches who're committed to sharing truth and factual information without branded endorsement or jaded views. We need more coaches like Lincoln, humble humans committed to their craft and proper athlete development (without all the noise).

On today's episode we welcome Lincoln Shrubb, Director of Nexor Sports Performance.

Nexor is a Canberra based coaching company, specialising in athlete development, strength & conditioning and injury rehabilitation. Check Lincoln and his team out below

Nexor Website: https://www.nexorsportsperformance.com/
Nexor Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nexor_sp/

Oxidate’s Website: https://www.oxidate.com.au
Oxidate Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oxidate_performance/
Oxidate Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2iQXkX28ZiZHbHSV-91eLQ/

#16: Coach Steph - The Journey from Student to Head Coach - Bridging the gap between theory and application

Mon, 15 Feb 2021 15:00:00 +1100

A great insight towards the back story of our head coach, Steph.

Not many people know what it’s like to come through uni, be promised jobs in elite/professional sport, then graduate and find out that we haven’t learnt any where near enough. Or that the industry/field is already over saturated with hundreds of students graduating each year and minimal paid positions available.

Listen to find out what we go through to earn our stripes. Countless work placement hours to "learn our craft" and the lack of what we both consider knowledge or real world experience and application.

Great conversation, following this weeks theme as we introduce a special partnership with Sterling Institute of Australia. Working closely with their students to help bridge the gap between theory and application.

Watch this space as we set out to create opportunities for students, like Steph, to enter the work force confident and able to deliver #bridgingthegap

Steph Website: https://myostrengthperformance.com/
Steph Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myostrengthperformance/

Oxidate’s Website: https://www.oxidate.com.au
Oxidate Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oxidate_performance/
Oxidate Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2iQXkX28ZiZHbHSV-91eLQ/

#15: Tom Young - The Making Of A Leader: What elite sport can teach us about leadership, management and performance

Sun, 07 Feb 2021 21:00:00 +1100

Tom Young, performance psychologist and director of Cognite.
A specialist in team Dynamics and leadership. Tom has worked at the highest level in professional sport.

We discuss the book in detail, such an interesting read composed from interviews with 7 leaders and experts in their field. The likes of Stuart Lancaster, Sean Dyche, Gary Kirsten, Ashley Giles, Michael Maguire, Roberto Martinez and Dan Quinn.

Unpacking leadership, values, beliefs and experiences with some of the best sports coaches

Tom is the Director of Cognite, where he specialises in performance psychology, team dynamics and leadership. Such an awesome conversation, to be able to sit down with someone who has worked at the highest level of professional sport.

Great book, great episode and great person.

Cognite: https://cognite.uk.com/
Tom Young Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tom_cognite/
Purchase The Making of A Leader: https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-making-of-a-leader-tom-young/book/9781472145079.html

Oxidate’s Website: https://www.oxidate.com.au
Oxidate Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oxidate_performance/
Oxidate Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2iQXkX28ZiZHbHSV-91eLQ/

#14: Andy Bryant - Natural Podiatrist Promoting a Barefoot Lifestyle - Must listen for all things health, movement and discovery

Wed, 13 Jan 2021 15:00:00 +1100

A deeper discussion towards podiatry.

Learning from an expert in the field, and pioneer for human health and performance.
20 year+ journey of experience and understanding towards a very natural approach in health and functionality.

Tune in to learn from our favourite podiatrist in Melbourne, a father, creator, visionary and pioneer in the filed towards helping people achieve their optimum level of health & performance.

Who would have thought that changing your foot wear decisions could change your life? Perhaps there's a reason I've become a barefoot activist and spend as much time as possible without shoes on? (Jacob - host)

Andy Bryant Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andybryant_podiatrist/
Mount Waverly Podiatry: https://www.mountwaverleypodiatry.com.au/

Oxidate’s Website: https://www.oxidate.com.au
Oxidate Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oxidate_performance/
Oxidate Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2iQXkX28ZiZHbHSV-91eLQ/

#13: Ally Moves Interview with Oxidate Directors, Dominic & Jacob Falla - Our Story Part 2 - Up close and personal

Thu, 07 Jan 2021 14:00:00 +1100

Part 2/2 Our story, from then to now.

This episode was actually recorded in July 2020 during the 1st lockdown period. It was a feature of our awesome sisters Mindful Monday’s with Ally Moves.

It truly is a special podcast episode. Being siblings, never have we ever sat down and asked each other these questions and never have both of these professionals been interviewed about their lives.

We talk about:

- Jacob & Dom’s lives and journeys before Oxidate

- How Oxidate started and the journey it has been to get to the level its at today

- The challenges faced personally, mentally, and physically

- How they got started in the industry

- How Jacob started Oxidate

- The process of starting a new small business

- Jacobs vision for Oxidate and finding his WHY

- How Dom joined Oxidate and what his role is

- How the facility came about and the challenges involved

- The impact Covid has had on the business and individually

- What are their inspirations

- What is the dream for Oxidate

- The biggest highlights of Oxidate so far

- Hear first hand what is like moving overseas to chase your dreams as an athlete

- The benefits of finding balance in an athletes life

- Advice on chasing your dreams and staying true to yourself

- Leaving with a positive message for everyone listening and small business owners

Please watch, listen, and share! This is as real and raw as it gets, there is something in this for everyone!

Ally Moves Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ally_moves/
Ally Moves Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ally-Moves-103765261337427

Oxidate’s Website: https://www.oxidate.com.au
Oxidate Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oxidate_performance/
Oxidate Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2iQXkX28ZiZHbHSV-91eLQ/

#12: Dominic & Jacob Falla - Our Story Part 1 - 2020 debrief - Surviving Covid, life lessons & our journey from then to now

Mon, 04 Jan 2021 15:00:00 +1100

Part 1 of 2 - Oxidate, the journey of then and now.

We always get asked to share more about our selves, so heres an episode to debrief 2020.

Answering many questions towards surviving covid, how we got to this point, where Oxidate came from and the direction it is going in.

A personal episode to bridge the gap between Thursdays episode (part 2) which was recorded early in the year. Thursdays episode is the back story, and together these two episodes should provide plenty of insight towards the who we are as people, but also as the directors of this amazing company.

We are very humbled to be able to share our stories and journey with you all. A massive thank you to all of our awesome coaches, clients, teams, clubs and fans.

Oxidate’s Website: https://www.oxidate.com.au
Oxidate Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oxidate_performance/
Oxidate Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2iQXkX28ZiZHbHSV-91eLQ/

#11: Leanne Ward - Nutrition Expert - Fat loss, emotional eating, gut health & psychology around health and nutrition

Tue, 08 Dec 2020 15:00:00 +1100

Leanne Ward is a renowned Australian media dietitian, nutritionist, sports dietitian and online social media influencer known as The Fitness Dietitian.

With a Bachelor of Health Sciences Majoring in Nutrition, a Masters in Dietetics Studies and her Sports Dietitian Qualifications, she has a passion for living a balanced, healthy and active life.

Leanne specialises in coaching career driven women to conquer emotional eating, heal their gut and stay LEAN for life with her 1:1 premium coaching program, LEAN Gut Mind Method.

With nearly 10 years of experience in the nutrition industry and over 600,000 followers worldwide, she has dedicated her career to helping women find peace, happiness and sustainability with their body, their health and their lifestyle.

For evidenced-based advice around nutrition, gut health and emotional eating, check out her chart-topping podcast, Leanne Ward Nutrition.

Website: www.leanneward.com.au
Podcast: Leanne Ward Nutrition https://link.chtbl.com/NjxR0AqP
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_fitness_dietitian/
Facebook: @thefitnessdietitian
Tik Tok: @leanne_ward_nutrition

Oxidate’s Website: https://www.oxidate.com.au
Oxidate Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oxidate_performance/
Oxidate Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2iQXkX28ZiZHbHSV-91eLQ/

#10: Chad Perris - Paralympic Bronze Medalist - What it takes to push boundaries and set records in the 100m sprint with a vision impairment

Mon, 30 Nov 2020 16:00:00 +1100

Such an incredible story.

I really enjoyed learning about Chad's journey, the Paralympics, athletics, and what it was like growing up with albinism.

Always great listening to peoples experiences, how they got into their sport, what it is they do with their spare time and how it feels in motion to perform at their optimum in their domain.

10.76 to beat, and we wish you all the best for Tokyo 2021!

Chad's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chadperris/

Oxidate’s Website: https://www.oxidate.com.au
Oxidate Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oxidate_performance/
Oxidate Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2iQXkX28ZiZHbHSV-91eLQ/

#9: Caroline Buchanan - 2 x Olympian & 8 x World Champion - The journey to become an Aussie icon and legend in the BMX & Mountain biking world

Sun, 22 Nov 2020 19:00:00 +1100

A must listen for anyone wanting to push boundaries and defy the odds.

An incredible story and conversation on so many levels. The journey to become a BMX legend, building a legacy and creating a foundation in what was once considered a "males" sport is truly amazing.

Learning what it takes to bounce back from a near fatal accident. How mentally challenging it is to participate at the Olympic games, and why we should always stay true to our selves, never give up and chase your dreams.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cbuchanan68/
Female BMX Scholarships: https://www.instagram.com/buchanannextgen/
Girls Can B Book: https://www.instagram.com/girls.can.b/

Oxidate’s Website: https://www.oxidate.com.au
Oxidate Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oxidate_performance/
Oxidate Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2iQXkX28ZiZHbHSV-91eLQ/

#8 Danielle Weber - Famous Melbourne based Artist - One incredibly talented human being

Sun, 15 Nov 2020 20:00:00 +1100

Such a privilege to listen and learn from someone with such an incredible skillset and ability.

Danielle Weber is an Australian artist based in Melbourne. Danielle's passion and love for her craft is evident through her diverse range of styles and quality of work.

An incredible chat with the underlying theme of a true entrepreneur.
By establishing your passion and purpose, you can play the long game, put in the work and learn to create pure magic whilst finding joy and inspiring others.

Danielle's Artwork:
https://www.instagram.com/daniellesartwork/
https://www.daniellesartwork.com/

Oxidate’s Website: https://www.oxidate.com.au
Oxidate Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oxidate_performance/
Oxidate Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2iQXkX28ZiZHbHSV-91eLQ/

#7: Melissa Barbieri - Matilda's Legend & Football Great - Tune in for this extraordinary story. 4 world cup campaigns, Captain for her country and going to the Olympic Games

Mon, 26 Oct 2020 15:00:00 +1100

This is one awesome interview with an incredible human being. Bubs' work rate is second to none, but i'm sure you'd figure that out by looking at her playing career and Football CV.

Was a pleasure hearing your views, what it's like to make it, stand in goal with 100km/h ball being kicked at you and having to literally throw your body on the line. Your resilience, attitude and perspective is super inspiring.

Soo many take homes for anyone and everyone. A very special story we feel privileged to share.

Oxidate’s Website: https://www.oxidate.com.au
Oxidate Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oxidate_performance/
Oxidate Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2iQXkX28ZiZHbHSV-91eLQ/

#6: Steven Lustica - Professional Footballer & A League Player - The discipline it takes to make it overseas, the importance of looking after your body and engaging in the right types of training

Sun, 18 Oct 2020 22:00:00 +1100

Was great to catch up with Western United's #10 Steven Lustica before the A-League season starts up again. We actually used to play together back in Canberra for Canberra Deakin. A great trip down memory lane.

Hearing how Steven progressed through his career is a very insightful story. Imagine signing a pro contract for Hajduk Split? Then to make your debut against Fc Barcelona?

So many great take homes for players, parents, and coaches. A great discussion on the importance of looking after your body. Focusing on the right types of training and mastering the basics.

Steven Lustica: https://www.instagram.com/stevenlustica/
Lustica Football: https://www.instagram.com/lusticafootball/
Oxidate’s Website: https://www.oxidate.com.au
Oxidate Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oxidate_performance/
Oxidate Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2iQXkX28ZiZHbHSV-91eLQ/

#5: The Unknown - Self taught genius in becoming a well known brand - Talking all things football, life & barbering - We welcome the Unknown Barbershop as our official sponsor

Sun, 11 Oct 2020 13:00:00 +1100

A very special episode, where two brands align with our first official sponsor, The Unknown. The Unknown Barbershop, owned by a close friend of mine, Harry Noon is a fantastic Melbourne based brand.

Tune in to listen on how Harry became the Unknown, where barbering started for him, his journey, travels and. experiences. Some great moments of importance, learning to focus on the now, creating mystery and intrigue, staying accountable and making sure we push on, even when feeling down.

The Unknown’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emmachecker/
The Unknown’s website: https://www.theunknownbarbers.com
Oxidate’s Website: https://www.oxidate.com.au
Oxidate Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oxidate_performance/
Oxidate Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2iQXkX28ZiZHbHSV-91eLQ/

#4: Emma Checker - Matilda & Professional Soccer Player - One of the most positive and inspiring human beings you'll ever meet

Sun, 04 Oct 2020 21:00:00 +1100

We were fortunate enough to catch Emma whilst she’s overseas in France.

Discussing her journey from first signing in the W league at age 15, making her debut as a Matilda and winning 2 championships with Melbourne city.

Touching on the most recent signing at FC Fleury, hearing about the move across the globe to continue following her dream. In this episode we unpack a variety of awesomeness that we can all relate to and draw from.

Emmas positive outlook, her work ethic and sheer determination is beyond inspiring.

This episode is a must listen for anyone with aspirations to make it to the top, find out what it takes to become a Matilda, or a person looking to maximise the most of their daily routines and life.

We discuss positive outcomes if staying true to yourself and your gut instincts.

Emma’s thoughts on what makes a good coach. We talk about players ownership, individual performance, Life lessons and moments of truth and vulnerability.

This is such a great episode and we can’t wait for you listen in.

Emma’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emmachecker/
Emma x Oxidate Performance: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pD4Ffv_8T9M
Oxidate’s Website: https://www.oxidate.com.au
Oxidate Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oxidate_performance/
Oxidate Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2iQXkX28ZiZHbHSV-91eLQ/

#3: John Prutti - Professional Motor Cross Racer & Free Rider. What it takes to push limits and boundaries to make it to the top, and how trying a worlds first trick almost cost him his career

Sun, 27 Sep 2020 11:00:00 +1000

"You've got to pay to play". Find out what it takes to push limits and boundaries in pursuit to pull off a worlds first trick. Prutti shares insight on working through months of rehabilitation, thinking out side the box towards approaching sponsors and some really valuable knowledge towards vulnerability, gratitude and mindfulness.

Turn the volume up, tune in, and learn what it takes to stay sharp, focused and accountable whilst on your climb to the top, even if you’re currently out injured.

John Prutti’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prutti__/
Oxidate Performance website: https://www.oxidate.com.au
Oxidate Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oxidate_performance/
Oxidate Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2iQXkX28ZiZHbHSV-91eLQ/

#2: Dr Daniel Kirkbride - Understanding the human body. Taking a closer look at injury management, performance and recovery

Sun, 20 Sep 2020 16:00:00 +1000

On todays episode we welcome Dr Daniel Kirkbride.

Daniel is an Osteopath | Strength & Conditioning coach from Melbourne, who began his coaching journey in 2014 and graduated from RMIT in 2018.

He is the owner of Williams Landing Osteopathy & Performance in Melbourne and Director of Principles of Rehab & Performance, which is a private online certification for allied health practitioners and personal trainers.

This is such an informative episode. Diving deep into the human body, covering topics like anatomy and physiology but not like in the text book. We unlock recovery systems and their strategies, discuss injuries and understand them from a different point of view. Talk pain and diagnosis, the processes in which Daniel follows and teaches to many coaches and practitioners across Australia.

This episode is a must listen. Learning Dr Daniels processes, a lifetime of study and work, and we’re bringing it to you live in just over an hour.

Dr Daniel Kirkbride's website: https://www.drdanielkirkbride.com
Dr Daniel Kirkbride's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.daniel.kirkbride/
Oxidate Performance website: https://www.oxidate.com.au
Oxidate Performance Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oxidate_performance/

#1: Adam Jelic - Founder of Mi Goals. Goal setting, staying accountable and achieving greatness

Sun, 13 Sep 2020 18:00:00 +1000

Welcome to The High Performers Platform.

In this new approach to performance, it is the individual we look closer at, the high performer. Their back story, experience, knowledge and the tools they've mastered in order to create their reality.

This platform is designed to get you up close and personal. By diving deep into great questions, unlocking new ideas, and sharing insight to what makes this particular person unique in their success.

On todays episode we welcome a very special guest Adam Jelic. Founder and Managing Director of Mi Goals.

Since the launch of Mi Goals in 2010 Adam has been empowering people to be the best they can be by helping them to get clear on their goals, stay focused and think big.

We couldn’t think of a more perfect fit for podcast number one. It is Adams passion towards sharing his knowledge that is super inspiring, by helping others to unlock their true potential and live the life of their dreams.

Learn what it takes to have a vision, set measurable goals and achieve them.

We are all very capable of achieving amazing and spectacular things, sometimes it just takes a little inspiration and guidance.

Brought to you by Oxidate Performance
http://www.oxidate.com.au
https://www.instagram.com/oxidate_performance/

Mi Goals
https://migoals.com/

Please like, share and follow. Tune in each week on Monday mornings, available for download on iTunes and Spotify.