Dropped Balls and Big Calls

Dropped Balls and Big Calls is a Podcast where we sit down with people from all walks of life to dig into the moments that shape us, the wins, the setbacks, and the wild decisions in between.

Every guest brings a turning point, a time they fell flat, took a risk, or faced a challenge that changed everything. We talk about what it taught them, how they bounced back, and what they’d say to someone standing in the middle of their own big moment right now.

No scripts, just honest, human conversations about the plays that make life what it is.

Listen on:

  • Apple Podcasts
  • YouTube
  • Podbean App
  • Spotify
  • Amazon Music
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ABOUT YOUR HOST

Jason Beardsley is the founder of The Setback Collective and Podcast Host.

Located Mornington Peninsula, Victoria, Australia.

I grew up in Christchurch, New Zealand, overweight, unsure of myself, and constantly chasing something I couldn't name. Music and sport were my escape. I picked up the drums at 13, was touring semi professionally by 16, and moved to Melbourne at 21 to chase the dream fulltime.

But life has a way of throwing curveballs, experiencing the trauma of the Christchurch Earthquakes in 2010 and 2011, I lost my best mate in tragic circumstances, walked away from music. I battled depression, regret, and the weight of feeling like I’d let something slip through my fingers. Eventually, I rebuilt, in Recruitment and Home Care, of all places. It wasn’t glamorous, but it was real and it had meaning. I found a new kind of purpose in helping people rewrite their stories. I became a father, started running Marathons and began raise money for Muscular Dystrophy Australia, I began clawing back parts of myself I thought I’d buried for good.That’s where Dropped Balls and Big Calls and The Setback Collective were born, out of a belief that we’re not defined by our highlight reels, but by the hardships we survive and our relationships with ourselves and others.

Outside of the Podcast, I am a Talent Acquisition leader, Musician, proud girl dad and marathon runner.

Episodes

Monday Sep 01, 2025

Former Australian Volleyballer Debs Moore has lived a life defined by resilience, risk, and perspective. From the highs of elite sport to living through the 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami, Debs shares how she’s built a mindset that refuses to look back and never wants to say no to life’s opportunities.
In this episode, we dive into her incredible journey, the moments that shaped her courage, and why embracing risk might just be the key to living fully.
If you’ve ever found yourself hesitating on a big decision, this chat will challenge you to step forward, back yourself, and say yes.For more, head to: Dropped Balls & Big Calls | Instagram, Facebook, TikTok | Linktree#Bigcallspod #Droppedballsandbigcalls #Podcast #Australia #Newzealand #Athlete #Olympics #Yachting #Superyachts #Belowdeck #Tsunami #Thailand #Volleyball #Australianvolleyballteam #thesetbackcollective #strongerforthesetback

Monday Aug 25, 2025

What if the fear of regret was more powerful than the fear of failure?
In this episode, Paul Harrison shares how that very mindset drove him to back himself, take risks, and step fully into the entrepreneurial path. From turning rejection into resilience to learning why energy and execution matter more than perfect plans, Paul brings honesty and insight into what it really takes to build something meaningful.
Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a leader in your own lane, or just someone standing at a crossroads, Paul’s story is a reminder that regret can be the ultimate motivator.Paul Harrison on LinkedIn:Paul Harrison | LinkedInBetter Outcomes Training: Better Outcomes
 
#Bigcallspod #Droppedballsandbigcalls #Betteroutcomestraining #Paulharrison #JasonBeardsley #Strongerforthesetback #Thesetbackcollective #Training #Entrepreneurship #Resilience #Regret

Monday Aug 18, 2025

In this episode of Dropped Balls and Big Calls, Jodie Hellings opens up about some of the toughest moments of her life, moments that left her questioning everything. With raw honesty, she shares how she leaned on her family, rebuilt her sense of self, and found the courage to move forward.
This conversation is about resilience, self worth, and the power of family and community when you feel like the ground has been ripped out from under you.
If you’ve ever doubted yourself or struggled to find a way through, Jodie’s story will hit home.
For more, please visit: https://linktr.ee/bigcallspod
#bigcallspod #droppedballsandbigcalls #podcast #resilience #mentalhealth #thesetbackcollective #grief #newpodcast #newepisode #parenting #community #family #chronicpain

Thursday Aug 14, 2025

In this conversation, Musician Jacob Petrossian shares his journey exploring personal growth through music and community.
He discusses the significance of rites of passage, the impact of the Christchurch earthquake on his life, and his transition to living in Melbourne. Jacob reflects on his experiences with journaling, early musical influences, and the importance of supportive teachers in his education.
He also talks about his current musical projects and aspirations for the future, emphasizing the importance of self-discovery and resilience.
Jacob is the frontman of Paeon and guitarist for Myriad Drone, based in Melbourne, Australia.
Jacob Petrossian YouTube: https://youtube.com/@jacobpetrossian?si=1jfUPep8cqQtqloiInstagram: @jrpetrossianPAEONhttps://paeonband.comMyriad DroneFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/19sbRPpENB/?mibextid=wwXIfrInstagram: myriaddrone
Also referenced in this chat:Centre for men and Familieshttps://www.centreformenaustralia.org.au
Forged: https://www.centreformenaustralia.org.au/events/forged/
Men’s Rites of Passage: https://www.centreformenaustralia.org.au/events/mens-rights-of-passage/
 
#bigcallspod #dropballsandbigcalls #thesetbackcollective #jacobpetrossian #musician #guitarist #Christchurch #Newzealand #Melbourne #Australia #Paeon #MyriadDrone #Ritesofpassage #forged #centreformenandfamilies #earthquake #resilience #mentalhealth

Monday Aug 04, 2025

In this powerful and honest conversation, I’m joined by Lauren Gibbs, a mum and business owner, who opens up about her trauma and the hidden side of parenting in one of the most important podcasts to date.
From intrusive thoughts to trauma, ADHD, OCD, and rage, Lauren shares what many parents feel but few are willing to say out loud.
We talk about:
​• Why some of the darkest thoughts happen to the most loving parents
​• The mental load, stigma, and silence that surrounds new parenthood
​• How trauma and undiagnosed conditions show up after birth
​• And why we need to listen without judgement
 
Worldwide insights:
​• Over 80% of new parents experience intrusive thoughts
​• Around 50% of mothers and 20% of fathers report thoughts of harming their baby (they rarely act on them, it’s anxiety, not intent)
​• 1 in 5 mothers and 1 in 10 fathers experience perinatal depression or anxiety
Lauren’s courage will help others feel seen, heard, and less alone. Whether you're a parent or know someone who is, this is an episode we all need to hear.
 
📸 Check out Lauren’s photography at laurenashleephotography.com
 
Support Services: Australia & New Zealand:
Australia:
​• PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia)
📞 1300 726 306 | 🌐 panda.org.au
​• Lifeline Australia
📞 13 11 14 | 🌐 lifeline.org.au
​• Beyond Blue
📞 1300 22 4636 | 🌐 beyondblue.org.au
 
New Zealand:
​• Lifeline Aotearoa (NZ)
📞 0800 543 354 or text 4357 | 🌐 lifeline.org.nz
​• Plunket – Parental Mental Health Support
📞 0800 933 922 | 🌐 plunket.org.nz
​• 1737 – Need to Talk?
📞 Free call or text 1737
​• Mothers Matter NZ
🌐 mothersmatter.nz
 
#bigcallspod #podcast #resilience #newpodcast #droppedballsandbigcalls #mentalhealth #parenting #parents #mother #fatherhood #postpartum #depression #postpartumanxiety #ocd #adhd

Monday Jul 28, 2025

This conversation explores the journey of Kiwi musician Gray Vickers, from early influences and experiences to the formation of These Four Walls and navigating the music industry. In this conversation, Gray discusses the differences in the music industry between New Zealand and Australia, reflecting on the challenges and opportunities faced by bands in both markets. He shares his personal journey of rebuilding after a difficult period, emphasizing the importance of collaboration within the band and the impact of COVID-19 on their momentum. Gray highlights the joy of creating music and the longevity of the band, as well as their plans for the future, including new music and tours.If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to make music your life or come back stronger when it nearly breaks you, this one’s for you.For more, please visit: Dropped Balls & Big Calls | Instagram, Facebook, TikTok | Linktree

Monday Jul 21, 2025

Paul Rourke is a musician, husband, a father, and a bloke who’s faced things most of us couldn’t imagine.In this episode, Paul opens up about his journey through music, family dynamics, mental health, and the life changing experience of surviving not one, but two cardiac arrests in just seven days, with no clear answer as to why.We dive into his relationship with alcohol, overcoming imposter syndrome, learning to communicate more openly, and the lessons that come from hitting pause on life in the hardest possible way.This chat is about resilience, vulnerability, and figuring out what really matters when everything else is stripped away.Thanks for tuning in to Dropped Balls & Big Calls.For more please visit Dropped Balls & Big Calls | Instagram, Facebook, TikTok | Linktree

Monday Jul 14, 2025

Tommy Flanagan’s that mate who somehow knows every sporting stat, every story behind it, and somehow, he's made a career out of it.From calling Footy as a kid to building a media career that’s seen him work with Sportsbet, overseas cricket tours and Clubby Sports, Tommy’s journey is one built on passion, persistence, and the people he surrounds himself with. In this chat, we cover everything from footy commentary and acting gigs to life lessons learned through resilience, family, and just showing up when it counts.If you’re chasing a career in sport, media, or content creation, or just love a good story, this one’s for you.For more, please visit Dropped Balls & Big Calls | Instagram, Facebook, TikTok | Linktree

Monday Jul 07, 2025

Ross Niven is a man of many talents, Flight Attendant and Inflight Trainer, musician, ice hockey fanatic, and devoted family man. He’s also someone I’m proud to call a dear friend. In this deeply personal conversation, Ross opens up about his journey through grief, mental health, and personal transformation following the death of his mother. He reflects on childhood, a life altering accident, and the evolution of his identity, particularly in his role as a father.Ross shares how the COVID-19 pandemic became both a challenge and a catalyst for growth, how therapy helped him navigate PTSD, and why he's now more intentional than ever about expressing love and presence. This episode is a moving reflection on healing, spirituality, and what truly matters in the face of loss.Thanks so much for listening to this Podcast. For more information, please go to: Dropped Balls & Big Calls | Instagram, Facebook, TikTok | Linktree#DroppedBallsAndBigCalls #BigCallsPod #TheSetbackCollective #TheGriefDiaries #MentalHealth #Grief #Healing #Fatherhood #RossNiven #Resilience #RealTalkPodcast #PTSDRecovery #podcast #newpodcast

Monday Jun 30, 2025

Chris Bull is a family man, singer and guitarist of The Snake Behaviour, Southern Zone Rugby League board member, office worker and an all-round legend. In this heartfelt first interview on Dropped Balls and Big Calls, Chris Bull opens up about his journey from childhood in Nelson to the emotional rollercoaster of adolescence, losing both parents, and becoming a father himself. He reflects on music as a lifeline, the influence of family and friends, and how grief shaped his worldview. With humour, honesty, and grit, Chris shares what it means to grow through loss, and why simple moments with his loved ones mean the most.Now side note, we had a few audio issues throughout this chat so apologies in advance! You can follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok and Linkedin! Just search @bigcallspodLike what you hear? Dont miss future episodes, please like and subscribe or leave a review :) #Droppedballsandbigcalls #bigcallspod #thesetbackcollective #Resilience #mentalhealth #grief #fatherhood #music

Jason Beardsley

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