Hallers Playbook

"Climb Every Mountain" with Disabled Mountaineer Ed Jackson

Simon Halliday — Thu, 11 Dec 2025 19:44:48 +0000

In this powerful and deeply human conversation, former rugby player Ed Jackson opens up about the moment that changed everything - the split second he dived into a shallow pool, broke his neck, and was told he might never walk again. What should have been the end of his story became the beginning of an extraordinary comeback. Ed takes us through the raw reality of that life-altering accident, the fight to regain movement millimetre by millimetre, and the mindset that carried him from a hospital bed to summiting mountains around the world. He shares how resilience, purpose, and community turned tragedy into a new mission. Hallers dives into Ed's most recent expedition in Kyrgyzstan, his work with Millimetres to Mountains - the charity he founded to help others rebuild after trauma; and the lessons he now brings into boardrooms, sports teams, and recovery communities. This episode is a story of impact, perspective, and what's possible when you refuse to let your lowest moment define you.

Chapters

(00:00:00) - Hala's Playbook
(00:01:29) - Climbing in Milton
(00:01:53) - Ed Jackson: First person with a disability to climb a mountain
(00:03:31) - England's autumn internationals
(00:10:04) - Springboks vs England
(00:17:45) - Paralympian Joe Farrell on his toe flicked injury
(00:24:47) - Together Outdoors: Helping people recover from trauma
(00:29:25) - The Right Advice for Business Leaders
(00:37:15) - The Diary of a Suicide Attempt
(00:44:35) - The Future of Coaching

"Ultimate Wingman" with former Scottish Rugby International Kenny Logan

Simon Halliday — Fri, 28 Nov 2025 13:21:26 +0000

In this engaging conversation, Hallers and Kenny Logan explore various themes in the world of rugby, including the recent November internationals, the importance of bench strength, player welfare, and the growth of women's rugby.

They reflect on the transition from amateur to professional rugby, the challenges players face after retirement, and the impact of the My Name's Doddy Foundation in fighting motor neurone disease. Additionally, they discuss the significance of raising awareness for prostate cancer and the transformative power of sport in society.

Chapters

(00:00:00) - Ashes 1, Day 1, Sydney
(00:00:48) - Former Scotland scrumhalf Kenny Logan
(00:01:21) - Scotland vs England
(00:05:56) - The controversy around red cards
(00:08:49) - Scotland vs the Women's Rugby
(00:14:30) - Scotland winger Ian Smith on trials and the
(00:19:02) - Kenny Jones on his Scotland debut
(00:20:48) - Scotland scrum-half Ian Smith on his pro-life
(00:24:34) - Jonny Gray on professional rugby players' mental health
(00:28:42) - Rob Wainwright on The My Name's Doddy Foundation
(00:32:04) - Lewis Moody's battle for cancer
(00:33:32) - Tom Farrell on his prostate cancer story
(00:40:39) - Steve Smith on prostate cancer
(00:42:54) - Jonah Lomu
(00:48:06) - Henry on the National Anthem
(00:49:42) - Halas Playbook

"Bledsoe Uncorked" with Hall of Fame NFL QB Drew Bledsoe

Simon Halliday — Wed, 22 Oct 2025 17:47:16 +0000

Hall of Fame New England Patriots NFL Quarterback Drew Bledsoe sits down with Simon in this episode of Hallers Playbook to discuss the dynamics of rugby and NFL, the challenges of franchise systems, player safety, and the transition from professional sports to the wine industry. They explore the importance of sustainability in wine production and the lessons learned from sports that can be applied to business, particularly the value of embracing adversity and maintaining authenticity in athlete-driven brands.

Chapters

(00:00:00) - Haller's playbook
(00:00:51) - Wonders of London
(00:05:59) - Adam Levine on His NFL Career
(00:09:44) - Tom Brady on Life After Playing Football
(00:17:10) - Drew Brees and Tom Brady in the Wine
(00:22:05) - Tom Brady on Being the No. 1 Pick in the NFL
(00:26:37) - Adversity in the Business
(00:34:22) - Does NFL Franchise Stifle Competition?
(00:39:18) - Rugby and head injuries
(00:45:24) - Borrello CEO on Continuity

"The House Of Gooch" with England Cricket Legend Graham Gooch

Simon Halliday — Fri, 10 Oct 2025 12:51:51 +0000

In this episode of Hallers Playbook, Simon sits down with England International Cricket Legend Graham Gooch, and discusses the current state of cricket, the significance of the Ashes, and the growth of women's cricket. Gooch shares insights from his illustrious career, including his early struggles, memorable performances, and the importance of resilience in sports. He also highlights his philanthropic efforts through the Graham Gooch Foundation, aimed at supporting cricketers in need and promoting the game.

Chapters

(00:00:00) - Foreign Exchange
(00:01:55) - PCA Awards 2017
(00:03:56) - Steve Smith ahead of the Ashes
(00:12:20) - England's captain on the growth of women's cricket
(00:20:56) - England's first test cricketer
(00:26:06) - Steve Smith on his first test
(00:34:51) - Graham Goose's charitable activities
(00:41:41) - What was it like being on a tour with the England team?
(00:46:40) - Steve Smith on Bob Willis and Wine

"Eighty Percent" with South African Broadcaster Matt Pearce

Simon Halliday — Sun, 05 Oct 2025 09:15:32 +0000

In this engaging edition of Hallers Playbook, Simon Halliday and South African Sports Broadcaster Matt Pearce delve into the current state of rugby, particularly focusing on the Springboks and the rise of women's rugby. They discuss the dynamics within the Springbok camp, the journey of Matt Pearce into broadcasting, and the balance he maintains between his broadcasting career and his role in finance. The conversation also highlights the significant progress of the Springbok women's team and looks ahead to the future of rugby, including the potential impact of the R360 league and the upcoming 2027 World Cup. Throughout, they reflect on memorable moments in broadcasting and the transformative power of sports in society.

Chapters

(00:00:08) - Haller's Playbook
(00:01:23) - Springboks vs England
(00:11:32) - Matt Fraser on Becoming a SABC commentator
(00:18:29) - Do You Study the Commentary of Other Broadcasters?
(00:23:20) - The Mixing of Sport and Finance
(00:34:30) - RUGBY 360: The R360 threat
(00:41:34) - Springboks: The future
(00:48:18) - TV Commentator Matt Jones on His Favorite Moment

"Sideline Stories" with Sports Presenter Jill Douglas

Simon Halliday — Fri, 19 Sep 2025 12:33:01 +0000

In this engaging conversation, Simon Halliday interviews Jill Douglas, a prominent sports broadcaster, about her experiences in the world of sports media, the evolution of women's roles in broadcasting, and the growth of women's sports. They discuss the challenges and opportunities in women's rugby, the dynamics of covering major sporting events, and the impact of charity work, particularly in relation to Doddie Weir and the My Name's Doddie Foundation. Jill shares her insights on bridging the gap between sports and business, emphasizing the importance of storytelling and the transferable skills gained from sports broadcasting.

Chapters

(00:00:00) - Haller's playbook
(00:01:24) - Summer Sport Commentation
(00:05:58) - The story of Lorraine Ferguson
(00:10:43) - The Sunday Times Sportswoman of the Year interview
(00:16:28) - Mismatches in the Women's Rugby
(00:19:28) - Do You Have To Do Your Homework For the Olympics?
(00:26:28) - The Big Moments on the BBC
(00:30:40) - Simon Gallagher's role in the business of sport
(00:37:39) - The Doddy Foundation
(00:45:59) - A busy week for sport on the BBC

"Trading Floors" with MAS Group Executive Glen Ward

Simon Halliday — Thu, 04 Sep 2025 16:28:27 +0000

In this conversation, Simon interviews Glen Ward, head of compliance at MAS Group, discussing the evolution of compliance in financial markets, the integration of technology, and the challenges faced by startups in navigating regulatory landscapes. They explore how compliance can drive business growth, the impact of digital assets, and the future role of AI in compliance processes.

Chapters

(00:00:00) - Haller's Playbook
(00:08:26) - The challenges of compliance in the financial services industry
(00:14:00) - Challenges for Crypto and Tokenization
(00:16:43) - The challenges of compliance at a small firm
(00:19:39) - Small Businesses and Compliance
(00:25:51) - Mass Financial Group's growth and compliance
(00:33:32) - The core competence of a business

"Training Winners" with Horse Racing Trainer Tony Gollan

Simon Halliday — Fri, 29 Aug 2025 12:18:47 +0000

In this episode of Hallers Playbook, Simon Halliday speaks with Tony Gollan, a prominent Australian racehorse trainer. They discuss Gollan's journey in horse racing, from his early days in Toowoomba to his current success. The conversation covers various aspects of the racing industry, including the importance of jockeys, the value chain in horse racing, and the challenges of horse travel and quarantine. Gollan shares insights on the significance of horse names, breeding, and the life of racehorses after their careers. The episode concludes with Gollan's aspirations for the future and the importance of enjoying the journey in the sport.

Chapters

(00:00:00) - Haller's Playbook
(00:00:40) - Top Horse Trainer in Australia on Horse Races
(00:01:53) - Tony Trainers first win in 1999
(00:06:40) - England vs Australia
(00:08:35) - Racehorse trainer and
(00:15:24) - Racehorse finance, prize money
(00:17:00) - Temple of Boom
(00:18:31) - The secret to racing's riches
(00:20:36) - Talking About Horse Racing's Future
(00:23:01) - The Horse Training Team
(00:24:49) - Queensland trainer Darren Ferguson on his ambitions

"Breaking Boundaries" with Rugby World Cup Winner Giselle Mather

Simon Halliday — Wed, 27 Aug 2025 16:17:18 +0000

Rugby World Cup winner, trailblazing coach, and one of the most influential voices in the women’s game – Giselle Mather joins Simon on Hallers Playbook this week.

From the grassroots explosion of participation to the spotlight of the recent World Cup, Giselle reflects on the huge strides the women’s game has made – and the hurdles it still faces. She speaks openly about the structural and financial challenges, the ongoing fight for visibility and investment, and why developing the next generation of players is crucial to sustaining momentum.

Simon and Giselle also discuss the cultural shift rugby is undergoing, how women’s rugby is redefining the values of the sport, and what needs to be done to ensure that progress doesn’t stall.

One thing is clear: for women’s rugby to fulfil its potential, the game must embrace its pioneers, build pathways that match ambition with opportunity, and commit to making the sport truly global, inclusive, and sustainable.

"The Next Stage" with MAS Group Executive Harry Fry

Simon Halliday — Thu, 21 Aug 2025 09:24:44 +0000

In this episode of Hallers Playbook, Simon Halliday sits down with MAS Group Head of APAC Harry Fry and explore Harry's journey from playing rugby in England to working in financial markets in Australia. The conversation also touches on the rise of digital assets in finance and the growing recognition of women's rugby. Harry shares valuable advice for aspiring rugby players about having a backup plan and the significance of life after sports.

Some of the takeaways from the podcast:

Australian rugby is experiencing a resurgence with recent wins.
The Women's Rugby World Cup is a significant event for women's sports.
Rugby union in Australia is still seen as an upper-class sport.
Teamwork in sports translates well to the financial industry.
Digital assets are becoming increasingly important in finance.
Smaller financial institutions offer more personalized service.
Moving to Australia provided new opportunities for Harry Fry.
Aspiring rugby players should always have a plan B.
The women's game is gaining recognition and support in Australia.
The future of rugby looks promising with growing interest in women's competitions.

Chapters

(00:00:00) - Haller's Playbook
(00:02:01) - What's the feeling towards Australian rugby?
(00:05:05) - Harry Kane on playing for Blackheath Rugby Club
(00:13:05) - Rugby is not for everyone
(00:15:50) - MAS on the Future of Digital Assets
(00:17:00) - What's the Risk of Digital Assets?
(00:18:17) - Have We Reached a Smaller Brokerage?
(00:19:56) - In the Elevator With Mass Group's Harry Blackledge
(00:21:34) - Tom Farrell on the future of amateur rugby
(00:26:23) - England vs Australia

"Back to the Future" with Australian Wallabies Legend David Campese

Simon Halliday — Fri, 08 Aug 2025 21:50:00 +0000

In this hard-hitting episode of Hallers Playbook, Former England Rugby International Simon Halliday sits down with David Campese – Wallabies legend, Rugby World Cup winner, and one of the most iconic players in the history of the sport – for a brutally honest conversation about the state of rugby in Australia.

From the golden days of the amateur era to the professional game we see today, Campese reflects on how the sport has changed – and not always for the better. He speaks candidly about the negative impact rugby league is having on union in Australia, the lack of strategy and direction from leadership, and why the game is struggling to inspire the next generation.

Simon and David agree on one thing: to secure rugby’s future, the sport must return to its historical ideals, focus on skill and passion over bureaucracy, and actually listen to the wisdom of its most experienced players.

Chapters

(00:00:00) - Haller's Playbook
(00:00:47) - David Howley on the Lions tour
(00:01:46) - Australia vs the Lions
(00:08:04) - Steve Ella on Australian rugby
(00:13:37) - Steve Smith on turning pro in Australia
(00:17:32) - Joe Farrell on Sevens
(00:23:07) - Steve Kearney on Australian rugby
(00:26:13) - Steve Hansen: Who would you pick to play against?
(00:31:55) - England's scrum halves
(00:37:22) - A Taste of Super Rugby
(00:39:21) - A Moment of Truth on the Trump Presidency

"Wickets & Wake-Up Calls" with Glamorgan Cricket Chair Mark Rhydderch-Roberts

Simon Halliday — Fri, 01 Aug 2025 21:34:00 +0000

In this thought-provoking episode of Hallers Playbook, Former England Rugby International Simon Halliday sits down with Mark Rhydderch-Roberts, Chair of Glamorgan Cricket Club, to discuss the seismic shifts happening in the world of sport.

From the explosive growth of cricket as a global business – fuelled by the commercial power of India’s IPL – to the increasing popularity of the game in Wales, Mark explains how cricket is evolving into a modern sports powerhouse. At the same time, he shares candid insights on why rugby is losing its traditional dominance in Wales, and what this means for the country’s sporting future.

The conversation also dives into the transformative role of AI and data – not just in improving player performance and tactics, but also in driving fan engagement, sponsorship value, and strategic decision-making at board level.

Chapters

(00:00:00) - Haller's Playbook
(00:02:07) - The 100 League
(00:04:20) - Cricket's $500m valuation
(00:12:58) - Welsh rugby
(00:18:36) - Rugby and Cricket
(00:23:35) - Cricket and the future of revenue
(00:31:14) - Welsh Fire and Glamorgan Cricket

"The Growth 500 Formula" with MAS Markets Founders Simon Blackledge and Robert Brown

Simon Halliday — Fri, 25 Jul 2025 19:08:00 +0000

In this episode of Hallers Playbook, Former England Rugby International Simon Halliday sits down with Simon Blackledge and Robert Brown – the visionary founders of MAS Markets, recently ranked 32nd fastest growing company in the UK.

From a bold idea to becoming a major force in the financial markets industry, Simon and Robert share the real story behind MAS Markets’ rapid rise. They discuss the strategies, culture, and decisions that drove their growth, the challenges they overcame, and the lessons learned along the way.

Expect insights on scaling a business in competitive markets, staying agile in uncertain economic times, and building a high-performance team that thrives under pressure.

Chapters

(00:00:00) - Haller's Playbook
(00:01:50) - How Did Mass Markets Get To Where It Is Today?
(00:03:55) - Robbie on the Challenges of Growing the Company
(00:05:39) - The Secret to Building a Team
(00:07:57) - The Secret to Successful People
(00:10:12) - Decision Making Under Pressure
(00:12:03) - Exposure to Crypto: JPMorgan's Strategy
(00:15:07) - Monetary Strategy: Cross-pollination in the Crypto World
(00:17:43) - The importance of team bonding
(00:21:41) - Marquee Asset Management's Mass Funds
(00:24:47) - Does the Company Have a Long Term Plan?
(00:29:01) - Heads of Downstream: Global expansion

"Tackles and Terroir" with Former South African Springbok Schalk Burger

Simon Halliday — Fri, 18 Jul 2025 18:51:00 +0000

From dominating the rugby field in the green and gold jersey to crafting award-winning wines in the heart of South Africa’s Western Cape, legendary South African Springbok and now one of the country’s most respected winemakers Schalk Burger sits down with former England Rugby International Simon Halliday.

They delve into Schalk’s storied rugby career, his family roots in South Africa, and how a love for the land inspired him to establish Welbedacht Wine Estate. Beyond the vineyards and the scrum, this conversation explores the shared attributes between elite sport and successful business – discipline, teamwork, resilience, and vision.

Chapters

(00:00:00) - Haller's Playbook
(00:01:29) - Mandela Day in South Africa
(00:05:54) - Oakdene Road
(00:07:59) - A Taste of Springboks in the 80s
(00:11:54) - The Cricket Pitch
(00:15:09) - Chris Butcher's Bacol Block
(00:20:02) - South Africa's depth ahead of 2020
(00:26:05) - Dottie Red
(00:34:56) - Sporting Wine

"Seconds From Disaster" with Racing Driver Dino Zamparelli

Simon Halliday — Fri, 11 Jul 2025 18:26:00 +0000

In this gripping episode of Hallers Playbook, Former England Rugby International Simon Halliday sits down with professional racing driver Dino Zamparelli to relive one of the most terrifying moments of his career – a high-speed near-miss crash at the legendary Spa-Francorchamps Circuit in Belgium.

From the sheer adrenaline of hurtling into Eau Rouge at full throttle to the split-second decisions that kept him alive, Dino takes us inside the cockpit during that fateful day. But this conversation goes far deeper than racing. Simon and Dino unpack the mindset, resilience, and mental toughness it takes to bounce back from near-disaster – lessons that apply not just to sport, but to life and business.

Expect raw honesty, powerful takeaways, and a behind-the-scenes look into elite motorsport that fans rarely get to hear. Whether you’re into Formula racing, rugby, or personal development, this episode delivers adrenaline, insight, and inspiration in equal measure.

Chapters

(00:00:00) - Hala's Playbook
(00:02:46) - Ex-Formula One Driver Dino Dielman on Making Decisions
(00:07:36) - Lewis Hamilton on His Crashing
(00:13:59) - Thinking correctly under pressure
(00:16:07) - Have You Learned To Drive From Coaching?
(00:20:01) - Was Fear the Biggest Obstacle for Young Drivers?
(00:28:00) - A Taste of Sport