Ruck My Life Podcast
By Cj
A show all about LGBTQ+ sports focusing on athletes’ stories and how they have become successful sports people thanks to the support from their LGBT sports club.
Ruck My Life PodcastApr 26, 2023
00:00
38:56
RML S3 E1: Union Cup
Welcome back to a brand new season of Ruck My Life Podcast. The show that helps raise the profile of LGBTQ+ rugby athletes around the world and gives them a platform to share their story of being part of the International Gay Ruby Organisation (IGR).
Today we are excited to hear from James Anthony, a long time member and co-founder of the Birmingham Bulls RUFC, who has been working hard behind the scenes as the Bulls host this year's Union Cup 2023. Sadly like many events Covid-19 meant that the original date in 2021 had to be postponed but now that restrictions have been removed the doors are open to another thrilling weekend of rugby! We will be exchanging past memories of tournaments, our trials and tribulations of being gay in sport and of course discussing the tragic news of Trans athletes being banned from contact rugby.
So wherever you are, relax and enjoy another episode of Ruck My Life Podcast!
Apr 26, 202338:56
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Part 1
Merry Christmas!
We are back for a quick message of festive cheer as the boys reunite for a Christmas and New year Special. In part 1, Christian, Justin and Matt catch up on what has happened since the last episode and decide whether they have been naughty or nice this year! Plus some fun and laughs as we play 'Something you'd say at the family Christmas dinner table, but also something you would say in the bedroom!' Plus some snippets of Christmas past as I look back at how we managed to survive Christmas 2020 with laughs and cheers.
Tune in next week for Part 2 where the boys celebrate the dawn of 2022 and what hopes and celebrations it may bring!
We are back for a quick message of festive cheer as the boys reunite for a Christmas and New year Special. In part 1, Christian, Justin and Matt catch up on what has happened since the last episode and decide whether they have been naughty or nice this year! Plus some fun and laughs as we play 'Something you'd say at the family Christmas dinner table, but also something you would say in the bedroom!' Plus some snippets of Christmas past as I look back at how we managed to survive Christmas 2020 with laughs and cheers.
Tune in next week for Part 2 where the boys celebrate the dawn of 2022 and what hopes and celebrations it may bring!
Dec 24, 202129:00
S2:E8 Conversion
Welcome back to another episode of Ruck My Life Podcast! This week we speak to Augustine Ihm originally from Chicago but currently living here in Manchester UK and playing for the Manchester Village Spartans. This week we discuss the issue surrounding conversation therapy and the dangerous effects it can leave behind. Augustine’s journey and battle with self identify is truly heroic and he is now fighting the fight to bring down such ‘cure’ therapies and break down stereotypes in gay culture, to make our community more inclusive and allow people of all backgrounds to feel that they belong.
Aug 13, 202101:08:21
Touch My Brum!
Yes we are back after a short break while I was busy teaching and of course playing rugby now that the restrictions have eased here in the UK. Today’s episode is a special inside experience of what Touch My Brum is all about. Of course for those of you in the UK who play Touch Rugby, it is the event of the year and I couldn’t resist coming along and meeting up with old and new faces let’s see if you recognise them from other episodes! It is great to be back in the podcasting seat and of course over the summer I will be bringing you more stories from LGBTQ+ rugby athletes from around the world so make sure you follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter for more information. I’m Christian John and this is RuckMyLifePodcast.
Aug 04, 202123:35
S2 E6: Turns out it’s just an onion!
Happy Pancake day! The boys are back and already have something to say about the current Rugby Union 6 Nations! But of course they quickly turn their attention to who are the hottest players on the screen. However this week the boys discuss Mental Health and how now more than ever, it is vital for men especially to be open to talk about it. The boys discuss what they are struggling with during lockdown and suggest ways to combat our moments of depression and low self esteem. And finally it wouldn’t be a February episode without mentioning toppings - Pancake toppings that is! Remember to follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter @Ruckmylifepodcast
Feb 23, 202148:15
Season 2 Episode 6: That Gay Rugger!
Wow, wow, wow, what a show I have for you! I am honoured to be joined by the incredible and truly inspirational athlete that is Mr Devin Ibañez. His story is such a roller coaster of emotions as he battles through his amazing career as a professional US rugby player whilst having to hide his true identity and sexuality. Join Devin and I as we discuss what it was like for him growing up and having to choose between being open and being successful until a life threatening injury gave Devin the opportunity to come out publicly and become the America’s first Out-Gay Pro Rugby Player.
Jan 27, 202101:08:14
S2 E5 Happy New Tier!
Welcome back to another episode of Ruck My Life Halftime where the boys are back to bring in the New Year in style... well socially distance style anyway! What a year it has been and we are certainly glad to see the back of it but it hasn’t all been doom and gloom so join us as we celebrate the good, the bad, and the down right hilarious moments of Ruck My Life Halftime 2020.
Jan 17, 202142:38
S2 E4: Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas Everyone! This year has been especially hard on everyone so the boys and I thought it would a great opportunity to share some Christmas love and share our fondest...and not so fondest memories of Christmas Time. So wherever you are and whatever you are doing, a very Merry Christmas from us and A Happy New Year xxx
Dec 24, 202047:14
Season 2 Episode 5: Sea Serpents
Welcome back to another episode of Ruck My Life Podcast. On today’s show I discuss how zoom calls have Lead me to feel rather lonely especially at this time when we would normally be sat around a big table with our team mates enjoying our Christmas meals and exchanging gossip from the season. We are also joined this week by the wonderful Mr Damian Giles who shares his story of being gay in sport and how joining the Brighton and Hove Sea Serpents became his family and he’s never felt prouder to be himself and enjoy being part of an amazing team.
Dec 22, 202048:33
Season 2 Episode 4: We are all in this together
Welcome back to another episode of Ruck my Life Podcast! This week we are honoured to be joined by Andy and Scott from the Worcester Saxons RUFC. A relatively new team to the IGR family but have already been making headlines with over 100 members in just 18 months. Not only this, but their team is one of only a handful of teams around the world that was born from an already founded club the Worcester RUFC, a team predominately made up of cis male straight players, a idea that not so long ago, would have been unheard of. However they both share their stories of the ever growing issue of being gay at a young age and how our perception of sport is so fragile. However Scott and Andy tell us of how they overcame their barriers and be proud of who they are.
Nov 21, 202041:55
Halftime: Happy Halloween!
Episodes with music are only available on Spotify.
Happy Halloween! Join Matt, Justin, James and I as we celebrate a spooktacular episode with memories of our trick or treat youth and interesting choices of costumes even today! And of course we dish the grave dirt as we play trick or treat to find some juicy brain gossip!
Oct 31, 202029:31
Episode Tier 3: Chance Your Arm ☘️
Welcome back to another episode of Ruck my Life Podcast! This week we are honoured to be joined by Mr Darren Morrin from the Emerald Warriors. Who were the last team to host the Union Cup, A tournament which we are sad to see is the next victim of the COVID crisis and will be postponed until 2023. As usual we discuss the ever growing issue of being gay at a young age and how our perception of sport is so fragile. However Darren tells his story of how he overcame his barriers and travelled the world with the Irish teams and is now the head coach of Ireland’s first IGR team.
Oct 24, 202030:50
Halftime: S2E2 #daddyjames and chat up lines!
Welcome back to another episode of Ruck My Life Halftime Podcast with your favourite 4 gay rugby players! This week we catch up with how rugby teams are returning to contact rugby during these COVID times. We also discuss long distance relationships and the best and the worst chat up lines we have had!
Sep 27, 202040:31
Season 2 Episode 2: Club Welfare
Welcome back to another episode of Ruck my Life Podcast! This week we are honoured to be joined by Mr Dan Howarth from the South London Stags. A relatively new team to the IGR family but are already getting their antlers stuck into rugby player welfare which is so important to keeping mental health and well-being positive in any team. As usual we discuss the ever growing issue of being gay at a young age and how our perception of sport is so fragile. However Dan tells his story of how he overcame his barriers and found his ‘hooves’ with the South London Stags team and has never felt happier!
Sep 18, 202053:40
Ruck My Life: Halftime Live!
We’re back, back, back, back again! Yes your favourite foursome are back to discuss more rugby trivia and issues surround the world of LGBTQ+ lifestyles! This week we are live from London as the boys get to meet up finally after lockdown restrictions ease. This week we chat all things lockdown, dating apps, and the current issue regarding World Rugby and Trans Rights.
Sep 12, 202055:21
Season 2 Episode 1: We’re back again!
Welcome back to Ruck My Life Podcast Season 2! This week we are joined by the brave and motivational player Max Beaton from the Lancashire Typhoons, who shares his story of being a trans-man rugby player and we discuss the recent upset caused by the world of rugby potential banning trans players from playing professional rugby.
Sep 06, 202001:30:02
Halftime 10 Season Finale!
Welcome back to another Halftime show! Can you believe it is the tenth week and with that we reach the season finale! Thank you all so much for joining us on our journey as we discussed all things gay and rugby, but with lockdown easing we have decided to take a few weeks off air to get back to some sort of normality. But do not panic we will be back in August with more entertainment, gossip and shade from the pitch and delve further into each other’s past! This week we catch up with the boys, share our experiences and which episode was our favourite and are joined by some guests from the world of IGR! Finally we discuss what PRIDE means to us and where we stand on LGBTQ+ education. We hope you have enjoyed listening over the past 10 weeks and can’t wait to hear from you about your favourite episode! Don’t forget to vote for us on the British Podcast Awards 2020!
Jul 01, 202001:19:02
Episode 13 On your marks, Get set, Sew!
Welcome back to another episode of Ruck My Life Podcast. This week I have the honour of speaking to Mr Tom Bird Jones, a fellow Manchester village Spartan player and part of the Spartan Touch leadership team. He bravely shares his story of coming out and the difficulties with growing up being part of a Welsh Rugby loving family, but not feeling accepted in the local teams - a feeling we all know too well! But with his supportive family and close friends Tom flourishes with his skills of sewing to the point where he becomes a local hero by providing the Greater Manchester NHS staff with hundreds of scrub sets to help with the COVID-19 pandemic. Tune in to listen to his amazingly generous project and life journey.
Jun 26, 202043:16
Halftime 9!
Hello and welcome back to another episode of Ruck My Life Halftime Podcast! This week we discuss the easing of social distancing with the introduction of the 1m rule and how it might change people’s behaviour and attitude. Also, whilst rugby is off the field, we reminisce about our favourite childhood cartoons which I’m sure you will recall! For fun we decide on which Pokemon best suits each of us which gets shady trust me! In addition we delve deep into each other’s relationship past and answer fan questions on ex-boyfriends! It’s morphing time and Matt, Justin and James I choose you!
Jun 24, 202053:56
Episode 12 What’s IGR got to do with it?
Welcome back to another episode of Ruck My Life. Today I talk about the progress of non-IGR clubs becoming more inclusive and accepting of gay players. Our guest this week is Mr Alex Calanca hard working and committed member of the Hong Kong City Rugby Team. Today we talk about his experiences of coming to his friends, family and rugby team along side issues with homophobia along the way. But his story is unique as he plays for a non-IGR team, yet feels totally accepted by the other team mates and explains that the team are totally inclusive no matter what your background is and he has never felt happier and his confidence of being an out and proud gay rugby player, has never been stronger!
Jun 19, 202059:45
Halftime 8!
Today we are back with Matthew, James and Justin as we continue to discuss your questions and delve into the truth behind rugby. This week as there’s not much happening in the world of rugby we decided to expand on a fan question who asked us randomly about our favourite Disney movies, so being a bunch of typical gays we jumped at the opportunity to talk all things Disney but also exploring the possibility of LGBT characters. Plus we delve into some hidden truths and the boys discuss who in the world of Disney they would snog, marry or avoid. So be our guest as we let it go! Welcome to Halftime!
Jun 17, 202001:07:43
Episode 11 Leading the way
Welcome back to another episode of Ruck My Life. Today I talk about being part of an IGR rugby committee and the work-fun balance that comes with it! Our guest this week is Mr Gareth Longley, a hard working and committed coach and Chairman of the Manchester Village Spartans RUFC. Today we talk about his experiences of coming to his friends, family and rugby team along side issues with homophobia along the way. But now he’s part of the IGR team, he has never felt happier and his confidence of being an out and proud gay rugby player, has never been stronger!
Jun 12, 202032:28
Halftime 7
Today we are back with Matthew, James and Justin as we continue to discuss your questions and delve into the truth behind rugby. This week we discuss the possibility of rugby training returning after lockdown and body positivity. Plus we answer your all important truth or dare questions and Justin reveals what pizza topping he would be!- it’s worse than you think! So let’s take out those mouth guards, take on plenty of water and make use of that T. Welcome to Halftime!
Jun 10, 202056:35
Episode 10! The Good, the Bad and the Rugby
Welcome back to another episode of Ruck My Life. Today I am celebrating the 10th week of Ruck My Life Podcast with some heart warming messages from recent guests and talking about the good and bad relationships that we can all reflect on. Our guest this week, is my good friend Ross from the Leeds Hunters. A friendly and inspiring role model and friend to many IGR members across the UK and the world! Today we talk about his relationships and how his first experience turned out to be part of a grooming strategy. We will of course be discussing his story of being gay in sport and how he found it hard to come to terms with being gay and still enjoying rugby, but being excluded by his old team mates. However now he’s part of the IGR team, he has never felt happier and his confidence of being an out and proud gay rugby player, has never been stronger!
Jun 07, 202055:28
Halftime 6!
Today we are back with Matthew, James and Justin as we continue to discuss your questions and delve into the truth behind rugby. This week we discuss all things AGM, Pride Season, and even sandwiches - it’s worse than you think! So let’s take out those mouth guards, take on plenty of water and make use of that T. Welcome to Halftime!
Jun 03, 202056:55
Episode 9: New Zealand
Welcome back to another episode of Ruck My Life. Today I am packing my bags again and travelling across the Pacific to New Zealand to meet an amazing player called Richard from the New Zealand Falcons! We will be discussing his story of being gay in sport and how different cultures has made coming out difficult in different countries. But once again, thanks to IGR teams, Richard now feels accepted to be who is really despite having to tone it down when visiting his family back in China.
May 30, 202048:55
Halftime! 5
Today we are back with Matthew, James and Justin as we continue to discuss your questions and delve into the truth behind rugby. So let’s take out those mouth guards, take on plenty of water and make use of that T. Welcome to Halftime!
May 27, 202053:04
Episode 8: Bingham Cup and 22 Bees
Welcome back to another episode of Ruck My Life. Today I am packing my bags again and travelling south to Chicago to meet an amazing player I will be speaking to Kevin and discussing his story of being gay in sport and how making tribute to Mark Bingham who would have been 50 today and remembering those who lost their lives in the 9/11 attack and the 22 lives taken in the Manchester Arena attack.
May 22, 202050:01
Ruck My Life: Halftime 4
Today we are back with Matthew, James and Justin as we continue to discuss your questions and delve into the truth behind rugby. We also consider our hopes for next season and uncover some hidden truths as we play ‘Never Have I Ever! So let’s take out those mouth guards, take on plenty of water and make use of that T. Welcome to Halftime!
May 20, 202048:07
Episode 7 Canada!
Welcome back to another episode of Ruck My Life. Today I am packing my bags and crossing the pond to meet some amazing players from Canada! I will be speaking to Ian Royer and Miguel Olivier and discussing their story of being gay in sport and how being part of an IGR team can really improve people’s quality of life.
May 15, 202001:03:02
Halftime 3
Today we are back with Matthew, James and Justin as we continue to discuss your questions and delve into the truth behind rugby. So let’s take out those mouth guards, take on plenty of water and make use of that T. Welcome to Halftime!
May 13, 202042:32
Episode 6: West Country Wasps Takeover Special Part 2
Welcome back to part 2. Today we speak to not 1, not 2 but 3 members of the team who have had their own difficulties with being gay and playing rugby. But thanks to the Wasps, their lives have been positively transformed, one of which would have had a very different life.
May 09, 202001:09:59
Episode 5: West Country Wasps Takeover Special Part 1.
This week’s episode is a special edition dedicated to the incredible achievements of the West Country Wasps. Founded by a dear friend of mine and a former Manchester Village Spartan, Andy Smith. However he is not actually gay, he is in fact straight! He will also be joined by Charlie Thorning-Curtis, a passionate female member of the Wasps and we will be discussing the importance of straight allies in the LGBTQ+ community and in sport. In Part 2 we will talk to some of the LGBTQ+ players that they have helped in life changing ways!
May 08, 202001:11:11
Halftime 2
Today we are back with Matthew, James and Justin as we continue to discuss your questions and delve into the truth behind rugby. So let’s take out those mouth guards, take on plenty of water and make use of that T. Welcome to Halftime!
May 06, 202019:32
Episode 4: NHS Special
Welcome to another episode of Ruck My Life. Today we give thanks to all those who work in the NHS and care homes. We discuss the importance of staying safe at home and think about what things we can do to stay active and happy at home. This week we speak to a close friend of mine - Matt, who is a critical care nurse and ECMO specialist at a Manchester hospital but is also a member of the Manchester Village Spartans. This episode is dedicated to the wonderful work the NHS are doing please donate what you can to the nhs charities. The link is attached. www.justgiving.com/campaign/nhscharities-covid19urgentappeal www.nhscharitiestogether.co.uk
Apr 30, 202047:23
Halftime!
Welcome to Ruck My Life Halftime show where I go behind the scenes of rugby and chat to my nearest and dearest rugby friends and ask them those vital questions that you have been dying to ask since the start of the season!
Apr 29, 202012:59
Episode 3: My Reflection
Welcome back to another episode of Ruck My Life. Today we talk about self esteem and the way we see our selves. We discuss the impact of social media and how we are constantly bombarded with images of physically fit and attractive people and the pressures it can but on our mental health as gay men. This week we are joined by Terry from the Lancashire Typhoons.
Apr 24, 202001:02:48
Episode 2: confidence
I’m Christian John and this is Ruck My Life Podcast. The show that brings you stories from LGBTQ+ athletes from around the world and give them the chance to speak about their experiences of being gay in sport! This week I discuss the issue of confidence, and how being part of an IGR team has helped me overcome challenges of self belief. In this weeks interview we speak to Michael from the Sheffield Vulcans IGR team and ask him about his perception of sport and how being part of a gay team helped him connect with other like minded people and boost his self confidence.
Apr 17, 202054:10
Episode 1
We discuss my experience of coming to terms with being gay in sport and compare it to the life of a close friend Martin from the Birmingham Bulls.
Apr 12, 202047:56