Next Chapter Mates

By Bretto and Slacky If there’s one thing elite athletes do better than everyday blokes, it’s this: They stay in their lane - ruthlessly. Not because they’re stubborn. Not because they’re selfish. Not because they don’t care about what others think. But because performance requires focus. And focus requires boundaries. Most men don’t realise this until their life falls apart. Especially in separation. Especially in co-parenting. Especially when emotions are high and everyone

By Bretto & Slacky When people look at Olympians, they see the highlight reel. The podiums. The uniforms. The focused stare before a big match. The moment you walk out into a stadium and feel the whole world watching. What they don’t see is the real story: The choices. The sacrifices. The stuff you give up - every single day - to stay in the game. And the older I get, the more I realise something: Parenting requires the same discipline as elite sport. Step-parenting requires

By Bretto and Slacky Why Nervous System Training Works (and Why Most Men Avoid It) As an athlete, my nervous system was everything. Speed, Decision-making, Composure, Emotional control, Recovery, and under pressure — finals, Olympic qualifiers, big stadiums — the athletes who could regulate their nervous system were the ones who delivered. Everyday blokes need this even more. Because your “pressure moments” happens daily: • dealing with separation • managing co-parenting  • h

By Bretto and Slacky Today at work, we had a presentation on recovery. One line hit me like a spike across the net: “Recovery is just as important for everyday adults as it is for professional athletes.” That hit home immediately. As a three-time Olympian and Australian Beach Volleyball Coach, I’ve lived that truth. At the elite level, recovery isn’t optional — it’s the difference between performing at your peak or breaking down, mentally or physically. You quickly learn that

A subscriber story When life takes a turn—like separation or divorce—it’s tempting to look for quick fixes to numb the pain. For many men, that can mean turning to alcohol, drugs, gambling, or even work as a way of coping. The truth is, these habits often provide temporary relief but long-term damage. The good news? There are healthier ways forward. Why Men Are Vulnerable After Separation Separation, whether it be from a romantic partner or a significant relationship, often l

By Pratty 1. The Moment I Realised My Circle Had Shrunk There was a weekend not too long ago when I looked at my phone and realised I hadn’t had a proper chat with a mate in months. Not a quick text, not a meme in a group chat or a quick spray at a mates disc golf score — an actual chat. When I was younger, my weekends were full — basketball on Saturday, basketball on Sunday, a few beers before or after either. There was always a crew around. But over time, those catch-ups tu

By Pratty 1. Pick Up the Phone — Literally It sounds obvious, but I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve thought, “I should call him…”  and then let weeks slip by. The easiest way to reconnect is just to reach out. A simple: “Hey mate, been a while. Want to grab a beer?” “Saw this local club game is on this weekend and thought of you — you in?” No pressure, no long messages. Just a nudge. You’d be surprised how many mates are waiting for someone else  to make the first move —

By Pratty 1. Lacing Up Again After Years on the Sidelines It had been a long time since I’d laced the Jordans up. The last proper game of basketball I played was before my 17 year old was born — back when recovery was a cold beer and a pub meal, not a week of sore knees and early nights. For years, I told myself I’d get back into it when things settled down . But the truth is, life never really does. There’s always work, kids, money, something. One day, a mate texted: “We’re

By Pratty 1. When Life Feels Like a Three-Ball Juggle Some days it feels like I’m juggling three balls — family, work, and money — and someone keeps tossing in a fourth labelled “mateship.” When I was younger, balance just sort of happened. I’d work enough to pay rent, play basketball on weekends, and hang out and party with mates without thinking twice about it. These days, between kids’ activities, work deadlines, and mortgage payments, that carefree balance feels like a li

By Pratty 1. The Moment I Realised a Mate Was Struggling I’ll never forget the time I noticed one of my footy mates had gone quiet. He wasn’t responding to group texts, stopped showing up to training and games, and just generally seemed… off. I wanted to reach out, but I stalled. I didn’t want to seem like I was prying. I didn’t want to make it weird. So, I said nothing. Weeks went by, and eventually, I finally sent a simple text: “Hey mate, haven’t seen you around. You good?

By Pratty 1. When Life Got Busy and the Mates Drifted Somewhere along the way, between juggling work, family, and just trying to keep my head above water, I realised my circle of mates had shrunk to almost nothing. When I was younger, weekends were all about the boys — basketball on Saturdays, beers after the game, talking rubbish, and giving each other stick. Even into my mid-20s, basketball was my thing, and there was always someone up for a run, a barbecue, or a shootaroun

By Bretto Separation hits hard. Whether you saw it coming or it blindsided you, your world shifts fast. One minute life is on routine autopilot-work, family, sleep, repeat-and the next, everything feels uncertain (and harder) Here’s the truth most blokes never hear: separation isn’t just a legal event - it’s an emotional event. What you do in the first 30 days determines how well you recover, how strong your mental health stays, and how solid your relationship with your kids

Welcome to our blog! We’re excited to invite you into a welcoming space filled with real-life stories, shared experiences, and unwavering support. Our mission is straightforward: to provide a platform for men seeking direction, inspiration, and community while navigating their unique journeys. Whether you are facing relationship challenges, pursuing a sense of purpose, or simply seeking fresh perspectives, you are in the right place. Our stories aren’t mere tales; they reflec