Talking with Champions

Inspirational Insights From Elite Champions

In Talking with Champions, author Tristan K'Nell shares his interviews with the finest athletes across Australia and New Zealand as well as several international champions.

From professional NRL stars, Aussie cricket legends to V8 supercar drivers, 'TK' takes the essence of each interview and distills the elements that makes each person a champion. With some of the biggest names in sport, this collection of interviews, quotes and tips is bound to provide inspiration for anyone who wants to know what it takes to be successful in their chosen field.

Tristan collects insights from many sporting legends, including; NRL star Jonathan Thurston, Australian basketballer Shane Heal, the first Australian to beat Anthony Mundine in boxing – Garth Wood along with former Wallabies and Brumbies rugby union player Clyde Rathbone and many more.

Tristan K'Nell is the host and producer of the popular 'Talking with TK' and the Vision Board Podcast. He has appeared in print, radio and TV media including The Sydney Morning Herald, Sky New Business, The Australian, The Wall Street Journal, The AFR, Bloomberg, Channel News Asia & 2CH radio.

Talking with Champions
New Holland Publishers
Author: Tristan K'Nell
RRP: $29.99

Interview with Tristan K'Nell

Question: What inspired you to write Talking with Champions?

Tristan K'Nell: Because podcasting is still such a new medium for people to consume content, I felt that I needed to push all the amazing stories of my guests to a more traditional space. The style of the podcast is essentially the guest telling their story or a chapter of their life which aims to inspire my audience, so I thought it would be perfect in written form.

I also felt because I have been blessed to have interviewed so many amazing people that to put together all their stories in one book I can further pay tribute to their achievements.


Question: How did you decide which champions to feature in Talking with Champions?

Tristan K'Nell: It's funny that since the book has been written that I've had so many amazing guests that I would love to have included but the deadline was so far in advance.

But does give scope for a second book because there are so many great stories still to feature.

In terms of deciding the champions this was a very hard proposition because every single person I would of loved to have had featured in the book. There wasn't a strict criteria but the thoughts were around:

1. My personal connection to the guest
2. The stage of their life and career, there are many guests who are just getting started so their story is only going to get bigger and better.
3. I have a very keen interest in rugby league players who will the majority of the book but I also wanted to include legends from other sports to create a balance.


Question: What was the main message these champions had to aspiring athletes?

Tristan K'Nell: I think the essential message is that talent can only take you so far. The hard work you put in when no one is watching, the extra's away from the team. But the book has so many great insights into leadership, culture and handling adversity which I feel is crucial to relate the guest to the audience and show a vulnerable side of the guest but present how they got out of their situations and continued to push forward to achieving their goals.


Interview by Brooke Hunter

Talking with Champions 
New Holland Publishers 
Author: Tristan K'Nell 
RRP: $29.99