Life of Brian | #34 Mark 'Occy' Occhilupo - Australian Surfing Legend.

Life of Brian

This week Brian and Harrison kick things off with some footy chat, where they talk through Brian's thoughts on fans touching players and question if anything has changed with the AFL media's access to players since the new rules came in. Brian then dissects the state and federal budgets as well as the Tom Brady Roast on Netflix.

Later, the boys are joined by Australian Surfing Legend, Mark 'Occy' Occhilupo.

Occy, aka 'The Raging Bull' was the World Surfing Champion in 1999 and spent the majority of his professional career in the top 5 of the World Surfing (ASP) rankings. A a goofy-footer, he is known for his powerful and aggressive style. Over many years he developed a deadly forehand rail game and an equally lethal backhand attack, notably, his backhand surfing has been touted by some of the industries most respected identities as the best they have ever seen. Along with his incredible talent, it is his character out of the water that has made Occy such an iconic personally, he's fun, his attitude is infectious and he's just an all-round ripping fella. Occy's life hasn't been all rainbows and sunshine though, he's battled with depression and substance abuse since his early 20s, an illness which subsequently forced him to step away from professional surfing, a decision that at first sent him on a further spiral downward. Eventually, but not without failed attempts, he, along with the help of close friends and supporters, hauled himself bout of the darkness and into a better frame of mind, ultimately, leading to a World Surfing title at the age of 33.

His story is undoubtably one of the greatest comeback stories in Australian sporting history. We thank Mark for sharing his story.

This episode is brought to you by:

Hard Cuddles:

Website - hardcuddles.com

Instagram - @hard.cuddles

Hosts: Brian & Harrison Taylor

Guest: Mark Occhilupo

Producer: Harrison Taylor

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