Ben Cousins Talks 2006 Premiership, Life After Addiction & Obsessive Training Methods | BM #61

Well this is one for the ages. The first & only podcast with the Prince of Perth Ben Cousins.
Were stoked for this to finally be out and into your ears. New episode coming next week!
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Host -
Tom Mitchell: / tommitchell. .
Producer -
Bailey McCabe: / milliondoll. .
Studio -
Pivotal Conversations: / pivotalconv. .

[@jackwitcombe765]

Say what you want about Ben, he was one of the best to ever do it. When I was a kid the phenomenon surrounding him here in WA was insane. Lost count how many times he’d drag us over the line in tight games.

[@Thoarsy]

He was my favourite footballer as a kid and I totally believe what you believe. One of the best to ever do it.

[@BDub2024]

He is easily in the top 4 of all time. He is an absolutely star. In the best few on the ground every match. When the Eagles were losing he was constantly their best player. He'd never have a bad game. He was a superstar.

[@snakesonn]

I will say what I want, don't you worry about that for a second sweetheart kiss kiss hug hug

[@bradford_shaun_murray]

Tv eyes d8dvvt like him in that era not to blame either it substances narcissism era and stress status to be the dest of the best

[@bradford_shaun_murray]

Everyone was angry it for strange got strange very precious yet also and he got thru and smiles as winter winner Brownlowedal and all the fame toocraaaazy

[@BooHoo-mk6jq]

Thoroughly enjoyed this podcast I am so happy for Ben to see how far he's come in his life & turned himself around. He's a very genuine & humble guy who's put in the hard work & is happy with his life rn & why shouldn't he be. Awesome interview 👏🏽 I use to watch Benny at Queens Park local footy club & could see how much he loved getting back in the footy environment etc.

[@Kevin-oh2je]

Get down there and help the current group Cuzzie, Hall of famer as soon as AFL wakes up ☘️

[@bradford_shaun_murray]

Neeef need old school freedom in the game mort risk freedom to improvise and be different on the field a different approach for the rookies maynebe

[@Kevin-oh2je]

@bradford??? 👏😂☘️Get a fuckin' 'aircut

[@felicityishome8460]

So happy for Ben’s family that they have him back.

[@Kevin-v4k]

There's a million blokes out there that have given up meth, but don't get the handout this clown does

[@bradford_shaun_murray]

He was0utin the wildersenn for awhile somehow retwe4ned !

[@joshprice4678]

So dam good to see the greatest footballer smile like that again. You just know he’s in a good place. Everyone has their own battles and even though we were stripped of watching him play his career out, we should all be happy that we still have him around.

[@bradford_shaun_murray]

Like iron iron in character even?

[@bradford_shaun_murray]

He hadguts to push back against the aflsnobs snobs and establishment elitists who thoug they could cage jimhé went his own way o guess

[@maxitaxiish]

What a terrific interview. Tommy that would not have been as easy as it looked. Questions were terrific and words selected carefully. A really enjoyable listen. Thanks for sharing. So great to see Ben healthy again. I’m sure this video will inspire others to seek help too

[@glynjones8354]

Absolutely spot on

[@raykarena4595]

I'm not an AFL person but even I could appreciate Ben's talent and skill, even with his addictions

[@gritappliedpositivepsychol3526]

A really positive, charismatic and reflective bloke is this version of Cousins. Good on him for surviving and then thriving because of and inspite of the challenges of this madness called life.

[@aleciabent]

I truly admire you for the way you’ve turned your life around Ben, there is one word that you continually say in a sentence that’s um. It’s not answer it’s a way to tell it. Don’t hesitate be honest as you’re being. You should be extremely proud of all your achievements. Your only human and not one of us can say they haven’t. Such is Life

[@Gnarloo]

Prince of Perth

[@bradford_shaun_murray]

Not easywhrn doyvg difficult to train spewing eithet

[@bradford_shaun_murray]

It was a religion and freezing

[@badcommentbot8349]

​@@bradford_shaun_murray had a few frothies mate ? 😂

[@scabootie]

Poonce of Perth

[@craigaston]

Bring on the Hall of Fame. Won't be a dry eye in Australia

[@badcommentbot8349]

​@user-pl1ys2wr2b haters gonna hate mate 😂😂😂

[@aaronbrowne6370]

​@user-pl1ys2wr2b put Ur real name keyboard worrier... 🤬

[@Rolex16th]

Definitely The guys in charge need to get off their high horses and get it done. If Mike Tyson can be inducted into the boxing hall of fame after that entire circus then Cousins should have the same for AFL.

[@the2ofustv329]

Ben is a guru. What a legend.

[@aaronbrowne6370]

Great to see the people that profit from him eagles media and so on have now backed him with positive out come. Channel 7 well done 👍

[@73liss]

Hey Tom, awesome interview with Ben. He was such a talented & prolific player, one of the best in his time as an AFL player. Even though he struggled with addiction, it's so great that he'a come out of it & is in a good space now. One of my favourite players in that era of footy.

[@craighighmore4302]

Cracking interview. Really great to see Ben looking……happy & forfilled. Keep it up Ben! Excellent stuff Tommy

[@JPI9807]

Great interview and so good to see Cuz in such a good headspace. A cautionary tale for the entire industry and looking back it’s easy to see how it happened in that era.

[@paulie2476]

I'm probably more impressed with Ben's comeback post footy rather than anything he achieved on the field.

[@mattjc1021]

Saying a lot really, given how good he was playing the game.

[@paulie2476]

@@mattjc1021 When looking how far he fell and then was able to get back on his feet, despite the odds associated with that type of addiction, I was hugely impressed.

[@almostthere2024]

A dynamic, generational footballer. That can never be taken away. Great to see him and may he experience the happiness we all seek. Tom - great interview. You're a good man and doing great at this caper

[@Bbirks]

Loved hearing the part about finding a footy club to go down and join and play and meet new people and different people. Hearing that makes me eager to find a club myself to play and be around new and different people. Haven’t been around footy like that since I was a kid

[@andrewog5753]

I loved that part as well hey. Mate if you happened to be in Perth, I (reluctantly) found myself at the Ozzie Park Saints after being asked to play some more footy and thoroughly enjoyed it. Awesome bunch of blokes!

[@Bbirks]

@@andrewog5753 hey mate. Yeah cheers. Am in Perth, went down to Northern Warriors last night, bit closer to where I live. Was great 😊💪🏻

[@nevvanclarke9225]

I admire this guy a lot because I work in the addiction space and have for quite some time with young people and having helped a lot of people recover from what he's recovered from. I admire anyone and it doesn't matter whether you are next footballer or a homeless kid beating addiction is so difficult and people don't really have an idea how difficult it is unless you've either been through it or you work in that space so I just applaud his recovery and I would love to see him keep going! Great job,

[@jeremydavis4372]

Kudos to ben for being so open & over and above footy no doubt a source of inspiration for those facing substance challenges. To me it is generally inspiring to see someone re-invent themselves & evolve in a positive way. Great job all involved!❤

[@wildthingsoceanicimages145]

Great interview. Ben. What a beautiful, humble human. Great energy and so happy to see this legend shining. Thanks Tom for a great insight.

[@joelmehomiee]

Freak of a footballer. Immortalised.

[@bradford_shaun_murray]

He showd tye victren snobs how a different way can work in the game instead of like a closed off cult since VFL days crazy a new generation he was living the candal atbothend frayed yet won. Jus crazy and

[@bradford_shaun_murray]

Fingers slipping onpvi r but you know what Iean iran imean imean I mean shit I need sleep anyway he showed them in Victoria weird0place thereof but there cool sometimes

[@joelmehomiee]

@@bradford_shaun_murray What man?

[@bradford_shaun_murray]

@@joelmehomiee nen cousins?

[@chopparead454]

@@bradford_shaun_murrayget off the drugs mate

[@dansmart_76]

Absolutely brilliant, great episode Tom, what a guest!!! Truly inspiring

[@lukebrown6737]

Fantastic interview, well led Tom and Ben was very articulate and well spoken, what an absolute amazing player he was.

[@jasoncrawford5350]

It’s great to see him doing so well and looking healthy and getting reconnected with the game, a true great or the game and deserves to be viewed as a great of the game. I’m a Hawthorn supporter but as a kid I would always love watching him play, I’d watch West Coast games just to watch Ben Cousins play.

[@jonathandavies1236]

What a legend

[@StephenWilliams-q1p]

Watched his such is life documentary then an hour interview 10 years later and the difference was huge, he'd aged a lot and was so clear the effects Meth had on him, great to see him looking healthy and doing well, keep it up fella, Aussie rules fan from the UK 👍🏻

[@JRITCHHH]

Such a great interview with an absolute legend of the game!! I have no doubt this chat and his experiences will help so many with their own struggles! So good to see him happy and around good people. The footy world missed ya Cuzzy

[@BooHoo-mk6jq]

@@JRITCHHH I agree 😊

[@Benjamin-howdytiger]

Best episode yet ! This will blow up

[@elliotmcbride3364]

So awesome to see him healthy and happy.

[@katejean7899]

He looks Fabulous ❤

[@Landofsmiles999]

That 7/11 coffee will do me. Just when I thought Ben couldn't raise the bar anymore. Humility and no frills common sense. Legend

[@kimharris2599]

Each and every one of us has highs and lows in life. Yes, people make judgements. And if the expectations aren't met some people walk away. For those who provide empathy, understanding, and belief you are inspiring. Ben was fortunate to have been supported by people that stood by him. True champions defy the odds why? Because they have the ability to dig deep when they have to. Ben , keep going harnessing ya strengths and knowing ya weaknesses. You bloody legend.👍

[@stephenmark1656]

So stoked for ben and his family hes out the other side killing it its so good to see

[@jamesbooster]

Talking about these players not taking short cuts and he was doing what he did makes him a even more remarkable player.

[@Knee-ko]

Great interview Titch. In the tough times Ben made life hell for those around him and no doubt he's still mending fences. His life and struggles made for unfortunate fodder for pathetic elements of the Perth media. Great to see Ben looking great and doing well in recent years. Long may it continue. (P.S. Go Pies !!!)

[@tastyj111]

Legendary pod

[@taylor_gray]

Loved watching this! Thanks for upload and good luck to Ben 🙏🏼

[@Surfpaints]

Incredible Interview. Cousins is such a good communicator and also shreds at surfing! Would love to see a part two doco or see Cousins coaching one day

[@bostonredsocks]

Thanks ben.. great interview, when U said you know U not working and it's not holidays it's just nothing so true stuck there as I am.... getting back in to the community I will

[@OfficiallyGuChi]

Damm he looks good! So happy for him. The real come back measures the man.

[@mcgruffmo]

What a legend. Coming back from addiction is super hero status. Hope you're thriving, BC!

[@trhoades2063]

Happy for ben! Its amazing to see him bring himself back

[@bjamesp3147]

Awesome work! Awesome to see Benny boy happy 🫶

[@jarydstewart1885]

Great episode very insightful, top interviewing as well Tom 👍

[@a1andy882]

So good to see Cuz looking and sounding so well 🙏🏻

[@BDub2024]

Cousins was an absolutely star. He'd be one of the best players for the Eagles virtually every week and that included times in the early 2000s where they were near the bottom. He was mercurial, would rack up possessions, was a match winner and was unbelievably consistent. Any talk of the best Eagle ever has to include McGovern Cousins Cox and Judd. Below them you have Jakovich Matera Kennedy and Kemp. But the top 4 is virtually impossible to split.

[@bradford_shaun_murray]

He was always 8m tv for the wrong reasons up here biased maybe NSW never understood VFL pr afll

[@4ndrom3da33]

So good to see Ben looking healthy. Good shit cuz

[@Rt72366]

This is a good man. Now hope he’s left alone to just be. X

[@donaldblackwood9584]

Ben Cousin is a G.O.A.T ❤❤❤ God Love's you Benny Cuz Bro.

[@dodgy-broindustries9024]

This was a brilliant interview.

[@chrisoo8998]

So happy to see him all good god bless him

[@Buzz_buzzoce]

this man played with ultimate white line fever, will always be one of my heroes.

[@fionamiffling8604]

Well Done Ben, super proud!!!

[@KobeJane]

A compelling point has been raised regarding the insufficient mental health awareness and support in elite-level sports, particularly in those that are uniquely Australian and relatively new compared to other established sports globally. It is essential to acknowledge the distinct pressures and challenges faced by athletes in these sports. Enhancing mental health resources and support systems is crucial to ensuring their well-being and long-term success both on and off the field. I look forward to seeing the AFL collaborate with Ben Cousins in any capacity to provide longevity support, mentorship and pathways for other afl athletes in the future.

[@KobeJane]

😊

[@bobdown5520]

Using mental health as an excuse to being a drug addict

[@ryanphillips1644]

Absolute champion of the game! GOAT. love you cuzzy!!!!

[@jakerobertson9529]

Aslong as tom doesnt talk about himself the whole time ill watch

[@katejean7899]

What a legend! Boom!!! 👏👏👏

[@seanchristie7150]

Still an absolute gun player who was able to perform at an elite level while addicted to a drug that was not performance enhancing. So glad that he has been able to turn his life around. Not to make excuses but it does show what happens when young vulnerable guys get thrown a bucket load of money with little to no guidance or oversight/accountability. As a reformed high functioning alcoholic sometimes there is no warning sign it both creeps up on you and it can just be a single action that changes things

[@TubzTyler]

Love Cousins! My favourite footballer

[@ryantout9858]

Got to meet Ben a couple of times but the last time I met him was in 2023 spoke to him about the work I do with guys that have been to jail and also AOD habits would love to get an opportunity to sit down

[@ryantout9858]

He was so awesome, and I’m so proud of him

[@aussiehillbilly1933]

Inspirational ❤

[@chirmchirm]

Fave non Collingwood player growing up. Absolute superstar, still the West Coast Eagles best player if you base it on success, longevity and accolades.

[@anonymous-vb2hj]

Well done Ben!!! Good work

[@harrythorn2666]

Absolute king

[@andrewog5753]

Boom can't wait to listen to this one

[@roa951]

Such a clean dominate footballer that would outrun most! Star of a player and bloke! (Not that I’ve met him but ya know)

[@lethal0000]

He is, he treats everyone with the same amount of respect no matter who you are, legend.

[@edwardomack2938]

Thanks Ben your an inspiration

[@nicholascollins3012]

It is good to see Ben has turned it around because it could have gone very wrong

[@granthayes1872]

Winning Ben 👌👌👏

[@aubione4706]

Ben you have found yourself.

[@timwhite8685]

Legend, watching the eagles of kerr, judd and cousins was something else. No midfield will ever be better than those 3

[@projectmayhem2330]

I’m an NRL fan, only watch the AFL Grand Final every year for the last 30 years, being in NSW Swannies are my default team. I’ll never forget the 05/06 Grand Finals. Not knowing the game intricately, Cousins/Judd always stood out. Cousins especially for it wasn’t just his skillset, but his aura. His energy transcended the game. I’ve followed his off field antics closely, I was in my early 20’s and on that same off field path, so great to see his recovery

[@bradford_shaun_murray]

AFL will snohb NRL yetcunsins wa a legend even if snobbed us let them we know who we arw

[@bradford_shaun_murray]

Different cultuures different stayestayes states states

[@bradford_shaun_murray]

Hesaw a legends

[@craigmay-u9g]

Hey Ben been with the Eagles since there first kick at the grand final against Geelong where we got our ass kicked first half and came storming home in the last where Brett heady came out with dinner plate eyes after ablete cleaned him up .. good to see you came out the other side as I did myself over the journey .😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅

[@Blacktriton19]

Best rig in the afl ever

[@lippa1973]

Legend.

[@sgcl2276]

Just remember Cuzzy 5 years is still considered early recovery

[@garybuchanan4214]

Love Ya cuzzies!!!!

[@DTwys]

Amazing pod 🔥

[@karlwassenberg7352]

Great Interview

[@desiredrapfilms]

“We ain’t bending it like Beckham yo we bending it like Ben Cousins”

[@skeletor7708]

Such is life.

[@Adam-qm6fx]

Yeah Benny!

[@gazmad]

Greatest 👍

[@jordanlanza02]

The goat 🐐

[@Yesles21]

30:00 What is 'streamer' haha. old person lingo!

[@iSkyeman]

That title cutoff is wild

[@nodrama490]

good on ya Ben

[@electrichorror6642]

The dark prince of Perth! While everyone hated on him on his down fall, mate i was lolin he was an absolute savage

[@r.mhaych5021]

Fuck it’s good to see Benny cousins looking good & healthy!

[@ozzyjim]

Between a lot of ummm and arhhhs Cuz does share enough to see that he’s got a great base underneath him to sustain his road to recovery. His journey is not complete and I hope he continues to rise above

[@Jin-hr9pg]

great ep love ben

[@nickymango8651]

Amazing

[@lukemate2783]

Always will be the best player I ever watched play

[@flippineck6121]

Hopefully the AFL honours him with instant Legend status now that he has cleaned up his life.

[@lsong8461]

Imagine having your whole career tarnished from doing what most kids from the age of 16-28 do every weekend these days. Poor bloke has been made a fucking public mess. I feel so sorry for this absolute legend of the game. Would definitely have a nose beer or 10 with him.

[@markuswilmes3694]

Magnificent footballer hardest runner I’ve seen equal to rob Harvey

[@football24091]

I say dexamphetamine helps ben alot he even said if he wasn't on the dexxies he would be back on the gear

[@Ruke--]

King

[@TheIrishAustralianCarnt]

Never had any involvement with AFL until me mate flung us the dead set legend Ben Cuzzo's biography. Still don't care because no one is smoking ice and kicking goals. Mount Druitt loves Benny.

[@Damo-ko2bi]

I heard Brent was living in Tasmania..! Apparently that’s the only place they still love their cousins!!!! 😂