Koby Stevens, a retired Australian Football League (AFL) player together with Villa Licci, the creators of residential communities for survivors of traumatic brain injury (TBI), have officially launched The Remade Podcast.

On the very first episode the star of Netflix’s Untamed mini-series Eric Bana sits down with Koby Stevens to have a touching conversation that explores a range of topics, revealing moments of vulnerability and strength in their lives.

The Remade Podcast is one of many initiatives supported by the nonprofit Villa Licci, aimed at raising awareness and challenging perceptions about brain injury, recovery, and post-career identity.

The Australian actor, Eric Bana, is our guest and the great main character in this episode who teaches us his simplicity and commitment to his profession through engaging anecdotes. He also opens up about his passion for AFL and other activities that are an integral part of who he is.

This episode begins with a warm welcome and heartfelt gratitude from Koby, who was forced to retire from the Australian Football League (AFL) after a series of concussions led to a traumatic brain injury (TBI).

If you’re curious about the origin of The Remade Podcast, Koby shares how, following his retirement, he embarked on a five-year journey around the world in search of healing. Along the way, he connected with inspiring individuals whose stories ignited new flames of resilience and courage within him, ultimately motivating him to share their experiences through this podcast. This mission is made possible thanks to Villa Licci, the first-ever community designed specifically for adults living with TBI.

Koby Stevens and Eric Bana Reflect on Passion, Sacrifice, and Performance

Eric is one of the inspiring people Kobe met during his journey at a café, where he shared his respect for ALF players and emotional connection with the League and expressed to Kobe his willingness to support him in anything he might need.

Eric Bana holds deep respect for AFL players, rooted in a genuine love for the game and a heartfelt passion for the club. His empathy stems from drawing parallels between their journey and his own career as an actor. He acknowledges that preparing for roles often involves physical demands and intense effort to perform competently; much like the rigorous preparation athletes undergo. He also recognizes that those athletes’ careers are relatively short-lived, with a limited window during which the body is in its prime.

Bana is particularly thoughtful and sensitive when it comes to young players entering the league around the age of 18. He commented that it kind of breaks his heart to see how they are full of so many promises, yet unaware of what their careers hold, what lie ahead, what challenges or triumphs await, and where the career is going to deliver them.

The actor is conscious of the fact that it is a finite period. Therefore, he respects the level of dedication and sacrifice it takes to reach the fitness required to play one’s first game of AFL, and that is no small feat. Caring deeply for all the players, he affirms from his perspective that AFL is the greatest contact sport spectacle in the world. In understanding what it takes physically and mentally, he finds himself more conscious of both the game and the players.

This part of the conversation reminds us of the universal nature of performance and sacrifice, whether on the field or on the stage. Both athletes and actors must surrender themselves to a craft that demands everything from them, knowing the window of opportunity is fleeting. The shared lesson here is that purpose and dedication give meaning to the grind, but they also require acceptance of the limitations time places on every career.

The Knock He Fears Most: Saying No to Roles Without Purpose.

Likewise, Kobe shared his admiration for acting and asked the Netflix Untamed actor what it takes to get there.

Bana noted that while being able to do it is one thing, he doesn’t believe ability alone is enough. The actor affirmed,

“Because the most important thing, almost to me, more important than being able to do it well is believing that you can do it.”

He explained that unless he fully believes and commits to the role, the audience will see right through him. After all, it takes a certain arrogance to think you can truly become someone else.

He doesn’t see it the way others might. For him, it feels natural. When he looks at someone, there’s an instinctive pull, “I could embody that person”, he thinks. I could get into their mind. That’s where the work begins, from the inside out. He always wants to feel as though he could answer any question as that character, to speak for them with conviction. Once that connection is made, everything else flows more easily.

There’s a thrill in it, and he genuinely loves the process. But it’s rooted in belief. Every role he’s turned down wasn’t about the size of the project, the cast, or the prestige, it was about the feeling. If it doesn’t resonate deeply, he walks away. That’s the compass. Not the budget, not the buzz. It’s the question: Can he become that person? Does he want to? Is there a challenge worth chasing?

His biggest fear isn’t that the audience will see through the performance. The thought of sitting in his trailer, waiting for that knock on the door, knowing he’s about to step into something he doesn’t truly want to do, that’s what terrifies him most. So, when he says no to a project, it’s not about the scale or the people involved. It’s because he doesn’t want to hear that knock.

For listeners, this reflection offers a powerful takeaway: the importance of saying “no” when something doesn’t align with your values or passion. Both Bana and Stevens model the courage to walk away from what doesn’t feel authentic, whether that means stepping away from a sport you love for the sake of health, or turning down glamorous roles because they lack purpose. It’s a reminder that resilience is not only about pushing forward but also about knowing when to pause, recalibrate, and protect your sense of self.

Immersed in roles, grounded in everyday life.

Acting, to him, is not just a commitment, it’s a true honor. He compares his filming periods to monastic life, moments when he completely unplugs from the outside world. He becomes so immersed in the character he’s portraying that he avoids conversations with anyone outside his immediate family, preferring to communicate through texts or emails instead. He genuinely enjoys the process of embodying characters from different nationalities or with distinct accents, finding creative fulfillment in the challenge. His work deepens his appreciation for everyday life, adding a kind of sweetness to simple pleasures such as hanging out, riding his motorbike, going to the football, walking the dog, or cycling through familiar streets.

In this way, the episode highlights a paradox: the more intensely we dedicate ourselves to our work or passion, the more precious and grounding ordinary life becomes. Bana and Stevens show that success doesn’t mean constant spotlight; it also means knowing how to return to stillness, routine, and presence.

Eric Bana and Koby Stevens Open Up on Mental Health, Resilience, and Life Beyond the Spotlight

Speaking about the mental impact of embodying a role, he shared that it takes time to snap out of character; because, in a way, he’s giving half of his brain to another person. To support this transition, he and his wife have a healthy agreement: when he returns home from filming, he gets three days to recalibrate. It’s not about being selfish, but about allowing his mind to catch up and reorient itself. Sometimes, he admits, traces of a character linger long after the cameras stop rolling, even roles he played twenty years ago still echo in his psyche.

Kobe shared that one of the most challenging aspects of his brain injury recovery was the sudden shift from being a tough AFL footballer to facing a new condition overnight. He found himself constantly trying to escape his reality, which became mentally exhausting. On top of that, the forced retirement brought intense media attention, a common experience for players, and it made the process even harder. When reflecting on his mental health toolbox, he emphasized how these overlapping pressures tested his resilience during that difficult period.

The frustration at that moment of not being the same person as six months before the brain injury, which he had worked so hard to become, over a 15-year period, made him struggle. After having TBI, he tried to be that footballer and do the activities he used to do, but his body didn’t respond in the same way. In that moment, he understood that he was not that version of himself, at least not by that moment, so he had to go easy on himself.

Meanwhile, for Bana, his mental health toolbox lies in not taking things for granted and finding joy in life’s simple pleasures, such as loving the mornings, easing into the day, having breakfast, spending time with his dogs, and playing sports. He especially enjoys riding his bike, which he describes as a meditative activity. Bana is also profoundly aware that young people face serious challenges when it comes to mental health.

Together, their conversation is not just about careers or passions, but about identity, healing, and perspective. Listeners can learn that resilience often comes not from denial or constant striving, but from acceptance, self-compassion, and creating small rituals that restore balance. Both men underscore the message that life after change, whether sudden or gradual, can still be rich and meaningful when approached with honesty and humility.

Staying True to Creative Pursuits

One of the most inspiring parts of the conversation comes when Eric Bana reflects on what truly makes him happy. Despite a career filled with prestige and opportunity, he explains that he doesn’t need grandeur in his private life to feel fulfilled. His joy comes from simple, grounding activities like working in the garden, listening to the birds, and embracing the quiet moments of everyday living.

Bana shared that he has never been drawn to chasing artificial highs or fleeting thrills, he has never done drugs and never sought experiences outside of his reach just to feel more alive. Instead, his philosophy is rooted in authenticity: taking his work seriously, pursuing creative challenges wholeheartedly, yet balancing that intensity with simplicity and presence when the cameras stop rolling.

The lesson here is clear: ambition and contentment are not opposite. You can strive for greatness while also living humbly and appreciating the little things. Bana’s perspective shows that success isn’t measured only on accolades or scale but also in the ability to stay grounded, grateful, and true to what really matters.

A Conversation Too Powerful to Miss

What makes this first episode truly remarkable is not just the exchange of stories but the depth of honesty between Koby Stevens and Eric Bana. Their conversation transcends sport and film, becoming a meditation on resilience, purpose, and identity. Listeners are invited to reflect on the parallels between seemingly different worlds, the arena of elite sport and the stage of professional acting; and discover that both demand the same ingredients: courage, discipline, vulnerability, and an unrelenting belief in oneself.

There are also profound lessons about transition and change. Bana’s reflections on walking away from roles that don’t feel right echo Stevens’ experience of being forced to step away from the AFL, showing us, that identity isn’t defined only by what we achieve but by how we navigate the spaces in between. Both remind us that saying no; whether to a misaligned role or to the temptation of clinging to an old version of ourselves, can be just as powerful as saying yes.

The episode also touches on the importance of everyday joy. Bana highlights simple rituals such as riding his bike or enjoying quiet mornings as anchors for his mental health, while Stevens shares his journey of finding new meaning after injury. Together, they highlight a universal truth: fulfillment is not found in the spotlight alone but also in the ordinary rhythms of life, which can become a source of healing and strength.

Eric Bana shared many engaging and insightful stories about his career, from his early beginnings and first roles to his personal life, film experiences, and time living in Hollywood. You can enjoy the full conversation on The Remade Podcast, hosted by Koby Stevens and supported by Villa Licci, a nonprofit pioneering the first-ever community where people living with Traumatic Brain Injuries can live independently with dignity and support.

Don’t miss this powerful exchange between Eric Bana and Koby Stevens, a conversation filled with honesty, resilience, and life lessons that will stay with you long after listening. Watch the full episode of The Remade Podcast here: Eric Bana on The Remade Podcast

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• From Glory to Growth: Inside the Mind of Aaron Taylor, Triumph, Trauma, and Life After Football – Episode 2

In the latest episode of The Remade Podcast, host Koby Stevens sits down with Aaron Taylor, former Green Bay Packers and San Diego Chargers guard, for a powerful and deeply personal conversation. From his standout years at Notre Dame to winning Super Bowl XXXI with the Packers, Taylor reflects not only on the heights of his football career but also on the heavy price he paid along the way.

Beyond the field, he opens up about the challenges of transitioning out of the NFL—sharing how resilience, accountability, and honesty became his tools for recovery. Taylor also discusses the impact of learning about his own traumatic brain injury (TBI), his friendship with Hall of Fame linebacker Junior Seau, and the ongoing journey of healing and growth.

This episode, brought to listeners by Villa Licci, offers an honest look at the struggles behind the glory and the hope that comes with rebuilding life after the game.

Before diving into this powerful episode, host Koby Stevens takes a moment to acknowledge the show’s major sponsor, Villa Licci, a visionary nonprofit building the first-ever community designed specifically for adults living with traumatic brain injuries (TBI). Their mission is to create a safe, supportive space that empowers individuals on their journey of recovery. If this message resonates with you, you can learn more or support the movement at villalicci.org.

Aaron Taylor’s Football Journey: Triumphs and Lessons

Aaron Taylor’s football story is one of extraordinary achievements and the subtle lessons that come with it. From a standout career at Notre Dame, where he earned two All-American honors, to the pinnacle of professional success with a Super Bowl XXXI victory with the Green Bay Packers, Taylor’s journey embodies both glory and sacrifice.

Reflecting on those years, Taylor admits that his perspective has shifted over time.

“Being able to play at that level for as long as I did, despite the injuries, and having the experience of winning a Super Bowl, that’s something I’ll always be proud of. But I also got to see the price that was paid for it.”

He laughs at the memories of showing off his ring, a symbol of ultimate achievement in the NFL. “Back when I was single, it felt huge. Now? I’d just smile and say, ‘Hey, that’s my Super Bowl ring. What’s your number?’”

For Taylor, pride doesn’t just come from accolades or trophies. It comes from the experience of being part of something bigger than himself—the camaraderie, the discipline, and the moments that tested his limits. He considers himself fortunate to have been in the right place at the right time, surrounded by great teammates and mentors who shaped his path from high school, through Notre Dame, and into the NFL.

“I think about the players who were 20 times better than I ever imagined being, who came close but never got there. I had a knack for being around the right people at the right time, and that made all the difference.”

Taylor’s journey is a reminder that success in sports (and in life) is rarely just about talent. It’s about timing, resilience, and understanding the price of the game, both the visible triumphs and the hidden costs.

Glory and the Price of Success

Taylor’s football résumé is impressive: two-time All-American at Notre Dame, first-round draft pick, and a Super Bowl champion with the Packers. To many, that represents the pinnacle of achievement.

But for Taylor, the perspective has shifted with time.

“What I’m most proud of isn’t the ring. It’s being able to play at that level for as long as I did, despite the injuries. I got to see the price that was paid for it—and that was as big a lesson as the success.”

The NFL, he explains, is an environment where toughness isn’t optional, it’s the ticket to survival. Painkillers, injections, and “playing through” became routine. “We used to joke that the NFL stood for Not For Long,” Taylor recalls. “The average career is 3.2 years. You do whatever it takes to stay on the field.”

That mindset, he admits, came with invisible costs, both physical and emotional.

Hidden Injuries and Escaping the Pain

Behind the glory of game day, Taylor paints a picture of locker rooms filled with quiet suffering. Painkillers passed around like poker chips. Alcohol used to take the edge off. Laughter masking exhaustion.

“The cost to carry that burden is extraordinary. We used any means we could to let the pressure off.”

But when the routine of football ended, so did the structure that gave life rhythm. One injury could erase not just a paycheck, but an identity.

“If I’ve always been what I’ve always done, who am I now that I’m no longer playing football?”

Retiring at 28: The American Dream and Its Dark Side

Taylor retired young, at just 28. On paper, life looked perfect: money in the bank, cars in the driveway, no debt, no worries. To the outside world, he was living the dream.

Inside, however, he was crumbling.

“It was the darkest period of my life. I’d checked all the boxes. But if I still felt empty, what was the point?”

He chased adrenaline in new ways: nights out, fights, chaos, anything to replace the rush of Sundays. But nothing came close. Retirement forced him to confront questions most people avoid until later in life: Who am I when the spotlight goes dark?

The Brain as a Supercomputer

A turning point came when Taylor underwent a brain scan with Dr. Daniel Amen. It revealed the lasting effects of traumatic brain injuries.

“I had both hardware and software issues. TBIs affected my wiring. But emotionally, I was also stuck in patterns, fear, anxiety, unhealthy coping. I had to reboot and rewire.”

He began to explore neuroplasticity, meditation, and gratitude. Small daily practices became lifesaving anchors.

“Gratitude is the elixir. When I focus on what I have instead of what I lack, my world changes.”

Junior Seau

No chapter of Taylor’s story is more poignant than his relationship with Junior Seau, his Chargers teammate and a Hall of Famer whose tragic death by suicide in 2012 shook the NFL.

Taylor recalls a moment of hope, when Seau stood up at a recovery meeting and openly listed his struggles.

“In our world, that was hope. If Junior could be that honest, maybe there was light at the end of the tunnel.”

But soon after, Seau disappeared from contact. When news broke of his death, Taylor wasn’t surprised, only heartbroken.

“Playing with broken bones, that was easy. But dealing with life on life’s terms? That was harder than anything.”

Seau’s story underscores the urgency of opening up conversations about brain health and building communities of support, something Villa Licci is working to provide for people living with TBIs.

Building Resilience Through Recovery

Taylor doesn’t sugarcoat the recovery process. It’s messy, imperfect, and ongoing.

“I get tired. But there’s this little voice that says, ‘Get up. Begin again.’ That’s what resilience is.”

Through meditation, service, and community, he’s built a toolkit that helps him rebound faster from setbacks. What took months to overcome now takes hours or minutes.

Living an Ideal Life

At 51, Taylor describes his life not as perfect, but as grounded.

“If you gave me a magic wand to change anything, I wouldn’t take it. I’m grateful. I’m living my ideal life. That doesn’t mean it’s easy. But it’s worth it.”

He now channels his energy into helping others rediscover purpose.

“We can unlearn the way we’ve learned to be. We can rewire our brains. We can choose differently. That’s the torch I want to carry.”

A Final Word

The conversation between Aaron Taylor and Koby Stevens is raw, vulnerable, and deeply human. It’s about resilience, healing, and the courage to redefine yourself after loss.

Thanks to the support of Villa Licci, stories like these reach audiences who need them most. For those living with traumatic brain injuries or anyone navigating life after adversity, Taylor’s message is clear: begin again, there’s a way out, and it’s worth the work.

To learn more about Villa Licci and their mission to build a first-of-its-kind community for adults with TBI, visit villalicci.org.

Watch Now: Aaron Taylor’s Journey from Super Bowl Glory to Personal Transformation

This conversation isn’t just for sports fans, but for anyone who’s ever faced adversity, questioned their purpose, or sought a path to healing. Aaron’s story is a testament to resilience, accountability, and the power of transformation.

Don’t miss this inspiring episode: Watch Aaron Taylor’s Interview on YouTube

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• Koby Stevens and Villa Licci Launch The Remade Podcast with Powerful First Episode Featuring Eric Bana