our story
Speak Free with MattyG was born in 2021, built on a simple but fearless idea — create a place where real people could have real conversations without filters, agendas or judgement. Launched from Western Sydney, and first recorded inside Hawkesbury Radio’s second studio room on an incredibly low budget, the show began as a raw, independent passion project. Hosted by lifelong Tigers tragic MattyG, he believed that honest long-form conversation and open dialogue was more important than ever.
2021 – The Launch
Speak Free went live in June 2021, marking the beginning of a podcast dedicated to depth, authenticity and open dialogue. The early episodes set the tone: vulnerable stories, big ideas, and guests who brought their whole selves to the table. Even in its infancy, the show built a small but fiercely loyal community — people who wanted more than surface-level chat.
2022 – Momentum & Western Sydney Roots
By 2022, Speak Free had hit its stride. Local business owners, creators, community leaders and musicians began taking a seat in the chair, and the show quickly became a trusted Western Sydney voice. Standout episodes with community figures — including the Mayor of Hawkesbury — cemented Speak Free as a platform that gave everyday legends the respect and airtime usually reserved for celebrities.
An ‘On The Streets’ special was also released in conjunction with the 2022 Australian Federal Election, showcasing local politicians campaigning to win the public’s vote in the Hawkesbury area.
Whilst this Election Day special of this was a one off, it foreshadowed the beginning of a concept that would eventually become an integral part of Speak Free’s content repertoire, outside of the sit down podcast episodes. Although it wouldn’t be until 2 years later that we see a return of On The Streets content, and rebirth of it would have a new focus & direction (way better than politics).
It was during this year that we saw more glimpses of a sports direction emerging. A dedicated ‘NRL Sports Special’ signalled a future that would grow louder with time.
2023 – Studio Upgrade & Creative Expansion
In 2023, Speak Free returned bigger and sharper than ever. Moving to 27 Project in Penrith, the brand-new Speak Free Studio debuted, and the show took a huge leap forward in production and ambition. High-performing guests moved through the studio: award-winning creators, elite-level performers, disability advocates, musicians and filmmakers.
The guest list grew in quality, the conversations grew in depth, and the audience began to grow with them. It was clear Speak Free wasn’t just another local podcast — it was becoming a serious long-form platform with a real cultural footprint.
2024 – Stepping Into the Sports World
2024 marked a turning point. The show began welcoming larger names from the sports media landscape — presenters, commentators, creative directors working with international sporting icons. These episodes forged Speak Free’s reputation as a place where sport, creativity and honest conversation collided.
On The Streets content also made a triumphant return in late 2024, with a focus more so on NRL content and gameday fan interviews. This laid the foundation, and got the ball rolling on what would become a life-changing 2025.
2025 – The NRL Era & The Rise of Heart of the Jungle
In 2025, Speak Free with MattyG transformed from a multi-topic talk show into a full-blown force within the NRL media ecosystem.
The shift wasn’t forced — it happened naturally. With MattyG being a lifelong Wests Tigers die-hard, and connections being made within the sporting content creator space, Speak Free naturally progressed into becoming the NRL-heavy podcast you all know & love today.
Suddenly, some of the biggest names in the NRL world were sitting across from MattyG, including Denan Kemp of Bloke in a Bar, Retro Rugba Leeg, Hectic Fred and Wests Tigers rising talents Heamasi Makasini & Heath Mason.
The episodes were bigger, more explosive, and the social media following & engagement grew rapidly. Speak Free, and MattyG in particular, became known for honesty, passion, unrivalled love of the Wests Tigers, and the ability to connect with so much of the NRL community on a deeper level.
MattyG also began appearing in other people’s content, collaborating with established NRL creators and being invited into external studios. He also gained the support of Wests Tigers, with the club giving him not only plenty of love on the content, but also special access to private club events & personal opportunities, which helped grow Speak Free’s status as one of the leading voices within the Wests Tigers creator space. The show’s presence within rugby league circles grew rapidly, laying the groundwork for what was about to become a defining era.
And from this era, a movement was born…
The Heart of the Jungle
A supporter-led cultural shift designed to lift the Wests Tigers from the ground up — created by fans, driven by passion, and fuelled by the belief that culture starts in the stands before it reaches the field.
Speak Free became the voice of that movement, and with the recognition and support of the Wests Tigers themselves, MattyG quickly became a trustworthy representative for fellow Tigers fans. This also became the launchpad for Speak Free’s first-ever merchandise drop.
Today – A Powerhouse Voice for Western Sydney & Rugby League
Speak Free with MattyG now stands as one of the fastest-growing long-form podcasts in the NRL community. It blends the authenticity of Western Sydney storytelling with the heartbeat of rugby league culture, all while staying true to what made the show special from day one: real conversations, no filters, and a commitment to truth.
From a small run-down yet charming amateur studio in 2021 to a podcast shaping fan culture in 2025, Speak Free hasn’t just evolved — it’s taken its rightful place as a rising powerhouse in Australian sports and culture media.
And the story is only getting started…
