She's 25. She's Captain. She's Just Warming Up.
Episode Description
Melie Kerr has just recently become the captain of the White Ferns Cricket team, now leading some of the women she idolised growing up.
This episode was originally released in October 2023, but it still remains one of my favourite episodes of all time, so I thought I’d reshare it in case you missed it the first-time round.
Melie made the White Ferns while she was still in her mid-teens.
It was while she was still at school, at age 17 she scored 232 not out against Ireland which was the highest score in women’s ODI cricket at the time.
She’s played all over the world, earned big contracts in India, bought her first home at 22, and is now in her mid-20s and playing some of the best cricket of her life!
But this episode isn’t just about cricket.
Melie talks very openly and articulately about her harrowing mental health journey and the moment her life nearly came undone.
She talks about the support of her family and close friends and the reality of recovery.
This is not an easy listen. But I think it’s an important conversation and one I think will help a lot of people.
If any of the contents raise concerns for you or someone you care about, here are a list of resources from the Mental Health Foundation in New Zealand where you can connect with a professional:
Free call or text 1737 any time for support from a trained counsellor Lifeline 0800 543 354 or 09 522 2999 or free text 4357 (HELP) Suicide Prevention Helpline 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOK0) Youthline 0800 376 633 or free text 234 Samaritans 0800 726 666 Aoake Te Rā 0800 000 053 Bereaved by suicide service.
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Brief Summary
Mele Ker discusses her cricket career, mental health struggles, and the importance of support systems in overcoming challenges.
Key points
- The Power of Kindness. Exploring how kindness can impact others' lives and mental health.
- Inspiring Young Cricketers. The joy of inspiring the next generation of cricketers is palpable.
- Youth and Fearlessness. Reflecting on the carefree nature of youth and its impact on performance.
- Strength-Based Approach. Finding success through a clear mind and strength-based approach in cricket.
- Sister's Cricket Journey. Her sister transitioned from running to cricket, making her White Ferns debut at 23.
- Values Beyond Money. She emphasizes that money has never been her main motivation in life.
Ask about Dom Harvey
Episode highlights
- The Power of KindnessExploring how kindness can impact others' lives and mental health.“Just be kind to people.”5:05Mar 17, 2026
- Inspiring Young CricketersThe joy of inspiring the next generation of cricketers is palpable.“Oh, I’ll be playing with you in 5-10 years time and their face just lights up.”19:14Mar 17, 2026
- Youth and FearlessnessReflecting on the carefree nature of youth and its impact on performance.“There’s a saying that youth is wasted on the young.”21:22Mar 17, 2026
- Strength-Based ApproachFinding success through a clear mind and strength-based approach in cricket.“I think it was just playing a strength-based approach, playing my game, but not premeditating, not overthinking.”31:52Mar 17, 2026
- Sister's Cricket JourneyHer sister transitioned from running to cricket, making her White Ferns debut at 23.“It’s tough for her not being able to run.”41:26Mar 17, 2026
- Values Beyond MoneyShe emphasizes that money has never been her main motivation in life.“Money’s never been a driver for me.”48:25Mar 17, 2026
- The Struggle to Speak UpThe difficulty of expressing feelings to family during tough times.“I didn’t want anyone in my family to help me.”57:16Mar 17, 2026
- The Power of VulnerabilityUnderstanding the importance of being open about struggles.“There’s so much power in being vulnerable.”1:08:25Mar 17, 2026
