October 14, 2025

Captain Canada with Mike Tuck | DIVE Ep.10

50 minutes

Patreon: patreon.com/divebeyondsportpod

In this episode of Dive Beyond Sport, hosts Freddie Woodward and Yona Knight-Wisdom welcome British basketball star Mike Tuck. Tuck shares his journey from growing up in Toronto, Canada, to becoming the long-time captain of the Sheffield Sharks and leading England at the 2018 Commonwealth Games. Post-retirement, he has seamlessly transitioned into roles in marketing, coaching, and sports analysis. Tuck discusses the values of discipline, consistency, and embracing opportunities both on and off the court, reflecting on the importance of exploring passions beyond one's athletic career. He highlights his career's pinnacle moment, winning the BBL Cup in 2016, and the growing popularity of basketball in Britain. This insightful conversation underscores the significance of identity, teamwork, and long-term career planning for athletes.

Show Notes

How Mike Tuck’s basketball journey began in Canada and led him to become Sheffield’s adopted son

Why finding identity beyond sport shaped his success both on and off the court

How an unexpected captaincy call changed the course of his leadership journey

Why a three-year contract gave him the freedom to play selflessly and focus on building a legacy

How stepping outside his comfort zone launched a new marketing career while still playing professionally

Why learning to lead as a teammate, role model, and “psychologist” became key to his success

How Mike balanced being a professional athlete with a 9-to-5 job — and what it taught him about discipline

Why he believes resilience, routine, and mental preparation are the real keys to longevity in sport

How basketball in the UK is growing — and why Sheffield is at the heart of that evolution

Why consistency, loyalty, and self-awareness define excellence more than perfection ever could

Guest Picks:

Book: The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson

Link (paperback): https://amzn.to/46h6HWU

Link (hardcover): https://amzn.to/4mw1Xla

Link (kindle): https://amzn.to/46Bzzbk

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qualifying purchases made through the links above. This comes at no

extra cost to you and helps support the podcast.

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Follow the Hosts and Guest on Instagram:

Mike Tuck: https://www.instagram.com/miketuck15

Freddie Woodward: https://www.instagram.com/freddie_woodward

Yona Knight-Wisdom: https://www.instagram.com/yonakw

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By Yona Knight Wisdom & Freddie Woodward