Coach In Your Corner

So last week was #mentalhealthawarenessweek and after some battles with it myself over the past year, I started following a page on Instagram, @_blOKes. This week I spoke to the founder or blOKes, Tom Home to discuss the progression of the company and what he got up to and learnt last week.

We spoke about what he learned through his time at university and how his experiences in life and sport (particularly rugby) led him to starting a platform that allows men of all ages to chat with other like-minded individuals about their worries, fears and issues.

Myself and Tom discussed the importance of building a support network (team) and particularly one of his hashtags #AskTwice. This is something I strongly believe in because, as we know, it is all too easy to say “I’m fine” and then regret missing your chance to open up.

So, if you are asking someone that question, make sure you mean it, make sure you actually want to know how they are and ask them twice. It might just be the moment that person needs to unload and stop the snowball.

You can find Tom on Instagram @_blOKes

Host: James Tranter

I sat down with Matt Jess, Premiership winner with Exeter Chiefs, to discuss his journey from grass roots to premiership rugby and how it increased his drive for development.

We spoke about what he learned through his career, how to look after your own body and mind to ensure you can perform week in, week out and keep your name on the back of the shirt. A big part of it is finding the balance between skills, s&c and enjoyment.

It was mental health awareness week when we spoke so we also looked into how this can affect a players and a teams performance and looked at the work he has been doing with next weeks guest Tom from _blOKes.

You can find Matt on Instagram @matthewjess

Host: James Tranter

This week I had the pleasure of chatting to Dr Sarah Bailey in the small amount of time she had between working in the NHS and as team doctor for Worcester Warriors Women, studying for her GP exams and even the gym.

We had a really great chat, firstly looking into her role as a Premiership Rugby clubs team doctor and how she has seen the women's game evolve over the past 4 years and now during COVID.

Then I took the opportunity to pull on Sarah's medical training and knowledge to dive a bit deeper into how we can protect our body from illness and injury by incorporating the right amount of training, recovery and nutrition. For anyone feeling stressed or burned out you will want to listen to the tips given.

Here is the link for the website Sarah mentions regarding checking your supplements.
https://sport.wetestyoutrust.com

You can find Sarah on Instagram @thegymmedic

Host: James Tranter

It's another Clubhouse contact this week, I met Rhys a few weeks back and was hugely inspired by his openness and drive to help others in similar situations. Anyone that has had to deal with a traumatic event or unexpected change knows it can seem difficult to get the help needed but talking and offloading can be a huge step in the right direction.

We chatted about his career in rugby, how it ended and how that experience led him to what he is doing now, helping people understand the importance of mental health and how they can get back on track. We also looked at how it can affect your sport performance even if you think you are already close to your best, you can always get better.

You can find Rhys on Instagram @rhys_thomas33

Host: James Tranter

I have been running rooms with Stuart on Clubhouse for a couple of months and wanted to get him on his own to discuss his career a bit more and what he is doing now with the much anticipated return to rugby, keeping sessions fun and using games to teach.

We chatted about his work in the community and how it is such a big part of rugby, and with Stuart having to retire from playing due to concussion, we spoke about how important it is to prepare your body properly, but more importantly how important it is to speak up if you are having concussion symptoms. 

You can find Stuart on Instagram @bigrigrugby

Host: James Tranter

After some very interesting and spontaneous chats on Clubhouse I sat down with Connor to discuss all things mindset and performance in the world of sport.

We chatted about emotional regulation (in particular his work with the Fiji 7s team), how to use visualisation to achieve your goals and also how we can develop and utilise mental resilience.

You can find Connor on Instagram @connorbru_93

Host: James Tranter

I called across the pond to catch up with Jordan Noblitt from Athletes With Anxiety. Jordan is an ex-pro basketball player that dealt heavily with anxiety and now focuses his attention helping others to manage it.

We spoke about the importance of being present and living in the moment, visualisation techniques, all different parts of your brains "diet" and how life isn't a race; so set your goals and enjoy it!

You can find Jordan on Instagram @athleteswithanxiety

Host: James Tranter

I sat down with Sam Portland to discuss his coaching mentorship and how he develops speed with his athletes. We spoke about the process a person needs to go through to unlock their true performance, by building towards a higher level of "consciousness".

We also spoke about his experiences as a player and coach for professional and  international rugby teams as well now supporting many other sports and disciplines. I really enjoyed this chat and there will definitely be a part 2 coming at the end of the year!

You can find Sam on Instagram @coach_sportland

Host: James Tranter

I managed to pull Joe Batley away from his busy schedule with Worcester Warriors after he recently signed a contract extension. Joe started at the same rugby club I did (Gosport & Fareham) so it was great to hear about his experience from amateur rugby up to a starting jersey in the Gallagher Premiership.

 The main theme that shone through was education and how important it is to understand the 'why' behind 'what' you are doing in training. We spoke about the current protocols they are following for COVID, his daily and weekly schedules as a premiership rugby player and how to recover physically and mentally.

You can find Joe on Instagram @batsssssssss

Host: James Tranter

I sat down with Jack from Box Nutrition to dive into nutrition and metabolic testing but we covered so much! For nutrition we looked into meal plans, fuelling for endurance/team sports, supplements and a very handy tip involving jelly and recovery! 

We also looked at how the body uses different fuel sources and the current craze of Keto, lactate thresholds and VO2 max plus loads of mental health and mindset tips and tricks. I had a lot of fun on this one and know you are going to learn so much. Enjoy!

You can find Jack on Instagram @box_nutrition

Host: James Tranter