Happy Hockey

A warm welcome to Episode 20 of the Happy Hockey podcast where our guest is Nigel Sellars talking striking a balance.

In the "first half" we hear from Nigel about his journey from playing uni-hoc in primary school to masters representational hockey, work as a chartered surveyor and his recent journey into faith.

Our "half time" this week looks at New Year's Resolutions and taking the time to reflect on where you've come in the last 12 months but also where you want to go in the next year.

In the "second half" we hear more from Nigel on his hockey, work and life and how this will evolve into 2022, as his children attend the same school, his involvement in the new England Hockey Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Group and further involvement in his local church.

Nigel leaves us with his "key take-aways" of:

(1) Be passionate about what you do

(2) Work hard at what you do

(3) Be persistent

A warm welcome to Episode 19 of the Happy Hockey podcast where our guest is Jackie McCullough talking self-healing.

In the "first half" we hear from Jackie about her journey from being diagnosed with Chronic-Fatigue Syndrome to moving to Bali.

Our "half time" this week looks at breathing and some exercises including deep breathing, square breathing and alternate nostril breathing (Nadi Shodhana Pranayama).

In the "second half" we hear more from Jackie on her decision to stay in Bali through the pandemic and continue her healing journey.

Jackie leaves us with her "key take-aways" of:

(1) Learning to listen to me - removing distractions

(2) Power of social connection - by working out who your tribe is

(3) Learn to relax - by creating the space to relax

A warm welcome to episode 18 guest where our guest is Juliet Mullany, talking about her career in law and her decision not to become a barrister.

In the "first half" we hear from Juliet about her journey into Law, via a conversation at the dinner table, A-Levels and a degree.

Our "half time" this week looks at the idea that we over-estimate what we can do in a day, but under estimate what we can do in a lifetime.

In the "second half" we hear more from Juliet on her decision not to follow her original dream of becoming a barrister.

Juliet leaves us with her "key take-aways" of

(1) chase your dreams 

(2) if your dream stops serving you, stop doing it

(3) you don't have to have it all figured out by the time your 30 years old

A warm welcome to episode 17 where our guest is Geoff Crouch, expert, enthusiast and all round nice guy, talking Natural Movement.

In the "first half" we hear from Geoff about his journey into Natural Movement, via Parkour, as well as some of ideas and origins of the activity looking at what our bodies were actually designed for and how our life no longer matches much of this design.

Our "half time" this week looks at checking in [with yourself], given the recent passing of the August Bank Holiday into September, looking at where you are physically, mentally and emotionally as we enter Autumn and the Winter months beyond.

In the "second half" we hear more from Geoff on Natural Movement and how he has been able to bring some of the principles into working from home, in particular with regards different adaptations of desk lay out (NB there is a general caveat here to check your employer's Health and Safety policy to ensure any adaptations are acceptable and within guidelines). Albeit the general consensus is it is important to not remain too static for too long.

Geoff leaves us with his "key take-aways" of

(1) Do your research about Natural Movement and what you're going to do

(2) Get out there and try things - the best way to learn about (yourself) is by doing

(3) Mobility of joints is key to maintain physical ability as you grow older

A warm welcome to episode 16 where our guest is Peter Smith of the Manager of Royal Army Physical Training Core talking injury rehabilitation

In the "first half" we hear from Pete about his journey to becoming a Physical Training Instructor and rehabilitation expert for the British Army.

Our "half time" this week looks at a variety of things you can do to help you relax, recover and recoup including a 3 on, 1 off, 2 on, 1 off seven day week routine, yoga and reducing sugar and the benefits of walking.

In the "second half" we hear more from Peter on injury rehabilitation and some of key factors in ensuring you come back from injury stronger than before.

Peter leaves us with his "key take-aways" of

(1) Prevention is better than cure

(2) Motion is Lotion - the key to rehab is to keep moving

(3) Persistence is key

A warm welcome to episode 15 where our guest is James Hudson of the Manager of Hoci Wales Men's Over 35s squad, talking masters hockey. 

In the "first half" we hear from James about his journey to becoming a Major in the British Army. 

Our "half time" this week looks at a variety of things from cold water swimming to celebrating the great outdoors. 

In the "second half" we hear more from James on masters hockey and his role as Manager of Hoci Wales Men's Over 35s squad. 

James leaves us with his "key take-aways" of 

(1) Enjoy it (don't be a slave to the coaching) 

(2) Don't be afraid to fail (train to fail and learn from your failure) 

(3) Talk [to your nearest and dearest] (don't bottle it up)

A warm welcome to Episode 14 where our guest is Emily Wright, free-diver and ex Director of No Tanks (Brighton's Free Diving Club), talking body awareness.

In the "first half" we hear from Emily about her journey into free-diving and then mermaiding before being Director of No Tanks Brighton.

Our "half time" this week looks at the topic of meditation and going beyond just sitting in silence to the idea that every moment is a meditation and that being present in a physical activity such as washing up or cleaning your teeth is as beneficial to watching your thoughts.

In the "second half" we hear more from Emily on the importance of body awareness when free-diving and how the body and mind are both part of a system that faciliates the ability to hold your breath, also how effective (physical) visualisation can be as an exercise to develop this.

Emily leaves us with her "key take-aways" of

(1) Follow your passions (trust your journey)

(2) Radical honesty

(3) Body and mind integration is where magical things happen

A warm welcome to episode 13 our guest is Paul Gregson, European importer of CleverScore, talking "playing hockey abroad"

In the "first half" we hear from Paul about his journey from to living in Barcelona and playing for Castelldefels Hockey Club.

Our "half time" this week looks at hands and feet and some of the things you can do to help both.

In the "second half" we hear more from Paul on playing hockey in Spain.

Paul leaves us with his three "key take-aways" of

(1) The opportunities are out there

(2) There's something for every level

(3) Go and be involved in the local community

A warm welcome to episode 12 where our guest is Rob Blankson, Senior Engineer @ Hudl, talking sports analysis and off-season sports alternatives.

In the "first half" we hear from Rob about his journey to becoming from being an Electronic Engineering student at university to Senior Engineer at Hudl.

Our "half time" this week looks at exploring and the things you can start to do to get back out there; including the benefits of an early morning walk, different interpretations of meditation and back seeing family and friends.

In the "second half" we hear more from Rob on his off-season sports alternatives, including the Australian Football League (AFL) London leagues and becoming a snow-board instructor.

Rob leaves us with his "key take-aways" of:

(1) take your time (with your career) and work on things you enjoy in your spare time

(2) stay open minded and aware of the opportunities that are presented to you

(3) the importance of sports in developing strong and lasting friendships

A warm welcome to episode 11 where our guest is Sara Riley, General Manager at the Southdown Sports Club in Lewes, talking "running a sports club in lockdown".

In the "first half" we hear from Sara about her journey from growing up in a sporting family to her current role as manager of a sports club.

Our "half time" this week looks at reflecting on what's happened over the past 12 months.

In the "second half" we hear more from Sara on running a sports club in lockdown and the successes and challenges that she's faced.

Sara leaves us with her "key take-aways" of:

(1) Community

(2) Optimistic outlook

(3) It’s nice to be nice