Tom Wenham is the head coach of GB lacrosse and has a wealth of experience in leadership and a high-performance mindset. In this episode, Tom shares his thoughts on what it takes to be a successful leader and how to create a winning mindset. He also discusses the importance of having a clear philosophy and how this can help to drive success.  Tom also defines what success looks like in his practice and how he measures it. This is a must-listen for any coach or leader who wants to improve their performance.

In this episode of the Christie Scanlon Podcast, I talk to Richard Flash. Richard has always had a passion for football and was determined to make it as a pro as a schoolboy player at Manchester United.  After a promising start to his career at Wolves, Watford, Plymouth and Lincoln City, he was unfortunately forced to retire from the game due to a serious injury. From trying to break into the professional leagues, to working his way back from injury, Richard gives us an insight into the ups and downs of his football career. Richard is now an academic in Manchester, UK, where he is researching football and racism. He is particularly interested in how football can be used as a tool to challenge discourse and bring about social change.

Carl is a world-renowned soccer coach and academic. In this episode, he discusses his book, "The Intelligent Soccer Coach." This book is a goldmine for any coach, at any level. It provides an excellent introduction to football coaching and the basics of how to develop sessions. Carl gives great examples from his own experience, which makes the concepts easy to understand and apply. He covers everything from how to plan relevant and realistic sessions, developing creativity etc.  Carl has also worked with some of the biggest clubs and academies on the continent. He gives his thoughts on some of the challenges that coaches face when working with young players, and how they can overcome them. We also discuss the importance of developing a philosophy and style of play that suits the players at your disposal, and how to create a positive environment.   This is an excellent episode for any practitioner, at any level. If you are looking to improve your coaching, or if you are new to coaching, this podcast is a great place to start.

In this episode, we follow the journey of ex-footballer Fraser Franks as he commits to quitting alcohol and striving for better health and well-being.

Wayne Goodison's journey has been an interesting one. After a successful career playing for various clubs in the UK, he's now making the move into coaching and academia - but it hasn't been easy.   Hear how Wayne has had to adapt and learn new skills in order to make the transition and find out what his biggest challenges have been so far. He also offers advice to aspiring athletes who are looking to make a similar journey.  This episode is a must-watch! You won't want to miss it.

In this episode,  I am joined by Dr Alan Tonge. Alan is a former professional soccer player who played for Manchester United and Exeter City and is now an academic expert in Sports Psychology and Player-Care.  In our chat, we discuss what life is like inside the head of a footballer, and some of the common psychological issues that can affect performance on and off the pitch.  Alan also shares his unique perspective on what it takes to be a top-level pro, and how to cope with the demands of the sport both mentally and academically.   This is a fascinating insight into the mind of a player and what it takes to succeed at the top level. Don't miss it!

In this episode, Jack tells his story of becoming one of the most sought-after football coaches in the UK. From playing professional football in Hong Kong to working in the Prison Service, Jack has learned a lot about what it takes to be successful across a range of disciplines.  Jack shares how he got his start in the industry, what it took to become successful, and provides valuable insights for those looking to make a career in football. He also shares some great advice for early career professionals who are looking to make it to the top.  If you're looking for advice on how to become a great coach, or just want to hear an inspiring story, then don't miss this episode!