This is a re published episode but it was pretty epic.  Unfortunately I didn't quite nail the sound, so it is not my best work, which is a shame and I apologise for that. 

I am joined by performance psychologist Jonah Oliver, who works with a number of professional athletes, surgeons, entrepreneurs and business leaders and after this chat I think you will know why.

Jonah does a fantastic job of making the complex word of performance psychology easy to digest in a relaxed manner which makes you (or at least has made me) review our relationship with pressure. 

I hope you enjoy this chat and as always if you have a minute it would be great if you could leave us a review wherever you listen to your podcasts. 

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In this conversation, Bryce Lawrence, a former professional rugby referee, shares insights into his journey from childhood to becoming a top referee. He discusses the influence of his family, particularly his father's legacy in refereeing, and the challenges he faced in his career, including the pressures of officiating at elite levels and during significant matches like the Rugby World Cup. Bryce reflects on the importance of mental skills, the need for support systems, and the evolution of refereeing in the context of modern sports. In this conversation, Bryce Lawrence reflects on his experiences as a rugby referee, particularly focusing on the emotional and mental challenges he faced after a controversial game. He discusses the importance of mental health in sports, the lessons learned from failure, and how these experiences shaped his coaching philosophy and current role in community rugby development.

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In this conversation, Jay Carter and Rod Corbin delve into the intricacies of sports psychology, exploring Rod's extensive background in high-performance sports and neuropsychology. 

They discuss the importance of managing expectations, the role of upbringing in competitiveness, and the significance of building relationships within team environments. 

Rod shares insights from his journey into sports psychology, emphasizing the need for high standards while acknowledging the challenges of human emotions and cognitive processes in performance settings. In this conversation, Rod discusses the profound impact of upbringing, education, and experience on his practice in sports psychology. 

He emphasizes the importance of building trust and relationships within teams, the distinction between mental skills training and sports psychology, and the complexities of team dynamics. Rod also highlights the necessity for coaches to create a supportive environment that fosters connection and psychological safety, while navigating the pressures of performance and athlete identity.

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 Today I am joined by Carl Woods as he discusses his transition from Victoria University to the University of Queensland, focusing on the concept of learning design in sports. 

He emphasizes the importance of adapting coaching methods to better support athletes' learning and development. Carl also addresses the challenges of integrating theoretical knowledge into practical coaching, the gaps in current coaching education, and the impact of accreditation on learning experiences. 

He advocates for a more humble and adaptable coaching approach that encourages exploration and problem-solving among athletes. 

In this conversation, Carl discusses the importance of a unified methodology in high performance sports, emphasizing the need for effective communication and adaptability among coaching staff. He contrasts the concepts of preparedness versus planning, advocating for a more flexible approach to coaching that allows for real-time adjustments. 

The discussion also touches on the evolving role of coaches, the significance of long-term success over immediate wins, and the distinction between knowledge of and knowledge about in coaching practices. Carl highlights the necessity of experiential learning and the value of engaging in meaningful conversations with athletes to foster a supportive and effective training environment. 

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In this conversation, Jay Carter and Will Roberts explore Will's journey from being an average football player to becoming a prominent figure in sports education and coaching. 

They discuss the impact of early sports experiences, the transition from player to coach, and the importance of personal development in sports. Will shares insights into his current role at the University of Waikato, his coaching philosophy, and the challenges of balancing youth development with performance pressure in professional sports environments. 

Will also discusses the complexities of youth development in sports, emphasizing the balance between play and performance. He highlights the importance of creating supportive environments for young athletes, the role of play in their development, and the challenges faced by coaches in catering to diverse aspirations. The conversation also delves into the significance of mentorship in coaching, advocating for a community approach to support volunteer coaches and enhance their effectiveness.

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In this conversation (follow on from last weeks conversation), Jay Carter and Riki Lindsay explore the complexities of coaching methodologies, particularly the distinctions and overlaps between linear and non-linear learning approaches. 

They discuss the implications of these approaches in sports coaching, emphasizing the importance of adapting coaching styles to the athlete's level and the context of the sport. Riki shares insights from his research and experiences, highlighting the need for coaches to remain flexible and open-minded in their methodologies. 

Riki and Jay explore the complexities of coaching and athlete development. They discuss the importance of understanding individual athlete needs, the impact of environment on performance, and the role of cultural considerations in coaching. The conversation emphasizes the necessity of reflective practice for coaches to enhance their effectiveness and adapt their methods to better support athletes' growth.

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In this conversation, Riki Lindsay shares his journey from a traditional Kiwi upbringing filled with sports to becoming a lecturer in sport and exercise science. 

He discusses his experiences in the fire service, the importance of understanding learning environments, and the dynamics of coaching in high-performance settings. 

Riki reflects on his cricket career, the challenges of anxiety, and the significance of fostering a fun and present-focused approach in sports. In this conversation, Riki Lindsay discusses the balance between performance and enjoyment in sports, emphasizing the importance of allowing athletes to make mistakes as part of their learning process. He highlights the critical role of imagery and visualization in enhancing athletic performance and addresses the psychological aspects of self-doubt that can hinder performance. 

The discussion also covers the significance of ecological dynamics in skill development and the necessity of building trust in coach-athlete relationships to foster a supportive training environment.

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In this engaging conversation, Rusty Earnshaw shares insights into his journey from a professional athlete to a coach, discussing the challenges and learning experiences along the way. He reflects on the complexities of modern rugby, the importance of feedback and communication in coaching, and how lessons from other sports can enhance coaching practices. 

Rusty emphasizes the need for self-awareness within teams and the value of creating a supportive environment for players to thrive. In this conversation, Rusty discusses the importance of emotional skills in coaching, the practice of feedback within teams, and frameworks for effective communication. He emphasizes the need for connection among team members and the significance of navigating difficult conversations. 

Rusty also shares insights on current trends in coaching, the genesis of his coaching book, and the ongoing journey of personal and professional development in the coaching landscape.

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In this conversation, Ben Herring shares his journey from a professional rugby player to a coach, public speaker, and author. He discusses the importance of personal growth, the art of public speaking, and the cultural dynamics within coaching. 

Herring emphasizes the need for coaches to adapt to the changing landscape of rugby and the significance of building connections with players. He also reflects on the role of head coaches in managing teams and the importance of aligning philosophies across organizations. In this conversation, 

Ben and Jay discuss the multifaceted nature of coaching, emphasizing the importance of diversity, conflict, and personal development within coaching teams. Ben reflects on his experiences with Steve Hansen, highlighting the significance of authenticity and effective communication in leadership. The discussion also touches on the value of feedback and learning from mistakes.

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In this conversation, Jay Carter and Alex Lascu explore the multifaceted world of sports coaching, emphasizing the importance of open dialogue, the journey through various sports, and the dynamics of coaching, particularly in relation to gender. 

They discuss the essence of good coaching practices, the balance between fun and seriousness in youth sports, and the challenges posed by parental expectations. 

The conversation also delves into the debate on specificity in training, the understanding of muscle memory, and the role of technology in enhancing sports training. 

They discuss the implications of relying on technology for performance, the importance of nonlinear pedagogy in understanding skill acquisition, and the necessity of adaptability in sports. The dialogue also touches on the interplay of past experiences and future possibilities in shaping an athlete's performance, emphasizing the need for coaches to create environments that foster exploration and learning.

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