Two Coaches & a Coffee

By Darren Burgess & Jason WeberSports Alternative Health Health & Fitness Technology

Two Coaches & a Coffee episodes

November 26, 2025The Return of the Great Man!
Summary
In this episode of 'Two Coaches and a Coffee', Jason Weber and Darren Burgess discuss Darren's recent transition to a high-performance role at Juventus. They explore the challenges and positives of moving to a new country, the intricacies of his new role overseeing performance and medical aspects, and the importance of building relationships within the team. The conversation also delves into innovations in rehabilitation practices, the need for cultural changes within the club, and the significance of continuous learning and professional development in the field of sports performance.
Takeaways
Transitioning to a new country presents unique challenges.
Building relationships with staff is crucial in a new role.
Understanding the cultural context of a club is important for success.
Communication pathways are essential for effective team dynamics.
Continuous learning is vital for professional growth.
Cultural changes within a club can improve overall performance.
The role of a high-performance manager extends well beyond fitness.
Flexibility in approach can lead to better outcomes in sports science.
Engaging with different perspectives can enhance problem-solving abilities.
Chapters
00:00 Welcome Back and Initial Thoughts
06:06 Transitioning to a New Role
12:08 Building Relationships and Team Dynamics
18:13 Innovations in Rehabilitation and Training
24:08 Long-Term Vision and Strategic Planning
30:20 Final Thoughts and Future Directions
37:17 Two Coaches & a Coffee Intro (1).mp4
38 min
October 01, 2025Season 3 Episode 25
In this episode of 'Two Couches and a Coffee', Jason and Darren discuss Darren's new role as Director of Performance at Juventus, the importance of networking in career advancement, and the challenges of transitioning to a new culture in sports management. They emphasize the significance of supporting young practitioners and the philosophy of prioritizing the mission and the people in front of you. The conversation also touches on recent changes in high-performance roles within the AFL and the educated risks involved in performance decisions.
Takeaways
Darren's new role at Juventus represents a significant career shift.
Networking plays a crucial role in career advancement.
It's important to prioritize the mission and the people over personal ambition.
Supporting young practitioners is essential for their growth.
Cultural adaptation is a key challenge in new roles.
Educated risks can lead to successful performance decisions.
The importance of mentorship in professional development.
Darren's transition highlights the evolving landscape of sports management.
Maintaining strong relationships is vital in the sports industry.
The podcast aims to inspire mid-career professionals.
Chapters
00:00 Welcome Back and New Beginnings
05:28 The Importance of Networking
10:57 Putting the Club First
18:27 Reflections on Team Decisions
Sponsored by SpeedSig...answering the rehab and performance questions being missed everyday!
24 min
September 13, 2025Season 3 Episode 24
Summary
In this conversation, Jason Weber and Darren discuss various aspects of sports performance, focusing on injury management, psychological factors affecting athletes, and the balance between training and game exposure. They explore the challenges of preparing players for high-stakes games, the importance of mental readiness, and the evolving strategies in injury prevention and management in sports like NFL and AFL.

Takeaways
Players need to be mentally prepared for finals football.
Injury management requires careful consideration of player readiness.
Psychological factors can significantly impact performance in landmark games.
Balancing training loads is crucial to prevent injuries.
Athlete confidence plays a key role in recovery and performance.
Understanding the specific demands of the sport is essential for training.
Effective communication with athletes enhances their performance.
Game exposure is important for maintaining rhythm in training.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Game Preparations
02:04 Injury Management and Player Readiness
09:57 Psychological Factors in Performance
17:04 Injury Trends in NFL and College Football
24 min
August 21, 2025Season 3 Episode 23
Summary
In this episode of 'Two Coaches and a Coffee', Jason Weber and Darren Burgess discuss the excitement surrounding the AFL finals, the complexities of managing player injuries in high-stakes games, and the importance of data in decision-making. They explore the balance between player readiness and performance, and how coaches can navigate career opportunities in the sports management field.
Takeaways
Injury management is crucial in high-stakes games.
Evaluating player readiness involves both data and contextual experience.
Data should complement, not replace, coaching experience.
Career opportunities in sports management require proactive networking.
Understanding player performance metrics is essential for coaches.
The pressure to win can complicate injury decisions.
Communication between coaches and medical staff is vital.
Players' historical performance can inform injury management decisions.
Respectful outreach can open doors in sports careers.
Chapters
00:00 AFL Finals Excitement
01:47 Injury Management Strategies
09:31 Evaluating Player Readiness
15:20 Career Opportunities in Sports Management
Do you like the way we share our experiences? Would you like to learn more? Check out www.oldbullperformance.com
23 min
August 12, 2025Season 3 Episode 22
Summary
In this conversation, Jason Weber and Darren discuss the complexities of athlete training, the role of personal trainers, and the importance of communication between players and coaches. They explore the concept of misappropriated load in training and the zealot phase that many strength and conditioning coaches experience. The discussion emphasizes the value of generalists in sports science and the need for effective communication to enhance athlete performance.
Takeaways
Cultural differences influence how professionals are addressed in sports.
Personal trainers often highlight successes but may not disclose injuries.
Communication between players and coaches is crucial for effective training.
Misappropriated load can lead to injuries if not managed properly.
The zealot phase in coaching can lead to overconfidence and noise.
Generalists in sports science can provide a broader perspective than specialists.
Players should disclose external training to their clubs for better management.
Effective communication can enhance relationships between private practitioners and clubs.
Athletes may unintentionally mismanage their training loads.
The importance of intuition in coaching comes from experience, not just instinct.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Cultural Insights
01:48 The Role of Personal Trainers in Athlete Development
05:31 Communication Between Athletes and Coaches
09:03 Understanding Misappropriated Load
14:42 The Zealot Phase in Strength and Conditioning
18:32 The Importance of Generalists in Coaching
Do you like the way we share our experiences? Would you like to learn more? Check out www.oldbullperformance.com
20 min
August 06, 2025Season 3 Episode 21
Summary
In this episode of 'Two Coaches and a Coffee', Jason Weber and Darren Burgess discuss the complexities of player transfers, the pressure on coaches and performance staff, the importance of data in player management, and the impact of coaching changes. They also delve into the significance of networking for career development and the balance between data and human observation in monitoring player performance. The conversation concludes with philosophical insights on coaching and the challenges faced in the sports industry.
Takeaways
There's significant pressure to get injured players ready for transfer.
Biology cannot be ignored in player recovery.
The psychology of players affects their performance and readiness.
Data ownership should lie with the players.
Networking is crucial for career longevity in sports.
Coaching changes can disrupt team dynamics and player performance.
Monitoring players requires both data and human observation.
Understanding player habits can indicate their mental state.
The importance of communication between players and coaches is paramount.
Philosophical insights can enhance coaching practices.
Chapters
00:00 The Pressure of Player Transfers
04:40 The Psychological Impact on Injured Players
09:28 Data Ownership and Player Transfers
13:55 Navigating Coaching Changes
18:35 The Importance of Observation in Coaching
Check Out
The most "in the trenches" mentoring and PD experience... check out OLDBULL PERFORMANCE.
24 min
July 24, 2025 Season 3: Episode 20
Description:
Join hosts Jason Weber and Darren Burgess as they delve into the intense world of elite sports. From the passion of local rivalries to the harsh realities of contract renewals, they share personal insights and advice for aspiring professionals. Discover how to handle career transitions, the importance of maintaining a strong network, and the value of humility in high-pressure environments.
Key Topics:
The intensity of local sports rivalries Navigating contract renewals and career transitions The importance of emotional resilience and networking Tips for crafting a standout resume and acing interviews
00:00 Introduction and Rivalry in AFL
08:12 Emotional Connection to Jobs and Identity
20:21 Interview Tips and Building Confidence
Check Out
For more on leadership and technical development check out OLDBULL PERFORMANCE.

22 min
July 11, 2025Season 3: Episode 19
Summary
In this conversation, Jason Weber and Darren discuss the current state of the AFL, focusing on the scrutiny faced by high performance staff during injury crises. They explore the dynamics of job security in the sports industry, the importance of monitoring and injury prevention, and the pressures from external narratives. The discussion emphasizes the need for practitioners to stick to their processes while navigating challenges in a complex environment.
Takeaways
High performance staff face intense scrutiny during injury crises.
Injuries in sports are multifactorial and cannot be attributed to one cause.
Job security in the sports industry is volatile, especially during crises.
Young practitioners have opportunities to advance in their careers during industry shifts.
Monitoring player performance is crucial for injury prevention – be specific about the metrics you use and detecting change.
External narratives can impact the perception of high performance staff.
Maintaining processes is essential despite external pressures.
Networking and communication among professionals can provide support during challenging times.
Chapters
02:32 High Performance Staff and Injury Scrutiny
05:12 Industry Dynamics and Job Security
07:48 Crisis Management in Sports
10:10 Monitoring and Injury Prevention
12:49 Navigating External Pressures
15:15 Conclusion and Key Takeaways
Check Out
For more on leadership and technical development check out OLDBULL PERFORMANCE.
21 min
July 03, 2025Season 3 Episode 18 - On the Road
Summary
In this episode, Jason Weber discusses the significance of personal philosophy in coaching, the importance of building relationships and trust with athletes, and the need for coaches to develop their skills over time. He emphasizes that coaching is not just about imparting knowledge but also about understanding and connecting with athletes on a personal level. The conversation highlights the journey of self-discovery and the continuous learning process that comes with being a coach.
Takeaways
Do it for yourself.
You need to copy someone.
Don't be afraid to not be liked.
Your job is to keep them on the path.
You can change their world.
Don't rush to success.
Make connections.
You need to be concise, clear, and unique.
Your work should reflect your history.
You are put in a position of trust.
Chapters
00:00 Creating for Yourself: The True Essence of Art
09:51 The Dangers of Imitation in Pursuit of Success
Check Out
For more on leadership and technical development check out OLDBULL PERFORMANCE.
The book I mentioned in the Podcast was "Steal like and artist" which is an easy read but packs a great message.
22 min
June 24, 2025Season 3 Episode 17 - The First Guest
Summary
In this episode of 'Two Coaches and a Coffee', hosts Jason Weber and Darren discuss the evolving landscape of coaching, the importance of side hustles in the sports community, and the rising trends in sports injuries, particularly focusing on tendon health. They are joined by guest Alec Buttfield, who shares insights on load management in baseball and the challenges of quantifying hidden loads in AFL. The conversation delves into the impact of fatigue on performance and the necessity of embracing chaos in training to better prepare athletes for the unpredictable nature of sports.
Takeaways
The concept of side hustles is prevalent in the coaching community.
Injuries are becoming more common, particularly Achilles injuries.
Tendon health is often overlooked in training regimens.
Load management is crucial in preventing injuries in sports.
Hidden loads in AFL are not adequately quantified.
Fatigue significantly affects athletic performance.
Embracing chaos in training can lead to better injury prevention.
Understanding the mechanics of fatigue is essential for coaches.
Athletes need to be prepared for unpredictable situations in games.
Effective training requires a balance between control and chaos.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Coaching Dynamics
02:33 The Rise of Side Hustles in Coaching
05:18 Injury Trends in Sports: A Focus on Tendons
07:45 Guest Introduction: Insights from Alec Buttfield
10:42 Load Management in Baseball vs. AFL
13:04 Hidden Loads and Injury Prevention
15:53 Fatigue and Performance: The Hidden Risks
18:41 Embracing Chaos in Training
21:28 Conclusion and Future Discussions
Check Out
For more on leadership and technical development check out OLDBULL PERFORMANCE.
24 min

About Two Coaches & a Coffee

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With nearly 60 years of professional experience between them across the world in Premier League, International Rugby, AFL and consulting in a plethora of other sports and industries; two old bulls of…