The Athlete Welfare Podcast: Recent Episodes

Fin Kelly

Join me, Fin Kelly, as I regularly explore athlete welfare and its relationship with performance by talking with sport and fitness practitioners. We gain insights into processes, outcomes, expectations, constraints and philosophies. I am a 21-year-old Open University student and Rugby Coach. I am not a specialist or attempting to be an expert. I aim to feed my and others’ curiosity and offer an honest, youthful perspective of a developing professional in order to spread information and approaches to athlete welfare. I appreciate great conversations and all things alike. I am lucky and grateful for the opportunity to talk too many of the people that will feature on my show. Why should I keep great conversation and guests knowledge to myself? For me, everyone can benefit and we can all learn together.I hope you enjoy these conversations, and learn incredible messages likewise. Thank you.

In this episode of The Athlete Welfare Podcast, I am joined by Louis Rolfe MBE, an ex-Professional Great British Paralympic Cyclist, representing both a Gold and Bronze Medal, and 2x World Champion excellences.

In this episode of The Athlete Welfare Podcast, I am joined by Ronnie Wells, a Great British Skeleton Athlete, ex-Bristol City Football Academy Player, and ex-Sprinter.

In this episode of The Athlete Welfare Podcast, I am joined by Robert C. Robertson, a Sports Mental Skills Coach specialising in Emotional Fitness™.

In this episode of The Athlete Welfare Podcast, I am joined by Niall Lear, the Director of Rugby at Abu Dhabi Harlequins.

Sharkey, an English Teacher at Hampton School, Director at TEAM ARCHITECTURE, Volunteer at Shout Crisis Text Line, and Level 3 Rugby Coach focusing on Character Coaching, discussed:

Connection, collaboration and cohesion
Masculinity and gender dynamics
Teaching vs Coaching
Re-drafting
Themieing and Storytelling
Discovering a story you belong to
Implementing storytelling and themeing
Understanding why, and how to use it

I hope you all love this this conversation as much as I did...

David Sharkey- welcome to The Athlete Welfare Community!

Jonny Huntington, an elite para-athlete, skier and mountaineer, a former British Army Officer and ultra-distance runner at Armed Forces Para-Snowsport Team (AFPST), British Army, and Royal Military Academy Sandhurst discussed suffering a brain bleed in 2014 leaving Jonny paralysed from the neck down on his left side, leading to extensive rehabilitation and discharge from the Army. We also discussed:

Holistic understandings of sport
Objectives of sport
Enabling ownership of happiness
Complicated relationships with happiness
Biological mechanical viewpoints
Incentives
Intellectual and physical challenges
Creating a shift in interpretation of success
Enjoying experiences more than the athlete endeavour
Removing external pressures
Treating events as a rehearsal or practice
No pressures, just completion
Operating in stressful situations
The relationship between psychology and physiology
Unforced errors under fatigue
Understanding what, why, and how
Cognitive and physical entities
The power of the internet
Being analytical

I hope you all love this this conversation as much as I did...

Jonny Huntington- welcome to The Athlete Welfare Community

Leah Barrow, 800m Runner, Happiness and Positivity Coach at AIS Athletics UAE, and partner to Andrew McAslan, our Part I guest of our part to play in the Follicular Lymphoma Foundation's fund-raising push a fortnight ago, discussed:

Regular checkins
Battling with grief
Anxiety
Physical symptoms
Overcoming setbacks, challenges, and barriers
Consistency, sustainability, positivity
Psychologists needing psychologists
How we all need someone
Exhausting all options outside of therapy
Holistic philosophies
Experiences and understanding creating approaches
Being a cheerleader for yourself
Swapping 'no' to 'yes', 'I can't' to 'I can', and 'It's not possible', to 'it's possible'
Foundations of wellbeing
Social media being used as a positive drive for change
What needs to change, and what can be done

I hope you are all inspired by this conversation;
Leah - I admire your openness and honesty!!

Leah Barrow - welcome to The Athlete Welfare Community,

Clare Sadler, a Performance and Flow Specialist, focusing on Leadership Development, Anxiety and Trauma Resolution, currently operating with USA Rugby 7's as a Mental Skills Coach, discussed:

Thriving under pressure
Developing clarity
Impact of internal conflicts
Recovering from psychosocial, emotional, and physical injury
Neuro-chemical thresholds limiting physical performance
Visually evoking fear
Changing behaviours
Re-coding experiences
The power of simplicity
Subconcious automated behaviours
Environmental behaviours
Plastic memories
Internal and external communication
Prediction making machines
Content, process, and structure

I hope you all love this this conversation as much as I did...

Clare Sadler - Beyond Instinct - welcome to The Athlete Welfare Community

Mark, a current International TEDxSpeaker, retired British Cycling, British Olympic Association and British Paralympic Association Athlete, and International Conference Speaker at MARK COLBOURNE MBE LIMITED discussed:

Winning with Mindsets
Logical Thinking vs Emotional Thinking
4 Pillars of Change
Small differences making all of the differences
Overcoming fear of change
Dealing with change
Following the plan
The meaning of life
Fundamentals of change and mindset
Being a realist
Finding the authentic me
Subconscious environments
Being in the room
Enjoying the journey
Being an amazing human being
Beginning the day with affirmations
Do I vs Should I?
MISSION - inspire yourself
Achieving your dream
Teaching to teach
Exponential growth

I hope you all love this this conversation as much as I did...

Mark Colbourne MBE- welcome to The Athlete Welfare Community

Andy McAslan, a middle-distance runner was diagnosed this year with an incurable blood Cancer; Stage 4 Non-Hodgkin Follicular Lymphoma.

Andy recently took to social media in the hope to begin a major fund-raising campaign to help find a cure for the rare blood Cancer. At the age of 25, Andy now has to endure 6 hours of IV immune-chemotherapy every 4 weeks instead of training to maximise his utmost potential on the track. In Andy's words; "I will keep having to go through these treatments as long as there isn't a cure out there, and once I have exhausted them all, there won't be another option to turn to."

As The Athlete Welfare Podcast, I want Andy to feel supported, loved, and safe.
We will be donating as much as possible when this episode is live, but if you want to get behind Andy please click the link below:

https://www.charityextra.com/flf/38531

And, to find out more, have a little read of the links below:

https://athleticsweekly.com/athletics-news/athlete-in-a-race-against-time-to-find-cancer-cure-1039950767

https://www.theflf.org

We're all with you Andy!!

Phil Llewellyn, currently Women's Head Coach at Oxford University Rugby Football Club, and Sports Scholarship Manager at Birmingham City University, and previously a Freelance Rugby Coach and Coach Educator in Vancouver, Canada, Programme Coordinator at the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU), Head Coach at Hinckley Rugby Club, England Students Team Manager, and Player Development Officer at England Rugby, Director of Rugby and Head Coach at Nuneaton RFC, Head Coach of the Cyprus National Team, Head Coach at University of Gloucestershire, and Head Coach of England Colleges, discusses the following:

Being fair, but realistic
Looking at welfare through a positive, and negative lens
Person welfare, not just athlete welfare
Confidence = challenge
Actionable support
Avoiding being determined by outcomes
The role of the coach
Super-strengths
Points of difference
Environmental pressures
Systemic processes to reflection
Dreams vs goals
Honesty + Respect = Trust
Damaging behaviours
Increasing vulnerability, and self-awareness
Online IDP's
Conversations, connections and relationships
All about the context
The questioning funnel

I hope you all love this this conversation as much as I did...

Phil - welcome to The Athlete Welfare Community!

Rhys Thomas, former Welsh International Rugby Player , and Scarlets Rugby, Dragons Rugby, and Newport RFC player, who suffered a heart attack at the age of 29, was fitted with a pump that currently helps to run his heart (LVAD), lost his career, identity and didn't deal with his emotions and feelings at the time, leading to alcoholism and many dark places is our guest today.

Rhys is now 24 months sober with a new found purpose, and back on the heart transplant list; he is now an Inspirational Speaker at The Sporting Chance Clinic, Mental Health Advocate, and Ambassador at #TheGlovesAreOn and TidyButt. Throughout this episode we discuss:

Lack of support from National Governing Bodies
No true understanding from NGB's
Lack of financial support having been forced into retirement
Alcoholism and dark places
Losing friends, and family
Losing careers, and identities
Living with a failing hurt
Maintaining a positive mindset
Living in the presence = heaven
Living in the past, and the future thoughts = hell
Victim mentalities
Feeling isolated, and abandoned
Off-field distractions
Financial = Mental = Physical
12 steps of recovery
Beginning the self-recovery journey
Rehabilitation being life changing
Make peace and amends
Monitoring your thoughts

I hope you all love this this conversation as much as I did...

Rhys - welcome to The Athlete Welfare Community!

Abigail Irozuru, one of Britain's All-Time Top Female Long Jumpers for GB and England Athletics, and Motivational Speaker, Academic Tutor, and Performance Coach for AMPLIFY Learning discusses:

Retiring, and returning to the sport
Understanding your limits, and recognising when to push
Reviewing, and resembling
Living on the life-wheel
Perspective shifts
Acceptance
Being real, and understanding reality
Being disciplined, and strict within reason
Understanding where you are
Doing your own values justice
Winning
Aims, goals, and dreams

I hope you all love this this conversation...

Abigail- welcome to The Athlete Welfare Community!

Jenny Coady, the current Head of Performance and Well-being at West Ham United FC, with previous roles at organisations such as UK Sport, UK Coaching, London GAA, Moving Matters, University College Dublin, GAA, Waterford Institute of Technology, and Basketball Ireland, discusses:

Connections and Relationships
Professional vs authentic conversations
Performance through wellbeing
Curiosity and ambitions
Trust, relationship, environment, and conversations
Pre-conceived ideas
Eye-contact and smiling
Defining your own success
Re-defining coach success
Celebrating small, big moments
Truly reflecting
Honestly understanding your why
Language, and jargon within sport
Self-awareness

I hope you all love this this conversation...

Jenny - welcome to The Athlete Welfare Community!

Ian McKinley, previously a Visually Impaired International and Professional Rugby Player, and Coach at the likes of Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU), Leinster Rugby, Barbarians RUFC, Rugby Viadana, Federazione Italiana Rugby, Benetton Rugby Treviso, and currently representing the Ballymena Academy, and Sales Representative of Gemini Surgical innovations, discusses the following:

Visually impaired performance
Attitudes of inclusion
Preparation and Understanding
Gratefulness of experiences
Driving change and development within barriers
Having an open, growth mindset
Positivity within not so positive experiences
Listening to your own self
What is next...
Following your dream no matter the blockage

I hope you all enjoy this conversation

Warren Abrahams, an Ex-Professional Athlete, now Performance Coach, and Coach Developer focusing on Rugby Creative, with experiences at organisations such as Stellenbosch University, Bearwood College, Lithuanian Rugby, Harlequins, England Rugby, RUGBY Salsi German Munch, USA Rugby, WRU, and Coaching4potential, discusses:

Play | Learn | Grow
Surface level relationships
Being a chameleon
Creative skills evidencing growth
Curiosity
Connecting, and empathising
Structure within chaos
Constant change; adapting on the move
Coaching beyond the game
X-factor decisions
Role-modelling
Coaching from the head down
Providing tools and strategies
Blossoming relationships
Knowing your coffee
Contextualising evidence within meaningful conversations

I hope you all enjoy this this conversation,

The Athlete Welfare Podcast x Fin Kelly x Warren Abrahams

Micha Shaw, a Mindfulness Coach for Athletes, inspired by her practice of yoga, meditation and experiences as a professional athlete, discusses points such as:

Being hard on yourself
Thriving high
Major sacrifices and stubbornness
Redefining success
Being goal-orientated
Vulnerability awareness
The power of the journey
Self-reflection
Curiosity, clarity and gratitude
Experiences resulting in empowerment or disempowerment
Being present, on purpose, non-judgementally
Noticing your breath
Failure and shame
Performance enhancement
Paying attention to the WHY

I hope you all enjoy this conversation,

The Athlete Welfare Podcast x Fin Kelly x Micha Shaw

Lloyd Wallace a 2018 British Winter Olympian, Athlete Manager at Sports Sphere, and MSc in Management with Finance Graduate from University of Bath, holds conversations revolving around:

24 hour Coma after a training accident
Taking 2 years out to study
Maximising potential, in sport, and out
High performance pedigree pressures and expectations
Becoming an Olympian
Impact of losing site of the way
Creating a safe environment through a holistic lens
Constant improvement
Safely striving for perfection
The biological clock within sport

I hope you all enjoy this conversation,

The Athlete Welfare Podcast x Fin Kelly x Lloyd Wallace

Jeanelle Scheper, an Olympic High-Jumper for Saint Lucia, and Adidas sponsored athlete, discusses points focused on:

Finances, facilities, and resources
Changing perspectives on specific moments
Injury, publicity, and pressure management
Scientific approaches to managing nervousness
Allowing for performance execution
Visualisation and breathing exercises
Being the product, and the business
Being, and surrounding yourself with good people
Invaluable lessons from sport
Relationships and connections
Motivations, mindsets, and lessons
A healthy, holistic wellbeing
Greatest challenges of injuries
Competing within individual sports, but never being alone

I hope you all enjoy this conversation,

The Athlete Welfare Podcast x Fin Kelly x Jeanelle Scheper

Piero Mingoia, a Former Football Player for Watford Football Club, Cambridge United Football Club, and Accrington Stanley Football Club Ltd, Writer and Personal Development Coach, discusses in-depth discussions focusing on these points:

The self-development journey
Managerial traits
The biggest challenge
Emotional intelligence
The importance of person-focused development
Life coaching
External influences, pressures, and expectations
Genuine, authentic attitudes
Trust within relationships
Fulfilling potentials, and achieving goals
Securing a balanced life off the pitch
Allowing for a smooth transition after sport

I really hope you enjoy this conversation,

The Athlete Welfare Podcast x Fin Kelly x Piero Mingoia

The 50th (Gold) Anniversary Episode with Mike Friday of USA Rugby, has been recorded and it was most definitely worthy of this anniversary...

Throughout this honestly incredible, exciting and lucky conversation, myself, and Mike Friday the USA Rugby Mens 7's Head Coach discuss the following points:

Emotionally investing
Flexible communication, and truly understanding communication
Effective communication and inter-personal skills
Sociable personalities
Player understandings and perspectives
Mental wellbeing = psychological wellbeing + communicational wellbeing
Specialities and values
Investing in people
Thriving in high pressured environments
Tokyo2020 Olympics
Timing is everything
Non-negotiables
Building successful teams and businesses

I hope you all enjoy this conversation,

The Athlete Welfare Podcast x Fin Kelly x Mike Friday

Episode #049 sees myself, and Karen Roberts Castle OLY, Head of Performance Operations at the British Judo Association discuss:

Mutual benefits vs mutual gains
Baseline understandings
Coach development and mentorship
The power of conversations, and everyday communication
Layered approaches
Generating ideas
Compassion, understanding, and support
Cultural behaviours
Provoking thinking, and exploring topics
Fundamental requirements to fix your oxygen
Active listening
The role of the coach as the heart
Group dynamics and behaviours
Individual aspects
The environments we create
Interactions with others

I hope you all enjoy this conversation

The Athlete Welfare Podcast x Fin Kelly x Karen Roberts Castle OLY

Welcome to The Athlete Welfare Podcast where you can listen to Episode #048 with Tammy Parlour MBE of Women's Sport Trust.

Throughout this conversation, myself and Tammy Parlour MBE, the Co-founder & CEO of Women's Sport Trust, the Board Director of AFC Wimbledon Ladies FC, and MBE for her services to gender equality in sport through working to create a stronger women's sport ecosystem, you can expect to hear topics such as:

Being visible, viable, and unstoppable
Holistically impacting potential peak performance
Martial Arts training, disciplines and fundamentals
Reflecting actionably
The mentor relationship
The power of listening
Fundamental beliefs
Athlete programmes creating safe spaces
Innate striving to improve
The relationship, support, and communication triangle
Being quirky, honest, and passionate

I hope you all enjoy this conversation,

The Athlete Welfare Podcast x Fin Kelly x Tammy Parlour MBE

Welcome to The Athlete Welfare Podcast where you are able to listen to episode 47 with Cath Bishop, and it is utterly incredible!

Throughout this conversation with myself, and Cath Bishop, a renowned Olympian, Speaker, Consultant, Author, Executive Coach, and Facilitator, you can expect to hear a conversation including:

Fully dependent cultures
Clarity, constant learning, and connection
Redefining what success looks like
Interpretations of welfare
Defining good coaches, and high performers
Conceptualising sinister approaches
Understanding the WHY
The importance of fun and enjoyment
A constant learning mindset
Creating inclusive workplaces
Developing successful leaders
Story-telling
Thriving environments, team dynamics, and sustainable performance cultures

I hope you all enjoy this conversation today,
and please let me know what you think either by messaging me on
Twitter @FinKelly_
or on Instagram @theathletewelfarepod or @fin.kelly

I would love to hear from you all...

Thank you, and stay awesome,

The Athlete Welfare Podcast x Fin Kelly x Cath Bishop

Welcome to The Athlete Welfare Podcast where today you can listen to episode 46 with Angie Bain of Survive to Thrive Wellbeing.

Within this conversation with myself, and Angie Bain, the Director, and Wellbeing Practitioner of Survive to Thrive, you can expect to hear:

The link between Wellbeing and High Performance
Person-centred approaches
Individualising approaches, conversations, and connections
Avoiding a judgemental attitude
Adopting processes over outcomes
Systemic support
Being a mirror
A growth mindset
Curiosity, acceptance, and encouragement
Curiosity vs critical values
The power of blank canvases
Cultural acceptance
Being psychologically safe

I hope you all enjoy this conversation today,
and please let me know what you think either by messaging me on
-Twitter @FinKelly_
-or on Instagram @theathletewelfarepod or @fin.kelly

I would love to hear from you all...

Thank you, and stay awesome,

The Athlete Welfare Podcast x Fin Kelly x Angie Bain

Welcome to The Athlete Welfare Podcast, where you can listen to episode 45 with Roger Black of Roger Black Fitness, BackleyBlack, and The British Olympic Association.

Throughout this conversation, you can expect to hear conversations focusing on:

Running, life, and health
Connection, expression, and choices
Success leaving cues
The inspiration of the Olympics
Re-connecting with visions
Person-centred approaches
Degrees of talent
Supporting Olympic athletes and their honesty

I hope you all enjoy this conversation today,
and please let me know what you think either by messaging me on
Twitter @FinKelly_
or on Instagram @theathletewelfarepod or @fin.kelly

I would love to hear from you all...

Thank you, and stay awesome,

The Athlete Welfare Podcast x Fin Kelly x Roger Black

In this episode of The Athlete Welfare Podcast, I recorded episode #044 with Damian McGrath, the current Head Coach of Germany Rugby 7s.

Previously Damian has also been involved at Rugby Canada, Samoa Rugby Union, England Rugby, England Rugby 7s, Great British Sevens, WRU, Huddersfield Giants, Spanish Rugby, Leicester Tigers, The Rugby Football League, London Broncos, Leeds Rhinos, and Batley Bulldogs.

With this wealth of knowledge, expertise, and experiences, myself and Damian delved into some very interesting points.

Damian made consistent references to positivity within an environment that accepts the ability to try new things, as long as these attempts can be justified, where vulnerability and resilience are implemented vastly, where all staff and athletes are challenged in the correct way, and when trust = comfort = interactions = positive welfare.

I thoroughly enjoyed hearing about Damian's experiences as a teacher and how his own experiences as a student, have impacted his philosophy and approach to teaching, and in turn his technique adopted into coaching.

It is clear that for Damian, that he focuses on the interactions, connections, and the journey more than anything else.
This is recognised by the definite factor that Damian will talk positively to every player before training, on a 1-1 basis.

It was also quite refreshing to hear that Damian has been referred to as a father-figure, particularly when Damian openly demonstrates an intrinsic connection to the way that he his as a father, and the way that he coaches. Damian ensures that he looks after everyone, as his own.

Lastly, to ask Damian what his understanding of Athlete Welfare is, and to hear that there is no such thing as just Athlete Welfare, is inspirational. As, Damian defines that he secures Welfare for everyone involved within the environment, as everyone has a major part to play on the field. He stated that to develop the environments off the field, as well as welfare, pays major diligence to that of the performance on the pitch.

This really sets the tone for this incredible conversation.

I hope you all enjoy todays conversation,

The Athlete Welfare Podcast x Fin Kelly

In this episode of The Athlete Welfare Podcast, I collaborate with Jack Green OLY, of Champion Health UK, and previously part of the BBC Studios, Nike and British Olympic Association as we recorded #043.

Throughout this conversation, Jack made constant referrals to his own experiences and challenges with Mental Health Diagnosis's. This represented a strong core to our conversation whilst Jack also made it clear that although he has been considered a threat to his own life, and now worked through this, he still has days where he struggles.

We determined that Mental Health is a part of us, and nothing is wrong with it if we struggle. Together, we can accept this is simply part of our characteristics and we should be open to discussing this just like a physical injury.

We further discussed confronting the fear of failure through carefully considered management, representing an all or nothing brutality, a mindset where Jack must be the best in the world no matter the impact caused to himself or others, and the fact that he considers himself to have been living a lie.

I found it interesting to hear that we all have a duty of care when it comes to welfare, particularly within performance.

Jack referred to the difficulty within elite sport, where on-lookers don't see emotions, as success papers over the cracks, nor do they recognise the sacrifices one undergoes, but also the detrimental factors of comparisons.

Finally, Jack discussed his experiences of feeling lost, confused and frustrated whilst still being considered one of the best athletes in the world, and the detrimental state of mind that came as a result to this.

I hope you all enjoy todays conversation,

The Athlete Welfare Podcast x Fin Kelly

In this episode of The Athlete Welfare Podcast, I recorded with Sara Parfett, a #Tokyo2020 British Olympic Association Debutant, of The Great British Rowing Team.

First of all, the upmost best of luck to you in Tokyo, Sara, we are all behind you...

Throughout this conversation, myself and Sara discussed the processes undertaken to develop relationships within different techniques of communication.

It was intriguing to investigate the differences regarding demands, small-talk, process goals within internal goals, external challenges in the form of impacts upon performance, between solo and team sports. From Sara's experiences in solo swimming, to solo rowing, to now rowing within a crew, we see a complete insight into the comparisons.

I found it interesting when we discussed vulnerability making way for honest self-reflection, but positively reflecting rather than negatively, having overall awareness, in turn creating confidence and self-belief which secures one's welfare and results in high performance.

I hope you all enjoy todays conversation,

The Athlete Welfare Podcast x Fin Kelly

In this episode of The Athlete Welfare Podcast, I held an incredibly honest and touching conversation with Edmir Lucas, currently a Professional Basketball Player under a Free Agent Status, previously representing London Lions, and London City Royals, and more,

Before we start, I have to say, this conversation is potentially one of the most heartfelt conversations that I have had yet on The Athlete Welfare Podcast.

Throughout this conversation we hit the highs and lows of life, and all of that in between. This discussion was a complete truthful, insightful and emotional rollercoaster.

Ed and I discussed the fundamentally important role of a coach educating athletes at all levels to work smart, rather than hard, avoiding the identities of being a 'workaholic' and a 'perfectionist' and avoiding consistent comparisons.

I felt it unbelievable touching for Ed to open up on his childhood challenges of experiencing homelessness, illnesses within the family, struggling to put food on the table, and not going back to school after the age of 15. We touched on playing through anger, frustration and finding motivations through personal experiences, as well as uncontrollable thoughts of pain.

For me, I gained an unbelievable amount from this conversation. Until today, I thought I knew what athletes faced, but Ed brought a completely new level to athlete welfare.

Although Ed speaks openly about his mental health struggles, and understands from a Qualified Professional Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Specialist's perspective, there are still barriers to his participation within Psychological Sessions that he discusses.

Ed, it was an absolute pleasure to talk with you. I look forward to working with you in the future.

I hope you all find this conversation touching, and life-changing,

The Athlete Welfare Podcast x Fin Kelly

In this episode of The Athlete Welfare Podcast, I speak with James Radford of Chesterfield Football Club and Sheffield Union Football Club.

Within this conversation, James demonstrated clear referrals to his religious beliefs. His strong Christian Faith impacts his environmental creation wherein James focuses on the experiences of every athlete within an approachable culture. It is clear that James focuses on emphasising the true validity of each athlete within the academy.

Considering he sees a complete variation of backgrounds, diversity, experience and talent, the forefront of his philosophy is about giving game time, and creating a strong friendship through an intrinsic social scene.

I liked to hear that James implements community work to introduce other focuses outside of football to the young athletes within the academy.

Lastly, James defined analysis in a different way to how I have always anticipated it. James undertakes analysis within the academy not based upon statistics, but based upon the players' values in order to sell every aspect of the player to their future endeavours rather than just their figures.

I hope you all enjoy todays conversation,

The Athlete Welfare Podcast x Fin Kelly

In this episode of The Athlete Welfare Podcast, I thoroughly enjoyed speaking with Craig Johns of World Sport Coach, NRG2Perform, Speakers Institute Corporate, and Speakers Institute.

Throughout this truly insightful conversation, myself and Craig discussed pressure, stressors surrounding performers, and shifting energy within energy management using the metaphorical atomic pressure analogy.

It was educational to learn that there are 5 processes one must master the use of; the pressure release valve, turning the pressure tap, the pressure shield, the pressure magnet and leaning into pressure with no hesitation. Once all of these are controlled and mastered one may access the Flow State of Mind.

I find it intriguing to learn that not a lot of fundamentals, if any, vary between all aspects of high performance. The relentless pursuit can become unhealthy, but one must understand 100% of the conviction of who you are to ensure you can see the bigger picture.

We also spoke about the difference between motivation and inspiration and the impact these have when implemented by coaches or mentors.

Finally, Craig's advice to those supporting high performers, as the role models of athletes must ensure exercise in daily movement, the correct nutrition, freeing your mind, and recovering with a purpose. One must proactively plan recovery with a clear purpose.

I hope you all enjoy todays conversation,

The Athlete Welfare Podcast x Fin Kelly

In this episode of The Athlete Welfare Podcast, Russ Barber of The British Triathlon Federation and The Swim Coach Network is the guest on episode #037.Russ created scope for an incredible conversation by describing Athlete Welfare as a nuanced subject with a large grey area, and the three nonnegotiables within cultures that he instills; no aggressive behaviour, no belittling people and only a strict, professional athlete to coach relationship.

We continued in the direction of experiences creating ethical and appropriate perspectives, developing empathy, traits within positive mindsets and really focusing on safeguarding to secure wellbeing.

However, what I truly found interesting was the main topic of the conversation; fatigue. Russ spoke openly about his experiences with chronic fatigue and the results this brought him regarding his own mental health. We discussed how a coach should give themselves the world class treatment that we give to Elite Athletes; we must de-compress, and put the fuel back in the tank to go again.

Russ praises a recovery based approach.

I hope you all enjoy todays conversation,

The Athlete Welfare Podcast x Fin Kelly

#TheAthleteWelfarePod #TAWP

#ExperiencesCreatePerspectives

#HumansNotMachines

In this episode of The Athlete Welfare Podcast, episode #038 sees Kate Seary of Future Leaders Network, The Office of the Future Generations Commissioner for Wales, the Co-Founder of Kyniska Advocacy and WELSH ATHLETICS LIMITED Athlete give her insight.

Kate described her perspective of Athlete Welfare revolving around making sure that the individual is comfortable and happy, but making sure that our happiness stems from the journey rather than letting success or times determine our emotions.

It was interesting to delve into the process of simplifying emotions, to ensure that we are relaxed.

It was eye-opening, shocking and actually quite upsetting to hear that Kate predicts that 100% of all middle-distance runners that she knows do not have the best of relationships with food.

It is important to note that this isn't only women, but men also, and actually Kate is only calling upon her own experiences in which she can speak first hand upon.

How many more sports, mindsets, or demands are revolving around our body image, or body type?

I hope you all enjoy todays conversation,

The Athlete Welfare Podcast x Fin Kelly

#TheAthleteWelfarePod #TAWP

#ExperiencesCreatePerspectives

#HumansNotMachines

In this episode of The Athlete Welfare Podcast, I thoroughly enjoyed recording episode #036 with Laurie Williams of British Wheelchair Basketball.

Throughout, Laurie openly discussed her previous experiences of culture clashes, toxic individuals and the tough years she faced leading up to #Rio2016. It is upsetting to hear that not only did Laurie have a tough time participating in sport at school, she also had a tough time enjoying her sport at the top of the performance ladder.

It was refreshing to hear about smart training, wherein Laurie focuses on quality not quantity of training, focusing on constructive feedback rather than destructive feedback and more importantly being at peace with the journey to put the athlete in the best position possible.

The main take home for me is that Laurie wants everyones voices to be heard and for people to realise the power of their own voice.

I hope you all enjoy todays conversation,

The Athlete Welfare Podcast x Fin Kelly

#TheAthleteWelfarePod #TAWP

#ExperiencesCreatePerspectives

#HumansNotMachines

In this episode of The Athlete Welfare Podcast, I am very happy to say that I recorded episode #035 with Lauren Delany of LVD Performance Nutrition, Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU), Sale Sharks Rugby Club, Leeds Rhinos Rugby League Club and Archery GB.

It is fair to say; Lauren wears a lot of hats, and that this conversation is jam packed full of incredible insightful discussions, advice, experiences, beliefs and values.

I thoroughly enjoyed discussing health and wellbeing as a whole within sport, but really delving into long-term health, good, sustainable relationships with our own bodies and truly understanding yourself and your needs.

I enjoyed collaborating over finding the balance between all of your own identities or roles, being adaptable in different contexts, building beneficial relationships, but also supporting athletes within personalised approaches based upon the foundations of trust, honesty, and being open.

My favourite quote of the discussion with Lauren was that she sees herself as part of "The Team behind the Team" as a Nutritionist.

I hope you all enjoy todays conversation,

The Athlete Welfare Podcast x Fin Kelly

#TheAthleteWelfarePod #TAWP

#ExperiencesCreatePerspectives

#HumansNotMachines

In this episode of The Athlete Welfare Podcast, I thoroughly enjoyed discussing Athlete Welfare with David Karasek of The Swiss Swimming Federation and Tribe of Athletes.

This conversation was truly incredible, honest, and impressively focused on both of our perspectives and beliefs. Throughout, both myself and David asked each other questions to get to our destination of determining what best advice to offer.

I enjoyed beginning the conversation focused on David's financial experiences before delving into having a big dream, believing that it is possible, and securing discipline to progress there, thinking in end results whilst imagining the process, and consistently working within a holistic approach inspired by life outside of sport.

I found it particularly fascinating to consider the power of habits, the power of ones mind, and truly understanding yourself with regards to what this can offer you...

My top quote of the episode with David is that it is always "Mindset before Mechanics"

I hope you all enjoy todays conversation,

The Athlete Welfare Podcast x Fin Kelly

#TheAthleteWelfarePod #TAWP

#ExperiencesCreatePerspectives

#HumansNotMachines

In this episode of The Athlete Welfare Podcast, I had the privilege of hosting Michael McFarlane of Bangkok Prep and World Rugby.

Throughout this conversation, we hear how Michael's experiences have created who he ultimately is today. From moving countries, changing roles, and adapting life-focuses, Michael's perspectives have definitely shifted.

In Michael's opinion, a reaction is everything, the best culture is led by the individuals to move in the same direction, and as a coach you must have a deep understanding and knowledge of the individuals to secure their welfare, whether that is physically, mentally, intellectually or spiritually.

I particularly enjoyed delving into appreciation and trust, micro-leadership contributing to a safe culture revolving around positive control, and how this allows for the chance for everyone to express their expertise, feelings and beliefs.

However, from a coach perspective, my main take-home was that "one should be clinical, but not 100% relentless, one should enjoy success."

I hope you all enjoy todays conversation,

The Athlete Welfare Podcast x Fin Kelly

#TheAthleteWelfarePod #TAWP

#ExperiencesCreatePerspectives

#HumansNotMachines

In this episode of The Athlete Welfare Podcast, I recorded an incredible discussion for #032 with Omar Mouneimne MBA of Bristol Bears.

Omar offered an incredible discussion around helping to support individuals reach their ultimate potential without any harm coming to them physically or mentally.

Omar's values were paramount throughout; Honour, Respect and Self-Control.

It was intriguing to learn that these values came from his experiences. However, what stands out more significantly is that these values became true in the latter stages of a divorce wherein he found himself, respected himself, and treated these experiences as a life lesson.

It was fascinating to dictate that proof + progress = vulnerability.

Without vulnerability, we questioned how one is actually able to progress, be true to themselves and secure their welfare?

Finally, within a sport that is so heavily dependent on results, it was refreshing to witness that relationships and trust are central within the power of conversations to the ideology of situational leadership, and cultural architects. After all, coaching is not telling, it is collaborating.

I hope you all enjoy todays conversation.

The Athlete Welfare Podcast

TheAthleteWelfarePod #TAWP

ExperiencesCreatePerspectives

HumansNotMachines

In this episode of The Athlete Welfare Podcast, I was lucky enough to record episode #031 with Kieran Gething, Welsh Super-Lightweight Boxing Champion.

Throughout this conversation Kieran made clear, and passionate links to the connections that he has with his family, and ultimately how they are his support networks as well as his motivation.

Kieran touched on both his personal tragedy and his physical setbacks, but throughout kept a positive mindset and managed to deter the conversations in the direction of how he is thankful for his experiences but uses all of these perspectives to now help support the local community with a target of expanding this support within the country.

It was fascinating to hear Kieran state that one should talk about their fears, worries or feelings, but also admit that ironically he does not do this himself.

A powerful take home for me from this conversation regards Kieran's mother. Kieran recalls making statements to his mother when he was younger revolving around the question of staying alive. In response, Kieran's mother stayed calm, and listened, as after all; 'a problem shared, is a problem halved'.

I hope you all enjoy todays conversation,

The Athlete Welfare Podcast

TheAthleteWelfarePod #TAWP

ExperiencesCreatePerspectives

HumansNotMachines

In this episode of The Athlete Welfare Podcast, I recorded #030 of The Athlete Welfare Podcast with a legend that is Ben Gollings, of The Optimisation Hub, Crodene Ltd and an ex-Professional Rugby Player for England Rugby Sevens.

I found it interesting to hear about Ben's struggles post his rugby career and the adaptations he had to make in life in order to acclimate to these demands and differences.

The work in which he is undergoing with The Optimisation Hub is truly inspirational as they focus on developing Mental Health to better prepare society for their journey within sport, but also within life.

One strong point for me throughout this discussion is that Ben is grateful for all of his experiences as it has created who he is now, his perspectives, but it has also improved him as a coach.

Ben focuses on constructive criticism and developing respect and trust throughout communication whilst avoiding destructive criticism and detrimental values.

I hope you all enjoy todays conversation,

The Athlete Welfare Podcast

TheAthleteWelfarePod #TAWP

ExperiencesCreatePerspectives

HumansNotMachines

In this episode of The Athlete Welfare Podcast, I had the privilege of recording discussion #029 of The Athlete Welfare Podcast with Mhairi Maclennan, of Great British Athletics and the co-founder of Kyniska Advocacy

Throughout this conversation Mhairi demonstrated a clear, important and distinctive portrayal of her specific opinion of what athlete welfare is. This discussion revolved solely around sexual misconduct within elite performance, the effects that it has on individuals and their performance, as well as pushing for change at the top of the structural sporting organisations.

I found it particularly interesting to gain Mhairi's views on what will institute advancements within policy change to make a difference.

This empowerment and drive for change stemmed from personal experiences and witnessing toxic environments and cultures. Mhairi is driven to create a dynamic organisation in which increases the knowledge behind what constitutes sexual abuse and to offer a safe place for vulnerable personal to come forward.

Mhairi is truly inspirational, and deserves a lot of praise for her work.

I hope you all enjoy todays conversation,

The Athlete Welfare Podcast

TheAthleteWelfarePod #TAWP

ExperiencesCreatePerspectives

HumansNotMachines

In this episode of The Athlete Welfare Podcast, I had an insightful chat with Olivia Withers of Harlequins Women.

Throughout this episode, Liv demonstrated a reoccurring theme within personality dependancy, honesty, trust, empathy and the power of holistic conversations.

It was interesting to delve into the female game and how perfection could potentially be focused on equality rather than specifically individual performances, of which may not be deemed as detrimental to wellbeing.

From a Head Physiotherapist perspective, Liv spoke about the importance of both physical and mental welfare, how these are intrinsically linked, but also how she deals with the first layer of RUGBY initially, before then securing all player safety, and athlete welfare in the second layer; LIFE.

As semi-professional athletes, women at the top of the game still have vocations outside of sport. It is imperative to take these into account when dealing with the welfare of all involved.

Ultimately, when assessing the return from injury, Liv finds herself evaluating the risk vs benefit factor with rugby as the priority, but also the lives of the athletes importantly.

I hope you all enjoy todays conversation,

The Athlete Welfare Podcast

TheAthleteWelfarePod #TAWP

ExperiencesCreatePerspectives

HumansNotMachines

In this episode of The Athlete Welfare Podcast, I had the honour of discussing all things welfare with Charlie Beckett of Ampthill Rugby Club.

Throughout we made references to the amazing work undergone by LooseHeadz and Noggin Sport C.I.C. with regards to how these organisations have made Charlie recognise the importance of being open, honest and happy as well as ignoring his opinion that "a problem shared, is a problem doubled" as he believes that more people worry about him thereafter.

I found it inspirational to discuss consistency, fundamentals and everyday preparation in order to actively seek the high standards to control the internal factors. After this, if successfully executed, is down to the external factors of which one can't control.

From here, we delved into the ability to be fluid, understand your priorities and accept when something may not be quite worth it.

I thoroughly enjoyed listening to Charlie talk passionately about his experiences, curveballs and lessons with regards to how he is actually grateful for all of his experiences as they are formed who he is today. He openly acknowledges that all of his experiences will fuel his next chapter.

I hope you all enjoy todays conversation,

The Athlete Welfare Podcast

TheAthleteWelfarePod #TAWP

ExperiencesCreatePerspectives

HumansNotMachines

In this episode of The Athlete Welfare Podcast, I had the honour to discuss athlete welfare with Leicester City Football Club and Scottish Women's Football's Sophie Howard.

Throughout this conversation, Sophie demonstrated a repetitve theme based on her own experiences. Actualities such as experiencing a traumatic exit from the 2019 World Cup, feeling as she did not belong in a specific environment and feeling as if she must "fake" her emotions in order to perform sufficiently.

This truly honest, and inspirational conversation delved specifically into the power of support networks within family and friends, sacrifices involved within Elite Performance and being brutally honest with yourself.

A major take-home for myself from this incredible conversation is that it is imperative to understand yourself, question whether you are happy, and what you can do to ensure your happiness. From this, we discovered that ultimately speaking openly, being honest, accepting and realising that setbacks, challenges and barriers are only speed bumps is imperative. If they are too high for your car, take a diversion, but still end up at the planned destination.

I hope you all enjoy todays conversation,

The Athlete Welfare Podcast

TheAthleteWelfarePod #TAWP

ExperiencesCreatePerspectives

HumansNotMachines

In this episode of The Athlete Welfare Podcast, it was incredible to delve into athlete welfare with Paul Hewitt.

I found it particularly fascinating to explore the activation of a high-performance mindset, the growth mentality and the performance zone.

Sooner than originally anticipated, myself and Paul discussed self-hypnosis of which Paul actually considers as de-hypnotising people from the experiences that have in turn hypnotised them into a specific mental state. In this context, experiences that have proved to be detrimental to performances such as being held back.

We focused on relaxing and get in touch with the unconscious mind in order to activate the conscious mind simultaneously to control the emotional state of which leads to creating self-sufficient performers.

I found it especially interesting that Paul experienced performance anxiety himself, and used these challenges as opportunities to portray his own growth mindset in performance but also as a coach. Paul thrives in rarely implementing his opinion or own input into his coaching and instead guides the individuals or teams by placing himself in their shoes and being an active listener.

I hope you all enjoy todays conversation.

In this episode of The Athlete Welfare Podcast, I have incredible, honest and "therapeutic" conversation with Jo Trip, a member of the Saracens Mavericks Netball Team.

It was inspirational to delve into the factors and impacts of a depressive state as a result of the internal battle created by the loss of identity. Jo was stripped of her life balance that consisted of playing professional netball, studying and working full-time when she moved to the United Kingdom. She described that this identity that she had made her feel whole, happy and that she had a purpose. Her growth mindset allowed for her to recognise what techniques worked best by accepting that it is ok to not be ok, and self-reflecting upon what led to this emotional state.

A major fundamental for Jo's playing, teaching and coaching career is the social aspect of welfare which in turn creates both a positive mental and physical wellbeing. I loved to hear that she is a major advocate for talking, but also that one should understand that "practice makes progress" as thriving for perfection is detrimental.

I hope you all enjoy todays conversation.

TheAthleteWelfarePod #TAWP

ExperiencesCreatePerspectives

HumansNotMachines

In this episode of The Athlete Welfare Podcast, I hold an incredible, honest conversation with Peter Walton of whom adopts all of his experiences to create his perspectives from the player, coach and manager viewpoint.

As the Head Coach of the Gloucester Rugby Academy, Peter gave an educational insight into the importance of simplicity within approaches. I enjoyed hearing about the relevance of confidence, trust, sensitivity, and simplicity in the processes of development. As covered throughout, Peter regards his experiences with individuals such as Steve Black, Jonny Wilkinson, John Fletcher, Geoff Parling, Doddie Gump (My Name'5 Doddie Foundation) and Gary Armstrong to have impacted his current philosophy and approach greatly.

It was an honour to realise that even at this level in the game, Peter still prides himself in thriving for enjoyment and love within the game. It was incredible to hear that although Rugby is tough, he creates an environment where vulnerability, emotions and sensitivity are greatly accepted.

I hope you all enjoy todays conversation.

TheAthleteWelfarePod #TAWP

ExperiencesCreatePerspectives

HumansNotMachines

In this episode of The Athlete Welfare Podcast, I have a different, yet insightful conversation with Dan Richardson regarding the importance of nutrition in making athletes feel psychological and physically improved.

Throughout we mentioned the relevance of open, safe, trusting and personalised conversations instead of formal consultations. It was interesting to discuss the freedom to roam resulting in player responsibility as well as the difference between coaching and lecturing. I enjoyed debating the emphasis of a simple mentality, support networks and belief.

It was fascinating to listen to the technique in which Dan takes to find the middle ground, and to create a fun, rewarding and creative nutrition education for all involved. I liked to hear about how ultimately this comes from trial and error and will always be a sliding scale; similarly to ever changing landscape, everybody, and every technique will differ to increase relationships, understanding and acknowledgement.

I hope you all enjoy todays conversation.

TheAthleteWelfarePod #TAWP

ExperiencesCreatePerspectives

HumansNotMachines

In this episode of The Athlete Welfare Podcast, I have the privilege to welcome George Morris, an athlete, a coach at British Fencing, and a friend of mine, to the show.

Firstly, it was incredible to catch up, and like with all of my guests, I am grateful for the conversations.

I thoroughly enjoyed delving into philosophies, wavelengths and development. I found it inspiring to hear that one must take ownership upon their own welfare. George defined athlete welfare in one word; BALANCE.

From here, we held an incredible debate confronting topics such as; goal-setting, imagery, self-talk, arousal control and performance control.

We even got to talk about our school times, where we reflected on the techniques used in rugby training by Noel Speed to increase our enjoyment and as a result, our success. George mentioned that the entertaining, creative and decision making games that we all participated within such as adapted Kabaddi has inspired his coaching within THE BRITISH ACADEMY OF FENCING massively.

I hope you all enjoy todays conversation...

TheAthleteWelfarePodcast #TAWP

ExperiencesCreatePerspectives

HumansNotMachines

In this episode of The Athlete Welfare Podcast, I have an incredible discussion with Kate Macgregor regarding her experiences as both a professional athlete and coach within Sailing for Great Britain.

It was powerful to delve into the processes of psychological interventions such as breathing techniques in order to control the pressures.

External factors are seen regularly within Sailing, and due to the inability to escape the environment during competition, to switch off and not think about the future, understanding yourself, being level-headed and focusing on the psychological aspects of your performance is imperative.

It was particularly interesting to delve into values, and for Kate, performance values are important, but welfare values that are the architect for relationships and rapport are inevitable for success. Kate touched base on her experiences within elite sport, but also in event management, where she notices her fundamentals and values are transferable within, and struggles with working in environments where there is a lack of values in which personnel adhere to as there is a lack of collective identity, disciples, expectations and it ends up making you feel 'lost'.

I hope you all enjoy todays conversation.

TheAthleteWelfarePod #TAWP

ExperiencesCreatePerspectives

HumansNotMachines

In this episode of The Athlete Welfare Podcast, I hold another fabulous conversation with another inspirational individual; Ali Jawad.

It was incredible to gain an insight into the life of a full-time athlete, phd candidate and entrepreneur. I really enjoyed discussing his experiences and the knowledge Ali has absorbed throughout his life in order to maximise his potential, but more importantly everyone else's.

From talking about application, persistence, resilience, balance, education, values and transititioning it was clear to notice Ali's experiences and the perspectives he has adopted. I particularly enjoyed discussing building a team of happy and valued humans around you in order to thrive in your best way.

A large take-home for me was Ali's advice of not adopting role-models, but instead having yourself as your own role model. The reason for this is that it is detrimental to compare yourselves completely to others. By all means adopt certain fundamentals from individuals, but use these to create a collection to achieve your potential.

I hope you all enjoy todays conversation.

In this episode of The Athlete Welfare Podcast, I have a very natural, and passionate discussion with Luke Powell, an undergraduate student at Bournemouth University, and intern at West Ham United FC in Performance Analysis.

Based on Luke's education and experiences we were able to deliberate in depth, the ideas behind developing leadership empowerment, delicate balances, sharing responsibilities sufficiently, buying in to values and the fundamentals of requiring differentiation in approaches to each individual.

I particularly enjoyed letting the conversation flow naturally with regards to our advocations and passions, and spontaneously discussing the reinforcement of positivity, the detrimental effect of definitions, having fluidity within opinions, and being open-minded in your approach.

However, the main stand out for me, was discussing the impact of the 'Elite' label, what stigma that brings as baggage, and ultimately the interpretation of what others think when elite performers have alternative interests outside of their sport.

Luke, it was a privilege to also feature on the Football Psych Show on Youtube with you. I look forward to many more interesting, and passionate conversations.

I hope you all enjoy todays conversation.

theathletewelfarepod #TAWP

ExperiencesCreatePerspectives

HumansNotMachines

In this episode of The Athlete Welfare Podcast, I particularly enjoyed discussing how Hugo Stile's experiences have created his perspectives; ultimately how his values encompass accountability, acceptance, consistency and perseverance. I learnt that within his mission one must find their focus and passion; in turn, you will enjoy what you undertake. As a consequence, potentially maximising your performance potential.

I enjoyed delving into the challenges of injury and setbacks for instance; missing out on Olympic Qualification with Hugo.

Conclusively, an approach fixated upon a positive growth mindset will ensure your fuel to improve, develop and return stronger, faster and better.

In this episode of the Athlete Welfare Podcast, I was fortunate to gain a substantial insight in to the research behind competition and performance manipulation by Sian Huxtable and ultimately how this is psychologically linked to athlete welfare.

It was an honour to discuss the importance of support structures within elite organisations, holistic focused environments, creating a dual career identity and in turn attaining security, and alternative focuses to assure that you are a well-rounded individual.

All of the insight given by Sian are an honest perspective of her experiences as an elite performer and a specialist in Sport Ethics and Integrity.

I hope you all enjoy todays conversation.

In this episode of the Athlete Welfare Podcast, I have an astonishing insight from Kenya Rugby Union's 15s, 10s and 7s player; Monate Akuei.

This mind-altering conversation represented Akuei's true fundamentals for securing player welfare and maximising performance potential. Akuei epitomises resilience, perseverance, self-belief, self-worth and self-confidence.

From being born within the South Sudanese war, depicting a childhood within a refugee camp, turning to crime on the streets for survival, and being shot twice; it is fair to say Monate's experiences are abhorrent. Yet, he trusted the process, believed in time, patience, humbleness and God.

Akuei now represents a Rescue Unit for vulnerable women as an Ambassador by delivering awareness within America, plays three forms of rugby for Kenya Rugby Union, and is thriving to become the first South Sudanese born rugby player in America.

If this isn't the definition of experiences creating perspectives, to trust and believe in the journey, and the depiction of a mindset that represents a mission of improvements, inspirations and positivity, I do not know what is.

"Anyone can live a positive life, just be patient, your time is coming" - Monate Akuei.

I hope you all enjoy todays conversation.

In this episode of The Athlete Welfare Podcast, I have the honour of holding a conversation with The Māori Mystic; Riki Cribb.
This was an incredible insight into his beliefs, and ultimately what individuals can do to enhance their performance mindset.

Throughout this discussion, Riki gives an in depth comprehension of his practices including the ideal performance state, an energetic balance resulting in a non-judgemental and harmonious mind. As well as ultimately what the process is that creates a positive energy culminating in an open and growth mindset whilst adopting a respective culture and consciousness.

It's incredible to delve deep into Riki's Māori culture and how this has affected his westernised approaches. I loved understanding that culture, religion and acceptance is inevitable. Equally perceptive, how controlling your own energy and maintaining this in the present moment is recognised as mindfulness and is the key to success and wellbeing.

Finally, how all of this results in the 'Flow State'.

I hope you all enjoy todays conversation.

In this episode of The Athlete Welfare Podcast, I have an extremely insightful discussion with Sarah Evans.

I particularly established a fascination in Sarah's philosophies prior to even beginning the recording.

From the commencement of our conversation, I identified why Sarah is the current captain of Surbiton Hockey Club and an Ambassador for Next Step READY Ltd as well as both an England and Great Britain Hockey representative.

Sarah is the epitome of a leader that thrives for a player-centred approach. Throughout this episode, myself and Sarah discussed the importance of life beyond sport, understanding yourself, short term sustainable goals, showing your emotions and discovering your values. All of which ultimately enhance your performance on and off the Hockey Pitch.

I hope all you enjoy todays conversation.

In this episode of The Athlete Welfare Podcast, I had the privilege of speaking with Alan Rapley OLY.

I was lucky to experience a slightly diverse avenue in gaining insight into the importance of athlete welfare. Alan has had many years of experience as an elite athlete, elite coach and coach educator. We get to comprehend how important the holistic approach of securing coach welfare results in a beneficial wellbeing and maximal performance for athletes.

It was inspiring to talk about the power of individualised perfection, living, respecting and owning the current moment, along with generating a manageable and sustainable approach.

I found it encouraging to discuss how essential sport is to Alan. As well as how sport is an opportunistic journey for developing exceptional people, not only athletes. Sport in all aspects, holds an opportunity for everyone.

I hope you all enjoy todays conversation.

In this episode of The Athlete Welfare Podcast I gained an incredible insight from Coach Lewis Pratten.

From discussing cold showers to Malaria, and injuries to striving for the perfect version of yourself; I really learnt a great deal and I am sure you all will too.

Make sure you all grab a pen and paper to make a note of some the inspirational things throughout this discussion.

I hope you all enjoy this conversation.

In this episode of the Athlete Welfare Podcast we have a pretty shocking yet insightful conversation with Annabel Chaffey. This led to us focusing on equality with in sport, trusting the process, life after sport and the importance of family and friends in the transition away from the elite lifestyle.

Please remember to always be prepared for the next step in this journey that many people call life. Yes, as an athlete you can give 100% to your sport when the time is right, but it is important to be 100% willing to develop yourself as a well-rounded individual and to recognise that you can't be invincible in everything that you do.

It is ok to be upset. It is ok to ask for help. It is ok to not achieve your definition of perfect. But it is not ok to not fully invest in your own welfare. Your happiness and enjoyment of what you do is the most important aspect of life.

There is always a positive outcome in everything you do. Be open to reflecting, and trust that experiences create perspectives.

I hope you all enjoy todays conversation.

In this episode of the Athlete Welfare Podcast I had the opportunity to talk with Tom de Glanville. Tom, thank you so much for taking the time out of your schedule to explain the importance of a healthy wellbeing.

I received a great insight into the importance of accepting your experiences and working on developing yourself and your perspectives. We spoke about the importance of a solid support network along with what this looks like, and how to implement it into life outside of sport. Finally, Tom articulated the importance of ensuring that you are in the right mindset with a consistent routine to assure you have controlled your controllable's and how the process of transferring something negative and adopting the correct mindset to turn it into something beneficial and rewarding is so critical.

I hope you all enjoy todays conversation.

In this episode of the Athlete Welfare Podcast I have another incredible insight composed by Tom Hodgins. Thank you for your time Tom, it was incredible to discuss your professional and personal views on athlete welfare.

I particularly enjoyed discussing what Tom offers athletes both on and off the pitch. It was refreshing to hear that the approaches made to increase wellbeing in sport, can also be applied by anyone in many walks of life. We also discussed the pre-conceived opinions of meditation; ultimately how these are used at elite performance levels and how they have consequently shown great success. Tom also spoke about the importance of the ability to mentally switch off, as well as how this creates for a strong mentality to perform when necessary.

Finally, be sure to check out Tom and Katie Warriner's new project; the Ignite Sport Programme , of which we took time to specifically discuss.

I hope you all enjoy todays conversation.

In this episode of the Athlete Welfare Podcast I held a passionate and honest insight into athlete welfare with Abbie Brown based on her own experiences at both England Rugby and Loughborough Lightning Rugby.

It was fascinating to discuss the #roadtotokyo and #icare campaigns from Abbie’s point of view, and how these negative social media implications affect everyone involved in sport. Whether that is affecting a player, coach, staff or fan; every comment affects more than one person.

I found it very inspirational to discuss safe and trusting environments, understanding individuals through substantial relationships and how accepting your journey no matter the route is significant to a positive wellbeing.

End of the day, Abbie is a firm believer in proving that when life gives you lemons there is always an opportunity to make lemonade. On that note... make sure to check out Abbie's new podcast; Making the Lemonade Podcast.

I hope you all enjoy todays conversation.

In this episode of the Athlete Welfare Podcast I had the privilege of speaking to an incredible couple of members from the Sale Sharks Rugby Club Community Team and Women's Allianz Premiership Side; Georgie and India Perris-Redding. It was a pleasure to deliberate athlete welfare from all of their perspectives.

It was captivating to examine how coach welfare and player welfare balance one another out for the development of welfare within an environment. I loved how they realised this from their own experiences and how these have created their newly found perspectives.
Furthermore, I enjoyed discussing relationships, resilience, perseverance, experiences and barriers to participation. Most importantly to me though, we delved into the aftermath of the #iCare campaign, and spoke honestly about how it made them both, their family and their teammates feel.

I hope you all enjoy todays conversation.

In this episode of the Athlete Welfare Podcast I talk to Douglas Crawford. Doug has opened my eyes to so much more. He has masses of potential for making a major difference in the world of sports psychology in the future.

I'll leave it at this; I asked Doug; what are your three fundamentals for creating a strong, beneficial and positive welfare for athletes?

His response; positive relationships, a well-rounded identity that is not completely dependent on sport, and SLEEP!

I hope you all enjoy todays conversation.

In this episode of the Athlete Welfare Podcast, I had the opportunity to talk with Connacht Rugby's Jack Birtwhistle.

It was fascinating to discuss all things athlete welfare based on Jack's combination of professional experience and education.

A large contribution to the recording consisted of neutral thinking (attention control), turning your mind into a weapon, and additionally the fundamentals of self-awareness, habits and reactions. It was an insight to apprehend that other factors contributing to a positive welfare are viewed as a high performance mindset enhancement.

My major take-home from this episode was that thriving for perfection in the moment is beneficial, but striving for perfection as an outcome, is detrimental.

I hope you all enjoy todays conversation.

In this episode of the Athlete Welfare Podcast we gain another outstanding insight into the importance of Athlete Welfare, but this time, today it is with Welsh National and GB Junior 400m and 400m Hurdler Lauren Williams.

It was incredible to discuss sustainable goals, self-reflection, social media, identities and pressure in all of its forms with you. A little further hint at what is expected from this episode of the Athlete Welfare Podcast ; snowballing, the power-pose and finding the simplicity in all of life's factors no matter how complex.

I hope you all enjoy todays conversation.

In this episode of the Athlete Welfare Podcast, I discuss athlete welfare with a very good friend of mine, Alex Burrage. Without Alex's support the Athlete Welfare Podcast would simply not exist.

Alex is a very talented athlete, and individual. Throughout this episode we confronted the importance of finding your own individual balance to secure multiple identities. This is particularly important in sport due to the external factors that dictate your ability to pursue a High Performance Career. It was incredible to draw upon our own experiences to discuss our coaching perspectives, human connection, focused coaching, feedback and self-reflection. I particularly enjoyed understanding what is within your control and reflecting on the Million Dollar Question.

Burrage, for all of your support, guidance and advice, this episode is to say thank you to you.

I hope you all enjoy todays conversation.

In this episode of the Athlete Welfare Podcast I hold a conversation with Professor Ben Oakley. Ben is responsible for my studying of a BSc (Honours) Degree in Sport, Fitness and Coaching with the Open University. It only felt right to have him attend this Podcast as his commitment to sport education is the reason that I am delivering this podcast to you now.

It was a short, but insightful conversation where we discussed athlete-coach relationships and ultimately how powerful they are. I found it fascinating to gain Ben's opinion on how athlete-centred coaching should be rephrased to be understood as needs-centred coaching to further emphasise the importance of an individual approach. I particularly enjoyed delving into obsessiveness, perfectionism, determining your own outcome, but most of all, the importance of equality within sport.

I hope you all enjoy todays conversation.

What you can expect for the unforeseeable future from The Athlete Welfare Podcast...