Talking Performance

In this conversation, Owen Eastwood, a performance coach, shares insights into his experiences with the Ryder Cup and the unique challenges of coaching in professional sports. He discusses the importance of team cohesion, the role of data analytics in performance, and the mindset required for success in high-pressure situations. The conversation also touches on the emotional resilience needed to navigate the intense environment of competitive sports, particularly in events like the Ryder Cup. In this conversation, Owen Eastwood discusses the critical aspects of performance in sports, emphasizing the importance of immediate performance, team cohesion, and the role of storytelling...

In this episode of "Talking Performance," I am joined by two people who I believe to be leaders in the coaching space; Samuel and Dave Keelty. We discuss the intricacies of coaching, development, and high-performance environments. 

They write a fantastic blog, it is easy to read and always thought provoking and you can find it here. They have a subscriber goal so it would be cool if you could support them and their newsletter.

Sam and Dave delve into their unique journeys, the importance of having difficult conversations, and the role of structured frameworks in c...

In this conversation, Jay Carter and Scott Curtis engage with performance coach Luke Mackie, who shares his experiences at the Ryder Cup, discussing the unique intensity of the event, the dynamics of team obligations, and the daily routines of professional golfers. 

Luke emphasizes the importance of performance coaching, the role of technology in sports, and the significance of creating a sense of belonging among athletes. The discussion also touches on the impact of crowd dynamics, the pressure athletes face, and the importance of networking and mentorship in the sports industry.

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RE RELEASE - In this engaging conversation, Mark Matthews, a professional big wave surfer, shares his insights on the mental aspects of high performance, fear management, and personal growth. 

He discusses the unique challenges of surfing compared to other sports, particularly golf, and how he has learned to cope with anxiety and fear. Mark emphasizes the importance of goal setting and gratitude in achieving fulfillment and success, drawing from his own experiences in surfing and public speaking. 

The discussion highlights the interplay between ego, preparation, and mental resilience in both sports and life.

Se...

In this episode, we dive into the fascinating world of skill acquisition with Derek Panchuk, a leading expert in the field. 

Discover how scientific approaches to learning can transform athletic performance across various sports. From the intricacies of visual perception in ice hockey to strategic athlete development, Derek shares insights on creating environments that foster skill growth and unlock hidden potential. 

Whether you're a coach, athlete, or sports enthusiast, this conversation offers valuable perspectives on enhancing performance through intentional practice and learning. Tune in to explore the intersection of science and sport!

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In this conversation, Hone Heke Rankin shares insights into the significance of names, heritage, and cultural practices in Māori society. He discusses the importance of pepeha and whakapapa in establishing identity and connection. His journey from teaching to mentoring young Māori in high-performance environments. Heke emphasizes the role of haka in fostering vulnerability and connection, the power of storytelling in shaping cultural narratives, and the need for collaborative approaches to cultural integration. He introduces his Te Puheke framework, which focuses on growth through shared experiences and connection to nature. The conversation highlights the collective responsibility of whakapapa an...

In this episode of Talking Performance, I tried something a little different, a solo episode. I have had a brief hiatus but I have been looking at ways in which I may be able to add value to the listeners. 

With this in mind I tried to share my learnings from a culmination of engaging conversations with the Chiefs coaches I have had on the pod. 

I dive deep into the essence of team culture and leadership, featuring insights from Wayne Smith (Ep 3 & 121), Dave Rennie (Ep 35), Ian Foster (Ep 37), Clayton McMillan (Ep 62), David Hill (Ep 134), an...

In this conversation, Andrew Sissons shares insights from his extensive career in policing, particularly in tactical operations. 

He discusses the journey into policing, the importance of talent identification, and the qualities that make individuals successful in high-pressure environments. Sissons emphasizes the significance of technical skills, the rigorous training process, and the necessity of debriefing for continuous improvement. 

He also highlights the importance of effective communication, managing pressure, and maintaining a resilient mindset in challenging situations. In this conversation, Andrew shares insights on managing volatile situations, emphasizing the importance of acceptance, intention, and effective communication within te...

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...

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...

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...

 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 impo...

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...

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 un...

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 th...

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 e...

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...

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...

 Welcome to another episode of Talking Performance! In this re-release, we’re revisiting an insightful conversation with Trevor Ragan from The Learner Lab. If you’re someone who's passionate about learning and growth, this episode is packed with valuable insights. 

Trevor shares some powerful strategies for improving your learning process while also addressing the often-overlooked connection between learning and anxiety. Whether you're a coach, athlete, or just someone looking to elevate your skills, this conversation is for you. Let’s dive into how we can better navigate the challenges of learning and performance! 

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In today’s re-released episode, we’re diving into one of our most popular conversations yet, where we explore the remarkable journey of New Zealand rugby’s powerhouse, Sam Cane. If you missed it the first time, or just want to hear it again, this episode is a must-listen."

Sit back, relax and enjoy this yarn from 2021 with All Black #1113 Sam Cane

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In this conversation, Jay and Brendan discuss various aspects of leadership, coaching, and personal development. Brendan shares his journey from being a school teacher to a leadership consultant, emphasizing the importance of understanding the difference between joy and fun. 

They explore common themes in organizational culture, the significance of language in leadership, and the necessity of building strong relationships in coaching. Brendan also highlights the importance of feedback, critical conversations, and the need for reflection in a fast-paced world. 

The discussion concludes with insights on stress testing ideas and the value of continuous learning. They al...

In this conversation with Dave Keelty we delve into the intricacies of coaching, particularly within the realm of New Zealand Cricket. We explore the journey of coaching, the importance of understanding the value of coaches, and the definition of quality coaching. 

Dave shares insights from his experiences, emphasizing the significance of the coach's role in player development and the impact of effective coaching on athletes' experiences. The discussion also covers the six domains of quality coaching, the necessity of reflection in coaching practices, and the structures in place within New Zealand Cricket to support coach development. 

In Ep 163 I am joined by Dom Vettise who shares his journey into psychology and sports, discussing his transition from corrections to high-performance sports psychology. 

Dom emphasizes the importance of care and connection in high-performance environments, the understanding of behaviors and coping strategies, and the significance of feedback and communication in coaching. 

Dom also explores the role of values in performance and how they can be revisited and adapted over time. He highlights key traits of high-performing athletes, including curiosity and a desire for continuous improvement. 

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In this conversation, I interview Andy Friend, a seasoned rugby coach with a rich history in the sport. We discuss Andy's journey from coaching in the professional game since 1994 to his recent role with the Brumbies women's team. 

The conversation delves into the importance of creating a positive environment in sports, the role of questions in coaching, and the significance of cross-pollination between different sports. Andy shares insights on managing diverse player personalities, the evolution of coaching styles, and the key behaviors necessary for team success. 

They also touch on the challenges facing rugby in Au...

As many of you know I am reading and recording DG's book "Unleashing Greatness" and with that DG and I are connecting each week and reviewing each chapter.

In this conversation we discuss the importance of courage, integrity, and commitment in achieving world-class performance. We reflect on our journey and the role of mentorship, self-reflection, and the balance between habits and skills. 

DG emphasizes the need for patience and the courage to listen to one's inner voice, which can lead to significant personal growth and success.

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My guest this week is Alex McKenzie and he is one of the true gems of nz coaching, he is a quiet humble man who I just love connecting with and love how he sees the world. 

He lead the Coach Accelerator Programme which is a programme run by HPSNZ to support the growth of High Performance Coaches and more recently has taken up a role with NZ Rugby as High Performance Coach Development Manager for NZ Rugby.

During this chat Alex emphasizes the importance of diversifying coaches' experiences and knowledge base to avoid simply c...

This was just a chat between two mates and not originally intended for a podcast! 

The chat revolves around the themes of pursuing dreams, finding fulfillment, and the importance of self-learning. 

The conversation also touches on the regret of not being strong enough to be honest with others and the importance of sustained effort and dedication to the process of learning. We explore themes of curiosity, courage, and integrity.

Curiosity is seen as a key driver for learning and growth, while courage is necessary to live on the edge of one's potential. The im...

This week I am joined by Teina Moetara who I first met a few years back when I was part of the HPSNZ Coach Accelerator Program and he hosted us at Manutuke Marae. 

It was an epic experience which I wont try to explain here but it is fair to say it had a massive impact on me, I am still learning more about this space and believe it could be a massive competitive advantage for NZ Sport if we could lean in to this space. 

I hope you enjoy this chat with Teina

...

In this episode Richard Young shares his background in sports and coaching, highlighting his curiosity and experimentation in finding what matters in performance. He emphasizes the importance of creating systems that work for individuals and teams, focusing on the core elements that lead to sustained high performance. 

Richard discusses the concept of anti-fragility and how it can be developed and trained. He also explores the differences between medalists and non-medalists, emphasizing the importance of learned skills and the ability to adapt to challenges. 

The conversation explores the importance of principles, communication, and interconnection in coaching an...

Andrew Gaze reflects on his early days in rugby, his rugby career, and his roles at Adidas and the his work with New Zealand Rugby. He also shares his involvement with the Coach for Life Foundation, an organization dedicated to supporting, recognizing, connecting, and celebrating performance coaching in New Zealand. Coach for Life focuses on developing an athlete-centered and holistic coaching philosophy, reducing the dropout rate of youth in sports, and promoting sustainable success for coaches.

Key themes from the conversation include the importance of building strong relationships with athletes, the need for coaches to continually develop...

Peter Arnott shares his background in golf coaching and his innovative approach to practice and skill acquisition. He highlights the importance of understanding how the environment shapes behavior and advocates for a holistic coaching approach. Pete discusses his co-authored books on the constraints-led approach to golf coaching and Tiger Woods' practice methods, offering valuable insights into the differences between blocked and mass practice, the role of technology in coaching, and the importance of meeting players at their current development level.

In this part of the conversation, Jay and Pete explore non-negotiables for golf practice, the significance of...

Susie Muirhead, former captain of the Black Sticks hockey team and Olympian, discusses her career as a hockey player and her work with Raise My Game. She emphasizes the importance of leadership and creating a culture of equal voice and contribution within a team.

Suzie explains how Raise My Game uses card decks to facilitate conversations between coaches and athletes, focusing on holistic development and forward-looking plans. 

The process encourages ownership and motivation from the athletes and involves the coach and circle of support in the discussions, while addressing the challenges of managing multiple coaches a...

Dr Jay-Lee Nair joins the pod for round two after her first appearance talking about perfectionism in episode 99.

I really enjoyed this chat, we just let it flow and I got to ask a number of questions that interested me and will help me to improve my coaching capacity. Dr Jay-Lee is a great thinker and is able to give practical examples which are easy to relate to. 

I trust you will enjoy the pod

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Laughton Kora, a musician and artist, shares his perspective on creativity, learning, and the music industry in a conversation with Jay Carter. 

They discuss their random meeting on a plane, their shared love for golf and music, and the importance of process and collaboration in creative endeavors. Laughton reflects on his early musical training and the influence of his father, as well as his time at drama school and the impact it had on his approach to performance. 

He also talks about his experience with the band Kora and his decision to leave in order to...

This week I am joined by Darren Shand who discusses his background and journey to becoming the All Blacks manager. 

He talks about his early days in sports like cricket, hockey, and rafting and shares his transition to working in Canterbury Rugby and eventually taking on the role of All Blacks manager. 

He highlights the importance of humility and building a strong team culture. This conversation explores the key themes of leadership and team dynamics within the All Blacks rugby team. The chapters cover topics such as punctuality and accountability, shared leadership, creating an environment of...

This is a republished episode of one of the most popular episode in the Talking Performance Library, so if you have listened it may be worth another listen to refresh your thinking and if you haven't listened to Bill, then do yourself a favour and buckle in for a great chat. 

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In this episode I speak with fellow PGA Golf Coach Ian Peek. Ian has recently completed his PhD and while this talk is based around golf, as always, the concepts are transferable across any domain.

Ian  shares his insights from his doctoral thesis on how the elite players improve their performance by not only focusing on their golf game, but also the bio psych social influences. 

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This week I am joined by David Galbraith (DG) as he discusses his upcoming one day work shops and in doing so speaks about understanding fear, the imposter syndrome and applying courage in different areas of life. The conversation emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, reflection, and the process of courageous growth.

Takeaways

This episode features conversations with four brilliant coaches - Sir Wayne Smith, Harry Curtin, Allan Bunting, and David Hill. 

The coaches discuss their approaches, challenges, and the importance of creating a positive and supportive team culture. They emphasize the value of vulnerability, role modeling, and collaboration in coaching. The coaches also discuss the importance of balancing high performance and love and care, as well as the role of humor and laughter in high-pressure moments. 

They highlight the significance of skill acquisition and the use of constraints to facilitate skill development. Overall, the conversations provide valuable in...

This week I tried something new, a young up and coming hockey coach who I have known since he was about 5 reached out for some advice, I gave him my thoughts but I also sought some expert advice from one of the best hockey coaches on the planet, Shane McLeod. The result was a podcast with myself, Ethan Larsen (The grasshopper) and Shane McLeod (The master). I am sure we are going to hear much more about this young coach in years to come.

Takeaways