In this episode of A LOAD OF BS ON SPORT, we're joined by the mastermind behind some of the greatest sporting triumphs of our time - Dave Reddin. With a CV that boasts a Rugby World Cup victory, Olympic glory, and a revolutionised England football team, Dave's insights into performance coaching are nothing short of legendary.

From Grassroots Grit to Glory's Architect Dave's journey began as a semi-pro footballer with a sports science degree, but his passion for pushing boundaries soon led him to the world of performance coaching. He cut his teeth in the trenches of rugby, meticulously honing his skills and knowledge over 15 years. Now, he's the architect behind sporting giants, transforming teams and individuals into formidable forces.

Decoding the DNA of Champions Dave reveals the secrets behind his success, delving into his unique approach of creating an "operational DNA" for every organisation he works with. He dissects the intricate process of defining "winning," meticulously analysing every facet of the organisation to pinpoint areas for improvement. Forget marginal gains – Dave champions "brilliant basics," stressing the importance of mastering the fundamentals before chasing those extra 1%s.

Culture: The Unsung Hero Dave passionately argues that culture is the often-overlooked key to unlocking a team's true potential. He paints a vivid picture of a good culture – transparent, communicated, and co-created by every single member of the team. He shares captivating anecdotes from his time with England Rugby and the FA, revealing how he helped cultivate winning cultures that led to historic victories.

This episode isn't just for sports fanatics – it's a masterclass in leadership, culture building, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. Dave Reddin's journey is a testament to the power of passion, meticulous planning, and the unwavering belief in the potential of every individual and team.

Key Discussion Points:

• From Footballer to Performance Powerhouse: Dave's unconventional path to the top of the sporting world.
• The "Operational DNA" of Winning: How Dave's unique approach transforms teams into champions.
• Beyond Marginal Gains: Why mastering the "brilliant basics" is the foundation for success.
• Culture is King: Unveiling the secret weapon behind high-performing teams.
• Leadership Lessons from the Trenches: Dave's experiences with legendary teams and what you can learn from them.

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In this captivating episode, Dan Biggar and Daniel Ross sit down with cricket legend Sir Alastair Cook for an intimate conversation about his remarkable career and life beyond the boundary.

England's second-highest Test run-scorer opens up about his unconventional journey from choir boy to cricket captain, revealing how his early musical training helped him perform under pressure. Cook shares fascinating insights into the psychology of batting, describing his battle with "the gimp on my shoulder" and how accepting rather than fighting his mental demons transformed his game in 2010.

The conversation delves into Cook's extraordinary resilience, highlighted by his record 159 consecutive Test matches and marathon innings of 836 minutes in Abu Dhabi. With refreshing honesty, he discusses the challenges of opening batting ("you need some kind of mental madness"), the psychology behind batting collapses, and the delicate art of slip-catching.

Cook reflects candidly on leadership, describing how captaining close friends like Anderson, Broad and Swann led to productive conflicts that ultimately strengthened the team. He offers a thoughtful perspective on managing maverick talents like Kevin Pietersen, acknowledging that with hindsight, he might have approached certain situations differently.

The episode concludes with Cook discussing his transition from international cricket to county cricket with Essex and eventually to farm life. He shares wisdom about accepting that nothing can replace the unique camaraderie of elite sport while finding fulfilment in new challenges.

With humor, humility and remarkable self-awareness, Cook provides a masterclass in mental fortitude and leadership that transcends cricket. Whether you're a dedicated cricket fan or simply interested in the psychology of high performance, this episode offers invaluable insights from one of England's greatest sporting minds.

Key moments:

• Cook's journey from choir boy to cricket captain
• The mental breakthrough that transformed his batting in 2010
• The psychology behind batting for 14 hours straight
• Leadership lessons from captaining friends and mavericks
• Finding purpose and happiness beyond professional sport

Today's podcast is brought to you in partnership with The Events Room. With an amazing sporting calendar in 2025, The Events Room have events happening around the Six Nation and The Lions, featuring the likes of Warren Gatland, Alun Wyn Jones, Sam Warburton and Martin Johnson, and that's just the Rugby, so get on the website at http//:www.theeventsroom.co.uk to see all their upcoming events and get booking

The Events Room, making memorable moments happen in 2025.

https://theeventsroom.co.uk/

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In this engaging conversation, Matt Wallace shares his journey in professional golf, discussing his love for the sport, the importance of competition, and the emotional growth he has experienced over the years. He reflects on his strengths as a golfer, the challenges of maintaining resilience, and his aspirations for the Ryder Cup. The discussion also delves into the dynamics of individual versus team sports, the significance of having a supportive team, and how reputation plays a role in the game. He shares his experiences playing with Tiger Woods and reflects on the dynamics of working with caddies. The discussion also touches on the impact of media scrutiny on athletes and the personal growth that comes from it. Throughout, Wallace expresses his passion for the game and his desire to improve, particularly in the context of the Ryder Cup.

Takeaways

• Matt finds joy in the competition and rivalry of golf.
• He has worked hard to change his emotional narrative on the course.
• Focusing on the process rather than just winning has been key for him.
• His strengths lie in his short game and putting skills.
• Matt emphasizes the importance of a supportive team around him.
• He feels more confident and prepared for the Ryder Cup this year.
• The dynamics of team sports differ significantly from individual sports.
• He has learned to control his emotions better over time.
• Matt's experience on the European Tour helped shape his game for the PGA Tour.
• He believes in maximizing each day to achieve his goals. Winning the first hole significantly increases chances of winning.
• Consistency is key for top golfers like Rory and John Rahm.
• Playing with Tiger Woods was an unforgettable experience.
• Mental game is crucial in high-pressure situations.
• Small margins can make a big difference in performance.
• Building a strong team around you is essential for success.
• Accountability is important in player-caddy relationships.
• Media scrutiny can be challenging but also a learning opportunity.
• Personal growth comes from taking responsibility for one's actions.
• Success in golf is about continuous improvement and learning.

Today's podcast is brought to you in partnership with The Events Room. With an amazing sporting calendar in 2025, The Events Room have events happening around the Six Nation and The Lions, featuring the likes of Warren Gatland, Alun Wyn Jones, Sam Warburton and Martin Johnson, and that's just the Rugby, so get on the website at http//:www.theeventsroom.co.uk to see all their upcoming events and get booking

The Events Room, making memorable moments happen in 2025.

https://theeventsroom.co.uk/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.