A LOAD OF BS ON SPORT - podcast cover

A LOAD OF BS ON SPORT

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A LOAD OF BS ON SPORT: The Behavioural Science Podcast dives deep into the psychology of what makes elite performers tick; how they think about success and failure, how they find and maintain peak performance, how they manage fear and adversity, how they make decisions under pressure, how they deal with risk and uncertainty.Daniel is a behavioural science expert, entrepreneur and sports fanatic, while Dan has lived his dream on the rugby field for the past 17 years, winning three Six Nations titles, earning over 100 caps for Wales (including the captaincy) and touring twice with the British & Irish Lions. Currently playing for RC Toulon, Dan is loving this rugby-mad town, fully embracing the French lifestyle.

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Episodes

Dan Biggar: Retirement Special

This week on A Load of BS on Sport is extra special - we're celebrating our co-host Dan Biggar's incredible 19-year professional rugby career as he officially hangs up his boots. In this deeply personal episode, Daniel Ross sits down with Dan for an intimate conversation about retirement, legacy, and what comes next. This isn't just another rugby retrospective - it's a candid, warm chat between friends as Dan reflects on transitioning from professional sport to the "muggle world" beyond. The epi...

Jun 27, 20251 hr 13 min

Sam Warburton: Leadership, Lions & Legacy

This week on A Load of BS on Sport, Daniel Ross and Dan Biggar sit down with rugby legend Sam Warburton - two-time British & Irish Lions captain and former Wales captain who led from the front for over a decade at the highest level. In this deeply personal and revealing conversation, Sam opens up about the psychological realities behind elite captaincy, sharing his unique "Four P's" leadership framework that guided him through some of rugby's biggest moments. From leading legends like Brian ...

Jun 18, 20251 hr 15 min

Ed Smith: LBW (Leadership Beyond Winning)

This week on A Load of BS on Sport, Daniel Ross and Dan Biggar welcome back former England cricketer, national selector, and leadership expert Ed Smith. In this fascinating deep dive into the psychology of leadership in sport, Ed shares insights from his groundbreaking work with the Institute of Sports Humanities at Loughborough University. We explore the complex transition from athlete to leader, examining what truly makes someone worth following and whether leadership can be taught or simply r...

Jun 11, 20251 hr 16 min

Gail Emms: Badminton, Battles & Bouncing Back

This week on A Load of BS on Sport, Daniel Ross and Dan Biggar welcome Olympic silver medallist and badminton champion, Gail Emms. Speaking to us from sunny Mallorca ahead of a pickleball tournament, Gail opens up about her remarkable journey from Olympic podiums to finding new purpose in sport. In a candid and often emotional conversation, she shares the brutal reality of athlete retirement—describing walking away from sport as "harder than losing a final"—and how the loss of identity nearly br...

Jun 04, 202558 min

Todd Martin: Choking, Composure & GOATs

This week on A Load of BS on Sport, Daniel Ross and Dan Biggar welcome former World Number 4 tennis player and two-time Grand Slam finalist, Todd Martin. In a refreshingly honest conversation, Todd opens up about the psychology of choking in high-pressure moments—a topic most elite athletes shy away from discussing. From his composed upbringing that shaped his mental approach to tennis, to standing across the net from legends like Boris Becker, Pete Sampras and Andre Agassi, Todd shares what it'...

May 28, 20251 hr 16 min

Stephen Hendry: Dominance, Drive & Discipline.

This week on A Load of BS on Sport, Daniel Ross and Dan Biggar welcome the legendary seven-time snooker world champion, Stephen Hendry. Known as the ‘King of the Crucible’, Hendry redefined snooker with his cold-blooded focus, relentless pursuit of victory, and a psychological edge that left opponents in his wake. In this candid conversation, Stephen opens up about his journey from a Christmas snooker table to dominating the world stage as a teenager—and the immense pressures of staying at the t...

May 21, 202558 min

Gabby Logan: Midlife, Mics and Making Her Mark.

Gabby Logan joins us for a brilliant conversation that spans her journey from elite gymnast to one of the most recognisable faces in British sports broadcasting. From her early days growing up in a sporting family to breaking through in a male-dominated industry, Gabby shares the lessons, laughs, and life skills she’s picked up along the way. We talk about resilience, moving schools, and why losing is just as important as winning. Gabby reflects on the power of participation in sport—for confide...

May 14, 20251 hr 8 min

Dave Reddin (Round 2): The Saviour of Welsh Rugby?

Dave Reddin is back — fresh from landing the big chair as Director of Rugby at the Welsh Rugby Union. And yes, we’re absolutely taking credit for this appointment, having talked about just how perfect he was for the job when he was last on the show! All jokes aside, we’re genuinely thrilled for Dave, and this episode is a golden chance to hear from the man now tasked with reviving the ailing dragon that is Welsh Rugby. It’s no small challenge, but if anyone’s up to it, it’s Dave. Join Daniel and...

May 07, 20251 hr 1 min

Paul McVeigh: The Stupid Footballer Is Dead

This week we meet Paul McVeigh, a former Premier League footballer turned high-performance coach and Psychologist, shares his journey from the pitch to the world of psychology. He discusses the critical role of mindset in sports, the challenges of imposter syndrome, and the importance of learning from legends like Jürgen Klinsmann and Gianfranco Zola. Paul emphasizes the need for recovery in both sports and corporate environments, highlighting the often-overlooked aspect of mental recovery. He a...

Apr 30, 20251 hr 8 min

Nigel Owens: Raw Honesty, Rural Roots & Rugby Rulings.

In this powerful and deeply personal episode of "A Load of BS on Sport," we sit down with the legendary Nigel Owens. From his humble beginnings in a small Welsh village, where English was a second language, to becoming one of rugby's most respected referees, Nigel's journey is one of resilience and raw honesty. He opens up about the challenges of officiating high-stakes matches, his candid views on the TMO's impact on the game, and the importance of earned respect on the field. Beyond the rugby ...

Apr 16, 20251 hr 11 min

Alistair Brownlee: Pain, Pressure & Life After Sport.

Two-time Olympic gold medalist Alistair Brownlee joins hosts Daniel Ross and Dan Biggar to discuss the physical and mental demands of elite endurance sport, his recent retirement, and the transition to life beyond competition. The triathlon legend offers rare insights into the mindset that propelled him to the pinnacle of one of the world's most grueling sports. 🔥 KEY THEMES: THE PSYCHOLOGY OF PAIN Brownlee reveals his approach to endurance sport's greatest challenge: "I remember practicing fro...

Apr 09, 20251 hr 3 min

Courtney Lawes: One more Lions tour

This week, rugby powerhouse Courtney Lawes joins old pal Dan Biggar and Daniel for a candid conversation about his illustrious career, leadership journey, and life beyond the pitch. From his time at Northampton Saints to his current adventure in French rugby, Lawes offers rare insights into the world of professional rugby and shares his thoughtful perspective on both sport and society. 🏉 KEY THEMES: LEADERSHIP EVOLUTION Lawes reflects on his transformation from feared enforcer to respected lead...

Apr 02, 20251 hr 14 min

Jimmy Anderson : Cricket Legend on Retirement, Age Discrimination, Mental Toughness & 20 Years at the Top.

In this captivating episode, cricket legend Jimmy Anderson joins us for a candid conversation about his remarkable career spanning over two decades. The England bowling great opens up about his controversial retirement, the mental and physical challenges of Test cricket, and what keeps him motivated to continue playing county cricket into his 40s. 🔥 KEY THEMES: RETIREMENT & AGE DISCRIMINATION Anderson reveals he still feels capable of playing at international level and discusses how age dis...

Mar 26, 20251 hr 15 min

Brett Gosper : NFL, Rugby & Global Sports Leadership

In this episode of A LOAD OF BS ON SPORT , we're joined by Brett Gosper, a true sports industry heavyweight who has seamlessly navigated the worlds of elite rugby, global advertising, and now the NFL's international expansion. From Rugby Player to Sports Executive Extraordinaire Brett's remarkable journey began as an Australian rugby player who, after missing out on a Wallabies trial, took a chance on playing in France. This "closing doors moment" led to a dual career – professional rugby by nig...

Mar 19, 20251 hr 9 min

Dave Reddin : World Cup Glory, Olympic Gold, and the Secrets to Building Winning Teams

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 t...

Mar 12, 20251 hr 22 min

Alastair Cook: From Choir Boy to Cricket Captain - Leadership, Longevity and Life After Cricket.

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...

Mar 05, 20251 hr 19 min

Matt Wallace : Emotional Growth, Team Dynamics, and taking Tiger to Old Trafford.

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 ga...

Feb 26, 20251 hr 12 min

Siya Kolisi : Shared Leadership, Self Reflection, Therapy and a Third World Cup.

In this episode of A LOAD OF BS ON SPORT , we're joined by Springboks captain Siya Kolisi, who opens up about his remarkable journey from the townships to becoming South Africa's first black captain. With disarming honesty and humility, Siya shares insights into leadership, the pressures of representing a nation, and the power of vulnerability in modern sport. The Evolution of Leadership Siya discusses his unique approach to captaincy, revealing how his first game as captain - being 21-0 down - ...

Feb 19, 20251 hr 7 min

Eddie Jones : Challenges of a globetrotting rugby coaching career.

In this engaging conversation, Eddie Jones, one of rugby's most successful coaches, shares his insights on coaching, team dynamics, and the challenges faced in the sport. He reflects on his experiences with various teams, including England and Australia, and discusses the importance of player development, trust, and maintaining a competitive edge. The discussion also delves into his coaching philosophy, the balance between pushing players and maintaining their motivation, and the necessity of ad...

Feb 12, 202559 min

Dan and Dan's Christmas BONUS Special

Welcome to a special Christmas edition of A Load of BS on Sport with the two Dans. In this festive bonus episode, we reflect on the highlights of Series 1, share personal holiday stories, and look ahead to an exciting lineup for Season 2. Plus, don't miss our brand-new quiz feature, "Bigger Isn’t Always Better," where Dan answers questions about his career and more. Grab a mince pie, settle in, and join us for a bit of holiday cheer and chatter! Show Notes: Dan and Dan's festive preparations Ref...

Dec 27, 202436 minSeason 3Ep. 13

Andrew Steele : Pushing Through Pain - The Mentality of an Olympian and Entrepreneur

Whether on the track or in the boardroom, 400m Olympian Andrew Steele's story proves that mental toughness and reinvention are key to success. His ability to push through challenges and adapt shows resilience is a skill we can all carry with us, whatever the arena. Here are my three takeaways from our conversation: 1️⃣ Resilience is a transferable skill → The mental toughness Andrew built as an athlete prepared him to tackle the challenges of entrepreneurship head-on. 2️⃣ Focus on the process, n...

Dec 23, 202457 minSeason 3Ep. 12

Chris Boyd : Inside the Mind of a Rugby Coach

Today we’re joined by Chris Boyd , highly respected rugby coach with extensive experience in both New Zealand and the UK. Known for his tactical expertise and leadership, Chris shares insights into his coaching journey, including his time with the Kiwi U20s, the Hurricanes and Northampton Saints; as well as the mental side of high-performance sport. As a close mentor to Dan Biggar, their relationship adds an extra layer of depth to the conversation, offering a unique perspective on coaching, lea...

Dec 18, 202458 minSeason 3Ep. 11

Graeme Swann UNFILTERED on Cricket, Comedy, and The Ashes

In this episode of A Load of BS on Sport , we sit down with one of England's most charismatic cricketers, Graeme Swann . A key figure in 3 England Ashes victories, Graeme opens up about his unconventional approach to spin bowling, the team dynamics that fuelled success, and his transition from the cricket field to coaching. With his trademark humour, we reflect on the highs, lows, and everything in between, offering unique insights into the mental game that defined his career. Show Notes: The Ps...

Dec 11, 20241 hr 4 minSeason 3Ep. 10

Carl Frampton on Grit and Boxing Greatness

Dan Biggar and Dan Ross step out of their comfort zone to dive into the world of boxing with none other than Carl Frampton —Northern Ireland’s first two-division world champion, renowned not just for his incredible achievements in the ring, but also for his resilience, humility, and ability to unite people across divides. In this episode, Carl opens up about the mental and physical challenges of being in one of the most gruelling sports, the hard lessons he’s learned, and what really drives him—...

Dec 04, 202448 minSeason 3Ep. 9

Ben Ryan on Leadership in Chaos - Transforming Fiji Rugby and Football Beyond

In this episode of A Load of BS on Sport , Dan and Dan sit down with Ben Ryan, the Performance Director at Brentford FC and former coach of Fiji's Olympic-winning Rugby Sevens team. Ben shares his remarkable journey from the world of English rugby to leading Fiji to gold at the Rio Olympics, and now shaping performance at Brentford. He talks about the importance of leadership, discipline, and cultural sensitivity in creating high-performing teams, as well as the balance between structure and fre...

Nov 27, 202452 minSeason 3Ep. 8

Andrew Strauss on Leading with Care and Thriving Under Pressure

Join us as we dive into the mind of Sir Andrew Strauss , one of England's greatest cricket captains. From leading his team to Ashes glory twice to navigating the highs and lows of elite sport, Strauss shares powerful insights on leadership, resilience, and life beyond the game. This is a conversation about more than runs and wickets—it's about legacy, culture, and what it truly means to thrive under pressure. Show Notes: "Cricket requires players to accept the randomness of fate - a hard pill fo...

Nov 20, 202444 minSeason 3Ep. 7

Bryan Habana on Rugby World Cup glory & the price of fame and success

In this episode of A Load of BS on Sport , we’re joined by rugby legend Bryan Habana . From his unforgettable debut with South Africa to winning the 2007 World Cup, Bryan opens up about the highs and lows of his storied career. We dive into the pressures of being a superstar, the mental battles behind the scenes, and what life looks like after rugby. This is an inspiring and candid conversation with one of the game’s greats! Show Notes: Debut Magic: Bryan scores on his first touch against Englan...

Nov 13, 202450 minSeason 3Ep. 6

Charlie Methven's football journey from chaos to stability

Ever wondered what it's really like to revive a football club from the brink? In this episode, we’re joined by Charlie Methven, football executive and co-owner of Charlton Athletic. Charlie shares his journey from the chaos at Sunderland to building stability, offering a rare insight into the cultural challenges, leadership struggles, and what it truly takes to turn a club around. Show Notes: Cultural clashes and the challenge of reviving Sunderland Hard truths and relentless ambition needed to ...

Nov 06, 202450 minSeason 3Ep. 5

Shaun Edwards on rugby coaching styles, cultural differences & player development

In this episode of A Load of BS on Sport , we sit down with Shaun Edwards , the legendary defence coach of the French national rugby team and a former playing great who has shaped the careers of countless athletes, including our very own Dan Biggar. We dive deep into Shaun’s coaching philosophy, the cultural nuances of rugby and the secrets behind building a winning mentality. Show notes: Coaching Style Shaun emphasises clarity and simplicity in coaching, advocating concise communication Cultura...

Oct 30, 202443 minSeason 3Ep. 4

Geraint Thomas on Pain, Perseverance, and Performance

In this episode of A Load of BS on Sport , Tour de France winner and two-time Olympic gold medalist Geraint Thomas joins Dan Ross and Dan Biggar for an in-depth conversation about the grueling demands of professional cycling, the mental toughness required to succeed, and the simple pleasures that keep him grounded. From training at altitude to navigating the pressures of racing, Geraint shares candid insights into his career, balancing family life, and his thoughts on what’s next beyond the bike...

Oct 23, 202443 minSeason 3Ep. 3
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