The Sports Initiative Podcast - podcast cover

The Sports Initiative Podcast

Michael Wrightshows.acast.com
A podcast that aims to dissect the experiences and philosophies of practitioners working in sport and academia from around the globe.

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

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Episodes

215 - Cody Alexander - How to breakdown NFL Defence

0:32 -Cody's Touchdown Memory and Sporting Idol Cody Alexander recounted a funny little league experience where he scored a touchdown while his pants were around his ankles, highlighting the absurdity of the moment. He expressed his admiration for John Elway, his childhood idol, noting his strong connection to the Broncos through family ties, despite being surrounded by Kansas City fans. 5:06 -Discussion on Football Strategies and Coaching Influence Michael Wright and Cody Alexander explored the...

Aug 21, 20251 hr 2 minEp. 215

214 - Nick Shedd - Preparing the Boston Red Sox for a 162 season before the playoffs

1:08 -Insights on Sports and Personal Experiences Michael Wright and Nick Shedd engage in a conversation about their sports backgrounds, with Nick recalling a cherished memory of hitting a double in baseball as a child. They discuss the challenges of maintaining high performance in sports, referencing players like Cal Ripken Jr. and Aldous Chapman, and the mental resilience required to succeed at elite levels. 10:48 -Discussion on Competitiveness in Sports Nick Shedd discusses the mindset of com...

Aug 14, 202556 minEp. 214

213 - Marcus Daws - Coaching mavericks

0:49 -Discussion on Football Experiences and Insights Marcus Daws reflected on his childhood sporting idol, highlighting the importance of mentality and work ethic, particularly in relation to Ronaldo. Michael Wright and Daws discussed their football preferences, with Daws expressing a general appreciation for good football rather than allegiance to a specific team. They also shared memorable moments from matches, including a standout performance by Zlatan Ibrahimović. 6:57 -Marcus Daws: Backgro...

Aug 07, 20251 hr 4 minEp. 213

212 - Sarah Leslie - The MDT behind Olympic Champions

0:28 -Fondest Sporting Memories and Values in Sports Sarah reflected on her most memorable sports moment, which was attending the women's soccer gold medal match at the Paris 2024 Olympics, where she felt a mix of excitement and privilege. Michael shared a similar experience at a championship playoff final, expressing how the atmosphere inspired him to consider a career in football. They both acknowledged the contagious energy of such significant sporting events. 15:19 - Communication and Decisi...

Jul 24, 20251 hr 11 minEp. 212

211 - Mark Hopley - Coaching chaos in preparation for first team rugby.

1:20I - nsights on Youth Development in Sports Mark shares his fondest childhood sporting memories, emphasizing the importance of friendships formed in local clubs. He discusses his childhood sporting idols and reflects on impactful moments in his coaching career, particularly when helping young individuals turn their lives around through rugby. Michael adds that the support from coaches can significantly influence a young person's life. 9:54 -Coaching Philosophy and Development in Rugby Mark Ho...

Jul 18, 20251 hr 11 minEp. 211

210 - Alex Cattini - Life at London's top football academies

1:31 -Fondest Sporting Memories and Idols Alessandro Cattini reflected on his childhood sporting memories, particularly the time spent with his granddad at local football events and the excitement of being recognized as a young player. He mentioned his admiration for Gianfranco Zola, noting how he emulated him while playing football. Additionally, he recalled significant moments from World Cup 98, including the drama surrounding Ronaldo's participation. 8:11 -Analysis of Football Teams and Tacti...

Jul 03, 202554 minEp. 210

209 - Laura Turner-Alleyne - The world of International Sprinting

0:30 -Quickfire Questions with Laura Turner-Alleyne Laura Turner-Alleyne reflected on her childhood memory of the Barcelona Olympics, which was significant for her as it was the first Olympics she watched on TV. She noted that Linford Christie and Sally Gunnell were standout figures from those games, and she had the unique experience of being coached by Linford later in her athletic career. Laura described Linford as a positive influence and a welcoming presence in her training environment. 3:31...

Jun 26, 202552 minEp. 209

208 - Michael Jagacki - Breaking down NBA defenses

0:23 -Quickfire Questions and Personal Insights Michael Wright introduces the format of the discussion with Mike Jagacki, outlining the quickfire questions and the opportunity to delve into Mike's personal experiences. Mike shares his mixed emotions about the NBA finals, highlighting the thrill of the games but also the sadness of the season concluding. He reflects on his fondest childhood memory related to sports, specifically his early experiences in organized basketball. 5:27 - Reflections on...

Jun 20, 20251 hr 15 minEp. 208

207 - Tim Stegmann - How Xabi Alonso changed the game with Leverkusen

Xabi Campeón - Tim's book is available for sale at this link! 1:32 -Personal Sports Memories and Influences Tim recounted his early sports experiences, highlighting the joy of scoring his first goals and earning a bronze medal in cycling, which motivated him to train harder. He discussed his admiration for players like Ulf Kirsten and Michael Ballack, and how his support for Bayern Munich shaped his childhood. Tim also reflected on emotional moments in football, such as the 1999 final, which lef...

Jun 12, 20251 hr 16 minEp. 207

206 - Craig Thompson - How to travel down a track at 80mph

1:50 -Craig's Journey Back to Football Craig discussed his transition back to football, highlighting his long-standing interest in the sport. He thanked Michael for connecting him with Sean, which allowed him to watch games and evaluate talent. Craig expressed enthusiasm about potentially continuing in football after his current career in skeleton. 6:18 -Childhood Football Idols and Their Impact In a conversation about football, Craig reflects on his admiration for Alan Shearer, which was sparke...

May 29, 20251 hr 11 minEp. 206

205 - Keiron Conway - Why 1v1 dribblers should play in defence.

0:14 -Fondest Sporting Memories and Idols Kieron Conway reminisced about his first football match experience, where he was surprised with tickets to see Manchester United play against Spurs. He expressed admiration for Gaelic footballer Kieron Conway, noting his significant contributions to Team Armagh's success and leadership. Michael Wright engaged in the conversation, reflecting on the influence of Gaelic football in their discussions. 6:04 -Discussion on the Golden State Warriors and Team Dy...

May 15, 20251 hr 1 minEp. 205

204 - Simon Letchford - How to create open and honest feedback

00:30 -Childhood Sporting Memories and Inspirations Simon Letchford discussed his childhood sporting memories, including attending Crystal Palace games with his father and being inspired by Great Britain's Olympic gold in hockey in 1988. He also mentioned his admiration for cricketer Alex Stewart, noting his professionalism and team-first mentality. Michael Wright contributed by sharing his own fond memory of winning a national title at Selhurst Park. 8:01- Overview of Coaching Philosophy and De...

May 08, 20251 hr 2 minEp. 204

203 - Amy Shelley - Researching for the RFU

0:15 -Childhood Sports Memories and Influential Moments Amy Shelley reminisced about her childhood experiences with school sports, highlighting the freedom to explore different activities. She cited David Beckham as her sporting hero, noting how she admired his skills and tried to replicate his free kicks. Additionally, she reflected on memorable sporting moments, including Kelly Holmes' gold medal win and the women's Euros final in 2022. 7:40 -Introduction to Amy Shelley's Research on Player De...

Apr 25, 202558 minEp. 203

202 - Robin Taylor - How do sibling's effect talent pathway's

0:41 Childhood Sports Memories and Influential Figures Robin Taylor reminisced about his childhood sports memories, particularly his family's passion for cricket and iconic moments like the 2005 Ashes win. He expressed admiration for players like Kevin Pietersen, noting their unique styles and contributions to the game. Michael Wright contributed by recalling how the Ashes captivated even those who typically showed little interest in sports. 8:10 Overview of Robin Taylor's Professional Backgroun...

Apr 17, 202557 minEp. 202

201 - Des Ryan - How do Arsenal physically develop their players

0:42 Fond Memories and Insights into Sports Development Des Ryan reflected on his childhood experiences in athletics, emphasizing the impact of his coach and the excitement surrounding competitions. He expressed admiration for the Galway hurling team of the 1980s, recalling a memorable encounter with player Martin Nocton. Additionally, Des recommended the documentary "A Year Till Sunday," which showcases the Galway Gaelic football team and highlights the sport's values. 10:41 Developing Young At...

Apr 10, 202551 minEp. 201

199 - Dr Simon Moore - If we want players to be consistent, why don't we praise them when they are?

1:40 -Reflections on Sports Psychology and Personal Memories Simon Moore emphasizes the growing recognition of psychology's importance in sports, noting its benefits for both players and staff. Michael Wright engages Simon with a series of questions about his childhood sports experiences, prompting Simon to reflect on his early admiration for Mick Shannon, a footballer who inspired him as a young Manchester City fan. 5:45 Reflections on Historical Fascinations Simon Moore discusses his early int...

Mar 26, 20251 hr 4 minEp. 199

198 - Dan Howells - How to cut from the nonsense in Strength and Conditioning delivery

0:13 -Reflections on Sport and Coaching Dan Howells discussed his childhood memories of playing rugby and the connections he made at boarding school. He expressed admiration for athletes in general, rather than specific individuals, and highlighted two significant moments in rugby that left a lasting impression on him. These experiences shaped his understanding of the sport and its demands. 12:08- Dan Howells' Professional Journey in Sports Science and Coaching Dan Howells provided an overview o...

Mar 18, 202556 minEp. 198

197 - Ray Power - Trying to teach street footballers the 11v11 game

1:45- Reflections on Childhood Sports Memories and Idols Ray Power reminisced about his childhood, filled with football, where he often played in various makeshift goalposts around his home. He identified a series of sporting idols from his youth, particularly Liverpool players, and reflected on significant moments in sports that inspired him, such as Ireland's performance in the 1990 World Cup. 9:36 -Ray Power's Coaching Journey and Philosophy Ray Power shared insights into his coaching career,...

Mar 11, 202556 minEp. 197

196 - Hisashi Kuwahara - In Japan players find there own way to training at 13

0:50 Insights into Japanese Football and Coaching Journey Hisashi reminisces about his early experiences with football in Japan, particularly enjoying lunchtime games with classmates. He cites Keisuke Honda as a childhood hero and recalls a significant match where Gamba Osaka faced Manchester United, which motivated him to become a football coach. Hisashi emphasizes the competitiveness of Japanese football and the excitement of watching teams like Leeds under Marcelo Bielsa. 10:21 -The State of ...

Mar 04, 20251 hrEp. 196

195 - Charlie McCall - The balancing act between performance and wellbeing

0:30 Introduction and Podcast Preparation Michael Wright thanks Charlie McCall for participating in the podcast and discusses the format, which includes quickfire questions and a general overview of Charlie's role. Charlie expresses concern about discussing specific athletes due to the small nature of his sports, indicating he may need to speak generically. Michael reassures him that it's acceptable to avoid certain topics. 5:02 Childhood Memories and Influences in Sport Charlie McCall discussed...

Feb 25, 20251 hrEp. 195

194 - Danny Maye - The importance of coaching behaviours

1:40Quickfire Questions with Danny Maye Danny Maye reminisced about his childhood memory of scoring a decisive goal for his dad's team at Filbert Street, emphasizing the value of grassroots football experiences. He noted that many young players today miss out on such opportunities, which were more prevalent in the past. Maye also mentioned his football idols, including George Best and Ryan Giggs, and highlighted the significance of his debut match at Port Vale. 6:10-Analysis of Football Tactics ...

Dec 05, 202453 minEp. 194

193 - Ben Lucas - Navigating the world of Pre-Academy football

Ben Lucas is a tutor at Ignite Training. Previous to this job, he worked as Pre Academy Lead at Category 1 Academy Southampton FC. 2:03 Fond Sporting Memories and Influential Figures Ben Lucas reminisced about his favorite sporting memories, particularly two Leeds matches against Barcelona and Roma, highlighting the thrill of those experiences. He also mentioned the 2005 Ashes series and the joy of watching it at school. Michael added his own memories of teachers engaging with sports, emphasizin...

Nov 28, 202451 minEp. 193

192 - Steve Peters - How does neurology effect the CLA

0:00 Understanding the Impact of Technology and Lifestyle on Mental Health Stephen Peters shared a case study of a client who successfully moved from high medication for ADHD to being medication-free after two years, focusing on emotional regulation and strength conditioning. He pointed out the detrimental effects of excessive screen time on concentration and mental health, especially among teenagers, who are conditioned to process information quickly. Peters stressed the importance of moderatio...

Nov 21, 202456 minEp. 192

191 - Steve Peters - Why movement is key to neurology

01:00 Personal Reflections and Sporting Memories Michael Wright and Stephen Peters discuss their childhood experiences with sports, highlighting the importance of unstructured play. Stephen reminisces about playing Wembley doubles and cricket with his brothers, which fostered their love for sports. He cites Gary Lineker as his sporting idol and recalls the memorable moment of watching England win the Rugby World Cup, sharing the experience with his family. 7:26 Sportsmanship and Values in Rugby ...

Nov 14, 202456 minEp. 191

190 - Dre Baldwin - How your mindset can be key to success

8:35 Quickfire Questions with Dre Baldwin Michael Wright outlined the format for the discussion with Dre Baldwin, starting with quickfire questions before delving into Dre's background and work. Dre shared his enthusiasm for the current political climate, noting that he remains neutral but sees opportunities for content engagement. They also touched on childhood sports memories, with Dre recalling his admiration for Deion Sanders and significant sports moments from his youth. 14:02 Insights on S...

Nov 08, 202442 minEp. 190

189 - Dallas Mix - 'Harnessing' Olympic climbers

4:19 Personal Sports Experiences and Influences Dallas discussed his early sports experiences, noting that he played various sports but ultimately gravitated towards football, which he had to abandon as an adult due to physical limitations. Michael Wright commented on the prevalence of hockey in Canadian culture, expressing surprise at Dallas's different choice. They also touched on golf, with both sharing their perspectives on the sport. 9:39 Climbing Trailblazers and Memorable Moments The conv...

Oct 31, 202457 minEp. 189

188 - Dave Love - NBA shooting coach

1:07 Early Sporting Memories and Changes in Soccer Rules Dave Love shares his earliest sporting memory of playing youth soccer, including a humorous anecdote about wearing blue jeans to practice. Michael Wright informs him about the current rules that restrict heading the ball for younger players, emphasizing the potential tactical changes this could bring to the game. They both express curiosity about how these changes will affect grassroots football. 9:41 Sporting Idols and Influences Dave Lov...

Oct 24, 202454 minEp. 188

187 - Martyn Rothwell - How to effectively work in Interdisciplinary team

Childhood Sporting Memories -1:39 Michael Wright and Martyn Rothwell share their childhood experiences of watching and playing sports, expressing fond memories of sitting on the terraces of Widness Rugby League Club, watching football games at the old baseball ground, and being inspired by sports idols like Ellery Hanley and Paul Gascoigne. They reflect on the joy and carefree nature of playing sports as kids and the impact it had on their lives. Discussion on Ideal Style of Play in Sports - 4:3...

Sep 26, 202453 minEp. 187

186 - Jacob King - Why ineffective coaching kills talent

Jacob King is a basketball coach based out of Kentucky, US. After a number different coaching ventures, he decided to embark on the journey of the Constraints Led Approach to aid his player in decision making and situational awareness. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 20, 202447 minEp. 186
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