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 O'Driscoll and Paul O'Connell on Lions tours to managing his own crippling self-doubt, Sam reveals the mental strategies that made him one of rugby's most respected leaders.This isn't your typical "glory days" rugby chat. Sam candidly discusses why he only enjoyed 20% of his career, the obsessive attention to detail that drove his success (including a chocolate drawer with rival players' names), and the relief he felt upon retirement. He shares fascinating insights into the delegation principles that made his captaincy so effective, why he surrounded himself with strong personalities rather than yes-men, and how sports psychology shaped his entire approach to leadership.From the pressures of captaining the Lions at just 24 to finding freedom in life after rugby, Sam's honesty about the darker sides of elite sport makes this essential listening for anyone interested in leadership, performance psychology, or the real cost of sporting excellence.Episode Highlights:The "Four P's" leadership framework that guided his captaincyWhy he only enjoyed 20% of his professional careerLeading rugby legends on two Lions toursThe psychology behind his famous self-doubtHis obsessive preparation methods and attention to detailThe committee system that made Wales so successfulLife after rugby and the freedom of retirementWhy strong leaders surround themselves with challengers, not yes-menThe role of sports psychology in elite performanceHonest reflections on imposter syndrome at the highest levelMemorable Quotes"Weak leaders love weak people around them... strong leaders actually get really challenging, good people around them.""I doubt myself because I trust myself.""The 20% of success outweighs the 80% tenfold.""When you retire from rugby, you might finish playing the game, but you don't leave the game.""Lions don't worry about the opinions of sheep.""Any leader, no matter what you are, you've got to walk the walk and show people the way.""What you put in in life is what you get back."If you enjoyed this brutally honest insight into elite leadership and the psychology of high performance, please subscribe, leave us a review, and share with anyone who needs to understand what real leadership looks like under pressure. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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1:15:01
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 revealed under pressure.Ed draws on his unique experience as both elite performer and decision-maker to unpack the delicate balance between intuition and analysis in high-stakes environments. From his time as England's national cricket selector to his current work developing the next generation of sports leaders, he reveals the art of building diverse teams, navigating uncertainty, and sustaining success.This episode tackles the fundamental questions facing modern sport: How do you create leaders who can thrive in today's complex sporting landscape? What's the secret to winning away from home? And how do we prepare athletes for their crucial "second act" beyond playing?With typical eloquence and insight, Ed challenges conventional thinking about leadership development, emphasising the importance of drawing from multiple disciplines, embracing risk, and understanding that the best leaders never stop evolving.Highlights Include:The launch of the Institute of Sports Humanities and its missionWhy leadership in sport requires drawing from multiple disciplinesThe psychology behind decision-making under extreme pressureBuilding effective teams with diverse characters and capabilitiesThe balance between data analysis and human intuitionWhy some aspects of leadership are innate while others can be taughtThe challenge of sustaining success and avoiding complacencyPreparing athletes for leadership roles beyond their playing careersLearning from other industries to enhance sports leadershipThe emotional connections that make sport universally compellingMemorable Quotes"What makes someone worth following?""Leadership dynamics in sports are evolving.""The transition from athlete to leader is complex.""The best leaders always want to get better.""Human judgment can never be got rid of.""We need to be very open to instinct and intuition.""Some aspects of leadership are innate.""You have to bear the risk of being different and worse.""Mission command stops bureaucratic log jams.""The magic of sport connects us with our past.""You want to equip professional athletes with the tools for their second act.""Understanding history is crucial for effective decision-making."If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave us a review, and share it with your friends or anyone interested in leadership, sport, and human performance. Your support helps us bring more inspiring conversations to your ears each week! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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1:15:57
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 broke her.We explore Gail's transition from badminton to pickleball, where she's rediscovered the joy of competition and community that once defined her life. She reflects on the lessons learned from losing, the crucial importance of team dynamics, and how her mother's pioneering football career shaped her sporting journey.This episode delves deep into the psychological challenges elite athletes face when the spotlight fades, the pressure of Olympic expectations, and the emotional cost of pursuing excellence. Gail's story is one of resilience, reinvention, and the power of rediscovering what you love—even when it looks completely different from what came before.With typical honesty and humour, Gail also shares why badminton is the fastest sport on earth, her dream doubles partners, and her surprising guilty pleasure of raving to house music.Highlights Include:The emotional reality of athlete retirement and identity lossTransitioning from Olympic badminton to competitive pickleballWhy walking away from sport is harder than any defeatThe speed and intensity of elite badminton (shuttles at 265mph!)Lessons learned from losing and the importance of team chemistryHer mother's pioneering role in women's footballRedefining success beyond medals and trophiesThe psychological pressure of Olympic competitionFinding joy and community in sport againDream doubles partners and guilty pleasuresMemorable Quotes"Walking away from sports is harder than losing a final.""Badminton is the fastest moving sport, with shuttles reaching 265 mph.""The loss of identity after retirement can be challenging for athletes.""Losing in sports is a learning opportunity, not a failure.""Rediscovering sport can reignite passion and community.""Building strong relationships with coaches and teammates is crucial.""The pressure of elite competition can overshadow the joy of the sport.""Success can be redefined in everyday life beyond competitive achievements.""My 15-year-old self would be proud of my accomplishments.""I describe myself on court as chaotic and energetic."If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave us a review, and share it with your friends or anyone who loves sport and great stories. Your support helps us bring more inspiring conversations to your ears each week! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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57:44
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's like to be an "elite underdog"—so close to greatness, yet just missing the ultimate prize.We explore the mental battles of competing at the highest level, the weight of expectation when you're one point away from glory, and the often brutal reality of transitioning from professional sport. Todd reflects on his coaching experiences with Mardy Fish and Novak Djokovic, the subjective nature of greatness debates, and why success should be measured by personal growth rather than just trophies.This episode offers a rare glimpse into the mindset of someone who reached the pinnacle of their sport whilst navigating the fine margins between triumph and heartbreak—and what happens when the spotlight fades.Highlights Include:The psychology of choking and why athletes rarely admit to itGrowing up with composure as a core value and how it shaped his careerCompeting against tennis superstars and the mental challenges that bringsThe pressure of Grand Slam finals and critical match momentsCoaching elite players like Novak Djokovic and Marty FishTransitioning from professional sport and finding new identityThe greatest tennis player debate and why it's beautifully subjectiveLessons on defining success beyond statistics and scoresMemorable Quotes"It's rare to hear someone admit they choked.""I was born to two amazing parents.""Composure was a priority in my upbringing.""I was raised with calm, cool and collected.""I knew I was walking out with a superstar.""Winning the right points is crucial.""It's definitely a choke moment.""Champions come from within.""Only you know if you're good enough.""I was remarkably unprepared.""Success is doing the best you can."If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave us a review, and share it with your friends or anyone who loves sport and great stories. Your support helps us bring more inspiring conversations to your ears each week!#ToddMartin #Tennis #SportsPsychology #ALoadOfBS #Choking #Mindset #Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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1:16:19
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 top for over a decade.We dig into the mindset that made him a phenomenon: the calculated persona he crafted, the emotional toll of high-stakes finals, and the ‘greed for success’ that separated him from the rest. Stephen reflects on the role of mentorship, the psychological challenges of the game—including battling the yips—and the emotional journey of letting go of his champion identity.The episode also explores life after snooker, with Hendry embracing a new persona as a YouTube star, and the contrast between his ruthless on-table presence and his more relaxed, accessible self today. He shares honest thoughts on rivalries, especially with Ronnie O’Sullivan, and what success means to him now.Packed with insight, honesty, and classic sound bites, this episode is a must-listen for sports fans and anyone fascinated by the psychology of winning.Highlights Include:The origins of Hendry’s love for snooker and early influences like Jimmy WhiteThe pressure of finals and the unique demands of the CrucibleHow mentorship shaped Hendry’s career and mindsetThe emotional cost of chasing perfection and letting go of the champion’s identityTransitioning to life beyond professional sport and building a new brand onlineThoughts on rivalries, records, and the next generation of snooker greatsMemorable Quotes“He was this kind of cold-blooded phenomenon.”“I fell in love with the game straight away.”“Talent is almost the least important thing.”“You need a big pair of bollocks.”“It’s what separates the best from the rest.”“Winning felt like business.”“You’ve got to be greedy for success.”“I loved being the one that everyone wanted to beat.”“Letting go of my champion identity was horrible. Horrible.”“I don’t want him to beat it. Of course I don’t.” (on Ronnie O’Sullivan chasing his record)If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave us a review, and share it with your friends or anyone who loves sport and great stories. Your support helps us bring more inspiring conversations to your ears each week! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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