A LOAD OF BS ON SPORT

• 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 pitch, Nigel shares his deeply personal struggles with his sexuality, the isolating experience of growing up in a time of prejudice, and his battle with bulimia and depression. In a moment of profound vulnerability, he recounts his near-fatal attempt to take his own life, a stark reminder of the internal conflicts he faced.Nigel's story is a testament to the power of self-acceptance and the importance of being true to oneself. He offers invaluable advice to young people facing similar challenges, emphasising the importance of happiness and self-pride. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking inspiration, honesty, and a deeper understanding of the man behind the whistle. Join us as we explore the rural roots, rugby rulings, and raw honesty of Nigel Owens.If you found Nigel's story as moving and insightful as we did, please subscribe to "A Load of BS on Sport" on your favorite podcast platform. Your subscription helps us bring you more compelling conversations like this one. Don't forget to share this episode with your friends and family – Nigel's message of resilience and self-acceptance is one that everyone needs to hear. Thank you for listening!We understand that Nigel's candid discussion of mental health challenges, including depression and suicidal thoughts, may resonate with some of our listeners. If you or someone you know is struggling, please remember that you're not alone and help is available. We encourage you to reach out to the following organisations for support:UK & Ireland Support Resources:Samaritans (UK & Ireland):Provides confidential emotional support for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair.Phone: 116 123 (free, 24/7)Website: www.samaritans.orgMind (UK):Offers information and support for anyone experiencing a mental health problem.Phone: 0300 123 3393 (Monday to Friday, 9 am to 6 pm)Website: www.mind.org.ukCALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) (UK):Specifically targets men who are struggling with their mental health.Phone: 0800 58 58 58 (daily, 5 pm to midnight)Website: www.thecalmzone.netPieta (Ireland):Provides free therapy to those engaging in self-harm, those with suicidal ideation, or those bereaved by suicide.Phone: 01 628 2111Website: www.pieta.ieAware (Ireland):provides support and information for people who experience depression and bipolar disorder.Website: www.aware.ieLGBT Foundation (UK):Provides support and information for the LGBTQ+ community.Phone: 0345 3 30 30 30Website: lgbt.foundationRemember, seeking help is a sign of strength, and there are people who care and want to support you. Please reach out if you need it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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• 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 PAINBrownlee reveals his approach to endurance sport's greatest challenge: "I remember practicing from a young age... looking at some point on the bike in front of me and just thinking, in this moment, nothing matters apart from the fact that I don't get any further away from that point." His ability to maintain complete focus while pushing his body to its limits defined his career.THE RETIREMENT TRANSITION"This marks my transition from professional triathlon—a moment approached with both dread and excitement in equal measure," Brownlee reflects on ending his 18-year professional career. Unlike many athletes who struggle with identity after sport, he embraces this new chapter: "There's definitely a lot less dread and there's still plenty of excitement."BUILDING CONSISTENCY & HABITSBrownlee shares his revolutionary approach to training consistency: "You don't give yourself the option not to." Rather than relying on willpower, he created systems and habits that removed decision-making from the equation: "I wake up Monday morning, the alarm goes off. I don't have an option whether I'm going training or not. It's just what I do."THE ROLE OF ENVIRONMENT & COMMUNITY"I think a happy circumstance of some traits, my environment around me and quite a lot of luck," Brownlee attributes his success to multiple factors beyond talent. From supportive parents to finding the right coach at the right time, he emphasizes how our surroundings shape our potential.BALANCING SPORT & LIFEBrownlee discusses the importance of maintaining perspective through education and interests outside sport: "I always kind of recommend to athletes if they have got the chance, just do bits alongside it just to keep that kind of perspective and context and skills in the outside world."Listen as this sporting great shares the lessons learned from pushing his body to the absolute limit, the value of imagination over belief, and why finding contentment remains life's greatest challenge. Whether you're an aspiring athlete or simply fascinated by the psychology of high performance, this conversation offers invaluable insights into what separates the good from the truly great.🎧 Subscribe to our podcast for more in-depth conversations with sporting legends!#AlistairBrownlee #Triathlon #OlympicChampion #EnduranceSport #MentalToughness #SportPsychology #ElitePerformance #RetirementTransition #ConsistencyHabits #PainTolerance #HighPerformance #AthleteMindset #OlympicGold #EnduranceTraining Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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  1:02:43
• 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 EVOLUTIONLawes reflects on his transformation from feared enforcer to respected leader: "I've always been a player that typically learns quite quickly... I began to understand a lot more clearly how momentum and pressure ebb and flow throughout a game." His approach to leadership is refreshingly authentic - calm, relaxed, but intensely focused when it matters most.LIONS TOUR AMBITIONSDespite moving to France, Lawes reveals his continued aspirations for another British & Irish Lions tour. "I want to do my best if nothing else," he shares, discussing how his move to Brive hasn't diminished his international ambitions. With his wealth of experience and consistent performances, Lawes makes a compelling case for inclusion in the next Lions squad, demonstrating that age is just a number when it comes to elite performance.CULTURAL DIFFERENCES IN RUGBYExperience the fascinating contrast between English and French rugby cultures through Lawes' eyes. "In the UK, we focus on how to get better... whereas in France, it's very much outcome-based." Discover how these different approaches shape team dynamics, performance, and player mentality.TEAM DYNAMICS & MENTORSHIP"Young players are desperate for guidance," Lawes explains, sharing his philosophy on developing the next generation. His commitment to passing on knowledge shines through as he discusses mentoring younger players both at Northampton and now in France.EMOTIONAL CONNECTION TO CLUBHear Lawes' powerful reflection on representing his hometown: "I'm representing the people that I grew up with, the places I grew up in, and I don't take that lightly." This emotional bond has shaped his entire approach to the game and his remarkable loyalty to Northampton Saints.SPEAKING YOUR MINDIn an era of polarized opinions, Lawes offers a refreshing perspective: "We can disagree without hating each other." His thoughtful approach to social issues and commitment to honest dialogue provides valuable insights for navigating today's complex world.Listen as these rugby stars discuss the psychology behind team dynamics, the challenges of playing abroad, and the importance of authenticity both on and off the field. With moments of humor, vulnerability, and wisdom, this conversation offers a fascinating glimpse into the mind of one of rugby's most respected figures.🎧 Subscribe for more in-depth conversations with sporting legends!#CourtneyLawes #RugbyLeadership #LionsTour #TeamCulture #SportsInterview #RugbyPodcast #DanBiggar #NorthamptonSaints #FrenchRugby #RugbyMentorship #SportsLeadership #RugbyUnion #BriveRugby Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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  1:13:56
• 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 DISCRIMINATIONAnderson reveals he still feels capable of playing at international level and discusses how age discrimination affects not just sport but society at large. "I'm sure if the number 42 wasn't next to my name on the team sheet, I'd still be putting my name in the hat for series to come."MENTAL HEALTH & PERFORMANCE PSYCHOLOGYFor the first time, Jimmy shares his experience with hypnotherapy and how it transformed his performance: "I went through a period of probably two or three years of using hypnotherapy... My performances around that time went through the roof."THE PHYSICAL & MENTAL TOLL OF TEST CRICKETAnderson shares a revealing anecdote about the extreme demands of Test cricket: "Our bodies were in such pain and mentally we were shot... we did four laps of Regent's Park in the car because we didn't want to go to the ground."RIVALRIES & MIND GAMESFrom his approach to different Australian players to personal rivalries with Michael Clarke, Anderson provides fascinating insights into the psychological aspects of fast bowling: "There were certain batters that you try and just get in the head... It's actually trying to put them off their game or out of their rhythm."LEGACY & THE FUTURE OF CRICKET"I'd love for some kids to get into swing bowling because they'd watch me do it... I think I'd like to see the skill side of bowling stay in the game."Listen as one of cricket's greatest fast bowlers reflects on the friendships formed during his career, his techniques for maintaining calm under pressure, and his experiences facing the world's best batsmen. This conversation offers rare insights into the mind of a sporting great who has bowled over 50,000 deliveries in international cricket.🎧 Subscribe to our podcast and explore the archive for more in-depth conversations with sporting legends!#JimmyAnderson #CricketLegend #TestCricket #EnglandCricket #SportsPsychology #MentalToughness #AgeDiscrimination #SportsInterview #BowlingMasterclass #CricketGreats #TheAshes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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  1:14:59
• 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 ExtraordinaireBrett'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 night and advertising executive by day. After 30 years in the advertising world, Brett made a surprising pivot back to sports, becoming CEO of World Rugby before taking on his current role as Head of NFL Europe and Asia Pacific.Navigating Complex Sports OrganisationsBrett offers fascinating insights into the contrasting challenges of leading World Rugby versus the NFL. While World Rugby required him to navigate the complex politics of a global federation with competing interests, the NFL presents a more unified but equally ambitious organisation. He reveals how his advertising background provided valuable perspective when approaching sports leadership, particularly in creating fan-centric strategies.The Global Expansion PlaybookAs the architect of the NFL's international growth strategy, Brett shares the meticulous planning behind bringing American football to new territories. From staging international games that feel like "mini Super Bowls" to developing academies in the UK and Australia, he outlines the NFL's comprehensive approach to finding the next 50 million fans outside the United States. He explains why cultural relevance is crucial when expanding into new markets, whilst still maintaining the authentic Americana experience that international fans crave.Developing International TalentThe conversation explores the fascinating International Player Pathway programme, which has produced success stories like Jordan Mailata, the Australian former rugby league player who became the first Australian to win a Super Bowl. Brett discusses the psychological challenges these athletes face transitioning to American football and how the NFL Academy system is creating pathways for international talent to reach the highest levels of the sport.Leadership Lessons from a Global Sports ExecutiveThis episode isn't just for sports fans – it's a masterclass in leadership across different organisational cultures. Brett's journey demonstrates the value of being adaptable, maintaining product quality while pursuing commercial growth, and always keeping the fan perspective at the centre of decision-making.Key Discussion Points:Career Crossroads: How missing a Wallabies trial led Brett to a transformative career in FranceFrom Advertising to Sports Leadership: The unexpected transition that brought Brett back to the sporting worldBalancing Culture and Commerciality: Maintaining the integrity of sports while pursuing global growthThe NFL's International Strategy: Creating fan engagement through games, academies, and flag footballLeadership Principles: The importance of listening to fans and athletes when making strategic decisionsCultural Differences: How rugby and NFL teams approach competition and player development Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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