The Coach Doctor Podcast

In this episode of The Coach Doctor Podcast I am joined by John McKee. John is a seasoned and globally respected rugby coach whose career has spanned club, provincial, and international levels. Known for his strategic mind, adaptability, and deep understanding of the game’s evolution, John has coached across diverse rugby cultures and led high-performance teams on the world stage, including coaching both Tonga and Fiji at Rugby World Cups.With decades of coaching experience behind him, John brings his unique insight into how rugby has transformed. He’s worked across continents, adapting his leadership style to fit local environments whilst building competitive and resilient teams.In this episode, we discuss his coaching journey, the current trends shaping the modern game, and how he integrates strength, skill, and culture into his approach. Whether you’re a coach, player, or student of the game, you’ll take away practical wisdom and forward-thinking strategies from one of rugby’s most experienced minds.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-coach-doctor-podcast--5032805/support.

In this episode of the Coach Doctor Podcast, I speak with Steven Webster. Steven is a lifelong entrepreneur, technologist, martial artist and coach, and the CEO & Founder of ASENSEI, a technology that uses motion capture and human movement recognition software to power personalized health and fitness experiences. He holds a 4th degree black belt and two 2nd degree black belts in Ju Jitsu and Karate and is one of the most successful sports coaches in British University Sport. He captained and then coached Edinburgh University Karate Club to 10 consecutive national championship prior to moving to California in 2009. Whilst coaching, Steven has also worked for some of the leading tech industries including Microsoft and Adobe before starting Asensei in 2014. In a nutshell Asensei has created Movement Recognition and Coaching Intelligence technology that is powered by human movement recognition. His goal is to blend his deep coaching knowledge with his technological expertise to create connected health and fitness experiences that empower people to achieve their personal best.Website: asensei.aiSocial MediaLinkedIn: AsenseiYoutube: @asenseiInstagram: @asensei_rowingFacebook: @asenseiTo see Asensei in action check out the following videos:Rowing VideoTraining VideoYoga VideoAdditional Reading:Leveraging machine learning to repetitions in reserve estimates during resistance trainingBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-coach-doctor-podcast--5032805/support.

In this episode of the coach doctor podcast, I talk with Dr Andrew Higham. Andrew has recently been appointed as an Assistant Professor at Heriot Watt University in Scotland working in the areas of psychology and sport psychology. At the time of recording, he was a lecturer in sport psychology at Shefield Hallam University in England. He has published work in multiple academic journals including Qualitative Research in Sport, Exercise and Health; Psychology of Sport and Exercise and the International Sports Coaching Journal. He has also presented internationally at the International Council for Coaching Excellence Global Coach Conference, where I was fortunate to listen to Andrew speak. I was completely blown away, not just by the originality of his research, but also his passion and devotion to his subject matter. In today’s conversation I wanted to discuss Andrew’s research around coach well-being and unpack some of the challenges that coaches face both in the spotlight and behind the scenes in what can be a very fickle and pressure filled world. This conversation made me think a lot about my own well-being as a coach and made me consider how often I recharge my own battery. Coaching is a demanding job that requires immense dedication, time, and energy at all levels from amateur to professional. It's easy for coaches to prioritize their athletes' needs over their own, but neglecting self-care can lead to burnout, stress, and decreased effectiveness. Maintaining well-being allows coaches to be at their best, both mentally and physically. When coaches take care of themselves, they can bring more energy, positivity, and focus to their teams. This not only enhances their coaching performance but also sets a positive example for their athletes. It's important for coaches to find a balance between their professional responsibilities and personal lives. This might involve setting boundaries, seeking support from colleagues, and making time for activities that bring joy and relaxation. Coaches should feel empowered to seek help if they're struggling and to create an environment where mental health is openly discussed and supported, and organisations should also support their coaches in providing this support.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-coach-doctor-podcast--5032805/support.

In this episode of The Coach Doctor Podcast I talk with Damian McGrath. Damian has been coaching professionally since 1990, starting his career coaching Rugby League in the UK and then making the switch to Rugby Union in the early 2000’s after taking on a skills coaching role with the Leicester Tigers. Since then, Damian has etched his mark in the modified form of Rugby as a 7’s specialist coach. He took England to the Commonwealth Games and The World Cup prior to stints with Spain, Manu Samoa, Canada, Germany and then Kenya. In addition to this Damian is the author of 4 books:Can You Be Fluent In Success?: A fresh perspective on business coaching through the lens of an international rugby leader.Damian McGrath's Skills Games for RugbyAlmost 101 Small Sided Games and Relays for Rugby101 Rugby Training DrillsDamian is also known as an empowerment engineer, he focuses on building cultures where individuals feel empowered, valued, and equipped to reach their full potential.If you want to know more about Damian or get in contact you can find him via:LinkedIn: Damian McGrath website: www.damianmcgrath.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-coach-doctor-podcast--5032805/support.

In this episode of The Coach Doctor podcast, I talk with Sam Miller, the CEO and founder of Proteus Motion. Proteus is a groundbreaking training system that has transformed the world of fitness and human performance. It has expanded the scope of quantifiable human movement from a limited 5%—primarily focused on vertical pushes and pulls like squats and deadlifts—to an astonishing 98%, encompassing nearly every conceivable angle and type of movement.If you have watched the Netflix series Quarterback, you can see Superbowl Champion Patrick Mahomes using the technology as part of his preparation in becoming the most dominant quarterback in the NFL. Proteus is now used by sporting franchises in the NFL, Major League Baseball, the NBA, the National Hockey League, Golfing institutions such as the PGA, University sporting Programs and also in medical institutions for recovery purposes.Whist the technology itself is revolutionary, Sam’s story is also a remarkable blend of innovation, grit and self-belief that stemmed from injuries as a youth athlete, to completing a project started by his father back in the 90’s. If you would like to know more about Proteus Motion they have an extremely informative website with a lot of videos and demonstrations using the technology. The web address is proteusmotion.com . Alternative you can check Proteus Motion out on Instagram, Tik Tok, YouTube, Facebook and Twitter / X using the handle @proteusmotion for all platforms. For LinkedIn you can follow Sam via @Sam Miller.Thank you for listening to another episode of The Coach Doctor Podcast.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-coach-doctor-podcast--5032805/support.

Alicia Edge is the co-founder and principal dietician at Compeat Performance, a company that is revolutionising athlete nutrition and well-being through technology. Alicia is also the Lead performance dietician for the Matildas, the Australian Women’s Football team who won the hearts of millions for their performances at the 2023 FIFA World Cup. She has also held Nutritionist roles at the Australian Institute of Sport and the NSW Waratahs Rugby Union. I first met Alicia at an Exercise and Sports Science Australia forum that was discussing women in sport, and I saw someone who was very passionate about sport and performance and more importantly about female heath and well-being. Alicia later joined me on a panel at the Business and Development of Women in Football Conference and again her passion for advocating for women in sport not just as athletes but in all of the support roles such as coaching and organisational roles was inspirational.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-coach-doctor-podcast--5032805/support.

Dr Marcus Hannon is the current lead performance Nutritionist at the Qatar Football Association. He has previously worked as a sports nutritionist in the English Premier League with Everton and Aston Villa, with professional boxers and in Professional Rugby Union Clubs. Marcus has a strong research record and his knowledge around the needs of youth athletes is extremely important because they are the stars of the future and with increased training demands of youth athletes nutrition become vital in keeping them fit and healthy and on the pathway. Marcus discusses safe ways to meet weight in weight class sports such as boxing and compares the rigours of a Premier League season to the campaign of an International tournament such as the Asian Cup or World Cup. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-coach-doctor-podcast--5032805/support.

In this episode I talk with Rama Chand. Rama is the Director of Rugby Development at the Georgian Rugby Union. Previous to that Rama worked in multiple roles with Rugby Australia from Participation Pathway Manager and in Coach Education. He has held coaching roles with the Queensland Reds Super W team and the Queensland Reds Academy and many other teams along the way. He also has a degree in sports studies with the University of Auckland in New Zealand. In the episode we discuss Rama's role in Georgia and the process of moving across the world with a young family, to a country where you do not speak the language. We discuss coaching roles and the importance of understanding your expectations. We also look at the changing role of the coach - both from a pathway or developmental approach and also the changes in the role over the course of time since sport has become more professional.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-coach-doctor-podcast--5032805/support.

In this episode, I talk with Amy Shepherd. Amy is the current head coach and football development officer at the Sydney University Soccer Football Club. She is originally from Cambridgeshire England and has experience coaching with Norwich City in their regional development program, Watford FC women’s as well as coaching in New Jersey in the USA. She is now making her mark in Australia working across youth and senior women’s football. We discuss the use of games and constraints based coaching and discuss the importance of individual development plans along with team training. Amy's leadership and experience at the Sydney University Soccer Football Club is highly valued with the club claiming four straight premierships in the senior Womens NPL1 competition between 2018 and 2022 and their youth program being one of the best football programs in Australia feeding into the senior program. They also have qualified for the finals in every youth team in 2023 which speaks volumes for their youth development program.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-coach-doctor-podcast--5032805/support.

In this episode I talk with Lee Addison owner of the online coaching website www.rugbyleaguecoach.com.au This website has rapidly become the biggest online rugby league coaching resource in the world! It’s a modern textbook for coaches, players and S&C coaches, with videos and PDFs giving tips and guidance, a bit like a Netflix but for Rugby League. It includes the Aim Higher program which is a clinic roadshow delivering elite level coaching to those most in need. In the conversation Lee discusses his coaching experience, professional development and his work in the online coaching world.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-coach-doctor-podcast--5032805/support.