Best Dan Cottrell Podcasts (2024)

1
New laws, trial laws and old laws: Keeping up-to-date and pragmatic 54:09

22m ago54:09

54:09

Send us a text We are delighted to welcome back Keith Lewis to the podcast. Keith is a practising referee and runs the RugbyReferee.net website and Facebook community. Dan asks Keith about: The three new laws for this season The experimental laws you might see that aren't enshrined yet The old favourites of why it seems that not-straight at the scr…

1
#170 Behind the Design: Mystery Ranch Radix Series with Designer Andrew Cottrell 1:06:37

12h ago1:06:37

1:06:37

Text the show! Andrew Cottrell is the lead designer of the Radix series of backpacks at Mystery Ranch, an innovative line of ultralight backpacks that combines comfort, durability, and weight-saving features. Andrew shares insights into his hands-on approach to design, the importance of balancing load-carrying capacity with ultralight performance, …

1
Coaching Blasts: What should we expect of a U14 rugby player, with Gary Townsend 23:55

5d ago23:55

23:55

Send us a text In this short podcast, Dan speaks to Gary Townsend, head of rugby at Switch Rugby about whether we have the wrong expectations of young rugby players. He is former RFU National Player Development Manager and Bristol Bears Junior Academy manager. In this episode, they discuss what a capable 13-year-old rugby player should achieve on t…

101
Grassroots coaching: Asking why, fixing, changing philosophy 38:56

12d ago38:56

38:56

Send us a text We are going to turn the tables and Stu James, is going to ask me the questions. Stu is a club coaching ordinator and colts coach at Guildford RFC, as well as a coach within the Quins Foundation programme and for Surrey Colts. In addition to these volunteer roles, he has a day job as a business consultant and executive coach. In the …

151
Coaching Blasts: What age to specialise as a 9 or 10, with Gary Townsend 22:53

19d ago22:53

22:53

Send us a text In this short podcast, Dan speaks to Gary Townsend, head of rugby at Switch Rugby with a focus on deciding when to help players specialise as a 9 or 10. He is former RFU National Player Development Manager and Bristol Bears Junior Academy manager. In this episode, they discuss the best age, why it makes sense for this position and ho…

1
The Coaching Knife: Do you need a coaching philosophy, with Martin Haag 22:48

27d ago22:48

22:48

Send us a text Welcome to the Coaching Knife when we cut to the root of the matter. In this episode, we speak to Martin Haag, high performance team and executive coach. Focusing on managing people rugby we are going to cut to the root on the importance of having a coaching philosophy. Martin played for 14 years at Bath, then coached Bath, Nottingha…

1
The Coaching Knife: Why don't men rate women coaches, with Nic Evans 25:44

1M ago25:44

25:44

Send us a text Welcome to the Coaching Knife when we cut to the root of the matter. In this episode, we speak to Nic Evans, L4 coach and former director of rugby for the Kings Cross Steelers. Focusing on women's rugby, we are going to examine why there aren’t more women coaches coaching both men's and women's rugby. Nic is a former head of PE, dire…

1
Inside the Squidge Rugby brain: Coaching, analysis and rugby geekery with Will Owen 54:14

1M ago54:14

54:14

Send us a text Dan speaks to one-half of the Squidge Rugby Owen brothers, Will. With a massive following for their YouTube channel, Squidge Rugby analyses matches in a unique, bringing insight and entertainment in equal measure. Will is an avowed rugby geek but also still plays and coaches his local team's colts. Dan asks him about: How Squidge Rug…

1
The Coaching Knife: How to coach a dominated scrum, with Gavin Blackburn 19:09

2M ago19:09

19:09

Send us a text Welcome to the Coaching Knife when we cut to the root of the matter. In this episode, we speak to Gavin Blackburn, Head Coach Cambuslang RFC. Focusing on the scrum rugby we are going to cut to the root on how to deal with a pack that’s dominating you. Gavin was a former age-grade district and international prop. He was a member of Sa…

1
She Tackles: The Media versus Women's Sports. Lyndon Julius with Dr Jocelyn Solomons 48:04

2M ago48:04

48:04

Send us a text Dr Jocelyn Solomons tackles significant issues in women's sports. In this episode, she talks to Lyndon Julius about the role of media in this domain. Lyndon is a communications specialist and creative storyteller with over a decade of experience in sports reporting. He is dedicated to community sports and immerses himself in grassroo…

1
#169 Recreating the Flow State with Barefoot Ted 1:39:01

2M ago1:39:01

1:39:01

Text the show! Barefoot Ted is widely known for his role in the book Born to Run, but that's just a small part of who he is. In this episode, Ted discusses his approach to life and how to maintain a regular connection with the flow state in everyday life. Show Notes and Links The Connection Between Movement, Music, and Ideas Barefoot Running and th…

1
The Coaching Knife: How do you compete in 7s with limited speed in your team, with Jamie Barnwell 24:01

2M ago24:01

24:01

Send us a text Welcome to the Coaching Knife when we cut to the root of the matter. In this episode, we speak to Jamie Barnwell, Head Coach Cayman 7s and Performance director. Focusing on 7s rugby we are going to cut to the root on to coach to compete when you have limited speed. Can you win a game of sevens if you don’t have any pace in your team?…

1
Differentiate effectively and the power of variation theory with Stuart Welsh 54:41

3M ago54:41

54:41

Send us a text Dan speaks to Stuart Welsh, founder of ALTA Education. With nearly two decades of experience in education, specialising in maths teaching and as well as coaching rugby in schools, Stuart is a well-sought-after speaker and presenter. He has taught and led teams in schools worldwide, authored popular math textbooks, and founded a widel…

1
The Coaching Knife: Why player-centred is not waiting for the right answer, with Ben Lazenby 25:56

3M ago25:56

25:56

Send us a text We speak to Ben Lazenby, Head of Youth at Wakefield Trinity RLFC in this episode. Focusing on game understanding we are going to cut to the root on how a player-centred approach might lead to a shared collective team cohesion. The first question: Is a player-centred approach to game understanding just us waiting for the players to gi…

1
How to pursue the right sort of winning, with Cath Bishop, author of The Long Win 51:15

3M ago51:15

51:15

Send us a text Dan speaks to Cath Bishop about what winning really means and how we can create the right sort of winning in our sporting environments. Cath is a highly sought-after consultant and coach, an Olympian, former diplomat and author of The Long Win, the second edition published in May. She is also a regular contributor to the Guardian and…

1
Coaching blasts: What young players want from your session, with Gary Townsend 25:31

3M ago25:31

25:31

Send us a text In this short podcast, Dan speaks to Gary Townsend, head of rugby at Switch Rugby with a focus on developing young players, coaches and clubs. He is former RFU National Player Development Manager and Bristol Bears Junior Academy manager. In this episode, they discuss what players want from your coaching sessions. To find out more abo…

1
The Coaching Knife: Who is the most important player in ruck defence, with Jason Gilmore 19:18

3M ago19:18

19:18

Send us a text Welcome to the Coaching Knife when we cut to the root of the matter. In this episode, we speak to Jason Gilmore, Waratahs Senior Assistant Coach (Defence) and Australia A head coach. Note! He was with the Waratahs when we recorded this. He is now defence coach with Harlequins. Focusing on defence, we are going to cut to the root of w…

1
Progressive rugby: concussions in a community of care 1:19:23

4M ago1:19:23

1:19:23

Send us a text Dan speaks to Tom Morris from Progressive Rugby, an independent player welfare lobby group founded in 2021 to drive change that both better protects player brain health and the game’s long-term future. In this episode, they discuss: Separate strategies to make rugby safer and more appealing at both the community and professional leve…

1
How to find players and play more rugby 49:26

4M ago49:26

49:26

Send us a text Dan chats to Sean Phelan, the brains behind Fill Your Boots, the way that players and clubs can connect to fill the gaps on a Saturday. In the podcast, they discuss: How Fill Your Boots works Why clubs struggle to find players and creative ways to solve this How clubs can welcome players How can the women's game grow now How do we he…

1
Don't screw up the nuts and bolts of a coaching session 48:10

4M ago48:10

48:10

Send us a text Dan chats to Kris Stafford, Rugby Development Officer at Leeds Beckett, MSc in Sports Coaching, U.K Coaching award winner, and host of the @bigbreakdownhq podcast. In the podcast, they discuss: Making sure the players are valued and integrated into the coaching process How to genuinely engage with the players outside their sport How …

1
#168 You Carry the Tent, I'll Carry the Baby with Jack McClure 1:10:17

4M ago1:10:17

1:10:17

Text the show! Jack McClure and his wife hiked southbound on the PCT in 2023 with their 9-month-old baby and joins the show to share their journey and lessons learned along the way. We discuss what life is like as a SOBO, preparing for the hike, relationship challenges along the way, hitting the SOS button, and what it all means in the end. Show No…

1
Coaching blasts: How do you make an U12 player more skilful, with Gary Townsend 22:25

4M ago22:25

22:25

Send us a text In this short podcast, Dan speaks to Gary Townsend, head of rugby at Switch Rugby with a focus on developing young players, coaches and clubs. He is former RFU National Player Development Manager and Bristol Bears Junior Academy manager. They discuss how you make a U12 player more skilful and what that might look like in training. To…

1
The Coaching Knife: Is organising ruck defence more important than improving tackling, with Callum Adam 20:17

5M ago20:17

20:17

Send us a text Welcome to the coaching knife when we cut to the root of the matter. In this episode, we speak to Callum Adam, Currie RFC Senior Mens Assistant Coach and Edinburgh University Women’s 2nd XV Head Coach. Focusing on defence we are going to cut to the root on what comes first, tackling or defence As well as coaching with Currie Mens and…

1
How to design your coaching for more powerful learning outcomes 56:00

6M ago56:00

56:00

Send us a text Dan welcomes Dr Kimberly Berens, founder of Fit Learning and CEO of Fit Learning Online and author of Blind Spots: Why Students Fail and the Science That Can Save Them. Fit Learning is a powerful system of instruction based in behavioural science and the Technology of Teaching, and it aims to transform the learning abilities of child…

1
#167 Everest Incorporated with Will Cockrell 1:23:56

6M ago1:23:56

1:23:56

Text the show! Will Cockrell joins the podcast to discuss his recently published book detailing the history of Mount Everest, his perspective on the draw of mountaineering, and the connection between suffering and achievement. Will also explains the need to tell the full story of Everest, as well as the misconceptions and negative narratives surrou…

1
Is the learning styles myth the worst myth in sports coaching, with Dr Amy Whitehead and Jenny Coe 49:48

6M ago49:48

49:48

Send us a text Dan quizzes the Myths of Sports Coaching editors around how we deal with some of the muddling thinking coaches believe is true. Dr Amy Whitehead is an Associate Professor at Liverpool John Moores University, and Jenny Coe is the Performance Well-Being Lead for the Women's Professional Game at the FA. Their first edition was so good t…

1
#166 The Perfect Family Backpacking Tent with Brad Brooks of Argali 1:22:12

6M ago1:22:12

1:22:12

Text the show! Brad Brooks joins the podcast to compare notes on our recent backpacking trips with our kids and discuss the importance of exposing children to the outdoors. We share our experiences and challenges while planning and executing our trips, emphasizing the value of involving children in the decision-making process and building their con…

1
#165 Becoming a Backcountry Foodie with Aaron Owens 1:14:18

7M ago1:14:18

1:14:18

Text the show! Aaron Owens runs “Backcountry Foodie,” a one-stop shop for backpackers and long-distance hikers who want to level up their food game in the backcountry. From ultra-light food recipes and meal planners to a robust calorie calculator and resupply service, Aaron has you covered. She loves backcountry food so much that she’ll even pack y…

1
Why women love playing rugby 50:48

7M ago50:48

50:48

Send us a text Dan chats to Telegraph sports journalist Fi Tomas about where women’s rugby needs to go next. Fi has worked on the paper since 2019, was number 11 on 2023 BBC Women's Hour Power List and recently nominated for the 2023 British Sports Journalism women’s category. She is a keen advocate for a stronger voice in female sports. In the pod…

1
Wait a minute, I’ve just realised I’m a role model for black rugby players 1:05:44

7M ago1:05:44

1:05:44

Send us a text Ralph Knibbs, Head of Human Resources at UK Athletics and a Bristol rugby legend, chats with Samba Ceesay, Broad Plain RFC’s captain. In an extraordinary podcast, Ralph first describes his journey as a black player from a non-traditional rugby background, why he turned down playing for England twice and how his children made him more…

1
Don't let perfect be the enemy of be good: How to set up a SEND rugby programme 49:32

8M ago49:32

49:32

Send us a text This podcast is dedicated to the memory of one of the guest's daughter, who passed away suddenly a few weeks after the recording. The Peel family have set up a donation page for Katie in support of FarmAbility. Here's a link. https://www.justgiving.com/page/katiepeelfarmability Please listen to this inspiring journey of three coaches…

1
#164 The Complexity of Conservation with Robbie Kroger of Blood Origins 1:11:27

8M ago1:11:27

1:11:27

Text the show! Robbie Kroger of Blood Origins joins the show to discuss the complex relationship between hunting and conservation. We cover a range of topics, including the reintroduction of wolves, the function of wetlands, what would happen if we stopped hunting altogether, and finally, the impact social media has had on hunting. We also discuss …

1
When balloons and ribbons can help improve catching skills 51:29

8M ago51:29

51:29

Send us a text Dan chats with Dr Rachael Jefferson about fundamental movement skills and how to introduce them effectively into our coaching sessions. Rachael is a lecturer in human movement studies and creative arts, and author of Fundamental fun: 132 activities to develop fundamental movement skills. You can get a copy of her book here. In the po…

1
How to help less-experienced coaches enjoy taking teams 38:28

8M ago38:28

38:28

Send us a text Dan chats with Chris Dossett, chair of the Professional Association of the Directors in Sport, and very experienced DoS himself. In the podcast, they talk about: How a good director of sports supports their less-experienced staff Connecting with the players Making the less-able teams enjoy rugby as much as the top-flight What equalit…

1
The thorny reality of losing a World Cup final 46:19

8M ago46:19

46:19

Send us a text Dan chats to Jess Hayden, author of The Red Roses: Behind the Scenes with the England Women's Rugby Team. Jess, who was previously a sports journalist at The Times and The Sunday Times, is the editor of Contested, a new social app for sports fans. In writing the book, she was able to get exclusive access to the England Women's team, …

1
Why a coaches' coffee club will make you a better coach 54:52

9M ago54:52

54:52

Send us a text In this episode, Dan chats with Sean Lindersmith. They discuss how he created a coaches’ coffee club, and how he made it a genuine place to learn and support each other. Sean is the Vice President of Operations at Premier Rugby Sevens and Silicon Valley Rugby - defence and forwards coach. His past roles include University of MN Head …

1
The science behind why dance can improve rugby 52:38

9M ago52:38

52:38

Send us a text Dr Jocelyn Solomons joins Dan on the podcast to discuss her research on how dance can improve rugby players. Based at the world-renowned Stellenbosch University in South Africa, she is a lecturer in strength and conditioning. She has a PhD in women's rugby development and an MSc in Sport Science focusing on rhythmic movement and rugb…

1
#163 - Planning Made Easy with Janelle Smith of Rec.gov 54:56

9M ago54:56

54:56

Text the show! Janelle Smith is the strategic communications team lead at rec.gov and is responsible for spreading the word about the myriad of offerings the platform has for outdoor enthusiasts. As the summer season approaches, many of us are deep in the planning mode for camping trips, making this conversation with Janelle and her team a no-brain…

1
Simple ways to create intensity and urgency in your sessions 52:54

9M ago52:54

52:54

Send us a text Mike Penistone is a global rugby coach, starting his coaching career in the 80s with Trent Poly and then Cambridge University rugby league as head coach. He went on to GB Student's head coach before moving to Leicester Tigers Academy via Nottingham. He did a stint at NSW Waratahs and then Eastern Suburbs in Australia. He is now a rug…

1
Transforming parents from obstacles to allies, with J.P. Nerbun 47:08

9M ago47:08

47:08

Send us a text Dan Cottrell chats to author and coach, J.P. Nerbun about his latest book, The Sports Parent Solution, Proven Strategies for Transforming Parents from Obstacles to Allies. We explore how coaches can get the most out of their relationships with parents. Sometimes they are super-supportive, and sometimes not! How do you get them onside…

1
#162 - Relatives, not Resources with Dr. Dan Wildcat 1:02:32

10M ago1:02:32

1:02:32

Text the show! Dr. Dan Wildcat joins the podcast to discuss his new book "On Indigenuity" and how we can reframe our relationship with the natural world in both a personal and global way. Dan is a Yuchi member of the Muscogee Nation of Oklahoma, PhD, and teaches at Haskell Nations University. He's a wealth of wisdom and knowledge and offers a refre…

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Dan Cottrell Podcasts

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