Best Ben Meakin Podcasts (2024)

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#199 - Dr Julie Johnston - 8 Strategies For Coaching Gen-Z Athletes 1:21:15

2h ago1:21:15

1:21:15

Dr Julie Johnston is a Senior Lecturer in Sport & Exercise Psychology at Nottingham Trent University who also competed in international swimming for Ireland and Northern Ireland for ten years, participating in three Commonwealth Games and three World Championships. Her research focuses on behavioural, social and environmental influences on children…

1
#198 - Peter Hurley - The Importance of Drive, Character, and Trust 1:17:14

5d ago1:17:14

1:17:14

Peter Hurley is an elite sailor for the US and portrait photographer who is regarded as the industry leader in headshot photography having shot world wide athletes and celebrities. Expect to learn; how to find your drive, how to avoid complacency, the importance of character and effort in sports, the impact of social media on self-image, embracing …

1
The Basham, Baldock & Norwood Tribute Episode + Euro 2024 Chip Butty Wagers 1:15:47

7d ago1:15:47

1:15:47

Ben and Andrew reflect on the careers of three Blades greats: Chris Basham, George Baldock and Oli Norwood are all leaving United and we look back on their time in red and white and their highlight moments. Plus, we each make some somewhat-bold predictions about Euro 2024, with a greasy chip butty on the line for each wager.Thanks for listening, UT…

1
#197 - Adam Meakins - 5 Myths of Physiotherapy 1:08:20

19d ago1:08:20

1:08:20

Adam Meakins a Specialist Physiotherapist, Sports Scientist, and Strength & Conditioning Coach.Expect to learn why bad posture doesn’t causes back pain, deadlifting won’t get you injured, your weak core doesn’t cause your pain / injury, why muscle imbalances are normal, why how you move or do exercises doesn’t always predict your injury risk, and m…

1
2023/24 Sheffield United Player Ratings 1:50:24

29d ago1:50:24

1:50:24

It's that time of year: Ben and Andrew give their marks out of 10 for the Blades squad in what will be the FINAL WORD on the 2023/24 season (at least as far as this pod is concerned). We quickly cover the Spurs game, how many of the "things we want to see from the last 10 games" came off, and the U21 men winning the PDL National Final, before getti…

1
#196 - Patrick Gaudreau - Why We Should Aim For Excellence & Not Perfection 2:11:46

28d ago2:11:46

2:11:46

Patrick Gaudreau is a professor of psychology at the University of Ottawa. Patrick’s work has spanned form achievement, motivation, performance, and perfectionism into the realm of excellencism. Expect to learn, why we have a desire for perfection, why perfectionists make good cheats, what excellencism is, the difference between excellencism and pe…

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Episode 64: My Jane Austen Heritage with Caroline Knight, Jane Austen's Great niece 1:06:03

1M ago1:06:03

1:06:03

Send us a Text Message. Imagine growing up in a home where every corner whispers stories of Jane Austen. In this episode, I will be chatting with Caroline Jane Knight, Jane Austen’s 5th great-niece and founder of the Jane Austen Literacy Foundation. Caroline shares her experience growing up in, and eventually leaving, Chawton House, the Knight fami…

1
#195 - Ben O'Keeffe - How To Take Criticism & Trust Your Decisions 53:22

1M ago53:22

53:22

Ben O'Keeffe is an international rugby referee.Expect to learn: what some misunderstood qualities of rugby referees are, how to deal with criticism, how to not let mistakes stop you from making decisions, how to trust your intuition, why respecting referees is so important, how football's new blue card is a good thing, and much more.Instagram - htt…

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New Recruitment Team, Chip Butty Wagers, Released List and a Sunday Send-off 59:51

1M ago59:51

59:51

Ben and Andrew missed the Meh-verton game but have plenty of other stuff to discuss anyway, starting with the hiring of Jamie Hoyland and Mike Allen to head up recruitment and what it says about the immediate future of Sheffield United. Next, we revisit our Chip Butty wagers from the summer and find out who owes who a greasy one, then we do a quick…

1
That's Why We're Going Down 1:05:10

2M ago1:05:10

1:05:10

Ben and Andrew discuss the Forest game before returning to our preseason "how to avoid relegation" blueprint to see how badly United missed on all the things we thought needed to go right. We also use that as a chance to catch up on the latest news around George Baldock (probably leaving, boo), Dan Jebbison (possibly staying, yay), Oli McBurnie (in…

1
Episode 63: Bringing Jane Austen's Bath to life with Ellis Naylor @historian_ellis 1:14:49

2M ago1:14:49

1:14:49

Send us a Text Message. Join me and Ellis as we assemble a Jane Austen guide to Bath. Together, we'll explore Austen's complex bond with this iconic city, from its social allure to its challenges. We'll dive into Austen's portrayal of Bath in "Northanger Abbey" and "Persuasion," examining how she depicted its social intricacies and landscapes. As w…

1
#194 - Joe Welstead - The Benefits Of Having Athletes In Business 1:23:25

2M ago1:23:25

1:23:25

Joe Welstead is a former commonwealth swimmer turned entrepreneur and creative. Expect to learn, why athletes make good employees in business, how to set unbreakable goals and rules, why others should set your goals for you, how his new brand Oshun simplifies hydration, how to learn to delegate and let go of control, why swimming can be made more e…

1
Bad Kompany - Burnley Recap 57:31

2M ago57:31

57:31

Ben and Andrew discuss United's latest home hammering as Burnley exploit the Blades' terrible defence while also showing us what a competent goalkeeper looks like in the other net. We talk about a bad day for Vini Souza, what on earth to do with Ivo Grbic, and whether we're seeing any green shoots from Wilder's return before his 20th game in charge…

1
Episode 62: Jane Austen's Legacy & Rare Book Collecting with Tom Ayling 1:08:23

2M ago1:08:23

1:08:23

Send us a Text Message. In this episode, I have the pleasure of being joined by Tom Ayling, an antiquarian bookseller and content creator. Together, we'll dive into Jane Austen's literary craftsmanship and the timeless allure of collecting her works. We'll embark on a journey through Austen's manuscripts, unraveling the mysteries behind her genius …

1
Brewster's Millions - Points Deduction reaction, Burnley Preview 52:41

2M ago52:41

52:41

Ben and Andrew get stuck into the latest bit of bad news concerning Sheffield United, as the club receives a points deduction ahead of next season over late payments for players. We talk about what it means on and off the field. Plus, a look ahead to the big game with Burnley this weekend. I was saying Boo-erge.Thanks for listening and UTB!…

1
#193 - Dr Duncan Simpson - What Does It Take To Succeed In An Academy? 1:22:13

2M ago1:22:13

1:22:13

Dr Duncan Simpson is Director of Personal Development at IMG Academy, Mental Performance Coach, and a podcaster. IMG Academy is one of the largest and most well regarded sports facilities on the planet, with 1500 athletes coming through every year, it’s a place where some of the very best have made it in college and professional sports in the US an…

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We Don't Talk About Ivo - Chelsea Recap 59:36

3M ago59:36

59:36

An excellent performance from the Blades who hold Chelsea's pricey side to a 2-2 draw. Ben and Andrew reflect on the game with particular focus on the strides taken by Oli Arblaster, Ben Osborn playing for a new deal, and Ivo Grbic already possibly playing for his place. Thanks for listening, and UTB!<>Link to Ben's BBC Sport piece on Arblaster: ht…

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Episode 61: Life lessons from Jane Austen's leading men with Sophie Andrews @laughingwithlizzie 1:45:05

3M ago1:45:05

1:45:05

Send us a Text Message. We are diving deep into the captivating world of Jane Austen's male characters! Joining me is Sophie Andrews, also known as Laughing With Lizzie. Together, we embark on a journey of introspection, exploring the virtues and complexities of Austen's gentlemen. From Mr. Knightley's steadfast evolution to Mr. Darcy's lessons in …

1
They Think It's Cordova; Muniz Now - Fulham Recap 52:37

3M ago52:37

52:37

Ben and Andrew discuss an entertaining if ultimately maddening 3-3 draw with Fulham at the Lane, as McBurnie and Brereton Diaz briefly run riot before pesky VAR and even peskier added on time take their toll. Next episode will be after the Chelsea game - apologies for lower sound quality than usual in this episode, we had some internet difficulties…

1
#192 - Jack Green | 10 Tough Lessons On Athlete Mental Health & Performance 1:51:31

3M ago1:51:31

1:51:31

Jack Green. Jack is a former two-time Olympian, coach, and mentor. Jack has been one of my favourite sources of content on LinkedIn, especially having been an elite athlete, with his insights into mental health, performance, and wellbeing. Expect to learn, the dangers of having potential, why you should have a comfort zone, the value of clarity, ov…

1
10 Things We Want To See Before The End Of The Season 57:58

3M ago57:58

57:58

With the Blades taking a breather for a few weeks, Ben and Andrew cook up 10 (realistic) things they'd like to see from Sheffield United for the rest of this season. Can we ruin someone else's season? Will Will break his duck? And can someone "do a Ramsdale"?Thanks for listening, and UTB!By Ben Meakin

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Episode 60: Mr Darcy's first (failed) proposal: A scene study 1:15:26

3M ago1:15:26

1:15:26

Send us a Text Message. Let's discuss Mr. Darcy's misguided first proposal in Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice"! Caily is back and we are decoding Regency-era emojis, dissecting Darcy's cringe-worthy moves, and exploring how each adaptation puts a fresh spin on his character. From breaking all the etiquette rules to the aftermath of his ego-check…

1
#191 - Sam Ward | How To Not Let Injuries Define You 1:16:41

3M ago1:16:41

1:16:41

Sam Ward is a professional hockey player for England and Great Britain. Sam is known as one of the most prolific goal scorers in British hockey, as well as having overcome some of the most horrific injuries that threatened his career. No one enjoys being injured. But what if you could turn the setback into an opportunity? How can you stop comparing…

1
Bourne Again - Bournemouth Recap, New Training Centre and other Off-Field News 42:29

4M ago42:29

42:29

Ben and Andrew look back at United's 2-2 draw at Bournemouth, which includes Oli Arblaster's top-flight debut, Ivo Grbic finally getting the chance to make some saves, an hilariously poor penalty and plenty more at either end of the pitch. Then, we discuss the excellent news of the new training centre, plus have a few words for the departing Paul M…

1
Six Notes - Arsenal Recap 40:02

4M ago40:02

40:02

Bleh. Ben and Andrew talk about United's latest hammering probably in more detail than it deserves. Cheers if you listen, no judgement if you don't. UTB?By Ben Meakin

1
Episode 59: Mr Darcy & Mr Bingley a Regency bromance with Ben Mercer 1:02:30

4M ago1:02:30

1:02:30

Send us a Text Message. Who's ready to take a closer look at one of literature's most iconic friendships? Get ready as we unravel the dynamic bond between Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy in Pride and Prejudice! For this captivating conversation about camaraderie, I'm joined by best-selling author Ben Mercer. In this episode, we will shine a spotlight on …

1
A Pointless Catch-up: Brighton & Wolves recaps 52:50

4M ago52:50

52:50

Ben and Andrew catch up on United's latest pointless endeavours: a 5-0 defeat to Brighton, and 1-0 defeat at Wolves which was at least not an embarrassment. We also discuss the good news of Oliver Arblaster penning a long-term deal, fun and goals for the U21s, and Arsenal at home on Monday (uhoh).Thanks for listening and apologies for the lack of p…

1
#190 - Richard Cheetham MBE | How To Coach Beyond Your Qualifications 1:36:34

4M ago1:36:34

1:36:34

Richard Cheetham is a senior fellow in Sports Coaching at the University of Winchester. He received an MBE for his contribution to education and community sport in the 2017 New Years honours list Richard is both nationally and internationally recognised within the world of coach education, having worked with the likes of Sarcens, British Fencing, B…

1
Episode 58: Regency costuming in Jane Austen adaptations with Historical Costumer Shannyn @wisteria.and.lace 50:53

4M ago50:53

50:53

Send us a Text Message. Ever caught yourself daydreaming about twirling around like a character in a Jane Austen novel, decked out in those fancy Regency-era outfits? Well, I am joined by Shannyn from Wisteria and Lace in this episode, and we are diving head-first into that dreamy world. We chat about the enchanting costume designs in Jane Austen a…

1
#189 - Martin Offiah | Embracing Adversity and Nurturing Resilience in Parenting 1:30:38

4M ago1:30:38

1:30:38

Martin Offiah is a former professional rugby player who scored 500 tries during his rugby league career, making him the third-highest try scorer of all time. Expect to learn: how you can use storytelling for resilience, how to blend adversity and support for your kids, why you should be setting a good example for your kids, and much more Instagram:…

1
Winners and Souzas - Luton Recap, Brighton Preview 1:04:15

4M ago1:04:15

1:04:15

Ben and Andrew look back on a big win for the Blades on the road at Luton, with a beast mode performance from Vini Souza underpinning a fine defensive effort. We talk about getting over the 11 point hump, the value of Ben Osborn, whether Ivo Grbic comes back into the team for Brighton, how to solve a problem like McBurnie, and plenty more.Thanks fo…

1
Farewell to our Scottish Hero, and Villa I guess 56:25

5M ago56:25

56:25

Ben and Andrew briefly discuss United's disgraceful capitulation at home to Aston Villa, before turning our attention to the surprise (ish?) exit of John Fleck right at the end of the transfer window. We look back on our Scottish hero's highs and lows at United, with our favourite moments, his best goals, and where he ranks in our all-time best Uni…

1
Episode 57: Turning Jane Austen's Emma into a Graphic Novel with Georgie Castilla from Duniath Comics 1:01:44

5M ago1:01:44

1:01:44

Send us a Text Message. "Emma" has never felt more vivid and imaginative, thanks to Georgie's artistic prowess from Duniath Comics. It was wonderful to hear about Georgie's Jane Austen journey from finding solace within the pages of "Sense and Sensibility" to creating his own Jane Austen-themed comics, serving as both a sanctuary and a spark for cr…

1
Sad All Over - Brighton & Palace Recaps, Transfer Window Musings, Villa Preview 1:11:23

5M ago1:11:23

1:11:23

Ben and Andrew double up to talk about a goal-filled week for United, albeit with a distressing amount finding the back of the wrong net from our point of view: we discuss the 5-2 against Brighton, the 3-2 against Palace, United's January transfer window, Villa on Satdi, Wilder's latest odd moment from Selhurst Park, and a fair bit more.Thanks for …

1
#188 - Simon Dent | How You Learn From Failure and Doing Hard Things 1:27:51

5M ago1:27:51

1:27:51

Simon Dent is a Founder, Investor and an Ultra Endurance Athlete. Expect to learn, why Simon is challenging himself in endurance events, how to embrace failure to find answers, how uncomfortable environments get easier over time, lessons learned from elite sports figures, and much more Follow Simon on Twitter and Instagram Sponsor Simon’s Dragon Ba…

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#187 - Tom Curry | Why You Should Focus On Your Own Path 1:26:05

5M ago1:26:05

1:26:05

Tom Curry is an England and Sale Shark Rugby player. Expect to learn what Tom is currently obsessing over with his time off post-hip surgery, his role models in his career, how to deal with negativity in social media and staying positive, the power of close connections, forging your own unique path, why you should be embracing change, and much more…

1
Bubbling Over - West Ham Recap 52:10

5M ago52:10

52:10

Ben and Andrew review an entertaining game with West Ham - goals, red cards, penalties, late drama, controversy, and a match we didn't lose, what's not to love? We talk about United looking so much clearer of thought in possession, Andre Brooks starring, Ben Brereton-Diaz netting on his Premier League debut, and all the big moments from the game. F…

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Episode 56: 'Miss Austen Investigates': A Conversation with author Jessica Bull 44:46

5M ago44:46

44:46

Send us a Text Message. Have you ever envisioned Jane Austen entangled in a murder investigation? I am joined by novelist Jessica Bull, who brings this fascinating concept to life in ‘Miss Austen Investigates’. It was amazing to discuss how Jessica’s teenage love of Jane Austen led her down the rabbit hole that would eventually inspire her to write…

1
West Ham Preview & 16 Bits of Blades News 59:38

5M ago59:38

59:38

Ben and Andrew preview this weekend's home match (a home match! At last!) against West Ham, before spinning the roulette wheel of news and hitting 16 different stories from the last few weeks, including new contracts for some young players, points deductions for our - ahem - rivals, Basham on the road to recovery, and the retirement of a perennial …

1
#186 - Sean Baker | Closing the Gap Between Local and Elite 1:34:56

5M ago1:34:56

1:34:56

Sean Baker is the founder of PEAQ Performance and Head of Strength and Conditioning Coach at Adelaide Lightning and Australian Men and Women’s Lacrosse teams. Expect to learn, how the culture of a gym can make all the difference; how strength and conditioning coaches can be open to being wrong; breaking old methods and trying new forms of training;…

1
Force of Will - Gillingham FA Cup Recap 41:26

6M ago41:26

41:26

Ben and Andrew recap a pleasantly drama-free win over Gillingham in the FA Cup, as Will Osula fires in his first Blades goals and a James McAtee double "avenges" the Nigel Adkins 4-0 on this ground. We discuss welcome minutes for Rhys Norrington-Davies, a positive development in Dan Jebbison's contract situation, the draw for the next round, and a …

1
#185 - Sophia Jowett | How to Build Quality Coach-Athlete Relationships 1:21:09

6M ago1:21:09

1:21:09

Sophia Jowett is a Professor of Psychology at Loughborough University whose research work mainly revolves around interpersonal relationships in sports, with an emphasis on coaching relationships. Expect to learn; the 3+1C model of athlete-coach relationships, how athletes and coaches should like each other to work well, whether culture can play a r…

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Episode 55: Jane Austen Unpopular Opinions #3 1:42:25

6M ago1:42:25

1:42:25

Send us a Text Message. Grab your teacup and join Caily and me as we spark a lively debate that may just upend your literary loyalties with another Jane Austen Unpopular Opinions Episode! Pride and Prejudice is not Jane Austen's best novel. Mr Darcy is not shy and Mr Bingley is spineless The 2008 Sense & Sensibility is better than the 1995 one? A f…

1
January Transfers & Player Contract Renewals 1:02:58

6M ago1:02:58

1:02:58

With not much to say about a shrug-worthy loss at City, Ben and Andrew turn their attention to what looks like being a surprisingly active January for the Blades, before a returning feature: playing "deal or no deal" with the many, many out of contract players on United's books. We try to answer whether each player should get a new contract immedia…

1
#184 - Carla Molinaro | Why Having A Game Plan Works 55:19

6M ago55:19

55:19

Carla Molinaro is an Ultra Runner, 50km World Champion, World Record Holder for LEJOG and Founder of SCY for Runners. Expect to learn how having a race plan can prepare you for challenges, how to control your controllables, using play within your performance and much more. Follow Carla on Instagram - @carlamolinaro Get 20% of MindStrong Sport subsc…

1
The Season of Giving (Away 3 Points) 57:04

6M ago57:04

57:04

Ben and Andrew review a not-particularly-happy Christmas for the Blades who toss away two points in the 97th minute at Villa Park and then the full three in a baffling Boxing Day defeat to Luton Town. Thanks for listening, UTB and happy new year!By Ben Meakin

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Blue Christmas - Chelsea Recap, Villa & Luton Previews 45:44

6M ago45:44

45:44

'Twas the pod before Christmas: Ben and Andrew catch up on a disappointingly standard defeat at Chelsea, look ahead to a trip to Villa and a big ol' game with Luton on Boxing Day, plus catch up on the latest news around Oli Arblaster, Rhys Norrington-Davies, Billy Sharp and [checks SEC filings] Dozy Mmobuosi.Next pod will be after the Luton game, t…

1
#183 - Prof Adam Nicholls | Coping, Leadership and Support for Athletes and Coaches 1:29:40

6M ago1:29:40

1:29:40

Adam Nicholls is a Professor of Psychology at the University of Hull and an Author. Expect to learn what Brazilian Ju Jitsu can teach about performing under pressure, preparation and psychological focus in competition, coping strategies for athletes during season and in competition, knowing when to use information and emotional support in coaching,…

1
Bee Happy - Brentford Recap, Chelsea Preview 59:01

7M ago59:01

59:01

Ben and Andrew are in buoyant mood as the Blades beat the Bees in Chris Wilder's second game, putting in their best performance of the season in the process. We go through the immediate changes Wilder has made, the improved play of Souza, Archer and Hamer, plus an eye-catching cameo from Anis Slimane.Thanks for listening, and UTB!…

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Episode 54: Wrapping up 2023 ~ Reflections Episode 2:26:21

7M ago2:26:21

2:26:21

Send us a Text Message. Hello, Janeites! Pour yourself a hot drink or glass of wine, and settle in for an enlightening conversation on our favourite Austen characters, their intriguing relationships, and the societal pressures they endure. Caily back for this year-end episode, where we reflect on the past year's discussions, the challenges we faced…

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