The Talent Equation Podcast
Stuart Armstrong
The Talent Equation podcast is an 'exploration in human advancement'... mostly (but not exclusively) through the lens of sport and physical activity. Each episode is an 'emergent conversation' with practitioners, parents, researchers, authors (or some combination of all three) taking a deep dive into the ways that people can help others to enhance their developmental journey in whatever field they are committed to. These conversations are not mainstream - you will not hear ideas that are provided on standard education courses - they often fly in the face of convention - they will sometimes be controversial and provocative - the show is about doing things differently and doing different things. The people who come on the show are innovators - they are trying to break new ground or swim against the tide of what they see as a broken culture or an ineffective system - what they say will prompt new thinking or new ideas. All that is asked of the listener is to embrace the conversation with an open mind.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-talent-equation-podcast--2186775/support.
Episodes
Mentioned books
May 31, 2017 • 47min
Why the world of coach education is "full of bulls**t" - Richard Bailey
Dr Richard Bailey is one of the most widely respected researchers and academics in the world of sport. He currently works at the global policy making body the International Council for Sports Science and Physical Education (ICSSPE) where he gives talks all around the world on matters related to the development of sport and physical activity. In this episode Richard pulls no punches in exposing the world of coaching for adhering to practices and educational models that have no evidence base or have proven to be false. We talk about...- Why we have 'the worst system in the world - barring all the others'- His latest research which shows that 60% of coaches have been taught that there are 'learning styles' (Bull***t!)- His challenge for the coaching industry to professionalise- His views on drills within coaching and why they have no place in a learning enironment.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-talent-equation-podcast--2186775/support.
May 24, 2017 • 44min
"2/3 of time was me talking" with Marc Bourhill, England U16 National Coach
In this great conversatiom with Marc Bourhill, A career talent coach that has coached elite national age group teams in Hockey we cover a range of issues stimulated by Marcs own coaching journey. - How Marc has been transformed since adopting a dynamical systems approach to coaching. - The way he uses the approach with elite players and recreational youngsters- Why he doesn't let his young players compete in tournaments- How allowing for self organisation builds learning- How techniques can be developed within a game context- How many young players with ability have been over coached so that they become uncoachableBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-talent-equation-podcast--2186775/support.
May 21, 2017 • 44min
Becoming a coach instead of a football instructor - Nick Levett
In this episode Nick and I go off piste and reflect on our learning journeys as coaches. We both explore the process we went through to move from being technically driven to being person driven.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-talent-equation-podcast--2186775/support.
May 18, 2017 • 13min
Ask me anything - Is talent just about luck?
In this episode I answer a question that came in from a parent who wanted to know how much of a role luck played in the talent world. How much was a persons development just down to the opportunities that are afforded to them by their circumstances and how much the NFL hence can we have over luck?Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-talent-equation-podcast--2186775/support.
May 10, 2017 • 45min
"Our biggest strength can be our biggest weakness" - Episode 7 with Joey Peters - Gameplaylearn.com
Joey Peters is an ex international soccer player from Australia who has represented her country 110 times. She talks about her fascinating learning journey from international athlete to working with U9s and the transformation that she needed to go through. In the episode we discuss: - How she had to cure herself of the 'ex player desease' - How knowledge can be a strength and a weakness- Taking the 'matrix pill' and seeing a whole new universe of coaching approaches. - How she did an experiment with drills to test how players responded- Actually involving the children in the design of the session and engaging them in learning. - A brilliant idea for a game called 'The Goalie Game' and much more....Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-talent-equation-podcast--2186775/support.
May 3, 2017 • 45min
Episode 6 - 'How to use flow to develop talent' - Kendal McWade - Part 2
In part 2 of my conversation with Kendal McWade we go into more detail about the approach that Kendal uses and how he engages with his athletes and help them achieve peak performance. In the cast we cover...- The difference between 'guided discovery' and 'guided exploration'. - Going from asking 82 questions per session to asking less questions and better questions- Coaching an athlete without looking at the outcome of what they do.Why positive feedback might just be coaches stroking their egos- How to "help the player get to the place where learning resides"Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-talent-equation-podcast--2186775/support.
Apr 26, 2017 • 44min
Episode 5 - How to use flow to develop talent - Kendal McWade - Part 1
In this 2 part episode, I talk to a genuine master practitioner, Kendal McWade. Kendal is a golf coach who works with some of the most able young players in England as a regional coach for England Golf. His methods and his approach are truly captivating and this episode was a genuine eye opener for me. In the epidode we cover...- Why throwing golf clubs is a good way to get better- The difference between 'technique out' versus 'environment in' coaching approaches- How a focus on performance can get in the way of developing skill. - How to help athletes to reach a flow state while in training.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-talent-equation-podcast--2186775/support.
Apr 19, 2017 • 25min
Episode 4 - The War on Drills - 'Peace Talks!'
I this episode I respond to some of the criticism I received from some quarters of the academic community for my recent episode (episode 2) 'The War on Drills' and explain the rationale behind this stance.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-talent-equation-podcast--2186775/support.
Apr 12, 2017 • 43min
Episode 3 - Winning With Parents - Part 1 - With Nick Levett
My Co-Host - Nick Levett and I get into the subject of managing parental behaviour. In this episode, we focus on strategies to ensure a positive environment when parents are spectating so that they don't ruin the experience for the kids and they allow for a learning culture for the players.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-talent-equation-podcast--2186775/support.
Apr 5, 2017 • 30min
Episode 2 - The war on drills
This podcast discusses the addictive nature of drills in coaching, emphasizing the limitations of unopposed drills and the challenge of applying technique in game contexts. It explores the importance of adaptability and variability in skill acquisition, highlighting the drawbacks of solely focusing on technical solutions.
