The Deep End

Ricky Pachon is an untapped energy source who is ready to change the game when it comes to Brazilian Jiujitsu. At Gracie Barra in Bondi (Sydney, AUS), they're doing things differently - and its working. One of my favourite lines from this episode: "they got to do something they didn't think was possible, and they've never had someone crazy enough to encourage them to try." This is Part 1 of a 2 part series because we chatted for 2.5 hours! Trigger warnings: vomit, light swearing, and some loud sections because we're very passionate people and got carried away.

In this episode, I meet hockey coach Helen Weston who was kind enough to reach out and send a message of support after hearing one of our earlier episodes. Despite adamantly suggesting that she didn't have much to say, this episode was an absolute joy to record (as you will no doubt hear in our voices!).

Coach Yleia has started their journey with an U11's hockey team and throughout the season, we'll be catching up to record how they're treading water in this new deep end 🏑

In this episode, I have the pleasure of meeting Neil Gray for the first time. Together, we explore his vast coaching and development experiences across sports, countries and continents. In his various roles, he has inspired change, innovation, and reflection at every turn. In particular, I loved the comment around "good game coach"//"but I didn't do anything!" You'll find him on Twitter at @nrg51628

In this episode, I am joined by the legendary community coach Michael Duff. He is a stalwart around the northern suburbs of Brisbane and his curiosity and openness have inspired a love of sport in countless young athletes - including a recent guest of the Paper by Paper podcast, Darcey Johnson. This episode is titled 'competere' after the latin root of the word 'competition': the meaning of strive together is often forgotten in youth sport, where competition is often driven (by others) as winning or losing. There are some heartwarming stories of players stopping the game to check on the opposition and other lovely events that community sport often brings.

Our first episode features Liam Murphy, a football/soccer coach turned pracademic that I have had the pleasure of interacting with for the past year. Together, we explore his coaching journey in its becoming, and touch on how learning theories and frameworks has supported our development as coaches in the deep end. Check out Liam's YouTube channel about tactical analysis in football ⁠here⁠.