The Magic Academy

Christian Penny, a New Zealand coach and expert in high-performance environments, shares insights on 'bro culture' and the importance of listening. He discusses the art of coaching, emphasizing emotional connections over traditional methods. The conversation highlights adaptability in sports and theater, with a focus on nurturing relationships between players and coaches. Penny also explores the impact of Māori culture on leadership, advocating for deeper personal connections to enhance team dynamics and performance.

Greg Feek, current Blues scrum coach, former All Black player and Leinster, Ireland and NZ rugby coach joins Rusty to chat all things scrums, San Fran, the Front Row Union and making them squeal... enjoy!

Davie and Rusty catch up to chat all things mindset, soft boundaries, designing your own job, secret missions, intent/effort/focus, connecting the dots and pulling the trigger... enjoy!

Gerard Jones, a seasoned football coach with an extensive international background, shares his insights on coaching magic moments and dealing with imposter syndrome. He reflects on balancing personal and professional life while developing youth programs across cultures. Gerard discusses managing media scrutiny and the importance of authenticity in modern coaching. He emphasizes real-time feedback and innovative methods to enhance player adaptability. Tune in for gripping anecdotes and valuable lessons from his diverse coaching journey!

Craig Morris, an accomplished athlete, shares insights from his captivating Olympic journey. He discusses the delicate balance of luck and legacy, emphasizing the importance of community support in sports. The conversation dives into the mental dynamics athletes face before competition, highlighting the need for emotional well-being and team cohesion. Craig also reflects on the significance of open communication in coaching, recounting personal anecdotes that reveal how vulnerability shapes team dynamics. His reflections on Olympic moments underscore the beauty of acceptance in sports.

Will Webster... lifelong learner, international rugby coach, MLR winner x 2, player whose dreams outgrew his ability, older brother who is under pressure to get married, all round good bloke. Will and Rusty chat all things becoming a great coach without the blue tick! 

Aaron Takel, a visionary coach passionate about rethinking coach development, joins forces with Taks and Rusty to unpack their top 10 moments from a recent coaching gathering on Vancouver Island. They discuss the exciting fusion of innovative coaching techniques with real-time adaptability. The trio shares insights on empowering young athletes and the joy of gamification in training. Discover the magic of creative moments, from superhero-themed learning to a spontaneous breakdancing competition, showcasing the transformation in coaching dynamics driven by collaboration and fun!

Jack Hanratty, a key player in Canada 7's rugby, shares his Olympic journey filled with emotional highs and lows. He discusses the deep connections formed in rugby, both at home and on the international stage. The conversation delves into the unique challenges athletes face, from selection anxieties to personal setbacks, all while celebrating the strong community spirit in rugby sevens. Hanratty also highlights coaching dynamics and the importance of resilience in achieving Olympic aspirations, offering a powerful insight into the world of competitive sports.

Jess and Rusty chat all things fist bumping heroes, being a female coach, coach feedback, the rhythm of the game and travelling from Huddersfield to Christchurch to learn as much as you can... enjoy!

Tom from Progressive Rugby chats all things creating a community of care and protecting players in rugby... enjoy!