Best Playerdevelopment Podcasts (2025)

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Tony Brown: Rugby Man first, Coach Second. 59:02

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5d ago59:02

59:02

Tony Brown's approach to coaching is refreshingly straightforward in a world that often overcomplicates the game. "I'm a rugby man first, then a coach second," he explains, revealing how his deep love for the sport drives everything he does. This authenticity forms the cornerstone of his coaching philosophy: create systems that are "easy to learn, …

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Phil Davies: Inside the Mind of World Rugby’s Director of Rugby 58:24

12d ago58:24

58:24

What makes rugby's culture so distinct, and how does it translate across different countries and contexts? In this fascinating conversation, Phil Davies—Director of Rugby at World Rugby—shares wisdom gleaned from 35 years at every level of the game, from player to global administrator. Davies reveals the core elements that build winning team enviro…

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Geoff Parling: High Challenge and High Support cultures 56:39

19d ago56:39

56:39

What separates good coaches from great ones? Geoff Parling reveals the answer goes beyond technical expertise to something deeper – creating environments where players thrive under pressure. Having transitioned from an illustrious playing career (Newcastle, Leicester, Exeter, England, British & Irish Lions) to coaching the Melbourne Rebels and Aust…

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Sam Vesty: Inside Finals Week. Joy, Simplicity & Team Culture 1:05:08

26d ago1:05:08

1:05:08

What does championship preparation actually look like? Two days before the European Champions Cup final against Bordeaux, Northampton Saints head coach Sam Vesty pulls back the curtain on his approach to cultivating a winning team culture. The conversation reveals Sam's refreshingly counterintuitive leadership philosophy. Rather than adding pressur…

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Paul Galland: The Crusaders Pipeline; Shaping More than Rugby Players 1:03:13

1M ago1:03:13

1:03:13

What does it take to build the most successful rugby talent pipeline in the world? Paul Galland, Head Academy Manager for the Crusaders, pulls back the curtain on the organization that consistently produces more All Blacks than any other in New Zealand. The secret starts with a seemingly simple philosophy: actions over words. When you walk into the…

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John Mitchell: How Adversity Reshapes Coaching Philosophy 57:57

1M ago57:57

57:57

What happens when a coach who's traversed the globe leading elite teams for nearly three decades opens up about his most profound lessons? John Mitchell, whose remarkable career spans from All Blacks Head Coach to his current role with England's women's national team, reveals the transformative journey that reshaped his entire approach to leadershi…

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Matt Cockbain: The Head Coach Coaches the Head. 1:00:09

2M ago1:00:09

1:00:09

A masterclass in coaching philosophy with former Wallaby forward Matt Cockbain who unpacks the delicate art and science of building championship cultures across continents. Drawing from 15 years of professional coaching experience spanning Australia, Japan, and international rugby, Cobain shares profound insights about leadership that transcends te…

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Mike Ruddock: Culture, Causes, and the 2005 Welsh Legacy 1:01:19

2M ago1:01:19

1:01:19

What turns a group of talented individuals into champions? Mike Ruddock OBE—architect of Wales' historic 2005 Grand Slam—reveals it's about finding a cause worth fighting for. Ruddock takes us on a journey through the essence of team culture, from his early days coaching "super flops" Swansea to international glory. With refreshing honesty, he shar…

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Scott Lawrence: Coaching Culture and Vision in USA Rugby 59:29

2M ago59:29

59:29

Scott Lawrence, a pivotal figure in USA Rugby, joins us for an enlightening conversation that straddles the line between sport and data science. Drawing from his humble beginnings in the Midwest to his role as head coach and general manager, Scott shares the unique influences that have shaped his leadership style. He underscores the importance of b…

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Wayne Smith: Great teams are built on meaning. 1:22:50

2M ago1:22:50

1:22:50

Wayne Smith, one of rugby's greatest strategic minds, takes us on an intimate journey through his extraordinary coaching career, revealing the cultural secrets behind multiple World Cup victories with the All Blacks and Black Ferns. Known as "The Professor" for his analytical brilliance, Smith shares how he transformed struggling teams into champio…

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Ryan Martin: Burn the lesson plan. How to break through in professional coaching. 1:00:46

2M ago1:00:46

1:00:46

Check Ryan’s Outstanding drills here: https://x.com/CoachRyanMartin Discover the secrets of crafting a winning team culture with our guest, Ryan Martin, a professional rugby coach with a unique background in education. Transitioning from a 17-year career as a primary school teacher to the rugby field, Ryan offers a wealth of insights on resilience,…

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Richard Cockerill: Rugby's Straightshooter. You can't pretend to be a good version of someone else. 1:07:26

3M ago1:07:26

1:07:26

Richard Cockerill cuts through the buzzwords to deliver a masterclass in building winning cultures across two decades of elite coaching. The former Leicester, Toulon, Edinburgh, England and current Georgia coach shares his refreshingly straightforward philosophy: be on time, wear the right kit, and work hard – non-negotiable standards that have und…

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Conrad Smith: Coachability Unleashed, The Culture-Driven Approach to Rugby. 1:13:39

3M ago1:13:39

1:13:39

Conrad Smith unpacks the anatomy of winning team culture with remarkable clarity and authenticity. Drawing from his 94 tests with the All Blacks and captaincy experience with the Hurricanes, Smith reveals how culture transcends motivational posters and becomes a living force within truly great teams. Smith's framework for culture starts with vision…

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Frans Ludeke: The Soft Skills of Really Caring and Loving People 1:04:01

3M ago1:04:01

1:04:01

Frans Ludeke, legendary rugby coach with over 30 years of experience spanning South Africa to Japan, reveals the leadership principles that have defined his remarkable journey. Having transformed the Kubota Spears from a struggling second-division team to Japanese champions, Frans shares how authentic leadership and genuine care create the foundati…

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Glenn Delaney: The 80-20 Rule of Authentic Leadership 56:20

3M ago56:20

56:20

Rugby has always been about far more than the scoreboard. At its heart, it's about belonging—being part of something bigger than ourselves. Few understand this better than Glenn Delaney, whose coaching journey has taken him from Nottingham to London Irish, Canterbury, the Highlanders, the Scarlets, and now Mitsubishi in Japan. "Culture is an observ…

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James O’Connor Unfiltered: A Player’s Perspective on What Makes—or Breaks—a Good Coach and Culture 1:04:40

4M ago1:04:40

1:04:40

Trust and connection are the cornerstones of any winning sports culture. In this engaging episode, we're joined by rugby legend James O'Connor, who reflects on his incredible journey in professional sports. With nearly two decades under his belt, James shares his unique insights on how coaching significantly shapes team dynamics and individual perf…

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Chris Webb: Rugby Management and Leadership Insights 59:42

4M ago59:42

59:42

Chris Webb, a luminary in high-performance sports management, shares captivating stories from his tenure in rugby, spanning World Cups with top teams like Australia and Japan. Tune in as Chris recounts his journey from rural New South Wales with aspirations of becoming a stock and station agent, to a career in rugby management. His reflections on p…

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Paul Tito: Keeping things simple, and the art of confrontations. 1:17:12

4M ago1:17:12

1:17:12

Rugby enthusiasts and culture aficionados alike, prepare for a fascinating conversation with Paul Tito, affectionately known in the rugby world as "Fish." A seasoned veteran whose career spans over 25 years, Paul shares his journey from New Plymouth Boys High School to captaining renowned teams like the New Zealand Maori and Cardiff. Discover how h…

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Johan Ackermann: Faith-Driven Leadership and Team Unity 1:02:57

4M ago1:02:57

1:02:57

Renowned rugby coach Johan Ackerman joins us to reveal the secret to building a successful team culture — one that emerges organically from the collective rather than being imposed from the top down. Through his experiences across the globe and his time in the police force, Johan explores how fostering a supportive environment where players contrib…

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Kieran Crowley: Balancing Passion and Pressure in Rugby Coaching 47:03

5M ago47:03

47:03

Kieran Crowley, a rugby legend and former All Black, joins us to unlock the secrets of building team culture across borders. Discover how Kieran's journey from New Zealand to Canada and Italy has shaped his understanding of cultural dynamics in international rugby coaching. His stories from the field provide a rich tapestry of insights into the del…

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Steve Hansen: Ego and Authenticity in Leadership 52:24

5M ago52:24

52:24

Rugby legend Steve Hansen joins us to unravel the secrets of building an unbreakable team culture. Discover how the invisible thread of shared values can bind not just sports teams but businesses and families too. Steve shares his philosophy that team priorities should always come first, offering practical insights on fostering open dialogue and ma…

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Eddie Jones: Culture shocks. Environmental learnings from England, Australia and Japan. 45:02

5M ago45:02

45:02

What if the key to a thriving sports team lies not just in strategy, but in deeply understanding its cultural fabric? Join us as we sit down with the legendary coach Eddie Jones, who unpacks the essence of culture and leadership in sports. Eddie shares captivating stories from his coaching journey at Leicester, with the Springboks, and the Japanese…

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Coaching culture with Ben Herring Trailer 2:24

5M ago2:24

2:24

I’m Ben Herring, and I want to welcome you to Coaching Culture with Ben Herring. If you’re looking to sharpen your coaching craft by exploring more than just drills and tactics, you’ve come to the right place. Coaching Culture is your weekly deep-dive into the often-overlooked “softer skills” of coaching—cultural innovation, communication, empathy,…

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2020 MLB Draft - AL East Review 1:22:01

5y ago1:22:01

1:22:01

Burke Granger, Nick Faleris and Dave DeFrietas break down the 2020 MLB Draft hauls for each AL East club, then pick their favorite draft classes from the division.By 2080 Baseball

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2020 MLB Draft - AL Central Review 1:11:16

5y ago1:11:16

1:11:16

Nick Faleris and Burke Granger break down the five-round MLB Draft for each AL Central club, then conclude by picking their favorite class from the division. 00:04:00 - Detroit Tigers Draft Class 00:19:00 - Kansas City Royals Draft Class 00:32:00 - Chicago White Sox Draft Class 00:41:45 - Cleveland Indians Draft Class 00:50:45 - Minnesota Twins Dra…

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2020 MLB Draft - Day 1 Wrap 1:07:00

5y ago1:07:00

1:07:00

Nick and Burke break down Day One of the 2020 MLB Draft, covering highlights from the first 37 selections.By 2080 Baseball

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2019 Hot Stove Episode 01: Jerry Dipoto is at it again... 39:31

6+ y ago39:31

39:31

Adam McInturff and Nick Faleris break down the recent Mariners trades and discuss the improving farm system.By 2080 Baseball

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2018 AFL Episode 06: AFL Wrap, All-AFL Team Selections 1:03:07

6+ y ago1:03:07

1:03:07

Nick Faleris, John Eshleman and Adam McInturff hop on the line to wrap this year's AFL coverage and discuss 2080 Baseball's First and Second Team All-AFL selections.By 2080 Baseball

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2018 AFL Episode 04: An hour with baseball legend Joe McIlvaine 1:01:29

6+ y ago1:01:29

1:01:29

Ryan Sullivan and John Eshleman spend an hour with baseball legend Joe McIlvaine, discussing all things scouting and today's game.By 2080 Baseball

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2018 AFL Episode 05: 2018 AFL Fall Stars Game 1:31:03

6+ y ago1:31:03

1:31:03

In Episode 5 of this special limited AFL Series of Defensive Indifference: A 2080 Baseball Podcast, hosts Ryan Sullivan and John Eshleman are joined by Nick Faleris as the three discuss this year's Fall Stars Game, featuring the top talents in the Fall League.By 2080 Baseball

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2018 AFL Episode 03: Command with Intent; Control of the Rule Five 1:04:10

6+ y ago1:04:10

1:04:10

On this week's installment of the Defensive Indifference AFL limited series, Assistant Director of Scouting Adam McInturff joins Ryan Sullivan and John Eshleman to discuss two topics near and dear to him. The trio provides a seminar on fastball command in segment two and in segment three they discuss how the Arizona Fall League relates to the MLB R…

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2018 AFL Episode 02: Fastballs and Defense (Things Are Not What They Seem) 57:25

6+ y ago57:25

57:25

Co-hosts Ryan Sullivan and John Eshleman are back to discuss John's first week of AFL action, highlighted by lights-out Astros hurler Forrest Whitley. They proceed to talk about valuing fastballs, both in a vacuum and as part of the whole repertoire, before discussing how the AFL context influences defensive grades. Tangents abound.…

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2018 AFL Episode 01: Talking 'structs 56:32

6+ y ago56:32

56:32

In the first episode of this special diPOD subseries focused on fall action in Arizona, hosts Ryan Sullivan and John Eshleman introduce this project and discuss instructs.By 2080 Baseball

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Episode 02.16: Under Armour All America Game and Workout 1:09:21

7y ago1:09:21

1:09:21

Nick Faleris and Burke Granger discuss 2019 MLB Draft standouts from the Under Armour All America Game and Workout, including Bobby Witt Jr., Rece Hinds, Daniel Espino, Gunnar Henderson, CJ Abrams and more.By 2080 Baseball

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Episode 02.M125: Midseason Top 125 Prospect Rankings 2:04:55

7y ago2:04:55

2:04:55

2080 Baseball's Midseason Top 125 Prospect Rankings are live and Nick Faleris, Dave DeFreitas and Adam McInturff are here to step through them on a bonus episode of Defensive Indifference: A 2080 Baseball Podcast.By 2080 Baseball

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Episode 02.15: 2018 MLB Futures Game 1:08:53

7y ago1:08:53

1:08:53

Nick Faleris, Adam McInturff and Burke Granger share thoughts on this year's homer-happy MLB Futures Game, including breakdowns of the game's MVP Taylor Trammell (OF, Reds), Yusniel Diaz (OF, Dodgers), Touki Toussaint (RHP, Braves), Matt Manning (RHP, Tigers), Adonis Medina (RHP, Phillies), Dakota Hudson (RHP, Cardinals), and more.…

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Episode 02.14: Manny Machado and JA Happ Trade Talks 1:49:47

7y ago1:49:47

1:49:47

Dave DeFreitas and Adam McInturff return to the podcast and join Nick in discussing Manny Machado and JA Happ as trade targets, as well as an opening discussion on the Braves' failure to sign Carter Stewart (8th overall draft pick).By 2080 Baseball