PODCAST · sports
The Athlete Development Show
by Dr Craig Harrison
Science and stories from the brightest minds across many disciplines to help youth athletes unlock personal performance & develop their sporting potential.
Episodes
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Nate Baker on Culture, Being a Lighthouse, and Playing the Infinite Game of Development
Nate Baker is a former pro football player, current coach, and the founder of The Developer’s Way coach education. Nate believes the best coaches, teachers, and leaders aren’t defined by weekend results. Instead, they are guided by something greater—the growth and development of their people. In...
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Who are you, really?
Every week, I sit with young athletes and help them paint a clear picture of who they want to become. We close our eyes and imagine an exciting future. What does their best self look like? How does it feel? What are the words that define it? And what actions prove it true? It’s a powerful...
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Ellie Hulsebosch on Embracing Fear, Chasing Flow, and Learning to Love the Process
Ellie Hulsebosch (@elliehulsebosch) is one of the most exciting young athletes on the international downhill mountain biking circuit riding for the legendary Santa Cruz Syndicate. But behind the results sheet is a story of rapid growth, powerful self-discovery, and an unwavering commitment to…
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From the Inside Out
When a young child sits down to do a puzzle, they often begin by matching patterns. They notice colours and shapes that seem to go together and start forming.... --- Sign up for Craig's newsletter (Beyond the Game) at http://www.drcraigharrison.com/ Get Craig to speak at your club or school here....
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REBROADCAST: The Crafted Conversation | What coaches are not acknowledging in developing young athletes!?
This episode is a rebroadcast of episode #25 of The Crafted Conversation with Marcus Sharrad. Enjoy. --- In this expansive conversation, Dr Craig Harrison invites us to rethink the purpose and practice of youth development. It’s not about designing perfect athletes, but about crafting safe,...
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Professor Holly Thorpe on Stoke, Action Sports Culture, and Supporting Joyful, Creative Experiences for Our Kids
Professor Holly Thorpe, a leading voice in the sociology of sport from the University of Waikato, is an action sports advocate and someone who’s spent years studying the social dynamics of movement and play. In this episode, Holly shares her journey growing up in Gisborne’s tight-knit windsurfing...
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Josh Wall on Movement Mastery, Educational Gyms, and Supporting the Dual Lives of Student-Athletes
Josh Wall is the Director of Performance and Athletic Wellbeing at Wycombe Abbey in the UK, and lead S&C coach for England Women’s Lacrosse. Josh brings a wealth of experience from across the school landscape — from boarding to day schools — and is currently completing a Doctorate in Professional...
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REBROADCAST: The Game Changer | Ep. 2 - Developing Athletes with Dr Craig Harrison
This is a rebroadcast of episode #2 of The Game Changer podcast, featuring Dr Craig Harrison. --- "What does it really take for young athletes to succeed? In this episode of The Game Changer podcast, we sit down with Dr. Craig Harrison, expert in youth athlete development, founder of the Athlete...
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Barnaby Sargent Megicks on Talent, Quality Relationships, and Developing the Skills of Life
What if talent development wasn’t just about creating better athletes but better people? In this conversation, I sit down with Barnaby Sargent Megicks, a researcher who spent weeks inside a cricket academy, not just watching but truly understanding what makes a talent system work. His focus isn’t...
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The Curious Mind #11 - Developing Great Young Leaders
On the show this week, Dave Wright rejoins me for another episode of The Curious Mind. Our conversation focuses on the skills you need to develop great young leaders. --- For more on creating game changing environments that unlock meaningful progress, sign up for Craig's free newsletter Beyond…
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Suzie Muirhead on Athlete Ownership, Mentorship, and Rewriting the Development Conversation
Suzie Muirhead is the creator of Raise My Game, a tool designed to help athletes and their coaches navigate performance planning, personal growth, and decision-making. Suzie’s journey—from New Zealand hockey player to mentor and innovator—has shaped her belief that true development starts with...
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Nick Susko on Systems Thinking, Psychological Safety, a Rewriting the Youth Sport Narrative
There are two ways to affect learning and development. Direct contact with the individuals and teams in front of you, or by influencing the system of which they are part of. My guest on today’s show has spent time doing both, first as a youth team coach at Sydney Football Club and then as Academy...
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The Best of 2024 - Dr David Johnson, Dr Ffion Thompson, and Dr John Radnor
In the ‘Best of’ collection for 2024, I’ve pulled together some of the most insightful moments from your favourite guests this year to help you revisit some powerful lessons. In part two of this 3-part series, we hear from Head of Physical Development at West Ham United Football Academy, Dr David...
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The Best of 2024 - Dr Ihirangi Heke, Rusty Earnshaw, and Dr Richard Young
In the Best Of 2024 collection, I’ve pulled together some of the most insightful moments from your favourite guests to help you revisit some powerful lessons. In part one of this 3-part series, we hear from Founder of the Atua Matua, Dr Ihirangi Heke, People Developer, Rusty Earnshaw, and...
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Dr Julia Casadio | Her Strength
At the age of 17, my guest on today’s show received advice from her ski coach that led to her drop out. Although well intended, is was advice lacking in awareness of female physiology. Dr Julia Casadio is a sport physiologist and applied researcher with over 15 years of experience in elite sport....
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Tara Vaughan | From Shy North Harbour Teen to Olympic Gold Medalist
I met Tara at the age of 14 when she first entered the sports hall at AUT Millennium to join our Athlete Development Program. Four years later she got a call from esteemed Canoe Racing New Zealand lead coach, Gordon Walker, inviting her to join the high performance world. Then, just two years…
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Dr Ben Pullen on Creativity, How the Environment Shape Us, and Challenge-Based Strength Training for Children
The evidence is clear. Stronger athletes move better, get injured less and stay engaged with sport for longer. But what should strength training look like for children? My guest today is Dr Ben Pullen, PhD in paediatric strength and conditioning and the founder of Young Athlete Training. Ben’s…
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Ian Renshaw on Making Learning Fun
My guest today is Associate Professor Ian Renshaw, teacher, coach, researcher, and voracious learner. Over 35 years working in higher education, Ian has advised sporting organisations at the community and high performance level, published over 190 research articles, written several books, and...
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Know your Worth | Dr Martin Buchheit
My guest today is Dr Martin Buchheit, an esteemed author of over 250 scientific papers, 2 best-selling books, co-founder of the HIIT Science podcast, and over 20 years working in professional sports. Focusing on bridging the gap between sports science knowledge and its practical application…
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David Johnson on Growth, Maturation, Training Load, and Defending Against Injury
This conversation is with Dr David Johnson, a physical development specialist with a deep understanding of growth and development. His research in injury prevention has shown what’s possible in football when the natural changes every young athlete experiences are accounted for. As the Head of...
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Dr Richard Young on Turning Potential into Performance
Are you looking for deeper, more impactful development? The answer is strategic simplicity. My guest today is Dr Richard Young, keynote speaker, author, and adviser to sports leaders, teams, and professionals around the world. He has won international gold medals in cycling, coached world...
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The Curious Mind #10 - Managing Huge Playing Loads, Building Trust, Coaching for Confidence, the Rise of Specialisation in NZ Sport, & more
On the show this week, Dave Wright rejoins me for another episode of The Curious Mind. Our conversation focuses on another successful season for Dave coaching the Westlake Boys 1st XI and how he managed huge playing loads, the need for individualising support, how to build trust, markers of...
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Help your athletes find more meaning | Dr Noora Ronkainen
This conversation is with Assistant Professor in Sport Psychology at the University of Bern in Switzerland, Dr Noora Ronkainen. Noora’s work centres on meaningful experiences in sport, exercise and physical cultures. In this episode, we dive into the concept of existential learning. Noora defines...
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Professor Brendan Cropley on Effective Coaching, Reflective Practices, and the Integration of Psychological Development
Today’s conversation is with Professor of Sport Coaching at the University of South Wales and Head of the Centre for Football Research in Wales, Brendan Cropley. Brendan is an esteemed scholar and has made a significant contribution to the Sport and Exercise Science, particularly in the area of...
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Russell Earnshaw is a Wizard | Lessons from a Master Developer of People
Today’s conversation is with seasoned coach developer at the Magic Academy, Russell ‘Rusty’ Earnshaw. We explore all sorts on the show, from the subtle art of balancing authenticity with professionalism to the evolving role of psychology in sports. You’ll hear about the importance of showing up,...
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Dr John Radnor on the Art and Science of Youth Athletic Development
Dr John Radnor works in Wales at Cardiff Metropolitan University where he is a Lecturer in Strength and Conditioning, the Programme Lead for their Masters in Youth Athletic Development, and the Research and Innovation Lead for their Youth Physical Development Centre. In 2023, John was awarded the...
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Dr Suzanne Brown on Developmental Transitions, Love, Coach Resilience, Telling Stories, & more
Dr Suzanne Brown is a Clinical Psychologist and Emotional Fitness Consultant. With over 15 years of experience, including time as Lead Psychologist for Sunderland Football Club in the UK, she has pioneered a new way of working that bridges clinical psychology with elite performance. Suzanne…
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Dr John Alder on Inspiring Change, Developing Great Teams, the Human Side of Development, & more
Dr John Alder (@JohnAlderWRU) is a development practitioner whose life mission is to help individuals, teams, and organisations flourish while promoting culture-driven leadership. He has worked with Professional, Olympic, and Paralympic sports on and across six continents, throughout the pathway,...
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Dr Ffion Thompson on the Impacts and Implications of Busy Student-Athlete Schedules
Dr Ffion Thompson is a post-doctoral researcher in youth athletic development at Leeds Beckett University in the UK, where she is module lead on the science of sport performance course, as well as a leader within the Centre of Child and Adolescent Physical Literacy. Ffion also serves as Head...
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Lessons from Opera: Insights from New Zealand Cricket Coach Developer, Christian Thurston
On the show today, I’m speaking with Regional Coach Development Manager at New Zealand Cricket, Christian Thurston. In this conversation, Christian shares his story of successfully transitioning from a professional opera singer into coach development. Enjoy! Sign up for Craig's newsletter (Beyond...
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Dr Riki Lindsay on Skill Learning, Fatherhood,The Adaptable Coach, and Much More
On the show today, I’m speaking with Health and Physical Education Lecturer at Federation University in Victoria, Australia, Dr Riki Lindsay. Riki has a PhD in Human Movement Science from Victoria University, a Master’s degree in Sport and Exercise Science from Auckland University of Technology…
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Dr Ihirangi Heke on Māori Knowing and the Power of an Environmentally Centred Approach to Athlete Performance
On the show today, I’m speaking with researcher and founder of the Atua Matua framework, Dr Ihirangi Heke. Ihi builds health, wellness and performance practices based on traditional environmental knowledge. In this conversation, Ihi and I discuss the good ol’ days of PE school in Dunedin and the...
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Dr Matthew Wylde on Aligning Science to Practice and an Exciting New Initiative at the Singapore Sports School
On the Show today I'm speaking with Head of Performance Pathways Science at the National Youth Sports Institute in Singapore, Dr Matthew Wylde. Matthew has been within the Singapore high performance system for over 15 years, having held roles with the Singapore Sport Institute, Singapore Sports...
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Aaron Webb on the Artistry of People Development
On the Show today I'm speaking with the man behind the Crusaders Rugby Academy, Aaron Webb. The programme operates in line with the New Zealand Rugby Union's six pillars of development - technical, tactical, physical, nutrition, mental skills and holistic life skills. Aaron shares how he goes…
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Brian Shelley on School versus Club Football, Building Resilience, Player Empowerment, & much more
Brian Shelley is Head of Football at Saint Kentigern College in Auckland where he coaches at the premier level and oversees the development pathways. He earned his UEFA A License with the English FA. Prior to his coaching career, Brain played professional football in the UK where he competed for...
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The Curious Mind #09 - Street Football, Skill Variability, Session Planning, Developing a Culture of Learning, & more
Head of coaching at Birkenhead United FC in Auckland, New Zealand and Co-founder of Player Development Project, Dave Wright (@davewright07), rejoins me for another episode of The Curious Mind. We discuss our experiences in youth sport over the past couple of months, including using street…
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Tim Brazier on Developing Supportive Relationships, Dealing with Expectation, the Problem with Fun, Micro-Dosing Reflection, and Much More
Tim Brazier (@coach_brazier) has been coaching in high performance sport for over 15 years. After earning a Master's degree from the University of Otago, Tim took up a lecturing role at Otago Polytechnic for two years. He went on to coach at Triathlon New Zealand for 7 years and attended two...
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REBROADCAST: Athletes Authority ON AIR | Ep. 162 - Dr Craig Harrison - Genetics Isn't Enough & Understanding Psychosocial Factors In The Youth Space
This is a rebroadcast of episode 162 of Athletes Authority ON AIR podcast, featuring Dr Craig Harrison. "Craig gives us a breakdown of his coaching background, why he chose to work in the youth space over other areas of physical development, how his diverse background set him up for success, how…
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Jordi Taylor on Athlete Assessment, Individualising Programming, The Foundations of Athleticism, Managing Injuries, and More
Jordi Taylor (@coach_jorditaylor) is a Senior Strength and Conditioning Coach at Athletes Authority, a strength and conditioning gym for athletes in Sydney and Melbourne, in Australia. Jordi also heads up Media & Partnerships at Athlete Authority and hosts their ON AIR Podcast. In this...
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The Curious Mind #08 - Creating Team Culture, Navigating Tournament Play, Helping Coaches Be Their Best Selves, & more
Head of coaching at Birkenhead United FC in Auckland, New Zealand and Co-founder of Player Development Project, Dave Wright (@davewright07), rejoins me for another episode of The Curious Mind. We discuss our experiences in youth sport over the past couple of months, including how Dave goes about...
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Dr Sarah Chantler on Teaching Food Skills to Young Athletes
Dr Sarah Chantler is a registered dietician and performance nutritionist. Originally from South Africa, Sarah is now based at Leeds Beckett University in the UK where she is a senior lecturer and applied practitioner. Sarah's fascinating work highlights why we should prioritise teaching food…
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Royston Dsouza on the Muck of Mumbai, Movement Skill, and Keeping the Joy in Sport
"Grass was a luxury, if you saw grass, you'd go and roll in it." My conversation today is with Royston Dsouza. Hailing from India, where he spend much of his childhood playing football on the streets of Mumbai, Royston is now based in Auckland, Aotearoa, where he works as a movement skill coach…
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Austin Einhorn and Dr Jeff Moreno on the Macronutrients of Movement
This conversation is with Austin Einhorn and Dr Jeff Moreno, recorded live in Santa Cruz, California. Enjoy! Sign up for Craig's newsletter (Beyond the Game) at athletedevelopmentproject.com/newsletter Get Craig to speak at your club or school here. Connect with Craig: Instagram:...
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Gareth Turnbull on the Power of Football for Developing Skills for Life
On the show this week, I'm speaking with Pathways Manager and A-League Women's Assistant Coach at Melbourne Victory Football Club, Gareth Turnbull. Gareth has been full time in football since 2008, beginning his career as a Football Development Manager for Coastal Spirit Football Club in...
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Jay Carter on Talent, Skilled Golfers, and Helping Young Athletes Lead Themselves
It's an absolute pleasure to bring Golf New Zealand's National Coach, Jay Carter, on the show. Jay and I met not long ago when he reached out to ask me on his fantastic podcast, Talking Performance. We had a great conversation and barely scratched the surface on some topics I wanted to talk more...
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The Curious Mind #07 - Moments of Gratitude, Trips Abroad, Finding Joy, Negative Parent Behaviour, & more
Head of coaching at Birkenhead United FC in Auckland, New Zealand and Co-founder of Player Development Project, Dave Wright (@davewright07), rejoins me for another episode of The Curious Mind. We discuss our experiences in youth sport over the past couple of months, including a recent trip Dave...
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Mike Hester on the Evolution of Rugby in New Zealand
"Fun is a fleeting moment. Joy is something that's enduring, something that brings you back." Mike Hester works for New Zealand Rugby and is responsible for leading their approach to the evolution of the game at participation level. Prior to this role, Mike spent 28 years at the New Zealand…
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Dane Baker on Fuelling for Performance, Fad Diets, and Low Energy Availability in Sport
Dane Baker is a Performance Dietitian who has worked extensively with New Zealand's elite athletes and organisations over the past 15 years, including the Chiefs, Blues, Black Ferns 7s, NZ Hockey and NZ Swimming. He was also the NZ team dietitian for the Rio Olympics and Gold Coast Commonwealth...
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Kylie Cox on the Importance of a Healthy and Regular Menstrual Cycle
We all have times in our lives that change us. Watershed moments that force us into thinking differently. Kylie Cox had one of these very moments a few years ago while training for an Ironman World 70.3 Age Group Championship. Despite continuing to perform in training, a number a life stressors...
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Mark Upton and Ken Willner on Promoting Freedom, Creativity, Collaboration and Competition
My conversation this week is with Mark Upton and Ken Willner. Mark is passionate about supporting people's WayFinding endeavours by facilitating the emergence of new connections, new capacities, and meaningful stories and refections as we journey together. He has a particular interest in helping...
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Athlete Development Show have?
The Athlete Development Show currently has 185 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Athlete Development Show about?
Science and stories from the brightest minds across many disciplines to help youth athletes unlock personal performance & develop their sporting potential.
How often does The Athlete Development Show release new episodes?
The Athlete Development Show publishes regularly with 185 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to The Athlete Development Show?
You can listen to The Athlete Development Show on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts The Athlete Development Show?
The Athlete Development Show is created and hosted by Dr Craig Harrison.
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