Going Upstairs (Opening Up Cricket)

Derbyshire pace bowler Dustin opened up on the realities of dealing with injuries. He spoke about the impact at the time, through rehab to the longer term mental challenges.

An important insight to a topic that needs more discussion.

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Daniel Dodds is Nottingham Forest's Head of Academy recruitment having previously been Talent ID manager for England's under 15-17 men's teams, during which the under 17s won the world cup.

We discussed the process of identifying talent in football, drawing parallels with cricket and other sports as well as the various factors that contribute to talent getting results.

This is an absorbing look into the work of an area of sport that is largely misunderstood. 

Apologies for the sound quality at certain points!

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Kent keeper/batter Ollie joined us for the first of the 2022 Pre Season Series sessions.

We discussed:

Managing the demands of professional cricket
Preparation as a keeper/batter
Staying mentally healthy

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Warwickshire's Eve Jones was the guest for the second of the 2022 Pre Season Series sessions.

Topics discussed included:

- Routines for batting
- The challenges of The Hundred
- Switching off from the game

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Middlesex bowler Ethan and former Lancashire & Leicestershire batter discuss opening the innings, dealing with setbacks and the identity of a professional cricketer.

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Much delayed but here is the fourth of the 2022 Pre Season Series sessions with Glamorgan batter Sam Northeast.

Topics discussed included:

Making runs for a living
The role of a team mate
Life away from the game

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Gloucestershire & England keeper James Bracey was the fifth guest for the Pre Season Series earlier this year. We're glad to share it here now after a delay.

Topics discussed included:

Adapting to new environments
Supporting team mates
Work/life balance

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Ex England, Yorkshire and Notts bowler Ryan Sidebottom joined us for the final Pre Season Series session. 

Topics discussed included:

Stepping up to playing for England
Responding to difficulties in cricket
Being open about mental ill health

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What is your coaching philosophy?

Mark shares how Carl Rogers, more familiar in the counselling world, has helped shape his.

The blog post mentioned in the episode can be found here 

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Tara Norris of Sussex, Southern Vipers, Southern Brave and the USA joined Mark to discuss:

Her transition into professional cricket

Routine and structure

Self motivation 

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Sean chatted with Mark about the reality of playing Grade, or as it is now known, Premier Cricket in Australia.

Having played at first class and international level, it was interesting to hear his perspective on the club game.

Topic discussed include:

* Creating the ideal environment
* The intensity compared to the professional game
* Adapting from other levels of cricket

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Josh Sivier, known across social media as 'The WK Coach' shared with Mark his passion for wicket keeping, as a player and coach.

Topics include:

Technical fundamentals
Resilience
The love of the game

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Mark reflects on a personal experience of going beyond what was healthy to commit to.

The books mentioned in this episode were:

Mike Yardy- The Hard Yards

Brene Brown- Daring Greatly

Tim Cantopher- Depressive Illness: The Curse Of The Strong 

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Identity,  particularly how much we define ourselves by our job, is a topic of almost endless discussion. Sussex keeper/batter Tom Alsop gave his insight to Mark during this episode.

The focus was on how over the course of his career, he has come to see himself as more than just a cricketer.

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Ethan spoke with friend and current team mate down under Miles Hammond, of Gloucestershire CCC. Topics included...

- Life as an overseas player
- Finding the balance between cricket and the rest of life
- How talking therapy made the difference

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Our first Coaches Conversation was recorded last night (26.03) with burnout being the topic. Chris Laker, who works with Lancashire CCC pathway and in club cricket, joined Mark to share his thoughts.

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The second Coaches Conversation focuses on passion and how far it can take you. We got a look at this from a rugby union perspective with guest Adam Canning of Old Leamingtonians RFC joining Mark to share his thoughts.

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Alan Tonge was signed by Manchester United in 1986 at the very start of Alex Ferguson's time at the club. By the age of 24 his career was over due to injury and in the time that has passed since he has become a sports lecturer and researcher, with a particular interest in sports psychology and player welfare.

In this podcast we discussed;

* the culture present at Manchester United in Ferguson's early years in charge
* dealing with leaving the job of his dreams
* his PhD research including the impact of transitions and de selection in football
* what sport could do better to look after its elite athletes

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Tatenda Taibu shared with us his fascinating story of his time in Zimbabwe cricket, from making the national squad at 16 to being forced to quit after threats to him and his family.

He speaks freely and wisely about the mental demands he has faced and what he has done to keep moving forward in life.

His autobiography, where he goes further to explain his life experiences, has recently been released.

Buy the book here https://www.decoubertin.co.uk/Tatenda

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Mark considers what is left unsaid during Mental Health Awareness Week

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Clevedon CC in Somerset have seen success with their own scheme to promote mental wellbeing through cricket at their club.

Dan, the lead for this,  joined Mark to share the background and strategies used.

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John Fuller runs the very popular Cricket Yorkshire website and we chatted about many aspects of the sport in the county. From the changing face of club cricket to the Scarborough Festival via volunteers and Ray Illingworth, this focus on a very special cricketing county is for insiders and outsiders alike!


You can buy John's latest book- Last of the Summer Wickets- tales from the Scarborough Festival- here

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Thanks to Henry Eccles of Southport & Birkdale CC for this chat with his club's former overseas player Will Affleck, reflecting on the realities and pressures that can feature in the weekend game.

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Henry returns with his second guest, Matty Jackson of Liverpool CC, for a chat focused on captaincy in the club game.

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Ethan and Tom shared their reflections on how the close season changes how they see themselves. 

This was recorded just before their return to pre season training at Middlesex and Sussex.

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The must see film of the year for cricket fans is "The Edge" and we were very pleased to chat with the director Barney Douglas.

Learn more about the mental fitness and health of the world number one England side of Cook, Trott, Pietersen and Panesar.

Watch the trailer here and go to watch it when is out!

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This pre season, we have a focus on how team environments can best support their members. To start with, Ethan Bamber draws on his experiences in the professional games, as we aim to find the ways we can all look out for those around us.

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The second episode on this theme has Opening Up Cricket trustee & Sunday Times Football Correspondent Jon Northcroft sharing from another sport. We hear a range from Fergie to Guardiola on how wellbeing and team bonds are forged at the top level of football.

It's fascinating to think about what we can learn from these examples.

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This podcast episode is all about the player with the gloves on- the wicket or goal keeper- and the challenges they face.

A great chat with Lee Herring, a man who coaches keepers in both cricket and football, who has a refreshingly upbeat and fun first approach to sport.

You can follow him on twitter @dual_role

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Cricket gives us a vital chance to take time away from our screens and properly connect with others. Mark gives his view on this increasingly important issue in this episode.

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Jonathan Haidt was mentioned in this episode. You can read about his work on youth phone use here and in a similar vein there is a perspective from the US surgeon general here 

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We're glad to have our one hundredth episode on the pleasure of playing cricket. In the case of our guest Chris Laker, this happens to have been at the top of the club game in England. The positives discussed can be applied to anyone playing the game, whatever the standard.

If this is your first listen or you've taken in all episodes so far, thank you.

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Change can be exciting, it can be daunting. Ethan and Tom share their reflections on their experiences of transitions such as moving clubs, new roles and fluctuations in form.

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Kate offers her insight on how she proactively considers her mental health in the demanding world of international cricket.

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From playing for fun to sport as his living, when retirement was forced upon Adam Canning it was the end he never expected.

We chatted about life in sport- rugby union in this case- from pressure, the influence of coaches and dealing with the impact of the concussion that ended his career.

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We spoke to Yapa founder Jack Knowles about the new social media app designed to put mental health at the heart of online interactions.

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Luke Sutton, once of Somerset, Derbyshire and Lancashire and now a sports agent, joined us to discuss his book 'Back from the edge.' The discussion gives an insight to the issues of addiction, professional sport and above all compassion- for yourself and others.

You can buy the book here and read his interview with The Daily Telegraph here 

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Warwickshire Cricket Board coaches Alex and Danny shared their approaches to coaching, philosophies and the challenges of keeping a work/life balance when they day job is also a hobby.

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Recorded live at our Mind & Body Extra session with Leicestershire captain Paul Horton. Plenty to get thinking about here from mental preparation to teamwork and vulnerability.

Links to explore:

How Vulnerability Became Sports Winning Weapon

The Coach- Justin Langer

How Mindfulness & Meditation Can Boost Performance

Having A Difficult Conversation

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Jarrod chatted with us about his unorthodox path a career in cricket writing, data analysis and life on the road.

He has just launched a new series of podcasts which are available here

You can follow him on twitter @ajarrodkimber 

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England cricketer Kate Cross on the impact of coronavirus, how she stays mentally healthy and her hopes for the future.

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Callum Lea, founder of Sporting Minds UK, on how his charity provides support for young elite athletes.

Find out more about here

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Mark caught up with Mike Dodds, Birmingham City FC Lead Youth Development Coach, to discuss coaching young players.

Mike's approach is based around engaging authentically with those around him. This podcast gives plenty to think about in giving people the permission to express vulnerabilities and emotions.

Find out more:

Demarai Gray on positive coaching 

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England women's cricket performance psychologist and club cricketer Mike Rotheram joined us to chat about ways of dealing with the uncertainty we are all facing.

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Having bumped into Kalwinder on Twitter, it was a pleasure to talk with him about coming to terms with his Dad's death by suicide through a connection with reading and writing.

You can listen to his cricket poetry below

* Captain Slog
* Dev
* The Miracle Of Cardiff

or if you prefer to read, here's the place.

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Performance psychologist Lyle Kirkham talked us through the importance of pre and post routines. As well as application for cricket and golf, we also considered how these skills can be used in other areas of life.

See more from Lyle on his YouTube channel 

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Kent batters Jordan and Sean joined us for the first of "The Tea Break" sessions.

These episodes are being done in support of C.A.L.M so if you've you've enjoyed what you've heard then please chip in a couple of £s to support their essential work.

Also, check out Sporting Minds  who Jordan acts as an ambassador for.

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Derbyshire all rounders Luis and Fynn dropped in online for the second "Tea Break" session.

We discussed challenges and setbacks, how to manage anxiety and the demands of being an all rounder.

These episodes are being done in support of C.A.L.M so if you've you've enjoyed what you've heard then please chip in a couple of £s to support their essential work.

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Northants bowling coach Chris Liddle joined Mark for the third "Tea Break" session.

We discussed transitioning from a player to coach, dealing with the pressure of a fast paced T20 environment and using meditation to develop mental skills.

These episodes are being done in support of C.A.L.M so if you've you've enjoyed what you've heard then please chip in a couple of £s to support their essential work.

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Surrey pace bowlers Conor and James chatted with us for the fourth episode of The Tea Break series.

They gave a great insight to settling in a new environment, dealing with injuries and techniques they use to look after their mind.

There are some minor sound issues in the first half but please persevere as what the lads have to say is worth hearing!

These episodes are being done in support of C.A.L.M so if you've you've enjoyed what you've heard then please chip in a couple of £s to support their essential work.

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Lancashire batsman Rob was the guest for the fifth episode of The Tea Break series.

He shared the ways he mentally prepares for an innings as well as how he has dealt with setbacks in his career. His perspective is very engaging and the philosophy of finding your own way is a consistent theme.

These episodes are being done in support of C.A.L.M so if you've you've enjoyed what you've heard then please chip in a couple of £s to support their essential work.

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Wellington all rounder Logan spoke to us in the sixth of The Tea Break series.

Right from the start we hear about how important he sees mental health in sport to be, sharing his experience in his own setting. We look at how he's dealt with things holding him back- identity, desperation and jealousy- to be healthier and happier.

These episodes are being done in support of C.A.L.M so if you've you've enjoyed what you've heard then please chip in a couple of £s to support their essential work.

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England international Tammy spoke to us in the seventh of The Tea Break series.

The key themes of the conversation were about how she handles nerves and expectations, the supportive culture in the national side as well as developing an identity that isn't just about cricket.

It was great to hear someone at the top of the game speak so candidly so we hope you enjoy listening!

These episodes are being done in support of C.A.L.M so if you've you've enjoyed what you've heard then please chip in a couple of £s to support their essential work.

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Founder of Complete Cricket Dave Smith shared with us his approaches to coaching and the model that his company have used so successfully  across a number of years.

Find out more about what they offer both in person and online (with masterclasses from Allan Donald, Ian Bell and Dom Sibley among the coming attractions) here 

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Chris was just 16 when he made his first class debut for Derbyshire. In this episode we talk about the experience of being thrust into the professional game, reflecting on what he picked up from such a steep learning curve.

You can find out more about his charity Milestone here

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Therapist Anthony Morris talked us through his methods of helping people move from difficulties to lead happier lives.

You can access his online course @ www.shineagentsofchange.com and information about his book can be found @ www.newunderstandings.com

Otherwise he can be contacted via Anthony@marketharmony.com

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Opening Up Cricket founding member & Sunday Times football correspondent Jon Northcroft chatted with Mark on the themes of football and covid.

Key topics include:

* Football and sports role in society
* How clubs and players are staying connected
* The approaches to health and wellbeing in regular times and now
* Extending the spirit of 'be kind' to professional athletes

Jon is on twitter @jnorthcroft

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Andy's Man Club faciliator Dan Rowe shared his experience of this life changing charity and his own mental health journey.

We discussed postnatal depression in fathers, the road to recovering from this as well as his own ways to wellbeing.

Find out more about about Andy's Man Club here and listen to Dan's podcast here 

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Mark talks about the ways in which we can support our team mates.

If you do nothing else following this episode then make your action to access the free, 20 minute Zero Suicide Alliance Training

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Mindfulness has far reaching benefits so here Mark talks a little about the links to cricket.

Further resources to explore....

E-BOOK: Mindful Cricket by Graham Winter.

ARTICLE: An example of yoga and mindfulness in practice with Australian cricketers

ARTICLE: How meditation improves mental focus

VIDEO: All it takes is ten mindful minutes

VIDEO: Justin Langer on meditation and mental toughness

WEBSITES: Headspace & Smiling Mind

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Dr Hassan Mahmood, a consultant psychiatrist and part of the Royal College of Psychiatrists Sports and Exercise Special Interest Group, has contributed a cricket chapter to the recently published 'Case Studies In Sports Psychiatry'.

We chatted about the links between cricket and mental health, looking towards positive steps that can be made to look after international players wellbeing.

You can purchase the book here

Here's some other resources to explore...

Cricketers under increasing mental health pressure- White Ferns veteran Suzie Bates
How hard has depression hit cricket?

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For our debut podcast Mark is joined by Sunday Times football correspondent and Opening Up founder member Jonathan Northcroft. Jonathan talks about the issue of dementia in football, the mental resilience of Leicester City's remarkable Premier League winning season as well as the pressures of journalism.

 Useful links for further reading....
https://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/jun/29/steven-caulker-mental-illness-addictions-gambling-drinking-qpr Steven Caulker interview

http://www.openingupcricket.com/neglected-corner.html Gerd Muller and dementia

http://www.itsroundanditswhite.co.uk/2016/09/22/book-review-fearless-the-amazing-underdog-story-of-leicester-city/ 'Fearless' book review

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Mark was joined by England cricketers Kate and Alex to discuss the challenges of playing professional sport, dealing with sexism, the good/bad of social media and much more.

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Matt and John talk with Mark about alcohol, addiction and mental health with searing honesty

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Mark goes through a brief history of mental health, considering the change and continuities of how illness has been viewed and treated.

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We look at the power of vulnerability and how this term can be looked at differently to benefit sport and life.

Links from the episode:

How vulnerability became sport's winning weapon
Brene Brown: The power of vulnerability
Headfirst- Wellbeing & Rugby

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Mark looks at how Richmond used mindfulness and meditation to win 2017's AFL.

The mindfulness guru behind Richmond's AFL success

How vulnerability became sport's winning weapon

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Mark looks at the concept of forgiveness and how important it is to mental fitness.

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Former Scotland batsman turned podcast host Qasim Sheikh was our guest as we talked about:

* His experiences in international cricket
* The differences between playing in the UK and Pakistan
* Dealing with mental ill health
* The power of talking for wellbeing

Check out his show- Sheikys Sports Journeys- on YouTube or wherever you find your podcasts.

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Former Jamaica spinner Ryan Cunningham chatted with Mark about mindfulness, particularly using coffee to refine his practice. Alongside this we covered the mental approaches to cricket in the West Indies, dealing with setbacks as a bowler and adapting to life playing in English leagues.

Check out his coffee here 

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The importance of talking to maintaining good mental health is well established. What about how we listen to enable those conversations? Mark has a think about this in the final episode of the year.

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Rich Hudson, managing director of Buckinghamshire Cricket and author of 'Perform Beyond Pressure' discussed some key themes from his book with Mark.

Key topics include:

How pressure as a concept is inhibiting
Connecting with why we play the game
The natural ebb and flow of how we feel
Moving beyond the labels we give ourselves

You can buy the book here  and find Rich on twitter @rdhudson00 

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Mark runs through ten ideas that can be easily used to promote mental fitness.

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An introduction to the concept of growth mindset and how it offers opportunities to improve performance and wellbeing.

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A look at the impact of social media on mental health

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With the news of Alastair Cook's retirement from international cricket in the headlines, we look at what can be picked up from the great batsman from his mental strengths.

Some links to explore further...

England yo yo test

Choir boy, farmer, England's record test run-scorer

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Former Western Australia and Tasmania bowler, now WA women's bowling coach Tim MacDonald joined us for a coffee in Perth CBD to talk about his career. We looked at the theme of change and transition with Tim giving some important insights as to how this can be dealt with positively.

Tim is on twitter @timmacs

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After joining staff at the WACA for 'R U Ok?' day we sat down with Bhavi Devchand to talk about the challenges of women's cricket in Australia and what she does to deal with the ups and downs associated with sport.

You can read more about Bhavi here https://www.waca.com.au/news/bhavis-hope-for-mental-health/2017-09-14

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Kate shared her experiences of how the measures in place to facilitate international cricket during the pandemic have impacted her wellbeing.

She provides an honest, balanced account of the realities of such an unusual situation. Well worth a listen!

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Derbyshire all-rounder Fynn joined us live in January for the first of our 'Pre Season Series' sessions so here it is for you to catch up on.

The themes discussed were:

Dealing with setbacks
Focus in games
Supporting team mates

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Derbyshire all-rounder Luis joined us live in January for the second of our 'Pre Season Series' sessions so here it is for you to catch up on.

The themes discussed were:

Mindset as an all rounder
Managing anxiety
Positive team environments

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Surrey all-rounder Rikki  joined us live in January for the third of our 'Pre Season Series' sessions so here it is for you to catch up on.

The themes discussed were:

Fielding focus
Motivation to keep improving
Overcoming setbacks

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Former Middlesex batsman and Cricket Mentoring director Tom Scollay chatted with us about the ups and downs of his life in cricket. We went from his early days to the present, understanding the philosophy that underpins his coaching business that reaches players all over the world.

Get involved with Tom's coaching at https://cricketmentoring.com/

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Southern Vipers bowler Tara  joined us live in January for the fourth of our 'Pre Season Series' sessions so here it is for you to catch up on.

The themes discussed were:

Sport/life balance
Mindful cricket
Looking out for team mates.

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Kent batter Daniel  joined us live in February for the fifth of our 'Pre Season Series' sessions so here it is for you to catch up on.

The themes discussed were:

Mental strategies to bat long
Overcoming adversity
Maintaining good mental health

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Northamptonshire bowling coach Chris  joined us live in February for the sixth of our 'Pre Season Series' sessions so here it is for you to catch up on.

The theme we explored was meditation in cricket. 

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Abi joined Mark to share his thoughts on the importance of being truly listened to. He reflects on his personal experience of being supported following the loss of his Mum as well as communication in cricket, drawing on his time as a professional player with Sussex.

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West Indies Director of Cricket Jimmy joined us in March for the seventh Pre Season Series session.

The main themes discussed were managing stress, dealing with burnout and fatigue and adapting to different conditions.

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Northern Diamonds bowler Phoebe joined us for the eight Pre Season Series session back in March.

We discussed her unusual journey to being a professional athlete via themes of embracing challenges, perseverance and finding your own way.

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A perspective on the mental health continuum and how focusing more on improving mental fitness will surely reduce the impact of illness.

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Hampshire's Tom Alsop chatted with Mark about the reasons behind him joining our team to host sessions. The insight to the personal and professional contexts of mental health and wellbeing are well worth a listen...

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Paul Smith played for Warwickshire from 1982 and 1996, featuring as a key member of the famous treble winning side of 1994. Here he spoke about the influence of Bob Woolmer, how mental health was looked after in his career as well as the challenges post retirement. 

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Ross Dewar, strength and conditioning coach to Vitality T20 blast champions Worcestershire, talked with us about his role and how professional players use training effectively.

This episode features a quality insight to how resilience is built in cricket and the benefits of a strong team culture.

See more about Ross' work via www.cricketstrength.com

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Mark gives his perspective on what he has learned from the experience of depressive illness.

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Paul Johnson talks us through the ups and downs of his twenty one year first class career. He share examples of leadership, mental toughness and the transitions that defined the era he played in.

You can read more about Paul here http://www.espncricinfo.com/england/content/player/15520.html and follow him on twitter @pjcricket492

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The term 'coaching' is subject to lots of different interpretations, especially in the world outside of sport.

Mark spoke with Jim Hughes about what he sees it as in his work coaching high performers. It was thought provoking to consider how we consider the role of someone who is there to help...


Find out more about Untamed here 

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Former Sky Sports Cricket Correspondent Tim Abraham popped in for a chat about his life following England across land and sea. The pressures of touring, the realities of broadcast journalism and the lessons from the star players across twenty plus years were shared in this episode.

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Author of 'Pressure Myths' Rich Hudson spoke with us about the myths of pressure, the nature of thoughts and how approaching things inside-out can make big changes to how you play and live. A must listen for those looking to go deeper with their understanding of cricket and the mind!

Further Reading.....

Read Rich's article for the Opening Up website here

You can buy the book here 

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Middlesex bowler Ethan chatted with Mark about how he has managed performance anxiety during his career so far.

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Primary school teacher Peter has a mission to increase physical activity in young people to the benefit of their mind and body.

We discussed the impact of covid, barriers to promoting activity, teacher wellbeing and his initiative Prime Fitness & Education.

You can find out more here

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Jon Northcroft is an Opening Up Cricket trustee and football writer. In this episode he talks us the art of ghost writing, something he has done most recently for Peter Schmeichel, including:

• What it actually is and the process involved
• Staying true to what the person is saying
• Listening skills
• The parallels with counselling and therapy
• Lessons learned from hearing the inner thoughts of someone else

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