Human or Athlete?

Professional Football’s Impact on Mental Health - Joe Maguire

Former Liverpool Footballer, Joe Maguire, lifts the lid on his battle with mental health over the last few years in professional football. We delve into Joe’s story starting with his time at Liverpool FC, where he learned under both Brendan Rodgers and Jurgen Klopp. Both brilliant managers seemed to create an environment that allowed players to be authentically themselves and feel appreciated, understood and part of a family. This approach to the team environment changed drastically as Joe discussed his moves to Fleetwood, Accrington and Tranmere where he found it difficult to deal with the changes in level, perspective on football and how he was treated. This led to a difficult time for Joe as his battle with mental grew prominent and eventually meant he took action. Since starting therapy and talking openly about his mental health, Joe has new perspectives, found acceptance and learned to cope and manage the ups and downs of professional football and life. An honest conversation with a creative, brave man who is open to learning all he can about himself on and off the pitch. Support for professional footballers: https://www.thepfa.com/players/wellbeingIf you feel like you are finding it difficult and need someone to talk to:https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/

Finding Fulfilment whilst fighting Dystonia - James Sutliff

This is inspiring, this is emotional, this is real. A conversation with James Sutliff, a disability specialist coach and trainer who himself has a rare neuromuscular movement disorder called Dystonia. James tells us of the loss and pain in the 5 years he spend undiagnosed and what it took from him. But what makes this journey and man special is how he’s turned it around. James changed his perspective, took action and is now living out a career supporting others, all whilst being stronger, healthier and happier than ever. A  story from losing so much to finding himself and finding fulfilment in himself and life, thank you James!To learn more about dystonia - https://www.dystonia.org.uk/what-is-dystonia

Footballers to Olympic Finalist + Founder - Chris O’Donnell + Joe Fuggle

An episode starting with their WHY’s and how they both started in Football and then made their way into elite level running. Both of them raising the issue with the level of support and understanding of what it means to be an elite athlete, Joe taking this to a new level with his venture, The Athlete Place. We see Chris’ pure dedication to the sport but at the same time not the usual do or die mentality. There is a balance and an authenticity to where he can find the additional 1%’s and where he can chill out, switch off and watch some football. Both with brilliant stories and having an impact on the country and sport they find themselves in!

Gloves Off - Mick Conlan

It was brilliant to sit down with Mick and have a conversation with the gloves off. From discussing what happened at the Olympics to his recent fight against Leigh Wood Mick has faced many his setback in his career but what makes him remarkable, is his ability to get back up. Mick has a powerful honesty, with me in this conversation, clearly with the people around him, but most rare, a real honesty with himself. He can take responsibility for his defeats as well as be authentic in who he wants in his circles. Not afraid to say the truth and be honest about the pain he has faced, the sacrifices in spending time away from his family and how he will become a world champion. 

Find Trust in Yourself - Morgan Lake and Joe Fuggle

This was a conversation centred all around coming back to the relationship with yourself because thats where the answers are. Whether that be to find trust in yourself, whether that be to find your unique ways to find more balance with performance or wellbeing or to know what your body wants and needs in that moment. There is no set answer that works for everyone, it is about cultivating an awareness with your body, your mind and your emotions. Morgan and Joe consistently reminded us that we all have our own way as long as we are in harmony with our authenticity.