The Athlete Development Show

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 this conversation, Nate shares stories that show how early experiences in sport can shape whether kids stay in the game or walk away from it altogether. We also explore the bigger shifts in football in the U.S. where the focus has moved from joy and development toward signalling status, and what that means for the future of the game. At the heart of it all is Nate’s philosophy of being a lighthouse: steady, humble, and focused on guiding others. He opens up about his own journey of self-discovery and the responsibility coaches and parents share to create environments where young people can truly thrive.This is a conversation about leadership, culture, and the infinite game of development.Enjoy!---Sign up for Craig's newsletter (Beyond the Game) at http://www.drcraigharrison.com/Get Craig to speak at your club or school here.  Connect with Craig:Instagram: instagram.com/drcraigharrison/Facebook: facebook.com/drcraigharrisonTwitter: twitter.com/drcraigharrisonSupport the show

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 experience...---Sign up for Craig's newsletter (Beyond the Game) at http://www.drcraigharrison.com/Get Craig to speak at your club or school here.  Connect with Craig:Instagram: instagram.com/drcraigharrison/Facebook: facebook.com/drcraigharrisonTwitter: twitter.com/drcraigharrisonSupport the show

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 both performance and personal wellbeing.In this conversation, Ellie opens up about her journey — from walking her very first DH race track in 2020 to standing on World Cup podiums in Europe just a few years later. She shares openly about a tough start to the circuit this year, and a cultural reset that is helping her bounce back to better performances. We also dive into some of Ellie’s mental game, including race-week routines, music playlists, journaling, and how she manages fear. There’s so much to take from Ellie’s thoughtful reflections, and I am so stoked  I got the chance to chat with her. Enjoy!---Sign up for Craig's newsletter (Beyond the Game) at http://www.drcraigharrison.com/Get Craig to speak at your club or school here.  Connect with Craig:Instagram: instagram.com/drcraigharrison/Facebook: facebook.com/drcraigharrisonTwitter: twitter.com/drcraigharrisonSupport the show

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.  Connect with Craig:Instagram: instagram.com/drcraigharrison/Facebook: facebook.com/drcraigharrisonTwitter: twitter.com/drcraigharrisonSupport the show

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, playful, expressive environments where young people can explore who they are, not just what they can do.Marcus and Craig explore the ecological complexity of performance, the importance of letting go of control, and the centrality of coaching the person before the plan.From storytelling and psychological safety to mentorship and emotional literacy, this episode is a masterclass in compassionate, curious leadership.Key Concepts:Environments shape behaviour – Coaching doesn’t happen in a vacuum. We must understand the child’s world, not just their session.Performance is personal – Narrative identity, not outcome identity, should guide the athlete journey.Belonging matters as much as skill – Every athlete needs to feel safe to explore, question, and grow.Mentorship is not a programme — it’s a culture – It lives in every conversation, check-in, and reflective pause.Freedom and structure are not opposites – The best coaching holds both gently, in balance.Reflection over reaction – True development invites athletes to think, not just comply.---Sign up for Craig's newsletter (Beyond the Game) at http://www.drcraigharrison.com/Get Craig to speak at your club or school here.  Connect with Craig:Instagram: instagram.com/drcraigharrison/Facebook: facebook.com/drcraigharrisonTwitter: twitter.com/drcraigharrisonSupport the showSupport the show