A Load of BS on Sport: The Behavioural Science Podcast with Daniel Ross and Dan Biggar

By: Daniel Ross and Dan Biggar
  • Summary

  • A Load of BS on Sport: The Behavioural Science Podcast dives deep into the psychology of what makes elite performers tick; how they think about success and failure, how they find and maintain peak performance, how they manage fear and adversity, how they make decisions under pressure, how they deal with risk and uncertainty.

    Daniel is a behavioural science and sports fanatic while Dan has lived his dream on the rugby field for the past 17 years, winning three Six Nations titles, earning over 100 caps for Wales (including the captaincy) and touring twice with the British & Irish Lions. Currently playing for RC Toulon, Dan is loving this rugby-mad town, fully embracing the French lifestyle.


    © 2024 A Load of BS on Sport: The Behavioural Science Podcast with Daniel Ross and Dan Biggar
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Episodes
  • 004: Shaun Edwards on rugby coaching styles, cultural differences & player development
    Oct 30 2024

    In this episode of A Load of BS on Sport, we sit down with Shaun Edwards, the legendary defence coach of the French national rugby team and a former playing great who has shaped the careers of countless athletes, including our very own Dan Biggar.

    We dive deep into Shaun’s coaching philosophy, the cultural nuances of rugby and the secrets behind building a winning mentality.

    Show notes:
    Coaching Style

    • Shaun emphasises clarity and simplicity in coaching, advocating concise communication

    Cultural Differences

    • Shaun notes the strong work ethic and commitment of French players, challenging stereotypes about their approach to the game

    Player Insights

    • Dan B shares his perspective on Shaun as a coach, highlighting his commitment to improving players and fostering a strong team culture
    • Emphasis on importance of personal connections and understanding players' motivations

    Team Dynamics

    • The importance of conflict and differing opinions in creating a successful team environment

    Legacy and Influence

    • Shaun reflects on his impact as a coach and the importance of being approachable and relatable to players
    • Dan B acknowledges Shaun’s ability to make defence engaging, fostering a culture of pride in defensive performance

    Player Development

    • Desire for Improvement: Shaun values players who show a willingness to improve and engage with the coaching process. He appreciates when players have opinions and ask questions, indicating their investment in the game
    • Individualised Feedback: He focuses on giving targeted, actionable feedback to players, allowing them to see specific areas for improvement and reinforcing what they do well

    Coaching and Legacy

    • Impact Beyond Defense: Shaun expresses his desire to be seen as a coach who cares deeply about his players’ overall development, not just their defensive skills. He aims to be remembered for creating a positive environment where players feel valued and understood
    • Learning from Experience: Both Shaun and Dan B reflect on the importance of learning from past experiences and failures, shaping their approach to coaching and playing

    Personal Insights

    • Self-Doubt and Humility: Shaun acknowledges that even successful coaches experience self-doubt and emphasises the need for humility in leadership roles

    Please leave a review if you like the podcast; and share with friends. Your support makes us very happy!

    • Get the podcast in your inbox every week by subscribing here
    • Find out more on our website
    • Follow the podcast on LinkedIn
    • Follow Dan R on LinkedIn
    • Follow Dan R on Twitter
    • Follow Dan B on LinkedIn
    • Podcast music: Tamsin Waley-Cohen's Mendelssohn's violin concerto
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    43 mins
  • 003: Geraint Thomas on Pain, Perseverance, and Performance
    Oct 23 2024

    In this episode of A Load of BS on Sport, Tour de France winner and two-time Olympic gold medalist Geraint Thomas joins Dan Ross and Dan Biggar for an in-depth conversation about the grueling demands of professional cycling, the mental toughness required to succeed, and the simple pleasures that keep him grounded. From training at altitude to navigating the pressures of racing, Geraint shares candid insights into his career, balancing family life, and his thoughts on what’s next beyond the bike. Tune in for an honest and inspiring chat with one of cycling’s greats.

    Show Notes:

    • Love for Suffering: pushing his physical and mental limits, likening cycling pain to a form of addictive suffering
    • Team Dynamics & Leadership: changing role from team leader to mentor
    • ⁠Mental Edge Over Physical: fine margins in elite cycling
    • Embracing Simplicity: the challenges that the structured, monastic lifestyle of cycling imposes on personal relationships
    • Tour de France Victory & Emotional Release: emotional break down after crossing the finish line
    • Post-Career Fears and Plans: the daunting prospect of transitioning to a new phase in life
    • ⁠The Value of Team Leadership: how working with Dave Brailsford shaped his approach to cycling
    • Humility and Drive: Geraint shares his humble beginnings and how his mentality was driven by proving doubters wrong

    Please leave a review if you like the podcast; and share with friends. Your support makes us very happy!

    • Get the podcast in your inbox every week by subscribing here
    • Find out more on our website
    • Follow the podcast on LinkedIn
    • Follow Dan R on LinkedIn
    • Follow Dan R on Twitter
    • Follow Dan B on LinkedIn
    • Podcast music: Tamsin Waley-Cohen's Mendelssohn's violin concerto
    Show more Show less
    43 mins
  • 002: Jonny Wilkinson's Pursuit of Balance - From World Cup Glory to Personal Peace
    Oct 16 2024

    This week, the two Dans welcome their Rugby hero Jonny Wilkinson to the pod. You will be hard pressed to find a more eloquent, thoughtful and deep thinking sportsman than Jonny.

    In this episode, we discuss:
    - Dan B's and Jonny's French grammar tips
    - Reputation from youngster to oldie
    - Jonny's bizarre sense of humour
    - Jonny's 3 personality archetypes: warrior, saviour & martyr
    - Finding balance in life and sport: Jonny discusses how the constant search for balance — between effort and relaxation, discipline and freedom — has shaped his life and career
    - Embracing vulnerability and humiliation as powerful tools for growth, both on and off the rugby field
    - Reframing success: rather than being defined by his 2003 World Cup success, Jonny emphasises focusing on the present and future, seeing past glories as one part of an ongoing journey
    - Jonny shares his thoughts on pressure, highlighting that it’s often a mental construct we can choose to engage with or let go of

    Please leave a review if you like the podcast; and share with friends. Your support makes us very happy!

    • Get the podcast in your inbox every week by subscribing here
    • Find out more on our website
    • Follow the podcast on LinkedIn
    • Follow Dan R on LinkedIn
    • Follow Dan R on Twitter
    • Follow Dan B on LinkedIn
    • Podcast music: Tamsin Waley-Cohen's Mendelssohn's violin concerto
    Show more Show less
    58 mins

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