Gabby Logan joins us for a brilliant conversation that spans her journey from elite gymnast to one of the most recognisable faces in British sports broadcasting. From her early days growing up in a sporting family to breaking through in a male-dominated industry, Gabby shares the lessons, laughs, and life skills she’s picked up along the way.

We talk about resilience, moving schools, and why losing is just as important as winning. Gabby reflects on the power of participation in sport—for confidence, wellbeing, and those all-important life lessons. She opens up about the unique challenges of live broadcasting, the importance of empathy in journalism, and how women in sports media are paving the way for the next generation.

Plus, we get Gabby’s take on midlife as a moment of power, why podcasting is her new favourite medium, and whether she’d ever host a mastermind-style sports quiz show. It’s candid, inspiring, and full of warmth—just like Gabby herself.

What You’ll Hear

- Gabby’s journey from gymnastics to the BBC and beyond

- How her sporting family shaped her career and confidence

- The role of resilience, especially when moving schools as a child

- Why participation in sport matters for everyone—not just the winners

- The art of natural, empathetic broadcasting (and a few Alan Partridge moments!)

- Navigating and thriving in a male-dominated industry

- How pivotal life experiences inform our values and choices

- Embracing midlife as a time of new opportunities, not decline

- The joys of podcasting and community

- Thoughts on health, fitness, and redefining success in your 50s

- Why quizzes and a competitive spirit can be great for personal growth

Memorable Quotes

“I want people at home to feel they are there, but equally there’s a little bit of them wanting to be inside that stadium.”

“Participation in sports teaches valuable life lessons about winning and losing.”

“Empathy is essential in sports broadcasting.”

“Women in sports broadcasting are paving the way for future generations.”

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#GabbyLogan #SportsBroadcasting #WomenInSport #PersonalDevelopment #Resilience #MidlifePower #Podcasting #Gymnastics #Broadcasting #SportConfidence

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Dave Reddin is back — fresh from landing the big chair as Director of Rugby at the Welsh Rugby Union. And yes, we’re absolutely taking credit for this appointment, having talked about just how perfect he was for the job when he was last on the show!

All jokes aside, we’re genuinely thrilled for Dave, and this episode is a golden chance to hear from the man now tasked with reviving the ailing dragon that is Welsh Rugby. It’s no small challenge, but if anyone’s up to it, it’s Dave.

Join Daniel and Dan as they dig into Dave’s vision for Welsh Rugby’s future, the lessons he’s learned from decades in performance coaching, and how he plans to build a culture that breeds success both on and off the pitch. Expect plenty of insight, some laughs, and a healthy dose of realism about what it takes to turn things around.

What You’ll Hear:

• Dave’s immediate priorities stepping into the WRU Director of Rugby role
• How his past experiences with England Rugby and football’s elite inform his approach
• The critical importance of culture, clarity, and “operational DNA” in building winning teams
• Why “brilliant basics” beat chasing marginal gains every time
• Leadership lessons from Gareth Southgate and others that will shape Welsh Rugby’s future
• The challenges ahead and why trust and connection are non-negotiable
• A glimpse into Dave’s personal motivations and what success looks like for him

Notable Quotes:

• “Culture is how we do things here — it needs thought, intention, and planning.”

• “Winning can mean many different things depending on your organization’s goals.”

• “The magic is there is no magic — it’s about consistent focus on what matters.”

• “You have to co-create culture; it’s not just handed down from the leader.”

Subscribe and Review:

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Your support helps us bring you more great conversations like this one!

Join the Conversation:

Tag us on social media with #ALoadOfBSonSport #DaveReddin #WRU #WelshRugby and let us know your thoughts on Dave’s plans and Welsh Rugby’s future!

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This week we meet Paul McVeigh, a former Premier League footballer turned high-performance coach and Psychologist, shares his journey from the pitch to the world of psychology. He discusses the critical role of mindset in sports, the challenges of imposter syndrome, and the importance of learning from legends like Jürgen Klinsmann and Gianfranco Zola. Paul emphasizes the need for recovery in both sports and corporate environments, highlighting the often-overlooked aspect of mental recovery. He also addresses the misconceptions surrounding footballers' intelligence and the evolving nature of coaching in modern football. The discussion concludes with insights into leadership and the significance of self-belief in achieving success.

🎯 KEY THEMES:

FROM BELFAST TO THE BIG LEAGUES

"Growing up in Belfast in the 70s and 80s... I didn't realize there was essentially a civil war happening," McVeigh reflects on how his background shaped his early mindset and created an unconscious inferiority complex that would later fuel his interest in psychology.

THE TURNING POINT

A gifted Tony Robbins book at age 17 became the catalyst for McVeigh's transformation: "I read it, completely blew my mind and then started applying these principles of personal development to my life in both professional football and my personal life."

LEARNING FROM LEGENDS

McVeigh shares fascinating stories about training with World Cup winner Jürgen Klinsmann (who drove a humble Volkswagen Beetle) and seeking out lunch with Gianfranco Zola to learn about his experiences with Maradona: "He just kind of didn't turn up for training, played on a Saturday, scored a hat trick, took the match ball and went back out again."

BREAKING SELF-IMPOSED LIMITS

"We're all self-limiting," McVeigh explains, drawing parallels between sports and business. "The question is, do your limits allow you to achieve your goals in life?" His insights on overcoming mental barriers resonate across all performance domains.

RADICAL COMMITMENT

McVeigh's dedication to improvement led him to stop drinking for 2.5 years early in his career when he wasn't getting enough playing time: "I thought I need to change something drastically in my life to achieve my goals."

THE PSYCHOLOGY OF ELITE PERFORMANCE

"Your life is a direct relation of what's happening in your head," McVeigh explains, sharing how understanding human psychology became his passion after experiencing its benefits firsthand.

Listen as this former Premier League player turned psychology expert breaks down:

• How mindset shapes performance at the highest level
• The impact of environment and belief systems on success
• Why technical skills plateau while mental growth is limitless
• The misconceptions about footballers' intelligence
• How to overcome imposter syndrome in elite environments

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