The Coaching Arena cover art

The Coaching Arena

The Coaching Arena

By: James Shaw
Listen for free

About this listen

In this podcast, I sit down with professional coaches and high performing athletes to explore what it truly means to become a better coach. Through honest conversations and real world experiences, I ask questions, challenge assumptions, and learn directly from those that have lived the process at the highest levels.


Each chat is a deep dive into coaching philosophy, leadership, communication, athlete development, and continuous growth.


This podcast isn't about having all the answers, it is about being curious, staying coachable, and committing to lifelong improvement.


Whether you are a coach, athlete, or leader looking to grow, these conversations offer practical insights, fresh perspectives, and lessons you can apply both on and off the field.


If you believe great coaches never stop learning, this podcast is for you.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

James Shaw Hygiene & Healthy Living Personal Development Personal Success
Episodes
  • Understanding The Human - Rhys Davies, Saracens Academy Coach

    Understanding The Human - Rhys Davies, Saracens Academy Coach
    Mar 1 2026

    On this episode I had the privilege to speak with professional rugby coach, Rhys Davies.


    Rhys is a rugby coach at Saracens RFC academy and was previously at London Irish.


    This was an incredibly insightful chat jam packed with advice on becoming a great coach


    We spoke of :


    • Understanding your players
    • Falling in love with the process
    • Goals, process and outcomes
    • Core Values
    • Becoming a professional rugby player
    • Building connections
    • Being open to changes and adapting
    • Measuring progress
    • Leadership

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
    Show More Show Less
    52 mins
  • Always The Person First, Then The Player - Scott Hall, Professional Rugby Player and Coach

    Always The Person First, Then The Player - Scott Hall, Professional Rugby Player and Coach
    Feb 15 2026

    On this episode I had the absolute fortune to speak with professional rugby player and coach Scott Hall.


    Scott is the Women's head coach at Oxford University, founder of Rugby Allstars, professional rugby player at Chinnor and an academy coach at Bath.


    This was such in inspiring chat, full of insights, experiences and knowledge that Scott passed on, including :


    • Why it is the person first, then the player
    • Being approachable to ALL players
    • The sheer importance of honesty and consistency
    • Taking opportunities.
    • Despite setbacks, opportunities will still exist. It is the role of the coach to help provide solutions
    • Having a leadership group
    • Understanding your environment and finding your own way
    • Creating an environment, culture and tools for players to excel in life, not just sport
    • What three points create good culture

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
    Show More Show Less
    50 mins
  • A Coach's Most Underrated Skill - Tim Swiel, Professional Rugby Player

    A Coach's Most Underrated Skill - Tim Swiel, Professional Rugby Player
    Feb 1 2026

    On this episode it was absolutely fantastic to be joined by elite rugby player, Tim Swiel.


    Tim has played at the elite level across the world, including with Western Province, Sharks, Stormers, Harlequins, Newcastle Falcons, Saracens and Chicago Hounds.


    Tim is embarking on his own coaching journey and it was brilliant to chat on many topics, including :


    • What is the most underrated coaching skill
    • What a coach looks for in a player
    • What a player looks for in a coach
    • The importance of a team's culture
    • The process versus outcomes
    • Dealing with individuals
    • How do you know you are making progress


    Thanks for listening and let me know what advice resonated most with you

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
    Show More Show Less
    41 mins
No reviews yet
In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.