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Show Notes - The Jason Brisbane Episode

Episode Summary: In this episode, Nick Rockell and Mark Moss sit down with Jason Brisbane, a former London Blitz linebacker who fought his way into the NFL, played internationally, and transitioned into a career in sports leadership.

Jason shares his journey from a childhood in West London to discovering American Football by chance, joining the Blitz, and learning the value of commitment, preparation, and resilience. His story is one of setbacks, perseverance, and adapting to new opportunities, eventually leading him to a leadership role in British Wheelchair Rugby.

This episode is packed with insights into what it takes to succeed in sports and life, and why sometimes the toughest challenges teach the most valuable lessons.

Key Topics & Takeaways:

· Growing Up in Shepherd’s Bush: Raised by his dad and older brother, Jason learned early on to be independent

· Early Sports & Finding Football: Experimenting with BMX, rollerblading, and how a KFC promotion led to his first American football experience

· Joining the London Blitz: Why football completely changed Jason’s life and gave him the structure he needed

· Making the National Team: Overcoming self-doubt, earning a spot on Team GB, and competing in the 2004 European Championship

· NFL Europe Tryouts & Brutal Setbacks: Getting rejected, coming back stronger, and finally breaking through

· NFL Europe & the San Diego Chargers: Making it to training camp and experiencing the next level of football

· Playing in Finland & Spain: Adjusting to different cultures and leagues, and finding joy in coaching

· Returning to the Blitz & Wrapping Up His Playing Career

· Transitioning to Sports Leadership: Working with NFL UK, developing youth programs, and why giving kids opportunities is life-changing

· Leading British Wheelchair Rugby: How Jason’s leadership skills in football helped him become CEO of a national sports organization

Final Thoughts: Jason Brisbane’s journey is a masterclass in resilience, adaptability, and taking opportunities that come your way. From being overlooked in school sports to battling through NFL Europe tryouts and finally leading a national sports program, his story proves that success isn’t about raw talent—it’s about grit, preparation, and never giving up.

His transition from player to CEO of British Wheelchair Rugby shows that the lessons learned in football apply far beyond the field. This episode is a must-listen for anyone chasing big goals—whether in sports, business, or life.

"I had to fight for every single opportunity. The key was just to keep going—until the 'no' becomes a 'yes'." – Jason Brisbane

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

Music by bassmanguk (top man!)

Show Notes - The Jason Brisbane Episode

Episode Summary: To close out the first season of Jimmy’s & Jo’s we asked each guest to share a story or two from their time in football.

Sometimes funny, sometimes crass, sometimes heartfelt, each story gives our guests the opportunity to unwittingly give a glimpse into the people and situations that touched them the most.

Story Board:

· Jason Brisbane: Moped and ‘anti-drip’.

· Neil Bowles: Dehydration, injuries, and farmer strong violence.

· Rod Bradley: Carlstad and the Massive Kid.

· Nick Manning: The Champagne Massive and “Have A Fun”.

· Gareth Dauley: Amsterdam carnage and Scottish bonfires.

· Mark Moss: More Amsterdam and Copenhagen learnings.

· Nick Rockell: The London Blitz pivot point.

Final Thoughts: One reason the Amsterdam trip is so memorable and was so messy is that not only was it the team’s first European competitive game but it also fell on the anniversary of the death of much loved teammate Dan “Raiders” Dawson.

The very epitome of work hard-play hard, coaches Rockell and Moss made sure that while they coached players hard they also made sure there was fun to be had that would galvanize the core of a team to be more than the sum of it’s parts.

“Some of the craziest stories that ever happened to me, and after being in some wonderful stories in my lifetime, but the top 10 are always the Blitz” - Gareth Dauley

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Music by bassmanguk (top man!)

Show Notes: The Nick Manning Episode

Episode Overview: In this episode, Nick Rockell and Mark Moss catch up with Nick Manning, a former London Blitz offensive lineman who has built a successful career in communications. Now the Associate Vice President of Communications at the University of Waterloo in Canada, Nick shares his journey from discovering football as a teenager to working high-stakes roles in government and academia. He reflects on leadership, the power of being an outsider, and how the lessons of football have shaped his professional and personal life.

Key Topics & Takeaways:

· Discovering football in Tring and taking the leap to join a team.

· Early experiences with the Stags and the unique team culture of British American football.

· Transitioning to university football and learning to lead in a new environment.

· Moving into a professional career in communications and working for the UK Ministry of Defence.

· Handling media relations in Afghanistan, Iraq, and high-pressure government roles.

· The decision to move to Canada and how sport influenced that life-changing move.

· Building a career in university communications and the similarities between leadership in sport and business.

· The impact of football on personal growth, leadership, and problem-solving.

· Coaching attempts and challenges in North American football.

· The unique culture of Buffalo Bills tailgating and the role of football in personal identity.

· Final reflections on lifelong friendships and the role of football in shaping who we become.

Final Thoughts: Nick Manning’s journey is a testament to how sport creates unexpected opportunities and lifelong connections. From learning discipline and teamwork on the field to handling media crises and leading communications teams, football has remained a guiding force. His passion for the game extends beyond playing, shaping his friendships, career choices, and even his love for the Buffalo Bills. His story highlights the importance of embracing challenges, adapting to new environments, and always being willing to take the next step forward.

"One of my superpowers in work has been being an outsider. It’s the same in football—sometimes the best perspective comes from standing just outside the norm." – Nick Manning

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