• Xmas Special
    Dec 24 2025

    Summary

    In this Christmas special episode of 'Two Coders and a Coffee', Jason Weber and Darren Burgess discuss a range of topics related to sports performance, communication, and career development. Darren shares insights from his thesis on effective governance and communication strategies in sports organizations, emphasizing the importance of established theories and practices. Jason reflects on the need for deep learning and historical context in sports science, while also discussing mentorship and the practical strategies young practitioners should adopt to advance their careers. The conversation concludes with thoughts on the importance of reflection and planning for future roles in the sports industry.

    Takeaways

    • Darren's thesis focused on effective governance in sports organizations.
    • Communication strategies are crucial for successful sports management.
    • Historical theories can guide modern sports practices.
    • Deep learning is essential for understanding complex subjects.
    • Young practitioners should not rely solely on podcasts for learning.
    • Mentorship plays a key role in career development.
    • Reflecting on past experiences can inform future decisions.
    • Practical strategies are necessary for effective implementation.
    • Understanding existing practices is vital before introducing new methods.
    • Planning and structure are important for new roles in sports.

    Chapters

    00:00 Christmas Greetings and Reflections 05:21 The Importance of Effective Communication in Sports 10:01 Learning from History: A Deep Dive into Sports Practices 16:44 The Role of Deep Learning in Professional Development 26:19 Final Thoughts and Christmas Wishes

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    27 mins
  • The Return of the Great Man!
    Nov 26 2025

    Summary

    In this episode of 'Two Coaches and a Coffee', Jason Weber and Darren Burgess discuss Darren's recent transition to a high-performance role at Juventus. They explore the challenges and positives of moving to a new country, the intricacies of his new role overseeing performance and medical aspects, and the importance of building relationships within the team. The conversation also delves into innovations in rehabilitation practices, the need for cultural changes within the club, and the significance of continuous learning and professional development in the field of sports performance.

    Takeaways

    • Transitioning to a new country presents unique challenges.
    • Building relationships with staff is crucial in a new role.
    • Understanding the cultural context of a club is important for success.
    • Communication pathways are essential for effective team dynamics.
    • Continuous learning is vital for professional growth.
    • Cultural changes within a club can improve overall performance.
    • The role of a high-performance manager extends well beyond fitness.
    • Flexibility in approach can lead to better outcomes in sports science.
    • Engaging with different perspectives can enhance problem-solving abilities.

    Chapters

    00:00 Welcome Back and Initial Thoughts
    06:06 Transitioning to a New Role
    12:08 Building Relationships and Team Dynamics
    18:13 Innovations in Rehabilitation and Training
    24:08 Long-Term Vision and Strategic Planning
    30:20 Final Thoughts and Future Directions
    37:17 Two Coaches & a Coffee Intro (1).mp4

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    38 mins
  • Season 3 Episode 25
    Oct 1 2025

    In this episode of 'Two Couches and a Coffee', Jason and Darren discuss Darren's new role as Director of Performance at Juventus, the importance of networking in career advancement, and the challenges of transitioning to a new culture in sports management. They emphasize the significance of supporting young practitioners and the philosophy of prioritizing the mission and the people in front of you. The conversation also touches on recent changes in high-performance roles within the AFL and the educated risks involved in performance decisions.

    Takeaways

    • Darren's new role at Juventus represents a significant career shift.
    • Networking plays a crucial role in career advancement.
    • It's important to prioritize the mission and the people over personal ambition.
    • Supporting young practitioners is essential for their growth.
    • Cultural adaptation is a key challenge in new roles.
    • Educated risks can lead to successful performance decisions.
    • The importance of mentorship in professional development.
    • Darren's transition highlights the evolving landscape of sports management.
    • Maintaining strong relationships is vital in the sports industry.
    • The podcast aims to inspire mid-career professionals.

    Chapters

    00:00 Welcome Back and New Beginnings
    05:28 The Importance of Networking
    10:57 Putting the Club First
    18:27 Reflections on Team Decisions

    Sponsored by SpeedSig...answering the rehab and performance questions being missed everyday!

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    24 mins
  • Season 3 Episode 24
    Sep 13 2025

    Summary

    In this conversation, Jason Weber and Darren discuss various aspects of sports performance, focusing on injury management, psychological factors affecting athletes, and the balance between training and game exposure. They explore the challenges of preparing players for high-stakes games, the importance of mental readiness, and the evolving strategies in injury prevention and management in sports like NFL and AFL.


    Takeaways

    • Players need to be mentally prepared for finals football.
    • Injury management requires careful consideration of player readiness.
    • Psychological factors can significantly impact performance in landmark games.
    • Balancing training loads is crucial to prevent injuries.
    • Athlete confidence plays a key role in recovery and performance.
    • Understanding the specific demands of the sport is essential for training.
    • Effective communication with athletes enhances their performance.
    • Game exposure is important for maintaining rhythm in training.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction and Game Preparations
    02:04 Injury Management and Player Readiness
    09:57 Psychological Factors in Performance
    17:04 Injury Trends in NFL and College Football

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    24 mins
  • Season 3 Episode 23
    Aug 21 2025

    Summary

    In this episode of 'Two Coaches and a Coffee', Jason Weber and Darren Burgess discuss the excitement surrounding the AFL finals, the complexities of managing player injuries in high-stakes games, and the importance of data in decision-making. They explore the balance between player readiness and performance, and how coaches can navigate career opportunities in the sports management field.

    Takeaways

    • Injury management is crucial in high-stakes games.
    • Evaluating player readiness involves both data and contextual experience.
    • Data should complement, not replace, coaching experience.
    • Career opportunities in sports management require proactive networking.
    • Understanding player performance metrics is essential for coaches.
    • The pressure to win can complicate injury decisions.
    • Communication between coaches and medical staff is vital.
    • Players' historical performance can inform injury management decisions.
    • Respectful outreach can open doors in sports careers.

    Chapters

    00:00 AFL Finals Excitement
    01:47 Injury Management Strategies
    09:31 Evaluating Player Readiness
    15:20 Career Opportunities in Sports Management

    Do you like the way we share our experiences? Would you like to learn more? Check out www.oldbullperformance.com

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    22 mins
  • Season 3 Episode 22
    Aug 12 2025

    Summary

    In this conversation, Jason Weber and Darren discuss the complexities of athlete training, the role of personal trainers, and the importance of communication between players and coaches. They explore the concept of misappropriated load in training and the zealot phase that many strength and conditioning coaches experience. The discussion emphasizes the value of generalists in sports science and the need for effective communication to enhance athlete performance.

    Takeaways

    • Cultural differences influence how professionals are addressed in sports.
    • Personal trainers often highlight successes but may not disclose injuries.
    • Communication between players and coaches is crucial for effective training.
    • Misappropriated load can lead to injuries if not managed properly.
    • The zealot phase in coaching can lead to overconfidence and noise.
    • Generalists in sports science can provide a broader perspective than specialists.
    • Players should disclose external training to their clubs for better management.
    • Effective communication can enhance relationships between private practitioners and clubs.
    • Athletes may unintentionally mismanage their training loads.
    • The importance of intuition in coaching comes from experience, not just instinct.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction and Cultural Insights
    01:48 The Role of Personal Trainers in Athlete Development
    05:31 Communication Between Athletes and Coaches
    09:03 Understanding Misappropriated Load
    14:42 The Zealot Phase in Strength and Conditioning
    18:32 The Importance of Generalists in Coaching

    Do you like the way we share our experiences? Would you like to learn more? Check out www.oldbullperformance.com

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    20 mins
  • Season 3 Episode 21
    Aug 6 2025

    Summary

    In this episode of 'Two Coaches and a Coffee', Jason Weber and Darren Burgess discuss the complexities of player transfers, the pressure on coaches and performance staff, the importance of data in player management, and the impact of coaching changes. They also delve into the significance of networking for career development and the balance between data and human observation in monitoring player performance. The conversation concludes with philosophical insights on coaching and the challenges faced in the sports industry.

    Takeaways

    • There's significant pressure to get injured players ready for transfer.
    • Biology cannot be ignored in player recovery.
    • The psychology of players affects their performance and readiness.
    • Data ownership should lie with the players.
    • Networking is crucial for career longevity in sports.
    • Coaching changes can disrupt team dynamics and player performance.
    • Monitoring players requires both data and human observation.
    • Understanding player habits can indicate their mental state.
    • The importance of communication between players and coaches is paramount.
    • Philosophical insights can enhance coaching practices.

    Chapters

    00:00 The Pressure of Player Transfers
    04:40 The Psychological Impact on Injured Players
    09:28 Data Ownership and Player Transfers
    13:55 Navigating Coaching Changes
    18:35 The Importance of Observation in Coaching

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    The most "in the trenches" mentoring and PD experience... check out OLDBULL PERFORMANCE.

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    24 mins
  • Season 3: Episode 20
    Jul 24 2025

    Description:

    Join hosts Jason Weber and Darren Burgess as they delve into the intense world of elite sports. From the passion of local rivalries to the harsh realities of contract renewals, they share personal insights and advice for aspiring professionals. Discover how to handle career transitions, the importance of maintaining a strong network, and the value of humility in high-pressure environments.

    Key Topics:

    The intensity of local sports rivalries Navigating contract renewals and career transitions The importance of emotional resilience and networking Tips for crafting a standout resume and acing interviews

    00:00 Introduction and Rivalry in AFL

    08:12 Emotional Connection to Jobs and Identity

    20:21 Interview Tips and Building Confidence

    Check Out

    For more on leadership and technical development check out OLDBULL PERFORMANCE.

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    22 mins