Best Geoff Micks Podcasts (2025)

1
Coaching Under Pressure: Owning Your Dark Traits 15:17

Play Pause

1h ago15:17

15:17

Pressure doesn’t invent character—it reveals it. When the game tightens and the season bites back, many of us slide into sarcasm, shut people out, or bury ourselves in busywork that feels safe. I unpack those dark traits head-on and share how elite coaches identify them, speak them aloud, and build systems that keep emotion from hijacking the facts…

1
Horse Lords at Dawn: The Tape Recorder Trilogy - S1E12 36:00

10h ago36:00

36:00

(~1210 BCE · Eastern Mediterranean, the Black Sea, & Parts in Between) The Narrator talks about the Bronze Age's Black Sea tin trade, and a memorable business deal with a powerful man among the Cimmerians, one of the many Steppe peoples who lived along southern coast of what is now Ukraine. Based on Chapter 12 of Beginning by Geoff Micks. For more,…

1
Mick Byrne : From All Blacks to Fiji. How Self Awareness Creates Culture that Lasts. 1:04:22

2h ago1:04:22

1:04:22

What if culture didn’t need a slogan? Mick Byrne, head coach of the Flying Fijians and former All Blacks coach, joins us to unpack a disarmingly simple idea: culture is values, standards, and beliefs lived every day. No fanfare. No buzzwords. Just behavior. From a Fijian security guard celebrating effort after a loss to rival teams singing together…

1
Why Treating Parenting Like Coaching Creates Stronger Families And Teams 18:22

1d ago18:22

18:22

What if the best parenting lessons come from the locker room—and the sharpest coaching insights come from home? I share how a sudden end to a playing career and the birth of my first child collided, starting a sixteen-year stretch where coaching and parenting ran in parallel and taught me the same truths about growth, standards, and care. We unpack…

1
The Mountain Crumbles to the Sea: The Tape Recorder Trilogy - S1E11 29:11

4d ago29:11

29:11

(~1600 BCE · Crete & the Aegean) The Narrator talks about the volcanic eruption of modern-day Santorini, and the tsunami that destroyed what today is called the Minoan civilization. Based on Chapter 10 of Beginning by Geoff Micks. For more information on this events in this week's episode than could be delivered in the narrative structure of the st…

1
Sam Wykes: Building Team Culture Through People, Not Facilities. A Sunwolves Casestudy. 1:13:09

8d ago1:13:09

1:13:09

What if the best culture you ever built came after a 90-point loss? That’s not a stunt—it’s the backbone of our Sunwolves story, where people, not facilities, carried an underdog through brutal travel, language barriers, and constant roster churn. We dig into a season that forced clarity. With 13 cultural backgrounds and minimal prep, we taught thr…

1
Define Culture Or Drift: Why Writing It Down Raises The Bar 14:30

8d ago14:30

14:30

Ever wonder why some teams lift their standards from the inside while others grind for results that never stick? We dig into a simple chain that explains it: vision shapes leadership, leadership shapes culture, culture shapes performance, and performance shapes legacy. The magic happens in the middle. Culture isn’t a side project or a mood; it’s th…

1
Turn the Tape Over & Discuss Young Love: The Tape Recorder Trilogy - S1E10 36:41

11d ago36:41

36:41

(~1650 BCE · Crete, the Aegean, & the Eastern Mediterranean) The Narrator tells of the fateful flight of Icarus, son of Daedalus, brother of Iapyx, and spurned suitor of Ariadne. It bears little resemblance to what Greek myth-makers would conjure up in centuries still to come. Based on Chapter 10 of Beginning by Geoff Micks. For more, visit my podc…

1
Ben Darwin: You Can't Out Coach the Numbers. Heres the Data to Prove it. 1:18:18

18d ago1:18:18

1:18:18

Ever notice how the “genius coach” story never mentions the stacked deck? We dig into the Monopoly Effect—a coin-flip advantage that people later mistake for skill—and use it to decode why some teams look unstoppable while others keep rebuilding without getting better. With Ben Darwin of Gain Line Analytics, we map the hidden architecture of perfor…

1
How to reduce the anxiety your players feel 11:00

15d ago11:00

11:00

The fastest way to unlock performance isn’t a new drill or a sharper playbook—it’s lowering the mental noise your athletes carry in with them. We share a simple story from a doctor’s office that proves how precise care changes state without changing a single variable on the whiteboard. That shift in state turns scattered attention into readiness, a…

1
A Family of Inventors: The Tape Recorder Trilogy - S1E09 29:46

24d ago29:46

29:46

(~1650 BCE · Crete, the Aegean, and the Eastern Mediterranean) The Narrator tells of the early days of his friendship with Daedalus and his sons Icarus and Iapyx, who are not as the myths remember them. Based on Chapter 9 of Beginning by Geoff Micks. Please note: The ending is a deliberate editing choice, not an error. For more, visit my podcast we…

1
Glen Jackson: Talent doesn't always win: Building culture in the Fijian Drua. 53:06

18d ago53:06

53:06

Glenn Jackson's remarkable rugby journey defies conventional paths. After an impressive playing career with Bay of Plenty, the Chiefs, and Saracens (where he earned Premiership Players Player of the Year), he pivoted to become a professional referee, officiating 32 Test matches before transitioning to coaching. Now head coach of the Fijian Drua, Ja…

1
Ken Grover: The World Is Your Classroom: How Rugby Tours Build Character. 58:28

22d ago58:28

58:28

Want to find out more for how to organise a school tour: https://gullivers.com.au/rugbyschooltours/ What happens when young athletes step outside their comfort zones and experience the world through the lens of rugby? Ken Grover, the 79-year-old founder of Gulliver's Travel, has been answering this question for over four decades through more than 4…

1
Season One Bonus Episode: The Tape Recorder Trilogy 20:31

29d ago20:31

20:31

A mid-season extra episode offering some updates and background on the podcast, a brief overview of other 'immortal human being' IPs including The Man from Earth, The Highlander, and The Boat of a Million Years, and ideas for future bonus content. For more, visit my podcast website and personal website. Follow me on Bluesky. Follow me on Substack. …

1
Where Did I Get This Thing?: The Tape Recorder Trilogy - S1E08 13:30

1M ago13:30

13:30

(2015 CE · Northern India) The Narrator explains how he came to purchase a tape recorder. Based on Chapter 8 of Beginning by Geoff Micks. For more, visit my podcast website and personal website. Follow me on Bluesky. Follow me on Substack. Join my Facebook page. Support me on Patreon. Credits: Voice Acting - Geoff Micks Editing - Geoff Micks Music …

1
Eddie Jones on culture, risk, and advice to all coaches. 1:01:39

25d ago1:01:39

1:01:39

Want a culture that actually lives on the field? We sat down with Eddie Jones to unpack the coaching choices that create real belonging, sharper decision-making, and braver rugby. From leaving a safe career to grinding through 100‑player university squads in Japan, Eddie shows how risk, clarity, and context build both teams and coaches who last. We…

1
How to Grow Leadership in Players who Don't Talk 13:42

1M ago13:42

13:42

Send us a text If you can SUBSCRIBE, RATE, and SHARE the show and series, you would be doing your bit to grow this show. Very appreciated. Ben To subscribe to the newsletter or to get a copy of the book, jump onto: www.coachingculture.com.au Support the show Share this show with your mates, rugby, coaches, leaders! Dont be shy.…

1
For My Next Trick? A Pension: The Tape Recorder Trilogy - S1E07 45:52

1M ago45:52

45:52

By Geoff Micks

1
Jimmy Gopperth: What the Best Do Differently. Coaching Insights from the Worlds Most Capped Player. 1:05:50

1M ago1:05:50

1:05:50

526 professional games ! How do elite rugby teams cultivate environments where players willingly run through brick walls for their coaches? Jimmy Gopperth, with an unprecedented 526 professional games across 23 years at the highest levels, provides rare insights into what truly builds championship team cultures. Drawing from experiences at powerhou…

1
Five Ways Great Coaches Anchor Teams in Tough Times 21:48

1M ago21:48

21:48

The hardest weeks test more than your game model—they test your culture. When results wobble and the temptation is to drown the room in clips, we take a different route: start with why, connect the people, and then coach the work. Drawing on stories from pro rugby and lessons from coaches who’ve been in the fire for decades, we map out five anchors…

1
Painted Priests and the Magician: The Tape Recorder Trilogy - S1E06 35:18

1M ago35:18

35:18

By Geoff Micks

1
Alando Soakai: Know your product, 'The game will take care of itself' 48:34

1M ago48:34

48:34

What transforms a drinking club with a rugby problem into championship winners? According to Alando Soakai, it begins with crystal-clear values that everyone truly lives by. In this captivating conversation, Alando takes us through his remarkable coaching journey from player-coach to his current roles with Moana Pacific and the Tonga national team.…

1
Finding Balance (Or Not) - trat. TrACY sAMAHA 1:09:29

1M ago1:09:29

1:09:29

In episode 219 of #dkLa! Pirate Radio, psychologist and entrepreneur Tracy Samaha returns to share her expertise on a critical topic: mental health in the workplace. Tracy has dedicated her career to raising awareness and guiding employers toward more supportive, inclusive environments for employees living with mental health disorders. From the myt…

1
The Gold You Didn’t Know You Were Mining 13:57

1M ago13:57

13:57

Have you ever had a moment when someone's casual comment completely transformed your thinking? In this deeply personal reflection, I share three unexpected insights from players that revolutionized my coaching philosophy over decades in professional rugby. The first revelation came in Japan, where after stubbornly trying to implement systems that w…

1
The Kind Lie: The Tape Recorder Trilogy - S1E05 23:14

2M ago23:14

23:14

By Geoff Micks

1
Dan McKellar on Discipline, Culture & The Dressing Shed 53:23

2M ago53:23

53:23

Have you ever wondered what truly makes a championship team culture? Dan McKellar, current Waratahs head coach with a coaching resume spanning the Brumbies, Wallabies, and Leicester Tigers, cuts through the noise with refreshing honesty and clarity. "Culture is just the actions of the people in the building," McKellar explains, offering a deceptive…

1
Ep # 218 If the Original Doesn’t Work, Choose the Pirated Version! (feat. Hal Parks)! 45:35

2M ago45:35

45:35

In Episode 218 of #dkLa! Pirate Radio, Hal Parks returns to the mic for a conversation about creativity, resilience, and taking the unconventional route. Drawing on the theme “If the Original Doesn’t Work, Choose the Pirated Version!” Hal opens up about his journey as a writer, living with ADHD, and finding strength in adaptation. With quotable gem…

1
Culture outlives coaches when you get these four elements right 26:23

2M ago26:23

26:23

Send us a text If you can SUBSCRIBE, RATE, and SHARE the show and series, you would be doing your bit to grow this show. Very appreciated. Ben To subscribe to the newsletter or to get a copy of the book, jump onto: www.coachingculture.com.au Support the show Share this show with your mates, rugby, coaches, leaders! Dont be shy.…

1
Stories of Stones: The Tape Recorder Trilogy - S1E04 39:35

2M ago39:35

39:35

By Geoff Micks

1
Pat Lam on Culture: Why Love Defines High-Performing Teams 59:39

2M ago59:39

59:39

What if the secret to building championship teams isn't found in tactics or talent, but in a single, powerful word? Pat Lam, architect of the Bristol Bears' transformation from strugglers to European powerhouse, offers a refreshing perspective on leadership that challenges conventional wisdom. At the heart of his philosophy lies an unexpected found…

1
Jim McKay: The Stresses and Strains of Professional coaching. How that Journey Shapes you. 1:14:12

2M ago1:14:12

1:14:12

What truly defines a coach's legacy? For Jim Mackay, it's not the championship trophies or international honors – it's the journey of becoming and the meaningful experiences along the way. In this enlightening conversation, Jim shares his remarkable path from coaching amateur clubs in England to leading the Queensland Reds to Super Rugby glory and …

1
My Father and My Wife: The Tape Recorder Trilogy - S1E03 22:10

2M ago22:10

22:10

By Geoff Micks

1
Ryan Schultz: The Path From Digging Holes to Elite Rugby Coaching 52:58

2M ago52:58

52:58

Ever wonder how a guy who started his working life digging holes transformed into a rising star in rugby coaching? Ryan Schultz's journey from manual laborer to head coach at Canberra Vikings reveals the gritty reality behind professional coaching success. In this illuminating conversation with host Ben Herring, Ryan peels back the curtain on his c…

1
Ep#217 Breaking the Icy Walls: A Story of Resilience and Hope (feat. Marnie Beauchamp) 1:07:48

2M ago1:07:48

1:07:48

O2FoKipHyzXcgLXYTLDu Episode 217 of #dkLa! Pirate Radio — Breaking the Icy Walls — is the audio discussion of my blog l.l.c.s.m. Rice Mishap, Cake Delight. It features a heartfelt conversation with Australian business leader, bestselling author, and mentor Marnie Beauchamp. Marnie’s journey is about persistence, grit, and finding light through hard…

1
REFLECTIONS: Off field equals on field 21:06

2M ago21:06

21:06

What makes championship teams truly exceptional? The answer might surprise you. It's not extraordinary talent, cutting-edge tactics, or even flawless execution during competition—it's what happens when nobody's keeping score. Drawing from Sam Vestey's remarkable success with Northampton Saints, this episode reveals how elite teams deliberately buil…

1
The Augur and the Chief: The Tape Recorder Trilogy - S1E02 42:01

2M ago42:01

42:01

By Geoff Micks

1
Greg Peters: The Shift Every Coach and Leader Must Make 51:16

2M ago51:16

51:16

What does it truly mean to build an authentic culture in high-performance sports? Greg Peters, whose remarkable 25-year career spans leadership roles at Bay of Plenty Rugby, New Zealand Rugby Union, the Hurricanes, Argentina Rugby, SANZAR, and now as CEO of New Zealand Rugby League, reveals the profound insights he's gathered from both sides of the…

1
Ep#216 I am a number! (feat. Geoff Micks) 1:31:23

2M ago1:31:23

1:31:23

In this episode of #dkLa! Pirate Radio, we dive deep into the theme ‘I Am a Number!’ with Geoff Micks. Geoff takes us through his journey as the Head of Content & Research for Executive Platforms, exploring how numbers dictateeverything from event logistics to the connections that make or break them.Along the way, we talk about the role of storytel…

1
Ep#215 Banned, Blocked and Bemused! (feat. Mayank Gangwar) 1:18:55

2M ago1:18:55

1:18:55

🎙️ #dkLa! Pirate Radio – Ep. 215 Banned, Blocked and Bemused ft. Mayank Gangwar In this eye-opening episode, Layeh speaks with Mayank Gangwar—an international poet, author, podcaster, publisher, and the creative mind behind Genius Words and Dear Paarijaat Podcast. Together, they unpack what it means to be a creator in an era of shadowbans, sudden t…

1
The Voice of an Impossible Person: The Tape Recorder Trilogy - S1E01 18:55

2M ago18:55

18:55

By Geoff Micks

1
Trailer: The Tape Recorder Trilogy 1:10

3M ago1:10

1:10

By Geoff Micks

1
Wal Herring: Feed Your Potential: Concussion, Womans high performance and Personalized Nutrition 1:13:48

2M ago1:13:48

1:13:48

If you want to book Wal for your team you can reach her here: [email protected] or check out her womans wellness programs here: Walherring.com What if everything you see on your body was made from what you ate at some point? This profound insight from sports nutritionist Wal Herring serves as the foundation for a revolutionary approach to nutritio…

1
Mike Friday: Rugby Is What You Do, Not Who You Are 1:04:12

3M ago1:04:12

1:04:12

What does it really mean to build a winning culture in sports? Few coaches can answer this question with the depth and global perspective of Mike Friday, international rugby sevens coach whose 25-year journey has taken him from England to Kenya to a decade with USA Rugby. "Culture is a group of individuals that have alignment in the way they go abo…

1
REFLECTIONS: The Power of Team Cohesion 15:11

3M ago15:11

15:11

The quest for high performance in team sports often leads coaches down the wrong path. What if the secret to winning isn't about collecting the most talented individuals, but something far more fundamental? Ben Darwin's groundbreaking research through Gainline Analytics has produced a data goldmine that challenges conventional wisdom about building…

1
Chris Boyd: Leadership Trumps Management 1:04:06

3M ago1:04:06

1:04:06

What if everything you thought about building team culture was wrong? Chris Boyd, the celebrated coach who transformed teams from the Hurricanes to Northampton Saints, challenges conventional wisdom by arguing that "culture grows organically and internally" rather than being imposed from above. Drawing from decades of experience across multiple con…

1
REFLECTIONS Interpersonal Sensitivity (The Secret Weapon of Elite Coaches) 23:15

3M ago23:15

23:15

The difference between good coaches and great ones isn't found in tactical knowledge or technical expertise—it's their ability to read people. This fascinating exploration of interpersonal sensitivity reveals why the world's elite coaches prioritize human connection before anything else. High-performance manager Chris Webb, who has worked with mult…

1
Joey Mongalo: Learn from Everyone, Everywhere: The World as Your Leadership Library 1:06:27

3M ago1:06:27

1:06:27

What makes a great coach? Joey Mongalo, defense coach at the Sharks in Durban, doesn't hesitate when answering this question: it's the ability to understand context, connect authentically, and treat leadership as a core skill rather than a "soft" one. Joey brings extraordinary perspective to coaching culture as someone with both elite rugby coachin…

1
REFLECTIONS Taming Your Coach's Ego 18:05

3M ago18:05

18:05

The silent opponent every coach must face isn't on the field—it's within. This episode dives deep into the complex relationship coaches have with their egos and how mastering (not eliminating) this powerful force can transform your leadership. Drawing from wisdom shared by elite coaches like Steve Hansen and John Wooden, we explore the crucial dist…

1
Seilala Mapusua: Understanding Polynesian Players. 46:45

3M ago46:45

46:45

Seilala Mapusua takes us on a profound journey through the cultural landscapes of rugby, drawing from his remarkable career spanning from Samoa to New Zealand's Otago, London Irish in England, and Japan's Kubota Spears. At the heart of this conversation lies a powerful coaching philosophy: "Connect with the person, then you can coach the player." M…

1
James Doleman: How Referees Shape Rugby's Culture Beyond the Rules 1:07:28

3M ago1:07:28

1:07:28

When James Dolman steps onto a rugby field to referee a test match, he carries years of mental preparation, relationship-building, and self-reflection with him. In this revealing conversation with Ben Herring, Dolman takes us behind the scenes of elite officiating, exploring the psychological challenges that come with making split-second decisions …