The Petey Performance Podcast

In this solo episode, Pete takes you behind the scenes of balancing business and personal life. He discusses a recent golf day with GAA pros, sharing the highs and insights from the event, delves into a strength conference he attended, offering a deep dive into the topics discussed, networking experiences and practical advice for fellow coaches and athletes. Plus, Pete provides a personal update, including exciting news about his imminent move to Australia. Whether you’re interested in sports, strength and conditioning or the journey of a professional coach, this episode offers real, actionable insights.

In this solo episode of The Petey Performance Podcast, Pete dives into the mechanics of running and the intricacies of hamstring tendinopathy, offering valuable insights for athletes and coaches alike. He also explores the importance of trust and community in coaching and discusses how to provide top tier service to build a successful business. Plus, Pete answers audience questions, touches on Olympic inspiration, and highlights the role of mindset in recovery.

In this episode, Pete shares key insights on running a successful business on social media, including hitting the milestone of 6000 Instagram followers, going viral and creating valuable content.He gives an update on his golf journey and hints at exciting developments for The Backdoor Cut Podcast, without giving too much away. Pete explores the concept of culture, offers top book recommendations for coaches & athletes interested in facilitating the development of a group and dives deep into a lecture on leadership and team culture from the Petey Performance Virtual Mentorship!

In this episode Peter delves into the biomechanics of acceleration and deceleration, crucial concepts for athletes and coaches, and breaks down the details of movement mechanics and their impact on performance. This episode also features promotion for the Petey Performance Virtual Mentorship. If you’re interested in personalised coaching and mentorship, message “Mentorship” on Instagram @PeteyPerformance to start the conversation. Whether you’re into sports, coaching and/or strength and conditioning, this episode is packed with valuable insights and practical advice.

In this episode of The Petey Performance Podcast, Peter Wright sits down with S&C Coach Adrian O’Brien, to discuss a range of topics crucial to coaches in the world of GAA, hurling and beyond. They explore the challenges of starting and running a business during COVID, the importance of human connection in coaching and the dangers of athletes becoming too manufactured. Adrian shares insights on increasing participation levels, balancing team training with S&C roles and the significance of stats and KPIs. They also delve into skill acquisition, building a strong team culture and what it takes to be an inter-county athlete.

In this episode of The Petey Performance Podcast, Peter Wright sits down with S&C Coach Adrian O’Brien, to discuss a range of topics crucial to coaches in the world of GAA, hurling and beyond. They explore the challenges of starting and running a business during COVID, the importance of human connection in coaching and the dangers of athletes becoming too manufactured. Adrian shares insights on increasing participation levels, balancing team training with S&C roles and the significance of stats and KPIs. They also delve into skill acquisition, building a strong team cultur and what it takes to be an inter-county athlete.

In this episode, Peter talks with Ciaran Sloan, a seasoned strength and conditioning coach. They delve into the intricacies of football and the structures of GAA, discussing how these impact player development. Ciaran shares his expertise on the evolution of strength and conditioning in sports, highlighting key strategies particularly for ACL rehabilitation. Whether you’re an athlete, coach, or sports enthusiast, this episode offers valuable insights into enhancing athletic performance and effective recovery methods.

In this special 150th episode of The Petey Performance Podcast, Peter reflects on reaching this major milestone, discusses the challenges of juggling this podcast with co-hosting The Backdoor Cut Podcast, shares exciting updates on his future plans for the podcast and his business, offers his take on England's performance in the Euros and emphasises the importance of decision-making in both business and coaching. Listen now for a celebratory episode filled with reflections, insights and a look ahead at what's to come.

In this episode of The Petey Performance Podcast, I explore the vision, mission, and values that drive both my personal life and my business. Discover how these elements intertwine and the incredible benefits of living in alignment with your core values. I also share an overview of my journey as a business owner, highlighting key lessons learned along the way. Whether you’re passionate about sports, coaching, fitness, or athletic development, this episode offers valuable insights and inspiration to elevate both your personal and professional journey.

In this solo episode, I provide an update on the future of the podcast and the overall direction of my business. I share 20 invaluable lessons I’ve learned over the years about injury, rehabilitation and athlete’s returning to play. It’s packed with personal insights and practical advice, making it a must-listen for anyone involved in sports performance and athlete development.

This week I’m joined by Gerard O’Donnell, a renowned coach guiding Ireland’s elite athletes towards the Olympics and international championships. We delve into the intricacies of coaching, with a detailed discussion on athletics and the emergence of a golden generation of Irish athletes. Gerard shares his insights on the significance of personal branding for athletes and what the Irish public can expect from their representatives at the upcoming Olympics. Tune in for an inspiring conversation filled with expert advice and forward-looking perspectives on the future of Irish athletics. You can find out more about Gerard and his coaching philosophy over at godspeed.ie

In this episode, I discuss the benefits, and offer insights into hybrid coaching, which combines online guidance with in-person sessions, illustrating its effectiveness through my recent hands-on training and return to play with various athletes, including discussions on rehabilitation and performance enhancement across different sports. I also provide personal insights into coaching philosophies and the nuanced approach needed for individual athlete development. The second part of the episode features a Q&A segment, addressing topics such as managing on-field sessions, adjusting running technique with the goal of improving efficiency, and tips for starting a sports performance-related social media page online. Time-Stamps: 01.06 - Hybrid Coaching 11:29 - Fast to Fit protocol & Game simulation 20:15 - Q& A 21:19 - Programming Templates 45:20 - Mistakes I've Made on Social Media

In this solo episode I discuss the importance of personal branding and social media utilisation for athletes, highlighting how creating a strong personal brand can open opportunities for both professional and amateur athletes worldwide. I discuss the mechanics of building a personal brand, the impacts on one's career and business, and the broader implications on the sports' popularity, particularly focusing on the sports of the GAA. Special insights are drawn from Gaelic football, hurling and ladies Gaelic football with a comparative look at athlete branding practices in Australia. I also use some examples of Irish athletes that have created strong personal brands for themselves, which have in turn benefitted both themselves and their sport at large! Time-Stamps: 02:11 - Comparative Branding Insights from Australia 03:02 - Personal Branding: Opportunities and Challenges 05:52 - Insights from Gaelic Football and Hurling 06:34 - Impact on Sport Popularity and Marketing 10:16 - The Business of Personal Branding 31:22 - Future Directions for Athletes and Branding

This week I’m joined on the podcast by Fermanagh Senior Footballer and online S&C coach, Brenda Bannon. We begin with a conversation around her current hamstring tendinopathy and what she has been doing to address it and get back to full fitness! Brenda opens up about the challenges and triumphs of her rehabilitation so far. She shares the nitty-gritty of her current tailored rehab regimen, what she’s learned through the injury and the nuances of her hamstring rig sessions provided by the GPA. We follow that by going into the intricate balance of maintaining her athletic performance while juggling her commitment to helping others as an online coach. We delve into the mental side of performance and leadership. With the wisdom of someone who has navigated the peaks and valleys of a long competitive career so far, she speaks to the power of maintaining a growth mindset. Her transition from radiography to strength and conditioning coaching illustrates a bold leap, guided by passion and a desire to impact the lives of athletes more profoundly. This is a particularly individual journey and one that Brenda is proud to speak about candidly. Tackling personal challenges like social anxiety and professional pressures, Brenda offers an unflinchingly honest look at the hurdles of building a personal brand and the emotional toll of a public persona. This episode peels back the layers on how she manages these aspects and the importance of her use of therapy and sports psychology in the past. Brenda speaks about the ebbs and flows of personal development and finding gratitude amid adversity. We finish off with a discussion about her burgeoning career in S&C coaching, providing a beacon of inspiration for those navigating their paths in sports, leadership, or any field driven by a quest for excellence. Time-Stamps 0:00 - Hamstring Rehab and Performance Strategies 9:57 - Growth Mindset in Sports and Leadership 15:39 - Transitioning to S&C & Career Pressures 27:48 - Social Anxiety and Personal Development 38:47 - Journey of Growth and Gratitude 45:42 - Passion for Strength and Conditioning Coaching 1:00:26 - Personal Growth and Coaching Journey

How does an elite athlete in one sport, that’s just won the ultimate prize of the All-Ireland Final, transition into a completely new sport, as a beginner, in just under a week? How does that athlete then go on to not only develop new skills and earn a position in the starting team, but go on to win a Premiership with her new club in her first season? Jennifer Dunne is a trailblazer, a first of her kind and an incredibly open conversationalist, which is why this conversation is a must not miss for any athlete or fan in Ireland or Australia. Join us as Jennifer, the primary school teacher and All-Ireland winning Dublin-midfielder, shares her extraordinary journey of triumph in Ireland followed by an adventurous chapter and ultimately successful first season in Australia in the AFLW. From the whirlwind of her All-Ireland victory celebrations to the subsequent plunge into the Australian lifestyle and the Aussie Rules fields, she paints a picture of 2023 that would make any athlete jealous. However, her heartfelt reflections on the challenges and exhilaration of the transitions are as inspiring as they are insightful. Navigating the world of elite sports requires more than just physical prowess; it's a mental game that champions like Jennifer find balance in with grace and resilience. In our conversation, we unpack the complexities of adapting to different team cultures, the art of compartmentalising emotions for peak performance, and the humility needed to approach each new season as a fresh start. Jennifer's perspective on the Irish influence in the AFLW, coupled with the debate over capping international talent, offers a thoughtful look at the cultural and professional enticements of playing abroad versus the innate passion for representing your club and county in the amateur world of Gaelic games. Jennifer gives us a glimpse into the significant role off-field relationships play in on-field success with both Dublin and Brisbane Lions. Playing with your teammates is one thing, playing with your best friends is something entirely different and more powerful. Through her experiences, we touch on broader themes of travel, emigration, and striking a balance between life as an athlete and the necessity for breaks and self-care. As Jennifer expresses her pride in promoting Ladies Gaelic Football and her hopes to inspire the next generation, listeners will find themselves moved by a story that transcends sports, embodying the universal values of adaptation, connection, and resilience. Time-Stamps 0:00 - Moving Overseas 7:32 - Transitioning Between Gaelic Football and Aussie Rules 17:38 - Irish Players in AFLW 23:20 - Parallels between Brisbane Lions & Dublin GAA 30:01 - Building Team Bonds for Success 41:40 - Time Off and Traveling Abroad 44:25 - Irish Athlete's Experience in Australia 51:24 - Promoting Ladies Gaelic Football 56:56 - Achievements, Lessons, and Role Models

Caught off guard by a health scare on my journey back to the Ireland, I share some insight into what lessons I have learned from navigating that particular challenge. I also share some of my plans for the coming months at home and talk about what excites me about being back on Erin’s isle. However, the focus of this episode is not on myself, it’s on the challenges of athlete rehabilitation in the online space, where the blend of quality and consistency sets the tone for how quickly they can recover and return to competition. There are many nuances to effective coaching and one of the most important is how we communicate. It’s power is underestimated and the skill of communication is often under-trained and not focused on by coaches and practitioners alike. Every word, every gesture carries weight, and finding the right balance is both an art and a science. I also explore the coach-athlete relationship, delving into the psychological factors and resilience needed in the face of injury and the skills of listening, empathy and trust that help the athlete to succeed in their struggles against adversity. Time Stamps 0:00 - Health Scare Traveling Home 7:00 - Quality and Consistency in Rehabilitation 16:52 - Athlete Training and Coaching Dynamics 31:06 - Optimism, Resilience, and Athlete Recovery 36:37 - Effective Communication Strategies in Coaching 40:08 - Mentorship 47:24 - Athlete Recovery and Coaching Opportunities

This week I share my extraordinary experiences with two of the world’s most successful rugby 7s teams, the All Blacks Sevens and the Black Ferns Sevens, and the profound professional and personal insights gained from my couple of days spent shadowing with them in Mount Maunganui. My adventures this month didn't stop there; the lessons learned from the GWS Giants and the dynamics in AFL teams like Collingwood Magpies and NRL’s finest, Wests Tigers have profoundly influenced my approach to teamwork and leadership. With valuable contributions from Peter Hughes in NZ and other experts in Oz, we delve into the critical balance of collaboration and privacy in the workplace, helping athletes to fulfil their potential while maintaining a focus on connecting with them on a personal level as well. Within this episode, I unravel the art of fostering a family-first culture that aligns with the team’s and community’s values. I share my experiences from two very different professional setups and hopefully impart some wisdom that I have been so lucky to garner on my travels around Australasia. Hopefully you’ll learn the importance of fostering athlete autonomy and the necessity for coaches to build trust with their athletes first before imparting their wisdom and seeking to help. Join me for these stories and strategies that might just change the game for you too. Time-Stamps 00:00 - Professional Development and Cultural Insights 13:45 - Key Lessons From GWS Giants 18:44 - Effective Communication and Leadership in Sports 30:40 - Developing Positive Habits in Athletes 38:08 - Leadership, Culture, and Skill Development 45:15 - Life Updates

When life hurls a curveball, some of us catch it and change the game. That's exactly what Ian Reeves, formerly of the Gaelic Players Association and now with the South Sydney Rabbitohs, did when he joined the world of Australia’s National Rugby League. Join us for an intimate conversation where Ian gets candid about the highs and lows of his international leap in coaching psychology, and the unexpected conversations that catapulted him from Ireland to Australia. Discover the day-to-day grind that powers a top NRL team and the personal anecdotes that map Ian's incredible journey of adaptability and learning on the fly. Ian goes into detail on the multifaceted role of a psychologist working with elite athletes and walks us through the evolution of athlete support, detailing the fine balance between enhancing mental skills for peak performance and providing therapeutic aid. Ian offers insights into how he fosters an environment that encourages athletes to be open, how he builds and maintains strong relationships and offers his playbook for maintaining mental well-being amidst the pressures of professional sports. Wrapping things up with robust insights, Ian Reeves emphasises the importance of nurturing a life beyond the field. He spotlights NRL star Latrell Mitchell's approach to dual career development, illustrating the power of having diverse interests and preparing for life after sports. Tune in to this episode for a blend of heartfelt storytelling and actionable advice that's sure to provide you with some actionable insights for the long game ahead. Time-stamps 0:07 - Transition From GPA to NRL 8:11 - Supporting Athletes Through Mental Skills 19:05 - Building Relationships and Communication 32:14 - Personal Development and Relationships Abroad 36:34 - Setting Boundaries in Conversations With Athletes 47:24 - Professional vs Amateur Approach 52:39 - Athletic Identity and Dual Career Development

This week I sit down with All-Ireland winner and new GWS Giant recruit Éilish O’Dowd. Éilish’s story is an interesting one as she is the only All-Ireland winner to have transferred to her adopted county of Dublin and won the championship in the same-season! Following a stellar year last year, she’s swapped the Gaelic football field for the Australian Rules oval and has just begun her journey with the Giants in the AFLW. Éilish provides us with unprecedented insights into the complexities of adapting to new teammates year after year as she fills us in on her journey. Éilish discusses the challenges of mastering a new sport and how her Gaelic prowess gives her an edge in some aspects of AFLW. Having just beaten the Giant’s previous record in the 1.6km time trial, she goes into depth on why she enjoys the aspects of the game that allow her to run in open field. Her anecdotes paint a vivid picture how she aims to grasp the sport's intricacies and the parallels between the elite athleticism demanded in both AFLW and Gaelic football. Advice from fellow Irish players who've navigated this path into Aussie rules has had a profound impact on Éilish. With the standout message being the journey is as much about patience and joy as it is about skill and strategy. Transitioning isn't just about learning the sports tactics; it's a full-on emotional rollercoaster. Uprooting from Dublin to Sydney is no easy decision and Éilish goes into detail on the many variables that she had to consider before taking her next step. We also touch on her beginnings in Leitrim, her love of her home county and her initial concerns with transferring club from Ballinamore to Na Fianna. Her candid insights into the realities of burnout in sport paint a real picture of why many athletes have chosen to change clubs in recent years and highlight the dangers of pursuing a route that doesn’t serve you for too long. This podcast provides fantastic insights for any young athletes that are struggling with similar issues or are venturing on similar journeys. Time-Stamps 0:00 - Transitioning into the GWS Giants 7:26 - Learning a New Sport 19:15 - From Dublin to Sydney 28:32 - Club Transfer & Culture Shock 43:10 - Community, Athletics, and Family

This week I sat down with Niamh Kelly of the Adelaide Crows, to talk about her experiences over the off-season, travelling home to Ireland and back Oz, before she’s expected back for pre-season. Niamh shares how she aims to achieve balance between taking a mental break and staying in top shape for the upcoming season. We speak in-depth about all that Niamh has learned over the last 4 years in Australia playing in the AFLW. We also cover her relationships with other AFLW players, such as her sister Grace and former podcast guests, Paris McCarthy & Julie O’Sullivan. Niamh touches on the mentorship that players receive smooths the transition into the league, the evolution of her game, and the focus areas that are critical to her ongoing success. We delve into how Niamh stays grounded and the importance of a strong support network in coming back from serious injuries through the trials of rehabilitation. We go into the added spice that comes with playing against her sister and former Mayo teammates in a new professional sport, and the 'banter' that often comes as part and parcel of the game. Niamh’s positive attitude and clear passion for her athletic endeavours make it apparent why she has been successful, both on and off the field. Join us for an episode that makes it clear just what it takes to succeed as a professional athlete in a country away from home! *Time-Stamps* 0:00 - Niamh’s Off-season Training and Adventures 3:57 - Learning and Growing in the AFLW 9:58 - Niamh’s Journey Towards AFL Success so far 21:59 - AFLW from an Irish Perspective 29:28 - Australian vs Irish Culture and Self-Belief 41:54 - Ideas to Grow Both AFLW & Ladies Gaelic Football 49:39 - Balancing Work and Life in Sport