In our first episode of season 2 we had the privilege of chatting to Dr Michael Malone. Brad first met Michael in his 4th year of university, when he worked under Michael on a project at Dundee United Community Trust. Michael discusses many of the projects DUCT have been doing over the years and their connection to wellbeing and mental health in the community. We also get to discuss Micheal's PhD research which focuses on shared understanding and shared mental models - this might sound confusing, but trust us, Michael breaks this down in simplistic terms with reference to real life examples. Michael also discusses how he has put some of his research into practice in his current role as a sport and exercise science (psychology) lecturer at Robert Gordon University. As always on the pod, our guest provides several tips for young athletes and those aspiring to work in the world of sport. We hope you enjoy! Feel free to contact Michael for more info: LinkedIn: Dr Michael Malone Twitter: @DrMichaelMalone Course Twitter: @RGUASES_Coach Talking Points 1 . Intro and welcome to episode (00:00 - 3:01) 2. Michael's experience in sport growing up (3:01 - 6:22) 3. Pursuing a career in sport psychology (6:22 - 12:41) 4. Working at Dundee United Community Trust (12:41 - 23:49) 5. Shared understanding in football (23:49 - 34:09) 6. Putting research into practice (34:09 - 42:16) 7. Research in barriers to sport participation (42:16 - 45:55) 8. Players and coaches perceptions of sport psychology (45:55 - 50:55) 9. Being a sport psychology lecturer (50:55 - 54:40) 10. Biggest influences (54:40 - 56:30) 11. Tips for looking after your wellbeing (56:30 - 58:57) 12. Tips for academy players (58:57 - 1:01:04) 13. Closing thoughts (1:01:04 - 1:02:11) 14. Brad and Toni's key takeaways (1:02:11 - 1:09:11)