Episodes
Change can be exciting, it can be daunting. Ethan and Tom share their reflections on their experiences of transitions such as moving clubs, new roles and fluctuations in form.Support the show
Published 10/22/24
Published 10/13/24
We're glad to have our one hundredth episode on the pleasure of playing cricket. In the case of our guest Chris Laker, this happens to have been at the top of the club game in England. The positives discussed can be applied to anyone playing the game, whatever the standard.If this is your first listen or you've taken in all episodes so far, thank you.Support the show
Published 10/13/24
Cricket gives us a vital chance to take time away from our screens and properly connect with others. Mark gives his view on this increasingly important issue in this episode.---------Jonathan Haidt was mentioned in this episode. You can read about his work on youth phone use here and in a similar vein there is a perspective from the US surgeon general here Support the Show.
Published 07/10/24
The second episode on this theme has Opening Up Cricket trustee & Sunday Times Football Correspondent Jon Northcroft sharing from another sport. We hear a range from Fergie to Guardiola on how wellbeing and team bonds are forged at the top level of football. It's fascinating to think about what we can learn from these examples. Support the show
Published 02/29/24
This pre season, we have a focus on how team environments can best support their members. To start with, Ethan Bamber draws on his experiences in the professional games, as we aim to find the ways we can all look out for those around us. Support the show
Published 02/18/24
Ethan and Tom shared their reflections on how the close season changes how they see themselves.  This was recorded just before their return to pre season training at Middlesex and Sussex. Support the show
Published 11/07/23
Henry returns with his second guest, Matty Jackson of Liverpool CC, for a chat focused on captaincy in the club game. Support the show
Published 11/03/23
Thanks to Henry Eccles of Southport & Birkdale CC for this chat with his club's former overseas player Will Affleck, reflecting on the realities and pressures that can feature in the weekend game. Support the show
Published 10/26/23
Clevedon CC in Somerset have seen success with their own scheme to promote mental wellbeing through cricket at their club. Dan, the lead for this,  joined Mark to share the background and strategies used. Support the show
Published 08/11/23
Mark considers what is left unsaid during Mental Health Awareness Week Support the show
Published 05/18/23
The second Coaches Conversation focuses on passion and how far it can take you. We got a look at this from a rugby union perspective with guest Adam Canning of Old Leamingtonians RFC joining Mark to share his thoughts. Support the show
Published 04/03/23
Our first Coaches Conversation was recorded last night (26.03) with burnout being the topic. Chris Laker, who works with Lancashire CCC pathway and in club cricket, joined Mark to share his thoughts. Support the show
Published 03/27/23
Ethan spoke with friend and current team mate down under Miles Hammond, of Gloucestershire CCC. Topics included... - Life as an overseas player - Finding the balance between cricket and the rest of life - How talking therapy made the difference Support the show
Published 01/31/23
Identity,  particularly how much we define ourselves by our job, is a topic of almost endless discussion. Sussex keeper/batter Tom Alsop gave his insight to Mark during this episode. The focus was on how over the course of his career, he has come to see himself as more than just a cricketer. Support the show
Published 01/10/23
Mark reflects on a personal experience of going beyond what was healthy to commit to. The books mentioned in this episode were: Mike Yardy- The Hard Yards Brene Brown- Daring Greatly Tim Cantopher- Depressive Illness: The Curse Of The Strong  Support the show
Published 01/03/23
Josh Sivier, known across social media as 'The WK Coach' shared with Mark his passion for wicket keeping, as a player and coach. Topics include: Technical fundamentals Resilience The love of the game Support the show
Published 11/12/22
Sean chatted with Mark about the reality of playing Grade, or as it is now known, Premier Cricket in Australia. Having played at first class and international level, it was interesting to hear his perspective on the club game. Topic discussed include: * Creating the ideal environment * The intensity compared to the professional game * Adapting from other levels of cricket Support the show
Published 10/18/22
Tara Norris of Sussex, Southern Vipers, Southern Brave and the USA joined Mark to discuss: Her transition into professional cricket Routine and structure Self motivation  Support the show
Published 08/24/22
What is your coaching philosophy? Mark shares how Carl Rogers, more familiar in the counselling world, has helped shape his. The blog post mentioned in the episode can be found here  Support the show
Published 08/09/22
Ex England, Yorkshire and Notts bowler Ryan Sidebottom joined us for the final Pre Season Series session.  Topics discussed included: Stepping up to playing for England Responding to difficulties in cricket Being open about mental ill health Support the show
Published 07/05/22
Gloucestershire & England keeper James Bracey was the fifth guest for the Pre Season Series earlier this year. We're glad to share it here now after a delay. Topics discussed included: Adapting to new environments Supporting team mates Work/life balance Support the show
Published 07/01/22
Middlesex bowler Ethan and former Lancashire & Leicestershire batter discuss opening the innings, dealing with setbacks and the identity of a professional cricketer. Support the show (http://www.openingupcricket.com/shop)
Published 04/10/22