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

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

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

Henry returns with his second guest, Matty Jackson of Liverpool CC, for a chat focused on captaincy in the club game. Support the show

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

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

Mark considers what is left unsaid during Mental Health Awareness Week Support the show

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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)

Warwickshire's Eve Jones was the guest for the second of the 2022 Pre Season Series sessions. Topics discussed included: - Routines for batting - The challenges of The Hundred - Switching off from the game Support the show (http://www.openingupcricket.com/shop)

Kent keeper/batter Ollie joined us for the first of the 2022 Pre Season Series sessions. We discussed: Managing the demands of professional cricket Preparation as a keeper/batter Staying mentally healthy Support the show (http://www.openingupcricket.com/shop)

Derbyshire pace bowler Dustin opened up on the realities of dealing with injuries. He spoke about the impact at the time, through rehab to the longer term mental challenges. An important insight to a topic that needs more discussion. Support the show (http://www.openingupcricket.com/shop)

Jon Northcroft is an Opening Up Cricket trustee and football writer. In this episode he talks us the art of ghost writing, something he has done most recently for Peter Schmeichel, including: What it actually is and the process involvedStaying true to what the person is sayingListening skillsThe parallels with counselling and therapyLessons learned from hearing the inner thoughts of someone elseSupport the show (http://www.openingupcricket.com/shop)