Explore every episode of the podcast How to Strive - with Nick Adkins
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dan Clark - The BRIT School | 15 Oct 2026 | 00:51:49 | |
What does it take to help someone discover their potential, and build a future on their own terms? If you feel inspired to understand the great work happening at Brit you can visit the website www.BRIT.school You can also email info@brit.school and follow the School on instagram @thebritschool In this episode of How to Strive, I’m joined by Dan Clark from the BRIT School, the renowned performing and creative arts school that has helped develop talent across music, theatre, dance and the wider creative industries. Dan and I explore what it means to create environments where people can thrive, the importance of understanding and celebrating who you are, and how the right people, opportunities and experiences can shape the direction of your life. We discuss awareness, alignment, adversity and action, exploring how young people can turn their aspirations into meaningful progress. We also look beyond the success stories and ask what it really means to succeed, why collaboration matters, how we learn from setbacks, and the role educators and leaders play in helping others realise their potential. Whether you’re a coach, educator, leader, parent or someone striving to become a better version of yourself, this conversation offers valuable reflections on developing people, creating opportunities and helping others find their path. Because striving for better isn’t simply about becoming the best. It’s about understanding who you are, discovering what matters to you, elevating others and taking purposeful steps towards the person you want to become. Start Striving at | |||
| Tom Hartley - Who's Coaching the Coach? | 16 Aug 2026 | 00:36:13 | |
What if the biggest opportunity to improve your coaching isn't another qualification, another session plan or another coaching course? What if it's learning to understand yourself? In this episode of How to Strive, I'm joined by Tom Hartley, an experienced coach, coach developer and leader who has spent more than 20 years working across football, professional sport and coach development. Tom's journey has taken him from coaching in grassroots and professional football, into coach development across Olympic and motorsport. We explore a question that sits at the heart of sustainable development: Who's coaching the coach? We talk about reflection, self-awareness, curiosity and the importance of having people around you who can challenge your thinking rather than simply tell you what to do. 🪞 Why coaches need people who can hold up a mirror rather than provide all the answers. 🧠 How reflection can change your coaching practice. ❓ Why asking better questions may be more powerful than having better answers. 🤝 The importance of relationships, trust and connection in coach development. 🌱 How coaches can continue to grow when they are already experienced. ⚽ What football can learn from coaching across different sports. And perhaps most importantly: How do we create the conditions that allow coaches to strive? This is a conversation for coaches who are ambitious, curious and willing to challenge themselves. Whether you're coaching grassroots football, working in an academy, leading a team, developing other coaches or simply trying to become better at what you do, there will be something here for you. Because becoming a better coach isn't about arriving at a destination. It's about staying curious enough to keep moving. Keep Striving. Start Striving at | |||
| Dr. Jamie Taylor | 30 Jul 2026 | 00:40:43 | |
In this episode of How To Strive, I’m joined by Dr Jamie Taylor, a leading coach developer, researcher and educator whose work sits at the intersection of coaching, skill acquisition, talent development and expertise. Jamie has coached at the highest levels of sport, worked extensively in coach development and now researches what actually makes expert coaches different. His work has included collaboration with organisations across elite sport, including the Premier League, professional rugby and Olympic sport. And this conversation goes much deeper than simply asking: "How do we become better coaches?" We explore what it really means to develop expertise. How do we create environments where coaches and athletes can continue to learn, adapt and strive? This is a conversation for coaches, coach developers, athletes, leaders, teachers and anyone interested in how humans develop expertise. If you've ever wondered: "What could I do differently to become better at what I do?" This episode is for you. 🎧 Listen now. And as always... Keep Striving. Start Striving at | |||
| The Sunday Strive | 14 Jun 2026 | 00:10:45 | |
In a world where we are constantly moving, achieving, reacting and rushing into the next challenge, one of the most powerful skills we can develop is the ability to pause, reflect and intentionally choose our next step. Welcome to the Sunday Strive, a guided weekly practice designed to help you look back with curiosity, learn from your experiences and create intentional action for the week ahead. In this episode, we explore how reflection transforms everyday experiences into meaningful learning and how taking time to notice the small moments can create significant change over time. Together, we will explore: 📝 Reflecting without judgement 🏆 Recognising your wins and progress 🧠 Turning experiences into learning 🧭 Creating direction for the week ahead ⚡ Building behaviours that support your goals Because striving is not about creating a perfect life. It is about creating awareness. It is about making intentional choices. It is about becoming slightly better, consistently. The most successful people and teams do not simply experience life — they learn from it. So grab your journal, find a quiet moment and give yourself the opportunity to reflect, reset and refocus. Ask yourself: Where am I going? Because: Direction + Alignment + Effort = Striving 🎧 Join this weekly reflection practice and take one intentional step towards becoming the person you are capable of becoming. Start Striving at | |||
| Creating and developing winning teams - Nigel Adkins | 21 May 2026 | 00:57:34 | |
In this episode of How to Strive, I sit down with Nigel Adkins to explore the leadership, culture and human behaviours behind sustained success in elite sport. Nigel shares the lessons and principles that helped him guide Southampton FC from League One to the Premier League with back-to-back promotions, stabilise Hull City after relegation, and achieve promotions and play-off success with Scunthorpe United F.C. Together, we dive into:
This conversation is packed with insight for:
Nigel’s humility, clarity and leadership shine throughout this episode, offering a rare look into the human side of elite performance and team development. If you want to understand what truly drives successful teams, not just for moments, but sustainably over time, this episode is for you. 🎧 Listen now and discover how ownership, culture and leadership shape teams capable of striving together towards meaningful success. Start Striving at | |||
| Mindset | 19 Apr 2026 | 00:06:10 | |
Why do some people grow through challenge… while others shrink from it? In this episode of How to Strive, we explore the powerful concept of mindset, inspired by the work of Dr Carol Dweck, and how it quietly shapes your performance, progress and potential. We break down the difference between a fixed mindset and a growth mindset, and more importantly, how both show up in your everyday life, often without you even realising it. This isn’t just theory. You’ll learn how to:
Because striving isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being willing to learn, adapt, and grow, again and again. If you’ve ever avoided a challenge, doubted yourself, or felt stuck in your progress… This episode will help you shift your thinking and more importantly, your actions. The mindset you choose today… shapes the life you build tomorrow. Start Striving at | |||
| Alignment | 31 Mar 2026 | 00:05:54 | |
How to Strive: Aligning Your Behaviours to the Outcome Most people know what they want. In this episode of How to Strive, we explore the powerful connection between outcomes, identity and daily behaviours and why this is the missing link for so many people striving for more. Drawing on the work of James Clear and Simon Sinek, this episode breaks down how to:
This isn’t about setting better goals. Because success isn’t found in big moments, it’s built through small, consistent actions aligned with purpose. If you’ve ever felt stuck, inconsistent, or disconnected from your goals… This episode will help you close the gap between intention and action. Start Striving at | |||
| Direction | 08 Mar 2026 | 00:06:44 | |
What if the biggest barrier to progress isn’t effort… but direction? In this episode of How to Strive, we explore why clarity is the foundation of meaningful progress and how aligning your actions with your purpose allows your effort to truly matter. Using the simple equation Direction + Alignment + Maximum Effort = Striving, this episode breaks down how you can move beyond being busy and start moving forward with intention. Drawing on ideas such as the famous quote from Lao Tzu “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step” , we explore how taking the right first step requires reflection, clarity and purpose. We also explore the Japanese concept of Ikigai, helping you consider where passion, skill, meaning and opportunity intersect in your life. Throughout the episode, you’ll learn practical frameworks to help you turn direction into action, including: • Thinking in macro, meso and micro planning If you’ve ever felt busy but unsure if you’re moving in the right direction, this episode will help you slow down, reflect and take the next step with intention. Because striving isn’t about doing more. It’s about moving forward with purpose. Start Striving at | |||
| How we learn | 01 Mar 2026 | 00:08:00 | |
Why do we forget so much of what we learn… and what actually makes something stick? In this episode of How to Strive, we explore the science behind learning, memory, and behaviour change, so you can move from simply consuming information to truly becoming better. Drawing on research from Hermann Ebbinghaus, we break down why repetition, emotion and environment play a crucial role in how your brain stores and recalls information. From the forgetting curve to the power of neural pathways, you’ll begin to understand why your favourite song sticks effortlessly while most of what you read or hear disappears. This episode goes beyond theory. You’ll gain practical tools to:
If you’re serious about striving, not just learning more, but becoming more, this episode will reshape how you approach your development. Keep striving. Start Striving at | |||
| The role of developer | 22 Feb 2026 | 00:05:52 | |
What does it really take to develop elite coaches? In this episode of How to Strive, we explore the challenge and opportunity of working with expert and master practitioners. When someone already performs at a high level, traditional coaching approaches often fall short. So how do you add value? This episode dives into the shift from teaching to refining, from giving answers to deepening awareness. We explore how to become a mirror, a thinking partner, and a precise challenger, helping top-level coaches uncover blind spots, sharpen their decision-making, and evolve their identity. If you’ve ever questioned your value when working with high performers, or you’re striving to operate at a more elite level as a coach or leader, this episode will give you a powerful new perspective. Start Striving at | |||
| How to maximise a developer | 20 Feb 2026 | 00:06:31 | |
Are you truly maximising the support around you? In this episode of How to Strive, we turn the lens onto the coach. Having access to a mentor or coach developer is a privilege, however the real impact comes from how you show up to that relationship. We explore how to move from being a passive recipient to an active driver of your own development. From setting clear intentions, inviting challenge and using your coach developer as a mirror… to turning reflection into meaningful action. This episode is packed with practical shifts and powerful questions to help you take ownership of your growth and accelerate your development. If you’re serious about striving to be better, not just doing more, but becoming more. this one is for you. Start Striving at | |||
| Anthony Limbrick | 02 Jan 2026 | 00:50:24 | |
In this episode of How to Strive, Nick is joined by Anthony Limbrick, who is a highly respected football coach with experience leading professional teams and developing elite footballers internationally. Anthony brings an methodical coaching identity shaped by years in high-performance environments, from working in the academies of Southampton and West Ham United and with England’s U-17s, to managing first-team squads across Europe and now taking the helm at Loudoun United FC in the USL Championship. His methods, that are grounded in player development, tactical clarity, building competitive identity and detailed preparation have earned him success at every level he has coached at. In this conversation we explore how Anthony’s life experiences have shaped his values, how he builds cultures of growth and resilience in teams and what aspiring leaders can learn from his journey in elite sport and coaching development. As a Striver, this episode will inspire how you think about identity, challenge and continuous improvement. Start Striving at | |||
| 2026 Continuing intentions | 22 Dec 2025 | 00:08:07 | |
As a new year begins, this episode of How to Strive invites you to maintain your progress and align intentions heading as we move into 2026. Using the Striver Table concept, Nick guides you through a powerful process to define a meaningful title for your year and build the habits, behaviours and routines needed to support it. You’ll identify four key areas of life that which act as the table legs that keep the table up, sturdy and strong. From here you can work out what you need to stop, start and continue doing in each area. This episode also introduces a simple Sunday reflection routine to help you bring attention to whats happening, adjust week by week, stay aligned month by month, and continue striving throughout the year. If you’re looking to move beyond resolutions and create a year rooted in intention, awareness and consistency, this episode is your place to start. Start Striving at | |||
| Paul Holder | 09 Nov 2025 | 01:00:14 | |
Nick is joined by Paul Holder AKA Noddy who has supported the development of many players and coaches through his energetic coaching style. This insightful episodes will be fantastic for people Striving to be better at supporting the development of people in sport and life by seeking to understand them and building trust to then create growth. Start Striving at | |||
| Leave Well - Neil Mullarkey | 29 Oct 2025 | 00:12:13 | |
In this final episode of How to Strive’s mini-series on Neil Mullarkey’s Seven Steps to Improve Your People Skills, Nick explores the essential and often overlooked skill of leaving well. Drawing on Neil’s insights from the stage, business, and psychology, we unpack why endings matter, how the final moments of an interaction, meeting, or relationship shape how it’s remembered. From the Peak-End Rule explored by Daniel Kahneman to practical advice on closing conversations, meetings, and connections with intention, this episode helps you finish strong and leave the right lasting impression. Discover how to create closure, follow up meaningfully, and ensure the “aftertaste” of every interaction reflects trust, gratitude, and growth. Because how we end something says as much about us as how we begin. Start Striving at | |||
| Neil Mullarkey | 26 Oct 2025 | 00:59:32 | |
In this special episode of How to Strive, Nick is joined by the brilliant Neil Mullarkey; actor, author, comedian and co-founder of The Comedy Store Players, Europe’s longest-running improv troupe. Neil shares insights from his book Seven Steps to Improve Your People Skills, exploring how the principles of improv, Learn, Look, Listen, Let, Link, Lighten and Leave Well can transform the way we communicate, collaborate, and lead. From the importance of listening with intent to the power of humour in leadership, Neil’s approach blends psychology, performance, and empathy into a timeless guide for connecting with others and with yourself. This conversation is both insightful and uplifting, reminding us that the ability to “strive” isn’t about perfection, but about presence, curiosity and the courage to say “Yes, and…” Whether you’re leading a team, developing yourself, or simply looking to improve the way you connect, this episode will help you learn to communicate with confidence, kindness, and creativity. Start Striving at | |||
| Lighten - Neil Mullarkey | 25 Oct 2025 | 00:11:16 | |
In this episode of How to Strive, Nick explores Step Six of Neil Mullarkey’s Seven Steps to Improve Your People Skills 'Lighten'. Humour, as Neil reminds us, is about connection. It’s a leadership tool that builds trust, creativity and resilience. A leader who can laugh at themselves invites others to do the same, creating a culture where people feel safe to grow, fail and try again. Drawing on research, stories and Neil’s decades of experience in improv and leadership development, this episode explores how humour brings perspective, strengthens teams and humanises leadership. Because when we lighten, we lift and when we lift others, we lead. Start Striving at | |||
| Link - Neil Mullarkey | 24 Oct 2025 | 00:11:22 | |
In this episode of How to Strive, Nick explores the next step in Neil Mullarkey’s Seven Steps to Improve Your People Skills 'Link' Link is the step that connects all the others where learning, looking, listening, and letting come together to create genuine connection. Neil reminds us that “The seven Ls are not distinct, discrete ploys, they are overlapping aspects of getting on better with people.” Through the improv principle of “Yes, and”, we explore how intentive listening, openness and collaboration turn everyday conversations into opportunities for trust, creativity, and growth. This episode unpacks how to replace the limiting “Yes, but” mindset with a “Yes, and” approach, one that builds bridges instead of barriers and helps you bring out the best in others. Start Striving at | |||
| Listen - Neil Mullarkey | 23 Oct 2025 | 00:09:01 | |
In this episode of How to Strive, Nick explores the third step in Neil Mullarkey’s Seven Steps to Improve Your People Skills, Listen. Neil reminds us that hearing is automatic, but listening is a skill, one that requires attention, presence, and empathy. We look at the difference between hearing and truly listening, how to tune into both content and emotion, and why giving someone your full attention is one of the greatest gifts you can offer. Hearing + Attention = Listening. Drawing on insights from improv, neuroscience, and leadership, this episode helps you shift from waiting to speak to listening to understand. Start Striving at | |||
| Let - Neil Mullarkey | 22 Oct 2025 | 00:10:15 | |
In this episode of How to Strive, Nick explores one of his favourite chapters from Neil Mullarkey’s Seven Steps to Improve Your People Skills, Let. We dive into the quiet power of pausing, creating space in conversations, and the skill of bringing out the best in others. Neil’s insights remind us that real connection often happens between the words, when we slow down, let people speak, and let them feel valued. We also explore why letting people be right builds trust, how “positive gossip” can transform relationships, and why small moments of praise can have a big impact. This episode is about leading by lifting others, not by saying more, but by letting more. Start Striving at | |||
| Look - Neil Mullarkey | 21 Oct 2025 | 00:08:18 | |
In this episode of How to Strive, Nick explores the second step in Neil Mullarkey’s Seven Steps to Improve Your People Skills Look. We dive into the power of presence and the art of seeing what isn’t said, the body language, energy, and nonverbal cues that shape every interaction. By learning to truly look at others (and ourselves), we can build deeper trust, stronger connections, and communicate with more impact. This episode blends Neil’s insights with real-world reflection practices, helping you slow down, tune in, and notice what really matters in the moments between words. Start Striving at | |||
| Learn - Neil Mullarkey | 20 Oct 2025 | 00:09:02 | |
In this episode of How to Strive, Nick dives into the first step of Neil Mullarkey’s Seven Steps to Improve Your People Skills Learn. We explore how real learning happens through doing, reflecting, and applying, and why a growth mindset is essential to becoming the person you want to be. Featuring powerful insights from Neil’s book, this episode will help you pause, reflect, and take your next step forward with purpose. Start Striving at | |||
| Sunday Strive 19th October 2025 | 19 Oct 2025 | 00:05:00 | |
In this episode of How to Strive, Nick guides you through a powerful weekly reflection practice designed to help you pause, reflect, and realign before stepping into a new week. Together, we: This isn’t about perfection, it’s about consistent growth, learning, and living with purpose. If you’re ready to start your week with clarity and momentum, this episode will help you ground your reflections and turn them into action. Start Striving at | |||
| Sunday Strive 12th October 2025 | 12 Oct 2025 | 00:12:02 | |
In this episode, Nick explores how journaling can become a powerful daily tool to help you strive. Nick breaks it down into three key benefits:
This isn’t about writing for the sake of it, it’s about creating space to lead yourself forward with purpose. Whether you’re just starting or want to level up your reflection practice, this episode will help you make journaling a meaningful part of your striving journey. Start Striving at | |||
| Tuesday 7th October 2025 | 07 Oct 2025 | 00:03:22 | |
Start Striving at | |||
| Monday 6th October 2025 | 06 Oct 2025 | 00:05:22 | |
You space to set great intentions for you day to help you stay accountable for your striving. Start Striving at | |||
| Sunday Strive 5th October 2025 | 05 Oct 2025 | 00:05:52 | |
A guided insight in to how Nick structures his Sunday Strive with reflections and intentions. Start Striving at | |||
| Dr Sally Needham | 05 Oct 2025 | 00:47:50 | |
In this powerful episode, Nick is joined by Dr. Sally Needham, a leader in human development and performance. Sally shares incredible insights from her experiences shaping performance by truly understanding the individuals you work with. Drawing on neuroscience and developmental practice, she explores how awareness, connection, and compassion can elevate both personal growth and the way we support others. Throughout her career, including her time with the English FA, working across academy and international levels, Sally has transformed the way coaches and leaders approach people development. Nick is privileged to share this insightful conversation, filled with wisdom, science, and practical guidance for anyone striving to grow or to help others do the same. Start Striving at | |||
| Sunday Strive - September Reflections October Intentions | 28 Sep 2025 | 00:15:24 | |
Nick guides you through your September reflection to inform your October intentions. He also shares two excellent clips from the episodes with Cody Royle and Dr Phil Hopley, relevant to performing in elite sport, dealing with external pressure and adversity. Very timely with the conclusion of the Womens Rugby World Cup and the Mens Ryder Cup. Keep Striving. Start Striving at | |||
| Monday - Intentions | 22 Sep 2025 | 00:02:51 | |
| Sunday Strive - 21st September 2025 | 21 Sep 2025 | 00:07:33 | |
Nick helps you with a guided reflection and intention episode that will help you Strive this week. Start Striving at | |||
| Damien Broad | 17 Sep 2025 | 00:50:21 | |
Nick is joined by the fantastic Damien Broad is this How to Strive episode. Damien shares what he is striving for and his perspective on developing skills to help develop others. His curiosity to seek challenge for his growth is fluent throughout and the stories he shares, which shines a light on his ability to connect with and understand others. A great listen for people who are striving to be better in many aspects of their life. Start Striving at | |||
| Sunday Strive - Seek to Understand | 14 Sep 2025 | 00:12:09 | |
In this week’s episode of How to Strive, we take time to pause, reflect, and refocus. Together, we look back on the intentions you set last week, celebrating what worked, unpacking what didn’t, and discovering how those reflections can shape more purposeful intentions for the days ahead. Alongside this guided reflection and intention-setting practice, we explore the powerful skill of seeking to understand others. Drawing on insights from past conversations including a clip from Dr. Phil Hopley and one from Damien Broad on appreciating different perspectives. This episode will help you:
Tune in, take a breath, and get ready to strive with fresh clarity and deeper connection. Start Striving at | |||
| Phil Hopley - Cognacity | 07 Sep 2025 | 00:47:50 | |
In this episode Nick is joined by Dr Philip Hopley MRCPsych who is a Consultant Psychiatrist and Co-Founder of Cognacity Ltd Phil is a Medical Doctor and Consultant Psychiatrist. After 19 years working with the NHS, he founded Cognacity. Phil’s training in forensic, general and sport psychiatry combined with a career playing Premiership rugby, enabled him to develop his passion for the mental health of elite performance in sport and business. In recent years Phil has worked as the Mental Health Advisor to major financial and law firms, and elite sport including the McLaren Formula 1 and Olympic teams guiding Mental Health strategy development and providing coaching / crisis support. In his downtime, mindful dog walking, watching sport, playing golf and trying to keep up with the next generation of Hopleys helps to keep him balanced. This is such an insightful and impactful episode for people striving for a goal in their life as it acknowledges the daily habits and realities of performing in your context. The relationships we have with stress and methods to keep it healthy are hugely important for individuals striving for something as often we will interact with challenges that require us to be resilient or call upon methods of regulation. What ever it is you are Striving for, this conversation with Phil is another opportunity to help you navigate the next step of a thousand miles. Learn more about Phil and Cognacity at https://www.cognacity.co.uk/ Start Striving at | |||
| Guided sessions August Reflections & September Intentions | 01 Sep 2025 | 00:10:31 | |
Nick guides you through the process of reflecting on the month of August and helps prompt powerful intentions for September. Grab your journal and lets get Striving. Start Striving at | |||
| Gamification - | 31 Aug 2025 | 00:17:33 | |
In todays episode we explore the principles of Gamification to help you on your striving journey. Ways to win and different ways to win more Check points Side quests to gain more points or XP Bonus levels Repetition Basics that develop in complexity Start Striving at | |||
| Lee Richardson - Aim-For | 10 Aug 2025 | 01:02:50 | |
Nick is joined by the highly respected Lee Richardson. Lee is the co-founder of Aim-For and a hugely important staff member of one of the most successful football teams in England. We explore the four pillars of Lees work and practical methods of psychology that helps sports people perform at their very best. This episode is sure to spark reflections and create intentions aligned to what you are currently striving for. If you are curious to know more head to https://4pillarshub.com/ As always we would love to hear about your efforts on your journey of a thousand miles so please do share with us. Start Striving at | |||
| How to Journal - August 2025 set up | 27 Jul 2025 | 00:12:11 | |
“The goal isn’t to fix anything right now, it’s simply to see what’s true. Awareness is the first step in striving forward.” This episode helps you reflect on your last months progress and use that reflection to set up success with intentions for the incoming month. Bring a pen and your journal. Start Striving at | |||
| Prof Holly Bridge | 07 Jul 2025 | 00:54:08 | |
Start Striving at | |||
| Fiona Murden | 28 Jun 2025 | 01:08:20 | |
In this episode of How To Strive, we’re joined by Fiona Murden. Fiona is a chartered psychologist, award-winning author, Podcaster and performance coach. Feeling Curious? https://www.fionamurden.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/fionamurden/ Dot to dot podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/dot-to-dot-life-connected/id1513046864 Published books Defining You Mirror Thinking, https://www.instagram.com/fiona_murden?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== Start Striving at | |||
| Jamie Carr - Resilience in Motion. Lessons from the Marathon des Sables & Rowing the Atlantic Solo | 15 Jun 2025 | 00:42:21 | |
In this powerful episode of How to Strive, Nick is joined by the inspiring and humble Jamie Carr, who shares the mindset, strategies, and deep resilience it took to complete two of the world's toughest physical challenges: running the Marathon des Sables across the Sahara and rowing the Atlantic solo and unsupported for 3,000 miles. Together, they explore:
If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to endure the unimaginable and how to build that strength into your daily life this is the episode for you. 🌊🏃♂️🔥 Listen now and get inspired to create your own rules, face your challenges, and keep striving forward. Start Striving at | |||
| EURO 2024 Technical report | 08 Jun 2025 | 00:43:28 | |
In this episode, Nick dives into the Euro 2024 Technical Report, unpacking key insights and trends that are shaping the modern game. From goal-scoring to chance creation, pressing strategies, and low block structures, Nick breaks down what the data reveals and more importantly, how it influences his own coaching and development approach. Topics include:
Whether you’re a coach, player, or curious fan, this episode offers practical interpretations to help you strive forward with clarity and intent in your football journey. Tune in and get the edge from Europe's top tournament! Start Striving at | |||
| Tom McIntyre - In pursuit of greatness | 02 Jun 2025 | 00:49:39 | |
Join Nick Adkins as he welcomes Tom McIntyre, a professional footballer in the English Championship, for a truly unique insight into the realities of elite sport. Tom opens up about his journey from academy player to established professional, revealing the lessons learned, the setbacks overcome, and the mindset required to thrive at the top level.
This episode offers rare behind-the-scenes perspectives on the challenges, demands and rewards of life as a professional footballer, alongside universal lessons in perseverance, mindset and personal growth. If you’re striving for excellence, whether in sport, career or life, Tom’s story will inspire you to push forward with purpose and resilience. Start Striving at | |||
| Chris Key - Performing Perfectly | 01 Jun 2025 | 00:43:18 | |
In this powerful episode of How to Strive, we’re joined by performance specialist Chris Key from Performing Perfectly to explore how you can develop unshakeable resilience and become more intentional in the way you communicate both verbally and non-verbally. What we cover:
Whether you’re a coach, leader, or someone striving to be better every day, this conversation is packed with insights that will inspire you to go to the next level. If you are curious to know more about Chris head to, www.performingperfectly.com/ to also listen to Chris' podcast drop the act follow the link below. https://podcasts.apple.com/za/podcast/drop-the-act/id1789025762 Start Striving at | |||
| The Striver Board | 19 May 2025 | 00:04:23 | |
In this short bonus episode, Nick introduces the Striver Board, a powerful visual and reflective tool designed to help you turn big dreams into daily action. Building on the Striver Table concept, this board helps you stay accountable to your values and goals in areas like health, relationships, career, and finances. Learn how to create your own board, reflect on your intentions, and make small, consistent steps toward the life you’re striving for. Nick shares personal examples, practical questions, and an easy system to track your progress while enjoying the process. What you'll learn in this episode:
Resources Mentioned: Enjoyed the episode? Start Striving at | |||
| Jody Palmer - Performance Chef | 16 May 2025 | 00:36:14 | |
In this insightful episode, Nick sits down with Jody Palmer, a renowned Performance Chef, to explore the intersection of nutrition, performance, and personal growth. With a wealth of experience in crafting dietary strategies for elite athletes, Jody shares her journey, philosophies, and practical tips for anyone looking to enhance their performance through nutrition and level themselves up. What You'll Learn
Visit www.strive25.co.uk for more information on coaching programs and resources. If you found this episode valuable, please share this forward to someone who needs to hear it. Your support helps us reach more listeners and continue providing quality content for those Striving. Start Striving at | |||
| The Striver Table | 15 May 2025 | 00:03:37 | |
In this reflective episode of How to Strive, Nick invites you to imagine your life as a table, with each leg representing a pillar of your life that supports what you’re striving for. Whether your table top is happiness, fulfilment, or your birthday BBQ vision, this simple metaphor can help you assess your current balance. Nick shares his own four table legs: health, relationships, career, and finance, and introduces a practical exercise used in his mentoring programmes. Scoring each leg out of 6 to reveal where you might need to focus attention. You’ll be guided through how to use these reflections to create process goals and daily intentions that help you move closer to your version of 6 out of 6. Plus, Nick teases an upcoming episode on creating your own Striver Board. A powerful tool to turn intention into action. Take a moment for deeper journaling:
If you’d like some support in shaping your reflections into meaningful action, Nick and the team would love to hear from you at www.strive25.co.uk. If this episode sparked something for you, please hit follow and leave a review it helps us reach more people striving for better. Start Striving at | |||
| Will Webster | 10 May 2025 | 00:51:40 | |
In today’s episode, Nick is joined by Will Webster, a globally respected figure in the rugby world, best known for his work coaching head coaches. We dive deep into Will’s fascinating journey from player to head coach, with a detour through teaching English literature. Will shares how that unique path shaped his current role, and what it means to coach the people who lead others. You’ll hear about:
Will’s mindset around continuous improvement offers valuable insights anyone can learn from, whether you're in sports, leadership, or just trying to be a little better every day. Curious to know more? Will can be found on the below links. www.wwperformanceleadership.com/ www.linkedin.com/in/will-webster-665675a1/ Start Striving at | |||
| Sunday Strive - Home base | 03 May 2025 | 00:10:15 | |
In this episode, Nick revisits a powerful clip from his conversation with Cody Royle to dive deeper into the language of resilience. He explores how developing resilient thinking is a learnable skill and shares a brief but practical insight into cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), particularly around the role of positive and negative self-talk. To wrap up, Nick introduces a creative game he's using with his son to introduce self-regulation principles in a fun, accessible way. Listen now and discover small, meaningful ways to build resilience for yourself and your family. Start Striving at | |||
| What I am Striving for | 27 Apr 2025 | 00:05:55 | |
Episode Summary: In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
Key Quotes: "I'm striving to fill the seats — with people I've helped, and people who've helped me.""The All Blacks didn’t just want to win — they wanted to shock and inspire the world.""Who do I need to be, and what do I need to be capable of? That question can change everything." Episode Links:
Take Action After Listening:
Thank you for striving with me. Keep showing up, keep moving forward, and remember: the journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step, so keep stepping. Start Striving at | |||