Shows
The PAADS Athlete Development PodcastWTA Athlete Development: Global Perspectives and LongevityIn this episode, hosts Duncan Fletcher and Stephanie Thorburn sit down with Tom Livengood from the WTA Player Development team to explore his remarkable career journey—from international exchange work to shaping athlete development in professional tennis. Livengood shares how his global perspective has influenced his approach within the internationally driven WTA. The conversation dives into the WTA’s holistic model for athlete support, focusing on individualized development, transferable skills, and data-driven strategies that promote long-term success both on and off the court. The hosts also compare the WTA’s player development approach to other sports, unpacking the unique challe...
2025-11-2533 minThe PAADS Athlete Development PodcastCollege Sport's Seismic Shifts and Athlete DevelopmentThe source is an excerpt from a podcast featuring an interview with two doctors from the University of Florida, Dr. Molly Harry and Dr. Emily Plunkett, who discuss their research on athlete development and the rapidly changing landscape of collegiate sports. The conversation focuses heavily on NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) policies, the potential for athletes to be reclassified as employees, and the resulting confusion and lack of education among student-athletes navigating these seismic shifts. The researchers also detail a collaborative study they conducted on baseball and softball athletes' use of LinkedIn to showcase their transferable skills, noting low-profile development...
2025-11-0644 minThe PAADS Athlete Development PodcastPlayer Development in South African CricketIn an episode of the PAADS Podcast, hosts Duncan Fletcher and Stephanie Thorburn interview JP van Wyke, the Player Services Manager for the South African Cricketers Association. The discussion centers on Funve's 20-year career in athlete development and player well-being, particularly within the evolving global cricket landscape. Van Wyke details the Player Plus program, which offers mental health, financial wellness, and educational support to players, highlighting the shift towards a dual-career mindset for athletes. He also addresses the challenges of supporting younger players entering professional leagues and the importance of collaboration with agents to ensure player welfare. The conversation...
2025-08-1934 minThe PAADS Athlete Development PodcastNBA Coaching Development Program: Building Future CoachesThis discussion centers on the NBA's Coaching Development Program (CDP), featuring insights from Duncan Fletcher of PADS, along with Erjaam Hayes, Director of Player Development at the NBA, and Anisha Curry, Head Coach of the NBA Coaching Development Program. They highlight the program's evolution from event-based training to a comprehensive eight-month curriculum that focuses on technology, core coaching competencies, and professional development for both current and former players. The conversation also addresses the challenges and successes of transitioning from player to coach, emphasizing the importance of a lifelong learner mindset, managing unseen hours, and the value of relationships. Furthermore...
2025-08-1933 minThe PAADS Athlete Development PodcastBuilding Elite Athlete Pathways: The TASS ModelThis text features an interview with Guy Taylor, the national director for the Talented Athlete Scholarship (TASS) in the UK. He explains the origins of TASS, which was formed after the 1996 Olympics to improve Great Britain's performance by creating a pipeline for elite athletes. TASS is a charity that supports talented athletes through partnerships with universities that provide access to facilities and practitioners, offering strength and conditioning, physiotherapy, lifestyle support, nutrition, and psychological services. Taylor highlights the importance of holistic athlete development and discusses the challenges and successes of building relationships with institutions and sports organizations. He also touches...
2025-05-0435 minThe PAADS Athlete Development PodcastPAADS Athlete Development Summit & Symposium PreviewThis podcast episode previews the upcoming PAADS Athlete Development Summit and Symposium events in New York City, hosted at MLB. The discussion outlines a week of activities in May, including an international guest experience with visits to the NBA, WNBA, and MLS, followed by a research symposium on May 14th featuring presentations on topics like gambling culture in female sports and fan reactions to athlete mental health disclosures. The main athlete development summit on May 15th and 16th will feature global partners from various sports leagues sharing their programming, along with sessions on neurodiversity, social media protection for athletes...
2025-04-1724 minThe PAADS Athlete Development PodcastUnscripted Success: How Improv Training Fuels Athlete Development with Lainie HodgesThis podcast features an interview with Laney Hodges of Improv Alchemy, who discusses using improvisational theater techniques to improve athlete development. Hodges explains how improv builds crucial skills like communication and teamwork, fostering a more cohesive and resilient team on and off the field. She details her experience working with NFL teams, highlighting the positive impact on player performance and overall well-being. The discussion also addresses overcoming initial hesitancy to participate in improv exercises and emphasizes the importance of a holistic approach to athlete development. Finally, Hodges shares her plans to expand the application of improv training within professional...
2025-01-1537 minThe PAADS Athlete Development PodcastNBA G-League Player Development with Erjaam HayesThis podcast features a conversation with Erjaam Hayes, NBA Director of Player Development, about his career and the NBA's player development programs. Hayes discusses his journey from community relations to player development, highlighting the role of NBA Cares in fostering player interests and passions. He details the structure and challenges of G-League player development, including program creation, resource allocation, and engagement strategies. Furthermore, Hayes addresses the evolving needs of players, particularly concerning entrepreneurship and social media, and looks toward the future of athlete development in the context of NIL deals and changing engagement methods. Finally, the discussion emphasizes the...
2025-01-1439 minThe PAADS Athlete Development PodcastSteve Bicknell—Strength of Neurodivergence: ADHD is the Brain Working DifferentlySteve is a Registered Psychologist with 15+ years of experience working with adults, adolescents, and children. Steve has a Bachelor of Psychology (Arts), a Graduate Diploma in Psychology, and is a Board Approved Supervisor with AHPRA. He has spent the last 12 years working with Juvenile Justice, mostly in correctional settings, but he has also worked in educational, mental health, and disability settings. Steve has been in private practice since early 2017. Steve’s particular interests and skills include working with trauma and PTSD, ADHD/Neurodivergence, anti-social behavior, behavior management, parenting, substance abuse, and divorce and child custody disp...
2024-11-2135 minThe PAADS Athlete Development PodcastFrom Player to Advocate | Conversation with Rob ZeppFrom a National Hockey League athlete to leading a multi-million-dollar strategic initiative with the National Hockey League Players Association. Experience and perspectives have propelled strategies for a successful outcome. A conversation with Stephanie and Duncan of PAADS to discuss the development of the NHLPA UNLMT athlete development initiative and how it helps serve the needs of athletes and the NHLPA.
2024-09-0638 minThe PAADS Athlete Development PodcastAthlete Development Research in Practice| Conversation with Ben Joseph, Sam Lane, and David GowerIn a conversation with Athlete Development Specialists, focusing innovative strategies to support athletes' growth both on and off the field. This includes addressing the different locker room conversations and guiding athletes through the emotional and psychological challenges of transitioning from active competition to retirement. This also covers the struggles athletes face in retirement, such as identity loss and finding a new purpose and the importance of providing support systems to ease this transition. Additionally, the conversation would emphasize the role of coaches in athlete development, ensuring they are equipped to support their athletes' personal and professional growth.
2024-08-3036 minThe PAADS Athlete Development PodcastFrom Pros to PAWS | Antoine McClain's Path to Athlete DevelopmentWelcome to the PAADS Podcast! We hope you enjoy our conversation with Antoine McClain. Antoine has a unique role in college athletics, working to build bridges between active collegiate athletes and former Clemson Tigers, while helping shape career development objectives. We learn more about Antoine's fascinating gig, how it relates to athlete development and why his role is crucial. We hope you dig in!McClain played offensive for the Tigers from 2008-11. In his college career, he played in 54 games while making 41 starts. He was signed by the Baltimore Ravens as an undrafted free agent in 2012 and sp...
2024-06-2639 minThe PAADS Athlete Development PodcastExploring Athlete Development in Professional Motorsports | A Conversation with NASCAR's Meg MileyNASCAR runs over 1,500 races at over 100 tracks in the US, Europe, Brazil, Mexico and Canada. It has three primary national-level series in the United States including, Cup, Xfinity and Truck. Our discussion with Meghan Miley, the Managing Director of Racing Operations, explores how NASCAR is exploring athlete development initiatives for its competitors that make sense for its culture and unique structure. A fascinating insight into major professional motorsport - we hope you enjoy the conversation.
2024-04-2629 minThe PAADS Athlete Development PodcastBreaking into Athlete Development | Stories from the Field with Danielle BurrellA conversation with Danielle Burrell of Brown University and her experiences in breaking into Athlete Development. This a great dialogue for aspiring athlete development specialists to listen to, particularly if you are interested in learning how to build relationships, ask questions and be in a position to create opportunities in elite sports. For those who have been in the industry, it provides great insight into how a new generation of young professionals are approaching the field.
2024-03-2834 minThe PAADS Athlete Development PodcastWorking in Athlete Development | A Conversation with Francesca Del Monte, Major League SoccerA conversation with Francesca Del Monte of Major League Soccer. Newer to the world of athlete development and with a unique multicultural perspective on working with professional athletes. We discuss her experiences breaking into sport and helping professional athletes from a range of international backgrounds.
2024-03-0523 minThe PAADS Athlete Development PodcastMental Wellness & Education | International PerspectivesA conversation with the founders of the Wellbeing Science Institute (WSI), Steve and Alison Johnson. The WSI developed the world’s first holistic elite athlete wellbeing management qualification which currently runs in both the UK and Australia. They have extensive experience advising some of the world’s premier sporting leagues on implementing effective wellbeing strategies for athletes, coaches, and officials. Steve and Alison have a unique perspective on what it takes to address mental health and wellbeing in a manner that is beneficial to athletes and leagues. We hope you enjoy our conversation today!
2024-01-3031 minThe PAADS Athlete Development PodcastPremier League | A Conversation with Kristian ThomasA conversation with Premier League athlete development specialist Kristian Thomas. Kristian is a former Olympic medallist in gymnastics. We talk about Kristian's experiences as an athlete and the transition out of elite sport. We also discussed working in professional athletics, the challenges associated with professional soccer players (football) and where he thinks the field may be going. We hope you enjoy it!
2023-12-1334 minThe PAADS Athlete Development PodcastAthlete Development Education | Shelley Lyle University of FloridaA conversation with Shelley Lyle of the University of Florida about athlete development education for athlete development specialists. Learn more about educational options, including a master's or certificate programs: https://sm.hhp.ufl.edu/specializations/athlete-development/.
2023-11-1419 minThe PAADS Athlete Development PodcastLearning from the NRL's Melbourne Storm | Winning Athlete DevelopmentWelcome back! Today we talk with Brian Phelan and Peter Robinson who with the Melbourne Storm. Based in Melbourne, Australia the Melbourne Storm participates in the National Rugby League (NRL). The club play their home games at AAMI Park. The Storm have won four premierships since their inception, in 1999, 2007, 2009, 2012, 2017 and 2020, and have contested several more grand finals. In short, the Storm win. Moreover, they are an organization with a long history of incorporating athlete development into their culture to drive performance-related outcomes. Enjoy the conversation.
2023-10-1832 min
RESOLVing ViolenceCrystal Giesbrecht on Intimate Partner Violence and the Role of Animal SafekeepingIn the latest thought-provoking episode of the Resolving Violence podcast, Crystal Giesbrecht delves deep into the intersection of intimate partner violence (IPV) and animal maltreatment. Crystal, the director of research and communications at the Provincial Association Transition Houses and Services of Saskatchewan (PAADs), shares her findings from a groundbreaking study conducted in Saskatchewan in 2020. This episode sheds light on the importance of providing support for survivors of domestic violence who have animals, and the far-reaching implications of this issue.Crystal emphasizes the availability of animal safekeeping programs offered by animal welfare organizations, humane societies, and SPCAs. These...
2023-10-1030 min
3 Old GoaliesSeason 3 Episode 2: Sarah Lowdon joins the 3 Old Goalies
Continuing our segments hosting some of the best Women's Soccer "influencers" we know, 3 Old Goalies welcomes in Sarah Lowdon:.
Originally from Newcastle, England, Lowdon started her playing career at Newcastle United Women's FC (2002-2008). She continued her playing career and studies at Gateshead College (2006-2008) where she was inducted into the Hall of Fame.
Lowdon began her collegiate career in the United States at Mississippi State University in 2008 then transferred to McNeese State University to play for the Cowgirls from 2009-2011. She graduated from McNeese St. with her Bachelor’s Degree in Health and Physical Education. She went on to...
2023-08-161h 18The PAADS Athlete Development PodcastA Conversation with Dr. Janice Hilliard | An O.G. Athlete Development GuruDr. Janice Hilliard is the founder of Hilliard Solutions and long-time leader in the field of athlete development. Dr. Hilliard previously worked for the National Basketball Association. She is a published author and an adjunct professor as well as a nationally recognized workshop presenter and the founder of the annual Women in Athlete Development Symposium & Networking Event. She holds a Doctorate degree in Educational Administration and a Master’s degree in Urban Counseling from Michigan State University and a Bachelors in Education from the University of Houston.
2023-07-2533 minThe PAADS Athlete Development PodcastAgents and Agencies Role in Athlete Development | A Conversation with Yves BtobaWhat role should agents play in supporting athlete development initiatives? Is there a role within an agency environment? A conversation with Yves Btoba who currently works with an agency and previously worked in athlete development at the NFL club level and the NCAA. Enjoy a unique perspective on the industry.
2023-05-2445 minThe PAADS Athlete Development PodcastBonus Episode! The Summit 2023 - C'mon Down to NYCStephanie and Duncan break down what to expect at the 2023 Athlete Development Summit and Research Symposium taking place in New York City May, 24, 25 & 26.Learn more about the speakers and topics to be covered! Tell your friends and join us in the Big Apple along with the leading thinkers in the field of athlete development.Learn more: www.athdevsummit.com
2023-05-1222 minThe PAADS Athlete Development PodcastLPGA Athlete Development | A Conversation with Blake HendersonAthlete development in non-team sports present different challenges and opportunities. Enjoy our conversation with Blake Henderson who manages the athlete development services and resources for the LPGA. Learn more about LPGA programs, initiatives and resources and how Blake and his team seek to engage female professional golfers.
2023-04-2641 minThe PAADS Athlete Development Podcast“I didn’t know athlete development existed when I started” | Talking to Chidozie Ibeabuchi of the MLSHaving worked at MSG, the National Football League and now Major League Soccer, Chidozie Ibeabuchi has experienced a great deal working the athlete development space. Listen to our conversation as we discuss his journey through the field, the lessons he has learned and where he thinks the industry is headed. It is a great conversation, we hope you enjoy it.
2023-02-1539 minThe PAADS Athlete Development PodcastSafety Culture in Sport - Too Much? Too Little? | A Conversation with Prof. Brian AveryDoes sport have a safety culture? What does having a safety culture even mean? Learn from a guy who started out managing carnival rides. Join us for an interesting conversation with Professor Brian Avery. Prof. Avery area of expertise includes events, tourism and the attractions industry. His background is comprised of three areas of expertise: risk and safety management, event design and execution, and education.
2023-01-2450 minThe PAADS Athlete Development PodcastWellness & Mental Health in the WTA | A Conversation with Dr. Becky Ahlgren-BedicsAs the conversation evolves around mental health and wellness amongst professional athletes, we seek the perspective of Dr. Becky Ahlgren Bedics a long time athlete development professional and the Vice president of Mental Health and Wellness and Performance Health at the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA). The challenges of working across cultures, countries and distance are discussed. Our conversation provides a fascinating insight into the athlete well-being approach of one of the planets leading sports organizations for elite female competitors.
2022-12-2130 minThe PAADS Athlete Development PodcastAre Aspiring Professional Athletes Delusional? A Fascinating Conversation with Dr. Chris McLeodWhat does it take to make it to the pinnacle of professional or elite sport? How optimistic must athletes be oriented to deal with the long odds? Do they need to be delusional and if so, what impact can that have on their long well-being? Needless to say, this was an interesting conversation with University of Florida Professor, Dr. Chris McLeod. We hope you enjoy it.
2022-11-2235 minThe PAADS Athlete Development PodcastThe Value of the Athlete Beyond the Game | A Coach's PerspectiveA very interesting conversation with legendary coach, Becky Burleigh about her experiences as a young coach and how she perceives interacting, influencing and developing athletes both on and off the playing surface. Undeniably successful, in 26 seasons at the helm of the University of Florida soccer team, Burleigh, led UF to an NCAA Championship, two NCAA College Cup appearances, 14 Southeastern Conference titles and 22 NCAA Championships berths. Along the way, Burleigh picked up National (1998) and SEC Coach of the Year (2012, ‘10, ‘08, ‘00 & '96) honors. One of two females (and only in DI) in NCAA soccer history with 500 career wins, Burleigh finished her 31-season coachin...
2022-10-1834 minThe PAADS Athlete Development PodcastSummit Throwback! Our Conversation with Dr. LaKeitha Poole On Mental Wellness in SportsLearn more about PAADS visit, www.athdevsummit.com.
2022-09-2151 minThe PAADS Athlete Development PodcastCannabis and Athletes: What's Lying in the WeedsA discussion with Dr. Timothy Fong on the impact of cannabis on athletes. There are both potential benefits and negative impacts on performance. Dr. Fong is a Professor of Psychiatry at the Semel Institute for Neuroscience andHuman Behavior at UCLA and he is board certified in adult and addiction psychiatry. Dr. Fong is also part of the Steering Committee of the UCLA Cannabis Research Initiative whose mission is to address the most pressing questions related to the impact of cannabis legalization through rigorous scientific study and discourse across disciplines.
2022-08-1837 minThe PAADS Athlete Development PodcastA Conversation with Lindsey Long | Iowa StateA really interesting conversation with Lindsey Long about how Iowa State approaches athlete development, how their approach is different than most major NCAA institutions and why it may be the new face of 'total' student-athlete development. We hope you enjoy this conversation!
2022-07-2042 minThe PAADS Athlete Development PodcastA Conversation with Carrie White | Perspectives on Working in Athlete DevelopmentCarrie White has had a unique career. Injured as a gymnast in college, she migrated into working with collegiate athletes after completing her degree. Carrie then joined AthLife where she worked with both collegiate and major professional athletes. Now starting on a new adventure with the USOPC, her perspectives on athlete development are beneficial to any new or long-serving professional.
2022-06-1530 min
2021 PAADS Athlete Development Summit Podcast SeriesA Conversation with Dr. Michael Sagas | PAADS PodcastA conversation with Dr. Michael Sagas from the University of Florida. A discussion about athlete development and its value to sport, coaching, athlete development training and education, performance and Mike's experience in the field.
2022-02-1536 min2021 PAADS Athlete Development Summit Podcast SeriesUsing Personal Data to Drive Performance | A Conversation with Harpreet RaiPAADS is pleased to have Athlete Development Summit Podcast Series sponsor Ōura Health's CEO, Harpreet Rai, on the line. Harpreet and Duncan discuss wearable tech, the Ōura Ring and the impact his company is having on athletes and the sports world in general.
2021-08-3141 min2021 PAADS Athlete Development Summit Podcast SeriesA Conversation About PAADS's Value to Individuals and OrganizationsA conversation on the value of PAADS with WTA Sr. VP Kathleen Stroia and the Director of Player Welfare for the National Rugby League, Paul Heptonstall.
2021-08-3137 min2021 PAADS Athlete Development Summit Podcast SeriesSocial Justice | Improving the Effectiveness of Athlete ActivismA conversation featuring Dr. Chelsea Heyward of the Players Coalition discussing how to improve athlete activism. Also along for the ride are Duncan Fletcher and Stephanie Thorburn of PAADS.
2021-08-3155 min2021 PAADS Athlete Development Summit Podcast SeriesName Image Likeness | Legal: Education, Management and EngagementA conversation with attorney Jason Montgomery of Husch Blackwell on name, image and likeness and the implications for student-athletes and the NCAA. Jason is joined by Duncan Fletcher and Stephanie Thorburn of PAADS.
2021-08-3157 min2021 PAADS Athlete Development Summit Podcast SeriesSocial Justice | Player PerspectiveA conversation with Justin Morrow of Major League Soccer on social justice and Duncan Fletcher and Stephanie Thorburn of PAADS.
2021-08-3145 min2021 PAADS Athlete Development Summit Podcast SeriesBranding & NIL | Athlete Protection and EducationA conversation with Luke Fedlam of the Anomaly Sports Group and Duncan Fletcher and Stephanie Thorburn of PAADS.
2021-08-3150 min2021 PAADS Athlete Development Summit Podcast SeriesMetrics Matter | Data Collection - ImplicationsA conversation on the value of data and metrics in creating cutting-edge athlete development initiatives with Dr. Marrisa Nichols of UC Berkley and Duncan Fletcher and Stephanie Thorburn of PAADS.
2021-08-311h 022021 PAADS Athlete Development Summit Podcast SeriesPlayer Branding & Name Image and Likeness (NIL) | An Academic PerspectiveFeaturing Dr. Thilo Kunkel of Temple University, Duncan Fletcher the Executive Director of PAADS and Stephanie Thorburn the PAADS Director of Operations.
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