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The Coaching Arena

The Coaching Arena

By: James Shaw
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In this podcast, I sit down with professional coaches and high performing athletes to explore what it truly means to become a better coach. Through honest conversations and real world experiences, I ask questions, challenge assumptions, and learn directly from those that have lived the process at the highest levels.


Each chat is a deep dive into coaching philosophy, leadership, communication, athlete development, and continuous growth.


This podcast isn't about having all the answers, it is about being curious, staying coachable, and committing to lifelong improvement.


Whether you are a coach, athlete, or leader looking to grow, these conversations offer practical insights, fresh perspectives, and lessons you can apply both on and off the field.


If you believe great coaches never stop learning, this podcast is for you.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

James Shaw
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Episodes
  • Understanding The People You Are Working With - Craig Stewart, Kobe Steelers Skills Coach
    Jun 14 2026

    On this episode, it was awesome to chat with Craig Stewart, skills coach at recent Japanese League One winning rugby union side, Kobe Steelers.


    This was a fantastic chat, jam packed with insights from an elite coach.


    We spoke of many things, including :


    • Understanding the people you are working with
    • The love of the game and enjoyment
    • Traits of elite players
    • Keeping clarity with simplicity
    • Being a 'player first' coach and allowing the player to be the most important part of the puzzle
    • The power of creativity
    • Not having to be the cleverest in the room
    • Having a growth mindset
    • Why you should allow players to experiment
    • Frameworks but why it is important to have players self correcting
    • What is the most under coached and under valued skill


    I really hope you enjoy this chat, let me know what you think

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    51 mins
  • Know Your People, Know Your Purpose - Damian McGrath, International Rugby Coach, Author and Speaker
    May 31 2026

    On this episode of The Coaching Arena, I had the absolute privilege to hear the insights of world renowned rugby coach Damian McGrath.


    Damian has been a professional coach since 1990, and has coached at elite levels in both Rugby League and Rugby Union.


    Damian has coached at domestic and international sides, including Leicester Tigers and at 7s level, with England, Spain, Manu Samoa, Canada, Germany and Kenya.


    In addition he is a leading author and speaker and is an expert on communication and leadership. I found his insights in how to get your message across as being invaluable, jam packed with useful and practical tips.


    This was a brilliant chat, speaking on many things including :


    • Knowing your people
    • Understanding the ABC, audience before content
    • Checking for understanding
    • Making your players feel valued
    • How a message is given across, not just the content
    • Culture
    • Knowing your purpose, your people, your business and yourself
    • What is success?
    • Start, stop, continue approach
    • Damian's 'Doubt Percentage' concept


    I took so much from this chat, and I hope you do too. This chat is full of key take aways that can be easily adapted at any level


    Let me know what you think


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    45 mins
  • Developing People, Players and as Coaches - Warren Spragg, Sale Sharks Kicking Coach
    May 17 2026

    On this episode, I had the absolute privilege to speak with Warren Spragg.


    Warren is the kicking coach at Prem Rugby Club, Sale. He has played for Italy, Italy 7s, England u21s and England u18s. He has over 20 years experience in elite level rugby as a player and coach.


    I am blown away with the coaches and athletes that have given me their time and insights on the Coaching Arena. These chats are gold, and this chat with Warren has completely changed my mindset on coaching and how I thought my son was results driven, when perhaps in hindsight, he isn't.


    This was an incredible chat on developing people, players and as coaches.


    We spoke of many things, including :


    • Common coaching themes from juniors to elite level
    • Inside out coaching, Transformational Coaching vs Transactional Coaching
    • Understanding people and what motivates them and what players need
    • Collaboration
    • Superpowers of a player
    • Being curious
    • Minimum standards and the consistency of practice habits and skill challenges
    • Mindset, routine and clarity
    • The rewards of sport
    • How you know you are making progress
    • The importance of feedback loops
    • Skill sets, not pigeon holing


    I really hope you enjoy this chat as much as I did and thanks very much for listening

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    51 mins
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