The Learning Journeys Podcast

The Learning Journeys Podcast

The Learning Journeys podcast is about listening to stories from real people with real stories to tell from within and outwith the world of sport. Brought to you and hosted by Doug MacDonald from lacunalearning.co.uk with the hope of sharing some of the amazing journeys our wide range of guests have been on. Hope you enjoy and please subscribe - thank you!

Episodes

March 14, 2022 45 mins

In this episode of the Learning Journeys Podcast, we are joined by GB Canoe Slalom Olympic Coach, Craig Morris.  From humble beginnings paddling on Dudley's finest canal network to turning his hobby of coaching canoe slalom into an outstanding career as an Olympic coach, we get into the journey and the many excellent mistakes made along the way.  We also get to hear the other side of Kimberley Woods' story (Ep 24) and how Craig sup...

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In this episode of the Learning Journeys Podcast, we are joined by GB Canoe Slalom Athlete, Tokyo 2020ne Olympian and mental health advocate Kimberley Woods.  We hear Kim's story, learning about what paddling gave her growing up, her journey into international competition, her mental health struggles, and the triumphs and car crashes along the way.  A holder of 5 European titles from junior-senior level, a multiple world cup medall...

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December 6, 2021 50 mins

In this special episode of the Learning Journeys Podcast, we are joined by Royal Air Force fast-jet pilot Matt.  We reflect on his journey from his early days learning to fly through the relentless pressures of training and how he adapted to cope. Now a seasoned frontline pilot Matt shares some of his most significant learning events including an incredible night-time emergency over hostile territory which earned him the same award...

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In this episode of the Learning Journeys Podcast, we are joined by double Paralympic medallist and Paralympic Champion sailor, Helena Lucas MBE.   In this honest, inspiring, hilarious and energising conversation, Helena shares her journey from crying her eyes out in the boat through to campaigning for the Olympic games, the unexpected shift to Paralympic sailing, discovering the winning formula and mindset, as well the literal and ...

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In this episode of the Learning Journeys Podcast, we jump into our next 'thinking out loud' episode where podcast host, Doug MacDonald shares his thoughts and reflections on a particular area, offering his experiences and knowledge, and most importantly thinking out loud.  In this episode, off the back of Doug's epic adventure on the Isle of Skye, we ask the question what would you do if you knew you couldn't fail or what’s worth d...

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In this special episode of the Learning Journeys Podcast, we are joined by 5 time Olympian, 4 time World Champion and 3 time Olympic Silver medallist, Frances Houghton MBE.  Frances was the first British woman to be selected for five Olympic Games in rowing, and only the fifth woman in any sport to achieve this mark for Team GB.  In this honest, insightful, heart-breaking and inspiring conversation, Frances shares her journey from ...

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In this episode of the Learning Journeys Podcast, we jump into our next 'thinking out loud' episode where podcast host, Doug MacDonald shares his thoughts and reflections on a particular area, offering his experiences and knowledge, and most importantly thinking out loud.  In this episode, we think about creating powerful learning experiences through outdoor environments.  We consider the power of outdoor learning environments, red...

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In this episode of the Learning Journeys Podcast, we are joined by professional climber, Robbie Phillips.  Robbie shares his journey from trying out climbing for the first time through to representing Great Britain internationally in competitions to his life climbing hard and scary outdoor routes around the world.  We chat about his sketchy early years, the factors that underpin success in climbing projects and the mental health so...

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In this episode of the Learning Journeys Podcast, we jump into our next 'thinking out loud' episode where podcast host, Doug MacDonald shares his thoughts and reflections on a particular area, offering his experiences and knowledge, and most importantly thinking out loud.  In this episode, we ask the question: who looks after the people who look after the people?  We firstly consider how we look after ourselves before trying to hel...

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In this episode of the Learning Journeys Podcast, we are joined by former World and European Champion rower and now Prisoners Manager for a brilliant programme called Boats not Bars, Imogen Walsh.  Imogen shares her journey from messing about in boats through to her unusual entry to the GB rowing programme, becoming World and European Champion, the disappointment of missing out on Rio 2016 and the journey after that doing internati...

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In this episode of the Learning Journeys Podcast, we jump into our next 'thinking out loud' episode where podcast host, Doug MacDonald shares his thoughts and reflections on a particular area, offering his experiences and knowledge, and most importantly thinking out loud.  In this episode, we explore creativity: what it is, why I don't think we can talk about creativity without talking about vulnerability, creativity and innovation...

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In this episode of the Learning Journeys Podcast, we are joined by Australian coach and coach developer, Ashley Ross.  Ash shares his journey growing up playing every sport he could, the life-changing accident and his incredible coaching journey leading to coaching the New Zealand national team to world-level success.  He reflects on his journey, the art of coaching, learning to be a good learner, skilfully using creativity and how...

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In this episode of the Learning Journeys Podcast, we jump into our first 'thinking out loud' episode where podcast host, Doug MacDonald shares his thoughts and reflections on a particular area, offering his experiences and knowledge, and most importantly thinking out loud.  In this episode, we explore empathy: what it is, the difference between sympathy and empathy, what empathy really means and how we can use it to help those we w...

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In this first episode of season 2 of the Learning Journeys Podcast, we are joined by GB Paracanoe athlete, Hope Gordon.  Growing up in Sutherland in the far North of Scotland, one day Hope got a sore leg.  In this incredible episode Hope tells her story of what happened next from fighting to get the best medical care to pursuing her dreams of racing for Team GB at the Paralympic Games.  Listen in to hear the story of Hope's journey...

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It's been quite a year!  So what's been your biggest learning or learning moment of 2020?  We asked our ten season 1 guests this exact question and put them into one fantastic episode.  Notebooks at the ready for their incredible learning reflections from a tumultuous year.  Thanks for listening and see you in 2021.

If you enjoyed listening, please buy me a coffee to help keep the podcast going: https://bit.ly/3qEpB2t

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In this episode of the Learning Journeys Podcast, we are joined by creative maverick coach educator, Richard Cheetham MBE. Richard shares the journey from riding his bike to ice cream mountain in Somerset, through adventures across the world, always teaching, learning and helping others.  From heartache to hilarity, Richard candidly shares his journey, the lessons learned, where his insatiable appetite for learning and creativity c...

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In this episode of the Learning Journeys Podcast, we are joined by former international basketball player and now UK Coaching coach developer, Jen Coady. Her journey started out in competitive Irish dancing before moving into swimming and basketball where she reflects on her experiences of being coached in three very different environments. Now working in Olympic and professional sports, Jen reflects on the lessons she learned alon...

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In this episode of the Learning Journeys Podcast, we are joined by Bob Easson. Something of a legend within the coaching community, Bob has had an incredible career as a PE teacher, professional rugby coach, high performance manager, coach mentor and developer.  In the podcast Bob shares his amazing journey and wisdom from a lifetime of developing other people so not to be missed!

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In this episode of the Learning Journeys Podcast, we are joined by former international rugby player, Sarah Monaghan. Sarah has the unique experience of representing GB in a rugby league world cup before switching codes and representing Scotland in rugby union in 7s & 15s. Drawing on her unique journey, Sarah shares insights for better supporting the development of young players.

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In this special episode of the Learning Journeys Podcast, we are joined by PR professional and former radio DJ, Colin Kelly. Hugely passionate about sport and particularly swimming, Colin has had a varied career in media including work on Clyde 1, the BBC and Real Radio. Now specialising in training others, Colin shares his experiences and how business and sport can learn from each other.

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