Grit, Growth and Goats

Bobby Scales II is one of those people you just can’t help but learn from. Former Major Leaguer, senior leader with the Los Angeles Angels and Pittsburgh Pirates, and now a broadcaster with the Detroit Tigers. But more importantly, someone who thinks deeply about people, development and what truly helps athletes thrive.

In this episode, we get into the human stuff. The stuff coaches don’t always talk about but absolutely need to hear.

Three big themes stand out:

1. The player resides within the human.

Bobby unpacks why coaches can’t separate performance from the person. If you want access to the athlete, you have to earn trust first.

2. Why part of Plan A should be Plan B.

We explore identity, transition and the dangers of narrowing a young athlete’s world too early.

3. Meeting every person where they are.

Bobby shares how he learned to coach beyond his own wiring, why players respond differently to the same message, and what it takes to see individuals clearly rather than forcing everyone through one lens.

And yes, we also talk about “putting it where the goats can get it.”

If you love sport, you’ll love Bobby. I always walk away from our conversations with something new and meaningful to think about.

Enjoy the episode: Grit, Growth and Goats, and follow us here:

Tom: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomhartleycoaching/

Bobby: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobby-l-scales-ii-b72a4b43/

Today’s episode offers something unique. Not a typical interview, but a rare window into the thinking of John Hendry OAM, one of the most experienced educators and coaching minds in Australia.

John has spent more than five decades working with young people, coaches, teachers and schools, and has shaped how organisations think about relationships, wellbeing and performance.

In this conversation, John shares his philosophy with real generosity. He shows why skills, tactics and performance only emerge when young athletes feel safe, trusted, hopeful and understood - and why relationships aren’t just part of coaching, they are coaching.

In the conversation we explore:

1. Relationships Come First, Always: Coaching doesn’t begin with strategy or feedback. It begins with trust, safety and genuine care. Without this foundation, young people can’t take risks, learn or grow. When athletes feel valued as people, they become better players.

2. Mistakes Should Be Forgiven: The way coaches respond to errors shapes confidence, creativity and resilience. Punishment shuts down learning; forgiveness opens it up. When coaches “give for” the athlete, they create a culture where mistakes become opportunities, not threats.

3. Never Take Hope Away: Hope fuels engagement, effort and the ability to bounce back. A coach’s belief can restore hope after setbacks or destroy it. Protecting hope helps young people think clearly, regulate emotions, learn faster and make better decisions under pressure.

This episode is for anyone who works with young people and wants to help them thrive; not just in sport, but in life. Whether you’re a youth or community coach, a teacher or educator, or a parent supporting a young athlete, John’s philosophy offers practical wisdom on how to build trust, resilience and genuine growth.

Please follow the show and share it with a coach who would benefit from John’s message. You can get in touch here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomhartleycoaching/

In this episode of the Game Plan Coaching Podcast, I am joined by Paul Bodin. Former Wales international, Swindon Town icon, and respected coach who made more than 450 senior appearances in his professional career spent more than a decade developing young talent for the Welsh national teams.

From scoring one of Wembley’s most high-pressure penalties to guiding future stars into international football, Paul brings a unique perspective on playing, coaching and developing people.

In the conversation we explore:

1. Simplicity Beats Complexity Paul shares how football is often overcomplicated and why even elite players learn best through simple, purposeful practices.

2. Coaching Environments that Help Players Thrive With Wales youth teams, Paul prioritised enjoyable, simple and motivating sessions, where players explore, express themselves and learn through doing.

3. Parents, Roles and Real Support Reflecting on raising a professional footballer, Paul shares why fairness, encouragement, and understanding your role are crucial for helping young players progress.

If you enjoyed this episode, follow the show and share it with a coach who’d find it useful. Thanks for listening!

Follow me here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomhartleycoaching/