In the final episode of 2025, Simon and Rusty are joined by Suzanne Brown and Luke Doherty for a lively conversation on resilience, connection, and the power of pause. They discuss moving beyond basic resilience to a more integrated approach, incorporating mindfulness, presence, and how the support of a strong community can build true resilience.

If you’re interested in deepening team connection and its relationship to communities, this episode is for you.

Episode 12 with Luke Doherty

Episode 04 with Suzanne Brown

And for more on Polarity – as touched on by Simon at the end of the pod – listen to episode 32 here.

About our guests:

Suzanne is a Clinical Psychologist, Emotional Fitness Consultant, and the brilliant mind behind Emotionally Connected, a specialised psychology consultancy merging clinical psychology with elite performance. Her innovative approach empowers us to actively address our mental health through immersive and captivating methods.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/drsuzannebrown/

Luke is Managing Director of Mindful Peak Performance, and combines elite rugby experience with advanced mindfulness training from Breathworks and Oxford University. He delivers bespoke mindfulness programs for leading athletes and executives and created a unique boxing-and-mindfulness network supporting disadvantaged young people with powerful results.

linkedin.com/in/luke-doherty-mindful-peak-performance

Key Moments:

[00:03:36] Welcoming Suzanne Brown and Luke Doherty – what’s new.

[00:06:26] Suzanne on Personal Growth and Following Mystery - personal evolution & embracing life’s unfolding mysteries.

[00:11:01] Receiving and Embracing Compliments – can we reframe it as a gratitude practice.

[00:12:14] Resilience to Reverence – Changing Workshop Themes and wordplay

[00:16:16] Community and Connection as Core to Resilience - creating intentional spaces for resilience.

[00:21:11] Pause, What a Pleasure – Practical Tools for Adversity during challenging times.

[00:29:19] Empowering Communities Through Mindfulness Training - empowering local leaders.

[00:37:57] Exploring Us vs. Them Mentalities in Sport and Life - negative effects if left unchecked.

[00:47:15] End-of-Show Reflection - Gratitude and Bouncebackability Tips

Please like, subscribe or follow, so you're notified of any new episodes coming up, and if you're keen to reach Rusty or Simon with any suggestions, feedback or comments, you can contact them via the show's LinkedIn page here:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-bouncebackability-podcast/

In this episode, Simon and Rusty reconnect to share what’s been happening in life and work, and the habits helping them stay grounded. Their conversation this month centres on polarity: the balance of seemingly opposite qualities that drive performance and strengthen resilience.

Drawing on their own experiences and insights from past guests, they explore how successful environments balance risk with careful planning, strengths with weaknesses, and challenge with support. From sport to the workplace and everyday life, they show that true high performance emerges when pressure is met with equal measures of restoration.

If you’re interested in how resilience grows through mindful pauses, intentional environments, and supportive communities, this episode is for you.

Key Moments:

[00:03:04] Coaching Mindset and Unhelpful Projection: How a coach can shape a players belief - or unintentionally weaken it by projecting their own fears.

[00:04:54] Reflections on TG Leadership Training: Simon shares insights from a leadership course, emphasising individual leadership styles over generic tools.

[00:11:01] Micro Pauses & Techniques for Public Speaking: Discussing “micro pauses” and their practical use for centering before high pressure situations.

[00:15:00] Breathing and Performance: How practicing breathing techniques can improve resilience and performance.

[00:17:19] Travel, Fatigue, and Strategic Rest: The challenges of frequent travel, balancing work and social commitments, and the importance of planning in rest.

[00:24:03] High Challenge High Support & Leadership: The Mustafa model and the necessity of balancing challenge and support for high performance.

[00:37:01] Measuring Wellbeing and Productivity in Teams: Tyler Grange’s approach to tracking happiness and fatigue, and the broader impact of environment on productivity and wellbeing.

Please like, subscribe or follow, so you're notified of any new episodes coming up, and if you're keen to reach Rusty or Simon with any suggestions, feedback or comments, you can contact them via the show's LinkedIn page here:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-bouncebackability-podcast/

In this episode, Simon and Rusty sit down with Europe’s leading performance mind coach Karl Morris, to uncover what it truly takes to perform under pressure. With decades of experience working with six Major golf champions, former World Number Ones, and global business leaders, Karl has a remarkable ability to turn complex psychology into practical tools for real-world success.

He shares powerful insights into focus, resilience, and simplifying performance—revealing how small mental shifts can unlock major breakthroughs. From the legendary “red dot” trigger that helped Louis Oosthuizen win The Open, to mastering attention in an age of constant distraction, this episode is packed with stories and strategies you can apply immediately.

Discover how clarity beats complexity, how storytelling can elevate coaching, and why the lessons of sport offer the perfect antidote to modern-day chaos.

Key Moments:

00:01:54 – Karl’s journey into performance coaching: how decades across elite sport shaped his philosophy on mindset, focus, and lasting change.

00:04:05 – The “red dot” breakthrough: the simple trigger that helped Louis Oosthuizen stay present and win The Open.

00:08:49 – The power of storytelling: how Karl and Michael Vaughan used narrative to shift England cricket’s mindset during the 2005 Ashes.

00:16:49 – Attention in an age of distraction: why modern technology fractures our focus, and what sport can teach us about getting it back.

00:19:42 – The space between actions: using sensory focus to reset, stay grounded, and build true resilience - on and off the course.

00:24:37 – Translating focus across sports: from golf’s precision triggers to rugby’s “next job” mindset. How attention techniques adapt and endure.

00:29:56 – Turning struggle into insight: how Karl’s own setbacks as a golfer inspired his life’s work in performance psychology.

Connect with Karl here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/karl-morris-the-mind-factor-07958a11/

Please like, subscribe or follow, so you're notified of any new episodes coming up, and if you're keen to reach Rusty or Simon with any suggestions, feedback or comments, you can contact them via the show's LinkedIn page here:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-bouncebackability-podcast/

In this episode, Simon and Rusty explore the ways intentional pauses, mindful practices, and strong support networks can enhance resilience, well-being, and personal growth in every aspect of life. They reflect on real-life experiences from the past four weeks - Rusty’s time at home, where spending quality time with family and connecting with fellow coaches reinforced the value of relationships, and Simon’s trip to Lyon, where the vibrant energy of French rugby and the experience of stepping fully away from work highlighted the benefits of taking a proper break.

They explore what life and leadership really teach us—why mentors matter, why building relationships takes intention, and why strong networks make navigating challenges easier.

If you’re interested in this, and how resilience, growth, and well-being can be cultivated through mindful habits, this episode is for you.

Key Moments:

[00:03:10] Pause to recharge! Rusty shows how certain times of year are perfect for stepping back and refuelling your energy.

[00:06:08] Never underestimate your tribe - supportive communities and mentors are essential for coping and growth.

[00:09:37] Lyon’s rugby magic: a family-friendly, community-driven atmosphere that blows the English Premiership out of the water.

[00:12:04] Take real breaks! Leisure time and keeping a diary aren’t just nice - they supercharge your wellbeing.

[00:13:22] Diary power unlocked: tracking habits, moods, and performance helps you spot patterns and improve faster.

[00:18:37] Mindfulness isn’t fluff—it sharpens focus, reduces stress, and boosts performance, even for elite athletes.

[00:27:57] Step up and step out! Moving into personal coaching pushes boundaries and delivers real satisfaction through direct impact.

Please like, subscribe or follow, so you're notified of any new episodes coming up, and if you're keen to reach Rusty or Simon with any suggestions, feedback or comments, you can contact them via the show's LinkedIn page here:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-bouncebackability-podcast/

In this episode, Simon and Rusty explore how leaders can leverage environment, mindfulness, and resilience to fuel both personal and organisational growth.

Drawing from stories over the past month, they demonstrate how thoughtfully designed spaces—whether in the workplace or on the sports field—ignite connection, sharpen focus, and inspire meaningful progress. They also discuss why being fully present and intentionally planning time for recovery are not just wellness habits but essential leadership skills. Through practical mindfulness strategies and real-world examples from sport and business, they highlight the power of honest feedback, gratitude, and simple rituals in cultivating a culture where people and teams can adapt and thrive.

If you’re ready to build stronger resilience for yourself and your organisation, this episode delivers actionable insights you won’t want to miss.

Key Moments:

00:01:04 — Rusty shares the emotional reflections parents and coaches share when asked about teachers and mentors who shaped their growth.

00:06:58 — Insights from a former Google X executive explore how AI and wealth redistribution may redefine the future of work.

00:10:39 — Strategies for sustaining resilience when addressing the realities of career changes and job market uncertainty.

00:11:53 — The importance of momentum as a core element of resilience—emphasising continual forward movement.

00:18:02 — Exploring mindfulness as a driver for enhanced organisational performance and profitability.

00:22:19 — The role of simple rituals and engaging camp environments in fostering deeper connection and presence in children.

00:26:11 — Navigating the emotional complexities of stepping back from leadership while empowering others to lead.

00:40:31 — Embracing personal challenges through exposure to inspiring environments and honest, constructive feedback to stimulate growth.

Please like, subscribe or follow, so you're notified of any new episodes coming up, and if you're keen to reach Rusty or Simon with any suggestions, feedback or comments, you can contact them via the show's LinkedIn page here:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-bouncebackability-podcast/

In this episode Simon and Rusty bring a refreshing, experience-led perspective on how to lead and live with greater intention. Through stories from a mindfulness golf retreat, a visit to the BRIT School, and a rugby camp in the U.S., Simon and Rusty uncover valuable lessons on the power of switching off to gain clarity, the role of storytelling and gratitude in growth, and what effective, purpose-driven leadership looks like in practice.

If you’re keen to get practical insights into building more resilient, connected, and human-centred cultures - whether in organisations or everyday life - this episode is for you.

In this episode:

[00:01:15] Simon reflects on attending a mindfulness golf retreat with strangers, showing how stepping away from routine brings clarity, connection, and a mental reset.

[00:04:38] The common challenge of quieting the mind, and how storytelling and guided mindfulness offer practical ways to find calm and focus.

[00:05:30] Discussing nature’s restorative power and how time outdoors builds resilience and boosts well-being.

[00:06:37] The value of informal, non-work activities in organisations to strengthen team bonds, boost performance, and create belonging.

[00:12:23] Simon shares a touching story of meeting his late father’s friend at the retreat—and how mindfulness brought him clearer emotional and personal direction.

[00:14:32] Journaling and gratitude as growth tools—Simon explains how illustrating his retreat journal and daily reflection helped him reconnect with creativity and appreciation.

[00:18:46] Simon and Rusty’s visit to the BRIT School highlights its vibrant learning culture, strong leadership, engaged students, and low phone use as an inspiring model.

[00:40:31] The ripple effect of gratitude—listeners are invited to reach out to someone who inspired them, showing how a simple message can spark lasting positive change.

Please like, subscribe or follow, so you're notified of any new episodes coming up, and if you're keen to reach Rusty or Simon with any suggestions, feedback or comments, you can contact them via the show's LinkedIn page here:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-bouncebackability-podcast/

In this episode, Simon and Rusty talk with former professional rugby player, cancer ‘thriver’, and human-first performance coach, Sam Leeming.

Sam’s rugby journey began with Newcastle Falcons and flourished at Hartpury University, where he earned a BSc in Sport Performance, multiple England Students caps, and a professional contract. But at just 23, his career was suddenly put on hold when he was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. After undergoing intensive chemotherapy, Sam made an inspiring return to professional rugby, a testament to his resilience, discipline, and deep self-awareness.

Forced to retire at 25 due to concussion-related injuries, Sam has since dedicated himself to high-performance coaching, helping others unlock performance through a human-first lens.

The conversation explores pushing limits, reframing trauma, and the power of play, intention, and integrity. Most importantly, Sam’s story is a compelling reminder of how having the right mindset can foster resilience and self-awareness, and as in his case, turn adversity into strength and purpose.

Find out more about Sam’s journey and connect with him here:

Instagram: @samleeming10

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-leeming-b55550109/

Website: https://samleemingperformance.com

In this episode:

00:00:00 – Introduction to Sam Leeming: Simon and Rusty set the tone for a conversation on resilience, introducing Sam’s journey through major life challenges.

00:03:44 – Sam’s Early Setbacks: Sam shares how recurring injuries and internal pressure impacted his rugby career and self-worth.

00:05:54 – Cancer & Recovery Journey: At 23, Sam faces non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, undergoes chemo, and makes a powerful return to rugby, balancing mental and physical struggles.

00:08:25 – Family’s Role: Sam highlights the impact of his dad’s tough but supportive love in shaping his resilience.

00:14:03 – Pushing Past the Limit: His “never enough” mindset led to overexertion, including a seizure during cancer, teaching him the value of rest.

00:16:19 – Power of Vulnerability: Sharing his emotional journey created deeper connections and redefined vulnerability as strength.

00:21:49 – Choice & Mindset after Trauma: Sam reflects on using trauma as fuel for growth, not a limiting identity.

00:26:14 – Coaching & Helping Others: Now a performance coach, Sam draws on his story to help high performers shift mindset and improve mental skills.

00:32:08 – Tools for Performance: Talks practical tools like intention-setting, self-awareness, and integrity that guide both his past and current work.

00:41:04 – Recovery & Playfulness: Emphasizes world-class recovery and playful habits as keys to sustainable performance and well-being.

Please like, subscribe or follow, so you're notified of any new episodes coming up, and if you're keen to reach Rusty or Simon with any suggestions, feedback or comments, you can contact them via the show's LinkedIn page here:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-bouncebackability-podcast/

In this episode, Simon and Rusty dive into the small behaviour changes and mindset shifts that build resilience and foster what they call “bouncebackability.”

Through candid conversation, they reflect on Simon’s recent digital detox experiment and how stepping away from technology—even briefly—can create space for deeper thinking, creativity, and presence. They also explore how journaling and intentional reflection can strengthen focus and support a more grounded deep work practice.

Together, they unpack the tension between staying constantly connected and the challenge of truly switching off—especially in a world where digital engagement feels essential. Their discussion is a thoughtful reminder that resilience doesn’t require massive change; it often begins with small, deliberate choices.

Whether you're curious about digital boundaries, looking to improve focus, or exploring ways to live more intentionally, this episode offers practical insights and encouragement to help you bounce back stronger.

In this episode:

00:00 Simon’s phone-free day: How unplugging from technology and reconnecting with nature brought a sense of peace—despite the initial anxiety.

05:22 Knowing when not to reply to your team: how strategic silence can empower others to problem-solve, foster innovation, and build greater independence.

09:05 Learning to let go: How stepping back, disconnecting from the noise, and allowing yourself to truly relax can create the mental space needed for fresh ideas and unexpected bursts of creativity.

10:01 Rusty’s self-care – How cranial osteopathy sessions allow the ideas to flow.

17:24 Storytelling: how engaging with stories activates the creative brain, draws focus away from everyday distractions, and helps calm the body’s stress response.

25:36 Journaling – How writing enhances memory and can reveal forgotten details.

29:47 Managing digital boundaries: exploring why setting clear limits on phone use at home is essential for fostering healthier relationships, reducing stress, and creating space for genuine connection.

Please like, subscribe or follow, so you're notified of any new episodes coming up, and if you're keen to reach Rusty or Simon with any suggestions, feedback or comments, you can contact them via the show's LinkedIn page here:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-bouncebackability-podcast/