The River Tiger Podcast from Dynamics Coaching

In this episode of the River Tiger Podcast, I’m delighted to welcome David Farrokh, who is currently finishing his PhD at Sheffield Hallam University. Our conversation takes a deep dive into various learning theories, including behaviourism, cognitivism, and ecological psychology, with a focus on how they shape our understanding of human (and animal) learning and behaviour.In part 1 David shares insights from his research on the concept of flow in sports and highlights interesting points of tension he encountered during his literature review. We discuss the historical evolution of psychological thought, particularly the significant shift from behaviourism to cognitivism sparked by critiques like Noam Chomsky's evaluation of B.F. Skinner’s work.A key point of discussion is the limitations of behaviourism, especially its simplistic stimulus-response framework. David argues that behaviourism fails to account for the complexities of language acquisition and the arbitrary nature of symbols. We also explore the 'symbol grounding problem' in cognitivism, which struggles to connect abstract symbols to real-world experiences.David advocates for ecological psychology as a more nuanced approach, emphasising the dynamic interaction between organisms and their environments. This theory offers valuable insights into how we perceive affordances, opportunities for action based on our capabilities. We highlight how ecological psychology integrates agency and context, providing a comprehensive view of learning and behaviour over multiple scales.As we conclude, I’m excited about the potential for ecological psychology to inform practical applications in areas like education and animal training. I hope this episode inspires you to reflect on the diverse theories of learning and their implications for understanding ourselves and others. Enjoy listening!This is just the first of 2 parts of the conversation!This blog post provides an overview to support the main themes of the conversation https://dynamics-coaching.com/learning-and-pedagogy/learning-theories-behaviourism-and-ecological-psychology/My guest on this episode: David Farrokh is a PhD candidate in the College of Health, Wellbeing and Life Sciences at Sheffield Hallam University. His research adopts an ecological dynamics perspective to investigate multiscaled properties of flow experiences, context-sensitivity, and co-adaptation in sport.X @bigpicsoccerFurther readingFultot et al What are nervous systems forPolanyi Life's irreducible structureJohnston & Turvey A sketch of an ecological metatheory for theories of learning

In this episode of the River Tiger podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Rebecca Williams, a clinical psychologist and climbing coach. Our discussion centred on the vital interplay between fear management and performance in adventure sports. Rebecca shared her nearly 25 years of experience in psychology and how her passion for climbing shaped her coaching approach.We tackled the misconception that fear and confidence are opposites. Rebecca clarified that fear is a natural emotional response essential for survival, and learning to manage it—rather than eliminate it—is crucial. She emphasised that fear conveys important information, encouraging athletes to recognise and understand their unique responses to fear.We also discussed societal pressures that can affect women's confidence in sports, sharing personal stories about empowerment through peer support. Rebecca highlighted the importance of understanding that skill development isn't linear, especially during significant life changes like puberty and menopause.Our conversation addressed coping with traumatic experiences in sports, underscoring the need for a compassionate, gradual return to activities after such events. We also examined the roll of “falling practice,” advocating for a focus on a holistic approach rather than simply overcoming the fear of falling.Rebecca concluded by discussing her books, "Climb Smarter" and the "Fear of Falling Workbook," which provide essential tools for athletes to navigate anxiety and boost their confidence. This episode serves as a valuable resource for anyone looking to understand and manage fear in high-stakes environments.My guest on this episodeDr Rebecca Williams BSc D ClinPsy is a Consultant Clinical Psychologist and performance psychology coach, working with climbers for the last 18 years.  She’s trained and experienced in psychotherapy, including CBT and ACT, holds a level 7 certificate in coaching and mentoring, and is a qualified climbing instructor (RCI).Rebecca has delivered thousands of hours of individual coaching, group workshops, coach education and lectures, for climbers and coaches interested in improving their headgame for climbing.  She has facilitated workshops for Mountain Training Association, the Diploma in Mountain Medicine, NICAS, the British Mountaineering Council (BMC), and many climbing and mountaineering clubs.  In 2018, she delivered the psychology keynote speech at the International Rock Climbing Research Association Congress in Chamonix, and is a founder member of the International Association of Psychologists in Climbing.  She is passionate about using making psychology accessible and practical, and translating psychological research into mainstream techniques and coaching practices. www.smartclimbing.co.ukAuthor: Climb Smarter: Mental Skills and Techniques for Climbinghttps://www.sequoia-books.com/catalog/climb/

This episode with Joe Kelly, widely known as the Barefoot Athlete, was a treat to record, and equally fascinating to re-listen to before publishing.With over 25 years in movement coaching, Jo's journey spans fitness, rehabilitation, and adventure sports, leading to profound insights into skill acquisition and the importance of embodiment in athletic performance.Jo emphasises "thinking with your feet," highlighting the intelligence present in our bodies, which allows us to make real-time decisions based on tactile feedback from our environments. He advocates for training environments that embrace variability and the possibility of error, asserting that such conditions promote resilience and adaptability, qualities essential for effective coaching and performance.A key theme in our conversation was the relationship between confidence and competence. Jo argues that confidence stems from navigating challenging situations successfully, so creating safe training conditions where individuals can experiment without fear of catastrophic failure is vital. Ultimately, Jo's philosophy encourages athletes to engage dynamically with their surroundings and to appreciate the learning journey. By fostering a culture that celebrates curiosity and resilience, while accepting mistakes as part of growth, coaches can help individuals cultivate a lifelong love for movement. As Jo embarks on a master's in performance psychology, he aims to enhance his understanding of these concepts, inspiring others to explore their movement experiences creatively and fearlessly.My guest is Joe Kelly and you can find him on X (Twitter) @BarefootAthlete and on Instagram: @barefootathleteI will be adding more detailed show notes and lots of links to books, film clips and other resources. Here is the film of the paraglider with the tangled wing that Joe talks about in the podcast https://www.instagram.com/reel/CzITu4ZoJz7/?igsh=MWRwaHFlYzRxNHN2And some videos of the catch game that Joe mentions from the sessions he runs: https://www.instagram.com/p/BvT8nUQHSav/?igsh=MXhqb2I4dzNmZm40eQ%3D%3Dhttps://www.instagram.com/p/BtQrzKLHQAC/?igsh=MTc5Nmk1cDhsY2RyeA%3D%3D

In this episode, my guest, Steph Bradley shares her research into the impact of menopause and peri-menopause on women in equestrian sports. In this refreshingly candid and open conversation, Steph delves into the challenges faced by women and the importance of sustaining women's participation in equestrian and other sports. She examines the various symptoms that may lead some women to step away from the sport, while also highlighting the necessity to become more informed and the value of establishing strong support networks for female equestrians. The discussion focusses on the impact of menopause on women in the equestrian community, addressing the physical, emotional and cognitive symptoms that a high proportion of women experience. Steph shares examples of the many challenges that arise when striving to stay engaged and/or maintain peak performance during menopause. Finally, she reflects on the significance of adapting coaching strategies to better support older riders and emphasises the importance of decision-making and agency in different contexts. This conversation aims to inspire and empower women to remain active and engaged in the equestrian world and any other physical sport or activity.My guest on this episode is Steph Bradley from Freedom Saddlery and Whitegate Farm. "Steph offers a fully qualified, independent professional saddle fitting consultation service. She is an S.M.S. Qualified Master Saddle Fitter & Approved Retailer, qualified Master Saddle Fitting Consultant, she has an MSc in Professional Coaching Practice, is a qualified UKCC Level 3 coach/ BHS Accredited Professional Coach, British Equestrian Level 4 Coach, and a member of B.E.T.A."Website: https://www.freedomsaddlery.co.uk/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whitegatefarmliveryandtrainingcentre

Kathy Sierra, an expert in movement science and learning theory, shares her insights on training horses without force. She discusses innovative strategies that respect a horse's agency, emphasizing the importance of motivation and trust. Kathy explores contemporary movement science principles, advocating for variability in training to enhance performance and engagement. She reflects on her paddleboarding adventure, illustrating how embracing diverse movements can benefit both horses and humans. The conversation promotes a shift towards non-violent training methods, fostering autonomy and joy in movement.

Staying fit, healthy and injury free is so important to all riders and horses, regardless of age or level of activity.This conversation covers a wide range of topics around how we can improve both horse and human performance and longevity by improving movement ability, fitness, resilience (or anti-fragility), and rehab.Katie Wood is a Reg. Physiotherapist, MSc in Equine Science, eventer, gaited horse trainer, and equestrian performance expert. Katie describes her role as "Empowering equestrian athletes of all levels and disciplines with evidence-informed rehab, strength & conditioning, care and education." Her multi disciplinary approach is refreshing and powerful.Katie finishes this episode with some great ideas about what we can all do to improve our own, and our equines, performance and health.My guest Katie Wood"I work with horses, riders, athletes, and anyone with a body. I understand how important it is to have a rehab professional in your corner that understands the demands of your sport. Whether you’re struggling with an injury, pain, performance issue, or just looking for ways to empower your role in the rider-horse relationship, I’ve got solutions for you."Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/theequestrianphysio/Websitehttps://www.theequestrianphysio.ca/

This is a great conversation for coaches and participants of all sports. Kit and equipment design has always fascinated me. Since my early days of learning to kayak in boats, wearing clothing and using paddles that were designed for men (not people shaped like me), I have been intrigued by how much our kit and equipment can impact skill development and motivation. Nowadays company's are designing equipment scaled for children, and designed for women. Many coaches understand how important scaled equipment is to support perception-action coupling and skill development. Corran Addison has always combined designing kit with using it. I wanted to find out more about his understanding of how his kit and equipment design was rooted in his unique perspectives on movement within his performance environments and of how design could support or thwart the development of skill by highlighting or dampening perception action coupling. We also talked about motivation, play and the importance of safe environments for developing confident, competent and happily active and adaptive youngsters.About my guest:Corran Addison runs the Soul Adrenaline Factory. "A boutique brand focused squarely on innovation: in design, execution and overall appearance is our company philosophy. We have capitalized on the illustrious design career of Corran Addison, who throughout his years as paddler, surfer, snowboarder, designer and manufacturer, has been known for his innovative work."At Soul, everything we do is about making our products the very best. We cut no corners, and spare no expense.  Our designs are forward thinking and fill specific niches, our kayak outfitting is second to none, and we use the best plastic that money can buy. Our snowboard designs and construction materials are as unique as our kayaks, as are our paddle boards. Everything about our products says “you’re getting the very best” - all backed with a LIFETIME warranty.   For more about Corran check out what SOUL is to him, and who it is for here:https://www.soulwaterman.com/pages/about-usSOUL Waterman Websitehttps://www.soulwaterman.com/

My guest this episode is Pete Edwards of Prowess Coaching. Firstly I need to say a huge thank you to Pete for taking some time out a few days before his wedding to talk to me. As with most of my conversations, this is (I hope) of interest to all coaches of all sports.I have always loved my conversations with Pete so I was delighted that he agreed to let me record one of them. In this conversation we explored many topics around coaching including the evolution of different sports, developing a personal philosophy, ethics in sports, sports with socially constructed rules, and designing practice.  The golden threads through the conversation were evidence informed practice and coach learning.Here are some of the articles and films we recommended in the conversation.Games climber play, by Lito Tejada-flores, Alpine Journal, 1968. https://www.alpinejournal.org.uk/Contents/Contents_1968_files/AJ%201968%2046-52%20Tejada-Flores%20Games.pdfRotpunkt, Alex Megos and the Advent, the Agony and the Art of the Redpoint | Patagonia UTube 2019. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SbWvFjUIt5kValley Uprising, Yosemite's Rock Climbing Revolution, 2014 (film). Riding Giants, 2004 documentary about the evolution of big wave surfing.Pete EdwardsPete Edwards is a professional climbing coach, running his own business, Prowess Climbing Coaching. He runs private sessions with climbers of all ages and abilities, as well as nationally recognised coach-education courses. He recently completed the Mountain Training Performance Coach Training - the top level of coaching award for climbing coaches in the UK - as one of only 24 coaches to have currently been trained, and is currently working towards assessment. Pete also has a Master's degree in Elite Performance from the University of Central Lancashire and is building towards starting a PhD next year. Prowess Climbing Coachinghttps://prowesscoaching.co.uk/+44 7792 854 863On FacebookOn LinkedIn

I love all of my podcast episodes, but every now and again I get to record and be part of a conversation that I could have a profound influence on both me and other equestrians. This is one of those conversations.For the full length introduction and links to research papers, go to the Dynamics Coaching website page -  https://wp.me/paOEAX-sgMy guests on this episode are Bonny Mealand and Emily Kieson:Bonny Mealand DEP MEPABonny’s niche is trimming the hooves of wild horses, combining her extensive experience as an Equine Podiatrist , fascination with equine behaviour, and her skill as a trainer of the “untrainable”.Web site - https://www.touchingwild.com/ Online Course - https://community-touchingwild.mn.co/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/touching_wildFacebook (Learning Wild) - https://m.facebook.com/learning.wild.global/Facebook (Touching Wild) - https://m.facebook.com/TouchingWild/Emily Kieson PhD, MS, PgDipEmily Kieson serves as Executive Director at Equine International, a US-based nonprofit focused on research, education, and outreach in the fields of equine behavior, welfare, and equine-human interactions. Emily holds a PhD in Comparative Psychology, a MS in Psychology, and a graduate degree in Equine Science. She also holds multiple certifications in various models of equine-assisted activities and recently served as Chair of the Equine Welfare Committee with the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH). 

I reached out to Sara Bref after reading a translation of one of her articles for the Swedish equestrian magazine Hippson. After a brief exchange of emails, I invited Sara to be a guest and Sara asked if she could bring Petra with her. I know I always say that my guests are awesome (they are), but this was a very special and rich conversation that also left me feeling more hopeful and thoughtful about the future of equestrianism and equestrian sports. I hope that you enjoy listening to the conversation and please do follow my guests and their wonderful journalism (mot of it is in Swedish so google-translate might be a good companion and well worth the effort to translate).Sara wrote an article about my concept paper 'Can’t jump, won’t jump: Affordances of the horse-rider dyad underpin skill adaptation in showjumping using a constraints-led approach. (Davies, M., Stone, J. A., Davids, K., Williams, J., & O’Sullivan, M. (2023). Can’t jump, won’t jump: Affordances of the horse-rider dyad underpin skill adaptation in showjumping using a constraints-led approach. International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching, 18(4), 1313-1319). Research article -https://doi.org/10.1177/17479541221107379Hippson article -https://www.hippson.se/artikelarkivet/forskning/forskare-belyser-var-syn-pa-hasten.htm?fbclid=IwAR2wse5e49Wj0TyqADTsRq_wH7QwzqHQBev9VPteV5yokoT4Dtc7JiliafM My guests on this episode were: Sara Bref Sara has a degree in Animal Science and is also a journalist. Sara currently works at the Swedish Farmers Association, before that she worked with science communication at a Swedish university. Sara has also been writing popular science for horse magazines (mostly hippson.se) for 15 years. Sara can be reached on her LinkedIn, though she only posts in Swedish: Sara Bref | LinkedInPetra AnderssonPetra has a PhD in practical philosophy and has a position as a researcher and teacher in practical philosophy at The University of Gothenburg, Sweden. Most of Petra's teaching is in environmental ethics and animal ethics. Most of her research is about horse welfare.Petra is on Facebook and can be contacted through her university email at petra.andersson@filosofi.gu.se