Captains is a new Crowd Sports podcast that gives listeners the inside story of how the most successful teams come together, grow and ultimately – win. Each episode, Sam Warburton - former British & Irish Lions rugby captain - is joined by a different world-class sporting leader as they compare notes, relive those life changing moments and share stories about what it’s really like to wear the armband at sport’s highest level. We’re all in a team somewhere; whether that is with friends, at home or at work. Captains is self improvement through storytelling, offering valuable insight we can all learn from. Subscribe to Crowd Sports+ on Apple to join The Huddle and receive bonus content as well as ad-free episodes. You can also listen ad-free on Amazon Music.
Alastair Campbell Part Two: How to manage a crisis
Sam is joined once again by the writer and political strategist, Alastair Campbell.
Alastair is the co-host of The Rest Is Politics podcast but is perhaps best known from his time as ex-Prime Minister Tony Blair’s spokesman, press secretary and director of communications & strategy when he was in power.
In this episode, we look at managing crises. Alastair talks about embracing the pressure of knowing that some decisions matter more; but we also discuss the flip side. Alastair talks openly and honestly about living with depression and the importance of having a strong support network.
We also talk about the power of clear communication, the importance of having a vision and how he and Tony Blair learnt from Premier League managers.
To get in touch with the show, email captains@crowdnetwork.co.uk and for extra content search for ‘Captains with Sam Warburton’ on LinkedIn.
If you are listening on Apple and would like to listen to this episode ad-free, as well as getting access to Crowd's other sports shows, click here: https://apple.co/3zQpfwE. You can also listen ad-free on Amazon music.
Music courtesy of BMG Production Music.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
10/16/2023 • 42 minutes, 49 seconds
Alastair Campbell Part One: Why politics and sport are more similar than you think
Sam is joined this episode by one of the biggest names in British politics, Alastair Campbell.
Alastair is the co-host of The Rest Is Politics podcast but is perhaps best known from his time as ex-Prime Minister Tony Blair’s spokesman, press secretary and director of communications & strategy when he was in power.
In this episode, we examine the crossover between politics and sport. Alastair explains why his involvement on the British & Irish Lions Tour received mixed reviews from the players and talks about using the fear of failure – even when in a winning position - to drive you on.
To get in touch with the show, email captains@crowdnetwork.co.uk and for extra content search for ‘Captains with Sam Warburton’ on LinkedIn.
If you are listening on Apple and would like to listen to this episode ad-free, as well as getting access to Crowd's other sports shows, click here: https://apple.co/3zQpfwE. You can also listen ad-free on Amazon music.
Music courtesy of BMG Production Music.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
10/9/2023 • 41 minutes, 23 seconds
Dai Greene: Not talking to my training partner brought the best out of me
This week on Captains, Sam is joined by former World, European and Commonwealth Champion in the 400m hurdles, Dai Greene. Dai was also Team GB athletics captain at the London 2012 Olympics.
Dai talks all about his memories of that summer and how he was able to lead the likes of Jessica Ennis-Hill and Sir Mo Farah, as well talking about the benefits of training with the right people - even if you don't get along.
This is a fascinating conversation into the mindset of an individual athlete; the motivation and commitment needed to excel and the drive to continue when others don’t want to.
To get in touch with the show, email captains@crowdnetwork.co.uk and for extra content search for ‘Captains with Sam Warburton’ on LinkedIn.
If you are listening on Apple and would like to listen to this episode ad-free, as well as getting access to Crowd's other sports shows, click here: https://apple.co/3zQpfwE. You can also listen ad-free on Amazon music.
Music courtesy of BMG Production Music.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
10/2/2023 • 54 minutes, 2 seconds
Ashley Williams: All about Wales at Euro 2016
This week on Captains, Sam is joined by former Wales football captain Ashley Williams.
Ashley was the skipper as Wales defied the odds to reach the semi-final of Euro 2016. Under the management of Chris Coleman, Ashley captained the likes of Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey and here he lifts the lid on the bonds that made that team so special.
Sam & Ashley compare notes about playing England, how to balance the emotion of big national occasions with carrying out a game plan and the importance of empowering other voices in the group to speak.
To get in touch with the show, email captains@crowdnetwork.co.uk and for extra content search for ‘Captains with Sam Warburton’ on LinkedIn.
If you are listening on Apple and would like to listen to this episode ad-free, as well as getting access to Crowd's other sports shows, click here: https://apple.co/3zQpfwE. You can also listen ad-free on Amazon music.
Music courtesy of BMG Production Music.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
9/25/2023 • 1 hour, 20 seconds
Osi Umenyiora: How to win the Super Bowl
With the new NFL season underway, Sam is joined by two-time Super Bowl winner Osi Umenyiora.
Osi is an award-winning pundit and an NFL icon and here he breaks down the mindset required to lead and succeed in America’s Game.
One common theme is the importance of good communication and in this episode Osi compares the different styles of legendary quarterbacks Tom Brady and Eli Manning, as well as the pitfalls of the glitz and glamour of the NFL lifestyle.
Osi is a trailblazer and a leading figure in growing the game around the world in his role as ambassador for NFL Africa, which has expanded beyond Ghana into Keyna. At present, over 100 players of African descent - whether both on the continent or elsewhere with African parentage - are involved in the NFL.
For more information, search @NFLAfrica on social media.
To get in touch with the show, email captains@crowdnetwork.co.uk and for extra content search for ‘Captains with Sam Warburton’ on LinkedIn.
If you are listening on Apple and would like to listen to this episode ad-free, as well as getting access to Crowd's other sports shows, click here: https://apple.co/3zQpfwE. You can also listen ad-free on Amazon music.
Music courtesy of BMG Production Music.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
9/18/2023 • 45 minutes, 3 seconds
John Barclay: Leadership happens in your shadow
Sam Warburton is joined this episode by his old friend - and rival - former Scotland rugby captain John Barclay.
John represented Scotland at three World Cups, earning 76 caps in total after making his debut against the All Blacks in 2007. At club level, John played for Glasgow Warriors before making the move south to the Scarlets where he led them to the Pro 14 title in 2017.
John reflects on the culture shock of that move and the difficulties of adapting to a new environment. He also talks about being dropped by Scotland and working his way back into the set-up, the grind of captaincy, as well as the importance of managing and maintaining relationships with some of the biggest names in Scottish rugby like Finn Russell and Greig Laidlaw.
To get in touch with the show, email captains@crowdnetwork.co.uk and for extra content search for ‘Captains with Sam Warburton’ on LinkedIn.
If you are listening on Apple and would like to listen to this episode ad-free, as well as getting access to Crowd's other sports shows, click here: https://apple.co/3zQpfwE. You can also listen ad-free on Amazon music.
Music courtesy of BMG Production Music.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
9/11/2023 • 55 minutes
Shaun Edwards Part Two: My coaching philosophy and working with Warren Gatland
Sam Warburton is joined by his former Wales coach Shaun Edwards; a legend of Rugby League and current France defence coach.
This is Part Two. If you haven't already, go back and listen to Part One.
In this episode, Shaun breaks down his coaching philosophy and discusses his working relationship with Warren Gatland.
Shaun has a reputation as a visionary coach but perhaps his greatest strength is keeping it simple; and here he tells Sam about his transition from playing to coaching.
To get in touch with the show, email captains@crowdnetwork.co.uk and for extra content search for ‘Captains with Sam Warburton’ on LinkedIn.
If you are listening on Apple and would like to listen to this episode ad-free, as well as getting access to Crowd's other sports shows, click here: https://apple.co/3zQpfwE. You can also listen ad-free on Amazon music.
Music courtesy of BMG Production Music.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
9/4/2023 • 32 minutes, 45 seconds
Shaun Edwards Part One: From the Wigan pits to the Rugby World Cup
Captains is back! Sam Warburton is joined by his former Wales coach Shaun Edwards; a legend of Rugby League and current France defence coach.
An incredibly successful leader from a very young age, Shaun explains how his upbringing in Wigan shaped his outlook on life and that a fear of going down the pit inspired him great things as a player and coach.
With the Rugby World Cup on the horizon, Shaun explains how he had to adapt his coaching style with Les Bleus and they discuss what makes France skipper Antoine Dupont a modern day great.
To get in touch with the show, email captains@crowdnetwork.co.uk and for extra content search for ‘Captains with Sam Warburton’ on LinkedIn.
If you are listening on Apple and would like to listen to this episode ad-free, as well as getting access to Crowd's other sports shows, click here: https://apple.co/3zQpfwE. You can also listen ad-free on Amazon music.
Music courtesy of BMG Production Music.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
