Control the Controllables

Dan Kiernan
  • 4.9 (169)
  • TENNIS
  • UPDATED FORTNIGHTLY

Dan Kiernan, Director of SotoTennis Academy in Spain has created a podcast to entertain, educate and energise the tennis community. Hear Dan pick the brains of professional tennis players, coaches, parents, and others involved in High Performance Tennis.

  1. 5 DAYS AGO

    CTC LIVE: Reaction To Alcaraz & Ferrero Split

    One of the most successful and emotionally connected player–coach partnerships in modern tennis has come to an end. In this episode, Dan breaks down the split between world number 1 Carlos Alcaraz and his long-term coach Juan Carlos Ferrero, analysing their statements, the timing, the power dynamics, and what it means for the 2026 season — including the ripple effect on rivals like Jannik Sinner. Ferrero first spotted Alcaraz at age 14 near his academy in southeast Spain. Their official partnership began in 2018 and lasted 7 years. Achievements together: 24 tour-level titles6 Grand SlamsYoungest world No.1 in ATP history (US Open 2022) This episode was originally recorded live on YouTube — watch the full video version here Follow Control the Controllables on Instagram: @ctc.podcast CTC Tiktok: @controlthecontrollables CTC X: @ctc__podcast Thanks for listening!

    29 min

  2. 15 DEC

    From Louisiana to the ATP Finals: A Tennis Family’s Journey with Christian Harrison

    Christian Harrison’s story isn’t your typical tennis journey. Formerly a top 200 singles player, his career has been repeatedly derailed by surgeries, setbacks, and a foot injury at Wimbledon 2022 that convinced him to walk away from singles altogether. 8 surgeries before age 25 would finish most players. Cristian just adjusted. Now at 31, he’s producing the best tennis of his life on the doubles court. In 2025 Harrison has rocketed to world number 15 alongside partner Evan King. The pair started the year playing Challengers and ended it at the ATP Finals in Turin, after winning titles in Dallas and Acapulco, and having deep runs at Indian Wells, Madrid, and Roland Garros. In today´s episode, Christian talks us through his journey including growing up in a tennis family - his Father Pat is a coach, and his brother Ryan Harrison won the French Open Mens Doubles in 2017. He also discusses the 2026 season which he´ll be playing with new partner and regular CTC guest Neal Skupski. In this episode:  Christian reflects on his junior days which saw his family move from Louisiana to Texas to Florida for his tennis.How he kept going after 9 surgeries.Why his older brother Ryan Harrison was crucial in Christian's tennis development.Christian shares insights on coaching and player relationships, including the impact his Dad Pat has had on his career.Why he thinks 2025 has been such a successful year for him.Why he´s decided to play with GB´s Neil Skupski in 2026. Follow us on Instagram and watch all episodes on YouTube!  Control the Controllables is Hiring! We´re offering a university student the chance to spend their placement year working on the Control the Controllables Podcast here in Spain. Applications are open now for the Podcast Placement role starting in September 2026. Find out more about the role and how to apply here. Or you an email the team at ctc.podcast@sototennis.com.

    1h 31m

  3. 30 NOV

    From Antigua to the Pro Tour: Jody Maginley’s Tennis Journey and Podcast Success

    This week we sat down with Jody Maginley, a professional doubles tennis player and co-founder of The Changeover Podcast, one of the fastest-growing shows in tennis. Jody takes us from growing up in Antigua (population ~90k) with limited access to high-level tennis, to navigating US college and chasing points and paychecks on the pro tour. We get into the realities most fans never see; money, logistics, late-night travel and tough losses, and how that experience pushed him to build a platform that shines a spotlight on players outside the Grand Slam bubble. Topics we get into: What it takes to go pro coming from a small island nation.Wild tour stories from life on the road.Why the US College tennis system still has major gaps.Jody´s motivation for setting up The Changeover Podcast.How the show went from zero views to interviewing names like Kyrgios & Tsitsipas.Early-stage podcast growing pains (production, consistency, distribution)How Jody funds his tennis career.We debate whether doubles gets enough respect from singles players.The mindsets, role models, and motivations that keep him improving Links Mentioned in this Episode: Check out Jody´s show The Changeover PodcastListen to the CTC guests discussed in this episode: Denmark´s August Holmgren, Pat Cash & Sir Andy MurrayFollow Control the Controllables on Instagram & YouTube Control the Controllables is Hiring! We´re offering a university student the chance to spend their placement year working on the Control the Controllables Podcast here in Spain. Applications are open now for the Podcast Placement role starting in September 2026. Find out more about the role and how to apply here. Or you an email the team at ctc.podcast@sototennis.com.

    1h 44m

  4. 11 NOV

    What Data is Making a Real Difference on the ATP Tour with Tom Corrie

    It´s been said for many years that data and performance analytics in tennis is way behind other sports. Not just for improving player performance but also fan engagement. One of the reasons for this is the inconsistency of how the data is presented across our industry. TennisViz is trying to correct that. Today we speak to Tm Corrie who is Head of Performance, Media and Broadcast for TennisViz. They provide data for coaches and the media for the ATP tour. In the episode you´ll hear Tom and Dan share their own personal experiences as coaches of this side of the game. They dissect some of the highest profile rivalries and get behind the numbers as to why Carlos Alcaraz seems to have Jannick Sinners number currently. We find out how their data is measured and uniformed across various ages and stages of development and who doesn’t want to know who has the ‘best’ serve in the world!? Episode Highlights: Tom reflects on his coaching journey and the decision to transition into tennis data analysis. The challenges and opportunities in modern tennis coaching and data analytics. The significance of shot quality measures and their impact on coaching strategies and how it´s calculated.Tom gives us data-driven insight into who could explode on the ATP Tour in 2026.The role of technology in providing consistent and objective data for player development. The future of tennis analytics and its potential to revolutionise the sport.  Follow us on Instagram @ctc.podcast for the latest news and clips. Don´t miss an episode! Sign up to our email list to get exclusive updates, bonus content, and behind-the-scenes insights delivered straight to your inbox.

    1h 34m

  5. 7 NOV

    WTA Finals Semi-Finals LIVE Round-up

    In today´s episode, Dan is joined by sports journalist Candy Reid to chat through all the latest action from semi-finals day of the WTA Finals in Riyadh. This episode was originally aired live on our Control the Controllables YouTube channel. Listen to Dan & Candy discuss the dynamics of the event, recap matches, preview today´s semi-finals and answer questions from listeners. They also make their picks for who will win the singles and doubles titles! What we do know is that we will have the 10th different winner of the singles event in 10 years tomorrow! Episode Highlights: Dan & Candy discuss the pressures players face during the season and the role of coaches and support staff.They compare the differences in audience engagement and the overall atmosphere in Riyadh to the ATP Finals.How women´s tennis is changing, with more players capable of winning major titles.Why Demi Shuurs´ social media message indicates upcoming changes in women's doubles.Who to look out for in 2026. Our WTA Finals LIVE Round-ups from Riyadh are brought to you by our Sponsor Novellus Finance Follow the Control the Controllables Podcast on Instagram for all the latest on the show.

    52 min

  6. 3 NOV

    WTA Finals Round-up LIVE from Riyadh

    In today´s episode Dan is coming to us LIVE from the WTA Finals out in Saudi Arabia. This is a replay of his live stream on our Control the Controllables YouTube channel, where he gave us a round-up all the action from the first 3 days of tennis in Riyadh. Listen to behind-the-scenes insights into the event set-up, and how the top 8 singles players and doubles teams are looking. Dan also recaps of the singles and doubles matches so far. Episode Highlights: Dan discusses the improvements made on site for the players since last year and some of the challenges.Why the players consider the WTA Finals a fifth major.Who is looking on form in Riyadh and who isn´t.Why encouraging young girls to attend the matches is important.Dan describes why he thinks women´s doubles is getting stronger and stronger.Dan answers your questions about the tournament location, the food in Riyadh and his ATP Finals predictions! Follow the Control the Controllables Podcast on Instagram to find out details of our next LIVE from Riyadh, where you can ask questions to Dan about the event.

    33 min

  7. 9 OCT

    Teaching the Mindset: What Tennis Players Really Need (But Rarely Get) with Dr Callum Gowling

    Anger, tears, frustration - all junior players have experienced this at some point on a tennis court - but these are not signs of weakness. In this powerful episode, leading sports Psychologist Dr. Callum Gowling explains how emotion can fuel performance when it’s understood, not punished. With decades of experience working with elite players and coaches, Dr. Gowling breaks down the real challenges tennis players face, from pressure and confidence to stress and relationships, and how honest conversations are the key to unlocking both performance and wellbeing. This is a must-listen episode for players looking to sharpen their mindset, parents who want to better support their children, and coaches aiming to provide more than just technical guidance. Episode Highlights:- How to build self-awareness and face mental challengesWhy early mental development for players is as important as physical developmentThe vital role of parents in an athlete’s journeyMindset strategies to handle stress, pressure, and setbacksWhy maintaining a love for the sport matters mostHow acceptance can reduce stress sensitivityThe never-ending journey of performance, growth, and perspectiveWhy relationships between players, coaches, and parents are key Watch the full conversation now on our CTC YouTube channel, and follow us on Instagram @ctc.podcast for the latest news and clips. Don´t miss an episode! Sign up to our email list to get exclusive updates, bonus content, and behind-the-scenes insights delivered straight to your inbox. About Dr Callum Gowling Dr Callum Gowling is the founder of Liquid Sports Psychology which specialises in helping elite junior athletes thrive. Their unique approach, grounded in doctoral research, combines psychology with strong collaboration between players, parents, and coaches. The focus? Building resilience, self-awareness, and a love for the sport all while preparing juniors for the demands of high-level performance.

    1h 38m

  8. 9 SEPT

    US Open 2025 Review with Gaby Dabrowski & Erin Routliffe

    Listen to our very special US Open Review episode brought to you by Novellus, as we are joined by the 2025 Women’s Doubles Champions Gaby Dabrowski and Erin Routliffe! The pair who are coached by CTC Host Dan Kiernan, share their journey to their second Grand Slam title, and answer questions from our panellists and listeners. Our panel also look back on the highs and lows of what was a very eventful 3 weeks at Flushing Meadows, which saw both Carlos Alcaraz & Aryna Sabalenka crowned Champions for the second time. Joining Dan on our Grand Slam panel are:- Denmark´s Davis Cup Captain and 2012 Wimbledon Doubles Champion, Freddie NielsenSports broadcaster and former CNN anchor Candy Reid GB Coach Calvin Betton who is currently working with Henry Patten & Harri Heliövaara. Episode Highlights:-Erin and Gaby tell us how they celebrated their win in New YorkHow they got through a tough QF match which saw them fight back from 6-0 2-1 down.Mixed doubles should be a merit-based entry system to ensure fairness.Who can possibly compete with Alcaraz and Sinner?The importance of mental resilience in overcoming challenges during tournaments.What happened to Medvedev, Tsitsipas and Zverev.Anisimova's emotional response to losing the final highlights the pressure of major tournaments.Coco Gauff's coaching changes may have added unnecessary stress before the US Open. Plus many anecdotes from Gaby, Erin and the panel from throughout the fortnight! Enjoy! Head to our CTC YouTube channel to watch the episode and follow us on Instagram @ctc.podcast for all the latest news and clips from the show!

    1h 32m
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4.9
out of 5
169 Ratings

About

Dan Kiernan, Director of SotoTennis Academy in Spain has created a podcast to entertain, educate and energise the tennis community. Hear Dan pick the brains of professional tennis players, coaches, parents, and others involved in High Performance Tennis.

Information

  • Creator
    Dan Kiernan
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2025
  • Episodes
    299
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Dan Kiernan
  • Show Website
    Control the Controllables

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