Dave Wood: How to stay calm under pressure

On this episode of Between Two Beers we talk to Dave Wood. 

Dave is a human performance specialist who works with some of the world’s most elite athletes to make them better at their job.  

He is currently Israel Adesanya’s breathing and mindset coach, and in a recent interview Adesanya said Wood ‘opened his eyes’ to the power of breathwork.  

Wood is now one of the most in-demand integrated health specialists in Australasia and has worked with Blair Tuke, Ella Williams, Kai Kara France – and one of Germany’s top footballers -  but the story of how he got to the top might be as remarkable as his quick rise. 

We talk about his debilitating hip injury, the failed attempts at rehab through traditional sources - and hitting rock bottom. Then The drive, desire and success of figuring a solution out on his own – and how he started teaching it to others - while working as an intensive care paramedic.  

Dave doesn’t normally do these types of interviews – and we feel grateful he gave us so much. We delved deep into his back story – and he was incredibly open about some of the most challenging moments in his life. He teaches stress mitigation, and being ‘calm under pressure’ and some of his ‘real world’ examples of what he’s been through – and travel stories - will blow you away. 

This was a cracker ep and it’s easy to see why Dave has risen to the top of his field. He’s relatable, he's real, he’s whip-smart and has lived one hell of a life. You’ll love this one. 

Listen on iheart or wherevers you get your podcasts from, and check you podcast app for show notes. You can watch the video of this one on Youtube. A huge thanks to those supporting the show on patreon for the cost of a cup of coffee a month, to get involved head to Between Two Beers.com.                

This episode was brought to you from the Export Beer garden studio. Enjoy. 

Show notes | Episode 114 | Dave Wood

1:38: The stress (or not) of the Auckland floods

3:43: The sausage story

8:14: The makings of Dave Wood

13:11: “I don’t want to go on a holiday, I want to challenge myself”

15:17: Left at sea in Bali

19:04: A culmination of experiences

21:11: Living in a lighthouse on the Andaman Islands

31:09: Seven days with a camel

36:23: Travel hardships in Venezuela

44:21: Reinventing himself as an Intensive Care Paramedic

49:57: Dealing with chronic pain: The creation of integrated training

57:12: Overcoming obstacles

59:33: From start up to working with Israel Adesanya

1:05:14: From athletes to corporates

1:10:17: A German football interlude

1:11:35: The importance of breathing

1:20:15: Wim Hof and cold showers

1:25:11: Can you read people’s stress levels?

1:29:27: The five pillars of health

1:34:27: The importance of the natural environment

1:37:38: Manifestation

1:40:07: Last words from Steve, Seamus and Dave

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