THREE POINTS OF CONTACT

Bradley
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Three Points of Contact is a podcast about what happens when people are tested — physically, mentally and emotionally. Hosted by former Royal Marines PTI and Adventure Training Instructor Brad Lotts, who is currently completing an MSc in Performance Psychology, the podcast explores the experiences, challenges and decisions that shape people throughout their lives. Through relaxed, honest conversations with adventurers, military personnel, coaches, leaders and everyday people with extraordinary stories, Brad digs into how people deal with pressure, setbacks, fear, failure, purpose and change. Drawing on his background in the Royal Marines and adventurous training, alongside his developing knowledge of performance psychology, Brad is interested in more than just what people have achieved. He wants to understand what was going on in their head while they were doing it, what they learned when things went wrong, and how those experiences changed them. Three Points of Contact is about the person behind the performance — the stories, psychology and experiences that help us stay grounded when life gets difficult.

Episodes

  1. 1d ago

    Reinvestment: When Thinking Too Much Makes You Worse

    This episode explores the concept of reinvestment theory in performance psychology, highlighting how overthinking can hinder performance under pressure. It discusses the balance between conscious thought and automatic skills, and offers insights for coaches and performers on simplifying instructions and cues. Takeaways Pressure can hinder automatic skillsSimplifying instructions enhances performance Chapters 00:00 Understanding Reinvestment Theory08:53 The Impact of Pressure on Performance18:01 Simplifying Coaching and Performance

  2. 1d ago

    From Soldier to Firefighter to Jiu-Jitsu Coach: Finding the Real Self

    In this episode of the Three Points of Contact podcast, host Brad interviews Ben Newton, co-founder of Kaizen Summer and a former soldier, discussing his life journey from growing up in Birmingham to his experiences in the military, including his deployment in Afghanistan and the challenges he faced. The conversation delves into themes of belonging, personal growth, and the impact of military service on identity. The conversation explores Ben's journey of identity loss after leaving the military, his struggle to redefine himself, and the pivotal moments that led him to embrace new roles in life, including his work in the fire service and close protection. It delves into themes of personal growth, the impact of performance on identity, and the importance of understanding human behavior under pressure. The conversation explores the mental processes and coping strategies used by emergency responders, particularly focusing on breathing techniques and mental modeling to manage stress and adrenaline in high-pressure situations. Additionally, it delves into personal development through Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and the importance of self-awareness and courage in leadership and personal growth. Takeaways Sense of belonging in militaryImpact of deployment on identity Identity loss after military serviceImportance of understanding human behavior Breathing techniques for stress managementImportance of self-awareness in leadership Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Ben Newton01:50 Growing Up in Birmingham04:00 Joining the Military: A Personal Journey09:07 What the Army Provided12:28 Deployment Experience in Afghanistan22:11 The Hornet Incident and Its Aftermath25:55 Loss of Military Identity27:12 Identity Crisis and Transformation30:04 The Turning Point on the Cruise34:08 Finding Freedom in Anonymity39:09 The Fire Service Journey42:25 Pressure and Team Dynamics46:26 Training and Specialization in Fire Service52:03 Coping Strategies in High-Pressure Situations59:05 The Role of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Personal Development01:05:59 Building Meaningful Connections and Leadership01:11:05 Embracing Uncertainty and Personal Growth01:13:02 The Courage to Face the UnknownIf you’re interested in what Ben can offer you, or you’d like to hear more from him, please follow the links here. Listen to his Curiosity & Command podcast, explore the Kaizen Summit website, follow Kaizen Summit on Instagram, or connect with Ben on LinkedIn to find out more about his work, leadership development and personal growth.

  3. Sep 19

    Why Do We Fall Apart Under Pressure?

    Brad introduces the concept of pressure and its impact on performance, drawing from his experiences in the military and adventure training. He explores the nature of pressure, attentional control, physical and mental responses to pressure, conscious control under pressure, practical strategies for managing pressure, the value of practicing under pressure, and the idea of embracing nervousness as a skill. Takeaways Pressure affects attentional controlConscious control under pressure can interfere with automatic skillsPractical strategies for managing pressure can help improve performance Chapters 00:00 Understanding Pressure02:24 The Nature of Pressure05:41 Attentional Control08:34 Physical and Mental Responses to Pressure10:27 Conscious Control Under Pressure13:41 Practical Strategies for Managing Pressure17:24 The Value of Practicing Under Pressure19:48 Embracing Nervousness

  4. Sep 12

    How a 32 Hour North Coast 500 Ride Raised Money for Education.

    Caroline Livesey, an endurance athlete and adventurer, shares her journey from the military to professional triathlon, highlighting her drive for challenges, experiences in rock climbing, and the impact of a road rage attack. Her resilience and recovery led to a relocation to Mallorca and the establishment of the Peak Education Nepal charity. Caroline shares her transformative experience in the Himalayas, the impact of adversity, and the establishment of Peak Education Nepal. She discusses supporting children's education, expanding the charity's impact, and her motivation and endurance. Caroline reflects on her North Coast 500 world record, team support, and post-record reflection. She also shares her upcoming challenges, charitable work, and future plans. Takeaways Resilience and recovery from adversityThe pursuit of new challenges and personal growth Adversity can lead to unexpected opportunitiesSupporting children's education has a lasting impactMotivation and endurance drive remarkable achievements Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Early Life01:20 The Drive for Challenges04:05 Rock Climbing and Fear Management09:10 Transition from Military to Triathlon21:09 Recovery and Resilience30:02 Relocation to Mallorca and Peak Education APAL33:55 The Himalayan Experience34:43 Impact of Adversity35:40 Education in Nepal36:35 Supporting Children's Education39:02 Establishing Peak Education Nepal40:08 Expanding Impact42:08 Motivation and Endurance43:47 North Coast 500 World Record46:22 Preparing for Challenges52:17 Team Support and Achievement54:49 Post-Record Reflection58:04 Upcoming Challenges01:00:00 Charitable Work and Future Plans To follow more of Caroline’s adventures, subscribe to The Brick Session on YouTube and follow Caroline on Instagram. You can learn more about Peak Education Nepal and support its work by clicking Donate on the website. Donations can be made securely through JustGiving or PayPal, with 100% going towards helping the children and schools the charity supports.

  5. Sep 8

    How a Rebellious Teen Built a Career Through Discipline and Sport

    Nick shares his journey from school to professional football, highlighting the impact of golf on his discipline and motivation. He discusses his experiences in the football industry, the challenges faced, and the importance of core values. The conversation covers Nick's transition from professional football to working with professional cyclists, emphasizing the importance of high performance lifestyle coaching and the broader concept of high performance in various aspects of life. The conversation covers the impact of social media, self-belief, and the importance of meaningful work and relationships. It also delves into the psychological skills training for athletes and the significance of patience and prioritizing family and friends. Takeaways Discipline and motivation from golfChallenges and ethics in the football industry Transition from professional sports to other careersImportance of high performance lifestyle coaching Social media's accessibility to good material, the impact of self-belief, and the importance of meaningful work and relationships.The significance of psychological skills training for athletes and the value of patience and prioritizing family and friends. Chapters 00:00 School and Golf03:13 Transition to Professional Football06:00 Challenges in the Football Industry28:24 Transition from Professional Sports39:08 High Performance Lifestyle Coaching52:19 Broader Concept of High Performance53:39 Impact of Social Media54:17 Self-Belief and Meaningful Work55:16 Psychological Skills Training for Athletes58:07 The Importance of Patience and Prioritizing Family and Friends

  6. Aug 30

    The Dyslexia Advantage That Turned a "Bad Student" Into An Elite Coach.

    The conversation covers Dave's early life on the farm, the impact of dyslexia, and his military experience and transition. It explores the influence of farm life on work ethic, the challenges of dyslexia, and the impact of military service on personal growth and transition to civilian life. The conversation delves into the challenges of training courses, the purpose of military training, transitioning identities, the journey of adventure training, and reflections on performance and pressure. It explores the themes of overcoming self-imposed pressure and the importance of controlling the controllables. The conversation covers topics such as endurance racing, the Dragons Back Race, the challenge of embracing failure, mentoring and coaching in mountain rescue and triathlon, and the value of authenticity. The key takeaways include the importance of authenticity and the value of embracing failure as a means of personal growth and learning. Takeaways Work ethic from farm lifeDealing with dyslexiaMilitary experience and its impact Overcoming self-imposed pressureThe importance of controlling the controllables AuthenticityEmbracing failure Chapters 00:00 Early Life on the Farm02:51 Dealing with Dyslexia11:55 Military Experience and Transition33:58 The Challenge of Training Courses35:04 The Purpose of Military Training38:40 Transitioning Identities42:29 The Journey of Adventure Training59:25 Reflections on Performance and Pressure01:07:48 The Dragons Back Race01:08:26 Endurance Racing and the Dragons Back Race01:11:13 The Challenge of Embracing Failure01:24:37 Mentoring and Coaching in Mountain Rescue and Triathlon01:30:07 The Value of Authenticity Intersted in taking on your own mountain adventures or endurance challenge? Follow this link to find out more about coaching with Dave and how he can help you prepare,perform and achieve your goals.

  7. Aug 29

    Why Imposter Syndrome May Actually Mean You’re Growing

    The conversation covers Paul's journey from his early years in Southampton to his current role as a mountain leader and provider for mountain training. It explores his experiences, challenges, and growth in the outdoor industry, as well as his approach to leadership and psychological safety in the field. The conversation delves into the challenges and dynamics of the outdoor industry, addressing issues of elitism, knowledge sharing, and imposter syndrome. It also explores the impact of perfectionism and the competitive environment on individuals within the industry. The conversation covers topics related to confidence, team dynamics, pressure management, and a significant avalanche experience. Paul shares a personal account of a near-fatal climbing accident and the psychological impact it had on him. He discusses the physical and emotional challenges he faced, as well as the coping mechanisms he used to navigate through a difficult period in his life. Paul also reflects on the lessons learned and the positive changes that emerged from his experiences. Takeaways Organic JourneyLeadership Style Elitism in the outdoor industryImposter syndrome and perfectionismCompetitive environment and its impact on individuals Confidence assessmentTeam dynamicsPressure managementAvalanche experience ResilienceCoping Mechanisms Chapters 00:00 Early Years and College Experience03:08 Travels and Personal Growth06:04 Becoming a Mountain Leader16:51 Leadership and Psychological Safety30:34 Elitism in the Outdoor Industry41:01 Imposter Syndrome and Perfectionism57:34 Competitive Environment and Its Impact59:13 Confidence Assessment01:00:14 Team Dynamics01:02:49 Pressure Management01:17:32 Avalanche Experience01:24:35 The Impact of the Climbing Accident01:25:33 Coping and Recovery01:27:03 Reflections on the Experience01:29:01 Personal Challenges and Growth01:30:00 The Importance of Self-Realization01:31:16 Overcoming Adversity01:32:49 The Journey to Recovery01:34:09 Lessons Learned and Moving Forward01:35:22 The Power of Self-Realization01:37:09 The Impact of Trauma on Mental Health01:38:29 The Role of Social Support01:40:24 Embracing Personal Growth01:44:15 The Journey to Healing01:46:43 Empathy and Understanding01:51:06 Recognizing Inner Strength Click here to visit Paul´s Mountaineering Page.

  8. Aug 25

    What the Military Taught Daz About Ego, Humility, and Brotherhood

    Daz Elms shares his journey from school to joining the military, reflecting on his experiences and challenges along the way. He discusses his time in the military, the decision to pursue the infantry, and the transformative experience of Depot. The conversation covers Daz Elms' experiences during training, including the challenges, physical tests, and the transition to 2 Para and Kenya. It also delves into the PT course selection process and the impact of personal relationships on Daz's journey. The conversation covers Daz Elms' experience as an Adventure Training Instructor (ATI) and the challenges he faced during his training. It also delves into the importance of humility, learning from mistakes, and the impact of personal growth on professional development. The conversation delves into the personal experiences of Daz Elms, a former soldier, as he reflects on his journey through injuries, resilience, and personal growth. Daz shares insights on identity, self-acceptance, and the impact of injuries on his life and relationships. He emphasizes the importance of being true to oneself and following one's instincts. Takeaways Military JourneyChallenges and Reflections Training challengesTransition to 2 Para and KenyaPT course selection process Humility in learningImportance of learning from mistakes ResilienceSelf-acceptance Chapters 00:00 Early Life and Military Interest03:12 Joining the Military and Initial Training05:12 Transition to Infantry and Depot Experience29:16 Training Challenges and Experiences31:06 Transition to 2 Para and Kenya51:45 PT Course Selection Process and Personal Impact51:52 The Probation Period and Selection Process53:09 Challenges Faced as an ATI01:15:28 The Impact of Personal Growth on Professional Development01:21:13 Personal Growth and Identity01:22:08 Mental Resilience and Overcoming Injuries01:23:40 Seeking Support and Reflecting on Personal Growth01:24:10 Navigating Personal Challenges and Self-acceptance01:24:51 Embracing Change and Moving Forward01:26:10 The Impact of Injuries and Seeking Support01:27:34 Self-Reflection and Overcoming Adversity01:31:04 Embracing Authenticity and Personal Growth01:34:31 Resilience and Self-acceptance01:36:00 Navigating Change and Embracing Authenticity01:46:53 Advice on Overcoming Challenges

  9. Aug 21

    BREAKING MY BODY TO HEAL MY MIND- ROSS DUNCAN

    The conversation covers Ross Duncan's journey from his military career to coping with loss and grief. It explores themes of resilience, leadership, and the impact of personal experiences on mindset and coping strategies. Ross Duncan shares his journey of grief and resilience, from the loss of his mother to his wife's battle with cancer. He reflects on purpose over approval and the impact of personal tragedy on his life and career. Ross Duncan shares his journey of supporting his wife through cancer treatment, emphasizing the importance of taking control and making lifestyle changes. He also discusses his own endurance challenges and the lessons learned from his experience. Takeaways ResilienceCoping with loss Resilience in the face of personal tragedyThe importance of purpose over approval ResilienceTaking Control Chapters 00:00 Military Career and Resilience03:01 Identity and Coping Strategies16:08 Dealing with Loss and Grief32:08 Coping Strategies and Psychological Safety36:47 Grief and Resilience40:21 Purpose Over Approval56:37 The Battle with Cancer01:07:21 Supporting a Loved One Through Cancer01:08:19 Lifestyle Changes and Control01:20:14 Endurance Challenges and Lessons Learned Follow Ross On His Socials

  • 9 Episodes

About

Three Points of Contact is a podcast about what happens when people are tested — physically, mentally and emotionally. Hosted by former Royal Marines PTI and Adventure Training Instructor Brad Lotts, who is currently completing an MSc in Performance Psychology, the podcast explores the experiences, challenges and decisions that shape people throughout their lives. Through relaxed, honest conversations with adventurers, military personnel, coaches, leaders and everyday people with extraordinary stories, Brad digs into how people deal with pressure, setbacks, fear, failure, purpose and change. Drawing on his background in the Royal Marines and adventurous training, alongside his developing knowledge of performance psychology, Brad is interested in more than just what people have achieved. He wants to understand what was going on in their head while they were doing it, what they learned when things went wrong, and how those experiences changed them. Three Points of Contact is about the person behind the performance — the stories, psychology and experiences that help us stay grounded when life gets difficult.

Information

  • Creator
    Bradley
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    9
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Bradley
  • Show Website
    THREE POINTS OF CONTACT

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