The Next Playbook

Derika Legg

The Next Playbook podcast delves into the post-athletic careers of top-tier athletes, hosted by Derika. Each episode features candid conversations with former Olympians, professional athletes, and collegiate stars who have tackled the challenge of redefining themselves after their sporting careers. Through personal narratives of triumphs and trials, these guests offer insights into their journeys beyond the final whistle. Join us as we explore how these elite athletes forge new paths and continue to make significant impacts beyond their athletic achievements.

  1. APR 28

    Liminal Space: Dawn Sanders on Riding the Wave of Transition

    Sponsors Momentous - Get 20% off your purchase at livemomentous.com by using code PLAYBOOK20 Goal Five - Get 15% off your first order at GoalFive.com by using code PLAYBOOK15 Summary In this episode, Derika speaks with Dawn Sanders, co-founder of Winwell, about the complex journey of athletes transitioning out of professional sports. Dawn shares her personal evolution from a track athlete and England rugby player to a pioneer in "performance lifestyle coaching" at the UK Sports Institute. The conversation delves into the identity crisis that follows retirement, the "silent army" of support staff helping athletes plan for life beyond the field, and how sports organizations can better support their human capital throughout their entire career cycle. Chapters 0:00 Introduction how a LinkedIn algorithm brought Derika and Dawn together. 01:33 Dawn's early athletic career, including her 18th birthday party with Paula Radcliffe. 03:10 The daunting experience of playing for the national team and the resilience required in the semi-pro era. 05:55 Addressing the psychological impact of "hanging up the boots" and the physical changes that follow. 08:38 Replacing the rugby team environment with local field hockey and maintaining social connections. 10:55 Dawn’s 23-year career at the Institute and shifting from "advisor" to "practitioner". 16:21 Breaking down the five phases of transition support and helping athletes find their "why". 26:07 The responsibility of governing bodies and advice for loved ones during an athlete’s transition. 33:01 Dawn’s journey into entrepreneurship and her global goals for the "performance lifestyle movement". 38:13 Final thoughts on being kind to yourself during life's uncomfortable middle zones. Relevant Links & Contact Website: www.winwell.org.uk  LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/dawnmariasanders  Email: dawn@winwell.org.uk Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TZJyXI39sX3D2S2pvhKAO?si=5ca1ec1154a94b92 Follow The Next Playbook  www.TheNextPlaybook.comInstagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | Podcast | Blog

    43 min
  2. APR 14

    Parallels: Where Sport and Business Intersect with Jenny Casson

    Sponsors Momentous - Get 20% off your purchase at livemomentous.com by using code PLAYBOOK20 Goal Five - Get 15% off your first order at GoalFive.com by using code PLAYBOOK15 Summary In this conversation, Jenny Casson shares her journey as a multi-sport athlete who transitioned into rowing and ultimately became a two-time Olympian. She discusses the importance of a diverse athletic background, the challenges of identity and injury, and the emotional rollercoaster of competing at the Olympic level. Jenny also reflects on the post-Olympic experience and the mental health challenges that can arise after such significant achievements. Jenny emphasizes the transferable skills from sports to business, the need for adaptability in a constantly changing environment, and the significance of personal growth and community support. She also touches on her current role in AI and the balance between her personal and professional goals, encouraging listeners to embrace their journeys and never underestimate their achievements. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 03:01 The Importance of Multi-Sport Backgrounds 05:46 Identity and Injury in Sports 08:59 Transition to Rowing and Discovering Talent 11:46 The Road to the Olympics 15:07 Experiencing Olympic Competition 18:07 Post-Olympic Reflections and Challenges 25:06 The Emotional Toll of Transitioning from Sports 26:37 Preparing for Life After Competition 28:51 Finding Purpose Beyond Athletics 30:41 The Journey of Entrepreneurship 33:06 Translating Athletic Skills to Business 36:17 Navigating the Uncertainty of Business Goals 38:13 Embracing New Challenges in AI 42:27 Balancing Personal and Professional Goals 44:41 Staying Active and Engaged 47:03 Final Thoughts on Connection and Growth Relevant Links & Contact @Jenny_joan_casson (IG) @daylilie_bras (IG) www.jennyjoancasson.com (website, personal) Follow The Next Playbook  www.TheNextPlaybook.com

    44 min
  3. MAR 31

    Do It Now: How Steve Moore is Helping Athletes Transition Beyond Sport

    Sponsors Momentous - Get 20% off your purchase at livemomentous.com when you enter code PLAYBOOK20  Summary In this conversation, Steve Moore shares his journey from being a soccer player to becoming a professional rugby player, discussing the transition from amateur to professional sports, the challenges of retirement, and how he found his way back to rugby through coaching and entrepreneurship. He emphasizes the importance of community, the fun aspect of sports, and the need for open communication during transitions. He discusses the skills he learned from sports that helped him in business, the inspiration behind ACT, and the mission to support athletes in their career transitions. Steve emphasizes the importance of early preparation for life after sports and how athletes can articulate their unique skills to potential employers. He also outlines the future goals for ACT Community, aiming to create a supportive environment for athletes navigating their transitions. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:10 Steve's Rugby Journey: From Soccer to Elite Player 04:49 The Culture and Camaraderie of Rugby 05:21 Transition from Fun to Professional Sport 10:47 Lessons from Rugby for US Athletes Entering Pro League 11:17 Advice for Athletes Going Pro 13:11 Thinking About Life After Sport 14:54 The End of a Playing Career: Emotions and Reflections 16:54 The Reality of Retirement and Injury 18:35 Post-Retirement Challenges and Identity 25:02 Re-engaging with Rugby and Community 27:11 From Player to Entrepreneur: The Transition 33:44 Founding ACT and Supporting Athletes 36:20 Mission and Approach of ACT 38:30 Skills from Sport That Drive Business Success 43:40 Ideal Timing for Transition Planning 45:31 Starting Early in Career Planning 48:20 Future Goals for ACT 52:28 Building a Community for Retiring Athletes 54:19 Final Thoughts and Advice for Athletes Relevant Links & Contact - Website: www.act.community - X (Twitter): https://x.com/act_community (https://x.com/act_community) - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/actforathletes (https://www.instagram.com/actforathletes) - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/act-community (https://www.linkedin.com/company/act-community) Follow The Next Playbook  www.TheNextPlaybook.comInstagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | Podcast | Blog

    57 min
  4. MAR 17

    Ask for Help: Madeline Davis Tully on Leaning on Your People

    Sponsors Momentous - Get 20% off your purchase at livemomentous.com when you enter code PLAYBOOK20 Summary In this conversation, Madeline Davis Tully shares her journey from a young girl watching her father row to becoming a competitive rower at Princeton University. She discusses the challenges and rewards of rowing, the transition to collegiate athletics, and the importance of preparation and mindset in competition. Madeline also reflects on her experiences in recruitment, the emotional aspects of leaving college sports, and her uncertain career path after rowing, ultimately leading her to a fulfilling role in education and coaching.  Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Madeline Davis Tully 01:30 The Journey into Rowing 06:00 The Rigors of Rowing Training 10:04 Transitioning to College Rowing 15:02 Navigating Recruitment and College Choices 19:56 Reflections on Competitive Experiences 23:04 Life After Rowing: Career Pathways 24:43 Discovering a Passion for Coaching 26:09 Navigating Transitions in Coaching 28:07 Reflections on Leadership and Team Dynamics 30:21 The Intersection of Coaching and Leadership Development 33:13 The Journey to Entrepreneurship 36:19 Building a Coaching Business 39:28 Goals and Aspirations for the Future 40:46 Finding Balance in Athletic Pursuits 42:43 Embracing New Challenges and Skills 46:29 The Importance of Seeking Help 48:42 Connecting with Madeline Davis Tully Relevant Links & Contact www.mdtlead.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/madelinedavistully/ Follow The Next Playbook  www.TheNextPlaybook.comInstagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | Podcast | Blog

    52 min
  5. MAR 3

    Full Circle: How Dallen Stanford Went from Player to Commentator

    Sponsors Momentous - Get 20% off your purchase at livemomentous.com when you enter code PLAYBOOK20 Summary In this engaging conversation, Dallen Stanford shares his journey from growing up in South Africa, where rugby is a way of life, to becoming a key player on the USA Sevens team. He discusses the unique culture of rugby, the challenges of transitioning from player to commentator, and the importance of community and mindset in sports. Dallen emphasizes the value of maintaining a positive attitude and a growth mindset, especially when facing the inevitable changes and challenges in an athlete's career. Dallen discusses how he became a commentator, the steps to set oneself up for success in any field, and the surprises he encountered while building his business. He also reflects on his experiences as an ambassador for various initiatives and shares memorable moments from his commentating career. The conversation concludes with Dallen's insights on personal development and the importance of pursuing one's passions. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Dallen Stanford 01:09 Dallen's Rugby Journey Begins 03:51 Transitioning to the USA Sevens Team 08:11 The Culture of Rugby 12:00 Integrating into New Cultures 13:58 The Pressure of Professional Sports 17:11 The Last Game and Its Impact 19:03 Finding New Highs After Playing 21:02 Principles for Achieving Goals 23:55 Embracing a Growth Mindset 26:47 The Journey to Becoming a Commentator 30:11 Setting Yourself Up for Success 34:01 Building a Business from Passion 36:40 Surprises in Entrepreneurship 38:25 The Role of an Ambassador 41:06 Top Commentating Moments 45:22 Final Thoughts and Future Aspirations Relevant Links & Contact https://dallenstanford.com/ https://playrugbyusa.org/ https://www.algarve7s.com/ https://avantebrandy.com/?srsltid=AfmBOopgPXphmpasbY8Rk6X-0G7PXEQMZYxA1KfK0p32cVMugrBa8L7o https://www.tsunami-sport.com/ Follow The Next Playbook  www.TheNextPlaybook.com Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | Podcast | Blog

    50 min
  6. FEB 3

    Welcome to My House: Lara Dallman Weiss on Prepping for LA 2028

    Sponsors Momentous - Get 20% off your purchase at livemomentous.com when you enter code PLAYBOOK20 Summary In this conversation, Lara Dallman Weiss shares her emotional journey as a two-time Olympic sailor, reflecting on her experiences in the sailing community, the importance of teamwork, and the challenges of transitioning between Olympic cycles. She discusses her love for sailing, the significance of mental health support, and the sacrifices made in pursuit of excellence. Lara also looks ahead to her future aspirations, including coaching and supporting younger athletes. She emphasizes the significance of self-care, teamwork, and following one's passion, while also exploring personal goals and the emotional aftermath of competing in the Olympics. Lara offers advice for young athletes and highlights the joy of learning new sports and connecting with others. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Emotional Reflections 02:49 The Journey into Sailing 05:54 The Importance of Community and Teamwork 08:59 The Olympic Experience and Personal Growth 11:49 Navigating Transitions and Finding Direction 14:57 Mental Health and Support Systems 17:59 Sacrifices and Life Choices 20:46 Looking Ahead: Future Aspirations and Coaching 29:35 The Journey of an Athlete: Funding and Opportunities 30:30 Manifesting Opportunities: The Power of Intention 32:48 Skills Beyond Sports: The Athlete's Daily Routine 34:57 Self-Care and Performance: Balancing Athletic Goals 36:59 Building Strong Partnerships: The Joy of Teamwork 40:01 Advice for Young Athletes: Follow Your Passion 43:39 Personal Goals Beyond Sailing: Exploring New Sports 46:19 Music and Motivation: The Pump-Up Playlist 47:34 Emotional Aftermath of the Olympics: Processing Experiences 51:38 Final Thoughts: Finding Joy and Connection Relevant Links & Contact IG: Ldallman A link to donate to my sailing: https://ilya.org/donate/hY0w6c3Sgj/about/ Follow The Next Playbook  www.TheNextPlaybook.comInstagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | Podcast | Blog

    49 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

The Next Playbook podcast delves into the post-athletic careers of top-tier athletes, hosted by Derika. Each episode features candid conversations with former Olympians, professional athletes, and collegiate stars who have tackled the challenge of redefining themselves after their sporting careers. Through personal narratives of triumphs and trials, these guests offer insights into their journeys beyond the final whistle. Join us as we explore how these elite athletes forge new paths and continue to make significant impacts beyond their athletic achievements.