Two Coaches & a Coffee

Darren Burgess & Jason Weber
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With nearly 60 years of professional experience between them across the world in Premier League, International Rugby, AFL and consulting in a plethora of other sports and industries; two old bulls of the performance, injury prevention, and rehabilitation world: Darren Burgess and Jason Weber catch up over a brew and discuss all things Sports Performance.

  1. 1D AGO

    Season 4 Episode 4 - Stay on the Tools

    Summary In this episode, Jase and Burjo set the scene: this is their opinion, shared to help the performance community without exposing employers or individuals. From there it turns into a real-world leadership chat—what it actually takes to move from “good operator” to department head, why open recruitment floods you with noise (and how tough it is to pick the right five), and why the best performance leaders stay connected to the craft. The central theme is simple: leadership credibility comes from practice—keep your hands on the tools, keep learning fast, think clearly, and build trust by making athletes better. Takeaways Be explicit about boundaries: speak from your own POV, protect confidentiality, and use “hypotheticals” to teach real lessons. Career progression requires rehearsing leadership conversations: don’t wait until the interview to form opinions—build them early by “walking in someone else’s shoes.” Open recruitment creates volume, not quality: hundreds of applicants can still yield only a small number who truly fit the brief. Great leaders don’t abandon their trade: stepping into management shouldn’t mean stepping away from practice—credibility is built on doing. Design the role around your strengths where possible: even as a director, stay on the floor/on the grass in a way that aligns with what you’re best at. Relationship-building is performance-critical: trust with players is harder when you’re “the suit,” especially in foreign environments—don’t lose the human connection. You must understand all disciplines to lead them: you don’t have to be the specialist in everything, but you do need enough practical exposure to lead well. Hiring lens: “show me you can think”: degrees are baseline; progression comes from connecting dots, contributing intelligently, and learning fast. Authenticity beats people-pleasing: the deathbed reflection theme—live and work in a way that’s aligned, not performative. Volatility is part of the industry: control what you can, keep the staff climate positive, and take the “best life now” mindset seriously. Keep humility + urgency together: be the best you can be today, don’t gloss over gaps, and improve quickly. Next thread teased: the real cost of “work-life balance” advice (and whether you can reach the top without paying the price).

    21 min

  2. FEB 2

    Season 4 Episode 3 - What is a HPM?

    Summary In this conversation, Jason Weber and Darren Burgess discuss the challenges faced by early career professionals in the sports industry, emphasizing the importance of athletic experience and effective resume strategies. They explore cultural differences in training regimens across sports and the role of high-performance management. The discussion also touches on the significance of job titles and industry standards, highlighting the need for clarity and relevance in professional designations. Takeaways The way resumes are written can impact hiring decisions. Athletic experience is a key asset in strength and conditioning roles. Using AI in resume screening is becoming common in the industry. Cover letters should highlight specific skills and experiences. Demonstrating technical skills is crucial in a competitive job market. Cultural differences affect training regimens in various sports. High performance management practices vary across sports organizations. Job titles in the sports industry can be misleading. Experience and practical skills often outweigh formal qualifications. The sports industry needs to address imbalances in hiring practices. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Early Career Insights05:49 The Importance of Athletic Experience11:23 High Performance Management in Sports

    21 min

  3. JAN 23

    Season 4 Episode 2 - Do we need Speed Exposure?

    Summary In this engaging conversation, Jason and Darren explore various themes related to coaching, performance, and the complexities of injury prevention in sports. They discuss the impact of cognitive fatigue, the philosophy behind training methods, and the ongoing challenges in understanding and preventing hamstring injuries. The dialogue emphasizes the need for continuous learning and adaptation in the field of sports science, while also touching on the importance of exposure to varied training stimuli. Takeaways Cognitive fatigue can significantly impact performance. Multilingual communication adds complexity to coaching. Speed exposure is debated in relation to injury prevention. Historical training methods often relied on intuition rather than technology. Understanding the causes of hamstring injuries is still evolving. Injury prevention strategies must consider individual variability. Training should expose athletes to diverse stimuli. Continuous learning is essential in sports science. Technology can enhance our understanding of athlete performance. Future discussions should include chaos theory in training. Chapters 00:00 Coffee Conversations and Cultural Differences 05:20 Training Philosophy: Speed Exposure vs. Injury Prevention 10:42 Understanding Hamstring Injuries and Training Variability 16:00 The Future of Sports Science and Technology

    18 min

  4. JAN 10

    Season 4 Episode 1 - Slave to GPS

    Summary In this engaging conversation, Jason Weber and Darren Burgess discuss the evolving landscape of sports science, particularly focusing on the use of GPS data and its implications for training load and injury prevention. They explore the limitations of current measurement techniques, the complexity of player performance metrics, and the need for a more holistic approach to understanding athlete health and performance. The discussion emphasizes the importance of asking the right questions and being critical of the data we rely on in sports science. Reference paper: Slaves to (GPS) norms – Sport Performance & Science Reports Takeaways GPS data is a crucial tool but has limitations. Understanding training load is essential for injury prevention. The complexity of player performance metrics goes beyond GPS data. We need to measure more than just linear displacement. Game stress should be evaluated more accurately. Current metrics often fail to capture the full picture of player performance. Sports scientists must ask the right questions to guide their analysis. The evolution of sports science requires continuous learning and adaptation. Data analysis in sports is becoming increasingly sophisticated. Collaboration and critical thinking are key in sports science. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Context04:42 Understanding Player Performance Metrics12:54 Game Stress and Its Assessment21:00 The Evolution of Sports Science Practices26:58 Encouraging Curiosity in Sports Science

    31 min

  5. 12/24/2025

    Xmas Special

    Summary  In this Christmas special episode of 'Two Coders and a Coffee', Jason Weber and Darren Burgess discuss a range of topics related to sports performance, communication, and career development. Darren shares insights from his thesis on effective governance and communication strategies in sports organizations, emphasizing the importance of established theories and practices. Jason reflects on the need for deep learning and historical context in sports science, while also discussing mentorship and the practical strategies young practitioners should adopt to advance their careers. The conversation concludes with thoughts on the importance of reflection and planning for future roles in the sports industry. Takeaways Darren's thesis focused on effective governance in sports organizations. Communication strategies are crucial for successful sports management. Historical theories can guide modern sports practices. Deep learning is essential for understanding complex subjects. Young practitioners should not rely solely on podcasts for learning. Mentorship plays a key role in career development. Reflecting on past experiences can inform future decisions. Practical strategies are necessary for effective implementation. Understanding existing practices is vital before introducing new methods. Planning and structure are important for new roles in sports. Chapters 00:00 Christmas Greetings and Reflections 05:21 The Importance of Effective Communication in Sports 10:01 Learning from History: A Deep Dive into Sports Practices 16:44 The Role of Deep Learning in Professional Development 26:19 Final Thoughts and Christmas Wishes

    27 min

  6. 11/26/2025

    The Return of the Great Man!

    Summary In this episode of 'Two Coaches and a Coffee', Jason Weber and Darren Burgess discuss Darren's recent transition to a high-performance role at Juventus. They explore the challenges and positives of moving to a new country, the intricacies of his new role overseeing performance and medical aspects, and the importance of building relationships within the team. The conversation also delves into innovations in rehabilitation practices, the need for cultural changes within the club, and the significance of continuous learning and professional development in the field of sports performance. Takeaways Transitioning to a new country presents unique challenges. Building relationships with staff is crucial in a new role. Understanding the cultural context of a club is important for success. Communication pathways are essential for effective team dynamics. Continuous learning is vital for professional growth. Cultural changes within a club can improve overall performance. The role of a high-performance manager extends well beyond fitness. Flexibility in approach can lead to better outcomes in sports science. Engaging with different perspectives can enhance problem-solving abilities. Chapters 00:00 Welcome Back and Initial Thoughts06:06 Transitioning to a New Role12:08 Building Relationships and Team Dynamics18:13 Innovations in Rehabilitation and Training24:08 Long-Term Vision and Strategic Planning30:20 Final Thoughts and Future Directions37:17 Two Coaches & a Coffee Intro (1).mp4

    38 min

  7. 10/01/2025

    Season 3 Episode 25

    In this episode of 'Two Couches and a Coffee', Jason and Darren discuss Darren's new role as Director of Performance at Juventus, the importance of networking in career advancement, and the challenges of transitioning to a new culture in sports management. They emphasize the significance of supporting young practitioners and the philosophy of prioritizing the mission and the people in front of you. The conversation also touches on recent changes in high-performance roles within the AFL and the educated risks involved in performance decisions. Takeaways Darren's new role at Juventus represents a significant career shift. Networking plays a crucial role in career advancement. It's important to prioritize the mission and the people over personal ambition. Supporting young practitioners is essential for their growth. Cultural adaptation is a key challenge in new roles. Educated risks can lead to successful performance decisions. The importance of mentorship in professional development. Darren's transition highlights the evolving landscape of sports management. Maintaining strong relationships is vital in the sports industry. The podcast aims to inspire mid-career professionals. Chapters 00:00 Welcome Back and New Beginnings05:28 The Importance of Networking10:57 Putting the Club First18:27 Reflections on Team Decisions Sponsored by SpeedSig...answering the rehab and performance questions being missed everyday!

    24 min

  8. 09/13/2025

    Season 3 Episode 24

    Summary In this conversation, Jason Weber and Darren discuss various aspects of sports performance, focusing on injury management, psychological factors affecting athletes, and the balance between training and game exposure. They explore the challenges of preparing players for high-stakes games, the importance of mental readiness, and the evolving strategies in injury prevention and management in sports like NFL and AFL. Takeaways Players need to be mentally prepared for finals football. Injury management requires careful consideration of player readiness. Psychological factors can significantly impact performance in landmark games. Balancing training loads is crucial to prevent injuries. Athlete confidence plays a key role in recovery and performance. Understanding the specific demands of the sport is essential for training. Effective communication with athletes enhances their performance. Game exposure is important for maintaining rhythm in training. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Game Preparations02:04 Injury Management and Player Readiness09:57 Psychological Factors in Performance17:04 Injury Trends in NFL and College Football

    24 min
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Ratings & Reviews

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About

With nearly 60 years of professional experience between them across the world in Premier League, International Rugby, AFL and consulting in a plethora of other sports and industries; two old bulls of the performance, injury prevention, and rehabilitation world: Darren Burgess and Jason Weber catch up over a brew and discuss all things Sports Performance.

Information

  • Creator
    Darren Burgess & Jason Weber
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    93
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Two Coaches & a Coffee
  • Show Website
    Two Coaches & a Coffee

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