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Any feedback? Send me a message In this episode of Digging Deeper, I’m joined by Peter Bakare — a true mindset athlete with an incredible story of resilience, effort, and belief. Peter shares his journey into volleyball, only picking up the sport at 18 years old, and his extraordinary four-year mission to go from beginner to representing Great Britain at the London 2012 Olympic Games. An ex-basketball player with relentless drive, Peter talks openly about the work he had to put in off the court — learning footwork, refining movement, and closing the gap through sheer effort. He reflects honestly on the challenges of not coming from a high-income background, the mindset required to keep going, and the transformative power of one small word: YET. Peter also shares his experience of playing professional volleyball in Holland, his determination to earn court time, and how learning from world-class players shaped both his performance and perspective. He then takes us inside the magic of London 2012 — competing just around the corner from where he grew up, and the unforgettable moment of his mum watching her first ever volleyball match… at the Olympic Games. The conversation then goes deeper, as Peter opens up about the post-Olympic comedown, struggles with identity, and the impact on his mental health. He shares how the encouragement of his mum led him back to university and towards building a future beyond elite sport. Today, Peter runs NutriTroops, an organisation dedicated to helping young people live active, healthy lifestyles — a mission rooted deeply in his own journey and values. This is a truly inspiring conversation with a great human — big heart, huge drive, and a powerful reminder that who you become matters just as much as what you achieve. Support the show Connecting Through Conversation

Any feedback? Send me a message We kick off 2026 with an incredible conversation with Paralympian Jodi Hill — a real sportsperson with a story of grit, courage and rediscovery. After a serious accident in 2001, Jodi spent years battling pain until she chose to have her leg amputated in 2010, a decision she describes as finally finding freedom. Just three months later she stepped into a GB sitting volleyball taster session in Roehampton, and only two years after that she found herself competing on the world stage at the London 2012 Paralympic Games. Jodi talks openly about rebuilding her identity in sport, the power of community within sitting volleyball, and why inclusion and visibility matter — especially for women and disabled athletes. She shares stories from competing, playing for the Panthers, and how she is now championing disability sport in new ways (including taking up ice hockey). Jodi’s honesty, humour and resilience make this an inspiring listen for anyone facing adversity or wrestling with who they can be. Of course, we finish the episode with a round of This or That, and Jodi shares her word for 2026 — the perfect note to start the year on. Support the show Connecting Through Conversation

Any feedback? Send me a message In this powerful Disability History Month special, we dig deeper with Justin Phillips — GB Women’s Sitting Volleyball Head Coach, former Paralympian, and an inspirational figure whose journey in sport began with a life-changing taster session in his late teens. A double amputee who had tried multiple sports growing up, Justin describes the exact moment he hit the sitting volleyball court for the first time — and how he was instantly hooked. What followed was an incredible progression from complete beginner to representing Great Britain on the world stage at the London 2012 Paralympic Games. Justin opens up about the highs of playing for his country, the stories from inside the Games Village, and the surprising reality of how his team missed the opening ceremony due to intense preparation. He then courageously shares the other side of the Paralympic experience — the emotional crash that came afterwards, the challenges to his mental health, and the difficult period of rediscovering identity and purpose. From that place came growth. Justin takes us through his evolution from athlete to coach, the people who shaped him, and how he ultimately became Head Coach of the GB Women’s Sitting Volleyball Team. He speaks openly about the barriers facing disability sport, the progress still needed, and his big ambitions for the women’s programme. This episode is honest, vulnerable, inspiring — and a celebration of the athletes and coaches who push disability sport forward. Justin Phillips is a true volleyball legend, a leader with heart, and someone whose story will stay with you long after the episode ends. Support the show Connecting Through Conversation

Any feedback? Send me a message Think of the athlete who never stops showing up. That’s Anne Jarvis—England captain, Hall of Famer, and the nation’s most capped volleyball player—whose story blends grit, curiosity, and a fierce love for the team game. We trace her path from a sport-filled childhood to the senior squad at 18, where pressure drills, tough camps, and diverse coaching styles forged a competitor who prized precision as much as power. Anne explains how being coachable, filtering feedback, and learning to play smart compensated for not being the tallest on court, and why an elite hitter is only as good as the pass and set that come before it. Travel shaped her game and worldview: a week-long Spring Cup that mixed high-level matches with cultural immersion, a packed Turkish arena so loud she had to watch the ref’s hand to serve, and a lost-baggage saga that ended with borrowed knee pads and a win-at-all-costs mindset. She shares favorite matchups, the thrill of facing Japan, and the joy of helping Ashcombe turn close calls into championships while mentoring juniors to read, pass, and serve under pressure. At the heart of our conversation is access. Volleyball is a beautiful sport with real costs: hall time, travel, international commitments. That’s why we announce the Anne Jarvis Hardship Fund, a collaboration with Volleyball England and the Volleyball England Foundation to keep talent pathways open to committed athletes who need financial support. Anne’s vision is direct and hopeful: more matches for national teams, stronger club competition, and deeper investment in coaching education to raise standards across the country. Join us for a rich look at performance, culture, and community from someone who lived it at the highest level. If you believe talent shouldn’t depend on money—and that smarter coaching and more competitive fixtures can change everything—hit play, subscribe, and leave a review with your biggest takeaway. Support the show Connecting Through Conversation

Any feedback? Send me a message In this episode of Digging Deeper, I’m joined by Nick Heckford, a man whose passion for volleyball and refereeing has carried him on an incredible journey from local courts in Poole, Dorset, all the way to the biggest stages in the sport. At the time of recording, Nick was speaking to me from the Philippines at three o’clock in the morning, where he was working as a Challenge Referee at the Men’s World Championships — a true sign of his dedication to the game. Nick’s story began when his wife encouraged him to give volleyball a try. What started as a bit of fun quickly turned into a fascination with the rule book, a whistle, and a new role in the sport. Within just seven years, Nick progressed from refereeing in local leagues to becoming an international referee, officiating at the Olympic Games, the World League, the VNL, and the World Championships. It’s a journey that reflects not just opportunity, but a mindset rooted in growth, learning, and an enduring love for the game. In our conversation, Nick reflects on what it takes to referee at the very highest level and why he treats every single match as a chance to learn something new, regardless of whether it’s a local league game or the Olympic stage. We also explore his work as the lead of the Officials Working Group, where he is shaping the future of refereeing in the UK, and his deep commitment to raising standards across every level of the game. Nick also gives us fascinating insights into the recent changes to the rules, sharing what they mean for the sport and offering his vision for “smooth refereeing” — a philosophy that prioritises letting the game flow, creating longer rallies, and making volleyball even more exciting for players and spectators alike. As always, the episode is packed with reflections, stories, and insights, before we wrap things up with a fun game of This or That. This is a conversation that captures not only the journey of one of the UK’s most respected referees, but also the passion and vision that continue to shape the sport today. Support the show Connecting Through Conversation

Any feedback? Send me a message As part of Inclusion Week, this special episode of Digging Deeper hears from a true volleyball pioneer — someone championing parts of our sport that too often don’t get a voice. Rajinder Singh shares reflections from his 40+ years in volleyball, beginning with his early days in Bedford, watching his parents and uncles play for their local community team, before going on to compete across the London leagues. A self-confessed volleyball addict, Rajinder threw himself into the game with passion and persistence. In this episode, Rajinder opens up about deeply personal experiences of both direct and indirect discrimination — how he navigated those challenges, grew stronger, and turned them into fuel for his mission of championing inclusion within volleyball, particularly through his work with GNG Bedford. He also offers practical advice for clubs: why they should reflect the demographics of their communities, how to celebrate diversity meaningfully, and the small but powerful changes that can make everyone feel welcome in our sport. A true legend, an inspiration, and a story you won’t want to miss. Support the show Connecting Through Conversation

Any feedback? Send me a message In this Heritage Show episode, we celebrate the remarkable legacy of Gordon Neale OBE — a true giant of British volleyball and a pioneer of inclusive sport. Gordon shares how his journey began in the Army, playing volleyball over a net strung between two cars in Greece. From there, he went on to play in London and the National League in Essex before establishing a formal volleyball programme for the Army. He reflects on the challenges he faced embedding the sport into military life and how it developed over time. We then explore Gordon’s incredible role in bringing sitting volleyball to the UK, sparked by a magazine article that led him to support individuals who wanted to play. A passionate advocate for inclusive sport, Gordon discusses the early barriers he faced, the vital support of the national governing body, and the pride of taking teams to international competitions — including a memorable trip to Las Vegas. Gordon also shares insights from his time as a sitting volleyball referee, including officiating at two Paralympic Games, as well as his leadership roles across Volleyball England, the British Volleyball Federation, and World ParaVolley. Celebrating 50 years in the sport, Gordon reflects on receiving his OBE, multiple Hall of Fame inductions, and a lifetime of service to volleyball. An inspiring conversation with a man who has given so much to the game — you won’t want to miss this one! Support the show Connecting Through Conversation

Any feedback? Send me a message Digging Deeper | In partnership with Volleyball England In this episode, I’m joined by Davide Tiberti, the London Lionhearts Women’s coach, to hear his inspiring journey through volleyball — from growing up in Italy to leaving his mark on the English game. Davide’s story begins as a junior in a Serie A club academy in Italy, where he developed his game alongside his brothers — one of whom went on to play professionally for the Italian National Team. Volleyball was in his blood, but when Davide moved to the UK for university, the game slipped away, and for a time, he thought that chapter of his life had closed. It wasn’t until his late twenties that volleyball found him again. By chance, Davide stumbled across the Lionhearts club in London, and his passion was reignited. Soon after, he stepped up to play libero in the Super League with Lynx, an experience that shaped his understanding of the position. In this episode, he shares valuable tips and insights into the mindset of a great libero — from concentration to consistency and the discipline required to perform at the highest level. But Davide’s journey didn’t stop on the court. When the opportunity arose, he took over coaching duties for Lynx, before moving on to lead the Lionhearts Women. Over the past four years, he has overseen an incredible rise: taking the team from Division 1, surviving that tough first season in the Super League, and building year on year to achieve an outstanding 4th-place finish last season. Davide opens up about how he achieved this — from his methodical approach to preparation, to instilling mindset and focus in his players, and creating an environment where the team could grow and compete at the highest level. Now, as Davide steps down after his successful tenure, we also discuss what’s next for the Lionhearts under new leadership, and the legacy he leaves behind. This is a conversation full of lessons on mindset, perseverance, and leadership — one that every player, coach, and club manager will take something from. Support the show Connecting Through Conversation

Any feedback? Send me a message Welcome back to The Heritage Show! After a well-deserved summer break, we’re recharged and ready to dive into another incredible season celebrating the people who’ve shaped volleyball in the UK. In this episode, I sit down with true volleyball legend Freda Bussey, MBE – a powerhouse who’s been growing the game for over 40 years. We explore Freda’s journey from her early playing days representing England on the world stage, to her time as a PE teacher at Ashcombe School, where she began coaching and eventually playing for the very team she led. We talk about the unique role of the player-coach, her long-standing work as a coach tutor for Volleyball England, and her passion for supporting new coaches. Freda is the founding force behind Ashcombe Volleyball Club, established in 1976 – a club that’s still going strong today. She shares her wisdom on running a successful club, the commercial mindset it takes, and how the iconic Ashcombe Grass Tournament helped fund national league success and title-winning teams. Still deeply involved in the sport, you’ll now find Freda refereeing at the University of Sussex with her husband, and continuing to make an impact through her roles in the Sussex and South East Volleyball Associations. Awarded an MBE in 2013 for her services to volleyball, Freda is the definition of a doer – someone who simply gets things done and makes things happen. A brilliant conversation with a true volleyball icon.  Let’s get into it. Support the show Connecting Through Conversation

Any feedback? Send me a message In this special edition of That Volleyball Guy, I’m joining in with UK Coaching Week to reflect on the Pass It On theme and what better time to do that than after being named Volleyball England’s Coach of the Year. In this episode, I open up about my journey as a coach: how my mindset and approach have evolved over the years, the power of building connection with players, and the importance of staying grounded in purpose, not just performance. I share the key lessons I’ve learned through experience, mistakes, and growth and why I believe in always passing those lessons on. I also talk about our team’s incredible journey celebrating our second successive promotion, rising from Division 2 to Division 1, and what it took behind the scenes to make that happen. From building belief to fostering resilience and consistency, I reflect on how our collective mindset helped us take that next step. Whether you’re just starting your coaching journey or you’ve been at it for years, this episode is about sharing knowledge, celebrating progress, and paying it forward. Coaching is about more than just the game — it’s about people, growth, and leaving something behind that matters. Support the show Connecting Through Conversation

Any feedback? Send me a message Hey everyone, welcome back to another special edition of That Volleyball Guy – The Heritage Show – the series where we celebrate the rich history of volleyball and shine a light on the incredible people who’ve shaped our sport. This series is proudly produced in partnership with Volleyball England. This week is a big one – we’re marking 70 years since the very first meeting of the Amateur Volleyball Association of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, which took place on 28th May 1955. That meeting laid the foundation for what we now know as Volleyball England, and it’s only right that we celebrate it in style. So to help us do just that, I’m thrilled to be joined by someone who has played a major role in our sport’s history – Brian Stalker. Brian is a former international referee, and during our chat, he shares some fascinating stories and insights from his time officiating at the highest level of the game. We talk about what it takes to be a great referee – the mindset, the qualities, and the challenges that come with the role. Brian also reflects on how the sport has evolved over the years, both on and off the court. And if that’s not enough, he takes us behind the scenes of his involvement in the London 2012 Olympic Games, and his ongoing contributions to the sport through roles within the FIVB and beyond. It was a genuinely insightful conversation – one that left me wishing we had even more time to dig into his experiences. If you love volleyball, if you're fascinated by the game's journey in England, or if you're just curious about what goes into refereeing at the highest level, this is one you don’t want to miss. Support the show Connecting Through Conversation

Any feedback? Send me a message In this episode of That Volleyball Guy Dig Deeper I’m joined by Chloe Allen, captain of the Malory Eagles Women’s team, who has just led her side to an unforgettable season, winning both the Super League and the National Cup. It’s been a long time since Malory were at the top, and Chloe gives us an inside look at how this team came together, grew in confidence, and found their winning edge. Chloe takes us right back to her early volleyball roots, sharing how she first picked up the game playing in the garden with her sister, then fell in love with it properly during high school in California. She reflects on the impact her high school coach had on her game, mindset, and leadership style ,lessons that have stayed with her through every step of her journey. She then talks us through her college years at the University of California Santa Barbara, where she spent four seasons competing at a high level, learning about herself both as an athlete and a person. After graduating, she moved across the world to London in September 2020 to pursue a master's degree at the University of East London, only to be met with lockdowns and COVID restrictions. Despite the challenges, Chloe eventually found her way into the heart of the UK volleyball scene, joining Malory Eagles and becoming a key figure in their return to greatness. We dig into what it’s like playing in the Super League, what sets Malory apart as a club, and how coaches Jefferson Williams and Carol Gordon have built such a strong, supportive, and driven team culture. Chloe speaks openly about the journey to winning the double, the hard work behind the scenes, and what it means to be part of something bigger than yourself. For anyone thinking about stepping into a captaincy role, Chloe also shares her top tips on leadership from building trust and unity to navigating tough moments and motivating others. Her experience and wisdom make this a brilliant listen for aspiring leaders, coaches, and teammates alike. We round things off with Chloe’s thoughts on what’s next for her, how she sees volleyball evolving in England, and a fun final round of This or That to finish. This is a great conversation about commitment, culture, and character — and one you won’t want to miss Support the show Connecting Through Conversation

Any feedback? Send me a message This week on That Volleyball Guy, it's a Cup Finals Weekend special. I'm joined by my fellow Volleyball England commentators Michael Hanson-Morris and Jess Smith as we recap an epic two days of volleyball action at the National Volleyball Centre in Kettering. Across 11 matches, 38 sets of volleyball, and one unforgettable reverse sweep, we cover it all — from the Cup, Shield, Sitting, and Junior competitions. It was a true showcase of English volleyball, with fantastic crowds, outstanding performances, and a brilliant atmosphere throughout the weekend. We deep dive into every match, sharing our thoughts and insights from the commentary booth, highlighting match MVPs, key stats, and some behind-the-scenes reflections. We also celebrate the winners of the Volleyball England annual awards — including my own unexpected honour of being named Coach of the Year — and mark the special moment of Ian Legrand’s induction into the Volleyball England Hall of Fame. A huge thank you to the officials, volunteers, and the Volleyball England team who made the event possible. We originally set out to record a 30-minute episode... but when you get three passionate voices together, it naturally turned into a full hour of conversation about the sport we love. We hope you enjoy it! If you couldn’t be there in person, you can catch all the matches — and hear our commentary — on the Volleyball England YouTube channel. That's a wrap for the indoor season. There's plenty of exciting beach volleyball action to come over the summer, and we already can't wait for another fantastic indoor season next year. Support the show Connecting Through Conversation

Any feedback? Send me a message This is Part Two of The Heritage Show, a special episode of That Volleyball Guy created in partnership with Volleyball England to honour the people, places, and pivotal moments that have shaped the sport in this country. In this second half of our conversation, I’m once again joined by Volleyball England legend Richard Callicott, picking up from where we left off in Part One. Richard shares his powerful reflections on being part of London 2012, the impact of the Olympic experience, and the legacy it left behind — not just for volleyball, but for British sport as a whole. We speak openly about the ongoing funding challenges volleyball faces and the uphill battles that continue behind the scenes to grow and sustain the sport. Richard also talks about his instrumental role in bringing beach volleyball to the Commonwealth Games, a major achievement that put the sport on a new international stage. We revisit the historic Sandwell Grass Tournament, which at its height welcomed a record-breaking 420 teams, earning a Guinness World Record and becoming one of the most iconic events in UK volleyball history. To round things off, Richard shares his thoughts on where the sport is today and his hopes for the future of volleyball in England. It’s a conversation full of insight, honesty and passion from someone who’s had a lasting impact on the game. I could have talked to Richard for hours — and even then, there’s still more we didn’t cover. Support the show Connecting Through Conversation

Any feedback? Send me a message In this episode of Digging Deeper, in proud partnership with Volleyball England, we sit down with two incredible champions of the sport: Deb and Bob Pickens. Originally from the USA, Deb and Bob moved to the UK over 40 years ago and what was meant to be a two-year stay turned into a lifelong commitment to developing volleyball in the South East and beyond. Deb reflects on her NCAA playing days at the University of Missouri and shares the story of how she met Bob, before the pair made the leap across the pond. We dive into Deb’s early days as a PE teacher and explore the cultural differences between the US and UK when it comes to sport and coaching. From coaching at ACS International School in Cobham to becoming deeply embedded in local and regional volleyball, their passion for grassroots development shines through. We explore how that passion led to the creation of VBDC camps, which have grown into a well-respected hub for junior talent, offering a range of opportunities for both elite and emerging young athletes. Deb and Bob reflect on working with coaches from around the world, their evolving approach to performance coaching, and the joy of watching players grow. To round off the episode, we dig into some of the current challenges facing junior development in the UK and hear their thoughts on what needs to change to move things forward. This one is full of heart, wisdom and decades of experience. A must-listen for anyone passionate about the future of our game. Support the show Connecting Through Conversation