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The Bouncebackability Podcast
How to thrive not just survive in challenging times. Hosts Simon Ursell and Rusty Earnshaw talk to the change makers, leaders and mavericks in sport, business and beyond about what happens when we’re faced with tough challenges - and how to use these situations to challenge our thinking, resulting in more productive and rewarding outcomes.
Together with their guests, they’ll share their experiences and unpack how they have reacted to their biggest challenges, covering some enlightening topics such as:
👉 How the brain works when you are put under stress.
👉 How to get focused in a flow state to make good decisions.
👉 What people who thrive under stress think and do – and more.
Remember to like, subscribe or follow so you're notified of new episodes, and if you're keen to reach Rusty or Simon with any suggestions, feedback or comments, you can contact them via the show's LinkedIn page here:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-bouncebackability-podcast/
We hope you enjoy the show!
Episodes
36 episodes
The One With the Wives: Hobbies, headspace and happiness | Episode 37
A bit of a different one today! Rusty and Simon are joined by their wives, Jenny and Amy, for a post-lunch chat packed with funny and honest takes on hobbies (or lack thereof), mindfulness, and the real challenge of making time to properly swit...
Pressure, Pause, Perform: Finding Balance in a Busy World | Episode 36
Ever wondered how some people bounce back from setbacks while others burn out? In this episode, Simon and Rusty catch up and chat about resilience during busy, demanding times in work and life. They dig into the pressures of always performing a...
Surviving the Bali Bombings and Building Dan’s Fund for Burns with Polly Brooks MBE | Episode 35
This episode contains strong language and discussions of sensitive topics, including mental health and suicide. These conversations may be distressing. If you or someone you know is struggling, we encourage you to seek support. You can cont...
2026: Skip the Resolutions, Try This Instead | Episode 34
In this episode, Rusty and Simon dive into getting back to work after the holidays, adjusting routines, and the joy of reconnecting with family and friends. They explore the restorative power of nature, why intentions beat resolutions, and how ...
The Power of Pause: Xmas special with Suzanne Brown and Luke Doherty | Episode 33
In the final episode of 2025, Simon and Rusty are joined by Suzanne Brown and Luke Doherty for a lively conversation on resilience, connection, and the power of pause. They discuss moving beyond basic resilience to a more integrated approach, i...
Polarity in Practice: How Balance Drives Teams and Personal Success | Episode 32
In this episode, Simon and Rusty reconnect to share what’s been happening in life and work, and the habits helping them stay grounded. Their conversation this month centres on polarity: the balance of seemingly opposite qualities that ...
The Red Dot Effect: Focus, Resilience, and Peak Performance with Karl Morris | Episode 31
In this episode, Simon and Rusty sit down with Europe’s leading performance mind coach Karl Morris, to uncover what it truly takes to perform under pressure. With decades of experience working with six Major golf champions, former World ...
Balance Isn’t Boring: The Power of Pausing, Connection, and Presence | Episode 30
In this episode, Simon and Rusty explore the ways intentional pauses, mindful practices, and strong support networks can enhance resilience, well-being, and personal growth in every aspect of life. They reflect on real-life experiences from the...
From Google X to Beer Keg Cricket: Adventures in Personal Growth and Resilience | Episode 29
In this episode, Simon and Rusty explore how leaders can leverage environment, mindfulness, and resilience to fuel both personal and organisational growth. Drawing from stories over the past month, they demonstrate how thoughtfully ...
How the BRIT School, Rugby, and Retreats Shape Resilient Cultures | Episode 28
In this episode Simon and Rusty bring a refreshing, experience-led perspective on how to lead and live with greater intention. Through stories from a mindfulness golf retreat, a visit to the BRIT School, and a rugby camp in the U.S., Sim...
From Setback to Strength: Sam Leeming on Resilience, Recovery & Reinvention | Episode 27
In this episode, Simon and Rusty talk with former professional rugby player, cancer ‘thriver’, and human-first performance coach, Sam Leeming.Sam’s rugby journey began with Newcastle Falcons and flourished at Hartpury University, where h...
Deep Work & Digital Detox: The Key to Cultivating Bouncebackability | Episode 26
In this episode, Simon and Rusty dive into the small behaviour changes and mindset shifts that build resilience and foster what they call “bouncebackability.”Through candid conversation, they reflect on Simon’s recent digital detox exper...
Letting Go of the Guilt: Strategies for Sustainable Leadership and Personal Growth | Episode 25
In today’s episode, podcast founders Simon Ursell and Rusty Earnshaw revisit some of the key themes explored throughout the podcast - examining what they mean in today’s world of leadership, resilience, and bouncebackability.This is an o...
Tyler Grange Unplugged: Building Resilience and Embracing New Organisational Ideas | Episode 24
In today’s episode, Rusty and Simon, co-founder of Tyler Grange, sit down with four key members of the TG family to dive deep into what makes this forward-thinking organisation tick. Covering key themes such as embracing change, cul...
The Critical Role of Values in Resilient Leadership with Elicia Robinson | Episode 23
In this episode, we dissect the critical role of values in resilient leadership with high-profile leadership expert, Elicia Robinson. Elicia is on a mission to help leaders strengthen their relationships, think more strategically, and approach ...
Highlights of 2024 with Simon and Rusty | Episode 22
In today’s episode, Simon and Rusty take a heartfelt look back at the incredible interviews of 2024, highlighting the key takeaways, lightbulb moments, and powerful stories that moved and motivated them and the listeners. Together, they review ...
Mindset Transformation: Karim Rushdy on Overcoming Adversity and Embracing a Beginner's Mindset | Episode 21
On today’s episode, we have the pleasure of exploring resilience and mindfulness with our special guest, Karim Rushdy. Our conversation centres around his inspiring journey of transformation through challenges, including years of chronic back p...
Triumph Over Trauma: Dave Coleman’s Journey from Marine Commando to Motivational Speaker | Episode 20
WARNING: This episode contains strong language and discussions of sensitive topics, including mental health and suicide. These discussions may be distressing for some listeners. If you or someone you know is struggling, we encourage you to seek...
Inside ESports: Enhancing Longevity and Life Beyond Professional Gaming with Caleb Cousens | Episode 19
In today's episode we talk in depth with ESports coach, Caleb Cousens. With 13 years of experience as an organisational leader, Caleb has built a team of world-class coaches dedicated to enhancing the skills of professional gamers and Esports a...
The King of Kent Mike Haynes Discusses Broking, Coaching, and Resilience | Episode 18
In today's episode we dive deep into the world of high-pressure careers with our special guest, Mike Haynes. Affectionately known as "the king of Kent", Mike is a former oil market broker who now coaches other brokers on improving their perform...
The Creative Shift: Building Communities and Embracing New Educational Settings with Kirsty Hunter | Episode 17
In today's episode, we are joined by former BRIT School Deputy Head - turned Entrepreneur and Founder of The Creativity Clinic, Kirsty Hunter. Kirsty’s mission is huge – to destroy social and financial barriers to the arts and education, and to...
The Unseen Effort: Heather Fisher on Resilience, Authenticity, and Finding Purpose | Episode 16
In today's episode we are joined by Birmingham-based Olympic rugby player and former GB bobsledder, Heather Fisher. Heather is an accomplished elite athlete, motivational speaker, LGBT advocate and media personality with her own BBC radio podca...
Embracing Playfulness: Unlocking the Power of Social Interaction and Connection with Dr Maarten Koeners & Adam Lusby | Episode 14
“Play is more than an activity; it is a feeling.” In today's episode we are joined by special guests Adam Lusby and Dr Maarten Koeners. Both experts and advocates of the transformative power of play, the conversation illustrates how...
Inside the World of Professional Rugby: Rich Bryan on Transition and Resilience | Episode 13
Today we speak to former professional rugby player, Rich Bryan. Having experienced the highs and lows of professional rugby (including having Rusty as a teammate at Bath), Rich’s playing career was ended by a difficult knee injury at the age of...
Rethinking Mindfulness: Strategies for Success in Sports and Business with Luke Doherty of Mindful Peak Performance | Episode 12
Today we speak to Luke Doherty, Managing Director at Mindful Peak Performance. Having trained as an elite rugby player and capped for England under-18s, Luke’s passion for marrying elite performance and mindfulness has now developed into the we...
