Don’t Tell Me The Score

What has Simon Mundie learnt from the DTMTS journey so far? This is the last episode on BBC Sounds, before Simon takes DTMTS off to pastures new. The series will continue on all non-BBC platforms from the end of April. Over the course of over 130 episodes to date, the DTMTS guests have opened up to share their stories as well as their own "life lessons". To mark the end of the BBC chapter and the start of the new one, it is Simon's turn to be vulnerable about his story and what he has learned. Asking the questions is Dr Radha Modgil, who is an NHS doctor, mental health expert and broadcaster. She's Radio 1's resident doctor, and regularly appears on television too. For any questions regarding the future of DTMTS get in touch @simonmundie.

What the experience of flow in sport may reveal about the nature of reality. One theme that has arisen time and again with sportspeople on DTMTS is the experience of flow: when we lose ourselves in whatever it is that we are doing. Several sportspeople have spoken on DTMTS about the experience of "me" not being there in such moments. But what is that "me" that seems to disappear? That’s a hig question and here to help address it is Rupert Spira, a philosopher interested in the nature of reality, and the nature of consciousness. Nothing is more obvious and undeniable than the fact that we are conscious. Now in this case when we say conscious, we mean aware – for example even when you are asleep, you are aware of your dreams. And right now – you are aware of the sight of these words. But, there is something called the hard problem of consciousness. It is one of the great scientific conundrums. It is our inability to explain how a lump of tissue or matter, in other words our brain, creates consciousness or awareness. Rupert argues that we are looking in the wrong direction. This is a counterintuitive view, and we are not arguing that it’s true, but before you immediately dismiss it, here is a quote from one of the most important physicists of the 20th century – the Nobel prizewinner Max Planck. "I regard consciousness as fundamental. I regard matter as derivative from consciousness. We cannot get behind consciousness. Everything that we talk about, everything that we regard as existing, postulates consciousness." In this episode, this is all brought back to sport, and the experiences sportspeople have – specifically while they are in flow. This episode also talks about sporting "egos", and how we project god-like status on to sports stars because of their creative talents, when in fact they are as normal as you or I. @simonmundie

When does an obsession with winning become unhealthy? John Neal is head of coach development at the England and Wales cricket board, and he has extensive experience as a performance psychologist, within rugby, football and cricket. He has also worked with men's and women's teams at three World Cups across two sports. Despite setting out to help teams win, John's relationship with "winning" has evolved over his many years in sport. He came to see that trophies and titles isn't what it's all about, and that focussing on the outcome makes you not only less likely to enjoy your daily experience – but also less likely to win. In this episode there is also an announcement about the future of DTMTS, which will be heading to pastures new from April. @simonmundie

Why emotional intelligence can be more important than IQ. Daniel Goleman is an internationally known psychologist and author of the best-selling book, "Emotional Intelligence". EQ is about understanding ourselves better, managing our own emotions, and using empathy to better understand the feelings and emotions of the people around us. Daniel has also written "The Science of Meditation", which is a deep-dive into the research on meditation and how it affects both our "states" and our "traits". In this episode, Daniel explains what EQ is and how to develop it, as well as how mindfulness can contribute to that process. @simonmundie

The power of accepting yourself and letting go of the need for approval. Billy Monger is a racing driver who was critically injured in a crash at Donington in 2017. He had both his legs amputated, but was back behind the wheel of a car within a year. Since his crash, Billy has been thrust into the limelight, but he's not lost sight of what is important. He's all about positivity, kindness and authenticity. He talks about the lessons he's learnt from and since his crash, including around gratitude and acceptance. To accept ourselves means to value our supposed imperfections as much as anything else, and no amount of self-improvement will make up for a lack of self-acceptance, as Billy has comes to understand. Billy is currently walking, cycling and kayaking 140 miles in four days for Comic Relief. The action is being filmed for BBC One – "Billy’s Big Red Nose Day Challenge". @simonmundie. www.bbc.co.uk/rednoseday

Bill Beswick is one of the world's best respected sports psychologists. He worked at Manchester United under Sir Alex Ferguson during the club's dominant reign. Roy Keane and Gary Neville are among those who have credited Bill with making a real difference to their ability to perform at their very best. As well as working alongside many other top football managers, Bill cut his sporting teeth in the world of basketball where he was also very successful, winning Commonwealth gold as England head coach in 1992. In this episode Bill talks about developing a "fighter mindset"; so taking full responsibility for your life and facing the inevitable challenges of life head-on. That contrasts with a "victim mindset", in which someone make excuses and blames others and the world for all their misfortunes. Bill is full of timeless wisdom in this episode and also shares stories about the likes of Sir Alex and Steven Gerrard which shed a light on their attitude, outlook and character. @simonmundie

How being kind can positively impact our health, relationships and the world around us. Dr David Hamilton has a PhD in organic chemistry and spent four years at one of the world's biggest pharmaceutical companies, where he became fascinated with the placebo effect. Since leaving that industry and becoming an author, speaker and TV personality, he's discussed the implications of the placebo effect and the mind-body connection, including on the acclaimed Netflix documentary HEAL. David is an expert on the power of kindness too, having written several books on the subject, including "The Five Side-effects of Kindness". In this episode David explains how kindness can make us happier, deepen our relationships and even improve our heart health and immunity. And with an R number of 5, kindness has the power to ripple out and make a big impact on the world around us too. @simonmundie

Appreciating people for who they are – not just for what they do. Nigel Pearson has managed Southampton, Hull, Derby, Watford and Leicester in his time. He was in charge just before Claudio Ranieri came in and led the team to their stunning Premier League title success. Many players and staff from that 2016 title-winning squad say Nigel deserves lots of credit for the work he did in laying the ground that enabled them to pull off the most remarkable title triumph in living memory. Kasper Schmeichel paid tribute to his man-management skills, saying he treated everyone with the same level of care as if they were his own children. His ability to create a cohesive unit was fundamental. That's why the theme of this episode is "valuing people", something Nigel both preaches and practices. @simonmundie

Harnessing the power of the conscious mind and calming our inner chatter. Ethan Kross is an award winning psychologist and neuroscientist. His fascinating new book is called "Chatter: The Voice in our head, why it matters and how to harness it." Chatter happens when the voice in our head starts spinning out of control. After going through an acute episode of chatter himself, Ethan experienced a eureka moment. He discovered a simple but powerful technique that can help wrestle back control of the inner voice when it starts going haywire. In this episode, he also explains the huge effect this pandemic can have on our internal chatter, and what we can do about it. Ethan talks about the power of nature and "awe", and finally explains why tennis great Rafa Nadal is so meticulous when it comes to his pre-point routines and lining up his bottles "just so" at the change of ends. @simonmundie

Choosing an empowering narrative to handle whatever comes your way. Tatyana McFadden is arguably the world's best female wheelchair racer of all time. She was born with spina bifida, and spent the first six years of her life in a Russian orphanage before being adopted and moving to America. There she fell in love with wheelchair racing, going on to win 17 paralympic medals, including one in the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi. Tatyana also has over 20 major marathon successes to her name. She has chosen to perceive the challenges she has faced in her life in a way that empowers her, and has seen how the perception of Paralympic sport has been utterly transformed over the course of her career. Tatyana is one of the stars of the Netflix documentary Rising Phoenix, which has been nominated for a BIFA for Best Documentary. @simonmundie

Exploring your own limits and trusting your own judgement with the England cricketer and World Cup winner. Jos Buttler is one of the most destructive batters in the sport. He plays for England in all forms of the game, is vice-captain for his country in limited overs teams, and whipped off the bails to secure England the World Cup in 2019. The theme of this episode is "exploring". It is about staying in touch with the childlike enthusiasm for what your are doing. It is an attitude that has enabled Jos to be expressive, creative and destructive with the bat. He talks about learning to trust his own judgement and let go or control, gaining perspective and valuing the journey over even the best moments sport can offer. @simonmundie

Lessons from the ex-armed robber reformed through sport. John McAvoy spent ten years in some of the UK's highest security prisons, having grown up around some of the most notorious criminals in the country. He even chose to spend a year in solitary confirnement rather than be "broken by the system". But while in prison John had an epiphany that transformed his outlook and identity. He discovered a talent for endurance sport, and after having broken world records at indoor rowing while in prison, John successfully turned his life around and is now an elite Ironman athlete sponsored by Nike. Having valued money above all else when growing up, now his priority is to help others, through charities like Greenhouse sports and by going into schools and prisons to give talks to young people. John proves that a leopard can change its spots, and that while we can judge behaviour, we may want to reconsider being too quick to judge the person, because the enviroment we find ourselves in has a profound impact on our life choices. @simonmundie

Exploring why human connection is so vital to our wellbeing. Dr Chatterjee is a physician, author, TV presenter and podcaster, who has explored this topic in depth. People who are lonely are significantly likely to die earlier, and social isolation is thought to be as dangerous to your health as being a regular smoker. At this time, when so many of us are cut off from our loved ones, this topic is even more important. @simonmundie

Exploring why pressure causes a dramatic drop off in performance, with Mark Williams. He is one of the most published scientists in the world when it comes to identifying talent identification and developing skill, and has co-authored "The Best: How Elite Athletes are Made", which explores how sportspeople get to the top and stay there.

How to create a successful team culture and thrive within it. Frances Houghton competed at five Olympic Games, winning three silver medals. She was also a four-time World Champion. Over the course of her two decades in the British rowing system, Frances underwent a big evolution that led her to question what is truly important; what she found out is valuable to anyone wanting to compete, collaborate and cooperate to the best of their ability. Frances has shared her wisdom in her book, "Learnings from 5 Olympic Games", and discusses some of the specific lessons she learned. @simonmundie

Being willing to throw yourself into something without any guarantee of a successful outcome. Ollie Ollerton is a former Special Forces soldier turned TV star and author. He passed the SAS's gruelling six-month selection process – testing his physical and mental endurance to the limit – before spending six years with the SBS. But it was after leaving the special forces that he came unstuck; the process of getting himself back on track informed many of the life lessons Ollie holds dear, and which he shared in his book "Battle Ready". As well as courage, they discuss motivation, purpose, self-doubt and ego. @simonmundie (Photo ©Robert Wilson)

How to set goals with the Ironman world record holder. In 2017, Tim Don was in the shape of his life as he headed to the Ironman World Championships in Kona. He had broken the world record earlier that year and was one of the favourites for the podium, but two days before the race he broke his neck in a collision with a car. He was fitted with a "halo" – a medieval looking brace designed to keep his head and neck still – which is attached via titanium bolts screwed into his skull. For three months he had no choice but to remain perpetually upright, utterly dependent on his wife and family. Just six months later, he competed in the Boston marathon making it round in a swift two hours 49 minutes, and then two months later he returned to Ironman and won his first race back. Tim is a past master at setting goals, whether that be in using them to become a top professional athlete in the first place through to making his way back after suffering such a devastating injury, and he breaks down many of the key elements of effective goal setting in this episode. It's worth checking out the documentary of his recovery from his neck-break too – handily called "Halo". @simonmundie (Photo: On Running/Andrew Hinton)

How our experiences inform how we see the world, with GB's Fed Cup captain. Anne Keothavong was formerly Britain's number one ranked tennis player, but her route into the sport was anything but typical. Her parents are from Laos in South East Asia; they raised their children on a housing estate in Hackney, and saw tennis as one way to give them more opportunities than they had. As well as the impact of her upbringing and her parents' outlook on her perspective, Anne talks about the sad death of Elena Baltacha – her top rival to be British number one during their playing days. (NB: the Fed Cup will be renamed the Billie Jean King cup in 2021.) @simonmundie

What it takes to become one of the greatest athletes on the planet with Adam Peaty – the 2016 Olympic Champion, an eight-time World Champion, a twelve-time European Champion and a three-time Commonwealth Champion. He has broken world records twelve times and currently holds three of them. In this episode, Adam talks about the daily dedication required to become one of the greatest swimmers on the planet, and shares what he's learned about the value of self-reflection and the danger of pinning our happiness and self-worth on what we achieve. (Photo of Adam Peaty by Mine Kasapoglu.)

How to harness the power of your imagination to achieve success, with Britain's greatest ever golfer. Sir Nick Faldo spent 97 weeks as the world number one and won six majors, three at The Open and three at The Masters, and he attributes much of his success to his powers of visualisation, which is the theme of this episode. He explains how he used to visualise twice a day in his pomp, and "saw" himself as the winner of major championships before it happened. He explains what he believes is the key to sports psychology - focusing on what you do want not what you don't - and shares tips on dealing with pressure and quickly forgetting bad results. Sir Nick also explains the importance of reframing "failure". @simonmundie