Old Stopfordian Alastair Lydon (2000) teams up with Gabriel Jagger to present Golden Nuggets podcast series

Wednesday 1st July 2020

Head of Physical Education at The Harrodian School and Old Stopfordian, Alastair Lydon (OS 2000), has teamed up with Gabriel Jagger to interview some of the most influential and award-winning names in education, rugby, theology and even zoology, to uncover some golden nuggets of wisdom via a new podcast series, Golden Nuggets.

Old Stopfordian & Head of PE at The Harrodian School, Alastair Lydon (OS 2000)

Golden Nuggets forms part of Whynow, a new positive media platform launched by Gabriel Jagger in March 2020. The launch of the platform was strongly supported by Gabriel’s father and founding member of the Rolling Stones, Sir Mick Jagger.

Gabriel & Mick Jagger at the launch of whynow. Photograph credit: Dave Bennett/Getty Images

Alastair’s guests on the podcast have included; Rugby World Cup and Sevens World Cup winner, Lawrence Dallaglio OBE, Former England 7s and Harlequins Rugby Coach, Warren Abrahams, Rugby European Cup winner, Russell Earnshaw, and former England Head Rugby Coach, Stuart Lancaster.

We interviewed Alastair to find out how the podcast came about.

Why was the Golden Nuggets podcast series created?

‘Gabriel wanted to create a positive, powerful and personal storytelling podcast to change the landscape of media by using a community heroes project. He wanted to give real people a platform to tell their story.’

How did you become involved in Golden Nuggets?

‘I was approached by Gabriel as I was his teacher and he enjoyed being taught by me.’

Whose story has inspired you the most from the series?

‘Probably Warren Abrahams, who in the rugby world is well known. His story about growing up in the apartheid in South Africa as a black man, going to university and becoming a successful international rugby coach is fascinating. He is also very humble, grounded and has a lovely charismatic personality. He really epitomises the phrase ‘anyone can achieve anything if you put your mind to it’.’

Warren Abrahams, International Rugby Coach

Do you have any golden nuggets of wisdom of your own to share?

Vincit Qui Patitur – this SGS motto resonates with me.

‘I see it as perseverance, which for me rang true as I was always ranked bottom of my class growing up. I am sure they don’t do this now but it always made me graft a lot harder than a lot of others.

As Michael Jordan puts it “Never say never, because limits, like fear, are often just an illusion.”

Anything is possible. No fear.’

What is your top tip for SGS pupils wanting to pursue careers in media, sports or teaching?

‘Go to the best university that offers opportunities for employment, travel and say yes to everything and then figure it out.’

Since leaving Stockport Grammar School Alastair has had an extensive career in rugby and in teaching, beginning with Video and Match Analyst roles for England RFU U19s and Bath Rugby whilst studying at university. In 2005 Alastair began his teaching career and has continued to coach rugby alongside this, as well as spending time as Lead Coach Development Officer for Barnes Rugby Club. Alastair has been at The Harrodian School for almost twelve years where he is also Head Coach for the 1st XV rugby team. He joined the whynow team in January 2020.

Recently Alastair has supported SGS pupils considering careers in teaching and sport via our virtual careers events.

If you would like to listen to Alastair’s Golden Nuggets podcasts, visit Apple podcasts here. Also check out the rest of whynow’s positive news content, including videos, music and art, here.