Heather has been part of the UNLV athletics staff since 2016, first joining as Assistant Director of Strength and Conditioning before moving into sport science and later being promoted to Assistant Athletics Director for Sports Science in 2024.

In this episode, Heather shares how UNLV has built a sport science model from the ground up, why data should inform rather than dictate decisions, and how practitioners can create real buy-in across coaches, athletes, strength and conditioning, sports medicine, nutrition and psychology.

The conversation explores the realities of working in collegiate sport, from the impact of the transfer portal to the challenge of supporting athletes when timeframes are shorter and rosters are constantly changing. Heather also discusses the importance of female athlete data, the risks of over-relying on wearable technology, and why return-to-play decisions must go beyond timelines and basic fitness markers.

Throughout the episode, Heather brings the conversation back to one core principle: sport science is still about people. Data matters, technology matters, and AI may help practitioners work more efficiently, but the human side of performance remains central to everything.

In this episode you will learn

• How Heather transitioned from collegiate soccer player to strength and conditioning coach, and then into sport science
• Why UNLV built its sport science model around being “human first”
• How to use data as an input rather than treating it as the final answer
• Why coach buy-in is easier when practitioners build trust and show value over time
• The challenges of applying male-dominated performance data to female athletes
• How the transfer portal has changed long-term athlete development in collegiate sport
• Why wearable technology can support performance but also create “analysis paralysis”
• How UNLV approaches return to play using performance outputs, not just timelines
• Why AI can support information gathering and efficiency, but cannot replace human judgement
• The importance of speaking the language of other disciplines in a high-performance team

About Heather Farmer
Heather Farmer is the Assistant Athletics Director, Sports Science at UNLV. She has been with UNLV since 2016, initially working in strength and conditioning before moving into sport science leadership. Her work focuses on integrating data-informed approaches across the high-performance team while keeping the individual athlete at the centre of the process.

Before her career in performance, Heather played soccer at the University of North Alabama, where time spent rehabbing from injury and working in the weight room helped shape her interest in high-performance sport. She later worked across multiple sports as a graduate assistant at Lindenwood University before joining UNLV.

At UNLV, Heather has helped grow sport science into a foundational part of the athletics department, working closely with coaches, athletes and interdisciplinary support staff to create a model that fits the needs of the university, rather than copying what works elsewhere.

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In this episode, Carmen shares the story of her career, from an unexpected switch from behavioural psychology and criminology into kinesiology, through to working with university teams, NHL athletes, national-level performers and young athletes returning from serious injury.

The conversation explores what kinesiology actually means, how it sits alongside strength and conditioning, and why understanding the sport is just as important as understanding the science. Carmen also discusses the communication challenges that can arise between practitioners, coaches and athletes, particularly when return-to-play decisions are being made under pressure.

Richard and Carmen then take a deeper look at ACL rehabilitation. They discuss why training age matters, how the rehab journey differs between a professional athlete and a young adolescent athlete, and why parents can play such an important role in the process. Carmen also breaks down the place of isometrics, dynamic strength training, plyometrics and force progression in ACL rehab, while offering a clear, practical view of what effective exercise prescription should look like.

Finally, Carmen gives her thoughts on artificial intelligence in sports science and rehabilitation. While AI may help with programming and exercise selection, she explains why coaching, communication, technical feedback and human connection remain central to helping athletes return to performance safely and confidently.

In this episode you will learn

• What kinesiology is and how it differs from strength and conditioning
• Why practitioners need to understand the language and demands of the sport they work in
• How to communicate more effectively with coaches during return-to-play decisions
• Why ACL rehabilitation must be adapted to the athlete’s training age and experience
• The key differences between rehabbing a professional athlete and an adolescent athlete
• Why parents can be critical in supporting youth athletes through injury rehabilitation
• How isometrics, dynamic strength training and plyometrics fit into ACL rehab
• Why force progression matters when preparing athletes for sprinting, cutting and collision demands
• Where AI can support practitioners — and where it cannot replace real coaching

About Carmen Bott
Carmen Bott is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, Practicing Kinesiologist, Sports Performance Coach and Educator based in Canada. She holds a Master’s degree in Exercise Science and has worked with athletes from learn-to-train level through to high performance and professional sport.

Carmen’s work spans physical preparation, ACL rehabilitation, return to play, collision sport athletes, multi-directional speed coaching and mental performance. She is also a university lecturer and has been teaching since 2005.

You can find Carmen on Instagram at @coachbott

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Jamie shares his journey from grassroots coaching and internships to leading analysis within one of the most successful teams in the women’s game. Across the conversation, he offers a clear, honest look at how the role has evolved, from basic video breakdowns to a complex, high-impact function that shapes coaching decisions, player preparation, and match outcomes.

The discussion explores the balance between data and communication, the challenge of avoiding over-analysis, and the importance of translating complex insights into simple, actionable messages that players and coaches can actually use under pressure.

Jamie also lifts the lid on working within a high-performance environment, adapting to the rapid growth of women’s football, and building processes that allow analysts to operate effectively in fast-paced, game-to-game cycles.

For practitioners, this is a grounded, real-world insight into what performance analysis actually looks like at the top level, and what it takes to succeed in the role.

In this episode you will learn

• How performance analysts support coaching decisions without dictating them
• The evolution of analysis in elite women’s football over the past decade
• Why communication is more important than data volume
• How to avoid over-analysis and focus on what truly impacts performance
• The importance of understanding individual player needs and learning styles
• How analysts translate complex data into actionable insights
• The role of process and structure in high-performance environments
• How to evaluate whether a game plan has been successfully executed
• The impact of stadiums, crowds, and environment on communication and analysis
• How analysts collaborate across departments to drive performance
• Why knowing players on a personal level improves analysis delivery
• The balance between individual detail and team strategy
• Key considerations when working with female athletes
• How leadership and decision-making shift on the pitch in high-pressure environments
• Practical advice for aspiring analysts looking to break into elite sport

About Jamie Cook
Jamie Cook is the Lead Performance Analyst for Chelsea Women, where he has worked for over a decade.

Starting his career in the club’s foundation programme, Jamie progressed through coaching, scouting, and internship roles before securing a full-time position within the first team setup.

He has played a key role in the club’s sustained success, supporting coaching staff and players through detailed performance analysis, opposition insights, and strategic planning.

Jamie specialises in bridging the gap between data and delivery — ensuring that insights are not only accurate, but meaningful and usable within a high-performance environment.

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Sally shares her journey from coaching within the FA to leading human development and culture work across elite environments including Brentford FC, Sheffield United, and international football. Her approach challenges traditional performance models, bringing a deeper understanding of the nervous system, behaviour, and athlete self-awareness into day-to-day coaching practice.

The conversation explores how clubs are beginning to bridge the gap between “off-field” psychology and “on-field” performance, why understanding the brain and body connection is becoming essential in modern sport, and how coaches can influence behaviour, decision-making, and performance through better awareness of human systems.

For practitioners working in elite sport, this episode offers a practical lens on integrating neuroscience into coaching environments, without losing sight of the realities of performance.

In this episode you will learn

• Why human development is becoming a priority in elite football environments
• How the nervous system directly impacts performance, decision-making, and behaviour
• What “co-regulation” means and how coaches influence athlete states
• The role of self-awareness in achieving consistent performance
• Why fear is unavoidable—and how athletes can manage it more effectively
• How Brentford are integrating human development into their performance model
• The gap between sports psychology theory and on-field coaching practice
• Why connection and relationships underpin long-term performance
• How coaches can consciously “up-regulate” or “down-regulate” players
• Practical ways to introduce neuroscience concepts into coaching environments

About Dr Sally Needham
Dr Sally Needham is a human development specialist working across elite football, with experience spanning the FA, Sheffield United, and Brentford FC.

Her work focuses on the integration of coaching, neuroscience, and behaviour—helping athletes better understand their brain and body to improve performance and wellbeing. Sally completed a professional doctorate in elite performance, exploring how human development approaches can be embedded within high-performance environments.

She currently works across multiple roles, including consultancy with clubs and international teams, as well as supporting individual athletes.

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In This Episode You Will Learn

• Why the majority of elite footballers are chronically underfuelled — and why that matters more than their body fat percentage
• The real science behind carbohydrate loading: why you should start 24 hours before kick-off, not the night before, and what foods actually work
• How to structure post-match nutrition across a 72-hour recovery window, including the specific gram-per-kilogram targets Nessan uses with his players
• Why ultra-lean body composition as a performance goal is actively harming players, and how disordered eating behaviours are more common in elite football than most environments will admit
• How Nessan adapted his approach during Ramadan — including training sessions at 10pm and cup semi-finals kicking off at 1:30am
• The practical hydration framework he uses: why 500ml of fluid with every meal beats carrying a big bottle around all day
• How nutrition changes across a full season, from pre-season heat acclimatisation through to the demands of a congested run-in
• Why supplements are largely irrelevant until you've nailed sleep, three meals a day, two snacks and consistent hydration
• What working in the Saudi Pro League has taught him about personalised nutrition across diverse nationalities and food cultures
• His advice for coaches and practitioners working without a dedicated nutritionist — and when it becomes worth bringing one in

About Nessan Costello
Dr. Nessan Costello is a sports nutritionist with over a decade of experience working at the highest levels of professional football. He has held roles at Premier League clubs including Chelsea, Newcastle United and Leeds United, before taking on his current position as 1st Team Sports Nutritionist at Al-Ahli in the Saudi Arabia Pro League.
Nessan specialises in helping elite athletes optimise their health and performance through practical, evidence-based nutrition strategies — with a particular focus on fuelling, recovery and body composition in high-demand environments. He is known for his ability to simplify complex nutritional science and make it actionable for players, coaches and multidisciplinary teams alike.
You can follow Nessan on LinkedIn and Instagram at @DrNessanCostello.

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In This Episode You Will Learn

• Why reducing Catapult's thousand-plus metrics down to a focused few, Player Load, sprint volume, and repeat sprint exposures, actually produces better decisions than trying to monitor everything
• How Jackson uses principal component analysis to build confidence in the data he's presenting to coaches and athletes
• The "iceberg" model of athlete monitoring: what data can tell you, and what only a direct conversation will uncover
• Why practice periodisation and load management have been one of USC's biggest organisational wins, and how PlayerLoad underpins that planning
• How force plates (via VALD/ForceDecks) and velocity-based training tools like Perch complement GPS data to reveal readiness on any given day
• The case for teaching college athletes sound recovery habits early, so they're not spending their rookie contracts figuring out what works
• How Jackson thinks about AI in sports science: where it's useful, where to be cautious, and why it's only as good as the data it's trained on
• Why communication, not technology, is the cornerstone of an effective sports science operation, and how to make data digestible for coaches under pressure
• The value of building a culture where experimentation and failure are treated as learning, not liability
• Lessons from Thinking in Bets by Annie Duke on separating process from outcome, applied directly to sports science decision-making

About Jackson Polk
Jackson Polk is the Director of Sports Science for USC Trojans football, a role he was elevated to in 2024 after serving as Assistant Director from 2022–23. He joined the USC support staff in March 2022, bringing with him an unconventional background that blends mathematics, data science, and a deep passion for American football.
His journey began at the University of Oklahoma, where he spent four seasons as a student videographer before becoming a volunteer performance analyst. While at OU, he co-founded the Oklahoma Sports and Data Analytics Club, which went on to win the Pro Football Focus Analytics Blitz contest. He completed his bachelor's degree in mathematics at Oklahoma in 2021 and subsequently pursued a master's in data science and analytics.
At USC, Jackson has been responsible for building the football programme's sports science infrastructure, integrating GPS monitoring, force plate testing, and load management into daily practice planning. He holds an MBA alongside his analytical credentials, and his work sits at the intersection of data science and high-performance sport.

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Ryan brings a unique perspective to this conversation. A former action sports athlete himself whose career was cut short by a life-threatening injury, he has since spent over 20 years working across elite sport, academy systems, private education, and national governing bodies, before circling back to the world he started in. Today, he works as a performance consultant for British Water Ski and Wakeboard, Head of Sport Science at St Paul's School in London, and Lead Tutor for the Youth Strength and Conditioning Association.

This isn't a conversation about conventional periodisation or standard gym metrics. Ryan challenges the assumptions baked into most traditional performance models and makes a compelling case for why action sports, think X Games, halfpipe snowboarding, freestyle skiing, demand an entirely different approach. One built not around chasing peaks, but around building repeatable, durable performance that holds up under fatigue, variable terrain, and real-world unpredictability.
He talks through his Restore, Apply, Own framework in practical terms, explains why training in a fresh state but competing in a fatigued one is one of the most underappreciated problems in sport, and shares how he uses a blend of velocity-based training, jump testing, readiness monitoring, and athlete-specific education tools to close that gap. He also weighs in on the growing use of AI in competition judging, the rapid rise of the X Games League, and why the preparation systems in action sports simply haven't caught up with where the sport is heading.
Whether you're a sports scientist, strength and conditioning coach, or simply someone with an interest in how elite performance is built at the fringes of mainstream sport, this is a conversation worth your time.

In This Episode You Will Learn

• Why traditional performance models fall short in action and adventure sports, and what needs to change
• The difference between performance capacity and durability — and why durability is the more important target in action sports
• How Ryan's Restore, Apply, Own framework structures athlete preparation from the ground up
• Why training athletes in a fatigued state is just as important as having them fresh — and how to do it effectively
• How to use a simple SWOT analysis to identify athlete needs and prioritise support when resources are limited
• The role of technology in action sports performance, including VBT, jump testing, readiness monitoring, and AI in competition judging
• Why strength training alone doesn't transfer to sport performance without progression through capacity, application, and environment
• How the rapid growth of the X Games League and Olympic inclusion is creating both opportunity and a preparation gap in action sports
• Practical first steps for coaches and athletes looking to engage with a more structured performance system in action sports

About Ryan Blake
Ryan Blake is a performance coach and consultant specialising in action and adventure sports. He founded Extreme Sports Performance in 2018 after a career that has taken him through elite academy systems, professional sport, private education, and national governing body consultancy. He holds accreditations from both the UKSCA and NSCA, holds an MSc in Maintenance and Enhancement of Elite Performance from the University of Portsmouth, and has worked with world champion athletes and Olympic medallists across disciplines including British Tennis, England Cricket, British Cycling, and now British Water Ski and Wakeboard.
Alongside his consultancy work, Ryan serves as Head of Sport Science at St Paul's School in London and as Lead Tutor for the Youth Strength and Conditioning Association. His own background as an action sports athlete — and the life-threatening injury that ended that chapter — underpins his philosophy around risk, durability, and long-term performance. He is based in Guildford and can be found on Instagram at @extremesportsperformance or at extremesportsperformance.com.

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In this episode, you will learn

• Why non-linear talent pathways can still lead to elite performance
• How early setbacks can shape long-term motivation and resilience
• The psychological impact of transfers, expectations, and identity
• What separates strong team cultures from individual-driven environments
• Why “man management” remains a critical performance skill in modern sport
• How players experience pressure in high-stakes matches (e.g. playoffs, Wembley)
• The role of belief, environment, and coaching in unlocking performance
• Lessons on handling success, ego, and distractions early in a career
• What burnout, injury, and time out of the game really feel like
• Why giving “your all” is a more sustainable mindset than chasing outcomes

About Carl Asaba
Carl Asaba is a former professional footballer whose career spanned over a decade across English football. Starting his professional journey at Brentford at the age of 21, he went on to play for clubs including Reading, Gillingham, and Sheffield United.
Known for his work ethic and team-first mentality, Carl was part of some iconic teams, including Gillingham’s promotion-winning side and Sheffield United’s memorable 2002–03 campaign, which reached the latter stages of multiple competitions.
Since retiring, Carl has remained close to the game through media work and supporting the next generation, while offering a unique perspective shaped by both traditional and unconventional routes into elite sport.

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Perch has become one of the most widely used camera-based systems for measuring barbell velocity and strength training performance in elite sport. Now, with the launch of Perch P2, the technology is taking another step forward.

Jordan shares the story behind the development of Perch, how computer vision and machine learning are used to quantify weightlifting performance, and why the weight room has historically been one of the least measured environments in sport.

The conversation explores the key technological advancements behind P2 — including improved camera technology, greater processing power, enhanced portability, and new possibilities for tracking movement quality and technique.

Jordan also discusses how better strength training data can help coaches build a more complete picture of athlete performance, how Perch fits alongside Catapult’s wider ecosystem of athlete monitoring tools, and why the next frontier may lie in connecting weight room insights with on-field performance.

In this episode you will learn

• How Perch evolved from an early idea into a leading weight room monitoring system
• Why velocity-based training has become increasingly important in elite sport
• How computer vision technology can quantify barbell movement and lifting performance
• The key upgrades introduced with the new Perch P2 system
• Why portability is a major step forward for strength and conditioning environments
• How improved frame rates and camera technology increase measurement accuracy
• The concept of the “inaccuracy gap” and why it matters for explosive movements
• How machine learning is used to track movement and analyse lifting performance
• Why movement quality may become the next frontier of strength training analytics
• How weight room data could integrate with broader athlete monitoring systems

About Jordan Lucier
Jordan Lucier is the Senior Director of Engineering at Catapult and Co-Founder of Perch, a computer vision system designed to measure performance in the weight room.

Originally developed at MIT, Perch uses advanced camera technology and machine learning to automatically track barbell velocity, movement patterns, and strength training performance without requiring wearable sensors.

Jordan has led the engineering development of the system from its early concept through to global adoption across professional teams, collegiate programmes, and high-performance environments.

His work sits at the intersection of sports science, computer vision, and performance technology, helping practitioners bring objective measurement to one of the most important areas of athlete development: strength training.

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This week on the Science for Sport Podcast, host Richard Graves welcomes Dr Candice Macmillan, lecturer at the University of Pretoria, sports physiotherapist, and course author of “Contraceptives and the Female Athlete” on the Science for Sport platform.

As women’s sport continues to grow professionally around the world, understanding the unique physiological considerations of female athletes has never been more important. Yet many practitioners still feel underprepared when supporting athletes through topics such as the menstrual cycle, hormonal contraceptives, and their potential implications for performance, wellbeing, and decision-making.

Drawing on her background as a sports physiotherapist, researcher, and academic, Dr Macmillan explores how practitioners can better support female athletes through education, communication, and evidence-based decision making.

The conversation covers the complexity of hormonal contraceptives, how different types influence physiology and behaviour, and why awareness of factors such as testosterone suppression and symptom tracking may be crucial for athletes and support staff alike.

Perhaps most importantly, Dr Macmillan explains why empowering athletes to ask the right questions about their own health may be one of the most powerful tools practitioners can provide.

This episode offers valuable insights for sports scientists, strength and conditioning coaches, physiotherapists, and performance staff working across elite sport — while also opening up a conversation that continues to shape the future of female athlete support systems.

In This Episode You Will Learn

• Why female athlete health remains one of the most misunderstood areas in elite sport
• The difference between hormonal and non-hormonal contraceptives
• Why the contraceptive pill is not a single solution and varies widely in composition
• How hormonal contraceptives can influence testosterone levels and athlete behaviour
• Why symptoms may impact performance more than hormone levels themselves
• The importance of tracking menstrual symptoms for informed medical decisions
• Why practitioners must help athletes learn the language to describe how they feel
• The role communication plays between athletes, coaches and medical staff
• How policy and education are shaping the future of female athlete support in sport

About Dr Candice Macmillan
Dr Candice Macmillan is a lecturer at the University of Pretoria, a qualified sports physiotherapist, and holds a PhD in Sports Physiotherapy.

Her work focuses on female athlete health, injury prevention, and performance, with a particular interest in how physiological factors influence training, recovery, and long-term athlete wellbeing. Through her academic and applied work, she aims to bridge the gap between research and real-world practice for practitioners working in sport.

Dr Macmillan is also the author of the “Contraceptives and the Female Athlete” course available on the Science for Sport platform, where she helps practitioners better understand the complexities of hormonal contraception and its potential implications for female athlete performance and health.

Her research and teaching continue to contribute to a growing body of work aimed at improving education, awareness, and practical support for female athletes across sport.

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Emily has spent the past decade building and refining a sports science model within a relatively small department, working primarily with men’s and women’s soccer and volleyball. Alongside her role at Marquette, she also contributes to U.S. Soccer in a high-performance capacity.

In this conversation, we explore one of the most pressing challenges in applied sports science: how do you simplify complex data streams so they become actionable for coaches and meaningful for athletes?

From acute:chronic workload ratios and GPS monitoring to return-to-play frameworks and Power BI dashboards, Emily shares how she transformed “expensive toys” into effective performance tools.

She discusses the importance of visualisation, collaboration with data engineers, humility in decision-making, and why the “eyeball test” still matters in a world driven by wearables and AI.

For practitioners working in elite sport, or those building systems within constrained environments, this episode offers practical insight into making sports science more impactful, not just more complex.

In this episode you will learn:

• How to simplify GPS and workload data for real-world application
• Why acute:chronic workload ratios are a framework — not a solution
• How to build effective data visualisations that coaches actually use
• The difference between “expensive toys” and performance tools
• How to structure phased return-to-play models with clear definitions
• Why collaboration with data engineers and academics can transform departments
• How to educate athletes in an era of AI, social media and misinformation
• Why patience and long-term development still matter
• How to adapt sports science systems in the transfer-portal era
• Why relationships remain more important than technology

About Emily Jacobson
Emily Jacobson is the Assistant Director of Sports Performance at Marquette University, where she has worked for the past 10 seasons. A former Marquette women’s soccer student-athlete, she now oversees sports science and performance systems across multiple programmes, with a particular focus on soccer and volleyball.

She has helped develop load monitoring models, return-to-play protocols and data visualisation systems that integrate GPS, velocity-based training, force plates, motion capture and body composition analysis.

In addition to her work at Marquette, Emily serves as a network employee within U.S. Soccer’s high-performance department.

Her approach combines applied performance coaching, collaborative analytics, and a strong emphasis on education and athlete relationships.

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Stan’s journey spans the Brisbane Broncos in the NRL, Queensland Rugby Sevens, and now five seasons embedded within the Bulldogs’ high-performance programme, including a PhD focused on contextualising tracking data beyond simple load metrics.

This episode moves beyond “distance covered” and “top speed” to examine how sports science actually influences coaching decisions, athlete development, injury management, and tactical execution. From peak demand analysis and real-world decision-making under fatigue, to AI readiness and workflow efficiency, this is a grounded, practitioner-led conversation about where elite sport is really heading.

In this episode you will learn:

• Why contextualising tracking data matters more than collecting more of it
• How to compare peak training demands to peak match demands
• The role of vision and video in translating data for coaches and players
• How to build buy-in when athletes aren’t “numbers learners”
• The balance between availability and performance in weekly competition cycles
• How interdisciplinary decision-making works inside an AFL club
• Why isolated fatigue “flags” can be misleading
• How gym-based physical development can be directly tied to on-field outcomes
• The importance of soft skills in high-performance environments
• Where AI realistically fits (and doesn’t fit) in elite sports science

About Stan Parker
Stan Parker is a Sports Scientist with the Western Bulldogs in the AFL. He has previously worked with the Brisbane Broncos and Queensland Rugby Sevens, building experience across multiple elite sporting codes in Australia.

Stan is also completing a PhD focused on the contextualisation of tracking data in team sports, exploring how movement patterns and peak demands can better explain performance impact rather than serving purely as load monitoring tools.

He is particularly interested in bridging the gap between data analytics, coaching vision, and real-world performance application.

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Richard Graves is joined by Brendan Fahrner, formerly Head of Sports Science at the South Sydney Rabbitohs, and previously a long-serving performance staff member at Richmond Football Club during one of the most successful periods in AFL history.

Across a career spanning AFL and NRL, Brendan has worked inside premiership-winning programs, navigated the evolution of GPS and performance analytics, and seen firsthand how elite sport has shifted from data accumulation to data translation.

In this conversation, he strips back the noise around technology and shares why soft skills, trust, and clarity of message ultimately drive performance outcomes. From simplifying GPS dashboards to building credibility with senior coaches, Brendan offers a grounded, practical perspective on what actually moves the needle in team sport.

He also speaks candidly about practitioner burnout, self-worth, and why sustainability in high performance careers is just as important as physical robustness in athletes.

This episode will resonate with sports scientists, S&C coaches, performance managers and aspiring practitioners looking to build impact in elite environments.

In this episode you will learn

• Why high performance is more about relationships than periodisation
• How to build trust quickly when entering a new club environment
• The importance of simplifying data for coaches and athletes
• How to align performance metrics with a coach’s game model
• Why most GPS reports contain too much irrelevant data
• How to identify the few variables that truly influence coach perception
• Practical strategies for athlete-centric monitoring in squad settings
• The crossover principles between AFL and NRL performance environments
• How to translate analytics into language players understand
• Why self-care and professional boundaries matter in elite sport
• The importance of valuing yourself as a practitioner

About Brendan Fahrner
Brendan Fahrner is a high performance practitioner with extensive experience in elite Australian sport.
He began his career in the early adoption phase of GPS in the AFL, working with Richmond and later Geelong during a period of sustained premiership success. He spent the majority of his career at Richmond Football Club, contributing to three premiership titles and multiple finals campaigns.
Most recently, Brendan worked in the NRL with the South Sydney Rabbitohs, applying performance principles across codes and leading athlete monitoring and sports science integration within rugby league.
He has developed a strong reputation for simplifying complex performance data, building trust with athletes and coaches, and creating athlete-centred systems in high-pressure team environments.

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Across a first-class career spanning more than 20 years, Ryan experienced the game at every level — from sweeping floors and laying bricks in the winter to winning a T20 World Cup with England. In this episode, he reflects on how professional cricket changed during his career, why physical preparation became essential for longevity, and how mindset, curiosity, and self-analysis shaped his success.

Ryan speaks openly about setbacks, selection disappointments, returning to the England setup after six years away, and the hard, often unseen work that underpinned his performances. It’s an honest insight into elite performance, long careers, and what really matters behind the scenes.

In this episode you will learn:

• How professional cricket evolved from semi-professional roots to a fully supported high-performance environment
• Why strength & conditioning became critical to Ryan’s longevity as a fast bowler
• How he managed long periods outside the England setup and stayed mentally engaged
• The role of self-analysis, questioning, and learning from senior players
• What elite environments can learn from England’s 2010 T20 World Cup turnaround
• Why curiosity and asking questions accelerate development in elite sport
• How mindset, confidence, and preparation influence consistency over time

About Ryan Sidebottom
Ryan Sidebottom is a former England international fast bowler with a first-class career spanning over two decades. He represented England in Test cricket and was part of the 2010 ICC World T20-winning squad. At domestic level, Ryan enjoyed success with Yorkshire and Nottinghamshire, winning multiple County Championship titles and taking over 1,000 career wickets. Since retiring, he has remained closely involved in the game through media, hospitality, and ambassadorial roles, with a growing interest in coaching and player development.

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In this episode you will learn

• How early rejection and non-academy pathways can shape resilience and long-term success
• Why strong team culture and shared identity can create psychological advantages over more talented opponents
• Lessons from Wimbledon’s “Crazy Gang” environment and what modern teams can still learn from it
• How elite managers like Kevin Keegan, Kenny Dalglish, and Sir Bobby Robson differed in leadership and man-management
• Why man-management remains central to performance, even in data-rich environments
• How elite players and coaches balanced intuition, experience, and emerging sports science practices
• The importance of trust, togetherness, and players “having each other’s backs” in high-pressure environments
• Where modern football may be losing connection with basic human communication
• Warren’s perspective on technology, VAR, and how decision-making affects the athlete and fan experience
• How coaches can better integrate data with athlete feedback and lived experience

About Warren Barton
Warren Barton is a former England international footballer who played at the highest level of English football during the 1990s. His career included spells at Wimbledon and Newcastle United, where he became part of Kevin Keegan’s iconic “Entertainers” side and captained the club during one of its most influential Premier League eras.
Since retiring from playing, Warren has built a career in broadcasting and coaching, working extensively in the United States as a football analyst and pundit, including coverage of major international tournaments. He holds his UEFA Pro Licence and continues to work across elite football, combining practical experience with a deep understanding of performance, psychology, and leadership.

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John describes himself as a “gypsy of sport” driven by curiosity, problem-solving, and a deep interest in what actually moves the needle in elite performance. From his early days in football and rugby to supporting drivers in the most intense performance environment in global sport, John shares how his thinking has evolved beyond programmes and protocols, towards relationships, skill execution, and consistency under pressure.

The conversation explores how elite performers prepare for the biggest moments, why world-class athletes are “uncommonly consistent,” and how performance staff can better integrate physical, technical, and psychological elements to support athletes when it matters most. John also lifts the lid on working in motorsport, a sport decided by millimetres, milliseconds, and mental control, and reflects on burnout, travel fatigue, and managing performance across relentless global calendars.

This is a thoughtful, experience-led discussion for practitioners working at the top end of elite sport, as well as anyone fascinated by what separates the very best from the rest.

In this episode you will learn

• Why elite performance is ultimately a people business, not a programming problem
• How working across multiple sports shapes better decision-making as a performance coach
• What “uncommon consistency” really looks like in world-class athletes
• Why skill execution, not physical capacity, often determines success at the highest level
• How performance staff can influence athletes who don’t need to listen to them
• Lessons from Formula One on pressure, precision, and decision-making under fatigue
• How interdisciplinary teams can improve performance communication in real time
• Practical insights into managing burnout, travel, jet lag, and long competitive calendars

About John Noonan
John Noonan is a performance coach and sports scientist with over two decades of experience working across elite sport. His background includes roles in professional football, rugby league and union, Winter Olympic sports, and long-term work within Formula One.

Now the founder of Noonan Performance, John works with elite athletes and teams to improve performance through smarter physical preparation, better communication, and a strong emphasis on skill execution and decision-making under pressure. He is known for his relationship-led approach, his ability to work across disciplines, and his focus on solving the right performance problems.

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In this episode, you will learn

• What periodised nutrition actually means in practice, beyond the theory
• How performance chefs work from nutritionist-led macro prescriptions
• Why chefs should not act as nutritionists, and where the professional boundaries sit
• How to deliver exact macronutrient targets without meals becoming boring or restrictive
• The role of carbohydrates in sustaining physical and cognitive performance late in matchesHow cultural background and food identity influence nutritional compliance
• Why elite performance nutrition is as much about psychology and trust as it is science
• What “success” really looks like when supporting elite athletes away from the club environment

About Rachel Muse
Rachel Muse is a performance chef with a background spanning elite hospitality, private households, and professional sport. After an unconventional route into the culinary world, she founded Talk Eat Laugh, a performance-chef business supporting elite athletes across football, rugby, swimming, and motorsport.Rachel works closely with performance nutritionists and sports science teams to deliver highly specific nutritional strategies in athletes’ home environments. Known for her emphasis on collaboration, precision, privacy, and cultural understanding, Rachel specialises in translating complex nutrition plans into meals athletes genuinely want to eat, consistently and compliantly.You can follow Rachel on LinkedIn or find Talk Eat Laugh on Instagram for insights into performance food done properly.

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In this episode of the Science for Sport Podcast, Richard Graves sits down with Steven Jennings, one of the key figures behind the early adoption of creatine in elite sport, to unpack a remarkable story that begins long before creatine was common knowledge.

Steven takes us back to the early 1990s — a pre-internet era where sports nutrition research travelled slowly, secrecy mattered, and a single kilogram of creatine played a role in reshaping performance preparation ahead of the Barcelona 1992 Olympic Games. From working directly with pioneering researchers at the Karolinska Institute to navigating Olympic-level scrutiny, this is a rare, first-hand account of how science moved from the lab to the field.

Beyond performance sport, the conversation also looks forward. Steven shares why he believes we are only just beginning to understand creatine’s wider potential — from cognition and ageing to plant-based diets and long-term health.

This is an essential listen for practitioners who want to understand not just what works in performance nutrition, but how evidence, trust, regulation, and timing shape real-world impact.

In this episode you will learn

• What creatine actually is and how it works at a cellular level
• How early research in the early 1990s changed elite sport preparation
• Steven’s role in bringing creatine into Olympic sport ahead of Barcelona 1992
• Why creatine was (and still is) legal, safe, and fundamentally different from banned substances
• How creatine became associated with repeated high-intensity performance and recovery
• Why creatine research is now expanding beyond sport into cognition, ageing, and health
• Why we may still be “scratching the surface” of creatine’s full potential

About Steven Jennings
Steven Jennings is a sports nutrition entrepreneur and former professional cyclist who played a pivotal role in the early commercialisation of creatine for elite sport. In the early 1990s, he worked directly with leading researchers from the Karolinska Institute to help translate groundbreaking creatine research into real-world Olympic performance programmes.

Over the past three decades, Steven has remained closely connected to the evolution of creatine research, from elite performance applications to emerging work in health, cognition, and ageing. Today, he continues to focus on education, innovation, and the future direction of creatine science.

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In this episode you will learn

• The unique physiological and biomechanical demands of BMX Freestyle competition
• How to prepare athletes for repeated 60-second, maximal-effort runs across a full competition day
• Why traditional strength testing and gym-based metrics don’t always translate to action sports
• How Brian adapted training around constant travel, limited gym access, and athlete preferences
• Practical strategies for building resilience and reducing injury risk in high-impact sports
• Why athlete buy-in often comes from listening, adapting, and being present rather than enforcing systems
• How emerging video and motion-analysis technology could shape the future of training in BMX Freestyle and similar sports

About Brian Roy
Brian Roy is a strength and conditioning coach with over 10 years’ experience working in action and lifestyle sports. He holds a Master’s degree in Kinesiology and Exercise Science and is currently undertaking further postgraduate study in Applied Sports Science Analytics.
Brian has worked closely with elite BMX Freestyle athletes on the international stage, including those competing at the Olympic Games, and has developed a reputation for adaptable, athlete-centred training approaches. His work focuses on performance, resilience, and real-world transfer rather than rigid adherence to traditional testing models.
Brian regularly shares insights from his work on LinkedIn and Instagram, where he discusses training philosophy, emerging technology, and lessons learned from working in non-traditional sports environments.

In this episode you will learn:

• How elite athletes should approach December training without peaking too early
• Why maintaining performance is more important than chasing PBs in winter
• How to structure micro-sessions when time, facilities, or routine are disrupted
• The key differences in winter training for team sports vs athletics
• How and when to prioritise plyometrics, speed, strength, and conditioning
• Why fundamentals like ground contact time, elasticity, and movement quality still matter
• How to balance data, technology, and coaching eye in modern performance environments
• The importance of coach collaboration and open-minded learning
• What elite preparation looks like heading into major championships and qualification periods

About Michael Fennell
Michael Fennell is an experienced performance coach working across elite athletics, team sports, and para sport. With close to two decades of coaching experience, he has supported athletes at national and international level, including British champions and elite performers progressing toward major championships.
Michael’s coaching philosophy blends technical excellence, physical fundamentals, and athlete-centred planning, with a strong emphasis on sprint mechanics, jumping performance, plyometrics, and long-term development. He is known for his collaborative approach, regularly working alongside other coaches, strength and conditioning practitioners, and support staff to ensure athletes are prepared for the demands of elite competition.

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In this episode you will learn:

• How to apply the 80–20 rule to festive eating without harming performance
• Practical strategies for managing Christmas meals, portion sizes and food choices
• Why under-fuelling can be just as risky as overindulging during the festive period
• How athletes should think about macronutrients vs calories when routines break down
• Smart approaches to travel nutrition and hydration during busy fixture schedules
• Simple habit-based strategies to stay consistent through Christmas and into January
• How elite athletes can enjoy social time while still prioritising recovery and readiness

About Dan Richardson
Dan Richardson is a performance nutritionist who works across elite and professional sport, with experience supporting athletes in football, rugby, rowing and professional cricket. Known for his practical, athlete-centred approach, Dan specialises in helping performers fuel effectively in real-world environments — including congested schedules, travel-heavy periods and high-pressure competitive blocks.
He regularly works with athletes navigating complex training and match demands, translating sports science into clear, actionable habits that support both performance and wellbeing. Dan shares evidence-based insight through his applied work and educational content, making him a trusted voice in modern performance nutrition.
You can find Dan on Instagram at @DRNnutrition.

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Lew brings more than 16 years of experience at one of the most successful athletic departments in the NCAA. His journey from a Division III football lineman to a leader shaping the development of athletes in softball, gymnastics, men’s soccer and more, is filled with hard-earned lessons, humility, and an unwavering commitment to supporting people first.

In this conversation, Lew dives into:
• How to develop trust-driven relationships with athletes
• What it truly takes to “raise the floor” of athletic performance
• Why systems like Perch have changed the way Michigan trains
• The realities of guiding young, ambitious athletes through strength, power, and conditioning programmes
• The age-old question: How strong is strong enough? How fit is fit enough?
Lew’s philosophy blends evidence-based practice, a deep understanding of human behaviour, and a humility-first leadership style that resonates across the world of elite sport.

In this episode, you will learn:

• How Lew progressed from internships to a senior leadership role at Michigan—and what he learned along the way
• Why treating athletes as humans first is central to unlocking performance
• How Michigan individualises training across sports with vastly different demands
• The process of integrating Perch velocity-based training and how it transformed athlete intent and coaching quality
• How to use real-time data to adjust loads, manage fatigue, and protect athletes from themselves
• When to stop chasing maximal strength and start focusing on raising the floor for performance
• How to guide young athletes who want PBs every week without compromising long-term development
• Why the most fulfilling moments in coaching come from watching athletes realise they’re capable of more than they thought
• Lew’s leadership philosophy: vulnerability, authenticity, and serving others
• The role of strength & conditioning in creating athletes who are not only powerful and robust—but durable and available

About Lew Porchiazzo
Lew Porchiazzo is the Assistant Director for Strength & Conditioning for Olympic Sports at the University of Michigan, where he has worked since 2009. He currently oversees physical development for a range of elite programmes including softball, women’s gymnastics, and men’s soccer.
Lew began his career with internships at the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC) and Baylor University, before joining Michigan as a graduate assistant. Across 16+ years he has become a central leader within the department, known for his athlete-first approach, relationship-driven coaching style, and commitment to developing staff and students with authenticity and humility.
His expertise spans strength training, power development, velocity-based training, long-term athlete development, and programme design across sports with widely different physical demands. Beyond the weight room, Lew is passionate about helping athletes grow as people—and maintaining a love of movement and training long after their competitive days are over.
He occasionally even officiates weddings… but you’ll have to listen to the episode to hear that story.

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If you’ve ever wondered how a club without the financial muscle of Europe’s giants consistently outperforms bigger teams, beating Nottingham Forest away, winning at Celtic, and challenging at the top of the Danish Superliga, this conversation tells you exactly how they do it.

Niklas is a rare blend of passion, creativity and evidence-based practice. His presentation at a recent Catapult event had the entire room hooked, and this episode delivers the same energy. From dismantling traditional GPS limitations to redefining how football teams train for micro-actions, set pieces, and physical dominance, Niklas pulls back the curtain on the processes driving Midtjylland’s success.

This episode goes deep into the real-world application of sports science, the balance between data and intuition, and why sometimes the most powerful competitive advantage is simply learning to “solve problems without money.”

Things You Will Learn

• Why FC Midtjylland’s entire model is built on “solving problems without money” and how data gives them a competitive edge.
• How Niklas and his team dominate set pieces using Trackman technology and detailed ball-flight analytics.
• Why GPS alone is blind to football’s most important movements, and how inertial data captures the micro-actions that matter.
• How to use accelerometers, gyroscopes and magnetometers to measure real football movement quality.
• The truth about injury “prediction,” why we still don’t know athletes’ limits, and why subjective data is often your most valuable input.
• How to balance analytics with player feelings, coaching intuition, and the “eyeball test.”
• Why communication, not technology, is the biggest challenge when coaching staffs change.
• Practical ways to design training exercises that actually transfer to match actions (including why traditional rondos may be overrated).
• How to create buy-in across departments in fast-moving environments with shifting coaching teams.
• Why the best decisions come from leading with data first, then layering coaching opinions on top.

About Niklas Virtanen
Niklas Virtanen is the Head of Sports Science at FC Midtjylland, one of Europe’s most forward-thinking football clubs and pioneers in data-driven performance.
From Finland’s Jyvaskyla to the top of the Danish Superliga, Niklas has carved out a journey defined by curiosity, relentless learning, and a willingness to challenge traditional methods. Starting his career as a physiotherapist, he transitioned into coaching, performance, and ultimately sports science — where he discovered his passion for practical, applied, football-specific methodology.
At Midtjylland, Niklas plays a central role in integrating data, performance analytics, inertial technology and coaching processes. His approach blends scientific rigour with real-world applicability, always anchoring decisions in the question: “Does this help the players perform?”
He collaborates closely with coaches, mental performance staff, physios, analysts, and leadership teams, shaping a holistic performance culture built around trust, objective data, and constant communication.
Niklas is known across the professional football community for his high energy, creativity, authenticity, and his commitment to pushing the boundaries of what sports science can be. You’ll often find him speaking to — and learning from — industry leaders such as Chris Barnes and Paul Balsom, who he credits with encouraging him to explore unconventional ideas, test them in the real world, and build evidence from the ground up.
He shares many of these insights on LinkedIn, where he’s become a respected voice for modern performance practitioners.

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From growing up in Birmingham to playing in front of Michael Jordan at the Jordan Brand Classic, suffering two major hip surgeries in the US collegiate system, becoming the British Basketball League’s highest-scoring British player, and navigating the hidden psychological battles behind performance… Kofi’s story is raw, real, and deeply relevant for anyone working in elite sport.

Now the founder of WhyNotI, a preventative mental health tech platform designed specifically for elite athletes, Kofi is on a mission to reshape how professional environments understand – and support – the person behind the performer.

This episode offers an unfiltered look at the pressures, cultural challenges, expectations, and mental load that athletes carry, and the systemic changes needed to truly support sustainable high performance.

What You’ll Learn

• The hidden mental toll of elite sport and why performance alone never tells the full story.

• How perfectionism, pressure, and identity shape athlete wellbeing – and where support structures fall short.

• Why mental health must be preventative, not reactive, if teams want consistency and longevity in performance.

• Insights into the collegiate system in the US and its cultural, emotional, and psychological challenges for young athletes.

• Why separating “the athlete” from “the person” is flawed, and how reframing this changes support strategies.

• The crucial role of coaches, GMs, and ownership in building environments where mental health is prioritised.

• How WhyNotI is using technology, psychology, and data to influence policy, culture, and player care across elite sport.

About Kofi Josephs

Kofi Josephs is a former professional basketball player who represented England at the Commonwealth Games and Great Britain at EuroBasket, competing across elite leagues worldwide including Germany, Spain, Switzerland, Saudi Arabia, and Iceland.

A psychology graduate and outspoken advocate for athlete mental health, Kofi has built a platform that blends his lived experience with scientific insight. He is the founder of WhyNotI, a preventative mental health tech solution designed to provide bespoke support for elite performers while equipping organisations with the data needed to improve culture, care, and decision-making.

Kofi now works across sport, safeguarding, and policy, collaborating with leaders from national governing bodies, Olympic sports, and high-performance environments to drive systemic change.

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What you’ll learn from the episode

• Cricket’s true physical demands: why a Test bowler can cover ~50 km across a match and repeatedly absorb ~8× bodyweight through the front leg, and what that means for fuelling and recovery.
• Tour prep, six months out: coordinating stadium caterers, training-day menus, and freighted, batch-tested supplements, plus how strategies are trialled at home before heading overseas.
• Match-day fuelling made usable: the role of lunch, tea and all-day snack stations; when to use liquids vs solids; and why simple, high-carb options (wraps, bagels, flapjacks, banana bread) win.
• Carbohydrate periodisation in practice: using colour-coded days to align intake with bowling/fielding workloads, then ramping to a high-carb taper before the first ball.
• Refuel like a pro: stacking recovery windows, shakes on the final whistle, high-carb changeroom options, team-room snacks, and evening meals, to reduce soreness and restore glycogen for day two (and three).
• Day–night Test adjustments: how pink-ball timings shift pre-match, “lunch”, “tea” and sleep hygiene, and the tweaks Charlie makes to keep players alert without compromising recovery.
• Communication that sticks: nudging over lecturing, tailoring to individual preferences, and equipping S&C staff to deliver on-ground during play.

About Charlie Binns
Charlie Binns (BSc, MSc, SENr, UKAD, ISAK) is the Lead Nutritionist for the England & Wales Cricket Board’s men’s team. He joined the ECB setup after roles across elite rugby and football, including First-Team / Senior Men’s Nutritionist at Tottenham Hotspur and consultancy with Birmingham City FC. He also founded CMB Performance & Nutrition, serving athletes and organisations from academy to international level.
Charlie’s academic route began with a First-Class BSc in Sport & Exercise Nutrition at Leeds Trinity University, followed by an MSc in Applied Sports Nutrition at St Mary’s University, Twickenham. He is SENr-registered, UKAD-accredited, and ISAK L1 certified.
Before moving into cricket full-time, Charlie built experience in multiple environments to broaden his practice, from Richmond Rugby during his Master’s to league and academy football, a deliberate multi-sport grounding he still credits for his applied approach in cricket.
Within England Cricket’s performance team, Charlie’s remit spans:
Tour logistics & catering coordination across venues (training, lunch, tea, post-match menus).
Carb periodisation frameworks aligned to bowling/fielding loads and match phases.
Recovery protocols (e.g., immediate shakes, tart cherry, staged refuelling) to hit repeat high-output days.
He’s been part of touring groups across the subcontinent, South Africa and Australia, and has supported senior and Lions squads in major series and tournaments. Media reporting has highlighted his role in individualising fuelling targets for players during high-demand campaigns.
Outside the ECB, Charlie has hosted CPD for nutritionists across the county game and continues to contribute to practitioner development within cricket.

You’ll Learn

• How deliberate structure and environment in the early years set Johnny’s foundation for world-class performance, and what that means for athlete development pipelines in elite sport.
• The interplay between physical conditioning and mental readiness: why Johnny argues that even 99% physical fitness isn’t enough without mental strength to match.
• How a coach/mentor adapted learning modality to individual athlete needs (story-based learning vs. written instruction) and how that insight translates to sport science practice.
• The “apprenticeship phase” of elite athletes: why Johnny spent six years as a sparring partner across Europe, what he learned about failure, character-building and resilience, and how that maps to athlete development models.
• The transition out of elite competition: Johnny’s reflections on his own injury-forced retirement, loss of gym identity and how elite sport practitioners can support athlete exit and long-term wellbeing.
• Practical take-aways on environment design, multicultural team culture, and creating performance contexts that simulate hostile or challenging conditions (drawing on Johnny’s anecdotes of gym culture and travelling abroad).

About Johnny Nelson
Johnny Nelson (born 4 January 1967, Sheffield) turned professional in 1986 after a modest amateur career. He trained under iconic coach Brendan Ingle at the Wincobank gym in Sheffield, where he developed not only boxing skills but a mindset of relentless belief and self-validation.
In March 1999 he captured the WBO Cruiserweight World Title and held it until his retirement in 2006—during which he defended it 13 times, the most ever in cruiserweight history. Post-career, Johnny has built a prominent role as a boxing pundit, keynote speaker, and mentor around mindset, resilience and high-performance culture.

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From the Super Bowl to international games in London, Germany, and Madrid, Nick shares how data, innovation, and collaboration are driving the future of field management, and how the NFL ensures world-class conditions that protect player safety and optimise performance.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How the NFL’s field operations team prepares and maintains elite playing surfaces across 32 clubs and international venues
• The science behind player safety and surface performance — and how injury data informs turf design
• Why the debate between natural and artificial grass isn’t as simple as it seems
• How advanced testing tools like BEAST and STRIKE are revolutionising surface analysis
• The challenges of delivering perfect fields in unique stadiums like Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and the Santiago Bernabéu in Madrid
• How the NFL’s “digital athlete” concept links field data, biomechanics, and player health

About Nick Pappas
Nick Pappas, CSFM, is the Field Director for the National Football League (NFL), overseeing field operations for all major league events, including the Super Bowl, Pro Bowl, and NFL International Games.
With a background in turfgrass science and agronomy, Nick has become one of the foremost experts in professional sports field management. He leads the NFL’s global efforts in surface research, innovation, and player safety, working closely with the NFLPA, engineers, and medical experts to ensure every game is played on a surface that meets the highest standards of safety and performance.

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In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How Steve’s career took him from teaching in England to sports science roles across China, the KHL, and the NHL.
• What workload management really means in professional ice hockey, and why it’s misunderstood.
• How the Devils balance recovery, readiness, and tactical demands across a relentless schedule.
• The challenges of measuring true intensity and how Steve uses Z-scores and T-scores to make data meaningful for coaches.
• Why less distance covered can actually correlate with winning more games.
• How travel, sleep, and recovery all factor into athlete performance across an 82-game season.
• The future of data analysis, including AI’s growing role in sports science.

About Steven Nightingale
Steven Nightingale is a Sports Scientist with the New Jersey Devils in the NHL and is currently completing his Doctorate in Applied Sport and Exercise Science. Originally from Peterborough, England, Steve’s career has taken him from teaching and voluntary roles in UK hockey to international positions with Ice Hockey UK, the Chinese Olympic Committee, and teams in the KHL (Kontinental Hockey League).
His research focuses on workload monitoring, return-to-play strategies, and performance optimisation, using technologies such as Catapult to inform evidence-based decision-making. Steven regularly shares insights on LinkedIn and publishes his research on ResearchGate.

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In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How Dan overcame paralysis and rebuilt his life
• Why mental training is just as critical as physical training for peak performance
• The seven pillars of Dan’s Born Superhuman philosophy and how they apply to everyone
• How reframing setbacks as “gifts” can unlock growth and success
• Why elite athletes and CEOs alike struggle with the same mental blocks, and how to rewire them
• The simple word change that helped Dan drop from 21% to 8% body fat without changing his diet
• How hydration, sleep, and breathing directly impact focus and performance
• The neuroscience behind belief, recovery, and human potential

About Dan Metcalfe
Dan Metcalfe is a performance and mindset coach, keynote speaker, and founder of Born Superhuman. His remarkable journey spans football, theatre, and elite sports coaching. After suffering paralysis and vision loss in a stage accident, Dan defied medical expectations and rebuilt his body and mind through sheer determination and psychological mastery.
He went on to become Nike Youth Coach of the Year (USA), leading players into professional football and working across the US Olympic Development Program. Today, he helps elite athletes, business leaders, and teams unlock their full potential through his Born Superhuman framework, blending neuroscience, mindset, and performance principles to inspire extraordinary results.

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In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• What it takes to transition successfully from professional sport to life after competition
• How to find identity and purpose once the playing days are over
• The emotional and psychological challenges of retirement, and how to handle them
• The importance of structure, support networks, and mindset for post-career success
• Lessons from sport that translate directly into leadership and team performance in business
• Why maintaining community, health, and balance is vital for long-term wellbeing ** About David Mead** David Mead is a former NRL and Super League player who represented Papua New Guinea, the Gold Coast Titans, Brisbane Broncos, and Catalan Dragons over a decorated 16-year career. Since retiring, David has become a business owner and performance coach, working with corporate and sporting organisations to instil the values of courage, respect, and accountability.

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Stuart’s career has spanned elite roles in football, hockey, and judo, before moving into rugby where he’s been a driving force behind Glasgow Warriors’ success and Scotland’s rise on the international stage. Drawing on his unique background as a Commonwealth Games athlete, physiotherapist, and S&C coach, Stuart shares powerful insights into developing players who can thrive at the very highest level.
This episode gives a rare behind-the-scenes look at how Scottish Rugby has evolved over the past decade and what it takes to prepare athletes to perform on the international stage.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How Stuart’s unique journey, from weightlifting in his dad’s garage to competing for Scotland – shaped his approach to performance.
• The key differences between preparing players at club vs. international level.
• Why alignment across national pathways has been critical to Scotland’s success.
• How Scottish Rugby has raised physical standards and created a culture of continual improvement.
• Lessons from other sports (including judo, athletics, and AFL) that are now embedded in rugby performance.
• The importance of technical mastery, co-created training programmes, and athlete ownership in achieving world-class results.
• How Scotland are preparing physically to compete with the best rugby nations in the world.

About Stuart Yule
Stuart Yule is Head of Physical Performance with the Scotland national rugby team. A two-time Commonwealth Games competitor in weightlifting, Stuart’s career spans physiotherapy, strength & conditioning, and high-performance coaching. He has worked across football, hockey, and judo before joining Glasgow Warriors, where he played a pivotal role in their domestic and European success. Since 2017, Stuart has been a cornerstone of the Scotland national setup under Head Coach Gregor Townsend, helping raise performance standards and prepare players for the demands of test rugby.

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*** In this episode, you’ll learn:**

• How Marc transitioned from the U.S. Army into academia and ultimately the NFL.
• Why strong foundations in research methods, measurement, and statistics are critical for sports scientists.
• How to build sports science systems that connect data collection directly to decision-making.
• The importance of collaboration across strength & conditioning, athletic training, and coaching.
• How subjective monitoring can sometimes outweigh objective data when it comes to understanding athletes.
• Why effective communication—and translating data into a language coaches understand—is essential for buy-in.
• The role of culture, systems, and people in making technology truly effective.
• Where Marc sees the next big leap in sports science, including the impact of artificial intelligence.

About Marc Lewis
Marc Lewis, PhD, is the Director of Applied Sports Science at the Houston Texans. His career spans military service, academia, and professional sport:

• Former airborne infantry soldier in the U.S. Army.
• Earned a PhD in Exercise Physiology at Virginia Tech, where he pioneered one of the university’s first applied sports science roles.
• Held leadership positions at Virginia Tech football and Penn State University in applied health and performance science.
• Joined the Houston Texans in 2023, where he leads the sports science department, developing integrated systems to support athlete performance and recovery.
• Co-author of The Sports Science Handbook: A Blueprint for Better Decision-Making in Sport, written with Adam Virgil (Los Angeles Clippers). Marc is passionate about connecting research with practice, building systems that enhance decision-making, and pushing the boundaries of sports science in high-performance environments.

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Dr Mackenzie Herzog, VP of Player Health & Safety and Strategic Innovation at the NFL

Julie Souza, Global Head of Sports at Amazon Web Services (AWS)

Together, they explore the groundbreaking NFL Digital Athlete, a data-driven platform reshaping how the league prevents injuries, enhances performance, and safeguards the long-term health of its players.

This episode offers a rare look behind the scenes at how one of the world’s biggest sports organisations is using advanced analytics, computer vision, and machine learning to transform player welfare.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How the NFL Digital Athlete creates a 360° view of every player by combining wearable, video, and performance data

• The role of AWS in processing 500 million+ data points per week to power injury prevention and performance insights

• How data modelling led to rule changes like the dynamic kickoff and banning hip-drop tackles to reduce injuries

• How computer vision is used to track player pose and limb position to identify mechanisms of injury

• How concussion risk has dropped thanks to position-specific helmets and guardian caps

• Why player and coach buy-in has been crucial for the success of data-driven safety initiatives

• How the Digital Athlete model is now influencing college football, global sport, and even other industries

About Dr Mackenzie Herzog
Dr Mackenzie Herzog is the Vice President of Player Health & Safety and Strategic Innovation at the NFL. She leads the league’s efforts to reduce injuries, improve player health outcomes, and integrate cutting-edge technology and analytics into performance and safety strategies. Mackenzie has overseen the creation and implementation of the NFL Digital Athlete, spearheading collaborations with partners such as AWS to harness data for player health and safety advancements across the league.

About Julie Souza
Julie Souza is the Global Head of Sports at Amazon Web Services (AWS), where she partners with leading sports organisations to leverage cloud technology, machine learning, and data analytics to transform athlete performance, fan engagement, and operational efficiency. Julie has played a pivotal role in AWS’s collaboration with the NFL, powering the Digital Athlete platform and pioneering innovations like next-gen stats, optical tracking, and large-scale injury risk modelling.

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Ellie opens up about her journey through elite football, from being rejected by academies as a young player, to representing England U19s, U20s and U23s, battling an ACL injury, and helping Melbourne Victory break club records this season.

This is a powerful conversation for anyone working in or around sports science, performance support, and high-performance teams who wants to understand the real challenges athletes face behind the scenes — and how the right environment can shape success.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How the infrastructure and support systems in women’s football are evolving — and where they still need to catch up.

• The physical and psychological demands on female athletes during adolescence and how clubs can better support them.

• How Ellie navigated a 13-month ACL rehab and what it taught her about athlete wellbeing and return-to-play planning.

• Why preparing for life beyond football is vital, and how her sports science degree and S&C studies helped her do that.

• What it’s like to be part of a team that breaks records but misses out on silverware, and how to process that experience.

• How penalty shootouts are prepared for and the role of psychology in those high-pressure moments.

• Practical advice for coaches, practitioners, and parents supporting the next generation of female players.

About Ellie Wilson

Ellie Wilson is a professional footballer currently playing for Melbourne Victory. She has previously played for Reading, Bristol City, Sheffield United, and Wolves, and has represented England at U19, U20 and U23 levels, playing alongside stars like Leah Williamson and Alessia Russo.

Ellie holds a degree in sports science and is studying towards an advanced strength and conditioning qualification, showing her commitment to both performance on the pitch and life beyond it.

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In this week’s episode, host Richard Graves sits down with Daniel Booth, a performance coach who’s worked inside elite teams (Watford FC, Ealing Trailfinders), across Olympic sprint programmes, and independently with top athletes, to unpack one of the hottest debates in high performance:
Should athletes stick strictly to club schedules, or can personal trainers/physios/dietitians add an edge without adding risk?

Drawing on experience from football, rugby, and Olympic sport, Daniel explains why tensions flare (mismatched philosophies, poor communication, asset ownership), what great collaboration looks like in the real world, and how high-performing organisations formalise outside support without losing control.

What you’ll learn

• The real source of conflict between club performance/medical staff and external coaches, and how cross-sport thinking challenges “that’s how we’ve always done it.”
• A practical collaboration model: who shares what, when, and how (weekly data drops, post-match/flight recovery notes, and a single “central coordinator” to integrate inputs).
• Risk vs. reward in load management: why living on the “edge” drives adaptation, and how to avoid double-loading athletes after intense sessions.
• Contracts done right: how some teams formally write approved externals into player agreements and set clear, shared calendars.
• International duty realities: why centralised models in rugby/cricket often outperform football’s fragmented approach, and what football can copy now.
• Case studies that translate: lessons from LeBron/Mancias and Mahomes/Stroop—how season-long regen blocks and role clarity reduce noise and improve availability.
• Social media pitfalls: why chasing a “brand” erodes trust, and how word-of-mouth and discretion still win in elite environments.

About Daniel Booth
Daniel Booth is a performance coach with 10+ years’ experience across elite football (Watford FC), rugby (including Ealing Trailfinders), and Olympic sprint programmes, as well as work with Warner Bros. Discovery. Now operating independently, he partners with clubs and national teams to deliver athlete-centred programming and is formally written into several Premiership rugby player contracts to act as the central performance coordinator, integrating club, country, and external inputs. Daniel’s approach blends cross-sport best practice, honest communication, and low-ego, data-led decision-making focused on availability and longevity.

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With over 15 years in high-performance sport, Nathan shares his unique journey from the pathways of Australian rugby league to the courts of the NBA, and now back to the NRL. The conversation dives deep into velocity-based training (VBT), practical insights into using data in elite environments, and the importance of education and context when applying technology in sport.
Whether you’re a coach, sports scientist, or performance professional, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways and thought-provoking discussions about how to truly leverage tech and data to improve athlete performance.

What you’ll learn in this episode

• How Nathan transitioned from rugby league to the NBA and back, and what he learned in the process
• The real-world application of velocity-based training (VBT) in different sports, from basketball to rugby league
• Why context and interpretation matter more than the tech itself
• Lessons from managing high-performance environments through challenges like COVID and condensed seasons
• How to educate and upskill coaches to make better, data-driven decisions
• Emerging trends in VBT and where the technology is headed
• Insights into Nathan’s upcoming VBT course with Science for Sport, designed to help coaches apply these principles in their own environments

About Nathan Spencer
Nathan Spencer is an experienced Strength & Power Coach with a global career spanning rugby league, basketball, and elite sport. He has:
Worked with NRL clubs, the NBL, and spent four years with the Orlando Magic in the NBA
A Master’s in High Performance Sport and a current PhD candidate researching coach mentorships
A passion for educating and upskilling coaches, helping practitioners make better, context-driven decisions in their environments

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Jacob shares the journey from an MIT startup to being trusted by pro teams, collegiate programs, and the military, and how the recent Catapult acquisition of Perch is creating a seamless ecosystem that connects weight-room data with on-field performance metrics.

What you’ll learn in this episode

• How camera-based velocity-based training (VBT) is revolutionising athlete monitoring.

• Why closing the feedback loop in the weight room is a game-changer for S&C coaches and sports scientists.

• Real-world insights: how LSU Football leveraged Perch to fuel a national championship season.

• What the Catapult–Perch integration means for the future of athlete data and performance analytics.

• The challenges and lessons of building a hardware-software platform for elite sport.

About Jacob Rothman
Jacob Rothman co-founded Perch at MIT after a back injury inspired him to find a safer, smarter way for athletes to train. Since 2017, Perch has become a trusted solution for pro teams, collegiate programs, and elite training facilities, capturing over 500 million reps in the weight room. In June 2025, Catapult acquired Perch to bring non-invasive, AI-powered strength analytics into its global athlete performance ecosystem. Today, Jacob leads Strength at Catapult, driving innovation in integrated performance and health solutions.

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You’ll discover how Merriman:

• Mastered career transition – leaving the NFL on his own terms while building the Lights Out brand.
• Applied sports science to the cage – from NFL hand-fighting skills to the cardio demands of MMA.
• Integrated performance technology – including live punch velocity and G-force tracking for fans and coaches.
• Created new revenue models – opening sponsorship opportunities for small and mid-sized businesses in combat sports.
• Bridges athlete pathways – helping NFL and college football players switch to MMA.
• Maintains athlete discipline year-round – the evolution of MMA training culture and its professionalisation.

Whether you work in elite performance, teach sports science, or simply love hearing how science and innovation change sport, this conversation is packed with insights into performance tech, athlete development, and the business of sport.

About Shawne Merriman
Shawne “Lights Out” Merriman is a former NFL linebacker, three-time Pro Bowl selection, and NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. Drafted 12th overall by the San Diego Chargers in 2005, Merriman quickly became one of the league’s most feared pass rushers before retiring in 2013. Off the field, he built the Lights Out brand into a multi-platform sports and entertainment company, launching Lights Out Extreme Fighting in 2019. Today, LXF is one of the most watched regional MMA promotions in the world, with Merriman leading the charge in integrating sports science and technology into combat sports.

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Key Takeaways:

• The demands of working with multiple teams (youth and women's) and how to manage a busy schedule with double sessions and varied player needs.

• How Luke has transitioned from youth football to overseeing elite programs and the impact this shift has had on his approach.

• The importance of relationship-building with players and how that can drive successful strength and conditioning programs.

• How to balance individual player needs with team goals and ensure each player develops both physically and mentally.

• Insights into technology in football, including GPS and force plates, and how Luke utilises these tools for player development and injury prevention.

• The role of context in understanding performance metrics and why raw numbers don't tell the full stoy.

• A glimpse into the day-to-day operations of a high-performance sports science department and the constant evolution of methods to support athletes at different stages of their careers.

Tune in to hear about Luke’s strategies for success and his journey from youth football to professional football in Australia!

About Luke Harris:
Luke Harris is the Head of Strength & Conditioning and Sports Science at Adelaide United Football Club, where he oversees the physical development and performance of both the youth and women's teams. With a strong background in sports science, Luke transitioned from working with youth teams to managing elite programs, bringing a wealth of experience in player development, recovery strategies, and the integration of advanced technologies like GPS and force plates. Known for his approachability and focus on building strong relationships with players, Luke is dedicated to balancing team goals with the individual needs of athletes, ensuring they progress physically and mentally at every stage of their career. His work continues to shape the future of football at Adelaide United, where he is deeply involved in both on-the-ground performance and long-term athlete development.

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From working on Hull’s fish docks to standing on the touchline at Wembley, Steve reflects on the evolution of the sport and the people and principles that shaped him. Whether you’re a performance coach, team manager, or aspiring leader in sport, this episode is packed with valuable lessons.

Key takeaways from this episode:

• The importance of early coaching influences and how Brian Smith shaped Steve's entire coaching outlook
• What it was really like transitioning from part-time pro in the mud to full-time athlete in the Super League era
• How to build identity and unity in a national team without a home base – and why Steve moved England’s programme to Loughborough
• Leading England to a heartbreaking 2013 World Cup semi-final defeat — and how to handle pressure and process loss
• Turning around Catalans Dragons: the brutal honesty, cultural differences, and a French barbecue that changed everything
• Why great coaches need great support teams – and Steve’s advice to anyone aspiring to coach at the highest level

From tactical insights to leadership philosophies, Steve shares stories that are honest, humorous, and hugely insightful.
**
About Steve McNamara**
Steve McNamara is a former professional Rugby League player and top-level coach with over 35 years in the game. He’s coached England at a home World Cup, worked in the NRL with the Sydney Roosters and New Zealand Warriors, and led Catalans Dragons to their first major trophy and multiple Grand Final appearances. Known for his leadership, culture-building, and tactical insight, Steve is one of the sport’s most respected figures.

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This week, we’re joined by Ted Munson, Brentford FC’s Lead Performance Nutritionist, whose journey has taken him through elite-level roles across football, rugby, Formula 1, and even international tournaments with Denmark’s national team.

From managing nutrition for matchday prep and recovery to adapting for individual player needs, Ted shares what goes on behind the scenes at the highest level of the game – and how everyday athletes can apply some of the same principles.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• How Ted landed his first role in elite sport – and the winding road to Brentford FC

• The five core nutrition principles he follows with Premier League players

• Why personalisation is essential – no two players are ever treated the same

• How to fuel players around training intensity, travel, and congested fixtures

• What a typical training week looks like nutritionally (yes, pancakes are involved)

• How elite strategies can be adapted by amateur players and coaches

• The biggest mistakes players make with fuelling – and how to fix them

• Why behaviour change and communication matter more than textbook knowledge

• Easy, affordable fuelling tips that work – no fancy products needed

• The importance of carbohydrate periodisation for both performance and body comp

Whether you’re a coach, a sports scientist, or just someone who plays five-a-side on a weekend, this episode is packed with practical advice, stories from the top, and a good dose of honesty about what works, what doesn’t, and why a tray of Jaffa Cakes might not be such a bad idea.

About Ted Munson
Ted Munson is the Lead Performance Nutritionist at Brentford Football Club, with over a decade of experience working across elite sport. His career has included roles with clubs such as Hull City, Millwall, MK Dons, Luton Town, and Harlequins Rugby, as well as consulting in Formula 1 and with the Danish national football team. Ted is a registered performance nutritionist and passionate educator, known for translating complex science into simple, practical strategies that help athletes fuel for performance and recovery—on and off the pitch.

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With professional clubs identifying talent as young as six, and social media raising the stakes for young athletes, is youth football facing a crisis? Or just a complex new challenge?
In this honest and insightful episode, Andrew shares his experiences from working with young athletes and their families, discussing how to support their development without damaging their love for the game.

Key topics you’ll learn about:

• The difference between encouragement vs pressure in youth development
• Why early specialisation might be doing more harm than good
• The critical role of parents as stakeholders in an athlete's journey
• How physical maturation affects performance (including issues like Osgood-Schlatter’s)
• Why multisport participation isn't just beneficial, it's essential
• Managing load, recovery and expectations during growth spurts
• The impact of social media and performance comparisons on young athletes
• Why long-term success is more about joy and patience than relentless training
• Andrew's “Project Mbappe” warning, and why sitting back with a margarita might actually help
• The importance of creating a supportive, multi-disciplinary environment around a child athlete

Whether you're a coach, parent, or performance professional, this episode will reshape how you think about talent development in football and beyond.

About Andrew Hyde
Andrew Hyde is a strength and conditioning coach and founder of Aesthetic Athletes, based in Manchester, UK. Specialising in youth athletic development, Andrew works with both elite and aspiring athletes, helping them build physical competence, resilience, and a love for the process.
With a background that includes roles in professional football academies, the NHS, and educational institutions, Andrew takes a holistic and empathetic approach to coaching. His philosophy centres around guiding young players through the challenges of early specialisation, maturation, and performance pressure, all while helping them maintain joy in their sporting journey.
Andrew has previously contributed to Science for Sport and Catapult, and continues to be a respected voice on how to develop athletes in a sustainable and person-first way.

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Whether you're a coach, therapist, or performance practitioner, this episode offers a wealth of real-world insights you can apply immediately.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why rehab should be treated as coaching, not just therapy
• How communication and trust are at the heart of effective injury recovery
• The mental toll of injury, and how to keep athletes feeling connected and valued
• Why protocols are useful, but experience and adaptability matter more
• How to “train around injury” and keep performance progressing
• The role of environment, load tolerance, and coaching cues in recovery
• How elite recoveries (like NFL star Aaron Rodgers') can mislead athletes
• Why Michael teaches his students to “get miles on the soul” through experience
• How to filter hype, stay objective, and build athlete autonomy

Michael’s no-nonsense, athlete-first approach is as insightful as it is relatable, combining science, coaching, and a human touch in every decision he makes.

About Michael Carolan
Michael Carolan is a highly experienced performance coach and academic specialising in sport rehabilitation. He is the Subject Lead and Programme Lead for Sport Rehabilitation at the University of Salford, where he teaches and mentors future practitioners while supporting clinical practice through partnerships with organisations like the PFA and Salford City Council. With a background spanning elite athletics, rugby, professional football, and the British military, Michael brings a unique blend of hands-on coaching, clinical rehab, and academic insight. He continues to work directly with athletes across the world, from youth sprinters to pro footballers, helping them navigate injury and return stronger than before.

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Sam opens up about the realities of life as a professional athlete, the highs of Wembley wins and Golden Boots, the lows of injury setbacks and contract uncertainty, and the immense physical and mental demands that most people never see.

More than just a career retrospective, this episode offers valuable insights into the mindset, resilience, and adaptability required not only to succeed in elite sport, but to transition into life after it.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The hidden pressures of professional sport—why talent alone isn’t enough.

• How dealing with setbacks, rejection, and injury shaped Sam’s career and character.

• What a typical day really looks like for a professional footballer, from training to nutrition to recovery.

• The crucial role of mental health and mindset in athletic performance and longevity.

• Why transition planning and identity beyond sport are essential for athletes facing retirement.

• The surprising ways Sam now channels his competitive edge into golf, padel, and personal growth.

Whether you’re a sports scientist, coach, practitioner, or athlete, this episode is for anyone interested in the human side of elite performance and what it truly takes to stay at the top, and how to support athletes through the challenges that come with it.

About Sam Winnall
Sam Winnall is a former professional footballer whose career spanned over 15 years, including spells at clubs such as Wolverhampton Wanderers, Barnsley, Sheffield Wednesday, Derby County, Oxford United, and Burton Albion. Known for his goal-scoring instincts and work ethic, Sam made over 300 league appearances and scored more than 100 goals, achieving promotions, cup victories, and memorable moments at some of English football’s most historic clubs. Since retiring at 32, Sam has transitioned into mentoring and supporting athletes, with a particular focus on helping them develop the mental resilience needed to thrive both during and after their sporting careers.

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In this episode, host Richard Graves back Dr. Warren Bradley, Chief Science Officer and founder of Hytro, to unpack how BFR is transforming the way athletes train, recover, and even how astronauts prepare for life in space.

You’ll learn:

• What blood flow restriction actually is, and how it helps build strength, muscle, and endurance faster (with less load on your body).

• Why BFR is no longer just for injury rehab, and how pro athletes are using it to boost performance and speed up recovery.

• The science behind why restricting blood flow (safely!) creates powerful training adaptations.

• How Warren’s product ended up on a SpaceX rocket, and why NASA now uses BFR to fight muscle loss in space.

• Common myths and misconceptions about BFR… including whether it’s safe (spoiler: it is, with the right approach).

• Where BFR is heading next, from grassroots athletes to medical rehab and even everyday gym-goers.

Warren also shares his incredible journey, from working in the Premier League to founding a company used by over 260 elite teams worldwide, all the way to collaborating with NASA for space missions.

This is one of those episodes that blends cutting-edge science with real-world application. Whether you're a coach, athlete, or just a performance fanatic, this one’s a must-listen.

About Dr. Warren Bradley
Dr. Warren Bradley is the Founder and Chief Science Officer of Hytro, the world’s leading performance Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) company. With over a decade of experience in professional sports, including roles with Premier League football clubs and international rugby teams, Dr. Bradley has a rich background in sports science. He holds a PhD in Exercise Physiology from Liverpool John Moores University and has contributed to numerous peer-reviewed publications in the field. Through Hytro, Dr. Bradley has pioneered the development of patented BFR wearables, making advanced training and recovery methods accessible to athletes worldwide, from elite professionals to grassroots enthusiasts.

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In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The real difference between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, and why both matter
• How imposter syndrome shows up at every level of sport, and what to do about it
• Practical tools for building psychological safety and trust in high-performance settings
• How to develop a reflective coaching style that supports long-term development
• Why embracing uncomfortable thoughts can unlock consistent, world-class performance
• A clear breakdown of self-determination theory and what it means for athletes and coaches This is essential listening for sports scientists, coaches, and practitioners working in elite environments, especially those looking to align peak performance with athlete wellbeing.

About Julia Eyre
Julia Eyre is a sports scientist and psychologist with extensive experience in elite sport across Europe and the U.S. Currently working with TSG Wieseck Football Academy and multiple German Olympic federations, Julia is also the founder of Whiteline Performance Group, which supports clubs, schools, and federations in creating holistic, human-first athlete development systems. With academic training in both sports science and clinical psychology, Julia specialises in motivation, coach education, and psychological safety in high-performance environments, and contributes to the Science for Sport education platform.

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Listeners will learn:

• The global trends shaping the future of sports science, including data integration and AI
• Why the best teams often do the basics exceptionally well
• Common mistakes when adopting performance tech – and how to avoid them
• How Catapult’s wearable and video technologies are being used to save time and unlock deeper insights
• What really makes a great sports scientist in today’s high-performance environment

Chris also shares practical advice for aspiring practitioners, highlighting the importance of communication, cultural fit, and the ability to simplify complex data to drive better decision-making.

Whether you're working in pro sport or just entering the field, this episode is packed with wisdom from someone who’s helped scale one of the most widely used performance platforms in the world.

About Chris Polley
Chris Polley is Catapult’s Vice President of Customer Success, formerly Senior Director of Sport Science, based in Victoria, Australia. Over the past 11 years at Catapult, Chris has played a pivotal role in scaling the team from its start-up beginnings to a global fixture, now supporting over 4,400 teams across 128 countries. He leads a diverse squad of approximately 55 sports scientists across 16 nations, delivering post-sales support, global training, analytics best practice, and insights-driven performance strategies. With a strong academic grounding, including published research on activity profiling in elite lacrosse and rugby forwards, Chris brings both scientific rigour and real-world expertise to Catapult’s wearable and video technology suite

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In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The real physical differences between rugby union and rugby league – and why it’s not just “the same shaped ball”
• How to build meaningful preseason plans that lay the foundation for success
• Why strength underpins everything, and how it connects to power and injury prevention
• The importance of athlete conversations over just relying on data
• How Matt handles return-to-play protocols and balances performance with player wellbeing

Whether you're a coach in pro sport or working at grassroots level, this conversation is packed with practical takeaways and thought-provoking reflections on what it really takes to keep athletes performing at their best.

About Matt Parr
Matt Parr is the Head of Athletic Performance at Leicester Tigers and a former professional prop whose rugby career saw him represent clubs such as Sale Sharks, Saracens, London Irish, and Leicester. After transitioning from player to coach, Matt began his performance career at the Tigers in 2015, later becoming Lead S&C coach in 2020. In 2022, he took on the Head of Performance role at Catalan Dragons in rugby league, before returning to Leicester in mid‑2024 to bring his cross-code expertise back to the Tigers setup . With an MSc in strength and conditioning and a reputation for strategic planning, leadership, and performance optimisation. Matt combines top-level playing experience and science-backed coaching to help elite athletes perform and stay on the field.

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This week, host Richard Graves is joined by the brilliant Dr. James Morehen,lead performance nutritionist for England Rugby and founder of the Performance Nutrition Network. With a career that’s taken him from snowboarding in Canada to backstage of international test matches, James brings a fascinating, no-nonsense look at the art (and science) of elite-level nutrition.

If you’re a coach, athlete, nutritionist or just curious about what fuels champions, this episode is packed with practical insights, powerful stories, and a few grassroots tips that could change your game.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How to fuel for optimal performance and recovery during high-stakes tournaments like the Six Nations
• The importance of preparation, trust, and consistency in elite sports nutrition
• Why carbohydrates aren’t the enemy, and how they’re periodised to match training loads
• How halftime nutrition strategies can make or break a second-half performance
• The real-world challenges of fuelling players during international travel and changing environments
• Simple, effective advice for grassroots players and coaches to improve fuelling and recovery on a budget
• Why Jaffa Cakes and chocolate milk still have a place in post-match recovery
• What inspired James to go from aspiring S&C coach to becoming one of the top performance nutritionists in UK sport
• The importance of building trust with athletes and the subtle art of sideline communication
• James’ thoughts on balancing consistency with cultural curiosity when travelling with elite teams

Whether you're working at the elite level or coaching an U16s team on Sundays, this episode offers something for everyone. As James puts it, "We’re all failed athletes trying to help others be their best."

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Discover essential insights about:

• The truth about sports supplements and how to navigate the complex market
• Why food fundamentals matter more than fancy supplements
• The science behind pre-workout nutrition and caffeine's proven benefits
• How behavioral psychology shapes successful nutrition strategies
• Real-world advice for both elite athletes and everyday gym-goers

Drawing from his experience as former Head of Nutrition at Scottish Rugby and work with the 2019 Rugby World Cup team, Tom breaks down common nutrition myths and provides practical guidance for optimising performance through smart fueling strategies. This episode delivers valuable insights on making informed nutrition choices in a supplement-saturated market.
Don't miss Tom's expert perspective on building sustainable nutrition habits and his evidence-based approach to performance enhancement that has helped countless athletes reach their peak potential

About Tom Coughlin
Tom Coughlin is a performance nutrition consultant with over a decade of experience working with Olympic athletes and professional teams. As former Head of Nutrition at Scottish Rugby and a key figure in the 2019 Rugby World Cup campaign, Tom combines his expertise in sports science and psychology to deliver evidence-based nutrition strategies. His approach emphasises realistic, food-first solutions while helping both elite athletes and everyday performers optimize their nutrition for peak performance.

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In this powerful and deeply human conversation, Stevie opens up about:

• What it’s really like debuting alongside your childhood heroes
• The fear and thrill of running out at Wembley at 18
• The brutal highs and lows of elite performance, injury, and recovery
• How fear, when embraced, can unlock peak performance
• The emotional toll of early retirement and how he's rebuilding his identity beyond sport

But this isn’t just a story of sport. It’s about leadership, mental health, emotional intelligence, and what it means to be truly vulnerable, in a dressing room, a boardroom, or everyday life.
Whether you’re an athlete, coach, sports scientist, manager or just someone navigating life’s transitions, Stevie’s story is packed with insight and inspiration and how to lead with authenticity.

About Stevie Ward
Stevie is a former professional rugby player and part of the golden generation at the Leeds Rhinos, one of the most successful teams in Super League history. Stevie became the youngest grand final winner ever, going on to win two more Grand Finals and 2 Challenge Cups, and was named captain at just 26.

Amongst the highs, Stevie endured ten operations and several mental health struggles. This adversity inspired Stevie to launch Mantality in 2016 to promote mental health for men through counselling, life-coaching services, and a stigma-breaking podcast.

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You’ll learn:

• Why no two concussions – or depressions – are ever the same
• How chronic pain changed Kristin’s life and deepened her empathy as a clinician
• The overlooked emotional challenges athletes face when their careers end
• Why “just being tough” isn’t the answer – and what real resilience looks like
• The one question every athlete and aspiring sports psychologist should ask themselves

With honesty, passion, and lived experience, Kristin busts myths around sports psychology and offers a rare window into what it truly takes to support athletes not just as performers, but as people.

About Dr Kristin Keim
Dr. Kristin Keim is a clinical and sport psychologist based in South Carolina, renowned for her work with elite athletes across endurance sports, cycling, triathlon, and MMA. A former professional cyclist, ballet dancer, and elite tennis player, she brings firsthand experience of high-performance sport to her practice. Through her company, Keim Performance Consulting, she offers a holistic, strength-based approach that integrates clinical psychology with performance science. Dr. Keim specializes in areas such as concussion recovery, performance anxiety, identity transition, and athlete mental health. Her philosophy, “Happy Racers Go Faster,” emphasizes the importance of athlete well-being as a foundation for peak performance.

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Born and raised in New Zealand, Scott’s journey has taken him across continents — from youth football in Auckland to the intensity of Major League Soccer. In this candid conversation, Scott reflects on his early struggles in pro sport, navigating four head coaches in 12 months, and playing a key role in transforming FC Cincinnati from bottom of the table to Supporters’ Shield winners.

You’ll hear Scott’s insights into:

Building trust with players through communication, not just data

Balancing holistic care with performance metrics

Avoiding "paralysis by analysis" in a tech-heavy environment

The power of multidisciplinary collaboration

Why being a generalist can be just as important as being a specialist

Whether you're a practitioner looking for real-world advice or a sports fan curious about what really happens behind the scenes, this episode delivers practical takeaways and thoughtful reflections.

About Scott Armistead
Scott Armistead, MS, LAT, ATC, is an accomplished Athletic Trainer currently serving with Seattle Sounders FC in Major League Soccer. Originating from New Zealand, Scott's career has spanned various roles, including positions with FC Cincinnati, FC Tucson, and the Barça Residency Academy. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training from McKendree University and a Master’s degree in Sports Performance from Arizona State University. Scott is renowned for his holistic, athlete-centered approach, seamlessly integrating sports science, rehabilitation, and performance optimisation. His commitment to evidence-based practice and multidisciplinary collaboration has made him a respected figure in elite football circles
https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottarmistead/

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Gain insights into Michael's training philosophy, which revolves around four key areas: running mechanics, speed, strength and conditioning, and plyometrics. He breaks down how these elements work together to create a well-rounded athlete.
He reflects on the visibility of field events compared to track events, sharing his thoughts on the need for role models in the sport. He encourages young athletes to pursue their dreams with patience and an open mind, reminding them that enjoyment is at the heart of athletic development.

Tune in to discover how Michael's passion for coaching and his wealth of knowledge can inspire the next generation of athletes.

About Michael Fennell
Michael Fennell is an accomplished performance coach with over two decades of experience in athletics, specialising in long jump and sprints. With a rich background that includes coaching athletes across various sports, including notable football star Cole Palmer, Michael harnesses his expertise to cultivate well-rounded athletes. His coaching philosophy integrates essential elements such as running mechanics, speed, strength and conditioning, and plyometrics to maximise performance. Michael is passionate about the importance of cross-training and encourages aspiring athletes to embrace diverse training methods. Through his enthusiastic and engaging approach, he aims to inspire the next generation to pursue their athletic dreams while enjoying the journey along the way.

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Jacques shares his journey from electronics to sports technology, revealing the years of research and development that culminated in the creation of Vector 8. Discover how this innovative system enhances real-time data collection, enabling coaches and athletes to make informed decisions on the fly. With its user-friendly design and powerful capabilities, Vector 8 promises to streamline workflows and improve efficiency for elite teams.

We discuss the unique features that set Vector 8 apart from previous technologies, including its ability to handle up to 120 athletes simultaneously and its advanced AI integration for deeper insights.

Whether you're a coach, athlete, or sports enthusiast, this episode will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of how Vector 8 is poised to redefine the future of sports performance.
Don't miss this opportunity to learn about the technology that is not just changing the game but revolutionising how we understand and enhance athletic performance. Tune in to find out why Vector 8 is the must-have tool for elite teams around the world!

About Jacques Groenewald
Jacques Groenewald is the Vice President of Engineering at Catapult, where he plays a pivotal role in the development of cutting-edge sports technology. With nearly two decades of experience in product development, Jacques has a rich background that spans electronics, big data, and sports technology. His journey began with a passion for electronics, leading him to work in various sectors, including semiconductors and industrial applications. Jacques's expertise in product management and engineering has been instrumental in the creation of Catapult's game changing Vector 8 system, which is set to redefine athlete monitoring and performance optimisation. His commitment to enhancing the user experience and simplifying complex data processes reflects his belief that technology should empower athletes and coaches alike. Jacques's innovative mindset and dedication to pushing the boundaries of sports science make him a key figure in the evolution of athlete performance technology.

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In this episode, Tom discusses his transformative experiences in the US sports system and how they shaped his coaching philosophy. He explores the crucial role of leadership in sports, emphasising the importance of staying connected with teams to foster an environment of trust and collaboration.
Discover how diversity within a team can be its greatest strength, and learn about the challenges and triumphs that come with overcoming adversity in high-stakes environments. Tom also sheds light on the evolving role of technology in sports performance and the importance of interpreting data meaningfully to drive success.

Whether you're a budding sports scientist or a passionate sports fan, this episode is packed with insights that will deepen your understanding of what it takes to excel in the world of sports. Tune in to uncover the secrets behind successful coaching and the power of teamwork in achieving greatness!

About Tom Clough
Tom Clough is an accomplished performance consultant and strength and conditioning coach with over a decade of experience in the field of sports performance. Passionate about athletic development, Tom began his career in personal training and sports therapy before pursuing an internship in the United States, where he honed his skills in strength and conditioning.
Having worked with both rugby league and rugby union teams, Tom has a unique perspective on the coaching landscape, emphasising the importance of leadership, connection, and diversity within teams. His journey has taken him from the UK to the US and back, where he has been instrumental in helping athletes overcome challenges and achieve their peak performance. Tom is currently working with the Huddersfield Giants and continues to share his insights on coaching and performance enhancement.

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About Sophie Smith-Moore
Sophie Smith-Moore is an experienced physiotherapist currently serving as the England Men’s Pathway Physiotherapist and Disability Cricket Medical Services Lead. A graduate of Northumbria University in 2011, Sophie initially entered the field without a clear focus on sports but quickly gravitated towards it. Sophie has worked with Yorkshire Cricket, GB Boxing and Leeds Carnegie and has gained valuable experience supporting players at various levels, including county and international. Sophie is passionate about optimising athlete performance and well-being, where she advocates for a holistic approach to care. With her expertise and commitment, she plays a vital role in shaping the future of sports physiotherapy in cricket.

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Key highlights:

• Uncover the crucial differences between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes and their unique challenges in sports
• Learn about cutting-edge technology revolutionising diabetes management for athletes
• Explore real-world insights from working with professional cyclists managing diabetes during intense competitions
• Discover how the latest continuous glucose monitoring systems are transforming athletic performance
• Understanding the future of diabetes management in sports

Whether you're a sports scientist, coach, or athlete, this episode offers invaluable insights into the intersection of chronic health conditions and elite performance. Dr. Scott shares fascinating stories from the professional cycling circuit and provides practical advice for athletes at all levels managing diabetes.

Perfect for anyone interested in:

• Sports Science
• Exercise Physiology
• Performance Technology
• Chronic Health Management in Sports
• Professional Cycling
• Medical Innovation in Athletics

Join us for this eye-opening discussion that challenges preconceptions about diabetes in sports and showcases how technology and research are breaking down barriers for athletes worldwide.

About Dr Sam Scott
Dr. Sam Scott is a pioneering exercise physiologist specialising in diabetes and sports performance. As the former Head of Research for Team Novo Nordisk, the world's first all-diabetes professional cycling team, he has revolutionised how athletes with Type 1 diabetes compete at elite levels. Currently serving as founder and CEO of Enhanced-D, Dr. Scott combines his expertise in exercise science, diabetes care, and wearable technology to develop innovative solutions for athletes managing diabetes. His work spans from supporting professional cyclists and NFL players to helping everyday athletes prove that diabetes doesn't define athletic potential.

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Key topics include:

• The science behind managing multi-format cricket demands
• How player monitoring has evolved beyond traditional methods
• The crucial relationship between S&C coaches and players
• Inside look at pre-season preparation for county cricket
• The future of wearable technology in cricket performance

About Jack McCann
A lifelong cricket enthusiast turned performance specialist, Jack McCann has established himself as a leading voice in cricket strength and conditioning. As the Head of S&C at Leicestershire County Cricket Club since 2020, he's helped transform the club's approach to physical preparation and player development. After starting his career in commercial gyms while pursuing his education, Jack found his true calling in cricket performance science. His innovative approach combines traditional training methodologies with cutting-edge technology and data analysis. At Leicestershire, he's been particularly influential in developing young talent while managing the complex demands of established professionals across multiple cricket formats. Jack's commitment to evidence-based practice and player-centered programming has contributed to the club's recent successes and their ability to compete consistently across all formats of the game.

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​ Advance Forward In Your Career, Allowing You To Earn More Money And Work With Elite-Level Athletes
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But the real story goes beyond the helmets. How does a thin proprietary film inside each helmet capture and translate impact data? What insights can coaches extract from nearly a million recorded impacts across 13,000 secondary school athletes? And most intriguingly - could this massive data collection effort fundamentally change how we approach technique development and injury prevention in contact sports?

Join us as we dissect the technology with Riddell's Brian Kopp and explore the programme's implementation with the Broncos Foundation's Allie Engelken. We'll examine:
The science behind impact sensing technology
How real-time analytics are revolutionising coaching methodology
The potential implications for evidence-based practice in youth sports
Whether you're a sports scientist, strength coach, or performance specialist, this episode offers unprecedented insights into the future of data-driven player development.
This isn't just about American football - it's about understanding how technology can bridge the gap between elite and grassroots sports science.

About Allie Engelken
As Executive Director of the Denver Broncos Foundation, Allie Engelken is driving transformative change in youth sports across Colorado. With extensive experience in community development and sports philanthropy, she leads strategic initiatives that bridge the gap between professional and grassroots sports. Under her leadership, the Foundation has launched unprecedented programs, including the largest statewide smart helmet initiative in American football history. Her work focuses on removing barriers to participation while elevating safety standards in youth sports through innovative partnerships and technology adoption.

About Brian Kopp
A pioneering figure in sports technology and analytics, Brian Kopp serves as Senior Vice President at Riddell, where he leads the development and implementation of their groundbreaking smart helmet technology. With over two decades of experience in sports innovation, Brian previously held executive positions at STATS LLC and SportRadar, where he transformed how data is used in professional sports. His expertise spans across player tracking, performance analytics, and safety technology development, making him one of the industry's leading voices in sports science and equipment innovation.

Discover the cutting-edge recovery techniques used by elite athletes, the psychological challenges of competing at the highest level, and what it really takes to survive in the world's most demanding league. Jared opens up about the emotional toll of last-minute defeats, the intense concentration required for 90+ minutes of Premier League football, and how modern players must maximise every aspect of their preparation to succeed.

Whether you're a sports professional, aspiring athlete, or passionate fan, this episode offers unprecedented access to the evolution of football performance and the fine margins that separate success from failure at the elite level. Join us for a masterclass in modern football performance from someone who helped orchestrate one of the sport's greatest underdog stories.

About Jared Roberts-Smith
About Jared Roberts-Smith: A pioneering figure in football performance, Jared Roberts-Smith brings 14 years of elite experience in professional football, most recently serving as Head of Performance at Luton Town FC during their historic rise from League Two to the Premier League. His career includes influential roles at Charlton Athletic, Stoke City, and Melbourne Victory, where he has been instrumental in revolutionising performance infrastructure and methodology. As a leader in sports science implementation, Jared has overseen the development of state-of-the-art performance centres, pioneered recovery protocols, and helped transform how clubs approach player optimisation. His unique perspective spans multiple levels of professional football, from League Two to the Premier League, making him one of the most insightful voices in modern football performance.

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From his early breakthrough with a tough-as-nails centre back at Colchester United to his current work with Hollywood-owned Wrexham FC and the inspiring Empire Fighting Chance programme in Bristol, Sam shares how his approach to performance psychology has evolved. He reveals why trying to control your mindset might be holding you back, and why embracing discomfort could be the key to unlocking peak performance.

Discover why the lucrative self-help industry might be missing the point, how world-class athletes like Pelé and Ronaldo actually maintain their focus, and why that pre-game anxiety might not be the enemy you think it is. Whether you're an elite athlete, coach, or weekend warrior, this conversation will transform how you think about mental preparation and performance.
Don't miss this thought-provoking discussion that challenges everything you thought you knew about sports psychology and mental performance. Sam's refreshing perspective might just be the game-changer you've been looking for.

About Sam Kotadia
Sam Kotadia is a chartered sports psychologist with over two decades of experience transforming athletic performance at all levels. From his groundbreaking early work at Colchester United to his current role as the mind coach behind Wrexham FC's remarkable journey, Sam has consistently challenged traditional approaches to sports psychology. He's the founder of FlowSK and a key figure at Empire Fighting Chance, where he helps at-risk youth discover their potential through non-contact boxing. His revolutionary approach, which turns conventional positive thinking on its head, has earned him recognition across professional football and combat sports. Working alongside managers like Phil Parkinson, Sam has developed a unique philosophy that emphasises authenticity over forced positivity, helping athletes from grassroots to elite level unlock their natural performance state.

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Key discussion points include:

• How advanced analytics are transforming rugby from traditional 'brute force' approaches to data-driven decision making
• The crucial role of contextualising performance data for meaningful insights
• Latest innovations in player safety technology, including smart mouthguards for concussion detection
• Unique considerations in women's rugby performance monitoring and injury prevention
• The future of sports technology in broadcasting and fan engagement

Whether you're a sports scientist, coach, or performance analyst, this episode offers valuable insights into how technology is shaping the future of rugby at all levels. May shares candid perspectives from both sides of the fence - as a former player and now a technology leader - making this a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of sports science and professional rugby.

About Tom May
A former international rugby player with an illustrious playing career spanning nearly two decades, Tom May brings unique insights from both sides of the professional rugby world. After making his debut in 1999 and playing at the highest levels of the sport, Tom has successfully transitioned into the sports technology sector. Now serving as Head of Global Rugby at Catapult Sports, he combines his extensive playing experience with a passion for advancing rugby through technology and analytics. His dual perspective as both a former player and technology leader makes him uniquely qualified to bridge the gap between traditional rugby culture and its data-driven future.

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​ Advance Forward In Your Career, Allowing You To Earn More Money And Work With Elite-Level Athletes
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Discover:

• Why the 'food first' approach isn't always enough
• The truth about creatine and common supplement misconceptions
• How to properly fuel before, during, and after exercise
• The science behind recovery nutrition and why timing matters
• Practical nutrition strategies for both elite and recreational athletes

Whether you're training for your first marathon or looking to optimise your athletic performance, this episode delivers actionable insights on how nutrition can enhance your training, recovery, and overall athletic success. Dan's blend of academic knowledge and real-world experience working across multiple sports makes this a must-listen for anyone interested in the science of sports nutrition.

About Dan Richardson
Dan Richardson is a distinguished sports nutritionist currently serving as the Academy Nutrition Lead at Leeds United Football Club and nutrition consultant for Leicestershire County Cricket's men's first team. With an academic foundation in Sports Science from Durham University and a Master's degree in Sports Nutrition from Manchester, Dan has built an impressive career supporting athletes across multiple sports including football, rugby, netball, and hockey. He also works with developing athletes through the Talented Athlete Support Scheme, helping GB and national team competitors optimise their performance through evidence-based nutrition strategies. Dan's approach emphasises "food first, but not food only," combining practical experience with scientific research to deliver results for both elite athletes and recreational sports enthusiasts. His expertise spans from youth development to professional sports, making him a trusted voice in sports nutrition.

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This episode offers fascinating insights into:

• The intersection of professional sports and chronic health conditions
• How modern medical technology is revolutionizing athlete care
• The psychological aspects of managing diabetes in high-pressure situations
• What it takes to make it as an NFL kicker Whether you're an aspiring athlete, someone living with diabetes, or simply love inspiring sports stories, this conversation demonstrates how determination and modern science can help overcome any obstacle. Don't miss this powerful testament to the human spirit and the evolution of sports medicine.

** Brayden Narveson**
Brayden Narveson is a professional NFL kicker and a Type 1 diabetic, proving that no obstacle can stand in the way of elite performance. Having played for the Tennessee Titans and Green Bay Packers, he shares his journey of managing diabetes while competing at the highest level. From overcoming challenges to embracing the pressure of pro sports, Brayden’s story is one of resilience, discipline, and determination.

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​ Improve Your Athletes' Performance
​ Advance Forward In Your Career, Allowing You To Earn More Money And Work With Elite-Level Athletes
​ Save Yourself The Stress & Worry Of Constantly Trying To Stay Up-To-Date With Sports Science Research

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