Experts in Sport

Today, I'm joined by Professor Josef Fahlén, Professor Paul Downward, and Dr. Mat Dowling to explore how sport functions in different contexts. We often hear about sport and physical activity in Scandinavia—but what can we actually learn from their approach?In this podcast, we compare the Swedish and UK sport systems, discussing a wide range of topics including government funding, sports clubs, schools, facilities, and cultural influences. We also delve into the challenges of trying to implement ideas from one country into another.Intros: 00:00Swedish sport: 3:07 UK sport: 5:43 Comparison: 12:41 Swedish sport again: 15:51 UK sport again: 22:26 Cultural differences: 27:04 What is sport for?: 42:31 The future: 46:56Listeners of the podcast can subscribe and download the latest episode by visiting iTunes, Spotify, and TuneIn. All subscribers will receive an alert once new episodes are published.  The Experts in Sport podcast is a regular series that brings together experts from across Loughborough University with external thought leaders to discuss the latest research and hot topics in sport and academia with new episodes launched regularly.Follow Loughborough University:  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lborouniversity Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lborouniversity/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lborouniversity Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lborouniversity/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/school/loughborough-university/ Website: https://www.lboro.ac.uk/#LboroGrad #LboroFamily #ExpertsinSport

In the latest episode of Experts in Sport, Dr Luke Roberts, author of Leading Schools and Sustaining Innovation: How to Think Big and Differently in Complex Systems, joins host Martin Foster to discuss systems change.If you've been involved in the sport, physical activity, health, education, business, or any other sector, you'll likely have heard people talk about systems change. You may have seen attempts to create change, but more often than not, the outcomes don't match expectations.In today's podcast, we explore what systems change really means. We begin by defining the concept and discussing the common challenges people face when trying to bring about meaningful change, using real-world examples. We then shift focus to what is required to create and sustain systems change over time.We hope this episode inspires anyone looking to make a positive impact and become a systems change leader of the future.Intros: 0:00What is Systems Change?: 3:42Purpose of the system: 10:32Examples: 15:45Systems Mapping: 29:32Getting the system ready for change: 36:00Maintain and Sustain: 42:23Changing the icing not the cake: 45:35What's next?: 52:24

In the latest episode of Experts in Sport, Dr Serhat Yilmaz and Lerina Bright (Mission 89) join host Martin Foster to discuss Human trafficking in the global sports ecosystem.Loughborough University, in partnership with Mission 89 and the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association UK Branch of the British Parliament, has released the first-ever comprehensive global thematic report on sport trafficking.Listeners of the podcast can subscribe and download the latest episode by visiting iTunes, Spotify, and TuneIn. All subscribers will receive an alert once new episodes are published.  The Experts in Sport podcast is a regular series that brings together experts from across Loughborough University with external thought leaders to discuss the latest research and hot topics in sport and academia with new episodes launched regularly.https://mission89.org/Intro 00:00The issue 6:21 Definitions 11:06In and through sport 22:42Around sport 34:47Recommendations 43:20Summary 53:18Outros 1:06:31

In the latest episode of Experts in Sport, Professor Mark Williams joins host Martin Foster to discuss How Elite Athletes Are Made. Professor Mark Williams has researched Sports Science for over 30 years, he has published hundreds of academic articles, written, and edited over 20 books and has worked at leading organisations around the world. In this podcast we focus on his book "The Best. How Elite Athletes are Made." We discuss a wide range of topics from how siblings and the environment we live in can impact our sporting success, the truth about the 10 000 hour rule, the power of coaching and much more. If you want to learn more about how elite athletes are made, then this podcast is a great place to start.Intro 00:00How Elite Athletes Are Made 3:25Most important aspects 6:12 Siblings 7:32Helicopter parenting 9:24Location 10:39Age and academies 20:24Early specialisation and 10000 hours 31:23Born or made? 35:31Practice 38:50What makes the best coaches? 48:01Next steps 1:03:48Outros 1:06:09

In the latest episode of the Experts in Sport podcast, Dr Janine Coates (expert in inclusive PE and school sport), Tammy and her mum Lynn (stars from the 'Equal Play' documentary), and Helen Derby (Strategic Lead, Programmes, Activity Alliance) join host Martin Foster (Applied Sport Management Lead) to discuss how physical education can be improved to make it inclusive for everyone who takes part.Intros 00:00The research 2:51Tammy's experience 5:55Activity Alliance 10:17 Examples 18:40 The future 21:17Wheelchair tennis 29:14Outros 33:51

In the latest episode of Experts in Sport, Dr Steven Bradbury joins host Martin Foster to discuss Ethnic Diversity and Inclusion in Sports Leadership. Intro 00:00Equality and equity 1:49 Leading the way: the background 3:19 Levels of representation 6:52 Benefits of a diverse workforce 9:55Challenges 14:27Barriers 23:15Examples of good practice 26:02Recommendations 34:12Next steps 41:27Outro 46:17

Physical activity levels of children in England and around the world remain stubbornly low. Research has shown that Physical Education can inspire children to embrace physical activity and sport, yet the curriculum that is delivered nationwide remains narrow with a heavy focus on skill development for sport.  In the latest episode of the Experts in Sport podcast, Professor David Kirk and Professor Ash Casey discuss Models-based practice with host Martin Foster (Applied Sport Management Lead). The trio cover what models-based practice is, the potential benefits and the best way to apply Models-based practice within schools. Professor Ash Casey is the Programme Director for the MSc and PGCE in Education with QTS (Physical Education) at Loughborough University. Ash maintains an active presence on X (formerly Twitter) (@DrAshCasey) and operates a blog (www.PEPRN.com), dedicated to translating research into practical applications Physical Education and Pedagogy. His research explores pedagogical models, teacher development through social media, and pedagogies of technology.  Professor David Kirk is an educational researcher with teaching and research interests in educational innovation, curriculum history, and physical education and sport pedagogy. He is the founding editor of the peer reviewed journal Physical Education and Sport Pedagogy (Routledge) and editor of Routledge Studies in Physical Education and Youth Sport. He has held academic appointments previously in universities in England, Australia, Ireland and Belgium and is currently Honorary Professor of Human Movement Studies at the University of Queensland. Intro 00:00Background of P.E 3:04 What is the purpose of P.E.? 12:59 Models based practise 22:30An Activist Approach 34:53In practise 36:49What's next? 48:39

Safeguarding and interpersonal abuse in sport – the development and potential impact of the IOC consensus statement. Last month, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) reaffirmed its commitment to safe sport by announcing the release of its third consensus statement on safeguarding and interpersonal violence in sport. In the latest Experts in Sport podcast, hosted Martin Foster is joined by those involved in delivering this initiative. The panel, featuring Prof Daniel Rhind (Loughborough University), Prof Yetsa Adebodunde Tuakli-Wosornu, (Stanford University), and Kirsty Burrows (Head of the IOC's Safe Sport Unit), discuss the background to the consensus statement, its development, the overarching recommendations and what this means for wider stakeholders. Intro 00:00 Consensus statement importance 2:52  Research rationale 7:42  Definitions 9:14 Methodology 16:31 Findings 18:06 Sport and society 28:27 Intentional interpersonal violence 34:43 Recommendations 41:28 What changes do you want to see? 52:02 Outros 56:01 

In the latest Experts in Sport podcast, host Martin Foster is joined by Professor Paul Downward to discuss the UK's low levels of sport participation. The podcast includes discussions on government policy and its impact on participation rates, and what needs to change to encourage more people to become active.Intro 00:00Participation rates 7:10 History of monitoring 12:19 How have things changed? 17:27 General trends 22:46Specific trends 25:57Fitness industry 30:27Biggest impact 37:18Future of policy 39:29What are we trying to achieve? 50:06The future 55:04

Axel Dopfer, Professor Duncan Walker, Dr Richard Ferguson, and Josh Cresswell join us to discussHow Loughborough University's world-class sports ecosystem helped alumnus Axel Dopfer break the German hour record.Intros 0:00 University approach 6:55  Training as a Loughborough student 11:20  Memorable moments 14:26  Interdisciplinary aspect 16:37  Heat acclimation 27:52  Training smart 32:02  Build up to the day 39:34  Methodology 48:29  The Event 52:24  What next? 56:47  How to find out more 1:03:22  

Professor Jonathan Folland and Dr Tom Balshaw join host Stuart McErlain-Naylor to break down the anatomy of Strongman Champion Eddie Hall and highlight the key characteristics that enabled him to break world records in the deadlift. Time Stamps: 00:00 Intros 1:04 An evening with Eddie Hall 5:16 Scope of research 10:13 Why Eddie Hall?11:55 Preparation 16:50 What did the day entail?22:19 Main findings of the case study26:24 Under or over developed? 28:43 Tendon adaptation 34:44 Injury risk 37:07 Inherited characteristics 42:11 Limiting factors in human performance 43:43 What else is there to know about Eddie? 45:58 Current and future research 49:27 Where to find out more50:55 Outros  Journal: https://journals.physiology.org/doi/abs/10.1152/japplphysiol.00342.2024

Professor Vicky Tolfrey chats to host Dan Trussell to discuss the Paralympics in Paris, wheelchair sport and what's to come after the Games. Intros 0:00Wheelchair configuration in tennis 0:43 Competitive edge 4:28Athlete collaboration 5:26What to expect from wheelchair sport 7:10Wheelchair basketball at Loughborough 8:11The future of parasport 9:41Parasport and society 14:11Outros 19:29

In this episode of the Experts in Sport podcast, host, Martin Foster, discusses research within Para sport at Loughborough and its potential across the landscape of sport with guests, Vladyslava Kravchenko, Alasdair Donaldson, and Jennifer Wong, of Loughborough University.Time stamps:0.00-4.03 - Introduction4.04- 8.31 - Why Loughborough?8.32- 10.49 - Development of Para sport at Loughborough10.50-12.32 - Examples of Para sport development12.33-17.32 - Developing the workforce17.33-24.05 - Opportunity at Loughborough24.06- 28.34 - International relations 28.35-34.04 - Para sport against stigma 34.05-42.37 - London 2012 Legacy42.38-45.53 - Barriers and stigma45.54-48.25 - Making noise toolkit48.26-49.54 - Diplomacy and international governance PhD49.55-51.25 - Outros 

Loughborough University alumna, Paula Radcliffe MBE, joins host, Martin Foster, in this episode of the Experts in Sport Podcast to discuss her experience as a student athlete at Loughborough and her successful career within athletics.Timestamps:0.00-1.23 - Intro1.24-7.14 - Experience as a student at Loughborough University7.14-9.57 - Combining academia and sport9.58-12.34 - Student life12.35-15.22 - Partnered running15.23-17.51 - Loughborough traditions17.52-25.06 - Preparation for competition as a student25.07-31.22 - Changes in practice and training31.23-34.57 - Menstrual cycle34.58-42.52 - Androcentrism vs women in sport & training during pregnancy42.53-47.08 - Further work47.09-51.02 - Getting into running51.03-51.47 - Outro

Sport PR Manager, Dan Trussell, is joined by Professor of Psychology Sophia Jowett to break down coach-athlete relationships and their benefits in athletes having the edge on the biggest stage, seen in the relationship between Mel Marshall and Adam Peaty.

Sport PR Manager, Dan Trussell, is joined by Professor Liam Heaney, who provides an insight into how athletes are tested on the biggest stage and the work that Loughborough University is carrying out in the area. 

Dr Verity Postlethwaite, from the School of Sport, Exercise, and Health Sciences, joins host, Dan Trussell, to discuss Spirit of 2012 and the importance of legacy that exists within major sporting competitions.

A Loughborough University study found that top sprinters, whilst being generally more muscular, had a very specific pattern to their muscularity, with some muscles far bigger. Sport PR Manager, Dan Trussell, talks to Professor Jonathan Folland, from the School of Sport Exercise, and Health Sciences, to discuss research findings in the area.

In this episode of the Experts in Sport podcast, host, Martin Foster, is joined by guests, Dr Richard Ferguson and Dr Dave Nichols, to discuss research around elite cycling and performance.Timestamps:0.00-2.23 - Intro2.24-8.59 - Competing at an elite level and training9.00-12.29 - Individual or team sport and hierarchy12.30-17.14 - Research to understand level of performance17.15-21.38 - Interdisciplinary research at Loughborough University21.39-24.47 - Real-life applications of cycling24.48-27.19 - Potential use of online tools in elite training27.20-33.51 - Beneficial research at Loughborough33.52-42.16 - Loughborough Lightning 42.17-48.29 - Issues around androcentric research48.30-54.24 - Upcoming research54.25-57.11 - Outro

In this episode of the Experts in Sport podcast, host Martin Foster is joined by Donald Barron (Loughborough Univeristy), Austin Fuller (Porduct Director of Football and Rugby business at Hudl, former FA insights and analysis) and Robin Jackson to discuss performance analysis, artificial intelligence, and football penalties.Timestamps:0.00-2.23 - Intro2.24-6.40 - Performance analysis and development6.41-11.07 - Advent of AI11.08-17.36 - Analyst's job before game17.37-20.30 - Coach comparison between team and their opposition20.31-27.25 - Preparation prior to competition27.26-36.59 - Use of data and metrics in decision-making37.00-53.32 Penalties and analysis of Euros53.33-1.00.12 - Lack of top corner saves1.00.13-1.01.14 - Outro

0.00-2.59 - Intro and performance analysis overview3.00-8.53 - Constraints-led approach within sport8.54-15.18 - Tailoring training for elite athletes15.19-18.57 - Performance analyst, coach, and athlete relationships18.58-20.57 - Technological advancements informing data collection20.58-30.29 - Research and metric development30.30-37.22 - Unexpected findings within research37.23-46.45 - Real-life applications of findings46.46-59.23 - Encouraging development in younger players59.24-1.04.52 - Further research1.04.53-1.05.39 - Outro

In this episode of the Experts in Sport podcast, host Stuart McErlain-Naylor is joined by guest Judd Kalkhoven, from Western Sydney University, to discuss common misconceptions within the scope of sports injury research.Timestamps:0.00-4.50 - Intro4.51-13.34 - Research and inspiration - causal models13.35-22.53 - Implications for research findings22.54-26.14 - Exploratory research to show statistical relationships26.15-28.18 - Transitioning research from the lab to the field28.19-30.11 - Do intended applications influence lab work?30.12-33.55 - Including practitioners in research33.56-45.44 - Need for research prior to practical application 45.45-54.10 - Prediction vs. causation54.11-56.44 - Outro and further work

Dr Tom Webb, Associate Professor in the Centre for Business in Society at Coventry University, joins Dr Stuart McErlain-Naylor to discuss officiating within sports and the challenges that face referees and other officials across the landscape. Throughout the episode, conversations around the role and purpose of a sports official are centred, alongside the perception of sports officials as athletes, embracing the introduction of technologies such as VAR, and debating what constitutes a successful outcome.Timestamps:0.00-4.30 - Introduction and background4.31-7.49 - How does lack of research affect the representation of sports officials7.50-13.45 - Referee and Sports Official Research Network and further projects13.46-23.50 - Role and purpose of a sports official23.51-27.15 - Embracing and working with technology to officiate27.16-33.00 - Perception of the official as an athlete33.01-36.02 - What does a successful outcome look like? 36.03-40.40 - Errors, re-refereeing and the introduction of VAR40.41-47.47 - Issue of recruitment and retention within sports and solutions47.48-50.53 - Examples outside of sport to improve experience50.54-54.04 - Outro and further work

Dr Verity Postlethwaite, a doctoral prize fellow in the research theme Sport, Business and Society at Loughborough University, joins Experts in Sport host Martin Foster to discuss Spirit of 2012.

Racism is an integral issue in the arena of sport, but how can its history and mediated culture assist in breaking down barriers for athletes moving forward?In this episode of the Experts in Sport podcast, hosted by Martin Foster, Dr Nik Dickerson, from Loughborough University's School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, features as a guest to discuss the wider issues surrounding racism and its entwinement with masculinity in sport media.Highly contested issues within sport are decoded, including Colin Kaepernick's explicit protest (taking the knee during the national anthem at an NFL game) to highlight racial injustices facing African American men, as well as incidences of police brutality.

Dr Enora Le Flao (Postdoctoral Scholar, The Ohio State University) ,Dr Lizzy Williams (Senior Lecturer, Sport and Exercise Sciences, Swansea University) and David Powell (PhD student, Swansea University) discuss concussions in Rugby Union and instrumented mouth-guards, which have embedded sensors to measure linear and angular kinematics of the head.Time Stamps:0:00-4:20 Intros4:20-5:09 What is the rationale behind all this?5:09-11:23 How has this been previously done and where are we now?11:23-12:59 Is the mouthguard a replacement for visual monitoring – medical threshold?12:59-14:44 False positives and negatives14:44-17:59 What causes concussion?17:59-22:58 How do the mouth guards work? What are they monitoring?22:58-26:17 Training and workload 26:17-30:25 Sex differences30:25-32:03 Misconceptions and eventual aims32:03-40:00 Further research40:00-42:52 Other sports42:53-46:20 Further information46:20-47:28 Outro and goodbyes

Joanna Czutkowna, Doctoral Researcher at Loughborough University, joins Experts in Sport host Martin Foster to discuss sustainability of the fashion and sport industries and the big problems that future generations will potentially face as a result of waste.Time Stamps:0.00-2.30 – Introduction to guest & work2.31-5.32 – Overview of sustainability5.33-6.54 – Issues within the fashion industry6.55-8.54 – Charity shops, markets and clothing waste8.55-13.20 – Sports industry's contribution13.21-16.51 – UEFA leading the way16.52-21.45 – Scope 3 emissions21.46-24.09 – What are the most sustainable materials?24.10-26.15 – Circular business models26.16-28.28 – Grassroots sport28.29-33.50 – Culture of repair & the modern education system33.51-37.00 – Neurodiversity's part in sustainability37.01-39.26 – Cricket kitting out39.27-44.52 – Fans & participants facilitating change44.53-45.28 – Outro & goodbyes

Dr Rob Gray (Associate Professor in Human Systems Engineering at Arizona State University) talks about coaching in sport as well as skill acquisition in baseball and the future of virtual reality in sportTimestamps00:00 - 03:41 - Introduction to guest, background and topic03:42 - 09:49 - What is skill acquisition?09:50 - 14:08 - Consistency vs improvement14:09 - 20:39 - The role of the coach in skill acquisition20:40 - 24:19 - What would a typical study consist of?24:20 - 35:10 - Virtual reality in coaching and skill acquisition35:11 - 41:15 - The variability of the virtual world compared to the real world41:16 - 48:35 - Where is research and coaching going in the next few years48:36 - 51:42 - Where to find out more about the topic in the episode

Jo Maher (Pro Vice-chancellor for Sport), Lamonte Winston (Head of NFL Academy at Loughborough) and Steve Hagan (Head Coach at the NFL Academy at Loughborough) talk about the NFL Academy, Super Bowl and the future of American football in the UK.Timestamps00:00 - 02:24 - Introductions to guests, topic and backgrounds02:25 - 09:25 - How did the partnership between Loughborough and the NFL Academy start?09:26 - 12:21 - The transferable skills from other sports12:22 - 24:33 - Where are we today with the standard of the NFL Academy?24:34 - 28:59 - When will we see a Loughborough student at the Super Bowl?29:00 - 41:19 - How is the partnership going and what can be achieved in the future? 41:20 - 42:27 - Final thoughts, thank you and goodbyes.

Dr Mark Doidge (Reader in Sociology of Sport), Katie Cross (Founder of Pledgeball) and Jenny Aman (PhD student at Loughborough University talk about the impact of climate change on sport.Timestamps00:00 - 06:03 - Introduction to guests, background and topic of the episode06:04 - 09:02 - What is Pledgeball now and how do people get involved?09:03 - 15:06 - Loughborough University's involvement in this topic15:07 - 17:00 - Personal appreciation of the sport and reasons for involvement17:01 - 20:39 - How does Pledgeball attempt to mobilise fans into making climate-related changes?20:40 - 39:54 - What are common pledges and types of pledges39:55 - 51:47 - “I hadn't realised change is NOT a difficult thing, mobilising football fans on climate change”51:48 - 54:32 - Cultural change in football54:33 - 58:28 - Where is research regarding climate action and nature?58:29 - 01:01:09 - The power of sport to be agents of change, Thank you to the guests and final thoughts

Abdul Faisal Chibsah (FIFA High Performance Specialist) talks about the Africa Cup Of Nations (AFCON) and the importance of the development of football in Africa.Timestamps00:00 - 07:52 - Introduction to guest, background, and the topic of the episode07:53 - 16:46 - Africa Cup of Nations and issues of football in Africa16:47 - 22:34 - Talent development in Africa22:35 - 26:17 – Women's game in Africa26:18 - 41:48 - What infrastructure is being put in place?41:48 - 48:36 - Player pathways48:37 - 52:50 - What does the future of football in Africa look like and which nations are the driving force behind this development?52:51 - 54:40 - Predictions for AFCON54:41 - 55:53 - First African nation to win the World Cup55:54 - 57:55 - Final comments, thank you and goodbyes

Dr Laurence Warren-Westgate (Assistant Professor in Sport, Exercise and Health Psychology at the University of Nottingham talks about deception, anticipation, psychology and biomechanics in rugby with host Stuart McErlain-Naylor. Timestamps00:00 - 04:23 - Introduction to guest, background and the topic of the episode04:24 - 08:33 - Anticipation in sport: Why is it important?08:33 - 13:59 - How have anticipation and deception been studied before?14:00 - 19:40 - How do we recreate this in realistic scenarios?19:41 - 28:58 - Why are the successful players looking at certain areas?28:59 - 35:11 - Can you create context-specific actions to lure opponents into traps?35:12 - 41:36 - Are professionals actually better at deception than amateurs?41:36 - 43:06 - Are visual elements the same in both phases of play?43:07- 45:26 - How does bias come into play with deception and interception?45:27 - 47:47 - What is next?47:48 - 49:48 - Links, thank yous and goodbyes from the guest.

Dr Russell Seymour (Senior Enterprise Fellow for the Institute for Sports Business) and Elliott Brown (Sustainability Project Manager at Loughborough University) talk with host Martin Foster about Climate change and its impact on sport and what Loughborough University is doing to help. Timestamps 00:00 - 03:14 - Introductions, Background and context of the episode03:15 - 16:49 - Climate change and its impact of sport16:50 - 30:16 - What strategies are in place and how can sports fans help?30:17 - 40:05 - What has Loughborough done to help this?40:06 - 49:52 - Changing kits every season, Car sharing and how you can help 49:53 - 51:49 - experience of sustainability in sport 51:50 - 55:17 - Thank you, links, final comments and goodbyes 

Dr Mhairi Morris (Senior Lecturer in Biochemistry at Loughborough University) talks about the new NHS-approved breast cancer drug Anastrozole with Host Martin Foster. They also discuss how exercise and diet can help in preventing breast cancer alongside other topics.Timestamps 00:00 - 07:20 - Introductions to the guest, background and current projects07:21 - 11:29 - Breast cancer: how common is it?11:30 - 16:42 - Prevention: health, exercise and diet16:43 - 21:40 - Anastrozole: the new NHS-approved drug21:41 - 29:51 - How big is the effect of physical activity? 29:52 - 34:27 - Round up, thank you to guest and links for further learning

Dr Mark Burnley (Senior lecturer at Loughborough University) talks to host Stuart McErlain-Naylor about how the study of animals can aid athlete endurance training alongside other performance parameters. Timestamps 00:00 - 07:49 - Introduction to guest and background in field and research of the subject 07:50 - 14:34 - What is the speed duration relationship?14:35 - 18:55 - Why can we benefit from knowledge from the Animal Kingdom?18:56 - 30:01 - How do we control and measure what animals do? 30:02 - 34:13 - How does motivation become an issue when measuring animals? 34:14 - 43:31 - General trends that have emerged from this research43:32 - 45:19 - Mythbusting on the accumulation of lactate45:20 - 48:33 - How can Animals affect the future of Athletes?48:34 - 51:41 - “Lions don't warm up in the jungle” - Is there truth behind the saying?  51:42 - 53:41 - Final thoughts, Thank you, links and Goodbyes

Dr Claire Madigan (Senior research associate with CLIMB: The Centre for Lifestyle Medicine and Behaviour) talks to host Martin Foster about weight loss, the new ‘magic pill', exercise, what can be done to help people lose weight effectively and healthily without doing more harm than good as well as what needs to be put in place to help lower obesity rates in the UKTimestamps 00:00 - 02:30 - Introductions to guest, background in weight management, PHD and previous work02:31 - 11:23 - The weight loss ‘magic pill' has it finally arrived?11:24 - 15:28 - Tier 1,2,3,4 and how behaviour change is important to each tier15:29 - 19:57 - Is there a standard model for behaviour change or is it individualised?19:58 - 23:41 - Nutrition, social support and diet, but is exercise the missing ingredient? 23:42 - 25:14 - What does the drug actually do? 25:15 - 27:12 - The starting point of weight loss is nutrition27:13 - 35:40 - How do we stop this becoming an issue?35:41 - 39:10 - What can we do to assist with treatment and prevention of obesity?39:11 - 41:57 - How can we change readily available food to assist with children's nutrition41:58 - 45:33 - Recap on episode45:34 - 47:04 - Thank you, links and goodbyes  

Jonathan ‘Jono' Shepherd (Head of Performance Research at PING golf) and Doctor Aimee Mears (Senior Lecturer in Sports Technology at Loughborough University) discuss golf equipment, and how manufactures and research can work together to benefit players both expert and amateur with host Stuart McErlain-Naylor.Timestamps 00:00 - 04:19 - Introductions to guests, background in golf and sports technology04:20 - 11:18 - What is the performance research centre and what does it do?11:19 - 21:12 - The interaction between the player and the equipment 21:13 - 28:32 - What technology are being used and how that helps achieve the aims of the industry?28:33 - 30:26 - Variability of human movement or maximum performance 30:27 - 34:56 - Should you based equipment decisions off what the pros use? 34:57 - 37:57 - Speed, accuracy and the sweet spot in golf37:58 - 44:36 - Would golf clubs be different between men and women? 44:37 - 46:18 - How good are people at judging golf equipment for themselves46:19 - 49:14 - Conclusion, links and goodbyes from guests

Professor Karl Steptoe (Sport and Performance Psychology Lead) and Professor Denise Hill (Associate Professor in Sport Psychology, Sport and Exercise Sciences) discuss 'choking' and performance under pressure in golf with host Martin Foster. The trio discuss the psychology behind choking as well as ways to manage and prepare for big moments. Timestamps 00:00 - 09:19 - Introductions to Guests, background in Golf and Handicaps09:20 - 13:56 - “The psychology of golf performance under pressure” 13:57 - 24:17 - What is Choking?24:18 - 32:32 - How many people experience choking and is there a way to know?32:33 - 36:53 - Two pathways to choking36:54 - 55:10  - How do we prepare and counter choking?55:11 - 1:00:00 - Final conclusions, thank yous and goodbyes

Stuart McErlain-Naylor and Franco Impellizzeri (Sports Coach in Clinical Science and Professor of Sports, Exercise and Science in Medicine at the University of Technology Sydney) talk about the training load training load monitoring in elite sports, the limitations of this as well as the lessons that can be taken from medicine to assist the development of knowledge in this area.Timestamps:00:00 - 04:23 - Introductions and career background of our guest 04:24 - 14:10 - What is training load?14:11 - 19:47 - How is this currently being applied in elite sports settings?19:48 - 25:42 - Will coaches use this in real time to advance training sessions?25:43 - 29:11 - What are the current limitations with how load limitations are being used now?29:12 - 34:50 - What should future studies do differently? 34:51 - 42:25 - How would this research be done in other fields and what can be learnt from that?42:26 - 45:15- How can we improve the dialogue between academic and practise of sport science?45:16 - 53:00 - Where do you see train load monitoring in the next 5 years?53:01 - 53:44 - Outro

Aaron Smith (Director of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Loughborough University) and Ben Shields (Senior Lecturer in Managerial Communication at MIT Sloan School of Management) sit down with host Martin Foster to discuss the Metaverse, as well as its impact on the future of sport. Timestamps: 00:00 – 04:01 Introduction and career background on our guests 04:02 – 12:54 What is the Metaverse? 12:55 – 23:41 The evolution of the Metaverse 23:42 – 29:26 Development opportunities for "Sportiverse" 29:27 – 46:46 How it may impact the business, performance and fan experience 46:47 – 50:45 Potential issues & how they should be tackled 50:46 – 99:99 Episode recap and conclusion 

Sue Anstiss (alumna, founder and CEO of Fearless Women) sits down with host Martin Foster to discuss the future of women's sport, putting great emphasis on women's football. She tackles the prevalent exclusion and inequality women may face within the field and argues for the increase of equity before reflecting on how it may evolve in the next 10 years.  Timestamps: 00:00 – 03:54 Introduction and career background on our guest 03:55 – 10:24 The driving factors of women's sport 10:25 – 19:44 The impact of primary school PE programs 19:45 – 29:36 Female exclusion and inequality in sport environments 29:37 – 36:47 Necessary elements towards the further growth of women's sport 36:48 – 42:13 The future of women's sport – equality vs equity 42:14 – 44:49 Episode recap and conclusion 

Dr Katrine Kryger (medical researcher at FIFA) sits down with host Martin Foster and co-host Rebecca Sawiuk to discuss the occurrence and prevalence of injuries in women's football, tackling all factors that may affect the risk level, as well as how facilities and equipment impact performance. Timestamps:00:00 – 01:26 Introduction & background into our guest 01:27 – 10:42 The prevalence of women's injuries in sport 10:43 – 21:42 Factors that affect the level of injury risk 21:43 – 39:43 The impact of facilities and football boots 39:44 – 42:23 Adapting the design and size of the football 42:24 – 47:40 Injury prevention and future research 47:41 – 50:15 Episode recap and conclusion 

Aditi Chauhan, professional footballer and Loughborough alumna, sits down with host Martin Foster to discuss her experience and career journey, her time at Loughborough University, as well as diving into the evolution of women's football and the rise of diversity in sport in recent years. Timestamps:00:00 – 07:38 Introduction & background on our guest 07:39 – 11:47 Aditi's time at Loughborough 11:48 – 23:40 The evolution of women's football & the contrast between the UK and India 23:41 – 31:45 Inequality within women's football 31:46 – 39:24 The future of women's sport in India 39:25 – 45:54 The rise of diversity in sport 45:55 – 48:24 Episode recap and conclusion 

Sophia Jowett (Professor in Psychology) and Rebecca Sawiuk (Former Director of Football) sit down with host Martin Foster to discuss the importance of building a positive coach-athlete relationship, as well as its impact on performance. Timestamps: 00:00 – 04:43 Introduction and background information on our guests 04:44 – 14:18 The evolution of coaching 14:19 – 23:42 The dynamic difference between men's and women's football 23:43 – 27:44 Women in football “breaking the concrete ceiling”  27:45 – 39:42 The main traits of a good coach-athlete relationship 39:43 – 43:08 What coaches can do to improve the relationship  43:09 – 53:38 Psychological safety within coaching 53:39 – 56:00 Episode recap and conclusion 

Mark King (Loughborough Professor of Sports Biomechanics) sits down with host Stuart McErlain-Naylor to discuss his 19 years of elite Cricket Bowling Biomechanics research.  Timestamps: 00:00 – 03:39 Intro & background information on our guest 03:40 – 09:30 Attributes of fast bowling 09:31 – 17:26 Biomechanics testing sessions & beginners vs elite athletes 17:27 – 23:21 Putting research findings into practice 23:22 – 28:53 Techniques & avoiding injury 28:54 – 33:15 “Chucking” in fast bowling 33:16 – 35:29 AI & the future of elite cricket biomechanics 35:30 – 38:23 Episode recap & conclusion 

Dr Anna Lion (Research Fellow of Faculty of Engineering at the University of Nottingham) and Professor Richard Bibb (Professor of Medical Applications of Design) sit down with host Martin Foster to discuss the Rehabilitation Technologies Network, as well as the development of technology to enhance rehabilitation devices using 3D printing and how it fits within the NRC.Timestamps: 00:00 – 01:39 Introduction & career background information on our guests 01:40 – 13:27 The Rehabilitation Technologies Network & Research benefits of the NRC 13:28 – 18:26 Network workshops and projects 18:27 – 29:43 Obstacles, collaboration, and 3D-printed prosthetics 29:44 – 47:49 The potential and future of enhancing prosthesis using 3D printing 47:50 – 53:06 Episode recap and conclusion 

Dr Michael Craven (Principal Research Fellow at the University of Nottingham) sits down with host Martin Foster to discuss his research into rehabilitation technology, diving into the use of exoskeletons in musculoskeletal rehabilitation, as well as sharing future development plans for the NRC. Timestamps: 00:00 – 01:58 Introduction & career background information on our guest 01:59 – 09:46 Access to Communication and Technology (ACT) 09:47 – 18:16 Musculoskeletal rehabilitation technology 18:17 – 27:18 The use of exoskeletons in rehabilitation 27:19 – 33:54 Future NRC development and research 33:55 – 37:40 Episode recap and conclusion 

Professor Mark Lewis (Dean of the School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences), Pip Logan (Director of Research and Knowledge Exchange – University of Nottingham), and Miriam Duffy (NRC Programme Director) sit down with host Martin Foster to discuss the development of the National Rehabilitation Centre (NRC), detailing its clinical benefits, facilities, as well as its long-term impact in the world of rehabilitation. Timestamps: 00:00 – 01:04 Introduction & career background information on our guests 01:05 – 11:05 NRC & its development 11:06 – 25:16 Collaboration, research and innovation 25:17 – 30:16 The clinical benefits 30:17 – 38:10 NRC facilities 38:11 – 42:05 The long-term impact of the centre 42:06 – 46:04 Episode recap and conclusion 

Paula Griffiths (Professor of Population Health) and Emily Rousham (Professor of Global Public Health) sit down with host Martin Foster to discuss their research, focusing on the health and nutrition challenges that lower and middle-income countries experience. Alongside their international research partners – Dr Elizabeth Kimani-Murage and Rossina Pareja-, they tackle two recent projects in Kenya and Peru, detailing the impact of their work with the World Health Organization (WHO). Timestamps 00:00 – 07:25 Intro & research background on our guests 07:26 – 22:44 Research project in Kenya – Paula and Elizabeth 22:45 – 41:53 Research project in Peru – Emily and Rossina 41:54 – 47:14 Future research plans 47:15 – 49:56 Episode recap and conclusion 

Ed Smith, the former England international batter and ex-National Selector for England cricket, sits down with Host Martin Foster to discuss his knowledge on what it takes to compete at the very highest level of cricket. Now in a role of Co-Founder of the Institute of Sports Humanities (ISH), Ed talks about his time with England cricket, detailing how change was delivered within the culture of the sport. Additionally, he dissects his decision-making process when selecting candidates for the England team.Timestamps: 00:00 – 02:29 Introduction & career background information on our guest 02:30 – 09:00 Ed's experiences with the Ashes 09:01 – 20:11 Insight into his former role of Chief Selector 20:12 – 26:09 Coaching, cricket culture and making improvements 26:10 – 41:34 Process/Anti-process & decision-making 41:35 – 46:20 ISH and developing the Leadership in Sport course 46:21 – 47:56 Episode recap and conclusion  

In this episode of the “Experts in Sport” podcast, host Stuart McErlain-Naylor sits down with Dr Andrew Butterworth, Head of Performance Analysis for the Loughborough Lightning Netball Super League team. They discuss his usual routine as a performance analyst - dissecting his role before, during, and after a match - also detailing the process of communicating findings and feedback to both coaches and players. Timestamps: 00:00 – 08:57 Introduction & background information on our guest 08:58 – 26:02 Andrew's role and typical routine 26:02 – 34:26 The evolution of technology – from a Performance Analyst's perspective 34:27 – 41:20 How the venue and equipment impact Performance Analysis 41:21 – 45:36 Performance analysis through GPS tracking 45:37 – 53:39 Communicating findings and post-match feedback 53:40 – 55:19 Advice on pursuing a career in Performance Analysis 55:20 – 56:18 Episode recap and conclusion