Sport + Life

A very uplifting and practical conversation with the effervescent Shane Duff. Shane's pro football career was prematurely ended through a freak injury, but he's rebuilt himself as a successful property developer in Cheltenham. ( https://www.linkedin.com/in/

I found this conversation with Ben, an Osteopath at Origin Health Clinic - https://originhealthgroup.com - a fascinating thought-provoker.Ben talks about his dramatic night earlier this year when he unexpectedly came close to his lights going out and how he approaches life with that palpable sense of mortality. With a baby at home we also discuss how the experience has affected his outlook on work and spending time with his wife and daughter. Ben is also coming back from stomach surgery and is targeting a triathlon to galvanise his return to fitness. We talk about that dance between challenging ourselves physically and looking after our body so it continues to serve us into old age. We also discuss Ben's multi-discipline outlook and how he and his brother, Dan work with other practitioners at Origin, including physiotherapists and private GPs, to make sure their patients get the most effective care.

Jon Palmer has followed Cheltenham Town FC for decades, man and boy, personally and professionally. So great to get his take on the big story in my hometown - the return of Steve Cotterill 23 years on from his historic first stint at the club.Cotterill lead Cheltenham into the football league as a young manager and JP explains why he believes a successful second era could be upon us. JP continues to illustrate the power and importance of local beat journalists in sport. 

I've always enjoyed interviewing Chris during his rise as a respected but, in retrospect, underrated boxer who upset big names to become world champion. Spectacular nights followed in his hometown of Bournemouth. Then came defeat in 2024 to Gilberto Ramirez. But Chris' hunger for the sport remains ravenous. He's very candid though about the sense of internal conflict he feels being away from his two little boys. He's very real in articulating something I've experienced and I think a lot of us can identify with - the pull to provide coupled with the pain of not being able to be physically present with our kids because of our jobs. He also speaks here powerfully and glowingly about a former high-school teacher who left a lasting impression on him and others - Mr Clayton. I'm sure a lot of us can resonate with the idea of a hugely influential teacher. Mr Sockelov and Mr Dudah (I can't remember the spellings, sorry as both were from Eastern European families) left a lasting mark on me and I think it's important for teachers to here stories like Chris'. Teachers - you are vital!Thought s on this? Fatherhood? Influential teachers? 

Really candid conversation with Charlie here about the challenges, uncertainties and pressures of one and two-year contracts when you're a dad. We also talk about the physical challenges of having twins whilst playing for Cheltenham Town FC too - trying to train and play after a few hours sleep.Ultimately, fans want their teams to win, but I do think we underestimate how difficult pro sport can be - particularly when you're not financially set from your playing days. Charlie, 32, talks openly here about the future and what his next career could be. As someone who was lucky enough to do a fun job, but now I have to ‘go again' I can certainly empathise with how daunting (and exciting) that can be. 

I loved this conversation with Danny Donachie. Danny for a long time was head of medical services at Everton Football Club, but now works one-to-one coaching with players and managers. We talk about Danny's approach in helping players' mental approach to the game - including visualisation, meditation and switching off social media. Connected to this we talked about how lonely being a player and manager can be - and how, inadvertently, sports science (by ending drinking/socialising culture etc) had reduced connection. We discuss Danny's reflections on former Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti and current boss David Moyes and also his experience of Newcastle star Anthony Gordon's mental strength. We talk about Danny's father, Willie, a professional footballer and how he opened Danny's eyes to ‘alternative' methods of self development. A lot of ground covered here and a lot of insight into professional football. But also I believe some important notes on how we can all make improve our mental experience of life, find the joy in what we do, and perform better (if that's our goal). What do you think about this one? How do you manage the opinions of others? Follow Danny here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dannydonachie/

Old School Stories 12: Paul Gascoigne inspired Spurs to an epic Wembley win versus the club's arch rivals but, at not yet 24, was this his peak? I loved Paul Gascoigne as a little boy. His dribbling… his power… his passing… his smile. When I look back at think of watching him play, I smile. But the smile is often followed by a slight sinking sense that we missed out. For Gazza left UK shores in the summer of 1991, aged just 24 and with knee ligament damage following a self-inflicted injury in the early stages of the FA Cup Final. After his time in Italy, Gazza bedazzled Rangers fans but didn't return to English football until his 30s. He was still class, but the burst of power and pace and effervescence had dimmed. And so I wonder if that heady day at Wembley in April 1991 when Spurs, big underdogs, bested their arch rivals Arsenal (best team in England at the time), represented peak Paul Gascoigne? 

This was a significant and powerful conversation for me with Ross Mitchell. One of my Personal Training coaches during my training, Ross also works in combat sports. Ross is a deep thinker and candid. But please be WARNED we discuss serious issues like mental health and suicide here so please skip if you don't feel like listening to that right now.What Ross has struck upon is the reverse of discipline - whereas most people chide themselves for not having the consistency to workout, some people just can't NOT workout. They don't do it to feel good, they do it to feel less bad about themselves - it's a should rather than ‘I get to.' That nagging feeling can drain other life pursuits of joy and, for me, at times has caused me stress because I've tried to shoehorn workouts into an already full day. We also talk about male body dysmorphia and how a healthy goal to improve our physique can be hijacked by an impossible quest for perfection.Let me know your thoughts on this one. It's a delicate one, in my opinion, because being healthy in the modern world requires some kind of mental drive - most people's jobs don't include movement or daylight, for example - but that drive has to be managed and balance sought. 

Really thought-provoking to have Lorien back on the show. Lorien is qualified personal trainer, a mindfulness and wellbeing expert and a psychology student. This is a free-wheeling conversation around how to manage modern life.Discuss how movement and physical training is important, but how it can be a negative experience if we frame it in the wrong way - how it can fuel a negative body image, for example - or use it to compensate for something else. Lorien also brings an interesting definition of trauma - that helped me reconcile how we live (in the UK) in an extended period of peace, a ‘soft' era, and yet there is so much conversation about widespread trauma. We also talk about the power of nature, the importance of being bored and community to health - and the importance of taking breaks/holidays (Holiday on holidays, if you like!). To contact Lorien: https://www.lorienholiday.com

Poppy Murray started the BE LADS campaign in response to the horrific kidnapping and murder of Sarah Everard. Poppy joined me to chat about the what BE LADS stands for and how well-intentioned men can help lone women feel safer on the streets. Practical steps. We also talked about sports and the differences I found when coaching boys/men versus girls/women. What do you think? If you're a man would you be prepared to cross the road to help a lone woman feel more at ease? I'd previously thought women might feel patronised, but Poppy has made me reconsider that take.

I worked for 15 years with Tony Wright at Sky Sports. A brilliant broadcaster, he's also found recognition in decades as a published author and hosting his own podcast ‘Biohacking News.' (https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/biohacking-news-by-zestology/id970597412) . Tony's focus has been health optimisation and feeling energised since a mysterious illness left him bedridden - and devoid of energy. Somewhat unexpectedly (to me, at least) Tony has in recent years become the world's bestselling histamine intolerance author. May he reign at the top forever! In this episode of Sport and Life we discuss Tony and family's decision to leave London and move to Portugal and the effect of the different culture and lifestyle on his health. We also discuss daylight, diet, movement, sleep, histamine (what is it?) and more. What are your go-to daily habits that make you feel healthy and happy? Hope you enjoy this one.Go well and keep moving,Teddy

The last ever FA Cup semifinal replay was played on Wednesday the 14th April 1999. It turned out to be one of the greatest games in recent history as the 10 men of Manchester United edged the holders Arsenal 2-1 after extra-time with substitute Ryan Giggs scoring one of the most sensational goals of modern times to win it. United went onto win the treble. ESPN's Mark Ogden was working as a young journalist at the time and joins Teddy to reminisce about the game and the era - when Arsene Wenger's Arsenal and Sir Alex Ferguson's United were slugging it out for domination.

On October the 6th, 2001, at his beloved Old Trafford, David Beckham stepped up in the 93rd minute and hit a 30-yard free-kick into the top corner. It finished England 2 Greece 2 and England were going to the 2002 World Cup. It was an extraordinary free-kick, capping an extraordinary performance from Beckham. Award-winning journalist Henry Winter was covering the game for The Daily Telegraph and joins Teddy to remember the match and the time in English football. Here's Henry's report from the day: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/england/3014263/Beckham-hits-the-jackpot.html?icid=return_to_article

When John Ryder lost a Middleweight British title fight with Nick Blackwell in 2015, many people wrote off his chances of becoming an elite boxer. Those people were wrong. In November 2022 Ryder became a world champion at Super Middleweight and went on to take one of the sport's all-time greats Saul ‘Canelo' the distance in Mexico. He trains young fighters under the stewardship of his old coach Tony Sims in Essex, England. 

Johnny Nelson was WBC Cruiserweight Champion from 1999 to 2006. He remains the longest reigning Cruiserweight Champ in history.In this conversation with Teddy, Johnny discusses competing in Hyrox, learning to run again after two hip replacements, fasting and the mooted fight between Floyd Mayweather and Mike Tyson.

Keith's second appearance on the pod and a great listen for people interested in fitness: we talk about knee rehab, the pros and cons of running, rep range for building muscle and things to consider for those of us attempting to stay strong and fit into middle age. Also consider sleep and how having babies in the house may have to change our exercise plans and out expectations of our capacity. https://keithirvinept.co.uk

In February 2019, Gareth joined the podcast to discuss being a professional rugby union player with Gloucester. After that conversation Gareth's life moved quickly - he signed for Ospreys and then Leicester Tigers before being forced to retire suddenly following a training-ground concussion in November 2021.In early September 2025, Gareth sat down with me to discuss his new career as a Financial Advisor, based in Cheltenham. The idea of identity and career shift has fascinated me for years - particularly, as a sports journalist, the shift pro athletes have to make into a new life. Hope you enjoy this one - hope for all of us contemplating career change. Also, towards the end of the conversation some great tips on pensions and financial management.

Old School Soccer Stories 9:Kevin Phillips was rated too small to be a striker so played right back at Southampton. Then headed back to semi-pro football after being released as an 18 year-old. Nine years later he was European golden boot winner, aided in that achievement by his classic strike partnership with the towering veteran Niall Quinn.The Quinn-Phillips partnership fired Sunderland to consecutive 7th place finishes and lives long in the memory of football fans - especially lifelong Sunderland fans like Sky Sports presenter Tom White. Tom talks us through those heady days for his club and why Sunderland didn't quite kick on to be a Premier League contender.

On the 20th of February 1991, Merseyside rivals Everton and Liverpool played out on one of the all-time great football matches. The FA Cup replayed finished 4-4. Four times Liverpool took the lead, four times Everton equalised.Tony Cottee watched the first 86 minutes from the subs bench. But then entered the frey to score two goals and send the tie to another replay.Fantastic to have Tony's crystal clear recollections of this epic night. My first experience of this was watching the highlights as a 9 year-old boy and the game has stuck with me ever since. It was also a significant time in English football history as two days later Sir Kenny Dalglish resigned as Liverpool manager and a near three-decade run of glory came to an end. 

On 26th May 1989 Arsenal pulled off the seemingly impossible task - beating Champions Liverpool at Anfield by two goals on the final day of the season to claim the title.John Cross - now a football writer for the Daily Mirror, then a beat journalist in North London - explains why he believes it's the most dramatic game in the history of English football and the best ever ending to a league season. John and Teddy also reflect on Liverpool's extraordinary success across different managerial reigns in the 60s, 70s, 80s and early 90s.

Manchester United historian and author Wayne Barton joins Teddy to talk about the strike partnership between Eric Cantona and Mark Hughes.The players formed an unorthodox combination to secure United the inaugural Premier League season (92-93) and the club's first league title since 1967.

On September 25th 2025 Saul Canelo Alvarez (63-2-2) and Terence Crawford (41-0) meet with the WBC, IBF and WBO Super Middleweight titles on the line. Spencer Fearon -aka Master Knowledge - is a former fighter and works as a boxing trainer, manager and pundit. Spencer gives his thoughts on the fight and why Crawford is an all-time great.

Ash is the co-founder and editor of https://stroudtimes.com.He has also, as a reporter and co-commentator followed Forest Green Rovers for many years.In this conversation we talk about how FGR are shaping up under new manager Robbie Savage and also the hunger for 'hyper local' reporting.

In August 1994, Tottenham Hotspur people were having a tough time. A fine, a points deduction and a cup ban had put the club on the back foot. But manager Ossie Ardilles shifted to a front foot, all-out attack style as Spurs exploded into the new season at Hillsborough.The crescendo of the game centred on a new striker, who stole the show with a goal and a celebration to last the ages.The Famous Five was born. It didn't last long. But this swashbuckling team lives long in the memory. 

Football journalist Jon Palmer discusses Cameroon's historic and magical run to the quarter-finals of the 1990 World Cup, inspired by 38 year-old super sub Roger Milla.

A former editor of Boxing News, Tris is a hugely respected boxing journalist and author.In this episode Tris and Teddy discuss:* Boxers careers getting longer - re Usyk (38) and Pacquiao (46) both impressing this past weekend.* The issue of brain damage and how Tris reconciles with his son boxing * Social Media and YouTube merging with boxing (and the need for boxers to learn to build an online 'brand.'

This is a podcast shared from a new project of Teddy's called Old School Soccer Stories.In this episode, Teddy relives the moment David Beckham exploded onto the national consciousness in the summer of 1996.For more Old School Soccer Stories: https://oldschoolsoccerstories.substack.com

Jon Palmer is a journalist working for Gloucestershire Live and others - his main beat being Cheltenham Town FC.Jon also works as a journalism lecture at The University of Gloucestershire.In this episode, Jon updates us on the changing ownership situation at Cheltenham Town and hopes for the club's future.We also touch upon Robbie Savage taking over at Forest Green Rovers.

As a pro footballer Michael Duff played in the Premier League for Burnley and represented his country Northern Ireland. He's since managed Cheltenham Town, Barnsley, Swansea and Huddersfield.

Teddy talks to distinguished boxing writer Don McRae about his new book 'The Last Bell: Life, Death and Boxing.' The book and the conversation covers Don's conflicted feelings towards the sport.

Max is a qualified Doctor with a decade's experience as a General Practitioner in the UK.Two years ago,following the turnaround of his own health due to testosterone replacement therapy, Max began working as a consultant for Alphagenix and other companies.His main work involves assessing and treating hormonal deficiencies, as well as advising on lifestyle factors such as exercise, sleep, nutrition, supplementation and stress management.Here we talk about the impact testosterone has made to the lives of his patients.Follow Max on Instagram: dr_max_draper

Nick Gazzard is a former Cheltenham Town football player. Nick founded The Hollie Gazzard Trust in the wake of his daughter, Hollie being murdered in 2014 by an ex. This year Nick was awarded an OBE for his work tackling violence against women. He also works with young men to help them imagine a healthy sense of masculinity. More info: https://holliegazzard.org/project/nick-gazzard/

Steph is the Founder & Chair of Trustees of The Archie Matthews Trust.The Archie Matthews Trust was set up by the Matthews family in 2024 in response to the loss of Archie - Steph's son - to suicide. Archie had ADHD and Autism.The Trust's mission: To raise awareness of young men's mental health challenges and neurodiversity, and providing support for young men.

Ross Mitchell is a fitness expert, with a wide-ranging experience of training athletes and regular people. Here we discuss the psychological adjustments needed for sedentary people to begin to move.

Chris Coley, a highly successful businessman has been enmeshed in a huge range of sports in Gloucestershire for many decades. As a player, administrator and benefactor Chris has helped professional and amateur sport from cricket, to rugby to football and horse racing. In The New Year Honours List, Chris was recognised for his service with the awarding of The British Empire Medal.

Teddy discusses why so many fitness resolutions fall by the wayside before January is out and why more modest - but sustainable - new habits could be the key to a longterm health boost.

Teddy talks through some festive food and fitness tips to maximise fun and prevent derailing you too far from the healthy track. Leaning into meat (or plant protein etc) and veg (fibre) is a big one!

Teddy sits down for a conversation with Gloucester Rugby Chairman and Chairman of The Cheltenham Racecourse Martin St Quinton. In a revealing chat, Martin explains why pro rugby union and horse racing are in very different states of financial health - and how he thinks rugby can become more sustainable.

Hello! Teddy here. Thank you for your support listening to Sport and Life all these years! I have now started a new fitness and healthy lifestyle podcast - Training with Teddy - to complement my work as a Fitness and Lifestyle Coach. You can find the new pod here on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4akKJ3Dfube0mwtGpDntXt On Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/training-with-teddy/id1742737023 To Follow me on X: @teddydraper Inst: @teddydrapersport For details of my remote fitness and lifestyle coaching - I'd love to work with you: https://drapermedia.co.uk/training-with-teddy

In light of the sad passing of Andreas Brehme, Sports broadcasters Tom and Teddy run through their top 5 German players since 1990. Ballack, Voller, Klinsmann, Klose, Lahm, Ozil and more are discussed. #podcast #football #soccer #germanfootballers #germanfootball #bundesliga

Sports broadcasters Teddy (a Man United fan) and Tom ( a Sunderland fan) run through their top 5 Manchester United players since 1990. Hughes, Cantona, Rooney, Cole and Ferdinand all get a mention. Remember for 35% off D-Rock clothing, use the discount code SAL35 at https://d-rock.uk/ #football #soccer #manchesterunited #mufc #cantona #ronaldo #rooney

Rory Macfadyen is co-founder of Reflo - the sustainable performancewear brand that turns single-use plastics destined for landfill and discarded coffee grounds into technical sports apparel. In this episode, Rory chats to Teddy and Tom about the brand and how the England captain Harry Kane has come on board as a brand ambassador. Rory is also a huge Southampton fan and he runs his through his top-5 Saints players of all-time. Messrs Le Tissier and Benali obviously feature, but some surprises too. ******** #football #90sfootball #reflo #sustainability #sustainableclothing

After a relatively quiet January Transfer Window, Teddy and Tom reminisce about some of the shock transfers of yesteryear. As ever, big focus on 90s football. The 'White Feather,' Figo and 'The Bald Eagle' feature as does Tino Asprilla's move to a black-and-white-wearing NE club that DIDN'T happen. The fellas are pleased to announce this week that the podcast has begun a collaboration with the d-rock clothing brand. Big thank you to Rumni and his team for offering listeners 35 % off with the discount code SAL35 at https://d-rock.uk/ ************************ #transfers #football #90sfootball #shocktransfers #middlesbroughfc #crystalpalace

Michael Bridge is a longstanding sports reporter on Sky Sports News, covering transfers on the channel for more than a decade. Michael has also written books on Tottenham Hotspur and works as a presenter of darts on Sky Sports too. In this episode we run through his top 5 Spurs' players of his era, beginning with Paul Gascoigne. To follow Michael on X: @MichaelBridge_ #Tottenham #spurs #football #sport #90sfootball #Gazza

Sports Broadcasters reflect on 21 years of the January Transfer Window - and pick their best January signings. #football #podcast #transferwindow

With Christmas in the air, Sports broadcasters Teddy Draper and Tom White run through their favourite football-related presents. Pencil cases, shirts, shell suits, Subbuteo and more discussed. ********** To sign up to Teddy's FREE health and fitness newsletter for the new year: https://drapermedia.co.uk/training-with-teddy

Teddy talks about SMART goals, particularly the specific element. Vital for athletes but do everyday people need them just to get fitter and stronger? Is not incorporating regular exercise into their lives not the key? *********** Looking to optimise your immunity? For 30% off your first purchase and 10% discount ongoing with Cytoplan's food-based supplements use the discount code DRAPER10R at https://www.cytoplan.co.uk/ For Teddy's FREE health and fitness newsletter starting Jan 2024: https://drapermedia.co.uk/training-with-teddy --

Sports Broadcasters Tom and Teddy discuss footballers and managers who've represented Manchester United and Sunderland over the past 30 years. Roy Keane, Dwight Yorke, John O'Shea and more! To join the conversation on X: @teddydraper & @tomwhitemedia

As we enter the season of giving - and receiving - stuff, Teddy runs through new research revealing the health benefits of de-cluttering. Teddy is releasing a FREE health and fitness newsletter in 2024 and will be available for remote personal training for busy men - sign up here: https://drapermedia.co.uk/training-with-teddy

Sports Broadcasters Teddy Draper and Tom White run through their World 5aside teams - selecting global players from 1990 onwards. To join the conversation on X: @teddydraper @tomwhitemedia

In this short solo edition Teddy talks about research into the health and relaxation boosting effects of laughter. Teddy also explains how his schedule as a sports broadcaster sometimes prevents him 'having a laugh' with mates and that's when he turns to comedy. Teddy will be releasing a FREE newsletter for busy men looking to get fitter and healthier in 2024 - sign up here: https://drapermedia.co.uk/ And he'll also be offering a remote personal training service to a small group of gents. Email hello@drapermedia.co.uk to find out more.