PODCAST · health
Experts in Sport
by Loughborough University
Experts in Sport: The Loughborough University Sportcast, a podcast which brings together sporting excellence and academic knowledge. Hosted by the School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences at Loughborough University.
Episodes
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E117: The Evolution of Wheelchair Tennis - From Day Chairs to Wimbledon Champions
In this episodeof the Experts in Sport podcast, host Martin Foster is joined by former British No.1 and Wimbledon champion Jayant Mistry, Professor Vicky Tolfrey, and Dr Thomas Rietveld to explore how athlete experience, research and technology have driven the sport's evolution. From custom-built...
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E116: The World Cup Effect - Fans, Finance and Football's Future
Recorded in the week before England's World Cup quarter-final win over Norway, host Martin Foster is joined by Dr Johan Rewilak (Loughborough University) and Ambar Ferra (Houston Dynamo) to discuss the 2026 FIFA World Cup from the heart of the host nation. From packed fan festivals and record...
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E115: Performance Analysis at the World Cup - Data, Decisions & Marginal Gains
In this episode of Experts in Sport, we explore the hidden world behind World Cup success — performance analysis. From data and video to real-time decision-making, discover how analysts and coaches use cutting-edge technology to gain a competitive edge when margins are razor-thin. Host Martin...
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E114: The FIFA 2026 World Cup - A Challenging Environment and How Players should Prepare for it
What does it take to perform at the 2026 FIFA World Cup? In this episode, host Martin Foster is joined by experts Dr Lee Taylor, Dr Chris Esh, Professor Christa Janse van Rensburg, and Dr Valérie Bougault to break down the science behind competing across extreme heat, altitude, long-haul travel,...
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E113: Building the Global Game - FIFA, Football Development, the World Cup, and the Future of Football.
In this episode of the Experts in Sport, we explore the global role of FIFA as the world builds towards the FIFA World Cup. Host Martin Foster is joined by FIFA high-performance specialists Richard Allen and former international footballer Philippe Senderos, the discussion goes beyond the...
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E112: Inside the Enhanced Games: What Really Happened In Vegas
This episode of Experts in Sport dives into the controversial launch of the Enhanced Games. Host Martin Foster is joined by Dr Alex Thurston and Dr Mat Dowling, speaking live from Las Vegas, the discussion explores what really happened at sport’s most debated new event—unpacking performance,...
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E111: From Pitch to Planet - Sustainability in Sport
In this episode, we explore how climate change is already reshaping sport-from extreme heat disrupting elite competitions to flooded grassroots pitches across the UK. Host Martin Foster is joined by Elliot Brown, Sustainability Manager at Loughborough University, and Jess Silva, co‑founder of...
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E110: Half a Century of Sport Science - Reflections from Loughborough Pioneers
In this special episode of the Experts in Sport podcast, host Martin Foster is joined by Professors Wendy Brown and Stuart Biddle to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Sport and Exercise Sciences at Loughborough University. Recording from Australia, the guests reflect on their early careers at...
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E109: The Power of Events - Bidding, Impact & Long‑Term Legacy
Join Experts in Sport as Mega Event Advisor Richard Watton (UK Sport) and Dr. Verity Postlethwaite (Loughborough University) talk to host Martin Foster and unpack why cities host major, mega and giga sporting events. From bidding processes and global collaboration to economic impact, social…
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E108: Measuring the True Value of Sport - Social Return on Investment Explained
In this episode of Experts in Sport, Professors Paul Downward, Larissa Davies and Simon Shibli speak with host Martin Foster, unpacking the real value of sport and physical activity beyond pounds and pence. From wellbeing gains to NHS savings, community cohesion to volunteering, the panel…
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E107: Effort Over Everything - MyZone Founder Dave Wright on Entrepreneurship in Fitness
In this episode of Experts in Sport, host Martin Foster sits down with fitness industry innovator and MyZone founder, Dave Wright. From growing up in the Australian bush to building global businesses, Dave shares the extraordinary, winding path that led him to become one of the sector’s most...
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E106: From Bushy Park to a Global Phenomenon - How parkrun Became the World’s Biggest Health Movement
This episode features an in‑depth conversation with Paul Sinton‑Hewitt, founder of parkrun, the world’s largest free physical activity initiative. We trace parkrun’s evolution from a small local time trial to a global public health phenomenon spanning more than 20 countries. Paul discusses...
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E105: Wearables and Healthcare - Inside the NHS 10-Year-Plan
In this episode of the Experts in Sport podcast Dr James Sanders joins host Martin Foster to explore the NHS 10‑Year Plan and the growing role of digital health tools. Together, we unpack how wearables could support prevention, personalise care, and empower individuals to take control of their...
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E104: Unlock Your Marathon Potential - Inside Loughborough Sport’s Physiology Lab
In this episode of Experts in Sport, we go behind the scenes at Loughborough Sport’s world-class Physiology Lab with Rhona Pearce, Physiology Lead. Discover how cutting-edge testing can transform your marathon preparation, from VO₂ max and lactate thresholds to personalised pacing strategies....
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E103: Best Of 2025
In this episode we take a look back at some of our hightlights from 2025 including big milestones and a fantastic summer of women's sport. Thank you for all your support this year, lets hope next year is even bigger and better! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the Experts in Sport team!...
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E102: Behind the Wheel - Unseen Health Challenges of the UK Workforce
In this episode Martin talks to Professor Stacy Clemes and Dr. Grant Charlesworth-Jones to explore the pressing health challenges facing the UK workforce. From rising rates of long-term illness and sedentary lifestyles to the overlooked health crisis among truck drivers, the conversation dives…
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E101: Beyond the Track - Lord Coe on Loughborough, Leadership, and the Future of Sport
Lord Sebastian Coe joins the Experts in Sport podcast for a wide-ranging conversation tracing his journey from Loughborough student-athlete to one of the most influential figures in global sport. In this compelling episode, he reflects on the lessons learned from his legendary athletics career,...
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E100: Where History Begins - Loughborough's Journey Through Sport
In this episode of Experts in Sport, we discuss Where History Begins-Loughborough's Journey Through Sport. Learn about Loughborough's early beginnings in Sport and how we grew into the number 1 university in the world for sport! Where did history begin?: 1:46 Where are we now?: 5:11 The World…
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E99: Smarter Sport - Using Athlete Data to Drive Innovation in Women's Sport
Every athlete faces performance challenges, but could the answers lie in their data? In this episode, we explore how data-driven innovation is uncovering hidden performance patterns and offering deeper insights into what happens beyond training hours. We also discuss where technology still has…
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E98: Home Advantage - How the Women’s Rugby World Cup Impacts Local Communities
The 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup in England has broken records both on and off the pitch — from advancing gender equity to achieving unprecedented broadcasting figures and ticket sales. But what do these successes mean for host councils and local communities once the tournament ends? In this...
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E97: Are we setting women up to fail in fitness?
For millions of women, the journey to fitness can be a frustrating one, filled with confusing advice that doesn't seem to fit their bodies. But what if the problem isn't with them, but with the industry itself? In this episode of Loughborough University's Experts in Sport podcast, we explore that...
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E96: Strength in Numbers - Researching Gender Equity in Wheelchair Rugby
What does gender equity really mean in a sport as physically demanding and strategically complex as wheelchair rugby? In this episode, we dive into a groundbreaking research project that’s challenging assumptions and driving change for women in para-sport. Through personal reflections and expert...
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E95: Networks of Change - Women's Sport Governance in Action
In this episode of the Women in Sport Summer Series, we explore how governance, marketing, and collaboration are driving transformation in women’s sport—both in the UK and globally. Featuring Alex Teasdale, Executive Director of Women’s Rugby at the RFU, and Dr Dana Lee Ellis, a leading academic…
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E94: Supporting Performance - The Critical Role of Sports Bras in Women’s Sport
Welcome to a special episode of the Experts in Sport Podcast, brought to you by the School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences at Loughborough University. In this episode, we dive into one of the most overlooked yet essential topics in women’s sport: breast health and the science of sports…
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E93: Beyond the Baseline - Why Women’s Sport Needs More Research & Innovation
In this episode of Experts in Sport, host Dr Hannah Fox Dugdale is joined by Dr Verity Postlethwaite to explore the groundbreaking launch of Loughborough University’s Women in Sport Research and Innovation Hub. Discover how this initiative is set to transform women’s sport from grassroots to…
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E92: Leadership in Sport - the impact of AI on decision-making and leadership
As the England v India Test Matches get into full swing, Experts in Sport podcast host Martin Foster sits down with Ed Smith, former National Selector for England Cricket and soon-to-be President of the MCC. In this episode, they explore Leadership in Sport and discuss the growing impact of AI on...
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E91: Time Hacks - The psychology of time and how to spend it
In the latest episode of the Experts in Sport podcast, host Martin Foster is joined by world-leading expert in the science of the human mind, Dr Ian Taylor, to discuss his new book Time Hacks. Together, they draw on the latest psychological research to explore how we can develop a healthier...
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E90: Pain killer use in sport - Short term gain for long term pain!
In today’s podcast, host Martin Foster is joined by Dr Daniel Read, Senior Lecturer at the Institute for Sport Business at Loughborough University, to discuss the use of painkillers in sport. Painkiller use in sport is more widespread than many people realise. In this episode, we uncover some...
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E89: How sport works - From Government funding to participation, a comparison of Sweden and the UK
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…
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E88: The Myth of Systems Change - Why Your Efforts Are Futile (And What to Do Instead)
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,...
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E87: Human trafficking in the global sports ecosystem
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...
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E86: How Elite Athletes Are Made
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...
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E85: Equal Play - Improving physical education for everyone
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...
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E84: Ethnic Diversity and Inclusion in Sports Leadership
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 00:00 Equality and equity 1:49 Leading the way: the background 3:19 Levels of representation 6:52 Benefits of a diverse workforce 9:55...
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E83: How Physical Education in schools can be improved through Models-based practice
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…
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E82: Safeguarding and interpersonal abuse in sport – the development and potential impact of the IOC consensus statement
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...
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E81: The long-term problems of sports participation and how to solve them
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...
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E80: Cycling hour record: science behind a successful attempt
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…
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E79: Testing the World's Strongest Man - Eddie Hall
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...
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Paris Bonus Show: Professor Vicky Tolfrey - the future of para sport
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 0:00 Wheelchair configuration in tennis 0:43 Competitive edge 4:28 Athlete collaboration 5:26 What to expect from wheelchair sport 7:10 Wheelchair...
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E78: Loughborough's role in inspiring change within Para sport
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…
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E77: Paula Radcliffe MBE: Student athlete to world champion
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 - Intro 1.24-7.14 - Experience as a...
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Paris Bonus Show: Dr Verity Postlethwaite
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.
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Paris Bonus Show: Jonathan Folland
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...
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Paris Bonus Show: Sophia Jowett
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.
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Paris Bonus Show: Liam Heaney
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.
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E76: Elite cycling and performance research
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 - Intro 2.24-8.59 - Competing at an elite level and training 9.00-12.29 - Individual…
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E75: Performance analysis, AI, and penalties
In this episode of the Experts in Sport podcast, host Martin Foster is joined by Donald Barron (Loughborough University), Austin Fuller (Product Director of Football and Rugby business at Hudl, former FA insights and analysis) and Robin Jackson to discuss performance analysis, artificial...
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E74: Performance Analysis and Coaching in Tennis
0.00-2.59 - Intro and performance analysis overview 3.00-8.53 - Constraints-led approach within sport 8.54-15.18 - Tailoring training for elite athletes 15.19-18.57 - Performance analyst, coach, and athlete relationships 18.58-20.57 - Technological advancements informing data collection…
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E73: Misconceptions in Sports Injury Research
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 - Intro 4.51-13.34 - Research and inspiration - causal...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Experts in Sport: The Loughborough University Sportcast, a podcast which brings together sporting excellence and academic knowledge. Hosted by the School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences at Loughborough University.
HOSTED BY
Loughborough University
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Experts in Sport have?
Experts in Sport currently has 132 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Experts in Sport about?
Experts in Sport: The Loughborough University Sportcast, a podcast which brings together sporting excellence and academic knowledge. Hosted by the School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences at Loughborough University.
How often does Experts in Sport release new episodes?
Experts in Sport publishes regularly with 132 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Experts in Sport?
You can listen to Experts in Sport on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Experts in Sport?
Experts in Sport is created and hosted by Loughborough University.
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