This Sporting Planet

Kate Allman is joined by Australian Netball legend Caitlin Bassett for a candid discussion about the mental toll of leaving elite sport. Unlike the fairytale endings we often see, Caitlin describes her retirement as being "made redundant." She opens up about the shame of not being offered a contract, the difficulty of finding an identity outside of netball, and the "toxic" habits she had to unlearn to function in the real world. Caitlin also sets the record straight on her time at the Giants, reveals how animal therapy aided her recovery, and discusses her new role in player welfare at the Western Force. 00:00 - Introduction 02:49 - Caitlin on her "Shocking" Retirement 05:26 - Breaking Toxic Athlete Habits 07:30 - The Giants Era: Being Silenced by the Club 10:17 - Playing in New Zealand & Injury Hell 11:15 - Life After Sport: Cricket & Journalism 16:25 - The Loss of Identity & Mental Struggles 20:07 - How Dogs Saved Her Mental Health 23:59 - Do Sports Have a Duty of Care? 27:57 - Advice for Alyssa Healy & The Future Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Natalie Sawyer (UK) is joined by former Tottenham, Liverpool, and Sierra Leone defender Steven Caulker for a raw and revealing conversation about life after the final whistle. Steven discusses his recent retirement, the mental toll of a 17-year career, and his previous battles with gambling and alcohol addiction. He opens up about the "backlash" he faced from the footballing world when he first went public with his struggles and how playing abroad in Turkey helped him reset. They also discuss the current managerial landscape, including Liam Rosenior’s appointment at Chelsea and the pressure on Thomas Frank at Spurs. Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions of depression, addiction, and suicidal thoughts. 00:00 - Intro 01:32 - What the initial period after retirement has been like 04:03 - The freedom of retirement (Food & Running) 05:53 - Skiing & things footballers aren't allowed to do 07:32 - Planning for life after football 10:49 - Why do athletes struggle post-retirement? 14:08 - Steven’s battle with gambling & alcohol 16:58 - Is football doing enough for mental health? 19:43 - The "Backlash": Being rejected by clubs for speaking out 23:16 - The Brentford Model & asking for help 25:55 - Letting go of results & playing in Turkey 29:37 - Liam Rosenior at Chelsea & Thomas Frank at Spurs 31:52 - Steven’s future in management (2026?) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to This Sporting Planet, the world's view of sport! 🌍 The world of sport is evolving at an unprecedented, accelerating pace due to the massive technological effect of smartphones, AI, and the ascent of streaming 🤯 Former ESPN digital and media executive John Kosner joins the podcast for a discussion with Todd around the "State of Sport," analysing the forces reshaping the game for athletes, leagues, and fans 👀 In this episode, you'll hear John Kosner discuss: - Why sport is more popular and important than ever, serving as the only truly unifying, live content in a fragmented media landscape 🤝 - The dramatic growth of player empowerment, where athletes' social media followings often surpass those of their teams and leagues 💪 - The revolution in women's sport, including the "galvanizing" breakthrough of stars like Caitlin Clark 🏀 - The challenge for new tournaments and leagues like LIV Golf and the Six Kings Slam to replicate the context and meaning of traditional major events for fans 🏌️🎾 - The crucial role of broadcasters to protect the integrity of the game and serve as a reliable source of information in the age of media fragmentation 🎙️ 00:00 - Introduction: The Unprecedented Pace of Change in Sport 01:33 - The State of Sport: Why It's Never Mattered More 02:04 - Player Power: Athletes vs. Leagues on Social Media 03:40 - Is Sport Really Recession Proof? 05:04 - The Positives and Negatives of Athlete Power 07:05 - Are New Leagues Like LIV Golf and The Six Kings Slam Prepared? 07:47 - The Importance of Context and the Big Events 09:21 - Broadcaster's Responsibility in a Fragmented Media World 11:40 - The Growth of Women's Sports 12:37 - Caitlin Clark's Unprecedented Draw 14:34 - Shrinking Attention Spans vs. Rising TV Ratings 16:37 - The Future of Broadcast: Multiple Feeds and Influencer Channels 18:23 - Career Bedrocks: John Kosner's Lessons for the Next Generation 19:48 - The #1 Rule for Success: Investing in Relationships Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to This Sporting Planet, the world's view of sport!   Join your hosts Todd Harris (USA), Natalie Sawyer (UK), and Edward Russell (Singapore) as they discuss the growth of player power around the globe and ask a crucial question – is it good or bad for the future of sport?   Billionaire athletes: Cristiano Ronaldo has become the first active footballer to achieve a net worth of $1 billion. How did we get here, and will there be more?   Player empowerment: From players forcing moves away from football clubs to NIL rights, the team explore how athletes in all sports have been taking more control over their own futures. Social media transformation: The team discuss how these platforms have emboldened athletes, giving them a direct platform to air grievances and build their personal brands, bypassing traditional media channels. Plus, have women’s sports embraced social media more effectively than men’s sports to create authentic content that really connects with fans?  Plus, as 2025 draws to a close, Natalie, Todd and Edward reveal their athletes of the year, and their ones to watch in 2026! 00:00 - Introduction 01:26 - The player empowerment phenomenon 03:51 - How women's sport utilises social media to create authentic content 04:25 - The Billionaire Athlete: Are stars like Cristiano Ronaldo too rich? 11:06 - Will there be more Super Leagues? 13:32 - How have shows like 'Drive to Survive' changed sport? 18:02 - Are athletes in danger of burn out? 21:05 - Interview with the Former ESPN Executive John Kosner 27:32 - Athlete of the year! 31:17 - Who is 2025's Rising Star? 35:34 - What will have the biggest legacy from 2025? 37:56 - See you next time! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to This Sporting Planet, your definitive source for 'The World's View of Sport'. 🌍🎙️ In this episode, our hosts Natalie Sawyer (UK), Edward Russell (Singapore), and Todd Harris (USA) celebrate England's Rugby World Cup victory and dive into the growing global phenomenon of women's sport. We are joined by exclusive guest and World Cup winner Abbie Ward to go inside the victorious Red Roses' camp and discuss the key to their team culture. Rugby World Cup Champions: We celebrate the Red Roses' victory over Canada at a sold-out Twickenham. World Cup winner Abbie Ward shares the secret to the team's close bond and why supporting mothers in sport is vital. The Growth of Women's Sport: A discussion on the acceleration of women's sport globally, particularly the success seen in Europe (England's Euro and Rugby World Cup wins) and the USA (WNBA, new leagues). Legacy Building: We explore the challenges of sustaining growth in domestic leagues and highlight the positive impact female athletes are having as role models for the next generation. Behind the Scenes: Abbie Ward discusses the non-traditional support within the England rugby squad, such as teammates watching her daughter during training, and the importance of maternity and working parent policies. 00:00 - Intro & Global Sporting Highlights  01:24 - Todd reflects on the Ryder Cup and MLB Playoffs  02:42 - Edward reviews the F1 Singapore Grand Prix  03:44 - Natalie celebrates England's World Cup qualification and Hull FC's treble  06:05 - The Women's Sport Phenomenon: A Unique Period of Growth  09:18 - Abby Ward on winning the Rugby World Cup  14:24 - Juggling motherhood and professional rugby  21:15 - Being a role model and legacy building 25:31 - Reflections on the World Cup Win  27:18 - Canada's Crowdfunding Story  28:51 - Investment and Growth in US Women's Sport  31:51 - Women in Sport in Asia  32:46 - Coming up next time! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Natalie Sawyer is joined by Red Roses star Abbie Ward to reflect on the team's phenomenal World Cup victory and the absolute whirlwind of the past few weeks. Abbie shares an inside look at the championship celebrations and the deep bond that defines this history-making squad, and how she juggles being a professional rugby player and a mother! 🏆 The World Cup Final Experience: Abbie describes the final day as "spectacular," from stepping off the bus to an electric atmosphere at Twickenham to the game itself, which she "loved every minute of". ❤️ Team Bond and Culture: She details how the Red Roses deliberately fostered a close-knit group by focusing on "little moments," sharing personal stories, and celebrating individuals, a strategy she believes was a "point of difference". 🧠 Handling Pressure and Past Defeats: She discusses how the team is accustomed to pressure and how losing the last two World Cup finals spurred on the players with "extra hunger". She notes a change in perspective, allowing her to now look back on those losses with pride and appreciation for the growth of the women's game. 👧 Motherhood and Sport: Abbie speaks openly about the balancing act of being a professional player and a mother, highlighting the team's incredible support, including team-mates Amy Cokayne and Alex Matthews who looked after Hallie during the Samoa match! 🎉 The Legacy of the Win: Abbie stresses the team’s goal was not just to win, but to "create a legacy" by maintaining the momentum, growing the game, and paving the way for the next generation. 🏉 Growth of the Women’s Game: She advocates for more investment and teams to go professional, citing Canada's journey to the final as an "unbelievable story" for a non-fully professional side. 💪 The PWR's Role: Abbie praises the Premiership Women's Rugby (PWR) as an "amazing showcase" of competitive, local rugby featuring the best international players and encourages fans to attend their local games. 00:00 - Interview Start & World Cup Win Reflection 01:52 - The Post-World Cup Celebrations (Including Ibiza!) 03:00 - How the Red Roses Team Bond is Built 03:56 - John Mitchell’s Pivotal Role in Team Culture 04:53 - Dealing with Pressure as Tournament Favourites 06:40 - Using Past World Cup Final Losses as Motivation 08:30 - The Challenges of Being a Mother and a Rugby Player 09:40 - "Hallie is part of the team" – The Ultimate Squad Support from Abbie's daughter 12:18 - Trusting Individuals and the Importance of Mental Health 13:55 - Going behind early in the final: What Was Said on the Pitch 15:07 - Canada’s Inspiring journey and the need for investment 17:07 - Being a Role Model and Growing Women's Rugby 19:49 - The Goal: Winning the World Cup & Creating a Legacy 21:10 - Encouraging Fans to Support Premiership Women's Rugby (PWR) 23:06 - Thoughts on the proposed R360 League 25:46 - How Inspired Young Girls Can Get Into Rugby Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to This Sporting Planet, the world's view of sport! In this episode, Natalie Sawyer (UK) chats with former Ryder Cup winner as both a player and vice-captain Nicolas Colsaerts (Belgium) about his career and his role in the legendary Miracle of Medinah in 2012! They also chat about the upcoming Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black. They discuss: The honour of playing in the Ryder Cup: Colsaerts describes it as the biggest honour a golfer can have, a feeling nurtured by watching legends like Seve Ballesteros, Nick Faldo, and Ian Woosnam. His first experience with the event was the "war on the shore" at Kiawah in 1991, which was an "electrifying" introduction. Getting the call-up: Colsaerts talks about the moment he was selected as a captain's pick by Jose Maria Olazabal. He had a good feeling about it after playing well and winning the Volvo World Match Play in 2012. He describes the meeting with Olazabal as a scene "like the Godfather". The rookie experience: As the first Belgian to play in the Ryder Cup, Colsaerts felt welcomed by the team. He credits his ease of blending in to his amateur days where he spent time with golfers from the British Isles. Team vs. Individual Sport: Colsaerts explains that he was comfortable in a team environment because he played a lot of team sports like field hockey when he was young. He likes that it is not just about the individual, but about putting others in the best position to serve the purpose. The Miracle of Medinah: Colsaerts reflects on the 2012 Ryder Cup where Team Europe came back from a 10-6 deficit going into the final day. He describes the mood in the team camp on Saturday night as changing from anger to a glimmer of hope after key matches went their way. His performance with Lee Westwood: Colsaerts discusses his four-ball match with Lee Westwood, where Westwood said it was "basically the Nicholas Colsaerts show". Colsaerts is proud that he was able to make such an impact as a rookie and contribute a point for his idol. Predictions for 2025: Colsaerts is confident Team Europe can emulate his winning side of 2012 and win on away soil! 00:00 - Intro: Welcome to Sporting Planet 01:15 - Why the Ryder Cup is so special 06:30 - A Call from Olazabal: Getting the Pick 09:12 - A Rookie in the Team Room 11:47 - Team vs. Individual: The Mindset of a Golfer 13:30 - The Miracle of Medinah: Saturday Night 17:48 - The Westwood Four-Ball 24:50 - The Ryder Cup's Unique Rhythm 27:50 - On Longevity in Golf Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to This Sporting Planet, your definitive source for 'The World's View of Sport'. 🌍🎙️ In this episode, our hosts Todd Harris (USA) and Natalie Sawyer (UK) preview one of the biggest and most unique rivalries in sport: the Ryder Cup! We're joined by two exclusive guests: Nicolas Colsaerts, a member of the 2012 "Miracle of Medinah" team, and US-based golf broadcaster Carl Paulson, to get a complete view from both sides of the Atlantic. Here is a breakdown of the main topics: The Ryder Cup Preview: A discussion on the highly anticipated match-up between Team USA and Team Europe, the notoriously difficult course at Bethpage Black, and the unique, often hostile, atmosphere of the New York crowd. Team Europe's Perspective: Nicolas Colsaerts shares his memories of the "Miracle of Medinah," the intense pressure of the tournament, and his thoughts on how the continuity of the European team could lead to victory. Team USA's Perspective: Carl Paulson provides an insider's view on the American team's strengths, the captain's strategy, and how the dominance of US golfers in the majors could translate to team success. Behind the Ryder Cup: The hosts and guests discuss the mental transition from individual to team play, the role of technology like virtual reality headsets, and the data used to create winning pairings. 00:00 - Intro & What's Coming Up 01:58 - Global Sports Round-up  03:59 - Medinah Memories with Nicolas Colsaerts  13:46 - What Team USA can expect at Bethpage Black with Carl Paulson  29:00 - Team USA's Strengths & Weaknesses 34:36 - How Ryder Cup Pairings are Chosen 37:17 - Final Predictions & A Look Ahead Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to This Sporting Planet, your definitive source for 'The World's View of Sport'. 🌍🎙️ In this episode, our hosts Todd Harris (USA) and Kate Allman (Australia) are joined by NFL broadcaster and author Anthony Wootton to dive into the start of the new NFL season. They review Week 1's thrilling action, debate Canada's NFL conundrum, and reflect on the latest chapter of the Alcaraz-Sinner rivalry. Here is a breakdown of the main topics: NFL Season Preview: An in-depth look at Week 1 action, highlighting impressive teams (Chargers, Bills) and player performances (Josh Allen, Aaron Rodgers). Canada's NFL Conundrum: A discussion on why Canada, a sports-mad nation, has no NFL team. Our hosts debate whether the competition from the CFL and NHL is a factor and if the NFL's international expansion will change this. College Football & The NIL Debate: A point on the debate about how money from Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals is changing college football and player loyalty. US Open Review: A quick recap of the last Grand Slam of the year, celebrating Carlos Alcaraz's victory over Jannik Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka's triumph. Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro & What's Coming Up 01:32 - US Open Reflection as Alcaraz & Sinner Play Epic AGAIN 07:03 - Josh Allen Heroics & Aaron Rodgers' Class: NFL Week 1 Review 19:53 - The NFL's International Expansion Strategy 25:13 - Why Does Canada Have No NFL Team 31:25 - The NIL Debate in College Football 40:00 - Predictions for the Season! 49:05 - What is Coming Up Next Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to This Sporting Planet, your definitive source for 'The World's View of Sport'. 🌍🎙️ The football summer transfer window has slammed shut after a record-breaking period of spending. In this episode, our hosts Natalie Sawyer (UK), Edward Russell (Singapore), and our newest addition, Carol Tshabalala (South Africa), get an expert take from European football analyst Kevin Hatchard. They dive into the biggest transfers, the new Champions League format, and whether a shift in player power is changing the game. Here is a breakdown of the main topics: Record-Breaking Transfers: A discussion on the Premier League's record-shattering £3 billion spend. We hear from Alexander Isak on his British-record move to Liverpool and analyse the knock-on effects for other clubs. Player Power: A debate on the shift in power towards players in the transfer market, the role of social media, and what the future holds for player contracts. Champions League Draw: We break down the new, complicated Champions League draw and analyse the prospects for teams from across Europe, including PSG, Arsenal, and Tottenham. Transfer Gems & Predictions: The hosts and Kevin Hatchard name their "hidden gems" of the transfer window and give their predictions for who will be crowned Champions League winners. Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro & What's Coming Up 01:46 - Welcome to a new host: Carol Tshabalala! 04:12 - Reviewing the £3 Billion Transfer Window 09:45 - The Bundesliga's Strategy of Developing and Selling Players 13:15 - The Widening Gap Between the Premier League and Other European Leagues 20:22 - The Alexander Isak Saga & Player Power 30:08 - Manchester United's Goalkeeper Situation 36:06 - Arsenal and Chelsea's Transfer Strategy 42:54 - The Best Hidden Gem Signings 45:19 - Champions League Draw Analysis 51:59 - Champions League Predictions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to This Sporting Planet, your definitive source for 'The World's View on Sport'. 🌍🎙️ In this second and final part of our "Best Bits" series, our hosts Edward Russell (Singapore), Natalie Sawyer (UK), and Todd Harris (USA) look back on some of the most memorable conversations from the last few months. This episode features highlights on: Mental Health in Elite Sport: A powerful look into the mental health struggles of professional athletes, with clips from our chats with golfer Chris Wood and tennis star Madison Keys on the importance of therapy. World Cup Previews: We revisit our conversations on the upcoming Cricket and Rugby World Cups. This segment features insights from Indian cricket journalist Annesha Ghosh and former England rugby star Rachel Burford on the home nations' title chances. The Transfer Window Uncovered: An exclusive look behind the scenes of a football transfer window, featuring expert Kevin Hatchard. We reveal the drama, negotiations, and even the infamous story of a multi-million pound deal scuppered by a fax machine. Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction 01:16 - Golfer Chris Wood discusses his mental health battles 08:07 - Madison Keys says therapy helped her win the Australian Open 09:54 - Indian journalist Annesha Ghosh previews the Cricket World Cup 17:03 - World Cup winner Rachael Burford previews the Rugby World Cup 20:26 - Transfer window secrets with football expert Kevin Hatchard 28:39 - Coming up next time! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to This Sporting Planet, your definitive source for 'The World's View of Sport'. 🌍🎙️ Join your hosts Natalie Sawyer (UK), Edward Russell (Singapore), and Todd Harris (USA) as they look back at some of the best conversations from the last few months in this first of a two-part "Best Bits" series. They revisit some of the biggest stories in the world, including: Tennis's New Era: With the US Open on the horizon, we look back on a chat about the "modern classic" rivalry between Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz. We hear from Novak Djokovic, who called Alcaraz "not normal", and discuss how these two players are defining a new era of tennis. Football Glory: We analyse Arsenal's first European trophy win in 18 years, a "defensive masterclass" against Barcelona. This segment features an exclusive clip from our chat with Lianne Sanderson, a member of the 2007 winning team. F1 Driver Chaos: We revisit the "driver chaos" at Red Bull Racing with former F1 driver Karun Chandhok, who critiques the team's "brutal" mid-season changes that saw a driver lose his seat after just two races. We also feature a clip from our exclusive chat with Williams driver Alex Albon about his team's future. Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction 01:15 - Novak Djokovic says Carlos Alcaraz is 'not normal' 03:16 - Just how good is the Alcaraz vs. Sinner rivalry? 09:33 - Lianne Sanderson on Arsenal's brilliant Champions League win! 15:58 - Karun Chandhok on the Red Bull driver drama 23:33 - Exclusive interview with Williams driver Alex Albon 29:59 - Coming up next time! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This Sporting Planet brings you 'The World's View on Sport'. In this episode, our hosts Natalie Sawyer (Europe), Edward Russell (Asia), and Todd Harris (USA) preview the US Open. From the next great men's rivalry, the wide-open women's field, to a controversial new Mixed Doubles format, plus why mental health is so important in professional tennis. Lots to discuss and plenty of opinions from across the globe. Here is a breakdown of the main topics. The epic rivalry between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner and the chances of a dramatic third chapter. Whether Novak Djokovic can finally secure his record-breaking 25th Grand Slam. The surprising reasons behind our hosts' opinion on Aryna Sabalenka's season. Journalist Ben Rothenberg joins us to analyse the new Mixed Doubles format that is dividing the tennis world. We hear from former US Open quarter-finalist Patricia Hy on why players like Madison Keys and Ons Jabeur opening up about their mental health is so important. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to This Sporting Planet, your definitive source for 'The World's View of Sport'. 🌍🎙️ In this episode, our hosts Natalie Sawyer (UK), Todd Harris (USA), and Edward Russell (Asia) kick things off by celebrating England's historic Euro 2025 victory. Then, we're joined by Premier League legend Shaka Hislop for the ultimate season preview of the men's game. Here is a breakdown of the main topics: The Lionesses' Historic Win: A look at England's Euro 2025 victory, its inspiring national impact, and the growth of women's football across the globe. Premier League Predictions: Shaka Hislop gives his expert take on Liverpool's massive spending, the title race, and his top four predictions. Arsenal & Man United: We dive into the transfer drama at Arsenal and the "toxic" situation at Manchester United. Player Welfare: We discuss the importance of player welfare in modern football, using Cole Palmer's form as an example. Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro & Euro 2025 Recap 13:28 - Premier League Preview with Shaka Hislop 14:07 - Liverpool's Spending 19:34 - Arsenal's Transfer Drama 41:52 - Top 4 & Relegation Predictions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to This Sporting Planet, your definitive source for 'The World's View of Sport'. 🌍🎙️ In this episode, our hosts Kate Allman (Australia), Natalie Sawyer (UK), and Todd Harris (USA) tee up the AIG Women's Open at Royal Porthcawl! We also get an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at the tournament from LPGA caddie Harry Ewing. The team celebrates Australia's recent major success, debates outdated amateur money rules, and makes their bold predictions for the year's final major. Here is a breakdown of the main topics: The Amateur Money Debate: We delve into the contentious debate over whether professional-level amateur players, such as Lottie Woad, should be eligible to earn prize money at major tournaments. Asian Dominance: Our hosts discuss the incredible rise and dominance of women's golf, celebrating the surge of talent from Asia and Australia, including Grace Kim's recent win. LPGA Insider: LPGA caddie Harry Ewing provides an exclusive look into what it's like on the ground at a major, sharing what makes the Women's Open tick from a caddie's perspective. Predictions: The hosts and Harry Ewing share their bold predictions for who will conquer the links and lift the trophy in Wales. Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro & Grace Kim's Evian Championship Win 07:22 - The Lottie Woad Amateur Prize Money Debate 16:23 - Why Asian & Australian Talent Dominates 18:17 - LPGA Caddie Harry Ewing on The Open's Elevation 21:38 - Predictions for The AIG Women's Open 2025 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to This Sporting Planet, your definitive source for 'The World's View of Sport'. 🌍🎙️ In this episode, our hosts Natalie Sawyer (UK), Todd Harris (USA), and Kate Allman (Australia) wrap up the Club World Cup and Wimbledon before shifting the spotlight to the highly anticipated Women's Rugby World Cup. We're also thrilled to be joined by Australian rugby star Piper Duck to get an exclusive perspective from inside her team's camp. Here is a breakdown of the main topics: Wimbledon & Club World Cup: We dive into the dramatic men's and women's finals at Wimbledon and debate the controversy around robotic line judges. We also wrap up Chelsea's comprehensive victory over PSG in the Club World Cup final. Women's Rugby World Cup: The team previews the tournament in England, discussing the Red Roses as favorites and the immense global growth of the women's game. Exclusive Interview with Piper Duck: Australian rugby sensation Piper Duck shares her insights on the Wallaroos' preparations and the challenges of being a non-professional team competing against fully professional sides. Influence in Sport: We look at the massive impact of US rugby star Ilona Maher on and off the field and how she's challenging perceptions with her positive messaging. Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction & Weekend Sports Highlights 02:19 - FIFA Club World Cup Final 07:08 - Wimbledon Wrap-up 19:12 - Women’s Rugby World Cup Preview 26:51 - Interview with Piper Duck Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to This Sporting Planet, your definitive source for 'The World's View of Sport'. 🌍🎙️ In this episode, our hosts Natalie Sawyer (UK), Todd Harris (USA), and Edward Russell (Singapore) preview Men's golf's oldest major, The Open at Royal Portrush! We also sit down for a profoundly honest interview with golfer Chris Wood about his battles with mental health and the unique pressures of elite-level golf. Here is a breakdown of the main topics: The Open Preview: Our hosts make their predictions for who will win the Claret Jug at Royal Portrush. They discuss favourites like Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler and whether a home player can win at golf's oldest major. Mental Health in Golf: Chris Wood, a former Ryder Cup star and a tie-for-third finisher at The Open, opens up about his burnout, losing passion for the game, and his journey to finding a better place. Individual vs. Team Sport: We explore the differences between individual and team sports, and how the pressure and isolation of being an elite individual athlete can affect mental health. Course Insights: We get a first-hand account from Chris about what makes Royal Portrush such a challenging and special course. Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction 02:06 - The Open 2025 at Royal Portrush 06:08 - Interview with Chris Wood 13:44 - Demystifying Mental Health Struggles 19:31 - Chris Wood's Two-Club Story 22:03 - The Importance of The Open in America 24:09 - Coming up next time! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to This Sporting Planet, your definitive source for 'The World's View of Sport'. 🌍🎙️ In this electrifying episode, our hosts Natalie Sawyer (UK), Todd Harris (USA), and Edward Russell (Singapore) crisscross the globe to cover the biggest stories. We celebrate the OKC Thunder's first-ever championship, discuss the future of the WNBA, and preview the World Aquatics Championships in Singapore! We're also joined by sports reporter Hannah Hoover and NBA expert Dave DuFour for exclusive insights and analysis. Here is a breakdown of the main topics: NBA Champions: We celebrate the Oklahoma City Thunder's historic first title and analyze Finals MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's sensational season. Our hosts debate whether this marks the beginning of an OKC dynasty. The Future of Basketball: A look at the breaking news of the WNBA expansion to 18 teams and the global growth of women's sports. We also discuss the "Achilles injury epidemic" sweeping the NBA. World Aquatics Championships: Our hosts preview the championships coming to Singapore, highlighting the excitement for the host country and global stars like Katie Ledecky and Leon Marchand. NBA Draft & Free Agency: An expert's take on the NBA Draft, including the strategy of "stockpiling picks," and what to watch for in the busy free agency period. Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro & OKC's Championship Win 02:49 - OKC's Championship Celebrations 05:12 - SGA's MVP Season 11:46 - Tyrese Haliburton's Injury & The NBA's Injury Epidemic 19:36 - Interview with NBA Expert Dave DuFour 31:00 - WNBA Expansion News 33:01 - World Aquatics Championships Preview 37:10 - Coming up next time! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to This Sporting Planet, your definitive source for 'The World's View of Sport'. 🌍🎙️ In this episode, our hosts Natalie Sawyer (UK), Suhail Chandhok (India), and Kate Allman (Australia) preview the Wimbledon Championships! We celebrate the new era of men's tennis, discuss the unpredictable women's draw, and are joined by wheelchair tennis champion Diede de Groot. The team dives deep into the major headlines and stories you need to know from the All England Club. Here is a breakdown of the main topics: The New Rivalry: We analyse the epic Roland Garros final between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner and what their rivalry could mean for the future of men's tennis. Wimbledon Predictions: Our hosts make their bold predictions for the men's and women's singles titles, with a look at the chances for home favourites and a returning Novak Djokovic. Sabalenka's Mental Game: A debate on Aryna Sabalenka's surprising performance at the French Open and whether her mental strength is a chink in her armour. Wheelchair Tennis: We hear from 42-time major champion Diede de Groot about the physical demands of playing at Wimbledon and the growth of wheelchair tennis in the Netherlands. Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro & The Alcaraz-Sinner Rivalry 07:29 - Novak Djokovic on Carlos Alcaraz 12:33 - Coco Gauff's French Open Win 14:27 - Is Aryna Sabalenka Lacking Mental Strength? 18:22 - Wimbledon Singles Predictions 29:36 - Interview with Diede de Groot 37:11 - The Open Women's Draw 41:43 - Coming up next time! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to This Sporting Planet, your definitive source for 'The World's View of Sport'. 🌍🎙️ In this special bonus episode, host Suhail Chandhok (India) sits down with cricketing royalty Sir Andrew Strauss (UK) for a wide-ranging discussion on the game. They preview the highly anticipated India vs. England Test series and discuss the future of the sport as a whole. Here is a breakdown of the main topics: India vs. England Preview: Strauss gives his thoughts and predictions for the upcoming Test series, analysing India's formidable pace attack and how it will challenge England's batters. The "Bazball" Approach: The former England captain weighs in on the aggressive "Bazball" strategy and whether it can succeed against a world-class Indian side, especially now that England is No. 1 in the world. Franchise Cricket's Impact: A discussion on the rise of leagues like the IPL and The Hundred, and the challenge for administrators to balance international and franchise cricket without "flogging the players." Strauss's New Venture: Sir Andrew Strauss talks about his passion for the rapidly growing sport of padel, his new investment venture, and his thoughts on how to better serve sports fans. Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction & Welcome 02:01 - India vs. England Series Preview 07:16 - The "Bazball" Strategy 09:39 - Planning for the Future after Key Retirements 12:10 - The Rise of Franchise Cricket 16:10 - Sir Andrew Strauss's Padel Venture 22:33 - Rapid Fire with Sir Andrew Strauss Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to This Sporting Planet, your definitive source for 'The World's View of Sport'. 🌍🎙️ In this episode, our hosts Natalie Sawyer (UK), Kate Allman (Australia), and Suhail Chandhok (India) dive into rugby's biggest debates. Wallaby legend Ben Alexander joins us to preview the British & Irish Lions tour of Australia and discuss the future of the sport as a whole. Here is a breakdown of the main topics: Lions Tour Preview: We hear from Wallaby great Ben Alexander about the tour's immense importance for Australian rugby. The team debates whether the Wallabies can overcome the favoured Lions and what a clash of styles means for the series. The R360 Debate: A discussion on the proposed breakaway rugby league. Is this the innovation the sport needs to survive, or a flawed and delusional concept? Rugby's Global Growth: Our hosts discuss the development of rugby in emerging markets, with Suhail providing an exclusive look at India's new Rugby Premier League. Beyond the Rugby: The hosts also find time to celebrate Suhail's surprising table tennis championship win and Natalie’s genuine sadness over Thomas Frank’s departure from Brentford. Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction & Weekend Highlights 03:15 - Suhail's Table Tennis Championship 05:51 - The Thomas Frank & Ange Postecoglou Drama 11:31 - British & Irish Lions Tour Preview with Ben Alexander 27:57 - The Growth of Rugby in India 32:00 - The R360 Breakaway League Debate 41:38 - Coming up next time! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to This Sporting Planet, your definitive source for 'The World's View of Sport'. 🌍🎙️ In this episode, our hosts Natalie Sawyer (UK), Edward Russell (Singapore), and Todd Harris (USA) dive into the biggest stories from the football season. We celebrate the men's and women's Champions League winners and preview the new, expanded FIFA Club World Cup. We also mark a significant milestone: joining our community of over 100,000 YouTube subscribers! We're joined by Champions League winner Lianne Sanderson and The Athletic's Felipe Cardenas for exclusive insights. Here is a breakdown of the main topics: Champions League Finals: A recap of PSG's record-breaking win over Inter and Arsenal Women's "shock victory" over Barcelona. We analyse the tactical masterclasses and what they mean for the future of both clubs. The Club World Cup Preview: A look at the new $1 billion tournament in the USA. We gain a global view of the competition's format and debate whether a new transfer window will lead to "hired guns" and squad manipulation. Football's Biggest Debates: We cover the ongoing debate about Cristiano Ronaldo's "failure" in Saudi Arabia, Manchester United's "embarrassing" post-season tour, and the dramatic title collapse of Ajax. Behind the Scenes: Natalie shares a story about a surprise cuddle with Jurgen Klopp, and Edward provides a sneak peek into his chat with F1 driver Alex Albon. Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro & Community Milestone 06:19 - Men's Champions League Final: PSG's Victory 18:06 - Women's Champions League Final: Arsenal's Triumph 29:17 - The Ronaldo Debate 30:31 - Manchester United's "Embarrassing" Post-Season Tour 34:59 - Ajax's Eredivisie Collapse 37:44 - FIFA Club World Cup Preview 50:53 - The Club World Cup Transfer Window Debate 57:46 - Club World Cup Predictions Watch this podcast on YouTube 📲 https://youtu.be/7gqY-hcDHRw Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to This Sporting Planet, your definitive source for 'The World's View of Sport'. 🌍🎙️ In this episode, our hosts Natalie Sawyer (UK), Edward Russell (Singapore), Todd Harris (USA), and Suhail Chandhok (India) dive into the biggest stories from the tennis world. We preview the European Grand Slams and get an exclusive take from tennis legend Mark Woodforde. The team also analyzes the viral quote from Novak Djokovic about Carlos Alcaraz and debates the future of the sport's biggest names. Here is a breakdown of the main topics: A Global Sports Round-up: A look at major headlines from outside tennis, including Manny Pacquiao's return to the ring, the NFL schedule release, and the Pro Kabaddi auction in India. The Djokovic-Alcaraz Debate: We analyze the viral quote from Novak Djokovic about Carlos Alcaraz and debate whether the older generation can compete with the new. Wimbledon & Roland Garros Preview: The hosts and Mark Woodforde share their predictions for the men's and women's draws, discussing the Alcaraz-Sinner rivalry and the wide-open women's field. The Player's Perspective: Tennis legend Mark Woodforde, a 12-time Grand Slam doubles champion, shares what it's like to compete at Wimbledon and Roland Garros and offers his unique predictions. The Future of the Sport: A discussion on the future of Novak Djokovic's career and the impact of the new generation on the world of tennis. Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro & What's Coming Up 01:45 - A Global Sports Round-up 09:27 - Attending Wimbledon & Roland Garros 15:00 - A Chat with Tennis Legend Mark Woodforde 24:01 - Roland Garros Predictions 28:12 - Wimbledon Predictions 33:44 - Will Novak Djokovic Ever Win Another Slam? 40:15 - Player's Thoughts on the Grand Slams 44:21 - Coming up next time! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to This Sporting Planet, your definitive source for 'The World's View of Sport'. 🌍🎙️ In this special bonus episode, host Colette Wong (Singapore) sits down with sports journalist, cricket commentator, and producer Annesha Ghosh (India) for an in-depth discussion on the state of women's cricket. They cover the rise of the game in India, the upcoming World Cup, and the role of the Women's Premier League in creating a new generation of players. Here is a breakdown of the main topics: World Cup Hopes: Annesha discusses the pressure on India's team to win their first senior World Cup title on home soil and what a victory would mean for the sport. The WPL's Impact: An insider's take on how the Women's Premier League is fulfilling its promise to create a strong feeder line for the national team, and the debate over its future expansion. Grassroots Development: A look at how women's cricket is inspiring a new generation of female athletes and the growth of academies across India. Media's Role: Annesha shares her thoughts on the media's responsibility in promoting the women's game and how the landscape of sports journalism is changing to support it. Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro & The Rise of Women's Cricket 01:24 - India's 2017 World Cup Run 04:39 - The Women's Premier League & Its Impact 07:22 - Debate on WPL Expansion 13:28 - Grassroots Cricket & Player Pathways 16:48 - The Media's Role in Women's Sport 19:52 - World Cup Anticipation in India Find more This Sporting Planet content over on our YouTube channel, where you can also watch this interview! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to This Sporting Planet, your definitive source for 'The World's View of Sport'. 🌍🎙️ In this women's sport special, our hosts Natalie Sawyer (UK), Kate Allman (Australia), and Colette Wong (Singapore) highlight the most exciting stories from around the world. An all-star lineup of guests joins us to discuss the growth, challenges, and future of female athletes. Hear exclusive interviews with netball legend Caitlin Bassett, Champions League winner Lianne Sanderson, and golf sensation Shannon Tan. Here is a breakdown of the main topics: An Honest Look at Women's Sport: Netball legend Caitlin Bassett discusses her career, her transition to journalism, and the challenge she puts to male sports journalists everywhere. The State of Women's Football: Lianne Sanderson previews the Arsenal vs. Barcelona Champions League final and shares her candid assessment of the strengths and challenges facing women's football globally. We also discuss the worrying trend of ACL injuries in the women's game. A Global View of Women's Golf: Singapore's Shannon Tan discusses her trailblazing success and the broader discussion on why Asia and Australia have become the epicentre of women's golf. Beyond the Highlights: A round-up of other women's sporting news from around the globe, including the NFL, the A-League, and Singapore's hockey team. Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro & What's Coming Up! 01:32 - Welcome to Colette Wong! 03:45 - Global Sports Round-up 13:39 - Former Australia Netball Captain Caitlin Bassett joins us! 28:48 - Former Winner Lianne Sanderson Previews the Champions League Final 38:03 - The State of Women's Football Around the Globe 43:40 - Singapore Golf Sensation Shannon Tan joins us! 49:06 - Why is Women's Golf in Asia so Strong 54:18 - AOB 59:01 - Coming up next time! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to This Sporting Planet, your definitive source for 'The World's View of Sport'. 🌍🎙️ In this episode, our hosts Natalie Sawyer (UK), Todd Harris (USA), and Kate Allman (Australia) are joined by Super Bowl winner Jason Bell to bring you an exclusive insider's preview of the 2025 NFL Draft. The team also takes a quick spin around the globe, covering all the major sporting moments from the past month. Here is a breakdown of the main topics: The NFL Draft Insider's View: Jason Bell gives us a peek into the intense decision-making in the draft's "war rooms." He explains how the draft works and what other sports can learn from its ability to sell "hope" to fans. Top Prospects & Predictions: We break down the most talked-about prospects, including Cam Ward, Travis Hunter, and Shedeur Sanders, and debate who will be the biggest steals and surprises. A Global Sports Round-up: A look at Rory McIlroy's historic Masters win, Liverpool's Premier League title, Melbourne City's undefeated season, and Oscar Piastri's rise to the top of the F1 standings. The Future of Football: A discussion on the ambitious (and maybe "delusional") proposal of an expanded 64-team FIFA World Cup, and a debate on why more Premier League players don't try their hand at the NFL. Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction & Global Sports Round-up 01:00 - Liverpool Closes in on the Premier League Title 03:12 - Rory McIlroy FINALLY wins the Masters 07:54 - Melbourne City Women Complete an Unbeaten Season 09:20 - Oscar Piastri Tops the F1 Standings 13:43 - Americas Sports Round-up & NFL Draft Lottery 17:05 - NFL Draft Preview with Super Bowl Winner Jason Bell! 53:53 - Any Other Business & A Look Ahead Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to This Sporting Planet, your definitive source for 'The World's View of Sport'. 🌍🎙️ In this episode, our hosts Natalie Sawyer (UK), Edward Russell (Singapore), and Todd Harris (USA) bring you the biggest sports stories from their respective regions before diving into the main topics. After the regional round-ups, they cover: Football: A European Wrap-up: A look at Liverpool's Premier League title race and the dramatic promotion and relegation battles. We also honour the legacy of Kevin De Bruyne as he departs Manchester City. Rugby: The Red Roses' Dominance: We hear from World Cup winner Rachel Burford on England's performance in the Women's Six Nations and how their home advantage could lead them to glory. Golf: The Major Season Begins: Solheim Cup winner Lauren Coughlin joins us to discuss her LPGA success, and the hosts share their excitement about The Masters. Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro & Regional Round-ups 11:46 - Football Season Concludes 14:01 - The legacy of Kevin De Bruyne's departure from Man City 29:16 - Women's Six Nations Preview with Rachel Burford 40:36 - Golf Majors Preview with Lauren Coughlin 51:59 - AOB & What's Next! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to This Sporting Planet, your definitive source for 'The World's View of Sport'. 🌍🎙️ In this episode, our hosts are Todd Harris (USA), Edward Russell (Singapore), and new host, Suhail Chandhok (India). They bring you the biggest sports stories from their respective regions and then, after the regional round-ups, they dive into these main topics: F1's Red Bull Chaos: Former F1 driver Karun Chandhok tells us what's going on at Red Bull Racing and critiques their "brutal" decision to drop Liam Lawson after just two races. Cricket: The IPL Behemoth - Suhail and the team dive into the Indian Premier League, debating whether it has become as big as the NFL or NBA, and discuss the teams and players to watch this season. Football: Indonesia's World Cup Dream - We hear from journalist Tio Otomo about Indonesia's quest to qualify for their first World Cup and the debate surrounding naturalising foreign-born players. Baseball: MLB Predictions: Former MLB pitcher Jay Jackson gives his insider's take on the new season and if Shohei Ohtani and the LA Dodgers can repeat their championship. Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro & What's Coming Up 03:04 - Americas Sport Round-up 09:55 - India Sport Round-up 13:04 - IPL vs. The Big Leagues 23:50 - Southeast Asia & Europe Sport Round-up 25:20 - Red Bull F1 Drama with Karun Chandhok 36:47 - Indonesia's World Cup Dream 48:06 - Jay Jackson's MLB Predictions 57:58 - AOB 61:10 - Coming up next time! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to This Sporting Planet, your definitive source for 'The World's View of Sport'. 🌍🎙️ For the first time in 2025, it's race week in Formula 1! In this bonus episode, Natalie Sawyer (UK) sits down with BBC F1 presenter and star of Netflix's Drive To Survive, Jennie Gow, to preview the most highly anticipated season in the sport's 75-year history. They dive into the biggest stories of the year, from Lewis Hamilton's historic move to Ferrari to the close competition at the top. Here is a breakdown of the main topics: The Hamilton-Ferrari Story: An in-depth look at the biggest story in the sport. We discuss Lewis Hamilton's decision, how he will work with teammate Charles Leclerc, and whether he can win a record eighth world title. F1's Rise to Global Popularity: Jennie Gow shares her insights into the sport's massive success under Liberty Media, the impact of Netflix's 'Drive to Survive,' and the F1 75th anniversary launch event. 2025 Season Preview: We examine the intense competition among McLaren, Red Bull, and Ferrari. Jennie also offers her thoughts on the six rookies on the grid and the hopes for Oscar Piastri at his home race in Melbourne. Bold Predictions: Jenny Gow gives her full Drivers' and Constructors' Championship predictions, including a surprising choice for the title. Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro & What's Coming Up 01:11 - The F1 75 Launch & The Impact of Liberty Media 04:28 - How Netflix's 'Drive To Survive' changed the sport 06:01 - The Hamilton-Ferrari Story 11:48 - Hamilton vs. Leclerc: The Team Dynamic 13:28 - Will Max Verstappen be challenged 15:55 - The Six Rookies of the 2025 season 17:24 - Oscar Piastri's home race in Melbourne 19:36 - The 2026 Rule Changes 22:24 - Jenny Gow's Predictions for the 2025 Titles Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to This Sporting Planet, your definitive source for 'The World's View of Sport'. 🌍🎙️ In this bonus episode, host Todd Harris (USA) sits down with sports commentator and "Voice of the Cougars" Greg Wrubell to preview the annual March Madness basketball tournament. They discuss why it's one of the biggest events on the American sporting calendar, the new era of college sports, and the BYU Cougars' chances of a tournament run. Here is a breakdown of the main topics: The March Madness Phenomenon: A discussion on why the tournament is a billion-dollar enterprise, drawing in fans with its "Cinderella stories" and bracket-busting upsets. The NIL Debate: A deep dive into the "seismic shift" in college sports. We discuss how Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) money and the transfer portal are creating a new form of "free agency" and changing the landscape of college athletics. Inside a College Program: As a commentator for the BYU Cougars, Greg gives us his take on the team's chances, their NBA-style offence, and why the 8-9 seed line is considered "cursed" in the tournament. Beyond Basketball: A brief mention of the conversation about Deion Sanders's players and their NFL prospects. Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro & Why March Madness is so popular 01:39 - BYU's Strengths & Tournament Chances 05:55 - The NIL Debate & Transfer Portal 08:48 - Why the NCAA tournament is America's best sporting event 11:31 - How Greg Wrubell Preps for Games 13:45 - Final Four Predictions 18:22 - Deion Sanders' Players and the NFL Draft Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As the F1 circus heads to Melbourne for the start of the 2025 season, Natalie Sawyer, Todd Harris and Edward Russell are joined by F1 presenter, and star of Netflix’s Drive To Survive, Jennie Gow to preview everything we can expect this year. Will Hamilton hit the ground running at Ferrari and secure an 8th world title? And which of the rookies will stamp their mark on the sport?   Basketball fever is about to descend on North America in March Madness. Commentator and ‘Voice of the Cougars’ Greg Wrubell, who knows most things there are to know about college sport, explains why it’s such a big deal, and which players and teams to watch out for during the tournament.   Plus, as LIV Golf heads to Singapore, we chat to former pro and now On Course Analyst Su-Ann Heng about why the league is continuing to draw attention as it enters it’s fourth season. 00:00 Introduction 01:10 Americas sports round-up, including news of Luka Doncic 02:43 Europe sports round-up 06:30 Asia sports round-up as Lydia Ko wins in Singapore 08:08 F1 2025 season preview with Drive to Survive's Jennie Gow 24:42 March Madness preview with commentator Greg Wrubell 37:53 LIV Golf heads to Singapore 47:18 AOB 52:11 Coming up next time Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Natalie Sawyer, Todd Harris and Edward Russell take you on a whistle stop tour around the globe to review February’s sporting stories! As the ICC Champions Trophy continues in Pakistan, broadcaster and former cricketer Suhail Chandhok helps to explain why it means so much to the country to be hosting an ICC event for the first time in nearly three decades, and who we can expect to claim the trophy. Men’s World Number One Jannik Sinner has been banned from tennis for three months, but why? And why has the agreement the Italian reached with the World Anti-Doping Agency caused so much controversy? The Editor In Chief of the world’s oldest tennis magazine Il Tennis Italiano helps to shed some light. Plus, Steve Mayer from the NHL speaks to us about the runaway success of the 4 Nations Face-Off, which saw Canada emerge as champions. We analyse how it came about, and what’s next for the new tournament after huge ratings success. 00:00 Introduction 01:19 Edward Russell returns 05:30 Americas sports round-up 08:23 Asia sports round-up 09:19 Europe sports round-up 14:17 ICC Champions Trophy returns in Pakistan 26:20 Why has Jannik Sinner been banned? 38:41 4 Nations Face-Off success for NHL 49:25 Any Other Business 54:11 Coming up next time! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this bonus episode of This Sporting Planet, hear Natalie Sawyer's full chat with broadcaster and former cricketer Suhail Chandhok on the state of Indian men's cricket. Will the Board of Control of Cricket in India's new guidelines for players actually help to bring the team together? Plus is a 'hero culture' preventing India moving on from legends Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli despite poor form? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

One of the biggest events in the sporting calendar is just around the corner, but who will win Super Bowl LIX?! As the Kansas City Chiefs, led by stars Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce, gear up to face Saquon Barkley’s Philadelphia Eagles, we explore what the impact of the match is around the globe and what to expect in the New Orleans showdown with NFL Hall of Famer Dan Fouts. As skiing royalty Lindsey Vonn returns to the slopes at the Alpine World Ski Championships, we discuss who will be in medal contention in Saalbach, Austria. Plus, all is not well in the Indian men’s cricket camp. Is it down to a superstar culture? Will the new ten-point plan from Indian cricket’s governing body help? Former cricketer and broadcaster Suhail Chandhok explains. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sports fans, this one's for you! We're recapping all the best moments from January across the globe! As the new League Phase of the UEFA Champions League reaches its conclusion, we analyse whether the new format has been a success. Plus, after scraping through into the play-offs, will Manchester City be able to overcome perennial European winners Real Madrid? We hear from City boss Pep Guardiola. The Australian Open crowned a new women’s champion as Madison Keys defeated Aryna Sabalenka, but what was behind the 29-year-old’s first Grand Slam title? And can anyone stop Jannik Sinner on the men’s side? We also hear from home favourite Destanee Aiava on her journey, her mental health challenges and what inspired her to buy vintage dresses, first worn by the likes of Caroline Wozniacki and Maria Sharapova, to play in during the tournament. And Super Bowl 59 will see the Kansas City Chiefs going for a THIRD title in a row. We hear from NFL Hall of Fame inductee Dan Fouts on how they navigated their way through the play-offs, and what we can expect from the big match in New Orleans on 9th February as Travis Kelce, Patrick Mahomes & co aim to make history. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this special edition of This Sporting Planet, hosts Todd, Natalie, and Edward discuss the drama and excitement of January's deadline day.  Join us as we speak with Kevin Hatchard, writer, broadcaster, and European football expert, to uncover the secrets behind the scenes of a transfer window. Discover the key players involved, the intricate steps required to finalise a deal, and the heart-stopping moments that can lead to a multi-million-pound transfer collapsing at the last minute. Natalie recounts some behind-the-scenes dramas in the Sky Sports News newsroom. She shares her experience presenting 18 years of Transfer Deadline Day broadcasts, during which the entire nation was captivated by the events unfolding on their television screens. We’ll ask some thought-provoking questions: Could football benefit from insights derived from other sports, such as the NBA? Should players have more control over their careers and potential transfers? Could a draft system enhance competitiveness across leagues worldwide?  This episode is vital listening for any football fan eager to understand the inner workings of the transfer market. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As 2025 gets under way, what is capturing the sporting headlines across the globe?   First Natalie, Todd and Ed look back on a festive feast of sport as Nottingham Forest continue to surprise many in the Premier League. Plus, just how many world darts titles will Luke Littler win after claiming his first at just 17?   We head to Vietnam and hear from Đức Trường to find out what the celebrations were like as the country claimed their third ASEAN Championship title.   Then it’s a trip to Australia as AO Radio commentator Peter Marcato gives us some inside tips on which tennis stars to watch at the year’s opening Grand Slam. How will home favourite Nick Kyrgios do on his much-anticipated return?   Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy have launched a brand new golf league, TGL, which is being played indoors with a huge simulator screen! We speak to Claire Rogers who was inside the stadium for the opening night of action to find out what it’s all about.   Plus, as the January transfer window opens, which clubs will be most active in the market? Will the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Marcus Rashford and Keira Walsh all be on the move by the end of the month? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kick off 2025 with our guide to the year's most significant and exciting sporting events.    We'll preview the upcoming Australian Open, where all eyes will be on Djokovic's surprising new coaching partnership with Andy Murray. Can this legendary couple conquer Melbourne? Meanwhile, the NFL season builds to its spectacular conclusion with the Playoffs and Super Bowl.   There is an Ashes series in Australia to look forward to, a Ryder Cup, the Women's Euros, the Women's Rugby World Cup, the African Cup of Nations, and a new tournament - the FIFA Club World Cup. Plus, Singapore will host the World Aquatics Championships, where a new swimming complex will be built.   Then we will cover the globe, from golf to tennis to domestic and regional football, massive horse racing festivals, F1 and MotoGP, the NBA, WNBA, MLB and NFL, Rugby Union and League, the AFL, and lots more.   Prepare for a year of nonstop action, drama, and unforgettable moments! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We begin by reacting to the rematch between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk - who came out on top in Riyadh? Then, we review the excitement of the MLB World Series, examining Shohei Ohtani's first season at the LA Dodgers and the growing global interest in baseball with Japanese journalist Tomoya Shimura. We head Down Under to relive all the major sporting events in Australia and New Zealand: the Grand Finals, the iconic Melbourne Cup, and intense cricket battles. Plus, as Caitlin Clark bursts onto the scene in the WNBA, some sports stars were coming to the end of their careers and we finish with our tribute to those who decided to hang up their competitive clothes in 2024: Rafa Nadal, Andy Murray, and a few more... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This episode we rewind to a summer of unforgettable sporting drama!  We relive the magic of the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris. Gold medallist Gabby Thomas reflects on the opening ceremony, her performance, and her future. Discover how hosting these monumental events transformed the City of Lights and inspired our hosts.  Then, we jet across the Atlantic to capture the electrifying atmosphere of Copa America, where Messi mania swept through Miami! Plus, Spain's European conquest solidified their position as the dominant force in men's and women's football.  Please tune in to hear Olympic gold medallist Gabby Thomas and Paralympic silver medallist Ali Truwit share their experiences from Paris 2024!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Football, Golf, Cricket, and more! Get ready for a deep dive into the heart of European football! There are so many stories, but one stands out: Bayer 04 Leverkusen. We'll discuss their unbeaten domestic season and the legend that is Xabi Alonso. Plus, we will take you on a journey across the football world from the Premier League to the Asian Football Championships and the CONCACAF Finals.  We reflect on an enthralling golf season, with Team USA’s victorious Solheim Cup captain, Stacy Lewis.  Then, it’s a rapid transition to cricket and the drama of the T20 World Cup. We celebrate India's triumph and examine Afghanistan's Cinderella run to the semi-finals with commentator Devender Kumar.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2024 was a sporting year to remember!  In this episode, we'll take you back to the unforgettable sporting moments, starting with the electrifying atmosphere of the NFL Playoffs and the Super Bowl. Were the Kansas City Chiefs always destined for victory, or did the San Francisco 49ers fall victim to the "Swiftmania" phenomenon?  We journey to Africa to witness Ivory Coast's against-all-odds victory in AFCON, which includes the amazing post-match celebrations in Abidjan. And finally, we step into the ring for the long-awaited clash between boxing titans Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Coming soon.... This Sporting Planet, the brand-new show where we bring the world of sport to your doorstep! Anchored by three hosts in different continents around the world, we'll be your passport to the biggest events, the rising stars, and the unforgettable moments that make the world such a sporting paradise. Join our global community on our website, YouTube, and social media as we celebrate the passion, the drama, and the unifying power of sport. Get ready to experience the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat, all with expert analysis and a truly global perspective Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices