Podcasts

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 decision-making and leadership at the highest level. Drawing from Ed’s experience in elite cricket, this conversation offers unique insights into how modern leaders balance data, intuition, and performance in a rapidly evolving sporting world.Intro: 00:00Leadership in Sport: 1:55 Student impact: 15:38 President of the MCC: 25:33 AI in sport: 35:46 Embracing AI: 51:34#LeadershipInSport #EdSmith #EnglandVsIndia #Cricket #AIinSport #ExpertsInSportPodcast #lborograd #lborofamily Follow Loughborough University: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lborouniversity Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lborouniversity/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lborouniversity Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lborouniversity/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/school/loughborough-university/ Website: https://www.lboro.ac.uk/

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 relationship with time—one that helps us break free from the cycle of boredom and mania, boosts our productivity, and brings greater balance to all areas of our lives.Don’t miss this insightful conversation packed with practical tips and science-backed strategies to help you take control of your time.📚 Time Hacks – Available now!Intro: 00:00Overview: 2:34 Time warps: 6:55 The idea of time: 11:40 Practical solutions: 15:54 Why do mousetraps work: 18:32 Mind the gap: 23:16 S is for effort: 27:19 Benefits of solitude: 36:03 Bouncebackability: 45:58 Top 5 hacks: 48:08#ExpertsInSport #TimeHacks #Psychology #Productivity #Wellbeing #MentalHealth #LboroGrad #LboroFamilyFollow Loughborough University: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lborouniversity Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lborouniversity/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lborouniversity Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lborouniversity/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/school/loughborough-university/ Website: https://www.lboro.ac.uk/

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 shocking statistics and explore the reasons why athletes turn to pain relief—sometimes at great personal risk. Using real-world examples from across the sporting world, we examine the pressures, motivations, and implications behind this growing issue.Painkiller use in sport: 2:14 Examples: 6:54 Frequency: 11:54 Classifications: 16:01 Recreational use: 19:14 Why?: 20:44 Capital: 23:41 Problems: 26:58 What needs to change?: 30:25 Youth football: 48:06 Further research: 51:09Listeners of the podcast can subscribe and download the latest episode by visiting iTunes, Spotify, and TuneIn. All subscribers will receive an alert once new episodes are published.  The Experts in Sport podcast is a regular series that brings together experts from across Loughborough University with external thought leaders to discuss the latest research and hot topics in sport and academia with new episodes launched regularly.Follow Loughborough University: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lborouniversity Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lborouniversity/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lborouniversity Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lborouniversity/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/school/loughborough-university/ Website: https://www.lboro.ac.uk/#LboroGrad #LboroFamily #ExpertsinSport

In partnership with the National Evaluation and Learning Partnership, we're supporting Sport England's Place Parnterships to understand how to put together a process learning report.Featuring Dr. Jen Hall (Born in Bradford - JU:MP Local Delivery Pilot), Sarah Wood and Ed Montague (Yorkshire Sport Foundation - Move More Wakefield Place Partnership).

In partnership with the National Evaluation and Learning Partnership, we're supporting Sport England's Place Parnterships to understand how to put together a process learning report.Featuring Dr. Jen Hall (Born in Bradford - JU:MP Local Delivery Pilot), Sarah Wood and Ed Montague (Yorkshire Sport Foundation - Move More Wakefield Place Partnership).

In partnership with the National Evaluation and Learning Partnership, we're supporting Sport England's Place Parnterships to understand how to put together a process learning report.Featuring Dr. Jen Hall (Born in Bradford - JU:MP Local Delivery Pilot), Sarah Wood and Ed Montague (Yorkshire Sport Foundation - Move More Wakefield Place Partnership).Bradford project produces ‘outstanding’ rise in children’s physical activity: https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/may/23/bradford-jump-project-children-exercise-physical-activity

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

Sunnyfields Primary School in Doncaster has been accredited as a Centre of Excellence for Physical Activity by Yorkshire Sport Foundation.The accreditation has been awarded in the category of PE Lessons – one of seven categories linked to the Creating Active Schools framework that was devised in Yorkshire in 2019. This episode discusses their journey to the accreditation and what they have learned along the way.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A Centre of Excellence for Physical Activity and School Sport, we chat to Jon Bedford from Rawmarsh Thorogate School about their success linked to active travel.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sport PR Manager, Dan Trussell, is joined by Professor 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. 

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.

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

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

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

In this episode of the Experts in Sport podcast, host Martin Foster is joined by Donald Barron (Loughborough 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 intelligence, and football penalties.Timestamps:0.00-2.23 - Intro2.24-6.40 - Performance analysis and development6.41-11.07 - Advent of AI11.08-17.36 - Analyst’s job before game17.37-20.30 - Coach comparison between team and their opposition20.31-27.25 - Preparation prior to competition27.26-36.59 - Use of data and metrics in decision-making37.00-53.32 Penalties and analysis of Euros53.33-1.00.12 - Lack of top corner saves1.00.13-1.01.14 - Outro

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

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