Inform Performance

Episode 202: In this episode of the Athletic Shoulder Podcast, host Ben Ashworth is joined by Robbie Smyth, a Sports Physiotherapist currently working with the Sport Ireland Institute, where he serves as Lead Physiotherapist for the national swimming program. Robbie has extensive experience across elite sport, having previously worked with Athletics Ireland, the Ireland National Team at the Paris Olympics, and as a Senior Physiotherapist with Meath GAA. His work focuses on bridging the gap between performance and rehabilitation for athletes competing at the highest level. In this conversation, Robbie shares insights from his experience supporting world-class swimmers and discusses the nuanced demands of managing shoulder health in aquatic athletes. Topics Discussed: Challenges in Olympic-level swimming Screening and assessment techniques Injury prevention strategies for swimmers Integrating dry-land and water-based training Managing shoulder pain and hypermobility Kinetic chain and force transfer in swimmers Surgical vs conservative management Future directions in swimmer rehabilitation Where you can find Dr. Enda King: X LinkedIn Instagram Website -  Sponsors VALD Performance, makers of the Nordbord, Forceframe, ForeDecks and HumanTrak. VALD Performance systems are built with the high-performance practitioner in mind, translating traditionally lab-based technologies into engaging, quick, easy-to-use tools for daily testing, monitoring and training Hytro: The world’s leading Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) wearable, designed to accelerate recovery and maximise athletic potential using Hytro BFR for Professional Sport.  -  Where to Find Us Keep up to date with everything that is going on with the podcast by following Inform Performance on: Instagram Twitter Our Website - Our Team Andy McDonald Ben Ashworth Alistair McKenzie Steve Barrett  Pete McKnight  

Episode 201: In this episode of the Sports Performance Leadership Podcast, hosted by Pete McKnight, we are joined by Jeremy Sheppard — an internationally respected performance coach, sport scientist, and leader in athlete development. Jeremy has spent over two decades working at the highest levels of sport, from the Australian Institute of Sport to Canada Snowboard, where he currently serves as Performance Coach within the Slopestyle program. His work integrates movement, mindset, and medicine, creating high-performing environments where athletes thrive. Across his career, Jeremy has held key roles with Surfing Australia, Australian Volleyball, and consulted with organisations including the New York Jets, Newcastle United FC, and Melbourne Storm. Having contributed to athlete success at eight Olympic Games, multiple X Games, and World Championships, his experience spans continents, cultures, and disciplines. In this conversation, Jeremy offers deep reflections on leadership, authenticity, and performance — exploring how character, creativity, and relationships drive sustainable achievement in sport and beyond. Topics Discussed: Background & Career Journey — From athlete to sports scientist/coach, working at Australian Institute of Sport and Canada Snowboard Character as Leadership Foundation — Character drives behaviour and sustainable achievement; contrasting childhood influences shaped this philosophy Anti-Hierarchical Leadership — Dynamic team structures, circular decision-making, “captain in the dressing room” approach, leadership shifts based on context Personal Before Team Leadership — Self-development and authentic identity required before effectively leading others Team Development — Empowering autonomy, creating belonging, working with limited resources through creativity and relationships Redefining Success — Success as behaviours matching values rather than outcomes; process over results focus Where you can find Jeremy: LinkedIn Instagram X -  Sponsors VALD Performance, makers of the Nordbord, Forceframe, ForeDecks and HumanTrak. VALD Performance systems are built with the high-performance practitioner in mind, translating traditionally lab-based technologies into engaging, quick, easy-to-use tools for daily testing, monitoring and training Hytro: The world’s leading Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) wearable, designed to accelerate recovery and maximise athletic potential using Hytro BFR for Professional Sport.  -  Where to Find Us Keep up to date with everything that is going on with the podcast by following Inform Performance on: Instagram Twitter Our Website - Our Team Andy McDonald Ben Ashworth Alistair McKenzie Dylan Carmody Steve Barrett  Pete McKnight

Dr. Enda King, a renowned sports physiotherapist and researcher, discusses critical aspects of athletic hip and groin pain rehabilitation. He shares insights on diagnosing acute versus chronic injuries and the complexities involved in chronic cases. Enda details the importance of functional assessments and establishing rehabilitation targets, emphasizing a holistic approach. He also addresses when to consider surgery versus rehab, highlighting key principles such as load management and motor control. Prepare to learn from a leader in sports rehabilitation.

Jess Elis, an experienced sports physical therapist and founder of Rehab Code, dives into the intricate world of ethics and athlete data. With leadership roles in organizations like EXOS and the NBA, he discusses the importance of communication and consent in data collection. Elis highlights risks of over-relying on data and the varied responses from athletes, categorizing them as adopters, resistors, and optimizers. He emphasizes the human element, advocating for transparent dialogue and written consent to foster trust in professional sports.

Episode 198: In this episode of the Inform Performance Podcast, Andy McDonald is joined by Jeff Riepe, a distinguished expert at the intersection of sports science, rehabilitation, and human performance. Riepe earned his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Southern California, followed by a fellowship in Clinical & Sports Biomechanics at the Movement Performance Institute under the mentorship of Chris Powers. His career spans elite sports medicine roles with the NFL’s Minnesota Vikings and Los Angeles Rams, numerous collegiate athletic programs, and the EXOS NFL Combine Training Program. Specializing in advanced movement analysis, Riepe integrates cutting-edge technologies such as 2D and 3D high-speed motion capture, force plate analysis, and wireless electromyography (EMG) to optimize rehabilitation and performance outcomes. Topics Discussed: MoveLab's Advanced Biomechanics Lab Data-Driven Rehabilitation Strategies Integration of Clinical Research and Normative Data Challenges in Late-Stage Rehabilitation The Role of VO₂ Max - Where you can find Jeff Riepe: LinkedIn Move Lab Instagram X -  Sponsors VALD Performance, makers of the Nordbord, Forceframe, ForeDecks and HumanTrak. VALD Performance systems are built with the high-performance practitioner in mind, translating traditionally lab-based technologies into engaging, quick, easy-to-use tools for daily testing, monitoring and training Hytro: The world’s leading Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) wearable, designed to accelerate recovery and maximise athletic potential using Hytro BFR for Professional Sport.  -  Where to Find Us Keep up to date with everything that is going on with the podcast by following Inform Performance on: Instagram Twitter Our Website - Our Team Andy McDonald Ben Ashworth Alistair McKenzie Dylan Carmody Steve Barrett  Pete McKnight

Episode 197: In this episode of the Sports Performance Leadership Podcast, hosted by Pete McKnight, we are joined by Nick Grantham — a leading authority in athletic preparation and performance enhancement, with over two decades of experience at the highest levels of elite sport. Nick’s career has taken him from professional football to Olympic and Commonwealth Games programs, national governing bodies, and consultancy roles across a wide range of sports. Renowned for his no-nonsense, evidence-informed approach, Nick has helped shape the careers of athletes in football, gymnastics, netball, and beyond. As a published author and sought-after speaker, he is known for challenging conventional thinking and championing sustainable, athlete-centred development. In this conversation, Nick shares candid insights on the evolving landscape of sports performance leadership, exploring what it truly takes to lead effectively in high-pressure, results-driven environments. Topics Discussed: Career Journey — From early S&C roles to consultancy and Premier League experience Olympic & Multi-Sport Work — Coaching insights across gymnastics, netball, and professional football Leadership Development — Lessons from mentors, management courses, and pivotal career moments Leadership Philosophy — Values-based leadership, authenticity, integrity, and influence over hierarchy Metaphors for Leadership — “Batman vs Alfred” and the power of tactical withdrawal Building Trust & Influence — Humility, listening, onboarding quickly, and asking “silly questions” Self-Development & CPD — Audiobooks, TED Talks, 360 feedback, and key reads like Dare to Lead and Radical Candor Team & Talent Development — Reverse mentoring, psychological safety, and avoiding poor leadership promotions Strategic Trends in Sport Leadership — Balancing “superstars” and “rock stars,” short-term vs long-term performance, and learning sideways from F1, business, and healthcare This episode delivers a thought-provoking conversation filled with practical takeaways, leadership lessons, and reflections from one of the most respected voices in the performance community.   Where you can find Nick: LinkedIn Instagram Website -  Sponsors VALD Performance, makers of the Nordbord, Forceframe, ForeDecks and HumanTrak. VALD Performance systems are built with the high-performance practitioner in mind, translating traditionally lab-based technologies into engaging, quick, easy-to-use tools for daily testing, monitoring and training Hytro: The world’s leading Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) wearable, designed to accelerate recovery and maximise athletic potential using Hytro BFR for Professional Sport.  -  Where to Find Us Keep up to date with everything that is going on with the podcast by following Inform Performance on: Instagram Twitter Our Website - Our Team Andy McDonald Ben Ashworth Alistair McKenzie Dylan Carmody Steve Barrett  Pete McKnight

Episode 196: In this episode of the Sports Science Insights Podcast, powered by Inform Performance and hosted by Steve Barrett, we’re joined by Julia Donnelly — Head of Performance at Athletes Focused, where she provides performance services across multiple sports and professional organisations. Julia’s applied work includes supporting the Scottish Women’s National Team age groups, Glasgow City Women, and other elite athletes. She recently completed her PhD exploring the menstrual cycle in football, adding valuable research to an underrepresented but vital area of sports science. Topics Discussed: Julia’s background and applied performance work across sport Her PhD research on menstrual health in female athletes How growing knowledge in this area can shape better athlete support Insights from her recent published papers This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in athlete health, applied performance support, and the integration of research into practice for female athletes.   Where you can find Julia: • LinkedIn • ResearchGate • X Julia’s Papers: 🔗 Menstrual cycle perceptions in professional football 🔗 Menstrual health support in elite women’s sport   Sponsors VALD Performance, makers of the Nordbord, Forceframe, ForeDecks and HumanTrak. VALD Performance systems are built with the high-performance practitioner in mind, translating traditionally lab-based technologies into engaging, quick, easy-to-use tools for daily testing, monitoring and training Hytro: The world’s leading Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) wearable, designed to accelerate recovery and maximise athletic potential using Hytro BFR for Professional Sport.  -  Where to Find Us Keep up to date with everything that is going on with the podcast by following Inform Performance on: Instagram Twitter Our Website - Our Team Andy McDonald Ben Ashworth Alistair McKenzie Dylan Carmody Steve Barrett  Pete McKnight

Episode 195: In this episode of the Inform Performance Podcast, Andy McDonald is joined by Maggie Bryant, a residency-trained Sports Physical Therapist who currently serves as Vice President of Medical for the LA Clippers. Maggie studied Physical Therapy at the University of Minnesota (DPT) before completing her Sports residency training at the University of Southern California. Her career has included positions with the Orlando Magic and Mayo Clinic Sports Medicine, leading to her current leadership role in the NBA. Maggie’s professional interests include optimizing performance-driven rehab, advancing leadership and communication in medical teams, and refining the biomechanical profile of elite athletes. Topics Discussed: Examination of medical assessments in evaluating NBA recruits Analysis of performance metrics and their impact on player selection Integration of health data in recruitment decisions The role of sports science in player evaluation Case studies of successful recruitment strategies in the NBA - Where you can find Maggie: LinkedIn X Instagram -  Sponsors VALD Performance, makers of the Nordbord, Forceframe, ForeDecks and HumanTrak. VALD Performance systems are built with the high-performance practitioner in mind, translating traditionally lab-based technologies into engaging, quick, easy-to-use tools for daily testing, monitoring and training Hytro: The world’s leading Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) wearable, designed to accelerate recovery and maximise athletic potential using Hytro BFR for Professional Sport.  -  Where to Find Us Keep up to date with everything that is going on with the podcast by following Inform Performance on: Instagram Twitter Our Website - Our Team Andy McDonald Ben Ashworth Alistair McKenzie Dylan Carmody Steve Barrett  Pete McKnight

Episode 194: In this episode of the Sports Performance Leadership Podcast, hosted by Pete McKnight, we are joined by Mark Adamoulas — a performance leader whose 20-year career has spanned across sport, education, and the corporate world. Mark’s track record is both diverse and exceptional: he has worked with Manchester United, the FA, Red Bull, and numerous global corporates, supporting C-suite leaders, Premier League managers, Olympic gold medalists, and VC/PE companies. His mixed heritage and multilingual background allow him to connect authentically with people from varied cultures and contexts, bridging high-performance environments across industries and geographies. As co-founder of coachup, Mark leads on coach development, bringing the latest behavioural science into the world of sports coaching. Where traditional coaching development often focuses on skills, drills, and tactics, Mark and his team shine a spotlight on the most critical driver of sustained success: the team environment. Topics Discussed: Mark’s background — Greek heritage, move to the UK, and path into sports psychology Professional experience — Work with Manchester United, the FA, Rugby League, Red Bull, and more CoachUp — Neuroscience-based psychometric tools for team function The Infinity Model — Core pillars for building high-performance environments Practical applications — Lessons from the Crusaders and elite teams worldwide Benefits for leaders — Improving team alignment, collaboration, and performance Barriers — Overcoming skepticism, poor prior assessment experiences, ego and fear of feedback Evidence base — Validation by Oxford and Harvard neuroscientists Leadership ecosystems — Why building systems matters more than hiring experts alone Future trends — Rising pressures on athletes and staff, and the urgent need for better psychological environments Call to action — How leaders can engage with CoachUp in both sport and corporate settings This conversation delivers a rare insight into the science and practice of team performance, blending psychology, neuroscience, and leadership to show how high-performing cultures are built — and sustained — in today’s most demanding environments. - Where you can find Mark: LinkedIn CoachUp Research Gate -  Sponsors VALD Performance, makers of the Nordbord, Forceframe, ForeDecks and HumanTrak. VALD Performance systems are built with the high-performance practitioner in mind, translating traditionally lab-based technologies into engaging, quick, easy-to-use tools for daily testing, monitoring and training Hytro: The world’s leading Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) wearable, designed to accelerate recovery and maximise athletic potential using Hytro BFR for Professional Sport.  -  Where to Find Us Keep up to date with everything that is going on with the podcast by following Inform Performance on: Instagram Twitter Our Website - Our Team Andy McDonald Ben Ashworth Alistair McKenzie Dylan Carmody Steve Barrett  Pete McKnight

Episode 193: In this episode of the Sports Science Insights Podcast, powered by Inform Performance and hosted by Steve Barrett, we’re joined by Dr. Warren Bradley — a performance nutritionist turned entrepreneur, who has spent over a decade working within elite sport. Warren earned his PhD in sports nutrition and spent the early part of his career supporting top-level athletes across multiple sports. In recent years, he has transitioned into the world of innovation and business, co-founding a company that now delivers cutting-edge Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) training solutions to elite teams worldwide. Topics Discussed: The truth behind working as a consultant sports nutritionist across multiple clubs Developing ideas to transition out of full-time sport to business owner Building a business and network that scales beyond your comfort zone This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in performance nutrition, career transitions in sport, and the growing intersection of sports science and entrepreneurship. - Where you can find Warren: •⁠ LinkedIn •⁠ Instagram •⁠ X -  Sponsors VALD Performance, makers of the Nordbord, Forceframe, ForeDecks and HumanTrak. VALD Performance systems are built with the high-performance practitioner in mind, translating traditionally lab-based technologies into engaging, quick, easy-to-use tools for daily testing, monitoring and training Hytro: The world’s leading Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) wearable, designed to accelerate recovery and maximise athletic potential using Hytro BFR for Professional Sport.  -  Where to Find Us Keep up to date with everything that is going on with the podcast by following Inform Performance on: Instagram Twitter Our Website - Our Team Andy McDonald Ben Ashworth Alistair McKenzie Dylan Carmody Steve Barrett  Pete McKnight