

Inform Performance
Andy McDonald
The Inform Perform Podcast is an industry show focussed on Sports Performance and Sports Medicine. The show interviews thought leaders and professionals that support elite athletes and teams. The aim of the show is to deconstruct the strategies and philosophies the guests utilise in their working environment or area of expertise. Featured guests have worked across the NBA, NFL, MLB, F1, World title Boxing, EPL and more.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 30, 2023 • 56min
Nick Kane - Hamstring Rehab For Field Sports (Head Physiotherapist at Essendon Football Club & Managing Director of the Sports MAP Network)
Episode 121: Dr Andy McDonald chats to Physiotherapist Nick Kane. Nick is the founder & Managing Director of the Sports MAP Network as well as Head Physiotherapist at Essendon Football Club. He is a Sports & Exercise Physiotherapist having completed a Masters in Sports Physiotherapy from La Trobe University. He completed is undergraduate Physiotherapy degree at Notre Dame University in Fremantle. Nick excels in working with sporting injuries and rehabilitation with a particular interest in troublesome hip & groin pain, recurrent hamstring injuries, tendon pain & post surgical rehab.
Topics Discussed
Physical demands of AFL
Structure of performance teams in AFL
Key steps planning a hamstring muscle injury rehab
Progressing return-to-running with hamstring injuries
How to monitor hamstrings post injury
How to problem solve tough cases as a Physio
Where you can find Nick:
Sportsmap
Linkedin
Twitter
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
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HUMAC NORM by CSMI - A solution for measuring and improving human performance in the clinic, athletic training room, and research laboratory. In one machine, you’ll get 22 isolated-joint movement patterns, 4 resistance modes (isokinetic, isotonic, isometric, and passive), and numerous reports to meet the measurement and exercise needs of today’s clinicians and researchers.
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

Jul 19, 2023 • 8min
#Highlight - Putting Evidence-Based-Practise In Perspective with Sue Falsone
Sue Falsone was our guest on episode #7 of the Inform Performance Podcast. Sue is the owner of Structure and Function and since we spoke to her she has become the Director of Movement and Return to Performance at the Houston Texans NFL team. This highlight clip takes an insightful segment from her episode where she discussed how to appraise what evidence-based-practise truly means and how to pragmatically include methods or tools in your practise when there is gaps in the academic literature.
Listen to the full episode here
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
-
HUMAC NORM by CSMI - A solution for measuring and improving human performance in the clinic, athletic training room, and research laboratory. In one machine, you’ll get 22 isolated-joint movement patterns, 4 resistance modes (isokinetic, isotonic, isometric, and passive), and numerous reports to meet the measurement and exercise needs of today’s clinicians and researchers.
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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

Jul 12, 2023 • 48min
Daniel Bodkin - How & Why You Should Use Isokinetic Systems In Rehab (PT, AT & Director of clinical education for CSMi)
Episode 120: Dr Andy McDonald chats to Daniel Bodkin a Physical Therapist and Athletic Trainer. Daniel is an expert on using Isokinetic systems in rehab for testing and training athletes. Daniel is the Director of clinical education for CSMi maker of the Humac NORM Isokinetic System, Owner of ProActive Athletic Performance in Atlanta Georgia and an Associated Faculty Member for enTandem DPT. This episode focusses in its entirety on how to use Isokinetic machines during knee rehab.
Topics Discussed
Key tests on Isokinetic machines
Eccentric & Isometric testing
Testing under fatigue
RFD testing
Motor learning of force-profiling tests
Key Interventions
Removing quadriceps inhibition through ROM
Where you can find Daniel:
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
-
HUMAC NORM by CSMI - A solution for measuring and improving human performance in the clinic, athletic training room, and research laboratory. In one machine, you’ll get 22 isolated-joint movement patterns, 4 resistance modes (isokinetic, isotonic, isometric, and passive), and numerous reports to meet the measurement and exercise needs of today’s clinicians and researchers.
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

Jun 29, 2023 • 8min
#Highlight - How to Effectively Educate & Empower Professional Athletes with Mike Reinold
Mike Reinold was our guest on episode #20 of the Inform Performance Podcast. This highlight clip takes an insightful segment from that episode where he discussed
Educating & empowering athletes
Managing Increasing complexity within our roles
Athletes taking ownership of their data
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
-
HUMAC NORM by CSMI - A solution for measuring and improving human performance in the clinic, athletic training room, and research laboratory. In one machine, you’ll get 22 isolated-joint movement patterns, 4 resistance modes (isokinetic, isotonic, isometric, and passive), and numerous reports to meet the measurement and exercise needs of today’s clinicians and researchers.
-
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

Jun 18, 2023 • 52min
Max Lankheit- Bridging The Gap Between The Front-Office & Performance Dept (Philadelphia Union MLS Head of Performance and Innovation)
Episode 119: Dr Andy McDonald chats to Max Lankheit the Head of Performance and Innovation at Philadelphia Union MLS team. Max is a highly experienced coach and leader and has worked in both coaching and leadership roles at San Jose Earthquakes MLS, Seattle Sounders FC, San Francisco Giants, Mike Boyle Strength & Conditioning, FC Nürnberg, FC St. Pauli von 1910 e.V and Exos. In this episode with Max we discuss his journey from coaching to performance management and how an MBA enabled him to bridge the gap between the front-office and the backroom at teams.
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Topics Discussed
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Why you should work as a private trainer prior before working at a team
Aligning professional development with club needs
Benefits to completing an MBA for performance practitioners
How to align your actions to team values
Strategies for change management
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Where you can find Max
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LinkedIn
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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
----more----
HUMAC NORM by CSMI - A solution for measuring and improving human performance in the clinic, athletic training room, and research laboratory. In one machine, you’ll get 22 isolated-joint movement patterns, 4 resistance modes (isokinetic, isotonic, isometric, and passive), and numerous reports to meet the measurement and exercise needs of today’s clinicians and researchers.
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Keep up to date with everything that is going on with the podcast by following Inform Performance on:
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Instagram
Twitter
Our Website
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Our Team
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Andy McDonald
Ben Ashworth
Alistair McKenzie

Jun 6, 2023 • 44min
Cici Murray - Technical v Physical Qualities in Sprinters (Spellman Performance Coach & More Her Speed Founder)
Episode 118: Dr Andy McDonald chats to Speed Coach Cici Murray. Cici has worked with hundreds of athletes including some of the top NFL, Olympic, and MLB athletes as a speed performance and recovery specialist over the last 3 years. She has recently trained nearly half of the projected NFL Draft 1st-round picks for the combine. Cici currently works at Spellman Performance and also runs a newsletter and resource for female coaches called "More Her Speed".
Topics Discussed
Expectations v reality working as a female coach
Assessing technical & physical qualities in sprinters
Use of technology in speed training
Relationship building with young athletes
Where you can find Cici
Instagram
More Her Speed
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
HUMAC NORM by CSMI - A solution for measuring and improving human performance in the clinic, athletic training room, and research laboratory. In one machine, you’ll get 22 isolated-joint movement patterns, 4 resistance modes (isokinetic, isotonic, isometric, and passive), and numerous reports to meet the measurement and exercise needs of today’s clinicians and researchers.
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

May 20, 2023 • 40min
Keir Wenham-Flatt - Protect Your Coaching Income (Founder of Strength Coach Network)
Episode 117: Dr Andy McDonald chats to Keir Wenham-Flatt. Keir is a highly experienced Strength & Conditioning Coach based in the USA, but has worked in 5 different countries at the highest level of rugby union and rugby league, including 4th place finish at 2015 Rugby World Cup. During his coaching career Keir has worked with 50+ international level athletes including world cup winners and also been an NCAA Div 1 Coordinator of Football Performance. Keir outside of coaching is the Founder of Strength Coach Network and more recently has turned his attention to supporting and educating coaches to protect their income via business development.
Topics Discussed
Differences in performance internationally
The fragility of working in sport
Why you should protect your Income as a coach
How Keir educates coaches to develop a business
*** STRENGTH COACH MONEY MOVES COURSE ***
Where you can find Keir
Instagram
Strength Coach Network
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
HUMAC NORM by CSMI - A solution for measuring and improving human performance in the clinic, athletic training room, and research laboratory. In one machine, you’ll get 22 isolated-joint movement patterns, 4 resistance modes (isokinetic, isotonic, isometric, and passive), and numerous reports to meet the measurement and exercise needs of today’s clinicians and researchers.
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

May 7, 2023 • 31min
Raphael Brandon - Effective Data Strategy in Elite Sport (Head of Performance Science at BreakAway Data)
Episode 116: Dr Andy McDonald and Ben Ashworth chat to Raph Brandon. Raph has enjoyed an extraordinary career with 12 years at the English Institute of Sport as both Director of Performance Solutions and as the Head of Strength & Conditioning during his time there. Raph has also been the Head of Science, Medicine and innovation at the England and Wales Cricket Board. Raph is currently working for Breakaway Data as the Head Of Performance Science in Europe and much of this episode is focussed on his current activity supporting elite teams and athletes with data and technological solutions.
Topics Discussed
What is Breakaway Data
Why should we collect data
Player centred Approach to Data
Creating meaningful performance questions
Identifying Signal v Noise
Where you can find Raph
LinkedIn
Twitter
BreakAway Data
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
HUMAC NORM by CSMI - A solution for measuring and improving human performance in the clinic, athletic training room, and research laboratory. In one machine, you’ll get 22 isolated-joint movement patterns, 4 resistance modes (isokinetic, isotonic, isometric, and passive), and numerous reports to meet the measurement and exercise needs of today’s clinicians and researchers.
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

Apr 27, 2023 • 43min
Dan Howells - Coach Development & Career Periodisation (Founder of Collaborate Sports)
Episode 115: Dr Andy McDonald chats to Dan Howells founder of Collaborate Sports. Dan is a high performance coach, with a career spanning over 15 years of work in elite sport, both in the UK and the USA. Dan is a certified Strength & Conditioning coach with the UKSCA aad NSCA, and has worked with Olympic and Paralympic Programmes, The US and GB Ski Teams, The English Institute of Sport, Wasps Rugby Club, England Rugby 7s, Team GB Rugby 7s (2016 and 2020) and the Houston Astros MLB Club. As well as focusing on creating impact and success within performance sport organisations, Dan is passionate about creating real world learning opportunities for developing coaches and practitioners. Coaching coaches is something he is heavily invested in. If you are looking for personal development, the opportunities provided across the Collaborate Sports platform are unique and will be able to provide development for you in varied and exciting ways.
Topics Discussed
Professional pathway to elite sport
What is Collaborate Sports
Identifying needs and wants in your career
Career periodisation
Where you can find Dan
Instagram
Group mentorship
Collaborate Sports
Twitter
LinkedIn
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
HUMAC NORM by CSMI - A solution for measuring and improving human performance in the clinic, athletic training room, and research laboratory. In one machine, you’ll get 22 isolated-joint movement patterns, 4 resistance modes (isokinetic, isotonic, isometric, and passive), and numerous reports to meet the measurement and exercise needs of today’s clinicians and researchers.
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

Mar 29, 2023 • 57min
Dave Hancock - Art v Science of Using Data to Improve Performance (CEO of Apollo)
Episode 114: Dr Andy McDonald chats to Dave Hancock a Physiotherapist (PT), Strength and Conditioning Coach, Performance Director, Atherapy Clinics Founder and the CEO of Apollo. Dave's career has taken him to be the Head Physiotherapist of Leeds United Football Club, Chelsea Football Club and the Performance Director of the New York Knicks Basketball Team. He has also attended the 2010 Soccer World Cup and the 2012 European Finals. Working for the English Senior Men’s National soccer team for five years. In more recent years Dave's focus has been as the CEO of Apollo, a sport software company.
Topics Discussed
Blind screening an athlete
Current use of data in teams
Does your data impact competitive success
Prioritising meaningful tests and data
Where you can find Dave
LinkedIn
Apollo
Ben Ashworth's - Athletic Shoulder Course
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
HUMAC NORM by CSMI - A solution for measuring and improving human performance in the clinic, athletic training room, and research laboratory. In one machine, you’ll get 22 isolated-joint movement patterns, 4 resistance modes (isokinetic, isotonic, isometric, and passive), and numerous reports to meet the measurement and exercise needs of today’s clinicians and researchers.
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