
Science for Sport Podcast
Discover the Secrets Behind Elite Performance.
Join us on the Science for Sport Podcast, where every episode dives into the cutting-edge world of sports science and the untold stories behind the best athletes and teams on the planet.
Hosted by Richard Graves, we bring you exclusive insights from elite athletes, world-class coaches, and leading sports scientists who are shaping the future of global sport.
This isn’t just another sports podcast—this is your backstage pass to:
- The science powering record-breaking performances.
- The trends, challenges, and breakthroughs redefining the game.
- Mastering the balance of art and science in coaching.
Whether you’re a sports scientist, coach, physio, nutritionist, teacher, or just a passionate sports fan, this is your chance to learn from the pros and stay ahead of the curve.
Tune in every Monday and uncover what it takes to make the best, better.
Latest episodes

Sep 16, 2024 • 19min
233: Swim Faster Than Ever With Elite-Level Strength
In episode 233 Michel Verkade, S&C Coach at TeamNL, joins us.
Specifically Michel will be looking at:
Importance of strength in swimming
Importance of core training
What S&C can add when athletes are strong enough
About Michel
"Michel Verkade is an S&C coach for the Dutch Women’s Waterpolo and Para-Swimming teams. A former teacher in physical education with a small career in Waterpolo, he also has experience in volleyball, motorsports (MXgp, Moto2, WSBK and Formula 2). However, he is specialised in water based sports."
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michel-verkade-35335234/
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Learn Quicker & More Effectively, Freeing Up Time To Spend With Friends And Family
Optimise Your Athletes' Recovery
Position Yourself As An Expert To Your Athletes And Naturally Improve Buy-In
Reduce Your Athletes' Injury Ratese
Save 100's Of Dollars A Year That Would Otherwise Be Spent On Books, Courses And More
Improve Your Athletes' Performance
Advance Forward In Your Career, Allowing You To Earn More Money And Work With Elite-Level Athletes
Save Yourself The Stress & Worry Of Constantly Trying To Stay Up-To-Date With Sports Science Research
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Sep 9, 2024 • 26min
232: Eccentric Training: Don't Leave Gains On The Table
In episode 232 Tom Stringwell, Founder of Your Gym Sport Performance, joins us.
Specifically Tom will be looking at:
Types of eccentric training
Physiology underpinnig eccentric training
How and when to use eccentric training
About Tom
"Founder of Your Gym Sport Performance and consultant to teams and athletes throughout the world."
https://ygsp.co.uk/
Instagram: yourgymsportsperformance
Nominate future podcast guests here!
If you want to hear from a particular person on a particular topic, let us know! Hit the link below and we'll see what we can whip up for you.
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Learn Quicker & More Effectively, Freeing Up Time To Spend With Friends And Family
Optimise Your Athletes' Recovery
Position Yourself As An Expert To Your Athletes And Naturally Improve Buy-In
Reduce Your Athletes' Injury Ratese
Save 100's Of Dollars A Year That Would Otherwise Be Spent On Books, Courses And More
Improve Your Athletes' Performance
Advance Forward In Your Career, Allowing You To Earn More Money And Work With Elite-Level Athletes
Save Yourself The Stress & Worry Of Constantly Trying To Stay Up-To-Date With Sports Science Research
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Sep 2, 2024 • 33min
231: Why Sprint Interval Training Is Essential For Conditioning
In episode 231 Andrew Usher, Researcher and Boxing Coach, joins us.
Specifically Andrew will be looking at:
Importance of energy systems
Energy system misconceptions
How to implement sprint interval training
About Andrew
"Andrew Usher, exercise physiologist and teaching fellow fellow at Abertay University. PhD was titled An Exploration of Muscle Oxygen Kinetics in Professional Boxing and based on my work with elite atheltes over the last 10 or so years. I work with a range of athletes from early start career to elite and world level both in boxing and other sporting areas. Our research paper Use of NIRS to explore skeletal muscle oxygenation during different training sessions in professional boxing Is the first to look at the effects of training modalities within professional boxing, and their relevance to outcomes (sparring and competition)."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SXLNtMNRGIc&t=6s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YjORW6pCkV0
https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/scottish-boxing-champs-fine-tuned-26974253
Twitter: andrewusher
Instagram: theandrewusher
Nominate future podcast guests here!
If you want to hear from a particular person on a particular topic, let us know! Hit the link below and we'll see what we can whip up for you.
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Learn Quicker & More Effectively, Freeing Up Time To Spend With Friends And Family
Optimise Your Athletes' Recovery
Position Yourself As An Expert To Your Athletes And Naturally Improve Buy-In
Reduce Your Athletes' Injury Ratese
Save 100's Of Dollars A Year That Would Otherwise Be Spent On Books, Courses And More
Improve Your Athletes' Performance
Advance Forward In Your Career, Allowing You To Earn More Money And Work With Elite-Level Athletes
Save Yourself The Stress & Worry Of Constantly Trying To Stay Up-To-Date With Sports Science Research
🔔 Subscribe to the podcast on your favourite platform
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Aug 26, 2024 • 30min
230: All Those PhDs And Not A Single Smart Person
Daniel Booth, head of performance for Watford FC Women and CEO of The LAB Performance, shares his insights on coaching careers. He challenges the norm of requiring PhDs, advocating instead for practical skills and real-world experience. The discussion focuses on the gap between academic credentials and effective coaching abilities. Booth emphasizes the importance of social intelligence, mentorship, and diverse sports exposure for successful coaching. He also provides resources for developing impactful coaching skills that go beyond traditional education.

Aug 19, 2024 • 21min
229: Judo: How To Prepare For The Paris 2024 Olympics
In episode 229 Emma Reid, TeamGB Judo Athlete, joins us.
Specifically Emma will be looking at:
What life in the Olympic Village is like
How she prepared to Paris
The use of S&C and Sport Science
Lessons she learned from the Experience
About Emma
"My name is Emma Reid and I have recently become an Olympian competing in Judo -78kg category. I studied event management at Coventry University and decided to become a full time athlete in 2017 at the British Judo Centre of Excellence."
Instagram: @emmaclarereid
TikTok: @emmareid43
Nominate future podcast guests here!
If you want to hear from a particular person on a particular topic, let us know! Hit the link below and we'll see what we can whip up for you.
https://www.scienceforsport.com/nominate/
FREE 7d COACH ACADEMY TRIAL
SIGN UP NOW:
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JOIN THE SCIENCE FOR SPORT TEAM:
https://www.scienceforsport.com/join-our-team/
Learn Quicker & More Effectively, Freeing Up Time To Spend With Friends And Family
Optimise Your Athletes' Recovery
Position Yourself As An Expert To Your Athletes And Naturally Improve Buy-In
Reduce Your Athletes' Injury Ratese
Save 100's Of Dollars A Year That Would Otherwise Be Spent On Books, Courses And More
Improve Your Athletes' Performance
Advance Forward In Your Career, Allowing You To Earn More Money And Work With Elite-Level Athletes
Save Yourself The Stress & Worry Of Constantly Trying To Stay Up-To-Date With Sports Science Research
🔔 Subscribe to the podcast on your favourite platform
Apple Podcasts
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Aug 12, 2024 • 29min
228: Muscle Misconceptions: How To Be Big And Flexible
In episode 228 Jon Bell, Lecturer at Leeds Beckett University, joins us.
Specifically Jon will be looking at:
What flexibility & mobility are
Physiology underpinning flexibility & mobility
Misconceptions on muscle & mobility
How to optimise flexibility & mobility
About Jon
"Jon Bell is a lecturer in the therapeutic and rehabilitation sciences department at Leeds Beckett University. He currently works with the British Wrestling, GB Muay Thai and Bare Knuckle Boxing Associations in a Sports medicine and research capacity. His current research involves the measurement of the magnitude and frequency of linear and angular head acceleration in various combat sports and their link to diffuse axonal injury."
Nominate future podcast guests here!
If you want to hear from a particular person on a particular topic, let us know! Hit the link below and we'll see what we can whip up for you.
https://www.scienceforsport.com/nominate/
FREE 7d COACH ACADEMY TRIAL
SIGN UP NOW:
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JOIN THE SCIENCE FOR SPORT TEAM:
https://www.scienceforsport.com/join-our-team/
Learn Quicker & More Effectively, Freeing Up Time To Spend With Friends And Family
Optimise Your Athletes' Recovery
Position Yourself As An Expert To Your Athletes And Naturally Improve Buy-In
Reduce Your Athletes' Injury Ratese
Save 100's Of Dollars A Year That Would Otherwise Be Spent On Books, Courses And More
Improve Your Athletes' Performance
Advance Forward In Your Career, Allowing You To Earn More Money And Work With Elite-Level Athletes
Save Yourself The Stress & Worry Of Constantly Trying To Stay Up-To-Date With Sports Science Research
🔔 Subscribe to the podcast on your favourite platform
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Aug 5, 2024 • 34min
227: Strength Training Is Essential For Youth Development
In episode 227 Mark Helme, Senior Lecturer at Leeds Beckett University, joins us.
Specifically Mark will be looking at:
How strength training varies during adolescence
How to apply strength training at different ages
What a session with him looks like
About Mark
"Mark is a senior lecturer and researcher in Sports Coaching at Leeds Beckett University, specializing in the areas of youth physical development and strength and conditioning. Mark is an accredited strength and conditioning coach, with the United Kingdom Strength and Conditioning Association and has been active coach and educator since 2004. As a parent of two young girls, he has developed a particular interest in developing fitness in younger children."
X: @markhelme1
Insta: markhelme
LinkedIn: Dr Mark Helme (https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-mark-helme-77071363/)
Linktree: linktr.ee/markhelme
Websites
University: Mark Helme | Leeds Beckett University
ResearchGate: (18) Mark Helme (researchgate.net)
Personal: https://markhelmesandc.wordpress.com/
Nominate future podcast guests here!
If you want to hear from a particular person on a particular topic, let us know! Hit the link below and we'll see what we can whip up for you.
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Learn Quicker & More Effectively, Freeing Up Time To Spend With Friends And Family
Optimise Your Athletes' Recovery
Position Yourself As An Expert To Your Athletes And Naturally Improve Buy-In
Reduce Your Athletes' Injury Ratese
Save 100's Of Dollars A Year That Would Otherwise Be Spent On Books, Courses And More
Improve Your Athletes' Performance
Advance Forward In Your Career, Allowing You To Earn More Money And Work With Elite-Level Athletes
Save Yourself The Stress & Worry Of Constantly Trying To Stay Up-To-Date With Sports Science Research
🔔 Subscribe to the podcast on your favourite platform
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Jul 29, 2024 • 21min
226: Implement S&C In Schools For Maximal Athletic Development
In episode 226 Tom Green, Head of Athletic Development at St Peters RC High School, joins us.
Specifically Tom will be looking at:
How PE and S&C differ for schools
Barriers to implementing S&C in schools
How to use S&C to complement PE and improve athletic developement
About Tom Green
"Tom Green is currently the Head of Athletic Development at St Peters RC High School in England. Tom has extensive experience in a range of sports at varied levels. He holds a BSc and MSc in Strength and Conditioning, is a qualified teacher, and sits on the UKSCA board for S&C in Schools."
Nominate future podcast guests here!
If you want to hear from a particular person on a particular topic, let us know! Hit the link below and we'll see what we can whip up for you.
https://www.scienceforsport.com/nominate/
FREE 7d COACH ACADEMY TRIAL
SIGN UP NOW:
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JOIN THE SCIENCE FOR SPORT TEAM:
https://www.scienceforsport.com/join-our-team/
Learn Quicker & More Effectively, Freeing Up Time To Spend With Friends And Family
Optimise Your Athletes' Recovery
Position Yourself As An Expert To Your Athletes And Naturally Improve Buy-In
Reduce Your Athletes' Injury Ratese
Save 100's Of Dollars A Year That Would Otherwise Be Spent On Books, Courses And More
Improve Your Athletes' Performance
Advance Forward In Your Career, Allowing You To Earn More Money And Work With Elite-Level Athletes
Save Yourself The Stress & Worry Of Constantly Trying To Stay Up-To-Date With Sports Science Research
🔔 Subscribe to the podcast on your favourite platform
Apple Podcasts
Google Podcasts
Spotify
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Jul 22, 2024 • 27min
225: Reclaiming The Soul Of Youth Sport
In episode 225 Michael McElhenie and Greg Dunn Founders of Exult Sport, join us.
Specifically they will be looking at:
Importance of youth sport
Developing a positive culture
Maximising the impact of youth sport
About Michael & Greg
Dr. Michael McElhenie is a leading figure in leadership development and organizational change and is renowned as one of the world’s top experts in Emotional Intelligence (EQ). His profound impact across decades spans coaching global executives, world leaders, and elite athletes worldwide. With a robust background in behavioral neuroscience, psychology, embodied practices, and kinesiology, Dr. McElhenie skillfully balances roles as an advisor to executive teams, corporate boards, and sports industry leaders while coaching athletes to enhance their EQ. His influential teaching on organizational evolution, responsive intelligence, and the critical practices for living an emotionally intelligent life have touched millions. A versatile sports enthusiast with a deep-rooted passion for hockey, Dr. McElhenie’s journey was notably shaped by a transformative experience at a Canadian hockey camp in the late '70s. There, he encountered a professional goalie coach who introduced him to pivotal breathwork and focusing techniques, essential for emotional management both on and off the ice. These techniques have become Dr. McElhenie’s cornerstone as he guides others to achieve their utmost potential.
Gregory Dunn is a dynamic fusion of an accomplished athlete, seasoned business executive, and skilled executive leadership coach, dedicated to enhancing human performance through the art of self-mastery. His fervent commitment to personal development drives athletes, business leaders, and teams toward the pinnacle of success. Forged in the competitive fires of AAA, Junior, and Canadian Division 1 hockey in Toronto, Greg intimately understands the rigors of balancing physical prowess with emotional growth. He sharpened his emotional intelligence as an athlete, guided by exceptional coaches and his own exploratory practices. But Greg's journey of self-improvement extends beyond the rink. He broadened his horizons through corporate and entrepreneurship experiences, enriched by leadership training, a professional coaching certification, and a Master's Degree in Organizational Leadership. Greg's approach is a holistic blend of emotional, cognitive, spiritual, and interpersonal growth, creating tailored strategies for success. At the heart of his philosophy lies a simple yet powerful tenet: embracing challenges and cultivating resilience are the cornerstones of ongoing personal development and achieving peak performance.
Link to book:
https://www.exultsports.com/exult-athletics/book/good-sports-reclaiming-the-soul-of-youth-athletics
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/reel/861760689239480
Linked-In:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/exult-athletics/
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/exultsports/
YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@ExultAthletics
Nominate future podcast guests here!
If you want to hear from a particular person on a particular topic, let us know! Hit the link below and we'll see what we can whip up for you.
https://www.scienceforsport.com/nominate/
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Learn Quicker & More Effectively, Freeing Up Time To Spend With Friends And Family
Optimise Your Athletes' Recovery
Position Yourself As An Expert To Your Athletes And Naturally Improve Buy-In
Reduce Your Athletes' Injury Ratese
Save 100's Of Dollars A Year That Would Otherwise Be Spent On Books, Courses And More
Improve Your Athletes' Performance
Advance Forward In Your Career, Allowing You To Earn More Money And Work With Elite-Level Athletes
Save Yourself The Stress & Worry Of Constantly Trying To Stay Up-To-Date With Sports Science Research
🔔 Subscribe to the podcast on your favourite platform
Apple Podcasts
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Jul 15, 2024 • 21min
224: Elite Energy: Nutrition Strategies For Winning
In episode 224, Tom Shaw, Performance Nutritionist, join us.
Specifically Tom will be looking at:
The importance of fueling for match day
Science underpinning fueling
Recovery from matches
Exactly what elite athletes eat to optimise performance
About Tom
"Tom Shaw is a performance nutritionist who most recently worked for Sparta Prague. Before that, he worked with Wakefield Trinity in the Super League and European Tour golfers. He holds an MSc in Sport Nutrition and BSc in Sport & Exercise from Liverpool John Moores University. He works with teams and athletes through his business Shaw Performance Ltd."
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/-tom-shaw?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base_contact_details%3Bb32RTvhjQFCu8ZiewvGNGQ%3D%3D
Papers:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33097528/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35253609/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28919844/
Nominate future podcast guests here!
If you want to hear from a particular person on a particular topic, let us know! Hit the link below and we'll see what we can whip up for you.
https://www.scienceforsport.com/nominate/
FREE 7d COACH ACADEMY TRIAL
SIGN UP NOW:
https://bit.ly/sfsepisode224
JOIN THE SCIENCE FOR SPORT TEAM:
https://www.scienceforsport.com/join-our-team/
Learn Quicker & More Effectively, Freeing Up Time To Spend With Friends And Family
Optimise Your Athletes' Recovery
Position Yourself As An Expert To Your Athletes And Naturally Improve Buy-In
Reduce Your Athletes' Injury Ratese
Save 100's Of Dollars A Year That Would Otherwise Be Spent On Books, Courses And More
Improve Your Athletes' Performance
Advance Forward In Your Career, Allowing You To Earn More Money And Work With Elite-Level Athletes
Save Yourself The Stress & Worry Of Constantly Trying To Stay Up-To-Date With Sports Science Research
🔔 Subscribe to the podcast on your favourite platform
Apple Podcasts
Google Podcasts
Spotify
Stitcher
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