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    <fireside:genDate>Sun, 19 Apr 2026 06:23:53 -0500</fireside:genDate>
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    <title>Science for Sport Podcast - Episodes Tagged with “Richard Graves”</title>
    <link>https://scienceforsport.fireside.fm/tags/richard%20graves</link>
    <pubDate>Mon, 06 Apr 2026 06:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    <description>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.
</description>
    <language>en-gb</language>
    <itunes:type>episodic</itunes:type>
    <itunes:subtitle>Behind the Scenes of Elite Performance – Unlocking the Science, Stories, and Strategies That Make the Best Even Better</itunes:subtitle>
    <itunes:author>Science for Sport</itunes:author>
    <itunes:summary>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.
</itunes:summary>
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    <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
    <itunes:keywords>sport, science, sports, sports science, education, coach, coaching, athletes, performance, strength, conditioning, strength &amp; conditioning, S&amp;C, recovery, nutrition, entertainment</itunes:keywords>
    <itunes:owner>
      <itunes:name>Science for Sport</itunes:name>
      <itunes:email>contact@scienceforsport.com</itunes:email>
    </itunes:owner>
<itunes:category text="Education"/>
<itunes:category text="Sports"/>
<itunes:category text="Science"/>
<item>
  <title>314: Player Load, Practice Periodisation, and the Art of Keeping It Simple with Jackson Polk</title>
  <link>http://scienceforsport.fireside.fm/314</link>
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  <pubDate>Mon, 06 Apr 2026 06:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
  <author>Science for Sport</author>
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  <itunes:episode>314</itunes:episode>
  <itunes:title>Player Load, Practice Periodisation, and the Art of Keeping It Simple with Jackson Polk</itunes:title>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:author>Science for Sport</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>Jackson Polk, Director of Sports Science at USC Trojans football, joins Richard Graves to discuss how he built a sports science programme from the ground up using data analytics, GPS monitoring, and the art of genuine conversation. Jackson shares his unorthodox path from student videographer at Oklahoma to leading sports science at one of college football's biggest programmes, and offers a frank, grounded perspective on everything from Catapult metrics and force plate testing to the real limitations of AI in applied sport.</itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>29:24</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/e/ed3f06f4-af55-41d4-87cf-0e484d2d9fef/cover.jpg?v=3"/>
  <description>Richard Graves is joined by Jackson Polk, Director of Sports Science at the University of Southern California (USC), for a conversation that covers the full spectrum of what it actually means to do this job well, from wrangling a thousand Catapult metrics down to the handful that matter, to the perhaps surprising conclusion that conversation might be your most powerful tool.
Jackson's path into sports science isn't the conventional one. He started as a student videographer with Oklahoma football, found himself drawn to the patterns hiding in data, and taught himself enough statistics and analytics to make coaches stop and listen. That curiosity eventually took him from Norman, Oklahoma, to Los Angeles, where he's spent the past four years building USC football's sports science programme from the ground up.
What makes this episode stand out is Jackson's willingness to be honest about uncertainty, about AI, about his own mistakes, and about the limits of any single metric or method. He's equally at home referencing Principal Component Analysis and the TV show Veep, and that breadth of thinking is what makes him worth listening to. Whether you work in elite sport, study sports science, or just want to understand what goes into keeping a college football roster performing at its best, there's plenty here to take away.
In This Episode You Will Learn
* Why reducing Catapult's thousand-plus metrics down to a focused few, Player Load, sprint volume, and repeat sprint exposures, actually produces better decisions than trying to monitor everything
* How Jackson uses principal component analysis to build confidence in the data he's presenting to coaches and athletes
* The "iceberg" model of athlete monitoring: what data can tell you, and what only a direct conversation will uncover
* Why practice periodisation and load management have been one of USC's biggest organisational wins, and how PlayerLoad underpins that planning
* How force plates (via VALD/ForceDecks) and velocity-based training tools like Perch complement GPS data to reveal readiness on any given day
* The case for teaching college athletes sound recovery habits early, so they're not spending their rookie contracts figuring out what works
* How Jackson thinks about AI in sports science: where it's useful, where to be cautious, and why it's only as good as the data it's trained on
* Why communication, not technology, is the cornerstone of an effective sports science operation, and how to make data digestible for coaches under pressure
* The value of building a culture where experimentation and failure are treated as learning, not liability
* Lessons from Thinking in Bets by Annie Duke on separating process from outcome, applied directly to sports science decision-making
About Jackson Polk
Jackson Polk is the Director of Sports Science for USC Trojans football, a role he was elevated to in 2024 after serving as Assistant Director from 2022–23. He joined the USC support staff in March 2022, bringing with him an unconventional background that blends mathematics, data science, and a deep passion for American football.
His journey began at the University of Oklahoma, where he spent four seasons as a student videographer before becoming a volunteer performance analyst. While at OU, he co-founded the Oklahoma Sports and Data Analytics Club, which went on to win the Pro Football Focus Analytics Blitz contest. He completed his bachelor's degree in mathematics at Oklahoma in 2021 and subsequently pursued a master's in data science and analytics.
At USC, Jackson has been responsible for building the football programme's sports science infrastructure, integrating GPS monitoring, force plate testing, and load management into daily practice planning. He holds an MBA alongside his analytical credentials, and his work sits at the intersection of data science and high-performance sport.
FREE 7d SCIENCE FOR SPORT ACADEMY TRIAL
SIGN UP NOW: https://bit.ly/SFSepisode241
​ Learn Quicker &amp;amp; More Effectively
​ 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 &amp;amp; Worry Of Constantly Trying To Stay Up-To-Date With Sports Science Research 
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>sports science, sport science, strength and conditioning, S&amp;C, performance, athlete, sport, exercise, nutrition, injury, injuries</itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>Richard Graves is joined by Jackson Polk, Director of Sports Science at the University of Southern California (USC), for a conversation that covers the full spectrum of what it actually means to do this job well, from wrangling a thousand Catapult metrics down to the handful that matter, to the perhaps surprising conclusion that conversation might be your most powerful tool.<br>
Jackson&#39;s path into sports science isn&#39;t the conventional one. He started as a student videographer with Oklahoma football, found himself drawn to the patterns hiding in data, and taught himself enough statistics and analytics to make coaches stop and listen. That curiosity eventually took him from Norman, Oklahoma, to Los Angeles, where he&#39;s spent the past four years building USC football&#39;s sports science programme from the ground up.<br>
What makes this episode stand out is Jackson&#39;s willingness to be honest about uncertainty, about AI, about his own mistakes, and about the limits of any single metric or method. He&#39;s equally at home referencing Principal Component Analysis and the TV show Veep, and that breadth of thinking is what makes him worth listening to. Whether you work in elite sport, study sports science, or just want to understand what goes into keeping a college football roster performing at its best, there&#39;s plenty here to take away.</p>

<p><strong>In This Episode You Will Learn</strong></p>

<ul>
<li>Why reducing Catapult&#39;s thousand-plus metrics down to a focused few, Player Load, sprint volume, and repeat sprint exposures, actually produces better decisions than trying to monitor everything</li>
<li>How Jackson uses principal component analysis to build confidence in the data he&#39;s presenting to coaches and athletes</li>
<li>The &quot;iceberg&quot; model of athlete monitoring: what data can tell you, and what only a direct conversation will uncover</li>
<li>Why practice periodisation and load management have been one of USC&#39;s biggest organisational wins, and how PlayerLoad underpins that planning</li>
<li>How force plates (via VALD/ForceDecks) and velocity-based training tools like Perch complement GPS data to reveal readiness on any given day</li>
<li>The case for teaching college athletes sound recovery habits early, so they&#39;re not spending their rookie contracts figuring out what works</li>
<li>How Jackson thinks about AI in sports science: where it&#39;s useful, where to be cautious, and why it&#39;s only as good as the data it&#39;s trained on</li>
<li>Why communication, not technology, is the cornerstone of an effective sports science operation, and how to make data digestible for coaches under pressure</li>
<li>The value of building a culture where experimentation and failure are treated as learning, not liability</li>
<li>Lessons from Thinking in Bets by Annie Duke on separating process from outcome, applied directly to sports science decision-making</li>
</ul>

<p><strong>About Jackson Polk</strong><br>
Jackson Polk is the Director of Sports Science for USC Trojans football, a role he was elevated to in 2024 after serving as Assistant Director from 2022–23. He joined the USC support staff in March 2022, bringing with him an unconventional background that blends mathematics, data science, and a deep passion for American football.<br>
His journey began at the University of Oklahoma, where he spent four seasons as a student videographer before becoming a volunteer performance analyst. While at OU, he co-founded the Oklahoma Sports and Data Analytics Club, which went on to win the Pro Football Focus Analytics Blitz contest. He completed his bachelor&#39;s degree in mathematics at Oklahoma in 2021 and subsequently pursued a master&#39;s in data science and analytics.<br>
At USC, Jackson has been responsible for building the football programme&#39;s sports science infrastructure, integrating GPS monitoring, force plate testing, and load management into daily practice planning. He holds an MBA alongside his analytical credentials, and his work sits at the intersection of data science and high-performance sport.</p>

<p><strong>FREE 7d SCIENCE FOR SPORT ACADEMY TRIAL</strong></p>

<p><strong>SIGN UP NOW:</strong> <a href="https://bit.ly/SFSepisode241" rel="nofollow">https://bit.ly/SFSepisode241</a></p>

<p>​ Learn Quicker &amp; More Effectively<br>
​ Optimise Your Athletes&#39; Recovery<br>
​ Position Yourself As An Expert To Your Athletes And Naturally Improve Buy-In<br>
​ Reduce Your Athletes&#39; Injury Ratese<br>
​ Save 100&#39;s Of Dollars A Year That Would Otherwise Be Spent On Books, Courses And More<br>
​ Improve Your Athletes&#39; Performance<br>
​ Advance Forward In Your Career, Allowing You To Earn More Money And Work With Elite-Level Athletes<br>
​ Save Yourself The Stress &amp; Worry Of Constantly Trying To Stay Up-To-Date With Sports Science Research</p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<p>Richard Graves is joined by Jackson Polk, Director of Sports Science at the University of Southern California (USC), for a conversation that covers the full spectrum of what it actually means to do this job well, from wrangling a thousand Catapult metrics down to the handful that matter, to the perhaps surprising conclusion that conversation might be your most powerful tool.<br>
Jackson&#39;s path into sports science isn&#39;t the conventional one. He started as a student videographer with Oklahoma football, found himself drawn to the patterns hiding in data, and taught himself enough statistics and analytics to make coaches stop and listen. That curiosity eventually took him from Norman, Oklahoma, to Los Angeles, where he&#39;s spent the past four years building USC football&#39;s sports science programme from the ground up.<br>
What makes this episode stand out is Jackson&#39;s willingness to be honest about uncertainty, about AI, about his own mistakes, and about the limits of any single metric or method. He&#39;s equally at home referencing Principal Component Analysis and the TV show Veep, and that breadth of thinking is what makes him worth listening to. Whether you work in elite sport, study sports science, or just want to understand what goes into keeping a college football roster performing at its best, there&#39;s plenty here to take away.</p>

<p><strong>In This Episode You Will Learn</strong></p>

<ul>
<li>Why reducing Catapult&#39;s thousand-plus metrics down to a focused few, Player Load, sprint volume, and repeat sprint exposures, actually produces better decisions than trying to monitor everything</li>
<li>How Jackson uses principal component analysis to build confidence in the data he&#39;s presenting to coaches and athletes</li>
<li>The &quot;iceberg&quot; model of athlete monitoring: what data can tell you, and what only a direct conversation will uncover</li>
<li>Why practice periodisation and load management have been one of USC&#39;s biggest organisational wins, and how PlayerLoad underpins that planning</li>
<li>How force plates (via VALD/ForceDecks) and velocity-based training tools like Perch complement GPS data to reveal readiness on any given day</li>
<li>The case for teaching college athletes sound recovery habits early, so they&#39;re not spending their rookie contracts figuring out what works</li>
<li>How Jackson thinks about AI in sports science: where it&#39;s useful, where to be cautious, and why it&#39;s only as good as the data it&#39;s trained on</li>
<li>Why communication, not technology, is the cornerstone of an effective sports science operation, and how to make data digestible for coaches under pressure</li>
<li>The value of building a culture where experimentation and failure are treated as learning, not liability</li>
<li>Lessons from Thinking in Bets by Annie Duke on separating process from outcome, applied directly to sports science decision-making</li>
</ul>

<p><strong>About Jackson Polk</strong><br>
Jackson Polk is the Director of Sports Science for USC Trojans football, a role he was elevated to in 2024 after serving as Assistant Director from 2022–23. He joined the USC support staff in March 2022, bringing with him an unconventional background that blends mathematics, data science, and a deep passion for American football.<br>
His journey began at the University of Oklahoma, where he spent four seasons as a student videographer before becoming a volunteer performance analyst. While at OU, he co-founded the Oklahoma Sports and Data Analytics Club, which went on to win the Pro Football Focus Analytics Blitz contest. He completed his bachelor&#39;s degree in mathematics at Oklahoma in 2021 and subsequently pursued a master&#39;s in data science and analytics.<br>
At USC, Jackson has been responsible for building the football programme&#39;s sports science infrastructure, integrating GPS monitoring, force plate testing, and load management into daily practice planning. He holds an MBA alongside his analytical credentials, and his work sits at the intersection of data science and high-performance sport.</p>

<p><strong>FREE 7d SCIENCE FOR SPORT ACADEMY TRIAL</strong></p>

<p><strong>SIGN UP NOW:</strong> <a href="https://bit.ly/SFSepisode241" rel="nofollow">https://bit.ly/SFSepisode241</a></p>

<p>​ Learn Quicker &amp; More Effectively<br>
​ Optimise Your Athletes&#39; Recovery<br>
​ Position Yourself As An Expert To Your Athletes And Naturally Improve Buy-In<br>
​ Reduce Your Athletes&#39; Injury Ratese<br>
​ Save 100&#39;s Of Dollars A Year That Would Otherwise Be Spent On Books, Courses And More<br>
​ Improve Your Athletes&#39; Performance<br>
​ Advance Forward In Your Career, Allowing You To Earn More Money And Work With Elite-Level Athletes<br>
​ Save Yourself The Stress &amp; Worry Of Constantly Trying To Stay Up-To-Date With Sports Science Research</p>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
</item>
<item>
  <title>296: The Mental Game: What Athletes Really Carry with Them</title>
  <link>http://scienceforsport.fireside.fm/296</link>
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  <pubDate>Mon, 01 Dec 2025 06:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
  <author>Science for Sport</author>
  <enclosure url="https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/ed3f06f4-af55-41d4-87cf-0e484d2d9fef/ee9f1080-4f29-4896-9c9c-013fa2ba9e1b.mp3" length="39764895" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episode>296</itunes:episode>
  <itunes:title>The Mental Game: What Athletes Really Carry with Them</itunes:title>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:author>Science for Sport</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>Former GB basketball player Kofi Josephs joins Richard Graves to share his powerful journey through elite sport, opening up about injury, pressure, mental health, and the reality behind performance. He also reveals how his platform WhyNotI is helping teams take a preventative, data-driven approach to athlete wellbeing.</itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>27:36</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/e/ed3f06f4-af55-41d4-87cf-0e484d2d9fef/cover.jpg?v=3"/>
  <description>This week, host Richard Graves sits down with former Great Britain and England international basketball player Kofi Josephs, an athlete whose journey through elite sport has been anything but ordinary.
From growing up in Birmingham to playing in front of Michael Jordan at the Jordan Brand Classic, suffering two major hip surgeries in the US collegiate system, becoming the British Basketball League’s highest-scoring British player, and navigating the hidden psychological battles behind performance… Kofi’s story is raw, real, and deeply relevant for anyone working in elite sport.
Now the founder of WhyNotI, a preventative mental health tech platform designed specifically for elite athletes, Kofi is on a mission to reshape how professional environments understand – and support – the person behind the performer.
This episode offers an unfiltered look at the pressures, cultural challenges, expectations, and mental load that athletes carry, and the systemic changes needed to truly support sustainable high performance.
What You’ll Learn
The hidden mental toll of elite sport and why performance alone never tells the full story.
How perfectionism, pressure, and identity shape athlete wellbeing – and where support structures fall short.
Why mental health must be preventative, not reactive, if teams want consistency and longevity in performance.
Insights into the collegiate system in the US and its cultural, emotional, and psychological challenges for young athletes.
Why separating “the athlete” from “the person” is flawed, and how reframing this changes support strategies.
The crucial role of coaches, GMs, and ownership in building environments where mental health is prioritised.
How WhyNotI is using technology, psychology, and data to influence policy, culture, and player care across elite sport.
About Kofi Josephs
Kofi Josephs is a former professional basketball player who represented England at the Commonwealth Games and Great Britain at EuroBasket, competing across elite leagues worldwide including Germany, Spain, Switzerland, Saudi Arabia, and Iceland.
A psychology graduate and outspoken advocate for athlete mental health, Kofi has built a platform that blends his lived experience with scientific insight. He is the founder of WhyNotI, a preventative mental health tech solution designed to provide bespoke support for elite performers while equipping organisations with the data needed to improve culture, care, and decision-making.
Kofi now works across sport, safeguarding, and policy, collaborating with leaders from national governing bodies, Olympic sports, and high-performance environments to drive systemic change.
FREE 7d SCIENCE FOR SPORT ACADEMY TRIAL
SIGN UP NOW: https://bit.ly/SFSepisode241
​ Learn Quicker &amp;amp; More Effectively
​ 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 &amp;amp; Worry Of Constantly Trying To Stay Up-To-Date With Sports Science Research 
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>sports science, sport science, strength and conditioning, S&amp;C, performance, athlete, sport, exercise, nutrition, injury, injuries</itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>This week, host Richard Graves sits down with former Great Britain and England international basketball player Kofi Josephs, an athlete whose journey through elite sport has been anything but ordinary.</p>

<p>From growing up in Birmingham to playing in front of Michael Jordan at the Jordan Brand Classic, suffering two major hip surgeries in the US collegiate system, becoming the British Basketball League’s highest-scoring British player, and navigating the hidden psychological battles behind performance… Kofi’s story is raw, real, and deeply relevant for anyone working in elite sport.</p>

<p>Now the founder of WhyNotI, a preventative mental health tech platform designed specifically for elite athletes, Kofi is on a mission to reshape how professional environments understand – and support – the person behind the performer.</p>

<p>This episode offers an unfiltered look at the pressures, cultural challenges, expectations, and mental load that athletes carry, and the systemic changes needed to truly support sustainable high performance.</p>

<p><strong>What You’ll Learn</strong></p>

<ul>
<li><p>The hidden mental toll of elite sport and why performance alone never tells the full story.</p></li>
<li><p>How perfectionism, pressure, and identity shape athlete wellbeing – and where support structures fall short.</p></li>
<li><p>Why mental health must be preventative, not reactive, if teams want consistency and longevity in performance.</p></li>
<li><p>Insights into the collegiate system in the US and its cultural, emotional, and psychological challenges for young athletes.</p></li>
<li><p>Why separating “the athlete” from “the person” is flawed, and how reframing this changes support strategies.</p></li>
<li><p>The crucial role of coaches, GMs, and ownership in building environments where mental health is prioritised.</p></li>
<li><p>How WhyNotI is using technology, psychology, and data to influence policy, culture, and player care across elite sport.</p></li>
</ul>

<p><strong>About Kofi Josephs</strong></p>

<p>Kofi Josephs is a former professional basketball player who represented England at the Commonwealth Games and Great Britain at EuroBasket, competing across elite leagues worldwide including Germany, Spain, Switzerland, Saudi Arabia, and Iceland.</p>

<p>A psychology graduate and outspoken advocate for athlete mental health, Kofi has built a platform that blends his lived experience with scientific insight. He is the founder of WhyNotI, a preventative mental health tech solution designed to provide bespoke support for elite performers while equipping organisations with the data needed to improve culture, care, and decision-making.</p>

<p>Kofi now works across sport, safeguarding, and policy, collaborating with leaders from national governing bodies, Olympic sports, and high-performance environments to drive systemic change.</p>

<p><strong>FREE 7d SCIENCE FOR SPORT ACADEMY TRIAL</strong></p>

<p><strong>SIGN UP NOW:</strong> <a href="https://bit.ly/SFSepisode241" rel="nofollow">https://bit.ly/SFSepisode241</a></p>

<p>​ Learn Quicker &amp; More Effectively<br>
​ Optimise Your Athletes&#39; Recovery<br>
​ Position Yourself As An Expert To Your Athletes And Naturally Improve Buy-In<br>
​ Reduce Your Athletes&#39; Injury Ratese<br>
​ Save 100&#39;s Of Dollars A Year That Would Otherwise Be Spent On Books, Courses And More<br>
​ Improve Your Athletes&#39; Performance<br>
​ Advance Forward In Your Career, Allowing You To Earn More Money And Work With Elite-Level Athletes<br>
​ Save Yourself The Stress &amp; Worry Of Constantly Trying To Stay Up-To-Date With Sports Science Research</p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<p>This week, host Richard Graves sits down with former Great Britain and England international basketball player Kofi Josephs, an athlete whose journey through elite sport has been anything but ordinary.</p>

<p>From growing up in Birmingham to playing in front of Michael Jordan at the Jordan Brand Classic, suffering two major hip surgeries in the US collegiate system, becoming the British Basketball League’s highest-scoring British player, and navigating the hidden psychological battles behind performance… Kofi’s story is raw, real, and deeply relevant for anyone working in elite sport.</p>

<p>Now the founder of WhyNotI, a preventative mental health tech platform designed specifically for elite athletes, Kofi is on a mission to reshape how professional environments understand – and support – the person behind the performer.</p>

<p>This episode offers an unfiltered look at the pressures, cultural challenges, expectations, and mental load that athletes carry, and the systemic changes needed to truly support sustainable high performance.</p>

<p><strong>What You’ll Learn</strong></p>

<ul>
<li><p>The hidden mental toll of elite sport and why performance alone never tells the full story.</p></li>
<li><p>How perfectionism, pressure, and identity shape athlete wellbeing – and where support structures fall short.</p></li>
<li><p>Why mental health must be preventative, not reactive, if teams want consistency and longevity in performance.</p></li>
<li><p>Insights into the collegiate system in the US and its cultural, emotional, and psychological challenges for young athletes.</p></li>
<li><p>Why separating “the athlete” from “the person” is flawed, and how reframing this changes support strategies.</p></li>
<li><p>The crucial role of coaches, GMs, and ownership in building environments where mental health is prioritised.</p></li>
<li><p>How WhyNotI is using technology, psychology, and data to influence policy, culture, and player care across elite sport.</p></li>
</ul>

<p><strong>About Kofi Josephs</strong></p>

<p>Kofi Josephs is a former professional basketball player who represented England at the Commonwealth Games and Great Britain at EuroBasket, competing across elite leagues worldwide including Germany, Spain, Switzerland, Saudi Arabia, and Iceland.</p>

<p>A psychology graduate and outspoken advocate for athlete mental health, Kofi has built a platform that blends his lived experience with scientific insight. He is the founder of WhyNotI, a preventative mental health tech solution designed to provide bespoke support for elite performers while equipping organisations with the data needed to improve culture, care, and decision-making.</p>

<p>Kofi now works across sport, safeguarding, and policy, collaborating with leaders from national governing bodies, Olympic sports, and high-performance environments to drive systemic change.</p>

<p><strong>FREE 7d SCIENCE FOR SPORT ACADEMY TRIAL</strong></p>

<p><strong>SIGN UP NOW:</strong> <a href="https://bit.ly/SFSepisode241" rel="nofollow">https://bit.ly/SFSepisode241</a></p>

<p>​ Learn Quicker &amp; More Effectively<br>
​ Optimise Your Athletes&#39; Recovery<br>
​ Position Yourself As An Expert To Your Athletes And Naturally Improve Buy-In<br>
​ Reduce Your Athletes&#39; Injury Ratese<br>
​ Save 100&#39;s Of Dollars A Year That Would Otherwise Be Spent On Books, Courses And More<br>
​ Improve Your Athletes&#39; Performance<br>
​ Advance Forward In Your Career, Allowing You To Earn More Money And Work With Elite-Level Athletes<br>
​ Save Yourself The Stress &amp; Worry Of Constantly Trying To Stay Up-To-Date With Sports Science Research</p>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
</item>
<item>
  <title>294: The Science Behind England’s Ashes Preparation – with Lead Nutritionist Charlie Binns</title>
  <link>http://scienceforsport.fireside.fm/294</link>
  <guid isPermaLink="false">ac76b569-59ab-4e58-94a7-3c3f5ad9003b</guid>
  <pubDate>Mon, 17 Nov 2025 06:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
  <author>Science for Sport</author>
  <enclosure url="https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/ed3f06f4-af55-41d4-87cf-0e484d2d9fef/ac76b569-59ab-4e58-94a7-3c3f5ad9003b.mp3" length="46750247" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episode>294</itunes:episode>
  <itunes:title>The Science Behind England’s Ashes Preparation – with Lead Nutritionist Charlie Binns</itunes:title>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:author>Science for Sport</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>England Men’s Lead Nutritionist Charlie Binns joins the show from Australia to reveal how the team fuels, hydrates, and recovers ahead of the Ashes. From carb-loading strategies to match-day snack tables, Charlie lifts the lid on the science and logistics behind keeping England’s cricketers performing at their peak.</itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>32:27</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/e/ed3f06f4-af55-41d4-87cf-0e484d2d9fef/cover.jpg?v=3"/>
  <description>This week, host Richard Graves sits down with Charlie Binns, Lead Nutritionist for the England men’s cricket team, fresh from Perth as preparations ramp up for the Ashes. Charlie lifts the lid on what elite fuelling actually looks like across five-day Tests, why recovery is an arms race, and how his team builds simple, repeatable habits the players will actually use, from colour-coded carb periodisation to the humble banana bread on the snack table.
He also shares the months of behind-the-scenes logistics you never see: venue-by-venue menus for lunch, tea and post-match; shipping batch-tested supplements across the world; and how day–night “pink ball” Tests flip the entire eating schedule on its head. Expect practical insights, no fluff, and a proper appreciation for just how physically brutal modern cricket really is.
What you’ll learn from the episode
* Cricket’s true physical demands: why a Test bowler can cover ~50 km across a match and repeatedly absorb ~8× bodyweight through the front leg, and what that means for fuelling and recovery.
* Tour prep, six months out: coordinating stadium caterers, training-day menus, and freighted, batch-tested supplements, plus how strategies are trialled at home before heading overseas.
* Match-day fuelling made usable: the role of lunch, tea and all-day snack stations; when to use liquids vs solids; and why simple, high-carb options (wraps, bagels, flapjacks, banana bread) win.
* Carbohydrate periodisation in practice: using colour-coded days to align intake with bowling/fielding workloads, then ramping to a high-carb taper before the first ball.
* Refuel like a pro: stacking recovery windows, shakes on the final whistle, high-carb changeroom options, team-room snacks, and evening meals, to reduce soreness and restore glycogen for day two (and three).
* Day–night Test adjustments: how pink-ball timings shift pre-match, “lunch”, “tea” and sleep hygiene, and the tweaks Charlie makes to keep players alert without compromising recovery.
* Communication that sticks: nudging over lecturing, tailoring to individual preferences, and equipping S&amp;amp;C staff to deliver on-ground during play.
About Charlie Binns
Charlie Binns (BSc, MSc, SENr, UKAD, ISAK) is the Lead Nutritionist for the England &amp;amp; Wales Cricket Board’s men’s team. He joined the ECB setup after roles across elite rugby and football, including First-Team / Senior Men’s Nutritionist at Tottenham Hotspur and consultancy with Birmingham City FC. He also founded CMB Performance &amp;amp; Nutrition, serving athletes and organisations from academy to international level.
Charlie’s academic route began with a First-Class BSc in Sport &amp;amp; Exercise Nutrition at Leeds Trinity University, followed by an MSc in Applied Sports Nutrition at St Mary’s University, Twickenham. He is SENr-registered, UKAD-accredited, and ISAK L1 certified.
Before moving into cricket full-time, Charlie built experience in multiple environments to broaden his practice, from Richmond Rugby during his Master’s to league and academy football, a deliberate multi-sport grounding he still credits for his applied approach in cricket.
Within England Cricket’s performance team, Charlie’s remit spans:
Tour logistics &amp;amp; catering coordination across venues (training, lunch, tea, post-match menus).
Carb periodisation frameworks aligned to bowling/fielding loads and match phases.
Recovery protocols (e.g., immediate shakes, tart cherry, staged refuelling) to hit repeat high-output days.
 He’s been part of touring groups across the subcontinent, South Africa and Australia, and has supported senior and Lions squads in major series and tournaments. Media reporting has highlighted his role in individualising fuelling targets for players during high-demand campaigns.
Outside the ECB, Charlie has hosted CPD for nutritionists across the county game and continues to contribute to practitioner development within cricket. 
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>sports science, sport science, strength and conditioning, S&amp;C, performance, athlete, sport, exercise, nutrition, injury, injuries, Ashes 2025, England cricket, Charlie Binns, cricket nutrition, sports nutrition, England cricket team, Ashes preparation, athlete recovery, fuelling performance, test cricket, elite sport, sports science, cricket performance, England vs Australia, ECB, performance nutrition, cricket podcast, sports science podcast, Ashes series, Richard Graves</itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>This week, host Richard Graves sits down with Charlie Binns, Lead Nutritionist for the England men’s cricket team, fresh from Perth as preparations ramp up for the Ashes. Charlie lifts the lid on what elite fuelling actually looks like across five-day Tests, why recovery is an arms race, and how his team builds simple, repeatable habits the players will actually use, from colour-coded carb periodisation to the humble banana bread on the snack table.<br>
He also shares the months of behind-the-scenes logistics you never see: venue-by-venue menus for lunch, tea and post-match; shipping batch-tested supplements across the world; and how day–night “pink ball” Tests flip the entire eating schedule on its head. Expect practical insights, no fluff, and a proper appreciation for just how physically brutal modern cricket really is.</p>

<p><strong>What you’ll learn from the episode</strong></p>

<ul>
<li>Cricket’s true physical demands: why a Test bowler can cover ~50 km across a match and repeatedly absorb ~8× bodyweight through the front leg, and what that means for fuelling and recovery.</li>
<li>Tour prep, six months out: coordinating stadium caterers, training-day menus, and freighted, batch-tested supplements, plus how strategies are trialled at home before heading overseas.</li>
<li>Match-day fuelling made usable: the role of lunch, tea and all-day snack stations; when to use liquids vs solids; and why simple, high-carb options (wraps, bagels, flapjacks, banana bread) win.</li>
<li>Carbohydrate periodisation in practice: using colour-coded days to align intake with bowling/fielding workloads, then ramping to a high-carb taper before the first ball.</li>
<li>Refuel like a pro: stacking recovery windows, shakes on the final whistle, high-carb changeroom options, team-room snacks, and evening meals, to reduce soreness and restore glycogen for day two (and three).</li>
<li>Day–night Test adjustments: how pink-ball timings shift pre-match, “lunch”, “tea” and sleep hygiene, and the tweaks Charlie makes to keep players alert without compromising recovery.</li>
<li>Communication that sticks: nudging over lecturing, tailoring to individual preferences, and equipping S&amp;C staff to deliver on-ground during play.</li>
</ul>

<p><strong>About Charlie Binns</strong><br>
Charlie Binns (BSc, MSc, SENr, UKAD, ISAK) is the Lead Nutritionist for the England &amp; Wales Cricket Board’s men’s team. He joined the ECB setup after roles across elite rugby and football, including First-Team / Senior Men’s Nutritionist at Tottenham Hotspur and consultancy with Birmingham City FC. He also founded CMB Performance &amp; Nutrition, serving athletes and organisations from academy to international level.<br>
Charlie’s academic route began with a First-Class BSc in Sport &amp; Exercise Nutrition at Leeds Trinity University, followed by an MSc in Applied Sports Nutrition at St Mary’s University, Twickenham. He is SENr-registered, UKAD-accredited, and ISAK L1 certified.<br>
Before moving into cricket full-time, Charlie built experience in multiple environments to broaden his practice, from Richmond Rugby during his Master’s to league and academy football, a deliberate multi-sport grounding he still credits for his applied approach in cricket.<br>
Within England Cricket’s performance team, Charlie’s remit spans:<br>
Tour logistics &amp; catering coordination across venues (training, lunch, tea, post-match menus).<br>
Carb periodisation frameworks aligned to bowling/fielding loads and match phases.<br>
Recovery protocols (e.g., immediate shakes, tart cherry, staged refuelling) to hit repeat high-output days.<br>
 He’s been part of touring groups across the subcontinent, South Africa and Australia, and has supported senior and Lions squads in major series and tournaments. Media reporting has highlighted his role in individualising fuelling targets for players during high-demand campaigns.<br>
Outside the ECB, Charlie has hosted CPD for nutritionists across the county game and continues to contribute to practitioner development within cricket.</p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<p>This week, host Richard Graves sits down with Charlie Binns, Lead Nutritionist for the England men’s cricket team, fresh from Perth as preparations ramp up for the Ashes. Charlie lifts the lid on what elite fuelling actually looks like across five-day Tests, why recovery is an arms race, and how his team builds simple, repeatable habits the players will actually use, from colour-coded carb periodisation to the humble banana bread on the snack table.<br>
He also shares the months of behind-the-scenes logistics you never see: venue-by-venue menus for lunch, tea and post-match; shipping batch-tested supplements across the world; and how day–night “pink ball” Tests flip the entire eating schedule on its head. Expect practical insights, no fluff, and a proper appreciation for just how physically brutal modern cricket really is.</p>

<p><strong>What you’ll learn from the episode</strong></p>

<ul>
<li>Cricket’s true physical demands: why a Test bowler can cover ~50 km across a match and repeatedly absorb ~8× bodyweight through the front leg, and what that means for fuelling and recovery.</li>
<li>Tour prep, six months out: coordinating stadium caterers, training-day menus, and freighted, batch-tested supplements, plus how strategies are trialled at home before heading overseas.</li>
<li>Match-day fuelling made usable: the role of lunch, tea and all-day snack stations; when to use liquids vs solids; and why simple, high-carb options (wraps, bagels, flapjacks, banana bread) win.</li>
<li>Carbohydrate periodisation in practice: using colour-coded days to align intake with bowling/fielding workloads, then ramping to a high-carb taper before the first ball.</li>
<li>Refuel like a pro: stacking recovery windows, shakes on the final whistle, high-carb changeroom options, team-room snacks, and evening meals, to reduce soreness and restore glycogen for day two (and three).</li>
<li>Day–night Test adjustments: how pink-ball timings shift pre-match, “lunch”, “tea” and sleep hygiene, and the tweaks Charlie makes to keep players alert without compromising recovery.</li>
<li>Communication that sticks: nudging over lecturing, tailoring to individual preferences, and equipping S&amp;C staff to deliver on-ground during play.</li>
</ul>

<p><strong>About Charlie Binns</strong><br>
Charlie Binns (BSc, MSc, SENr, UKAD, ISAK) is the Lead Nutritionist for the England &amp; Wales Cricket Board’s men’s team. He joined the ECB setup after roles across elite rugby and football, including First-Team / Senior Men’s Nutritionist at Tottenham Hotspur and consultancy with Birmingham City FC. He also founded CMB Performance &amp; Nutrition, serving athletes and organisations from academy to international level.<br>
Charlie’s academic route began with a First-Class BSc in Sport &amp; Exercise Nutrition at Leeds Trinity University, followed by an MSc in Applied Sports Nutrition at St Mary’s University, Twickenham. He is SENr-registered, UKAD-accredited, and ISAK L1 certified.<br>
Before moving into cricket full-time, Charlie built experience in multiple environments to broaden his practice, from Richmond Rugby during his Master’s to league and academy football, a deliberate multi-sport grounding he still credits for his applied approach in cricket.<br>
Within England Cricket’s performance team, Charlie’s remit spans:<br>
Tour logistics &amp; catering coordination across venues (training, lunch, tea, post-match menus).<br>
Carb periodisation frameworks aligned to bowling/fielding loads and match phases.<br>
Recovery protocols (e.g., immediate shakes, tart cherry, staged refuelling) to hit repeat high-output days.<br>
 He’s been part of touring groups across the subcontinent, South Africa and Australia, and has supported senior and Lions squads in major series and tournaments. Media reporting has highlighted his role in individualising fuelling targets for players during high-demand campaigns.<br>
Outside the ECB, Charlie has hosted CPD for nutritionists across the county game and continues to contribute to practitioner development within cricket.</p>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
</item>
<item>
  <title>290: Rewiring Performance: The Neuroscience Behind Mindset and Recovery</title>
  <link>http://scienceforsport.fireside.fm/290</link>
  <guid isPermaLink="false">fccc961d-3d6f-4d15-900c-9b92d1e2325f</guid>
  <pubDate>Mon, 20 Oct 2025 06:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
  <author>Science for Sport</author>
  <enclosure url="https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/ed3f06f4-af55-41d4-87cf-0e484d2d9fef/fccc961d-3d6f-4d15-900c-9b92d1e2325f.mp3" length="46258727" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episode>290</itunes:episode>
  <itunes:title>Rewiring Performance: The Neuroscience Behind Mindset and Recovery</itunes:title>
  <itunes:episodeType>bonus</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:author>Science for Sport</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>In this episode, performance coach Dan Metcalfe joins host Richard Graves to discuss the neuroscience of mindset, recovery, and human potential. Drawing on his remarkable journey from paralysis to coaching elite athletes, Dan explores how belief, brain training, and resilience shape performance at every level.</itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>32:07</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/e/ed3f06f4-af55-41d4-87cf-0e484d2d9fef/cover.jpg?v=3"/>
  <description>This week on the Science for Sport Podcast, host Richard Graves is joined by Dan Metcalfe, former youth footballer, West End performer, Olympic development coach, and now international keynote speaker and founder of Born Superhuman.
Dan’s story is nothing short of extraordinary. From a career-ending accident that left him paralysed and blind in one eye, to rebuilding his life, defying medical diagnoses, and going on to coach Olympic-level athletes.  His journey is a masterclass in resilience, mindset, and human potential.
In this inspiring conversation, Dan shares the philosophy that underpins his Born Superhuman method, revealing how mindset, breathwork, hydration, and self-belief can transform performance in sport and life.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
* How Dan overcame paralysis and rebuilt his life
* Why mental training is just as critical as physical training for peak performance
* The seven pillars of Dan’s Born Superhuman philosophy and how they apply to everyone
* How reframing setbacks as “gifts” can unlock growth and success
* Why elite athletes and CEOs alike struggle with the same mental blocks, and how to rewire them
* The simple word change that helped Dan drop from 21% to 8% body fat without changing his diet
* How hydration, sleep, and breathing directly impact focus and performance
* The neuroscience behind belief, recovery, and human potential
About Dan Metcalfe
Dan Metcalfe is a performance and mindset coach, keynote speaker, and founder of Born Superhuman. His remarkable journey spans football, theatre, and elite sports coaching. After suffering paralysis and vision loss in a stage accident, Dan defied medical expectations and rebuilt his body and mind through sheer determination and psychological mastery.
He went on to become Nike Youth Coach of the Year (USA), leading players into professional football and working across the US Olympic Development Program. Today, he helps elite athletes, business leaders, and teams unlock their full potential through his Born Superhuman framework, blending neuroscience, mindset, and performance principles to inspire extraordinary results.
FREE 7d SCIENCE FOR SPORT ACADEMY TRIAL
SIGN UP NOW: https://bit.ly/SFSepisode241
​ Learn Quicker &amp;amp; More Effectively
​ 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 &amp;amp; Worry Of Constantly Trying To Stay Up-To-Date With Sports Science Research 
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>sports science, sport science, strength and conditioning, S&amp;C, performance, athlete, sport, exercise, nutrition, injury, injuries, ChatGPT said:  mindset, sports science, performance psychology, neuroscience, recovery, resilience, elite performance, coaching, athlete development, mental training, brain training, human potential, Dan Metcalfe, Richard Graves, Science for Sport podcast, Born Superhuman, motivation, leadership, high performance, rehabilitation</itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>This week on the Science for Sport Podcast, host Richard Graves is joined by Dan Metcalfe, former youth footballer, West End performer, Olympic development coach, and now international keynote speaker and founder of Born Superhuman.<br>
Dan’s story is nothing short of extraordinary. From a career-ending accident that left him paralysed and blind in one eye, to rebuilding his life, defying medical diagnoses, and going on to coach Olympic-level athletes.  His journey is a masterclass in resilience, mindset, and human potential.<br>
In this inspiring conversation, Dan shares the philosophy that underpins his Born Superhuman method, revealing how mindset, breathwork, hydration, and self-belief can transform performance in sport and life.</p>

<p><strong>In this episode, you’ll learn:</strong></p>

<ul>
<li>How Dan overcame paralysis and rebuilt his life</li>
<li>Why mental training is just as critical as physical training for peak performance</li>
<li>The seven pillars of Dan’s Born Superhuman philosophy and how they apply to everyone</li>
<li>How reframing setbacks as “gifts” can unlock growth and success</li>
<li>Why elite athletes and CEOs alike struggle with the same mental blocks, and how to rewire them</li>
<li>The simple word change that helped Dan drop from 21% to 8% body fat without changing his diet</li>
<li>How hydration, sleep, and breathing directly impact focus and performance</li>
<li>The neuroscience behind belief, recovery, and human potential</li>
</ul>

<p><strong>About Dan Metcalfe</strong><br>
Dan Metcalfe is a performance and mindset coach, keynote speaker, and founder of Born Superhuman. His remarkable journey spans football, theatre, and elite sports coaching. After suffering paralysis and vision loss in a stage accident, Dan defied medical expectations and rebuilt his body and mind through sheer determination and psychological mastery.<br>
He went on to become Nike Youth Coach of the Year (USA), leading players into professional football and working across the US Olympic Development Program. Today, he helps elite athletes, business leaders, and teams unlock their full potential through his Born Superhuman framework, blending neuroscience, mindset, and performance principles to inspire extraordinary results.</p>

<p><strong>FREE 7d SCIENCE FOR SPORT ACADEMY TRIAL</strong></p>

<p><strong>SIGN UP NOW:</strong> <a href="https://bit.ly/SFSepisode241" rel="nofollow">https://bit.ly/SFSepisode241</a></p>

<p>​ Learn Quicker &amp; More Effectively<br>
​ Optimise Your Athletes&#39; Recovery<br>
​ Position Yourself As An Expert To Your Athletes And Naturally Improve Buy-In<br>
​ Reduce Your Athletes&#39; Injury Ratese<br>
​ Save 100&#39;s Of Dollars A Year That Would Otherwise Be Spent On Books, Courses And More<br>
​ Improve Your Athletes&#39; Performance<br>
​ Advance Forward In Your Career, Allowing You To Earn More Money And Work With Elite-Level Athletes<br>
​ Save Yourself The Stress &amp; Worry Of Constantly Trying To Stay Up-To-Date With Sports Science Research</p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<p>This week on the Science for Sport Podcast, host Richard Graves is joined by Dan Metcalfe, former youth footballer, West End performer, Olympic development coach, and now international keynote speaker and founder of Born Superhuman.<br>
Dan’s story is nothing short of extraordinary. From a career-ending accident that left him paralysed and blind in one eye, to rebuilding his life, defying medical diagnoses, and going on to coach Olympic-level athletes.  His journey is a masterclass in resilience, mindset, and human potential.<br>
In this inspiring conversation, Dan shares the philosophy that underpins his Born Superhuman method, revealing how mindset, breathwork, hydration, and self-belief can transform performance in sport and life.</p>

<p><strong>In this episode, you’ll learn:</strong></p>

<ul>
<li>How Dan overcame paralysis and rebuilt his life</li>
<li>Why mental training is just as critical as physical training for peak performance</li>
<li>The seven pillars of Dan’s Born Superhuman philosophy and how they apply to everyone</li>
<li>How reframing setbacks as “gifts” can unlock growth and success</li>
<li>Why elite athletes and CEOs alike struggle with the same mental blocks, and how to rewire them</li>
<li>The simple word change that helped Dan drop from 21% to 8% body fat without changing his diet</li>
<li>How hydration, sleep, and breathing directly impact focus and performance</li>
<li>The neuroscience behind belief, recovery, and human potential</li>
</ul>

<p><strong>About Dan Metcalfe</strong><br>
Dan Metcalfe is a performance and mindset coach, keynote speaker, and founder of Born Superhuman. His remarkable journey spans football, theatre, and elite sports coaching. After suffering paralysis and vision loss in a stage accident, Dan defied medical expectations and rebuilt his body and mind through sheer determination and psychological mastery.<br>
He went on to become Nike Youth Coach of the Year (USA), leading players into professional football and working across the US Olympic Development Program. Today, he helps elite athletes, business leaders, and teams unlock their full potential through his Born Superhuman framework, blending neuroscience, mindset, and performance principles to inspire extraordinary results.</p>

<p><strong>FREE 7d SCIENCE FOR SPORT ACADEMY TRIAL</strong></p>

<p><strong>SIGN UP NOW:</strong> <a href="https://bit.ly/SFSepisode241" rel="nofollow">https://bit.ly/SFSepisode241</a></p>

<p>​ Learn Quicker &amp; More Effectively<br>
​ Optimise Your Athletes&#39; Recovery<br>
​ Position Yourself As An Expert To Your Athletes And Naturally Improve Buy-In<br>
​ Reduce Your Athletes&#39; Injury Ratese<br>
​ Save 100&#39;s Of Dollars A Year That Would Otherwise Be Spent On Books, Courses And More<br>
​ Improve Your Athletes&#39; Performance<br>
​ Advance Forward In Your Career, Allowing You To Earn More Money And Work With Elite-Level Athletes<br>
​ Save Yourself The Stress &amp; Worry Of Constantly Trying To Stay Up-To-Date With Sports Science Research</p>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
</item>
<item>
  <title>249: The Untold Evolution of Sports Medicine</title>
  <link>http://scienceforsport.fireside.fm/249</link>
  <guid isPermaLink="false">e4430722-8499-4d8c-95b2-380b38ce2ab1</guid>
  <pubDate>Mon, 06 Jan 2025 06:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
  <author>Science for Sport</author>
  <enclosure url="https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/ed3f06f4-af55-41d4-87cf-0e484d2d9fef/e4430722-8499-4d8c-95b2-380b38ce2ab1.mp3" length="30871769" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episode>249</itunes:episode>
  <itunes:title>The Untold Evolution of Sports Medicine</itunes:title>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:author>Science for Sport</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>
Join host Richard Graves as he talks to sports performance pioneer Dave Hancock, whose career spans over three decades in elite sport. From Leeds United to the New York Knicks, Dave shares insights into how data, AI, and personalised athlete care are revolutionising sports science. Discover the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of elite athlete management in this must-listen episode.</itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>32:09</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/e/ed3f06f4-af55-41d4-87cf-0e484d2d9fef/cover.jpg?v=3"/>
  <description>In this episode of the Science for Sport podcast, host Richard Graves sits down with Dave Hancock, a sports performance pioneer with a career spanning over three decades in professional sport. From the sidelines of Leeds United to the championship-winning New York Knicks and beyond, Dave shares incredible insights into the evolution of sports science, athlete care, and the role of data and AI in revolutionising performance.
Discover how today’s athletes are transforming their careers with personalised performance teams, the impact of cutting-edge technologies like AI on injury prevention, and the challenges practitioners face in adapting to the ever-increasing demands of elite sport.
Whether you're a sports scientist, strength and conditioning coach, or simply a fan fascinated by what happens behind the scenes, this episode offers unparalleled access to the world of elite athlete management and cutting-edge sports science. Don’t miss this conversation filled with practical insights, personal anecdotes, and a look at where the future of sports science is headed.
** About Dave Hancock**
Dave Hancock is a distinguished Performance Director, Chartered Physiotherapist, and Strength Coach with nearly 30 years of experience across professional sports in both Europe and the USA. His career includes pivotal roles such as Head Physiotherapist at Leeds United FC and Chelsea FC, where he contributed to Premier League and FA Cup successes. Notably, Dave became the first British Performance Director in the NBA, serving with the New York Knicks. He has also been part of the English National Team's medical staff during the 2010 World Cup and the 2012 European Championships. Currently, Dave is the CEO of Apollo V2, a sports software company that aids teams and athletes in performance enhancement and injury prevention.
FREE 7d SCIENCE FOR SPORT ACADEMY TRIAL
SIGN UP NOW: https://bit.ly/SFSepisode241
​ Learn Quicker &amp;amp; More Effectively
​ 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 &amp;amp; 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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</description>
  <itunes:keywords>sports science, sport science, strength and conditioning, S&amp;C, performance, athlete, sport, exercise, nutrition, injury, injuries,  sports science, athlete performance, elite sport, Dave Hancock, Richard Graves, injury prevention, sports data, AI in sports, sports technology, personalised athlete care, strength and conditioning, sports rehabilitation, professional sport, performance teams, sports management, sports podcast, Science for Sport, New York Knicks, Leeds United, sports innovation, cutting-edge sports science, sports science insights, injury recovery, AI in athlete performance, sports medicine.</itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>In this episode of the Science for Sport podcast, host Richard Graves sits down with Dave Hancock, a sports performance pioneer with a career spanning over three decades in professional sport. From the sidelines of Leeds United to the championship-winning New York Knicks and beyond, Dave shares incredible insights into the evolution of sports science, athlete care, and the role of data and AI in revolutionising performance.</p>

<p>Discover how today’s athletes are transforming their careers with personalised performance teams, the impact of cutting-edge technologies like AI on injury prevention, and the challenges practitioners face in adapting to the ever-increasing demands of elite sport.</p>

<p>Whether you&#39;re a sports scientist, strength and conditioning coach, or simply a fan fascinated by what happens behind the scenes, this episode offers unparalleled access to the world of elite athlete management and cutting-edge sports science. Don’t miss this conversation filled with practical insights, personal anecdotes, and a look at where the future of sports science is headed.</p>

<p>** About Dave Hancock**<br>
Dave Hancock is a distinguished Performance Director, Chartered Physiotherapist, and Strength Coach with nearly 30 years of experience across professional sports in both Europe and the USA. His career includes pivotal roles such as Head Physiotherapist at Leeds United FC and Chelsea FC, where he contributed to Premier League and FA Cup successes. Notably, Dave became the first British Performance Director in the NBA, serving with the New York Knicks. He has also been part of the English National Team&#39;s medical staff during the 2010 World Cup and the 2012 European Championships. Currently, Dave is the CEO of Apollo V2, a sports software company that aids teams and athletes in performance enhancement and injury prevention.</p>

<p><strong>FREE 7d SCIENCE FOR SPORT ACADEMY TRIAL</strong></p>

<p><strong>SIGN UP NOW:</strong> <a href="https://bit.ly/SFSepisode241" rel="nofollow">https://bit.ly/SFSepisode241</a></p>

<p>​ Learn Quicker &amp; More Effectively<br>
​ Optimise Your Athletes&#39; Recovery<br>
​ Position Yourself As An Expert To Your Athletes And Naturally Improve Buy-In<br>
​ Reduce Your Athletes&#39; Injury Ratese<br>
​ Save 100&#39;s Of Dollars A Year That Would Otherwise Be Spent On Books, Courses And More<br>
​ Improve Your Athletes&#39; Performance<br>
​ Advance Forward In Your Career, Allowing You To Earn More Money And Work With Elite-Level Athletes<br>
​ Save Yourself The Stress &amp; Worry Of Constantly Trying To Stay Up-To-Date With Sports Science Research</p>

<h3>🔔 Subscribe to the podcast on your favourite platform</h3>

<ul>
<li><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/science-for-sport-podcast/id1506431005" rel="nofollow">Apple Podcasts</a></li>
<li><a href="https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5maXJlc2lkZS5mbS9zY2llbmNlZm9yc3BvcnQvcnNz?sa=X&ved=0CAIQ4aUDahcKEwj43vyLxbrrAhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQBA" rel="nofollow">Google Podcasts</a></li>
<li><a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/5DZlm3bNyPQd1QknUxCWTz?si=yHWOt3LORfeGgp7i31ey8g" rel="nofollow">Spotify</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/science-for-sport-podcast" rel="nofollow">Stitcher</a></li>
</ul>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<p>In this episode of the Science for Sport podcast, host Richard Graves sits down with Dave Hancock, a sports performance pioneer with a career spanning over three decades in professional sport. From the sidelines of Leeds United to the championship-winning New York Knicks and beyond, Dave shares incredible insights into the evolution of sports science, athlete care, and the role of data and AI in revolutionising performance.</p>

<p>Discover how today’s athletes are transforming their careers with personalised performance teams, the impact of cutting-edge technologies like AI on injury prevention, and the challenges practitioners face in adapting to the ever-increasing demands of elite sport.</p>

<p>Whether you&#39;re a sports scientist, strength and conditioning coach, or simply a fan fascinated by what happens behind the scenes, this episode offers unparalleled access to the world of elite athlete management and cutting-edge sports science. Don’t miss this conversation filled with practical insights, personal anecdotes, and a look at where the future of sports science is headed.</p>

<p>** About Dave Hancock**<br>
Dave Hancock is a distinguished Performance Director, Chartered Physiotherapist, and Strength Coach with nearly 30 years of experience across professional sports in both Europe and the USA. His career includes pivotal roles such as Head Physiotherapist at Leeds United FC and Chelsea FC, where he contributed to Premier League and FA Cup successes. Notably, Dave became the first British Performance Director in the NBA, serving with the New York Knicks. He has also been part of the English National Team&#39;s medical staff during the 2010 World Cup and the 2012 European Championships. Currently, Dave is the CEO of Apollo V2, a sports software company that aids teams and athletes in performance enhancement and injury prevention.</p>

<p><strong>FREE 7d SCIENCE FOR SPORT ACADEMY TRIAL</strong></p>

<p><strong>SIGN UP NOW:</strong> <a href="https://bit.ly/SFSepisode241" rel="nofollow">https://bit.ly/SFSepisode241</a></p>

<p>​ Learn Quicker &amp; More Effectively<br>
​ Optimise Your Athletes&#39; Recovery<br>
​ Position Yourself As An Expert To Your Athletes And Naturally Improve Buy-In<br>
​ Reduce Your Athletes&#39; Injury Ratese<br>
​ Save 100&#39;s Of Dollars A Year That Would Otherwise Be Spent On Books, Courses And More<br>
​ Improve Your Athletes&#39; Performance<br>
​ Advance Forward In Your Career, Allowing You To Earn More Money And Work With Elite-Level Athletes<br>
​ Save Yourself The Stress &amp; Worry Of Constantly Trying To Stay Up-To-Date With Sports Science Research</p>

<h3>🔔 Subscribe to the podcast on your favourite platform</h3>

<ul>
<li><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/science-for-sport-podcast/id1506431005" rel="nofollow">Apple Podcasts</a></li>
<li><a href="https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5maXJlc2lkZS5mbS9zY2llbmNlZm9yc3BvcnQvcnNz?sa=X&ved=0CAIQ4aUDahcKEwj43vyLxbrrAhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQBA" rel="nofollow">Google Podcasts</a></li>
<li><a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/5DZlm3bNyPQd1QknUxCWTz?si=yHWOt3LORfeGgp7i31ey8g" rel="nofollow">Spotify</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/science-for-sport-podcast" rel="nofollow">Stitcher</a></li>
</ul>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
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  </channel>
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