Andy McDonald

Inform Performance

#167 in Medicine · 🇬🇧 #190 in Medicine · 🇦🇺

About the show

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.

Newest episodes

Accelerate - Damiaan Van Zanen and Aled Jenkins: Building the visibility for mental performance

Nov 9, 2026 46 min

Episode 238: In this episode, Nicola Graham is joined by Aled, a former Wales Sevens international, and Damiaan, a second-time founder with a background in B2B SaaS. Together, they discuss the experiences and challenges that led to the creation of ATHLEET, and the problem they set out to solve. Aled’s playing career shaped his understanding of the challenges facing athletes, while Damiaan brings valuable experience from building businesses in the B2B SaaS space. In this episode, they explore the founding journey behind ATHLEET, the decision to build a new category, why they chose to focus on grassroots sport over the elite level, and the realities of fundraising. Topics Discussed: The founding dynamic and bringing different experiences together Building a new category Choosing grassroots sport over elite sport The reality of fundraising and building a business - Where you can find Damian and Aled: Damiaan van Zanen LinkedIn Aled Jenkins Linkedin ATHLEET - Sponsors Gameplan Is a Rehab Management System providing Medical & Performance Departments with a centralised platform to plan, track & manage the return-to-play process inside a data rich environment. Gameplan provides one platform to connect the people, process and data during rehab. VALD Performance, makers of the Nordbord, Forceframe, ForeDecks and HumanTrak. VALD Performance systems are built with the high-performance practitioner in mind, translating traditionally lab-based technologies into engaging, quick, easy-to-use tools for daily testing, monitoring and training Hytro: The world’s leading Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) wearable, designed to accelerate recovery and maximise athletic potential using Hytro BFR for Professional Sport. BTL: BTL Industries develops advanced rehabilitation and performance technologies, including SIS DUO, Shockwave Therapy, High-Intensity Laser, TR-Therapy, Lymphastim and R-FORCE. BTL systems are designed to support recovery, pain management, functional rehabilitati...

Sports Science Insights - Dr Patrick Mannix: Learnings from the US: Youth to Senior Transition

Nov 4, 2026 41 min

Episode 237: In this episode, Steven Barrett is joined by Dr. Patrick Mannix, a doctoral researcher, sport scientist and performance specialist. Pat has worked globally in fast-paced sport environments, as part of interdisciplinary teams delivering integrated performance support to youth and professional athletes. He has worked across both domestic and international US soccer. In this episode, Pat talks about his career path, what sport science support looks like at international level, and what he learned from completing a Professional Doctorate while working in elite sport. Topics Discussed: Pat’s background and his route into domestic and international US soccer The challenges of providing sport science support at international level The youth-to-senior transition across North America How the North American pathway compares to other countries Lessons from completing a Prof. Doc alongside international work Where you can find Pat: LinkedIn Research Gate — Sponsors Axon: Performance teams spend the morning after game day stitching together six systems before the coach gets an answer. Axon Perform fixes that. Every source you already use, Catapult, StatSports, VALD, Opta, OVAL, Wyscout, WHOOP, Garmin and the rest, connects into a dedicated Snowflake warehouse. Ask Axon, the in-platform chat, lets analysts and sports scientists query the lot in plain English. Reports that took hours now take seconds. Used by the Springboks, England RFU, Japan RFU, Sydney Roosters and a growing list of rugby, football & cricket clubs and federations. Your data, reports, measures and AI models stay yours, fully portable. See if your data is ready for AI at axonperform.com BTL: BTL Industries develops advanced rehabilitation and performance technologies, including SIS DUO, Shockwave Therapy, High-Intensity Laser, TR-Therapy, Lymphastim and R-FORCE. BTL systems are designed to support recovery, pain management, functional rehabilitation and return-to-play pathways across clinica...

Simon Wallace - Rec Fem Injuries Gameplan

Oct 29, 2026 53 min

Episode 236: In this Gameplan episode, Andy McDonald is joined by Physiotherapist Simon Wallace, who works at Aspetar Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital in Doha, Qatar. Originally from Ireland, Simon spent most of his career in rugby, working with several Premiership Rugby clubs in the UK, before moving to Aspetar. There he works with elite athletes across football, athletics, volleyball, basketball and more. - In this episode, Simon shares his comprehensive Gameplan framework for Rectus Femoris injuries in kicking and running-based field sports. - Topics Discussed: • The physical demands of kicking and sprinting on the rec fem • Why short, pressured passes can be as risky as long kicks • Aspetar's components of rehab and how to avoid clinician bias • Phased rehab, from Foundation through to the Resilience phase • Objective progression criteria for strength, range and motor control • Running and GPS benchmarks relative to game demands • Progressing kicking volume, intensity and chaos • Working as an external consultant with clubs after return to play - Where you can find Simon: • LinkedIn • Instagram • Aspetar - Sponsors Gameplan Is a Rehab Management System providing Medical & Performance Departments with a centralised platform to plan, track & manage the return-to-play process inside a data rich environment. Gameplan provides one platform to connect the people, process and data during rehab. VALD Performance, makers of the Nordbord, Forceframe, ForeDecks and HumanTrak. VALD Performance systems are built with the high-performance practitioner in mind, translating traditionally lab-based technologies into engaging, quick, easy-to-use tools for daily testing, monitoring and training Hytro: The world’s leading Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) wearable, designed to accelerate recovery and maximise athletic potential using Hytro BFR for Professional Sport. BTL: BTL Industries develops advanced rehabilitation and performance technologies, including SIS DUO, Sho...

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All episodes

The newest 50 of 229 episodes

Accelerate - Damiaan Van Zanen and Aled Jenkins: Building the visibility for mental performance

Nov 9, 2026 46 min

Sports Science Insights - Dr Patrick Mannix: Learnings from the US: Youth to Senior Transition

Nov 4, 2026 41 min

Simon Wallace - Rec Fem Injuries Gameplan

Oct 29, 2026 53 min

Accelerate - Susie Reiner, PhD: Bridging worlds: Clinical and Commercial

Sep 7, 2026 56 min

Episode 235: In this episode of Accelerate Podcast, host Nicola Graham is joined by Susie Reiner, founder of TheoryEx, a research and consulting practice sitting at the intersection of human performance, technology and validation. Susie has spent over a decade moving between the worlds of academic research, elite sport, and commercial health tech, working with companies to translate scientific evidence into commercial decisions. Alongside her industry work she is an assistant professor of exercise science at Seton Hall University, and one of the lead authors behind the Sports Tech Research Network's white paper on the current state of sports tech innovation. That combination — sitting between the lab, the field, and the boardroom — has given her an unusually clear read on a term the industry uses constantly and defines rarely. At the centre of the conversation is what 'evidence-based' actually means. The phrase has become a marketing asset, but the standard behind it shifts dramatically depending on who is making the claim, what was measured, and against what. Susie unpacks the difference between a study that exists and a study that answers the question a practitioner is actually asking. ㅤ From there the discussion turns to why validation is so often bolted on rather than built in — treated as a box to tick once a product is already in market, rather than a process that shapes what gets built in the first place — and what that costs both companies and the practitioners buying from them. ㅤ The episode closes on the harder structural question: what it would take to close the gap between what the science genuinely supports and what the market is willing to pay for, and why that gap persists even when the appetite for rigour is there. ㅤ Topics Discussed: What 'Evidence-Based' Actually Means Why Validation Is Bolted On Rather Than Built In The Gap Between Scientific Rigour and Commercial Appetite The Current State of Sports Tech Innovation - Where you can find...

Sports Science Insights - Niklas Virtanen: Are we training the way we play? Or using outdated methods?

Sep 1, 2026 34 min

Episode 234: In this episode of Sports Science Insights Podcast, host Steve Barrett is joined by Niklas Virtanen, who leads the sport science efforts at FC Midtjylland. With over eight years of experience in elite sport and high-performance consulting, and backed by UEFA fitness coaching and physiotherapy credentials, Niklas has built his work around a data-driven approach to optimising player performance and development. Much of the conversation starts from a premise that is easy to say and harder to sit with: GPS has been mastered. Total distance, high-speed running, sprint counts — the metrics that once felt like the frontier are now table stakes, tracked by almost every club at almost every level. The interesting question is no longer whether you can collect them, but what you do once collecting them stops being a competitive advantage. ㅤ From there the discussion turns to what sits underneath the movement data. Niklas makes the case for IMA and IMU signals as a way of understanding how a player is performing an action, not just what action they performed — the accelerations, decelerations, changes of direction and mechanical signatures that separate two players covering identical distances in completely different ways. It's a shift from describing workload to interpreting quality, and it changes what sport science can offer a coach. ㅤ The episode also explores where that leaves practitioners: the discipline required to stop adding metrics, the value of asking better questions of the data already being captured, and what genuine progress looks like once the obvious layer has been solved. ㅤ Topics Discussed: GPS Is Mastered — So What Should We Be Doing Now? Using IMA/IMU Data to Understand How a Player Is Performing, Not Just What They're Doing Moving from Workload Description to Movement Quality What Progress Looks Like Beyond the Obvious Metrics Where you can find Niklas: LinkedIn Instagram — Sponsors Axon: Performance teams spend the morning afte...

Part 2: Alan Murdoch & Simon Harries - ACL Gameplan

Aug 27, 2026 44 min

Episode 233: In this Gameplan episode, Andy McDonald is joined again by both Alan Murdoch & Simon Harries for Part-2 of their combined approach to ACL rehab. - Alan is the founder of Elevate: Speed & Rehab, a performance rehab consultancy working with athletes from professional to Olympic level. With over 15 years’ experience, he specialises in the link between rehabilitation and sprint performance, using movement efficiency and speed-based principles to drive recovery beyond traditional timelines. - Simon is a specialist Rehabilitation Strength & Conditioning coach with a passion for problem solving the complexities of high performance rehabilitation. He has a PhD in Human Physiology and is an accredited ASCA Master L3 S&C coach with over 15 years of experience in high performance sport, having worked with athletes from a diverse range of backgrounds, including AFL, Rugby League, Rugby Union, Rugby Sevens, Water polo, and a range of individual event sports. - Part-2 Topics Discussed: Addressing movement deficits post-ACL Identifying common technical errors in acceleration SEE, SAY, DO, DEVELOP Framework Fast, Fit, and Skillful (FFS) Framework 6-Level Skilled Pathway: Foundational Skills Individual Technical Positional Unit Technical Decision-Making Modified Gameplay Team Play Performance Intent & Guardrails The "Mini Pre-Season" Conditioning Progressive Reintegration Framework Monitoring & Graduation Markers - Where you can find Alan: LinkedIn Instagram Elevate Speed Rehab Where you can find Simon: LinkedIn Instagram - Sponsors Gameplan Is a Rehab Management System providing Medical & Performance Departments with a centralised platform to plan, track & manage the return-to-play process inside a data rich environment. Gameplan provides one platform to connect the people, process and data during rehab. - 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...

Accelerate - Jordan Stewart-Mackie: Sports Tech Implementation

Aug 24, 2026 54 min

Episode 232: In this episode of Accelerate Podcast, host Nicola Graham is joined by Jordan Stewart-Mackie an Applied Performance Scientist and PhD candidate at the University of Birmingham, where his research focuses on wearable technology and data integration. Jordan's work has spanned some of the most contrasting environments in world sport — from the Premier League to Thai football to NBA Academy Africa — settings where resources, infrastructure, and staffing vary dramatically. That range has given him a rare view of what actually determines whether technology succeeds: not the sophistication of the device, but the system and the people around it. ㅤ At the centre of the conversation is the translation problem in sports tech: the gap between what data can tell us and what practitioners can act on. Jordan has built a set of structured models to close it — BISA for technology selection and evaluation, SFQT for turning data into actionable decisions, PLACE for cultural readiness and implementation stickiness, and ATRIS, the end-to-end system that connects those layers. ㅤ The discussion also explores why human connection remains the deciding factor in adoption, and how educating and empowering athletes — rather than simply monitoring them — turns data from something done to a squad into something they buy into. ㅤ Topics Discussed: The Translation Problem in Sports Tech Building Frameworks for Implementation: BISA, SFQT, PLACE & ATRIS The Need for Human Connection Empowering and Educating Athletes to Aid Adoption - Where you can find Jordan: LinkedIn Instagram JSM Performance - Sponsors Gameplan Is a Rehab Management System providing Medical & Performance Departments with a centralised platform to plan, track & manage the return-to-play process inside a data rich environment. Gameplan provides one platform to connect the people, process and data during rehab. VALD Performance, makers of the Nordbord, Forceframe, ForeDecks and HumanTrak. VALD Perform...

Alan Murdoch & Simon Harries - ACL Gameplan

Aug 18, 2026 45 min

Episode 231: In this Gameplan episode, Andy McDonald is joined by both Alan Murdoch & Simon Harries to discuss their combined approach to ACL rehabs. - Alan is the founder of Elevate: Speed & Rehab, a performance rehab consultancy working with athletes from professional to Olympic level. With over 15 years’ experience, he specialises in the link between rehabilitation and sprint performance, using movement efficiency and speed-based principles to drive recovery beyond traditional timelines. - Simon is a specialist Rehabilitation Strength & Conditioning coach with a passion for problem solving the complexities of high performance rehabilitation. He has a PhD in Human Physiology and is an accredited ASCA Master L3 S&C coach with over 15 years of experience in high performance sport, having worked with athletes from a diverse range of backgrounds, including AFL, Rugby League, Rugby Union, Rugby Sevens, Water polo, and a range of individual event sports. - Topics Discussed: Addressing High Re-Injury Rates The Performance Rehab Triad Load-Compromised Joint Neuromechanical Deficits Neurocognitive Deficits Acute Phase Non-Negotiables & Gait Re-Education Managing Quad Lags Early RFD Training Redefining the Plyometric Framework - Where you can find Alan: LinkedIn Instagram Elevate Speed Rehab Where you can find Simon: LinkedIn Instagram - Sponsors Gameplan Is a Rehab Management System providing Medical & Performance Departments with a centralised platform to plan, track & manage the return-to-play process inside a data rich environment. Gameplan provides one platform to connect the people, process and data during rehab. - 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

Keith D'Amelio: Innovating not Copying In Professional Sport

Aug 17, 2026 1 hr 2 min

Episode 230: In this episode of the Inform Performance Podcast, Andy McDonald is joined by Keith D'Amelio, PhD a performance architect with more than two decades inside the highest levels of elite sport and business. Keith has led performance for the Boston Celtics and the Toronto Raptors, guided innovation at Nike's global HQ, and advised startups, athletes, and leadership teams on how to build sustainable systems that enable performance at the highest level. He founded Heretic Performance to challenge conventional thinking and to help teams and companies execute consistently and with purpose. Throughout the episode, Keith explores why sporting organisations so often default to risk aversion, and what it actually takes to build decision-making processes that hold up under pressure. The conversation examines the holistic cost of implementing new systems — the time, staffing, and cultural load that rarely appear on the invoice — and where the line sits between genuine innovation and practicality in an applied environment. The discussion also looks at what sport can learn from other high-stakes industries, why so much low-hanging fruit in performance still goes unpicked, and how practitioners can focus their energy on the things that move the needle rather than the things that look impressive. Topics Discussed: Why sport teams are often risk averse The importance of decision-making processes Holistic costs of implementing new systems Balancing innovation and practicality Learning from high-stakes industries Addressing low-hanging fruit in sports performance - Where you can find Keith: LinkedIn Instagram Heretic Performance - Sponsors Gameplan Is a Rehab Management System providing Medical & Performance Departments with a centralised platform to plan, track & manage the return-to-play process inside a data rich environment. Gameplan provides one platform to connect the people, process and data during rehab. VALD Performance, makers of the Nordbord, For...

Travis Gaudet - High Ankle Sprain Gameplan

Aug 11, 2026 1 hr 0 min

Episode 229: In this Gameplan episode, Andy McDonald is joined by High Performance Physio Travis Gaudet, the Co-Owner & Director of Rehabilitation at Orka Performance. Travis regularly consults with Pro-Athletes, Collegiate Athletes, Youth Athletes, and general population alike. He has spoken and delivered workshops Internationally, and has consulted with athletes in the NHL, MLB, Olympics, CFL, MLS, Canada Men’s National Soccer Team, USPORT, NCAA and more. - In this episode, Travis shares his comprehensive Gameplan framework for a High Ankle Sprain in Ice Hockey players. - Topics Discussed: High ankle sprain biomechanics in hockey Phased rehab protocols for ankle injuries Sport-specific movement analysis Return-to-sport criteria and testing Role of biomechanics research in rehab Rehab strategies for hockey skating and shooting Conditioning and neurocognitive training in rehab - Where you can find Travis: LinkedIn Instagram Orka Performance - Sponsors Gameplan Is a Rehab Management System providing Medical & Performance Departments with a centralised platform to plan, track & manage the return-to-play process inside a data rich environment. Gameplan provides one platform to connect the people, process and data during rehab. - 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

Athletic Shoulder: Gus Morrison - You can nail every number & still send them back broken

Aug 10, 2026 1 hr 25 min

Episode 228: Ben Ashworth chats to Gus Morrison, BSc, MSc, ASCC. Gus earned his Bachelor's degree in physiotherapy from the University of Southampton in 2013, followed by a Master's degree in Sports Medicine at University College London. During this period, he sought mentorship from Ben, focusing on refining his expertise in data-driven shoulder assessments and rehabilitation. Together they published his Master's dissertation in the Journal of Physical Therapy in Sport, exploring the Athletic Shoulder Test's application in amateur rugby players. Alongside this, Gus achieved full accreditation as a Strength and Conditioning Coach through the UKSCA. He went on to establish the Shoulder Assessment Unit at the Institute of Sport, Exercise and Health, delivering a data-driven assessment service for athletes recovering from shoulder injuries. Recognised for his expertise, he has spoken at webinars and conferences, and recently co-authored a publication with Ben in the Strength and Conditioning Journal on the synergy between testing and training for shoulder injuries. Gus joined Athletic Shoulder in July 2023, where he provides comprehensive testing and rehabilitation services to a diverse clientele of athletes and patients returning to sport and exercise post-injury. Topics Discussed - The Four Buckets: Range, Endurance, Strength and Power - Why Capacity Is the Biggest Driver of Pain - Outcome, Performance and Process Goals in Rehab - Quality Assuring Tests: Spotting Compensation Before You Trust the Number - Motor Learning, Joint Position Sense and the L and Y Holds - RFD and the Athletic Shoulder Test as a Force Transfer Test - From Closed Gym Skills to Chaos: Return to Contact Where you can find Gus: •LinkedIn Sponsors Gameplan is a rehab Project Management & Data Analytics Platform that improves operational & communication efficiency during rehab. Gameplan provides a centralised tool for MDT’s to work collaboratively inside a data rich environment VALD Perf...

Tim McGrath - PCL Gameplan

Aug 5, 2026 38 min

Episode 227: In this Gameplan episode - a collaboration between Gameplan & Inform Performance, Host Andy McDonald is joined by Consultant Physiotherapist and Director of Pitch-Ready Tim McGrath. Tim is a Sports Physiotherapist with over 23 years professional practice & professional sport experience. Most recently returned to Australia after working as Senior Director of Player Health & Performance for the Washington Commanders NFL team in the USA, Tim completed his PhD from the Research Institute of Sports & Exercise (UCRISE) at the University of Canberra on the topic of ACL rehabilitation and return to sport following knee injury in 2016. - In this episode, Tim shares his comprehensive Gameplan framework for PCL rehabilitation and return to play. - Topics Discussed: PCL injury assessment and management Sport-specific physical demands and rehab goals Progressive training buckets: quad, hamstring, calf, lateral movement Objective benchmarks for an effective return-to-play Common pitfalls and decision making in PCL rehab - Where you can find Tim McGrath: LinkedIn Instagram Where you can find Pitch Ready: Pitch-Ready - Sponsors Gameplan Is a Rehab Management System providing Medical & Performance Departments with a centralised platform to plan, track & manage the return-to-play process inside a data rich environment. Gameplan provides one platform to connect the people, process and data during rehab. - 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

Sports Science Insights: Dan Ramsden - Career Transition, Leadership & Concussion.

Aug 3, 2026 37 min

Episode 228: In this episode of Inform Performance, host Steve Barrett is joined by Dan Ramsden — Head of Performance for Super League's Hull KR, promoted into the role after eight years as the club's Head Physiotherapist. Dan now leads the club's strength, conditioning, and rehabilitation programmes, bringing together medical and performance functions under one department. Alongside a physiotherapy degree and a PhD focused on concussion, he holds a 5th Dan Black Belt in Aikido, and specialises in injury prevention and building athletic resilience in a collision sport. At the centre of the conversation is Dan's transition from clinician to department lead. He discusses what changes when your remit shifts from treating individual athletes to setting the direction of an entire performance team, the skills that transfer from physiotherapy, and the ones that have to be learned on the job. The discussion also explores the culture required to build and sustain a high-performing staff — how roles are defined, how disciplines are integrated rather than siloed, and how Dan develops the practitioners around him. Dan then unpacks player availability and its relationship with training and match intensity, before moving into his research area: concussion, neck strength, and the role of rate of force development (RFD) as a measure that goes beyond maximal strength testing. — Topics Discussed: Progression from Physio to a Head of Performance role Culture and development of a high performance team Player availability and its link to intensity Concussion and the use of rate of force development (RFD) within neck strength Where you can find Dan: LinkedIn Instagram — Sponsors Axon: Performance teams spend the morning after game day stitching together six systems before the coach gets an answer. Axon Perform fixes that. Every source you already use, Catapult, StatSports, VALD, Opta, OVAL, Wyscout, WHOOP, Garmin and the rest, connects into a dedicated Snowflake warehouse. A...

Lindsay Bull - The Handover Hangover: Sequential vs. Concurrent Return to Performance Models in Elite Sport

Jul 28, 2026 47 min

Episode 225: In this Gameplan episode - a collaboration between Gameplan & Inform Performance, Host Andy McDonald is joined by Consultant Physiotherapist Lindsay Bull. Lindsay is an experienced sports physiotherapist and medical services leader working across elite professional sport and high-performance environments. His work centres on performance rehabilitation, return-to-sport decision making, and management of complex musculoskeletal injuries, particularly thigh muscle and hip/groin conditions across elite athletes. Lindsay's experience includes leading medical services within elite AFL programs across multiple programs, with responsibility for multidisciplinary team leadership, medical and rehabilitation strategy, and player availability outcomes. In this episode, Lindsay shares unpacks his recent article collaboration with Martin Buccheit titled: The Handover Hangover: Sequential vs. Concurrent Return to Performance Models in Elite Sport. - Topics Discussed: The villain in suboptimal rehab: siloed approaches Job security and its impact on collaboration Principles of collegiality, alignment & concurrent engagement. Common misalignments in prognosis and expectations Practical tips for building a collaborative department The role of facility design and communication - Where you can find Lindsay Bull: LinkedIn Instagram Where you can find the paper: Performance and Sport Science Reports - Sponsors Gameplan Is a Rehab Management System providing Medical & Performance Departments with a centralised platform to plan, track & manage the return-to-play process inside a data rich environment. Gameplan provides one platform to connect the people, process and data during rehab. - 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

Accelerate: Mark Opar - The Sports Tech Transition from Elite Sport to Healthcare

Jul 20, 2026 57 min

Episode 224: In this episode of Accelerate Podcast, host Nicola Graham is joined by Mark Opar — a clinical physiotherapist of ten years who made the leap into sports technology, and now serves as Head of Strategy for Health at VALD, one of the world's leading sports technology companies. Mark's career has bridged the clinic and the boardroom — giving him a rare perspective on what it takes to translate elite sport innovation into everyday healthcare. VALD's force plates, strength testing systems, and assessment tools are trusted by thousands of elite teams worldwide, and Mark's mission is to bring that same objective assessment capability to clinics, hospitals, and the general population. ㅤ At the centre of the conversation is a provocative thesis: objective assessment isn't just about better data — it's about better engagement. Mark unpacks how giving practitioners and patients a shared language changes the dynamic of care, driving motivation, trust, and ultimately better outcomes. ㅤ The discussion also explores the realities of moving from clinician to corporate strategist, and what elite sport can teach healthcare about measuring what matters. ㅤ Topics Discussed: The Clinician-to-Corporate Transition VALD's Position in the Market Crossing from Elite Sport to Healthcare Objective Assessment as Engagement Sponsors Gameplan is a rehab Project Management & Data Analytics Platform that improves operational & communication efficiency during rehab. Gameplan provides a centralised tool for MDT’s to work collaboratively inside a data rich environment VALD Performance, makers of the Nordbord, Forceframe, ForeDecks and HumanTrak. VALD Performance systems are built with the high-performance practitioner in mind, translating traditionally lab-based technologies into engaging, quick, easy-to-use tools for daily testing, monitoring and training Hytro: The world’s leading Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) wearable, designed to accelerate recovery and maximise athletic pot...

Michael Giakoumis - Gameplan for Hamstring Strains

Jul 13, 2026 45 min

Episode 223: In this 1st episode of Gameplans - a collaboration between Gameplan & Inform Performance, Host Andy McDonald is joined by Michael Giakoumis the Head of Rehab at Manchester City FC. Michael is an experienced sports physiotherapist with specialised expertise in complex hip, groin, and lower-limb muscle injuries, frequently providing second opinions for challenging cases. He has previously held roles at the Marylebone Health Group (MHG) in their specialist hip, groin, and muscle injury clinic, as well as within elite international athletics with British Athletics and across multiple other sports. In this episode, Michael Giakoumis shares his comprehensive framework to hamstring rehabilitation, emphasising the importance of understanding sport demands, individual variability, and systematic planning for effective recovery. - Topics Discussed: Framework for deconstructing football-specific demands. Identifying hamstring strain co-actives Phased approach to hamstring rehabilitation Physical qualities and their role in rehab Use of speed bounds and biomechanical demands Individualized rehab based on injury severity and history Monitoring and adjusting rehab objectives Importance of interdisciplinary collaboration - Where you can find Michael Giakoumis: LinkedIn Instagram - Sponsors Gameplan Is a Rehab Management System providing Medical & Performance Departments with a centralised platform to plan, track & manage the return-to-play process inside a data rich environment. Gameplan provides one platform to connect the people, process and data during rehab. - 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 Nicola Graham Steve Barrett Pete McKnight

Warren Bradley - FIFA World Cup: Physiological Challenges & Strategies

Jul 8, 2026 53 min

Episode 222: In this episode of the Inform Performance Podcast, Andy McDonald is joined by Dr. Warren Bradley — sports nutritionist turned co-founder of Hytro, the world's leading Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) wearable used by elite teams across multiple sports worldwide. With over a decade of experience in professional sport and a PhD in sports nutrition, Warren has spent the past six years transitioning from applied practice into building a company that delivers BFR solutions to high-performance environments around the globe. His unique perspective bridges the science of recovery with the practical realities of elite sport. Throughout the episode, Warren explores the physiological challenges athletes face during congested tournament schedules, and how practitioners can mitigate the effects of jet lag, travel fatigue, and accumulated load. The conversation examines neuromuscular function, the role of perception in fatigue and recovery, and how emerging modalities like BFR may support tendon recovery. The discussion also dives into how practitioners can identify which recovery strategies actually matter, how to evaluate their effectiveness, and why the human element remains central to recovery science — even as technology and data continue to evolve. Topics Discussed: Physiological challenges in tournaments Mitigating jet lag and fatigue Neuromuscular function and recovery techniques Perception of fatigue and recovery modalities Exploring BFR and tendon recovery Identifying key recovery strategies Evaluating recovery effectiveness The human element in recovery science Where you can find Warren: LinkedIn Instagram - Sponsors Gameplan is a rehab Project Management & Data Analytics Platform that improves operational & communication efficiency during rehab. Gameplan provides a centralised tool for MDT’s to work collaboratively inside a data rich environment VALD Performance, makers of the Nordbord, Forceframe, ForeDecks and HumanTrak. VALD Performance system...

Sports Science Insights - Julie Gooderick: Sleep, Recovery & the female athlete

Jun 22, 2026 35 min

Episode 221: In this episode of Sports Science Insights, host Steve Barrett is joined by Julie Gooderick — a UKSCA Accredited Strength & Conditioning Coach and Sports Therapist with more than 15 years of experience supporting athletes across a wide range of sports, from grassroots participation through to the Olympic Games. Julie has led athlete scholarship programmes within schools and universities, helping to create pathways that develop talent from early participation to elite performance. With a degree in Sports Therapy, an MSc in Strength & Conditioning, and experience supporting athletes at two Olympic Games, she brings a unique perspective on long-term athlete development, performance support, and the realities of working in high-performance sport. At the centre of the conversation is the challenge of supporting athletes beyond the training programme itself. Julie discusses the role of recovery in performance, why sleep remains one of the most underutilised tools available to athletes, and how practitioners can create environments that promote both performance and wellbeing. The discussion also explores Julie's involvement in initiatives designed to support and develop female coaches within the profession. Drawing on her own experiences, she reflects on the progress that has been made, the challenges that remain, and the importance of creating opportunities for future generations of practitioners. Throughout the episode, Julie shares practical examples and case studies from her consultancy work with female athletes, providing insight into the complex and individualised nature of performance support across different sporting environments. - Topics Discussed: Julie's Background and Career Journey Sleep, Recovery and Performance Female Coach Initiatives Through UKSCA Female Athlete Consultancy Case Studies Long-Term Athlete Development Supporting Athletes Across Different Sporting Environments - Where you can find Julie: Linkedin Publications - Sp...

Accelerate - Allan MacDonald: Decision Making in Sport

Jun 8, 2026 58 min

Episode 220: In this episode of Accelerate Podcast, host Nicola Graham is joined by Allan MacDonald — a decision-making specialist who has spent 15 years in elite sport before transitioning into government, and who holds a professional doctorate in judgmental forecasting and decision-making. Allan's career has taken him across high-performance sport, public sector strategy, and academic research — giving him a rare cross-domain perspective on how decisions actually get made under pressure. His doctoral work focuses on the science of forecasting and human judgement, exploring why even experienced professionals fall short when it matters most. ㅤ At the centre of the conversation is a question every high-performance environment faces: how do we make better decisions — not just with better data, but with better thinking? Allan unpacks the gap between having information and knowing how to weigh it, and why expertise alone is no defence against the biases that quietly shape our choices. ㅤ The discussion also explores how the principles of judgmental forecasting and calibrated confidence translate beyond sport — into business, strategy, and any environment where decisions are made in the face of uncertainty. ㅤ Topics Discussed: Decision Making in High-Performance Environments Confidence and Calibration Team Set-Ups and How They Shape Judgement Forecasting and Handling Uncertainty The Crossover to Business and Strategy - Where you can find Allan: LinkedIn Website X - Sponsors Gameplan is a rehab Project Management & Data Analytics Platform that improves operational & communication efficiency during rehab. Gameplan provides a centralised tool for MDT’s to work collaboratively inside a data rich environment 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 d...

Simon Wallace: Achilles Tendon Repair Rehab

May 25, 2026 51 min

Episode 219: In this episode of the Inform Performance Podcast, Andy McDonald is joined by Simon Wallace — Senior Physiotherapist at Aspetar Sports Medicine Hospital, where he leads the Foot, Ankle, and Calf rehabilitation team. With extensive experience across elite sport and high-performance environments, Simon has developed particular expertise in lower limb rehabilitation, specialising in complex foot and ankle injuries as well as recurrent thigh muscle issues. Prior to Aspetar, Simon spent over a decade working in professional rugby, including serving as Medical Lead & Head Physiotherapist at Leicester Tigers. Throughout the episode, Simon shares a detailed insight into the rehabilitation process following Achilles tendon rupture and repair, exploring how clinicians can effectively balance tissue healing, loading strategies, and athlete expectations throughout recovery. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding the variability within Achilles rehab and why rigid timelines often fail to reflect the realities of individual recovery. The discussion also dives into the role of early-stage management post-surgery, common mistakes that can delay progress, and how practitioners can better integrate strength and plyometric training to prepare athletes for the demands of return to performance. Simon offers practical perspectives on navigating decision-making in elite sport while maintaining athlete confidence and long-term outcomes. Topics Discussed: Surgical options for Achilles repair Early management following Achilles surgery Understanding flexibility within Achilles rehab Common pitfalls during Achilles recovery The importance of plyometric training Navigating athlete expectations and return timelines - Where you can find Simon: LinkedIn Instagram - Sponsors Gameplan is a rehab Project Management & Data Analytics Platform that improves operational & communication efficiency during rehab. Gameplan provides a centralised tool for MDT’s...

Accelerate - Dr Naomi Myhill: Translating Elite Sport to Consumer Health

May 11, 2026 54 min

Episode 218: In this episode of Accelerate Podcast, host Nicola Graham is joined by Dr Naomi Myhill — Director of Applied Science at Cascaid Health, a proactive health platform applying elite sport methodology to consumer health and longevity. ㅤ Before joining Cascaid Health, Naomi spent years working across elite women’s football with both The FA and City Football Group, helping bridge the gap between research and practice. Her work focused on translating complex performance constructs into actionable metrics and interventions — giving coaches and practitioners clearer insights to support faster, better decision-making. ㅤ At the centre of the conversation is the challenge of applying elite sport principles outside of high-performance environments. Naomi shares why so much health data fails to create meaningful behaviour change, what it takes to build systems that genuinely move people forward, and how elite sport methodologies can shape the future of consumer health and longevity. ㅤ The discussion also explores the female athlete landscape — from data collection and interpretation, to the broader challenges and opportunities involved in building more individualised health and performance systems. ㅤ Topics Discussed: What Elite Sport Can Teach Consumer Health Why Most Health Data Fails to Change Behaviour Building Systems That Actually Move People Forward The Female Athlete and Data Translating Research Into Practice Health, Longevity and Behaviour Change - Where you can find Naomi: Website - Sponsors Gameplan is a rehab Project Management & Data Analytics Platform that improves operational & communication efficiency during rehab. Gameplan provides a centralised tool for MDT’s to work collaboratively inside a data rich environment 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 engagi...

Hannah Marchant - A Real World MPFL Case Study

Apr 28, 2026 30 min

Episode 217: In this episode of the Inform Performance, Andy McDonald is joined by Hannah Marchant — a Sports Therapist working across elite sport and clinical environments, currently with New York City FC, and formerly at Cleveland Clinic. With a background spanning high-performance sport and advanced clinical practice, Hannah brings a detailed perspective on integrating rehabilitation, objective testing, and data-led decision-making within multidisciplinary teams. Her work centres on optimising athlete recovery while ensuring robust, criteria-based return-to-play outcomes. Across the conversation, Hannah breaks down the complexities of managing patellar instability and MPFL injuries — from initial assessment through to long-term rehabilitation strategy. The discussion explores how anatomical risk factors influence decision-making, the importance of structured clinical workflows, and how practitioners can adapt rehab in real time based on objective feedback. The episode also dives into the nuances of progressing patellar rehab in elite environments, highlighting how to balance tissue healing, strength development, and movement quality — while maintaining clarity across the MDT. Hannah shares practical insights into monitoring progress, refining interventions, and ensuring athletes are not just cleared to return, but truly prepared to perform. Topics Discussed: Assessment process for MPFL injuries Clinical workflow and case management Anatomical risk factors for patellar dislocation Rehabilitation nuances for patellar injuries Monitoring progress and adjusting rehab - Where you can find Hannah: LinkedIn Instagram - Sponsors Gameplan is a rehab Project Management & Data Analytics Platform that improves operational & communication efficiency during rehab. Gameplan provides a centralised tool for MDT’s to work collaboratively inside a data rich environment VALD Performance, makers of the Nordbord, Forceframe, ForeDecks and HumanTrak. VALD Performance sys...

Accelerate - Brian Moore: The 15 Year Build: Science Leads and Tech Follows

Apr 13, 2026 58 min

Episode 216: In this episode of Accelerate Podcast, host Nicola Graham is joined by Dr Brian Moore — Co-Founder and CEO of Orreco, a company that has spent over fifteen years at the forefront of bio-analytics and AI in elite sport. ㅤ Brian’s journey into high-performance sport began in the lead-up to the Sydney Olympics 2000, where he studied blood biomarkers under Professor Craig Sharp — widely regarded as a pioneer of British sports science. Since then, his work has spanned Olympic and World Championship medallists, NBA organisations including the Dallas Mavericks, Premier League clubs, Formula 1 teams, and the America’s Cup. ㅤ At the core of the conversation is Orreco’s long-term vision: building a full-stack AI system for human performance. Brian shares how a science-first approach has shaped the company’s evolution — from early biomarker analysis to developing integrated systems that aim to inform decision-making across performance, recovery, and health. ㅤ This episode explores what it really takes to build in elite sport over the long term — from maintaining scientific credibility, to navigating investment, and translating complex data into meaningful, applied insights for practitioners and organisations. ㅤ Topics Discussed: The Fifteen-Year Build Science-First Strategy The Bio-Analytics Thesis Building the Full Stack Capital and Credibility - Where you can find Brian: LinkedIn Website Instagram - Sponsors Gameplan is a rehab Project Management & Data Analytics Platform that improves operational & communication efficiency during rehab. Gameplan provides a centralised tool for MDT’s to work collaboratively inside a data rich environment VALD Performance, makers of the Nordbord, Forceframe, ForeDecks and HumanTrak. VALD Performance systems are built with the high-performance practitioner in mind, translating traditionally lab-based technologies into engaging, quick, easy-to-use tools for daily testing, monitoring and training Hytro: The world...

Athletic Shoulder - Richie Gray: Bridging Rehab & Performance in Collision Sport

Mar 30, 2026 45 min

Episode 215: In this episode of the Athletic Shoulder Podcast, Ben Ashworth is joined by Richie Gray — founder of GSI Performance and one of the leading voices in contact and collision coaching globally. With over two decades of experience across elite sport, Richie has helped shape how athletes prepare for contact at the highest level. His work spans international rugby, the NFL, and world-class environments including the Springboks, Flying Fijians, and RC Toulon — alongside ongoing contributions to global governing bodies such as World Rugby and USA Football. Across the conversation, Richie breaks down what it truly takes to prepare athletes for the demands of collision sport — from technical precision and physical readiness to building systems that hold up under pressure. The discussion explores the intersection of coaching, equipment, and methodology, highlighting how his frameworks have redefined both performance and player welfare. The episode also dives into the critical distinction between return to play and return to performance, offering a clearer pathway for practitioners looking to bridge the gap between rehabilitation and real-world sport. Richie shares practical insights into integrating technical skill within physical preparation, developing athlete confidence through progression, and applying innovative tools to better replicate the demands of contact environments. Topics Discussed: The journey of collaboration in sports rehabilitation Return to performance vs return to play The role of technique in injury prevention Innovative training equipment in collision sport Progression in rehabilitation and athlete confidence Frameworks for effective shoulder injury management Integrating technical skill into physical preparation Coaching philosophy and the future of contact training Bridging the gap between research and practice - Where you can find Richie: LinkedIn Website Instagram - Sponsors Gameplan is a rehab Project Management & Data Anal...

Accelerate - Chris Bodman: The Psychological Perspective

Mar 16, 2026 56 min

Episode 214: In this episode of Accelerate, host Nicola Graham is joined by Chris Bodman — a Chartered Performance Psychologist who has helped guide Olympic athletes to podium performances and now works with executives and founders navigating high-pressure environments. Chris’ career began in strength and conditioning, where he spent over a decade developing athletes physically before shifting his focus to the psychological side of performance. That transition led him to work across some of the UK’s leading high-performance systems, including the England and Wales Cricket Board, Rugby Football Union, and the UK Sports Institute, as well as supporting the England Women's Cricket Team. In 2021, Chris founded LMNTARY Performance — a consultancy designed to translate the mental frameworks used in elite sport into the worlds of leadership, entrepreneurship, and business performance. Across the conversation, Chris shares how the principles that underpin success in high-performance sport — clarity of purpose, adaptability under pressure, and sustainable habits — can be applied far beyond the sporting arena. The discussion explores the realities of burnout, the importance of psychological flexibility, and how individuals and organisations can build environments that support long-term performance rather than short bursts of intensity. ㅤ Topics Discussed: Chris’ journey from strength & conditioning into performance psychology Lessons from working within elite sport systems Translating sport psychology frameworks into business Purpose, burnout, and sustaining high performance Adaptability and decision-making under pressure Building environments that support long-term success — Where you can find Chris: LinkedIn Website Instagram X - Sponsors Gameplan is a rehab Project Management & Data Analytics Platform that improves operational & communication efficiency during rehab. Gameplan provides a centralised tool for MDT’s to work collaboratively inside a data rich en...

Tom Clark - Mitigating the Effects of Jet Lag

Mar 4, 2026 46 min

Episode 213: In this episode, Andy McDonald is joined by Tom Clark — a sports scientist and performance coach with over a decade of experience working at the highest levels of elite sport. Currently completing a doctorate focused on jet lag and circadian disruption, Tom brings rare, first-hand insight into the challenges of global travel in high-performance environments. Having coached across the world in Formula One, his work centres on understanding how travel fatigue, disrupted sleep, and circadian misalignment influence athlete readiness and performance. Across the conversation, Tom unpacks the realities of jet lag in elite sport — exploring how travel affects physiological rhythms, why its impact varies between athletes, and how practitioners can better assess and manage it within performance systems. The discussion also examines practical interventions to minimise disruption, alongside the role of new technologies designed to support high-performance travel. ㅤ Topics Discussed: • Understanding jet lag • Impact of travel and circadian disruption on performance • Assessing jet lag in athletes • Key interventions to reduce travel fatigue • Phaze — a solution for high-performance travel - Where you can find Tom: LinkedIn Website Instagram - Sponsors Gameplan is a rehab Project Management & Data Analytics Platform that improves operational & communication efficiency during rehab. Gameplan provides a centralised tool for MDT’s to work collaboratively inside a data rich environment VALD Performance, makers of the Nordbord, Forceframe, ForeDecks and HumanTrak. VALD Performance systems are built with the high-performance practitioner in mind, translating traditionally lab-based technologies into engaging, quick, easy-to-use tools for daily testing, monitoring and training Hytro: The world’s leading Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) wearable, designed to accelerate recovery and maximise athletic potential using Hytro BFR for Professional Sport. - Where to...

Accelerate - Jason Esseboom: Investment Capital in Sports Tech

Feb 23, 2026 48 min

Episode 212: In this episode of Accelerate, Nicola Graham is joined by Jason — Founder of Joyned Capital, former semi-professional footballer in the Netherlands, and a leader at the intersection of athlete identity and technology investment. Jason’s journey spans elite sport, corporate banking, venture building, and two years designing and running the Qatar SportsTech accelerator programme — giving him a rare perspective on both sides of the performance and investment table. After transitioning out of football, he made it his mission to reshape the narrative around athletes in business and redefine how investors engage with sport and technology. Now through Joyned Capital, Jason is focused on changing the face of investment — building bridges between high-performance sport and high-growth tech, while empowering athletes to become credible, strategic investors. Across the conversation, Jason breaks down what the high-performance mindset really looks like beyond the pitch — exploring growth, curiosity, relentlessness and grit in the world of startups and venture capital. He shares practical insights into the different types of capital founders can pursue, and why relationships — not just capital — are the true currency in early-stage investment. ㅤ Topics Discussed: • From semi-pro football to founder and investor • Designing and leading Qatar SportsTech’s accelerator • The high-performance mindset in venture • Understanding different types of investment capital • The rise of the athlete investor • Building meaningful investor–founder relationships - Where you can find Jason: LinkedIn Website Instagram - Sponsors Gameplan is a rehab Project Management & Data Analytics Platform that improves operational & communication efficiency during rehab. Gameplan provides a centralised tool for MDT’s to work collaboratively inside a data rich environment VALD Performance, makers of the Nordbord, Forceframe, ForeDecks and HumanTrak. VALD Performance systems are buil...

Trent Salo - Assessing & Improving Tendon Health

Feb 16, 2026 45 min

Episode 211: In this episode, Andy McDonald is joined by Trent — founder of The Tendon Lab and a specialist in Achilles and Patellar tendon health. Trent brings nearly a decade of professional basketball experience as a physical therapist, strength coach, and former VP of Player Health and Performance into his focused clinical and research practice in Traverse City, Michigan. A former collegiate basketball player turned tendon scientist, his work now centres exclusively on evaluating and enhancing tendon structure and function. Alongside consulting with professional teams on high-performance systems and return-to-play processes, Trent is pursuing his PhD in tendon health under one of the world’s leading tendon researchers. His mission is clear: bridge the gap between emerging tendon science and the realities of performance environments. Across the conversation, Trent unpacks what “tendon health” really means beyond pain or imaging alone. He explores how structure, function, and symptoms interact — and why they don’t always move in parallel. The discussion dives into the role of UTC imaging, intelligent loading strategies, and how to progress athletes toward high-level stretch–shortening cycle (SSC) demands with clarity and confidence. ㅤ Topics Discussed: • Defining tendon health • The role of UTC imaging in clinical decision-making • Structure vs. function vs. pain • Strategies for progressive tendon loading • Targeting tendon substructure adaptations • End-stage / SSC tendon loading in performance settings Where you can find Trent: LinkedIn Website Instagram - Sponsors Gameplan is a rehab Project Management & Data Analytics Platform that improves operational & communication efficiency during rehab. Gameplan provides a centralised tool for MDT’s to work collaboratively inside a data rich environment VALD Performance, makers of the Nordbord, Forceframe, ForeDecks and HumanTrak. VALD Performance systems are built with the high-performance practitioner i...

Accelerate - Emma Meehan: Technical Founder in a Clinical World

Feb 9, 2026 46 min

Episode 210: In this episode of Accelerate, host Nicola Graham is joined by Emma Meehan — Founder, CEO, and CTO of KinetikIQ. Emma is building technology that sits at the intersection of biomechanics, machine learning, and real-world performance. KinetikIQ turns any smartphone into a full-body 3D biomechanics system using LiDAR and AI — no wearables required — making advanced movement analysis far more accessible across sport and health. With a background in computer science and software engineering, alongside experience as a competitive weightlifter, Emma brings both technical depth and practitioner perspective to product development. Her work has already been recognised across sport, technology, and business — including wins at the KPMG Global Tech Innovator Ireland and the Barca Innovation Challenge, Best New Sports Business of the Year at the Irish Sport Awards, recognition from SportsTechX as a European startup to watch, and features in the Sunday Business Post and Irish Independent 30 Under 30 lists. Together, Nicola and Emma explore what it really takes to build a company as a technical founder, how the Irish startup ecosystem can support early-stage growth, and the realities of securing venture capital in sport and healthtech — alongside the lived experience of building as a female founder in a still-emerging industry. Topics discussed: Building a company as a technical founder The role of the Irish startup ecosystem in early growth Venture capital funding in sport and healthtech The realities of being a female founder in sports technology Where you can find Emma: LinkedIn Instagram KineticIQ - Sponsors Gameplan is a rehab Project Management & Data Analytics Platform that improves operational & communication efficiency during rehab. Gameplan provides a centralised tool for MDT’s to work collaboratively inside a data rich environment VALD Performance, makers of the ForceDecks, ForceFrame, HumanTrak, Dynamo, SmartSpeed, NordBoard. VALD Performa...

Accelerate - Andy McDonald: Building Tech as a Practitioner Founder

Feb 2, 2026 52 min

Episode 209: In this first episode of Accelerate, host Nicola Graham is joined by our very own Andy McDonald — CEO & Co-Founder of Gameplan Performance and the voice behind Inform Performance. Nicola’s work sits at the intersection of preventative health, human performance, and business strategy. With a background spanning advanced clinical practice, leadership roles across growth and M&A, and an Executive MBA, she now supports founders, funds, and performance-led organisations to translate scientific credibility into scalable strategy, measurable outcomes, and commercial growth. Andy brings 15+ years of frontline experience across elite sport — from collegiate programmes to the NBA, UFC, and Indy500 — and shares the realities of building technology as a practitioner, not just an idea. Together, they explore why Accelerate exists, and what it really takes to build products, platforms, and companies that sport will actually adopt. Topics discussed: • Why we started Accelerate • Building tech as a practitioner-founder • Managing multiple stakeholders in rehab environments • Turning evidence into products teams will trust and use Where you can find Andy: LinkedIn Instagram X - Sponsors Gameplan is a rehab Project Management & Data Analytics Platform that improves operational & communication efficiency during rehab. Gameplan provides a centralised tool for MDT’s to work collaboratively inside a data rich environment VALD Performance, makers of the ForceDecks, ForceFrame, HumanTrak, Dynamo, SmartSpeed, NordBoard. VALD Performance systems are built with the high-performance practitioner in mind, translating traditionally lab-based technologies into engaging, quick, easy-to-use tools for daily testing, monitoring and training Hytro: The world’s leading Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) wearable, designed to accelerate recovery and maximise athletic potential using Hytro BFR for Professional Sport. - Where to Find Us Keep up to date with everything that is goi...

Jake Gillies - Data-Driven Decision Making in Rehab

Jan 19, 2026 1 hr 2 min

Episode 208: In this episode, Andy McDonald is joined by Jake Gillies, Lead Sports Scientist at Bristol Bears Rugby, working at the sharp end of performance data integration within English Premiership rugby. Jake’s role centres on quantifying the physical demands of match play and translating performance technology outputs into actionable training decisions. Prior to joining the Bears, he worked as a Sports Scientist at Harlequins Rugby, alongside experience as a Strength & Conditioning coach in the British Basketball League (BBL) — giving him a broad, cross-sport perspective on how data should (and shouldn’t) be used. Across the conversation, Jake breaks down what it really means to turn data into action. He explores how practitioners can move beyond numbers for numbers’ sake, contextualise information within rehab and performance environments, and ensure that data serves decision-making rather than complicating it. The discussion highlights the importance of athlete intent, flexible testing frameworks, and clear visualisation when bridging the gap between rehabilitation and match performance. ㅤ Topics Discussed: • Turning data into action • Contextualising data in rehabilitation • Managing complexity in rehab objectives • Insights vs. information in sports science • The importance of good data in rehab settings • Athlete intent & performance metrics • Flexibility in testing protocols • Effective data visualisation & dashboards • Bridging the gap between rehab and match performance - Where you can find Jake: LinkedIn Instagram X - Sponsors VALD Performance, makers of the Nordbord, Forceframe, ForeDecks and HumanTrak. VALD Performance systems are built with the high-performance practitioner in mind, translating traditionally lab-based technologies into engaging, quick, easy-to-use tools for daily testing, monitoring and training Hytro: The world’s leading Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) wearable, designed to accelerate recovery and maximise athletic pot...

Dr James Morehen - Fueling Strategies for Elite Performance

Dec 8, 2025 56 min

Episode 207: In this episode, Andy McDonald speaks with Dr. James Morehen, Lead Performance Nutritionist for England Rugby and an SENr-registered practitioner working at the forefront of elite sport. James has supported athletes across Premiership Rugby, international rugby pathways, professional boxing, motorsport, and endurance sport — previously serving as the Performance Nutritionist for Bristol Bears Rugby Union before moving into his current national-team role. Through his company, Morehen Performance Ltd, he also consults privately with athletes and high-performing individuals seeking clear, practical nutrition systems that fit real life. James shares his journey into performance nutrition and the evolving expectations placed on practitioners — from managing game-day fuelling to navigating alcohol and recovery, and from educating players to integrating seamlessly within multidisciplinary teams. He also discusses the difference between textbook knowledge and applied practice, and how identifying simple, high-impact nutritional wins can drive meaningful performance change. Drawing on his experience in both elite and private settings, James unpacks the realities of modern nutrition support, the myths that distract athletes, and the principles that consistently move the needle. ㅤ Topics Discussed: • Common nutritional challenges in athletes • Alcohol and recovery: finding the balance • Bridging the gap between textbook knowledge & applied practice • Game-day nutrition: a full walkthrough • Identifying “low-hanging fruit” for quick performance wins • Debunking trends, myths & overcomplicated advice - Where you can find James: LinkedIn Instagram X - Sponsors VALD Performance, makers of the Nordbord, Forceframe, ForeDecks and HumanTrak. VALD Performance systems are built with the high-performance practitioner in mind, translating traditionally lab-based technologies into engaging, quick, easy-to-use tools for daily testing, monitoring and training H...

Robin Thorpe - From Isolation to Integration: Unifying Rehab

Nov 17, 2025 1 hr 5 min

Episode 206: In this episode, Andy McDonald is joined by Dr. Robin Thorpe, one of the most influential performance scientists of the modern era. ㅤ Robin spent a decade at Manchester United (2009–2019) as a Senior Performance Scientist and Conditioning Coach, working across multiple managerial eras — from Sir Alex Ferguson through to Ole Gunnar Solskjær. As Head of Recovery & Regeneration, he supported the First Team through 10 national and international titles, developing systems to maximise player availability, manage fatigue, and reduce injury and illness risk. ㅤ Alongside his applied PhD with Liverpool John Moores University, Robin has worked with elite athletes across football, golf, boxing, track & field, and national teams — including the Mexican National Team for the 2018 FIFA World Cup. His career spans leadership roles in the EPL, NBA, MLB, MLS, PGA Tour, and most recently as Director of Performance at Red Bull, supporting global high-performance environments. ㅤ In this conversation, Robin shares how he translates first-principles thinking into real-world decision making, how teams can collaborate more effectively, and why strategic performance leadership is the future of high-performance sport. ㅤ Topics Discussed: Interdisciplinary team dynamics Converting first principles into practical application Specialist vs. generalist roles in elite sport Decision-making frameworks for practitioners Monitoring & measuring rehab outcomes Outcome-based, process-guided, & adaptation-focused rehab Where to Find Dr. Thorpe: LinkedIn Instagram X ResearchGate Sponsors Gameplan is a rehab Project Management & Data Analytics Platform that improves operational & communication efficiency during rehab. Gameplan provides a centralised tool for MDT’s to work collaboratively inside a data rich environment VALD Performance, makers of the Nordbord, Forceframe, ForeDecks and HumanTrak. VALD Performance systems are built with the high-performance practitioner in mind, transl...

Sports Performance Leadership - David Bailey: Beyond Marginal Gains: From British Cycling to World Tour Leadership

Nov 10, 2025 49 min

Episode 205: In this episode of the Sports Performance Leadership Podcast, hosted by Pete McKnight, we are joined by Dr. David Bailey — an internationally recognised coach, sports scientist, and performance leader whose career spans over two decades across Olympic, corporate, and professional sport. David is currently Head of Performance Support with a World Tour professional cycling team, where he leads multidisciplinary sports science and performance teams competing at the highest level. Over the past ten years, he has helped drive innovation and integration across physiology, nutrition, technology, and data — guiding athletes and staff towards sustained world-class performance. Before his move into cycling, David was a Senior Research Scientist at Nestlé, responsible for global sports nutrition research for PowerBar, and previously a sports physiologist with the English Institute of Sport across three Olympic cycles — Athens, Beijing, and London — supporting athletes in cycling, triathlon, and other endurance sports. With a PhD in Exercise and Sport Nutrition from Loughborough University and more than 50 peer-reviewed publications, David continues to shape the evolution of applied sports science and performance leadership — bridging the gap between research, technology, and real-world performance. In this conversation, David and Pete explore the art and science of performance management — from the “aggregation of marginal gains” to the power of reflection, collaboration, and human-centred leadership in complex, high-pressure environments. Topics Discussed: David’s journey from academic research to elite performance leadership The real meaning behind “aggregation of marginal gains” Balancing data-driven insights with human-centred leadership Lessons from Olympic sport, corporate R&D, and World Tour cycling The future of performance leadership in the age of AI and technology Where you can find David: LinkedIn - Sponsors VALD Performance, makers of t...

Bryony Johnson - Cooking for Gold: The Role of a Performance Chef

Nov 3, 2025 39 min

Episode 204: In this episode, Andy McDonald speaks with Bryony Johnson, a Performance Chef with 19 years of experiencesupporting some of the world’s most elite athletes, including Anthony Joshua, Roger Federer, Sir Ben Ainslie, and Ellie Aldridge. Bryony shares her journey through elite sport and the evolving role of the performance chef — bridging the gap between nutrition science and practical food delivery. She also lectures on the MSc in Sports Nutrition at St Mary’s University, Twickenham, offering future practitioners a real-world perspective on applied performance nutrition. Drawing on nearly two decades in kitchens and high-performance environments, Bryony discusses the nuances of collaboration, the challenges of feeding athletes with individualised needs, and the impact of modern food culture on performance. Topics Discussed: The role and importance of a performance chef in sport Effective collaboration between nutritionists and chefs Challenges and strategies in adapting meals for athletes’ needs The impact of food trends and fads on athletes’ dietary choices Balancing whole foods and supplements in sports nutrition Where you can find Bryony: LinkedIn Instagram Website - Sponsors VALD Performance, makers of the Nordbord, Forceframe, ForeDecks and HumanTrak. VALD Performance systems are built with the high-performance practitioner in mind, translating traditionally lab-based technologies into engaging, quick, easy-to-use tools for daily testing, monitoring and training Hytro: The world’s leading Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) wearable, designed to accelerate recovery and maximise athletic potential using Hytro BFR for Professional Sport. - Where to Find Us Keep up to date with everything that is going on with the podcast by following Inform Performance on: Instagram Twitter Our Website - Our Team Andy McDonald Ben Ashworth Alistair McKenzie Steve Barrett Pete McKnight

Sports Performance Leadership - Richard Young: Simplify to Amplify: A Blueprint for High Performance Leadership

Oct 27, 2025 58 min

Episode 203: In this episode of the Sports Performance Leadership Podcast, hosted by Pete McKnight, we are joined by Dr. Richard Young — an internationally respected performance leader whose career spans more than three decades across sports, science, and innovation. Richard has been involved in 11 Olympic Games as an athlete, coach, researcher, technologist, and leader, working across over 50 sports and seven countries. His mission: to help athletes, teams, and organizations move from high potential to sustained higher performance. Holding a PhD in physiology and biomedical engineering, Richard has applied his research to understand the human and systemic factors that underpin sustained success. He founded several influential international programmes, including the Technology and Innovation programmes for Great Britain and New Zealand, and the Performance Knowledge & Learning programme for New Zealand’s Olympic, Winter Olympic, and Paralympic teams. Over six Olympic cycles, Richard has studied the crucial differences between medallists and non-medallists — exploring how leaders, coaches, and systems foster resilience, coherence, and repeat excellence. Today, he consults globally as a Performance Advisor, helping Olympic and professional sports teams, as well as leaders in business, health, and education, to declutter, align, and integrate performance systems for sustainable success. In this compelling conversation, Richard unpacks the essence of leadership systems, showing how clarity, alignment, and simplicity drive long-term success — not just in sport, but across any high-performing environment. Topics Discussed: Richard’s Career Journey — From athlete to innovation specialist across 11 Olympic cycles Sustained Performance — What separates one-time winners from repeat performers The System Approach — Understanding people, places, and things and how they interact The 3×3 Dashboard from "Simplify" — Flow, self-awareness, evidence, values, and routines Ev...

Athletic Shoulder - Robbie Smyth: From Pool to Performance: Inside the Swimmer’s Shoulder

Oct 20, 2025 1 hr 17 min

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

Sports Performance Leadership - Jeremy Sheppard: Character First: Leading Beyond the Hierarchy

Oct 13, 2025 58 min

Episode 201: In this episode of the Sports Performance Leadership Podcast, hosted by Pete McKnight, we are joined by Jeremy Sheppard — an internationally respected performance coach, sport scientist, and leader in athlete development. Jeremy has spent over two decades working at the highest levels of sport, from the Australian Institute of Sport to Canada Snowboard, where he currently serves as Performance Coach within the Slopestyle program. His work integrates movement, mindset, and medicine, creating high-performing environments where athletes thrive. Across his career, Jeremy has held key roles with Surfing Australia, Australian Volleyball, and consulted with organisations including the New York Jets, Newcastle United FC, and Melbourne Storm. Having contributed to athlete success at eight Olympic Games, multiple X Games, and World Championships, his experience spans continents, cultures, and disciplines. In this conversation, Jeremy offers deep reflections on leadership, authenticity, and performance — exploring how character, creativity, and relationships drive sustainable achievement in sport and beyond. Topics Discussed: Background & Career Journey — From athlete to sports scientist/coach, working at Australian Institute of Sport and Canada Snowboard Character as Leadership Foundation — Character drives behaviour and sustainable achievement; contrasting childhood influences shaped this philosophy Anti-Hierarchical Leadership — Dynamic team structures, circular decision-making, “captain in the dressing room” approach, leadership shifts based on context Personal Before Team Leadership — Self-development and authentic identity required before effectively leading others Team Development — Empowering autonomy, creating belonging, working with limited resources through creativity and relationships Redefining Success — Success as behaviours matching values rather than outcomes; process over results focus Where you can find Jeremy: LinkedIn Instagram X - ...

Dr Enda King - Key Principles of Athletic Hip & Groin Pain Rehab

Oct 6, 2025 39 min

Episode 200: In this episode of the Inform Performance Podcast, Andy McDonald is joined by Dr. Enda King PhD MSc, one of the world’s leading sports physiotherapists and rehabilitation experts. Enda is currently the Aspetar Head of Elite Performance and Development. Enda King PhD MSc has combined his roles as a sports physiotherapist, strength and conditioning coach, researcher, and educator through his work with individual athletes and elite teams across a spectrum of sports and disciplines. Through role as Head of Performance, Sports Surgery Clinic, Dublin led the development and delivery of their ACL and Athletic Groin Pain clinical and research pathways and their Elite Athlete Program Rehabilitating catering for players from Premier League, NBA, NFL, NHL, Premiership Rugby, European Tour Golf, National Hunt Racing, AFL and UFC. Over 40 peer review publications and book chapters in the management of Athletic Groin Pain, Biomechanical Analysis after ACL reconstruction and the role of biomechanics in rehabilitation and athletic performance. As an educator, has presented at scientific conferences, courses and workshops and consulted for elite teams world wide, in particular in relation to ACL rehabilitation, Athletic Groin Pain and Chronic and Recurrent Lower limb muscle and tendon issues. Topics Discussed: Understanding Athletic Hip & Groin Pain Challenges in Diagnosis and Management Functional Assessments & Key Considerations North Star Principles of Effective Rehabilitation Rehab Insights from the Sportsmith Conference Where you can find Dr. Enda King: X LinkedIn Instagram Website - Sponsors VALD Performance, makers of the Nordbord, Forceframe, ForeDecks and HumanTrak. VALD Performance systems are built with the high-performance practitioner in mind, translating traditionally lab-based technologies into engaging, quick, easy-to-use tools for daily testing, monitoring and training Hytro: The world’s leading Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) wearable,...

Jess Elis - Navigating Ethics & Improving Athlete Data Processes

Sep 29, 2025 41 min

Episode 199: In this episode of the Inform Performance Podcast, Andy McDonald is joined by Jess Elis, founder of Rehab Code and one of the sharpest minds in elite sports medicine. Elis earned his Doctorate in Physical Therapy before pursuing a PhD and multiple board certifications in orthopedics and sports. His career spans leadership roles as Director of Physical Therapy at EXOS and later as Vice President of Player Health for the New York Knicks. With a career dedicated to blending science, ethics, and athlete welfare, Elis offers a unique perspective at the intersection of research and practice. Topics Discussed: Exploring Ethics in Sports Themes from the Research Communication and Consent Team Data Strategy Ethical Considerations in Testing The Human Element in Data Collection - Where you can find Jess Elis: Rehab Code LinkedIn Instagram - Sponsors VALD Performance, makers of the Nordbord, Forceframe, ForeDecks and HumanTrak. VALD Performance systems are built with the high-performance practitioner in mind, translating traditionally lab-based technologies into engaging, quick, easy-to-use tools for daily testing, monitoring and training Hytro: The world’s leading Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) wearable, designed to accelerate recovery and maximise athletic potential using Hytro BFR for Professional Sport. - Where to Find Us Keep up to date with everything that is going on with the podcast by following Inform Performance on: Instagram Twitter Our Website - Our Team Andy McDonald Ben Ashworth Alistair McKenzie Dylan Carmody Steve Barrett Pete McKnight

Jeff Reipe - 360° Testing: Connecting Kinetic, Kinematic & Metabolic Data

Sep 22, 2025 42 min

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

Sports Performance Leadership: Nick Grantham - “Batman or Alfred? Humility, Influence, and Action in High Performance Sport

Sep 15, 2025 59 min

Episode 197: In this episode of the Sports Performance Leadership Podcast, hosted by Pete McKnight, we are joined by Nick Grantham — a leading authority in athletic preparation and performance enhancement, with over two decades of experience at the highest levels of elite sport. Nick’s career has taken him from professional football to Olympic and Commonwealth Games programs, national governing bodies, and consultancy roles across a wide range of sports. Renowned for his no-nonsense, evidence-informed approach, Nick has helped shape the careers of athletes in football, gymnastics, netball, and beyond. As a published author and sought-after speaker, he is known for challenging conventional thinking and championing sustainable, athlete-centred development. In this conversation, Nick shares candid insights on the evolving landscape of sports performance leadership, exploring what it truly takes to lead effectively in high-pressure, results-driven environments. Topics Discussed: Career Journey — From early S&C roles to consultancy and Premier League experience Olympic & Multi-Sport Work — Coaching insights across gymnastics, netball, and professional football Leadership Development — Lessons from mentors, management courses, and pivotal career moments Leadership Philosophy — Values-based leadership, authenticity, integrity, and influence over hierarchy Metaphors for Leadership — “Batman vs Alfred” and the power of tactical withdrawal Building Trust & Influence — Humility, listening, onboarding quickly, and asking “silly questions” Self-Development & CPD — Audiobooks, TED Talks, 360 feedback, and key reads like Dare to Lead and Radical Candor Team & Talent Development — Reverse mentoring, psychological safety, and avoiding poor leadership promotions Strategic Trends in Sport Leadership — Balancing “superstars” and “rock stars,” short-term vs long-term performance, and learning sideways from F1, business, and healthcare This episode delivers a thought-provoki...

Sports Science Insights - Julia Donnelly: What Does Support for Athletes’ Menstrual Health Look Like?

Sep 8, 2025 35 min

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

Maggie Bryant - Integrating Health & Performance Assessments During Player Acquisition

Sep 1, 2025 44 min

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

Sports Performance Leadership: Mark Adamoulas - Coach Up or Fall Behind: Building High-Performing Teams

Aug 25, 2025 54 min

Episode 194: In this episode of the Sports Performance Leadership Podcast, hosted by Pete McKnight, we are joined by Mark Adamoulas — a performance leader whose 20-year career has spanned across sport, education, and the corporate world. Mark’s track record is both diverse and exceptional: he has worked with Manchester United, the FA, Red Bull, and numerous global corporates, supporting C-suite leaders, Premier League managers, Olympic gold medalists, and VC/PE companies. His mixed heritage and multilingual background allow him to connect authentically with people from varied cultures and contexts, bridging high-performance environments across industries and geographies. As co-founder of coachup, Mark leads on coach development, bringing the latest behavioural science into the world of sports coaching. Where traditional coaching development often focuses on skills, drills, and tactics, Mark and his team shine a spotlight on the most critical driver of sustained success: the team environment. Topics Discussed: Mark’s background — Greek heritage, move to the UK, and path into sports psychology Professional experience — Work with Manchester United, the FA, Rugby League, Red Bull, and more CoachUp — Neuroscience-based psychometric tools for team function The Infinity Model — Core pillars for building high-performance environments Practical applications — Lessons from the Crusaders and elite teams worldwide Benefits for leaders — Improving team alignment, collaboration, and performance Barriers — Overcoming skepticism, poor prior assessment experiences, ego and fear of feedback Evidence base — Validation by Oxford and Harvard neuroscientists Leadership ecosystems — Why building systems matters more than hiring experts alone Future trends — Rising pressures on athletes and staff, and the urgent need for better psychological environments Call to action — How leaders can engage with CoachUp in both sport and corporate settings This conversation delivers a rare insight...

Sports Science Insights - Warren Bradley: To infinity and Beyond... with BFR! From Practitioner to Global Business

Aug 18, 2025 43 min

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

Sports Performance Leadership: Duncan French - Building People, Systems and Legacies

Aug 11, 2025 1 hr 2 min

Episode 192: In this episode of the Sports Performance Leadership Podcast, hosted by Pete McKnight, we speak with Duncan N. French, PhD, CSCS*D, RSCC*E, FUKSCA — Senior Vice President of the UFC Performance Institute and one of the most respected leaders in global high-performance sport. Since joining the UFC in 2017, Duncan has overseen the delivery of high-performance services to over 700 world-class MMA fighters worldwide, managing a multidisciplinary team of 68 professionals across three state-of-the-art UFC Performance Institutes in Las Vegas, Shanghai, and Mexico City. With over 25 years of experience in elite professional sport, Duncan’s career spans coaching Olympic medalists, World Champions, world-record holders, and NCAA National Champions. His leadership journey has taken him from national lead roles in the British Olympic system and the English Premier League, to directing performance sciences at the University of Notre Dame, and now shaping the global performance strategy of the UFC. Alongside his practical leadership, Duncan is a prolific contributor to the field — with over 60 scientific manuscripts, 9 book chapters, and as lead editor of the NSCA’s Essentials of Sport Science textbook. In 2014, he was awarded an Honorary Fellowship by the UKSCA for his outstanding service to the strength and conditioning profession. Topics Discussed: Career Path — From British Olympic teams and Premier League football to NCAA and the UFC Leadership Evolution — Transitioning from technical expert to organisational leader Core Skills — Communication, influence, situational awareness, and emotional intelligence Building High-Performance Systems — Designing infrastructure and protocols from the ground up Leadership Models — Holacracy, situational leadership, and empowering teams Team Culture — Managing egos, fostering psychological safety, and leading with authenticity Personal Development — Staying technically sharp while reflecting on leadership behaviour W...

Fearghal Kerin - T-Junction Hamstring Management

Jul 15, 2025 49 min

Episode 191: In this episode of the Inform Performance Podcast, Andy McDonald is joined by Dr Fearghal Kerin. Fearghal is a chartered physiotherapist with extensive experience in elite sports. He has worked across Irish sports, including as Rehabilitation Physiotherapist at Leinster Rugby for nine seasons, before transitioning to Chelsea Football Club in the English Premier League, where he held the same position. At Chelsea, he worked with international athletes including Premier League, Champions League and World Cup winners. In this episode Andy and Fearghal discuss the management of T-Junction hamstring Injuries. Topics Discussed: Evolving Perspectives on Strength and Injury Prevention Understanding T-Junction Hamstring Injuries Diagnostic Challenges and Testing for T-Junctions Establishing a Competency-Based Pathway Understanding Loading and Injury Prevention Revising Traditional Approaches to Hamstring Injuries The Importance of Execution in Rehabilitation Exploring the Role of Ankle and Hip Mechanics Identifying Contributing Factors to Hamstring Injuries Innovations in Rotational Testing and Rehabilitation - Where you can find Fearghal: LinkedIn X (Twitter) Instagram - Sponsors VALD Performance, makers of the Nordbord, Forceframe, ForeDecks and HumanTrak. VALD Performance systems are built with the high-performance practitioner in mind, translating traditionally lab-based technologies into engaging, quick, easy-to-use tools for daily testing, monitoring and training Hytro: The world’s leading Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) wearable, designed to accelerate recovery and maximise athletic potential using Hytro BFR for Professional Sport. - Where to Find Us Keep up to date with everything that is going on with the podcast by following Inform Performance on: Instagram Twitter Our Website - Our Team Andy McDonald Ben Ashworth Alistair McKenzie Dylan Carmody Steve Barrett Pete McKnight

Sports Science Insights - Jamie Salter: Growth, Maturation & Bio-Banding- Challenges, Insights & Solutions

Jun 2, 2025 34 min

Episode 190: In this episode of the Sports Science Insights Podcast, powered by Inform Performance and hosted by Steve Barrett, we’re joined by Dr. Jamie Salter, a researcher and applied sport scientist currently serving as a Senior Lecturer at York St John University. Jamie’s work focuses on training load management in youth athletes, with a particular emphasis on growth, maturation, and injury risk. Drawing from both academic research and applied experience, he explores how practitioners can better support developing athletes through tailored strategies that align with biological age rather than chronological age. Topics Discussed: Jamie’s background and journey into youth sport science The relationship between injuries and maturation in young athletes Managing training load across different maturity statuses An introduction to and practical insights on Bio-Banding This episode is essential for coaches, practitioners, and researchers working in youth development and long-term athlete performance planning. - Where you can find Dave: •⁠ LinkedIn •⁠ ResearchGate •⁠ X - Sponsors VALD: makers of the Nordbord, Forceframe, ForeDecks and HumanTrak. VALD Performance systems are built with the high-performance practitioner in mind, translating traditionally lab-based technologies into engaging, quick, easy-to-use tools for daily testing, monitoring and training. Hytro: The world’s leading Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) wearable, designed to accelerate recovery and maximise athletic potential using Hytro BFR for Professional Sport. Teambuildr: A platform for any coach in any setting. Every day, thousands of coaches log into TeamBuildr to write training programs, build questionnaires and access athlete and client performance data. Teambuildr is a complete platform. Whether you're building your own programming, looking to create custom reports or give athletes a tool for accountability, they've built it out. - Where to Find Us Keep up to date with everyt...

Sports Science Insights - Dave Carolan: Internal & External training loads - The Evolution of Sport Science Over 30 Years

May 26, 2025 42 min

Episode 189: In this episode of the Sports Science Insights Podcast, powered by Inform Performance and hosted by Steve Barrett, we’re joined by Dave Carolan, a highly experienced Head of Performance, strategy advisor, and entrepreneur, currently leading the first team performance program at Derby County. With over 30 years in elite professional sport, Dave brings a wealth of knowledge on the evolution of performance departments, athlete monitoring, and the changing landscape of sport science. From his early days pioneering innovation in football to his current strategic leadership role, Dave offers both historical context and forward-thinking insight. Topics Discussed: The evolution of performance departments in elite sport How internal and external load monitoring has changed over three decades What innovation looked like in the early days of sport science Why players today are playing fewer games than 10–20 years ago This is a must-listen for practitioners, coaches, and leaders seeking to understand the past, present, and future of performance strategy in elite sport. - Where you can find Dave: •⁠ LinkedIn •⁠ Website •⁠ X - Sponsors VALD: makers of the Nordbord, Forceframe, ForeDecks and HumanTrak. VALD Performance systems are built with the high-performance practitioner in mind, translating traditionally lab-based technologies into engaging, quick, easy-to-use tools for daily testing, monitoring and training. Hytro: The world’s leading Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) wearable, designed to accelerate recovery and maximise athletic potential using Hytro BFR for Professional Sport. Teambuildr: A platform for any coach in any setting. Every day, thousands of coaches log into TeamBuildr to write training programs, build questionnaires and access athlete and client performance data. Teambuildr is a complete platform. Whether you're building your own programming, looking to create custom reports or give athletes a tool for accountability, they've built it...

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Podcast details

Created by: Andy McDonald
Status: Active
Latest episode: Nov 9, 2026
Episodes: 229
Release period: Weekly
Avg. episode length: 49 min
Explicit: No
Language: English

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