Discover the Secrets Behind Elite Performance.
Join us on the Science for Sport Podcast, where every episode dives into the cutting-edge world of sports science...
In this episode, we unveil The Science for Sport Story with none other than its founder, Owen Walker. From his early days chasing football dreams to building the world’s go-to platform for sports science education, Owen shares the highs, lows, and pivotal moments that shaped Science for Sport. Discover how a failed footballer’s passion for sports science turned into a revolutionary resource used by professionals and students worldwide.
Join host Richard Graves as he dives into the vision behind Science for Sport, its impact on athletes and coaches, and the exciting future of sports science education. Whether you’re a sports enthusiast, a coach, or simply curious about the journey of turning an idea into a global phenomenon, this is an episode you don’t want to miss!
** About Owen Walker**
Owen Walker is the founder of Science for Sport, a platform revolutionizing sports science education worldwide. Starting as an aspiring footballer, Owen’s passion for understanding performance and recovery led him to a career in sports science, including roles at Cardiff City FC and beyond. With a mission to make evidence-based knowledge accessible to all, Owen has turned Science for Sport into a trusted resource for professionals, students, and coaches globally. His journey is a testament to resilience, vision, and the power of education.
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Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/5DZlm3bNyPQd1QknUxCWTz?si=yHWOt3LORfeGgp7i31ey8g)
Stitcher (https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/science-for-sport-podcast)
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25:51
249: The Untold Evolution of Sports Medicine
In this episode of the Science for Sport podcast, host Richard Graves sits down with Dave Hancock, a sports performance pioneer with a career spanning over three decades in professional sport. From the sidelines of Leeds United to the championship-winning New York Knicks and beyond, Dave shares incredible insights into the evolution of sports science, athlete care, and the role of data and AI in revolutionising performance.
Discover how today’s athletes are transforming their careers with personalised performance teams, the impact of cutting-edge technologies like AI on injury prevention, and the challenges practitioners face in adapting to the ever-increasing demands of elite sport.
Whether you're a sports scientist, strength and conditioning coach, or simply a fan fascinated by what happens behind the scenes, this episode offers unparalleled access to the world of elite athlete management and cutting-edge sports science. Don’t miss this conversation filled with practical insights, personal anecdotes, and a look at where the future of sports science is headed.
** About Dave Hancock**
Dave Hancock is a distinguished Performance Director, Chartered Physiotherapist, and Strength Coach with nearly 30 years of experience across professional sports in both Europe and the USA. His career includes pivotal roles such as Head Physiotherapist at Leeds United FC and Chelsea FC, where he contributed to Premier League and FA Cup successes. Notably, Dave became the first British Performance Director in the NBA, serving with the New York Knicks. He has also been part of the English National Team's medical staff during the 2010 World Cup and the 2012 European Championships. Currently, Dave is the CEO of Apollo V2, a sports software company that aids teams and athletes in performance enhancement and injury prevention.
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Improve Your Athletes' Performance
Advance Forward In Your Career, Allowing You To Earn More Money And Work With Elite-Level Athletes
Save Yourself The Stress & Worry Of Constantly Trying To Stay Up-To-Date With Sports Science Research
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Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/science-for-sport-podcast/id1506431005)
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Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/5DZlm3bNyPQd1QknUxCWTz?si=yHWOt3LORfeGgp7i31ey8g)
Stitcher (https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/science-for-sport-podcast)
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32:09
248: Overcoming Pressure and Performing Under Stress
How do elite athletes handle pressure and perform at their peak when it matters most? In this episode, host Richard Graves sits down with renowned sports psychologist Dr. Haley Perlus to uncover the secrets behind mastering the mental game.
In This Episode, Discover:
The surprising story that inspired Dr. Perlus’ career in sports psychology.
How to turn pressure into your greatest advantage.
Practical strategies to stay calm and focused under stress.
Why “the best athlete is the best recoverer.”
How boredom and stillness can unlock brilliance.
Whether you're an athlete, coach, or someone looking to level up your mindset, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you thrive under pressure in sports and life.
** About Dr Haley Perlus**
Dr. Haley Perlus is a distinguished sport and performance psychologist with a Ph.D. in Sport and Exercise Psychology. Drawing from her background as an elite alpine ski racer, coach, fitness professional, and entrepreneur, she provides clients with mental toughness tools to achieve peak performance. Dr. Perlus has collaborated with top athletes, Fortune 100 executives, and global brands to overcome mental barriers and attain tailored results. She is a professor at the University of Colorado, and author of several books, including "The Ultimate Achievement Journal" and "The Inside Drive." Her insights have been featured in publications such as Thrive Magazine, Fitness Magazine, and IDEA Fitness Journal
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Optimise Your Athletes' Recovery
Position Yourself As An Expert To Your Athletes And Naturally Improve Buy-In
Reduce Your Athletes' Injury Ratese
Save 100's Of Dollars A Year That Would Otherwise Be Spent On Books, Courses And More
Improve Your Athletes' Performance
Advance Forward In Your Career, Allowing You To Earn More Money And Work With Elite-Level Athletes
Save Yourself The Stress & Worry Of Constantly Trying To Stay Up-To-Date With Sports Science Research
🔔 Subscribe to the podcast on your favourite platform
Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/science-for-sport-podcast/id1506431005)
Google Podcasts (https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5maXJlc2lkZS5mbS9zY2llbmNlZm9yc3BvcnQvcnNz?sa=X&ved=0CAIQ4aUDahcKEwj43vyLxbrrAhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQBA)
Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/5DZlm3bNyPQd1QknUxCWTz?si=yHWOt3LORfeGgp7i31ey8g)
Stitcher (https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/science-for-sport-podcast)
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32:08
247: Bold Choices: Coaching with Impact
In this must-listen episode of the Science for Sport podcast, host Richard Graves sits down with Ajmal Shahzad—World T20 champion, fast-bowling coach, and cricket trailblazer. Ajmal shares his journey from making history as Yorkshire's first Asian-born player to becoming a sought-after coach in the modern game.
Discover:
The advice legendary all-rounder Imran Khan gave him that changed his game.
How Ajmal brought cricket back to Pakistan with an historic MCC tour.
His philosophy on developing fast bowlers in today’s game.
The challenges and triumphs of transitioning from player to coach.
Ajmal’s honest reflections on authenticity, leadership, and learning from failure will leave you inspired. Whether you're a coach, athlete, or cricket fan, this episode is packed with insights to help you elevate your game.
** About Ajmal Shahzad**
Ajmal Shahzad is a former professional cricketer and World T20 champion who represented five counties and England at the international level. Breaking barriers as Yorkshire's first Asian-born player, Ajmal transitioned into coaching after a successful playing career. He is now the lead bowling coach at Derbyshire and has worked with elite teams like the Trent Rockets. Renowned for his innovative approach and leadership, Ajmal continues to inspire the next generation of cricketers while shaping the future of fast bowling.
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Optimise Your Athletes' Recovery
Position Yourself As An Expert To Your Athletes And Naturally Improve Buy-In
Reduce Your Athletes' Injury Ratese
Save 100's Of Dollars A Year That Would Otherwise Be Spent On Books, Courses And More
Improve Your Athletes' Performance
Advance Forward In Your Career, Allowing You To Earn More Money And Work With Elite-Level Athletes
Save Yourself The Stress & Worry Of Constantly Trying To Stay Up-To-Date With Sports Science Research
🔔 Subscribe to the podcast on your favourite platform
Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/science-for-sport-podcast/id1506431005)
Google Podcasts (https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5maXJlc2lkZS5mbS9zY2llbmNlZm9yc3BvcnQvcnNz?sa=X&ved=0CAIQ4aUDahcKEwj43vyLxbrrAhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQBA)
Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/5DZlm3bNyPQd1QknUxCWTz?si=yHWOt3LORfeGgp7i31ey8g)
Stitcher (https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/science-for-sport-podcast)
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32:29
246: Cracking the Code of Sports Performance
What does it take to lead in the high-pressure world of professional football? Ross Burbeary, Head of Performance at Huddersfield Town, shares his incredible journey from martial arts and ice hockey to shaping culture and optimising performance in football. In this episode, Ross reveals the secrets behind great leadership, why 'chameleons' thrive, and how to build a winning culture in any organisation. Plus, discover how Ross and his team raised over £1 million for prostate cancer through the inspiring initiative, Prostate United. Packed with insights, and leadership lessons, this episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about sports, performance, and making a difference!
About Ross Burbeary
Ross Burbeary is an accomplished sports performance professional with over a decade of experience in elite football and other sports. He began his career at Sheffield Wednesday, working as a Strength and Conditioning Coach in their academy, before taking on roles at clubs including Doncaster Rovers, Nottingham Forest, Rotherham United, Lincoln City, and Derby County. His expertise spans strength and conditioning, sports science, and fostering high-performance cultures.
Currently the Head of Performance at Huddersfield Town Football Club, Ross is passionate about optimising performance and driving culture change. Beyond football, he co-founded Prostate United, an initiative that has raised over £1 million for Prostate Cancer UK, uniting participants from clubs across the globe. With experience in the NHL and a dedication to leadership, Ross continues to be a transformative figure in sports performance.
FREE 7d SCIENCE FOR SPORT ACADEMY TRIAL
SIGN UP NOW: https://bit.ly/SFSepisode241
Learn Quicker & More Effectively
Optimise Your Athletes' Recovery
Position Yourself As An Expert To Your Athletes And Naturally Improve Buy-In
Reduce Your Athletes' Injury Ratese
Save 100's Of Dollars A Year That Would Otherwise Be Spent On Books, Courses And More
Improve Your Athletes' Performance
Advance Forward In Your Career, Allowing You To Earn More Money And Work With Elite-Level Athletes
Save Yourself The Stress & Worry Of Constantly Trying To Stay Up-To-Date With Sports Science Research
🔔 Subscribe to the podcast on your favourite platform
Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/science-for-sport-podcast/id1506431005)
Google Podcasts (https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5maXJlc2lkZS5mbS9zY2llbmNlZm9yc3BvcnQvcnNz?sa=X&ved=0CAIQ4aUDahcKEwj43vyLxbrrAhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQBA)
Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/5DZlm3bNyPQd1QknUxCWTz?si=yHWOt3LORfeGgp7i31ey8g)
Stitcher (https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/science-for-sport-podcast)
Discover the Secrets Behind Elite Performance.
Join us on the Science for Sport Podcast, where every episode dives into the cutting-edge world of sports science and the untold stories behind the best athletes and teams on the planet.
Hosted by Richard Graves, we bring you exclusive insights from elite athletes, world-class coaches, and leading sports scientists who are shaping the future of global sport.
This isn’t just another sports podcast—this is your backstage pass to:
- The science powering record-breaking performances.
- The trends, challenges, and breakthroughs redefining the game.
- Mastering the balance of art and science in coaching.
Whether you’re a sports scientist, coach, physio, nutritionist, teacher, or just a passionate sports fan, this is your chance to learn from the pros and stay ahead of the curve.
Tune in every Monday and uncover what it takes to make the best, better.