Science for Sport Podcast

• 276: Coaching Through Rehab with Michael Carolan

  This week on the Science for Sport podcast, host Richard Graves welcomes back Michael Carolan, a performance coach and subject lead in sport rehabilitation at the University of Salford. With nearly two decades of experience across elite sport, the military, and education, Michael shares a refreshingly honest and deeply practical perspective on what it really means to coach athletes through injury and recovery. Whether you're a coach, therapist, or performance practitioner, this episode offers a wealth of real-world insights you can apply immediately. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why rehab should be treated as coaching, not just therapy How communication and trust are at the heart of effective injury recovery The mental toll of injury, and how to keep athletes feeling connected and valued Why protocols are useful, but experience and adaptability matter more How to “train around injury” and keep performance progressing The role of environment, load tolerance, and coaching cues in recovery How elite recoveries (like NFL star Aaron Rodgers') can mislead athletes Why Michael teaches his students to “get miles on the soul” through experience How to filter hype, stay objective, and build athlete autonomy Michael’s no-nonsense, athlete-first approach is as insightful as it is relatable, combining science, coaching, and a human touch in every decision he makes. About Michael Carolan Michael Carolan is a highly experienced performance coach and academic specialising in sport rehabilitation. He is the Subject Lead and Programme Lead for Sport Rehabilitation at the University of Salford, where he teaches and mentors future practitioners while supporting clinical practice through partnerships with organisations like the PFA and Salford City Council. With a background spanning elite athletics, rugby, professional football, and the British military, Michael brings a unique blend of hands-on coaching, clinical rehab, and academic insight. He continues to work directly with athletes across the world, from youth sprinters to pro footballers, helping them navigate injury and return stronger than before. 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

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• 275: What It Really Takes: A Look at Life as a Professional Footballer

  In this episode, host Richard Graves sits down with former professional footballer Sam Winnall, who shares his honest reflections on a 15-year career across clubs including Wolves, Barnsley, Sheffield Wednesday, Derby County, Oxford United, and Burton Albion. Sam opens up about the realities of life as a professional athlete, the highs of Wembley wins and Golden Boots, the lows of injury setbacks and contract uncertainty, and the immense physical and mental demands that most people never see. More than just a career retrospective, this episode offers valuable insights into the mindset, resilience, and adaptability required not only to succeed in elite sport, but to transition into life after it. In this episode, you’ll learn: The hidden pressures of professional sport—why talent alone isn’t enough. How dealing with setbacks, rejection, and injury shaped Sam’s career and character. What a typical day really looks like for a professional footballer, from training to nutrition to recovery. The crucial role of mental health and mindset in athletic performance and longevity. Why transition planning and identity beyond sport are essential for athletes facing retirement. The surprising ways Sam now channels his competitive edge into golf, padel, and personal growth. Whether you’re a sports scientist, coach, practitioner, or athlete, this episode is for anyone interested in the human side of elite performance and what it truly takes to stay at the top, and how to support athletes through the challenges that come with it. About Sam Winnall Sam Winnall is a former professional footballer whose career spanned over 15 years, including spells at clubs such as Wolverhampton Wanderers, Barnsley, Sheffield Wednesday, Derby County, Oxford United, and Burton Albion. Known for his goal-scoring instincts and work ethic, Sam made over 300 league appearances and scored more than 100 goals, achieving promotions, cup victories, and memorable moments at some of English football’s most historic clubs. Since retiring at 32, Sam has transitioned into mentoring and supporting athletes, with a particular focus on helping them develop the mental resilience needed to thrive both during and after their sporting careers. 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

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• 274: The Truth About Blood Flow Restriction with Dr. Warren Bradley

  What do Cristiano Ronaldo, LeBron James... and astronauts have in common? They’re all using the same training technology, blood flow restriction (BFR). In this episode, host Richard Graves back Dr. Warren Bradley, Chief Science Officer and founder of Hytro, to unpack how BFR is transforming the way athletes train, recover, and even how astronauts prepare for life in space. You’ll learn: What blood flow restriction actually is, and how it helps build strength, muscle, and endurance faster (with less load on your body). Why BFR is no longer just for injury rehab, and how pro athletes are using it to boost performance and speed up recovery. The science behind why restricting blood flow (safely!) creates powerful training adaptations. How Warren’s product ended up on a SpaceX rocket, and why NASA now uses BFR to fight muscle loss in space. Common myths and misconceptions about BFR… including whether it’s safe (spoiler: it is, with the right approach). Where BFR is heading next, from grassroots athletes to medical rehab and even everyday gym-goers. Warren also shares his incredible journey, from working in the Premier League to founding a company used by over 260 elite teams worldwide, all the way to collaborating with NASA for space missions. This is one of those episodes that blends cutting-edge science with real-world application. Whether you're a coach, athlete, or just a performance fanatic, this one’s a must-listen. About Dr. Warren Bradley Dr. Warren Bradley is the Founder and Chief Science Officer of Hytro, the world’s leading performance Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) company. With over a decade of experience in professional sports, including roles with Premier League football clubs and international rugby teams, Dr. Bradley has a rich background in sports science. He holds a PhD in Exercise Physiology from Liverpool John Moores University and has contributed to numerous peer-reviewed publications in the field. Through Hytro, Dr. Bradley has pioneered the development of patented BFR wearables, making advanced training and recovery methods accessible to athletes worldwide, from elite professionals to grassroots enthusiasts. 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

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• 273: Creating Complete Athletes

  In this episode, Richard Graves is joined by performance specialist Julia Eyre, a sports scientist and psychologist with a rich background in elite sport. From working with U.S. collegiate athletes to roles with German Olympic federations and the TSG Wieseck Football Academy (a partner of Eintracht Frankfurt), Julia brings a multidimensional approach to athlete development. Founder of Whiteline Performance Group, Julia focuses on creating environments where athletes thrive as humans first, pushing back against the outcome-obsessed culture of high-performance sport. In this episode, you’ll learn: * The real difference between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, and why both matter * How imposter syndrome shows up at every level of sport, and what to do about it * Practical tools for building psychological safety and trust in high-performance settings * How to develop a reflective coaching style that supports long-term development * Why embracing uncomfortable thoughts can unlock consistent, world-class performance * A clear breakdown of self-determination theory and what it means for athletes and coaches This is essential listening for sports scientists, coaches, and practitioners working in elite environments, especially those looking to align peak performance with athlete wellbeing. About Julia Eyre Julia Eyre is a sports scientist and psychologist with extensive experience in elite sport across Europe and the U.S. Currently working with TSG Wieseck Football Academy and multiple German Olympic federations, Julia is also the founder of Whiteline Performance Group, which supports clubs, schools, and federations in creating holistic, human-first athlete development systems. With academic training in both sports science and clinical psychology, Julia specialises in motivation, coach education, and psychological safety in high-performance environments, and contributes to the Science for Sport education platform. 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

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• 272: Inside Catapult: Global Trends, Common Pitfalls & the Future of Sports Science

  This week, host Richard Graves is joined by Chris Polley, Vice President of Customer Success at Catapult, for a deep-dive into the world of elite sports performance monitoring. With over 55 sports scientists working across 16 countries, Chris shares what he and his team are seeing across top-tier teams in more than 40 sports worldwide. Listeners will learn: The global trends shaping the future of sports science, including data integration and AI Why the best teams often do the basics exceptionally well Common mistakes when adopting performance tech – and how to avoid them How Catapult’s wearable and video technologies are being used to save time and unlock deeper insights What really makes a great sports scientist in today’s high-performance environment Chris also shares practical advice for aspiring practitioners, highlighting the importance of communication, cultural fit, and the ability to simplify complex data to drive better decision-making. Whether you're working in pro sport or just entering the field, this episode is packed with wisdom from someone who’s helped scale one of the most widely used performance platforms in the world. About Chris Polley Chris Polley is Catapult’s Vice President of Customer Success, formerly Senior Director of Sport Science, based in Victoria, Australia. Over the past 11 years at Catapult, Chris has played a pivotal role in scaling the team from its start-up beginnings to a global fixture, now supporting over 4,400 teams across 128 countries. He leads a diverse squad of approximately 55 sports scientists across 16 nations, delivering post-sales support, global training, analytics best practice, and insights-driven performance strategies. With a strong academic grounding, including published research on activity profiling in elite lacrosse and rugby forwards, Chris brings both scientific rigour and real-world expertise to Catapult’s wearable and video technology suite 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

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