The Formula

Discover the secrets behind elite endurance performance, aging muscle health, and innovative training strategies shared by renowned Surf Ironman champion Alastair Day and sports scientists. This episode explores practical tips for optimising training, nutrition, inflammation management, and longevity in sport. In this episode: Ali's transition from peak competitive Ironman racing to retirement and...

In this episode, Rachel Arthur demystifies the complex role of iron in the body, emphasizing its importance for athletes and the general population alike. Whether you're curious about testing, supplementation, or understanding your blood markers, this conversation offers practical insights grounded in science. Key Topics Covered: The critical functions of iron in oxygen transport, energy produ...

Dr. Dan Plews sits down with Brad Beer, founder of POGO Physio, to unpack the real story behind sports injuries and aging athletes. They explore the psychology of injury recovery, how hormonal changes affect tendon health, and why traditional rehab approaches are being reimagined. Brad shares practical insights on strength and conditioning, the role of collagen supplementation, and why maintaining...

In this episode, Dr. Dan Plews breaks down the science behind true endurance performance. We unpack the physiological demands of racing in extreme heat, how it accelerates carbohydrate use and glycogen depletion, and why athletes need smarter, more personalised fueling. Dan also dives into short-interval training—how micro intervals can replace long, low-intensity sessions and why they’re a game-c...

In this conversation, Dr. Dan Plews and JK discuss the intricacies of elite athletic performance, focusing on JK's background in Aussie Rules Football and his transition to marathon running and HYROX competitions. They explore the importance of nutrition, training volume, and mindset in achieving peak performance. JK shares insights on his coaching evolution and the significance of being open-...

In this episode of the Pillar Performance Podcast, Dr. Dan Plews interviews David Lipman, discussing various aspects of endurance sports, the Norwegian Method, and the balance between athlete performance and health. They explore the energy expenditure model, the concept of a performance nexus, and the importance of stress management and recovery. The conversation also delves into nutrition, emphas...

Welcome back to episode 3 of the Training Science Summaries (TSS), a monthly series where we break down philology research into actionable tips to improve & optimise daily performance.  Topics discussed: 2:01 - 17:00 - Hyrox Chicago Discussion  Dr. Dan Plews shares his recent experiences at Hyrox events. Detailed account of the challenges faced during the sled push. Discussion on the controver...

In this episode of the PILLAR Performance Podcast, Dan Plews welcomes back Dr Eric Helms to discuss the critical role of protein in nutrition for athletes.  Topics covered: The Importance of Protein in Meals Understanding Protein's Role in the Body Complete vs. Incomplete Proteins Protein Sources and Dietary Considerations Protein Supplementation: Whey vs. Isolate The Anabolic Window and Prote...

Welcome to episode 2 of Training Science Summaries (TSS), a monthly series where we break down research into actionable tips to boost your performance.0:00 - 8:20 Athlete Durability8:21 - 16:00 Thresholds16:01 - 31:15 Ice BathsStudies Discussed:How durable are you really? Hunter, B. et al. Durability as an Index of Endurance Exercise Performance: Methodological Considerations. Experimental Physiol...

In this episode of the Pillar Performance Podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Darren Candow, a renowned expert in exercise science and nutrition. As a Professor at the University of Regina and leader of the Aging Muscle and Bone Health Laboratory, Dr. Candow’s research focuses on improving musculoskeletal health through exercise and nutrition. With over 70 peer-reviewed papers on creatine, he shares his...

Welcome to the first episode of Training Science Summaries (TSS), a monthly series where we break down research into actionable tips to boost your performance. In this episode, Dr. Dan Plews and I explore durability in endurance sports—what it is, why it matters, and how to train it. We discuss the role of strength training in running economy, the importance of training frequency and duration, and...

In this episode, Dr. Dan Plews speaks with Andrew Koutnik, award winning Ph. D researcher with a remarkable journey from obese adolescence to elite athlete and researcher. Andrew has collaborated with institutions like Harvard, Johns Hopkins, NASA, and the Department of Defense - Specializing in type 1 diabetes, metabolic health and performance optimization. Topics Covered: - Impact of diabetes on...

In this episode of the Pillar Performance Podcast, Dr. Dan Plews welcomes Dr. Eric Helms, a prominent figure in the field of natural bodybuilding and muscle growth. The conversation explores the differences between strength training and hypertrophy, emphasizing the importance of understanding these concepts for athletes and fitness enthusiasts alike. They explore the role of supplements, particula...

In this podcast, PILLAR Head of Research Dr Dan Plews sits down with world leading Collagen expert Dr Keith Baar. Dr Baar received his PhD from the University of Illinois where he discovered the molecular signal that causes load-induced muscle hypertrophy. Dr Baar is a Professor at the University of California, he a renowned scientist in the emerging field of molecular exercise physiology and is l...

In this episode of the Pillar Performance podcast, Dr. Dan Plews hosts Martin Walter and Ulrike Braun from Gelita to discuss the significance of collagen and specially Tendorforte in nutrition and its applications in sports and health. They explore the differences between collagen, gelatin, and collagen peptides, the history of Gelita, and the specific benefits of their product Tendafort for athle...

In this episode, Scott Dickens shares his inspiring journey from childhood swimmer to professional athlete and Director of Business Development of FORM Swim Goggles. He discusses his early passion for swimming, Olympic aspirations, and diverse career paths, including finance and sales. Scott highlights FORM Swim Goggles’ innovative technology, which features a heads-up display for real-time data,...

In this episode of the PILLAR Podcast, Dr Dan Plews uncovers Tommy's background as a neuroscientist and athlete, including his experience in rowing and his current work in Formula One. They also delve into the topic of athletes' fitness and health, highlighting the trade-offs and challenges in maintaining both. They discuss the importance of nutrient density, the balance between minimising...

In this conversation, Dr. Dan Plews interviews Greg Peoples about the role of Omega-3 fatty acids in sports nutrition. They discuss the differences between EPA and DHA, the importance of Omega-3s in physiology, and the benefits for athletes. They also explore the Omega-3 index, supplementation, and the optimal dosage for athletes.  The conversation highlights the need for consistent intake of Omeg...

In this episode of the Pillar Performance Podcast, Dr. Dan Plews interviews Mikki Williden, a nutritionist and expert in sports nutrition. They discuss various topics including their personal journeys in the low-carb high-fat space, the importance of protein in an athlete's diet, and the impact of stress on productivity and health. Mikki emphasizes the need for context-specific nutrition recom...

In this conversation, Dom D'Agostino discusses his background in nutrition and neuroscience, his research on ketosis and its therapeutic effects, and the use of ketones in fueling performance. They explore the benefits of ketones for endurance athletes, the importance of metabolic flexibility, and the role of ketone supplementation. They also touch on the adaptation to ketosis, the dawn effect...

Alex de Boer, an entrepreneur in the triathlon industry, began his journey selling wetsuits at triathlon events and eventually secured a license with Ironman, building it into Europe's leading wetsuit brand. After Ironman sold the license, he founded his own brand, De Boer, which focuses on high-end, innovative wetsuits and swimwear for triathletes and swimmers. Emphasising customer relationsh...

In this episode, PILLAR's Head of Research Dr Dan Plews interviews Hunter McIntyre, a world champion in HYROX. Hunter shares his journey as an athlete and his training methods. He discusses his background in running and wrestling, his transition to obstacle course racing, and his success in various sports. McIntyre emphasizes the importance of strength and endurance in his training, as well as...

In today’s episode Chelsea discusses her background as a runner and her transition to triathlon. She shares her early experiences in running, including the pressure she felt as a young athlete and the challenges she faced in finding the right training environment. Chelsea highlights the importance of finding the right balance between training partners and coaching. She also mentions her successful...

Lucas Becker, also known as Byron Bay Chef, shares his passion for healthy and fresh cooking. He emphasises the importance of balance and flexibility in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Lucas provides practical tips for beginners in the kitchen, such as getting organised, keeping it simple, and using versatile cooking methods. He also highlights the benefits of batch cooking and meal prepping to s...

In this episode of the PILLAR Performance Podcast, Rasmus Barfred, co-founder of THEMAGIC5, discusses the journey of creating custom fit sportswear, starting with their innovative custom fit swim goggles. Rasmus shares his background in endurance sports and how his passion for swimming led to the idea for the Magic Five. He talks about the challenges they faced, including the impact of COVID-19 on...