Philomath

Dr Julia Jones is a neuroscientist and health researcher exploring why most health and fitness advice fails to create lasting change. She breaks down how habits are actually wired in the brain, why motivation and quick fixes don’t work, and why the popular idea of 28-day habits is misleading. Julia explains the neuroscience of long-term behaviour change, the role of accountability and human connec...

Graham Betchart is a mental performance coach working across elite sport, business, and personal development. Graham explores why so many people struggle to stay present and how simple mental skills can dramatically improve performance and wellbeing. He shares practical tools such as breathwork, palms down, and his Trust Acceptance Presence framework, explaining how focusing on what you can contro...

Luke Staton is a public speaker and former professional footballer. Luke opens up about the identity shift that shaped his journey from being known as “Luke the footballer” to rediscovering who he was beyond the title. He shares the real moments that defined his transition, from losing the career he built his entire identity around, to returning home, working manual jobs, and confronting the lonel...

It's just me today. Reflecting on my 2025! In this podcast episode, I discuss my journey of starting a podcast, the challenges I faced along the way, and the lessons I’ve learned throughout the process. I emphasise the importance of continuous learning, what motivated me to start the podcast, and how I strive to balance storytelling with expert insights. I share my experiences with reaching ou...

In this episode, three-time Olympic gold medalist Leah Amico reveals the mindset and identity work that shaped her journey from college standout to Team USA legend. She shares the real moments that defined her career, from facing one of the best pitchers in the world as an unknown freshman, to embracing a new position with a champion’s mindset, to learning how perspective and self-talk can complet...

In this episode, Spanish language coach and founder of Spanish for Football, Ruben Cnobel, gives us a honest and insightful look into what it really takes to teach, learn, and grow. He explains why the best coaching starts with patience, honesty, and adapting to each individual, whether they’re a high-profile figure in the Premier League or someone learning their first Spanish phrase. Ruben talks...

In this episode, Tony Faulkner, co-founder of VSI Executive Education and former performance leader at Manchester City and Blackburn Rovers, takes us inside the reality of building a business in the sports industry. He shares how his background in elite football, psychology, and neuroscience shaped the foundations of VSI, why the industry initially doubted the vision, and how the company grew into...

In this episode, Jack Tottem, European champion, world medalist, and elite rowing cox, takes us behind the scenes of high-performance rowing, sharing his experiences leading diverse crews from around the world. From his time at Oxford to working with both men’s and women’s teams, Jack dives into what it takes to build trust, foster collaboration, and create a bottom-up culture where every athlete...

In this episode, high performance strategist Ken Lynch dives into the art of building systems and cultures that create lasting success. Ken shares his insights on balancing progression with results, managing outliers, and fostering long-term development in athletes and teams. He explores how patience, reflection, and systematic thinking can turn high-performing moments into sustainable performance...

In this episode, strength and conditioning coach, JJ dives deep into LTAD (Long-Term Athlete Development) and how coaching under-6s and under-8s shaped his entire coaching philosophy. He explains why working on fundamental movement skills, learning to communicate with kids, and understanding age-appropriate training is the best foundation a coach can have. JJ breaks down how LTAD influences every...

In this episode, former professional rugby player Ian Prior shares his incredible journey from playing top-level rugby in Australia to chasing history with Zimbabwe Rugby. Ian opens up about how he balanced a demanding professional career with intense academic studies, all while using visualisation and mental strategies to stay at his best on the field. He reflects on the highs and lows of profess...

In this episode, sports psychologist Caroline Anderson breaks down the real psychology behind high performance, and why confidence isn’t the magic key we’re often told it is. She explains the difference between feelings and actions, how nerves can actually help you perform, and the practical mental tools athletes can use to stay focused and consistent under pressure. Caroline also shares lessons f...

In this episode, performance nutritionist Simone Benedetti takes us inside the world of elite cycling and explains how top riders fuel, hydrate, and prepare for the demands of racing. From understanding individual sweat and sodium losses to adapting for extreme heat, he breaks down the real science behind hydration, and in-race fuelling. Simone also touches on his own research background, includin...

In this episode, sports psychologist Eddy shares his approach to building confidence, mindset, and resilience in athletes. He explains how understanding individual personalities and needs helps him connect with players, foster self-belief, and support them through both grassroots and elite environments. Eddy also dives into the difference between internal and external confidence, and why preparati...

In this episode, professional rugby coach Rod Seib shares his powerful approach to leadership, communication, and motivation in elite sport. He breaks down how understanding different learning styles helps him connect with players on an individual level, deliver feedback that sticks, and keep squads driven through tough losses and long seasons. Rod also explains why staying calm under pressure and...

In this episode, Rachael Jennings dives into the science and truth behind creatine, one of the most effective and misunderstood supplements in fitness and health. She explains what creatine is, how it naturally supports energy production and muscle performance, and why it’s backed by decades of research. Rachael also tackles common myths about weight gain, safety, and who should take it, while hig...

In this episode, Henry Fieldman opens up about his extraordinary journey as a world-class coxswain in rowing, from steering Olympic crews to making history as the first cox to win medals in both men’s and women’s events. Henry shares what it takes to lead from the seat no one sees, diving deep into leadership, trust, and the psychology of high performance. He reflects on the highs and lows of comp...

In this episode, Oliver Hoskins talks about his journey through professional rugby, from playing for the Wallabies to his time with London Irish. He shares the real story behind the game, including the self-doubt, sacrifices, and challenges that come with chasing success. Oliver opens up about how moving to the UK shaped him both as a player and as a person. Now retired, Oliver reflects on life af...

In this episode,  Damian McGrath  shares powerful insights on achieving success through effective communication, cultural adaptation, and authentic leadership. He explores what it means to be  fluent in success , understanding different cultures, leading with empathy, and adapting communication styles to build stronger connections. Drawing on his vast experience, Damian discusses the realities of...

Andrew Balbirnie is an Irish cricketer and former national captain in T20 and One-Day Internationals, and the current Test captain. Growing up just yards from a cricket ground in Sandymount, his love for the game began right on his doorstep. From juggling rugby and cricket in school to moving to London to chase his dream, Andrew’s journey reflects passion, perseverance, and his deep bond with Iris...

Ray Power is a coach, educator, and author who’s passionate about helping coaches simplify the game without losing what really matters. In this episode, Ray joins to discuss the true art of coaching, where simplicity meets depth, and empathy meets accountability. Ray shares how effective coaching starts with understanding people, adapting to new environments, and creating space for players to thin...

Paul Clarke is a high-performance coach and leadership expert who helps people unlock their potential and perform at their best — in sport, business, and life. In this episode, Paul joins to share how true leadership starts with self-awareness, purpose, and understanding context. He breaks down his powerful 5S Framework — stress, sleep, staying active, sustenance, and self-talk — to show how small...

Dr. Sally Needham is a leading expert in human performance and development whose work bridges psychology, identity, and sport. In this episode, Sally joins to explore the power of resilience, emotional intelligence, and mindset in achieving sustained performance. You’ll learn how athletes can handle criticism, build daily habits to prevent burnout, and rediscover joy in their sport. Sally also unp...

Dan Richardson is a leading sports nutritionist whose career spans multiple sports — from cycling and rugby to football. In this episode, Dan joins Richie O’Brien to unpack the truth about carbs, creatine, and performance nutrition. You’ll learn the biggest nutrition mistakes athletes make, how to fuel for recovery and peak performance, and the importance of meal timing, the 80/20 rule, and smart...

Jamal Ford-Robinson shares his journey as a professional rugby player, discussing his early life, the influence of his family, and the challenges he faced during his career. He reflects on the importance of mental health, the transition from youth to professional rugby, and the lessons learned from difficult experiences. Jamal emphasises the need for athletes to find purpose outside of their sport...