The Athletic Evolution Podcast

Rhodri is a Reader in Paediatric Strength and Conditioning and Chair of the Youth Physical Development Centre at Cardiff Metropolitan University. He also holds a research associate position with Auckland University of Technology and is a research fellow for Waikato Institute of Technology. His research interests surround the impact of growth and maturation on long-term athletic development and the...

Richard is the Course Leader for the MSc in Strength and Conditioning at Loughborough University, previously working at St Mary’s University for 8 years as Programme Director for the BSc Strength and Conditioning Science, and was Lead S&C Coach for Sport and Health Services. Richard is an Accredited S&C Coach and previous Director of the UKSCA. He has provided coaching to numerous athletes...

Marina Carrier is as 24 Year Pentathlete, who qualified for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games with the Australian Olympic Team. She has been involved in Pentathlon since the age of 12. At the senior level, her highest world ranking was #39, whilst her she finished her U18 Youth career at #7 in the World. She has had several international podium finishes, including beating the World #2. She has also pre...

 Neil Parsley is a co-founder and director of the unique and highly successful UTS gym in Wirral. He is one the most sought after and experienced S&C coaches in the UK consulting for the English National FA as well as the English Rugby Football Union. He has coached Olympic Champions (Beijing & London Olympics), multiple World and European medalists and National champions across several sports inc...

Harry Weatherstone is the owner of the Youth Athletic Development Academy, on the Sunshine Coast, Australia. In this podcast,  Harry discusses:  His background as a tennis athlete and coach.  How he transitioned into athletic development.  The value of working independently in your own coaching business.  The importance of keeping it simple in both communication and progra...

James McCann is the Head of PE (Practical) at Whitgift School. He is also the founder of The Animal Lab. In this podcast James discusses: Driving change in an independent school. Establishing an integrated movement and games PE curriculum. His opinion on the Joe Wicks daily "PE" sessions during Corona Virus. Why he created The Animal Lab. The importance of reflection in coaching practice. You can...

James Mealing is the Head Strength & Conditioning Coach at Harlequins Rugby Academy. In this episode James discusses: His big influences in his coaching journey. Why no one is above the basics. The importance of educating the athlete. The weekly schedule of an Academy player. How Harlequins Academy have adapted to the Corona Virus. The key characteristics of players who go on to senior perform...

Andy Woodward is the Head of Performance Sport and Strength & Conditioning Coach at Barnard Castle School. In this episode Andy discusses: His background in the Royal Air Force. What his role looks like day to day in the school How coaching multiple sports has made him a better coach. The importance of being holistic in your coaching approach. The importance of Listening and Empathy in coachin...

James Marshall is the Owner of Excelsior Athletic Training and Director of Excelsior Athletic Development Club, as well as a coach educator and mentor, business owner and director. He is also the author of "Training Young Athletes", "Get Stronger", "Run Faster" and "Jump Higher". In this podcast,  James discusses: Coming into gymnastics "cold" as an adult coach. Why all coaches need to unders...

Paul is a Coach Developer and Creator of The CARVER Framework. He helps people build their Coaching World. He consult with Sporting Organisations and Clubs as well as Corporate Entities in relation to creating Learning and Performance Environments. In this podcast Paul discusses: How values and character development are a key component of his coaching. An overview of the CARVER coaching model. Wea...

Tom Coughlin is currently the Lead Nutritionist for the Male Pathway within Scottish Rugby, working from the U16's National Age Grade Squads, right  up to the Senior National Team players. In this podcast, Tom discusses: Why he uses and athlete-led approach in his practice. The fundamental nutrition habits youth athlete should be focussing on. Why a meal plan isn't the answer. Why youth athle...

Kevin Mannion is the Academy Head of Performance at Gloucester Rugby. In this episode Kevin discusses: His Rugby League career. How academy success is built of longevity of staff. Making yourself redundant as a coach. Being vulnerable enough to ask others for their expertise. Involving parents in the academy journey. Positively affecting parent/athlete conversations. How Gloucester Rugby Academy i...

Darren Ritchie is the Event Group Lead for Jumps and Combined Events at England Athletics. He previously spent 11 years at Scottish Athletics in variety of roles including National Jumps and Combined Events Manager, Performance Manager, National Coach Development Manager and Head of Coach Development. In this podcast, Darren discusses: His career as an athlete at International level. How his injur...

Andy Blyth is a Sport and Performance Psychologist, based in Edinburgh, specialising in one-to-one coaching to help people get better at what they care about.  Andy is also the owner of Simplyperform, as well as the Academy Sport Psychologist Hearts Football Club.  In this podcast Andy discusses:  How a Roman Emperor has influenced his practice.  Building a collaborative rather...

Olie Trotman is the Strength & Conditioning Coordinator at the United World College, South East Asia, which is an international school with over 5,000 students across two campuses, serving students aged 5 – 18. In this podcast, Olie discusses: His background as a Welsh representative athlete in basketball. His varied journey pursuing coaching experience around the world. His 4 C's model of Con...

John Hall or 'Hedge' discovered Parkour in late 2004 after watching a Parkour video in school. After a short career in academia, he founded Access Parkour in 2013. Hedge delivers most of Access Parkour’s conditioning and movement programs taking a special interest in creating spaces that build better people both mentally and physically. He splits his time between managing the company, teaching as...

Dave Hembrough is a Strength & Conditioning Coach and Sports Science Officer at Sheffield Hallam University, as well as the Head Coach of Hallam Barbell and a Coach Educator for British Weightlifting. He has started numerous community based initiatives including Mindfully Strong and Strength For Life. In this Episode, Dave discusses: His personal mission statement. His time in performance spor...

Allistair McCaw is a world leader in human performance, team culture and leadership. For over 25 years, he has worked with numerous Fortune 500 companies, Olympians, Grand Slam Champions, NCAA Colleges and Professional Sports Teams. He is also the author of 7 Keys to Being a Great Coach, Champion Minded and Becoming a Great Team Player. In this episode, Allistair discusses: Key influences in his p...

Dr Mike Hislop is a a researcher within the Technical Services Department at World Rugby, the global governing body for Rugby Union. His research was used to create the Activate program, which reduced soft tissue injuries by up to 40% and concussions by up to 60%. In this podcast Mike discusses: His PhD research studies which culminated in the Activate program The surprising outcomes in injury red...

Guy Pitchers is a PhD researchers in Female Athletic populations, as well as a Instructor in Sport Science at Canterbury Christ Church University. He is also a Strength & Conditioning Coach for Charlton FC Ladies. In this podcast Guy discusses: The primary biological differences between male and female athletes A basic overview of menstrual function Individual variability in menstrual cycles a...

Dr. Joe Eisenmann is a scholar-practitioner with 25 years of experience as a professor, researcher, sport scientist, coach educator, strength & conditioning coach, and youth sports coach. Currently, he is a consultant and serves as the Head of Sport Science for Volt Athletics, and the National Strength and Conditioning Association along with being a visiting professor at Leeds Beckett Universi...

Tim Stevenson (Head of Exercise Science & Handstands) and David "Jacko" Jackson (Head of Human Flags) are both Strength and Conditioning coaches and Founders of the "School of Calisthenics". In this episode they discuss; Their accidental route into calisthenics in their own training and coaching.  Why Fun and Experimentation are a key element for them in training and coaching. The multipl...

Howard Green is the Director of HGreen Tennis Fit, as well as the Head of Sports Science at Bolton Tennis Arena.  In this episode Howard discusses How his background in the high performance environment of the Royal Marines has shaped him as a coach. His time "in the box" with Ana Ivanovic and Naomi Broady on the World Tour. The importance of establishing ownership and life skills in young ath...

Louise Hastie is one of the Directors at Movement Evolution.  In this episode Louise discusses: Her unique childhood background. Her background in recreational and competition skiing. The balance of winning medals and fostering intrinsic motivation. Inclusive and exclusive methods of long term athletic development. You can follow the work of Louise and Movement Evolution Scotland via their In...

Matt Goodman is the Group Managing Director at Active Future, as well as a PhD candidate by publication at Northumbria University.  In this podcast Matt discusses:  How longevity is his main score of success.  The unexpected success of "Fortnite" style activity classes in terms of uptake and individual activity.  The decline of ability for free play in youth/children.  His...