The Sports Engineering Podcast

In this episode, we sat our hot pants down with Professor George Havenith from Loughborough University. We chatted about everything from sweaty spines to heated cycling trousers, uncovering why body temperature matters far more than you think. If you have ever wondered about the world of engineered apparel and the science driving its evolution, this is the one for you.

Strap in or clip into this episode of The Sports Engineering Podcast where we talk about urban planning. From Amsterdam’s cycling utopia to the “concrete jungles” of North America, we explore how city design influences the way we move, play, and live. Can better bike lanes really make healthier, more active communities? And what can sports engineering teach us about building cities that move as we...

In this episode of The Sports Engineering Podcast , we dive into the science of performance with Dr. Assaf Yogev, exercise physiologist, coach, and research scientist at Arc’teryx. From cycling and muscle oxygenation to the future of wearables, we discuss how near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) provides real-time insight into muscle oxygenation and athletic performance. We also explore the balance b...

Is the future of sport in the stadium… or on the sofa? In this episode, we explore how technology, comfort, and convenience are reshaping the fan experience. It’s time to decide: will the next generation of fans turn up, or just tune in?

We decided to take stock this week and reminsce about some of the episodes we've already got in the locker. This is our 30th Episode so we celebrated that by talking about the themes and threads that weave our seemingly independent guest episodes together to tell one big sports engineering story. Also if you're new, we hope this helps to guide you towards the episodes that interest you mos...

In this episode of The Sports Engineering Podcast , we explore how patents and design protection shape the evolution of sports technology. Including cutting-edge footwear and wearable tech and the blurred line between inspiration and imitation, the legal and engineering battles that define how we innovate gets unpacked here. Join us as we look at how ideas become intellectual property in the fast-...

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Kat Okholm Kryger from UEFA to explore the playful, powerful, and sometimes misunderstood world of women’s football. From myth-busting ACL injuries to why football boots don’t always fit, Kat takes us through her unique journey bridging medicine, engineering, and the beautiful game. We dive into the “Give the Voice Back” project (link below), chat about what h...

In this Off the Clock episode, we dive into the technology that is shaping athlete safety. We cover instrumented mouth guards in rugby, smartwatches in the NHL, GPS vests in football, and even airbag apparel in motorsport.

In this episode, we dive into the hidden world of F1 aerodynamics with Dr Conor Crickmore from Atlassian Williams Racing. We get to know how engineers make the invisible visible and why sometimes it’s the water, not the air, that’s really in control. We explore tire spray, wind tunnels, CFD, and the tiny aerodynamic tweaks that play with a tenth of a second.

In this episode of the Sports Engineering Podcast, we explore how weather shapes the world of sport. From legendary matches decided by rain and altitude to modern innovations like retractable roofs and self-adjusting cleats. We discuss the engineering solutions that protect athlete performance, the role of technology in ensuring fair play, and how home field advantage can be influenced by the elem...

What makes hurling the fastest game on grass so electrifying? The players, the pace, or the stick itself? In this episode, Managing Director of Torpey, Seán Torpey takes us inside the craft and science of the hurley. From ancient roots to modern innovations, we explore how design, materials, and ingenuity shape performance on the pitch. Links: https://www.gaaplus.ie/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?...

From wearables to performance tracking, there more data than ever before. But should we be protecting young athletes from all the metrics? In this episode, we unpack the balance between using technology to help athletes grow and making sure the data doesn’t hold them back.

What really makes a fast bowler quick? Raw strength, flawless technique, or something in between? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Paul Felton from Nottingham Trent University to explore the science (and myths) behind pace bowling. From a day spent with Shane Warne to how science is shaping the next generation of fast bowlers.

In this special Off the Clock episode of the Sports Engineering Podcast, we chat with Davide Saracco, founder of Boots Culture , the go-to hub for football boot fans, about design, trends, and the stories behind the game’s most iconic gear. https://bootsculture.com/ @bootsculture

In this special episode, we bring together the voices of our first 14 incredible guests as they answer one big question: "What is the future of sports engineering?" From cutting-edge technology and big data, to inclusivity and sustainability, you'll hear a diverse range of insights and predictions that paint an exciting picture of where the field is headed. We're deeply grateful to each of our gue...

Just a bit of fun... until it isn’t. In this episode, we dive into the world of sports betting, from the jeopardy of fantasy leagues to sponsorship saturation. We chat shirt ads, player bans, emotional stakes, and the blurry line between passion and problem. Bet responsibly, listen freely.

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Dave Cole from the Science and Technology Department at the International Tennis Federation (ITF) ahead of Wimbledon 2025 to explore the science and engineering behind one of the world’s most technologically advanced sports. From the rigorous testing of rackets, balls, and court surfaces to the delicate balance between tradition and innovation, this episode of...

From breakdancing and flag football to the hopes of eSports and dodgeball, this episode dives into how the Olympics is courting the next generation. We explore the clash between tradition and relevance, the rise of innovation and engineering, and why storytelling might matter more than medals.

In this episode of The Sports Engineering Podcast, we have surf engineer Professor Marc in het Panhhuis discussing the intersection of surfing and engineering, exploring the evolution of surfboards including making his own 3D printed fins, and the innovations around taking measurements in the middle of the ocean.

This week, it's all about the chaos, the confusion, and the controversy surrounding VAR. From endless replays to hair-splitting offsides, we break down how technology is impacting sport and whether it is worth it.

In this episode, Professor Lloyd Smith, the president of the International Sports Engineering Association (ISEA) talked to us about the evolution of sports engineering, the infamous torpedo bat in baseball and the upcoming ISEA conference in 2026.

In this second 'Off the Clock' episode, we delve into the latest trends in sports equipment, discussing the implications of sock design, shin pad functionality, the use of tape and compression gear, and the rise of grip socks. Most importantly, we explore how superstition continues to shape athletes' choices.

In this episode of The Sports Engineering Podcast, Dr. Curtis Hooper shares insights into the science of bowling, discussing the importance of oil patterns, spin rate, and the mathematics behind optimal bowling techniques.

In episode 1 of this new series ' Off the clock' , we delve into the phenomenon of consumption culture in sports, particularly focusing on the rapid release of new footwear models. We discuss the implications of this trend on consumer behaviour, marketing strategies, and the environmental impact of producing so many products.

In this episode, we slide into the age-old debate between natural grass and artificial turf. We explore how sports surfaces are evolving in response to environmental pressures and athlete safety, how new testing standards are shaping safer, smarter fields, and the crucial commercial constraints that influence innovation in the real world.