In this episode of the Supporting Champions Podcast, I’m joined by author, journalist, and endurance expert Alex Hutchinson to discuss his latest book, The Explorer’s Gene. This conversation dives into the why behind human exploration — what drives us to seek the unknown, how our genetics shape our urge to push boundaries, and what this means for athletes, adventurers, and everyday decision-makers alike.

We explore the intersection of science, adventure, and personal growth, looking at everything from the dopamine receptor gene and novelty-seeking, to the hero’s journey and the paradox of effort. Whether you’re a coach, athlete, or someone curious about what makes humans tick, there’s something here for you.

🧠 Key Takeaways:

• Exploration is a deep-rooted human trait shaped by both genetics and environment
• The dopamine receptor gene is linked to novelty-seeking behaviour
• Endurance sports are a microcosm for understanding exploration and risk
• Balancing exploration (trying new things) and exploitation (refining skills) is vital
• The free energy principle helps explain our drive to minimize surprise and seek reward
• Effort and struggle add meaning to experience
• Exploration connects us more deeply to our environment and ourselves
• The hero’s journey offers a compelling metaphor for personal growth
• Ethical questions persist around doping and the boundaries of performance

📚 Buy Alex Hutchinson’s new book, The Explorer’s Gene: 👉 https://www.amazon.co.uk/Explorers-Gene-Challenges-Flavors-Blank/dp/0063269767/

🎓 Advance your performance career with Supporting Champions Courses: Use code SC10 for 10% off all online courses 👉 https://www.supportingchampions.co.uk/onlinecourse/#courses

⏱ Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction to Alex Hutchinson 03:08 – Journey from Physics to Endurance Journalism 06:25 – The Intersection of Science and Endurance Sports 10:20 – Lessons from Journalism School 14:17 – The Importance of Audience in Science Communication 18:38 – Navigating Scientific Research and Its Implications 23:36 – Evolving Perspectives on Ergogenic Aids 29:43 – The Role of Context in Athletic Performance 32:33 – Exploring 'The Explorer's Gene' 36:05 – Personal Connections to Endurance 38:47 – The Complexity of Exploration 41:35 – The Hero's Journey in Endurance 44:47 – The Rhythm of Explore and Exploit 52:58 – Genetics of Exploration 56:18 – The Explorer's Gene: An Introduction 01:01:07 – Migration Patterns and Genetic Influence 01:08:20 – Risk-Taking and Elite Athletes 01:12:02 – The Free Energy Principle Explained 01:18:30 – The Effort Paradox and Meaning in Struggle 01:24:39 – The Case Against Doping in Sports 01:31:17 – Exploration and the Meaning of Sport

Thanks for tuning in — don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share your thoughts below. Let’s keep exploring what makes us human.

#SupportingChampions #AlexHutchinson #ExplorersGene #HumanPerformance #Endurance #SportsScience #FreeEnergyPrinciple #HeroJourney #SteveIngham #Dopamine #RiskTaking #PersonalGrowth #Adventure

🎙️In this episode of the Supporting Champions Podcast, Steve Ingham welcomes Kate Hays, a leading sports psychologist and author of How to Win: Lessons in Success from the Frontline of Performance Psychology.

Kate shares her expertise on high performance psychology, exploring the essential building blocks of team success, the significance of team identity and purpose, and how pressure training prepares individuals for high-stakes situations. She also discusses psychological safety, behavioural codes, and a strength-based approach to thriving in elite environments.

📖 Get Kate's new book here:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/How-Win-performance-psychology-potential/dp/0008698287

Key Themes:

✅ Applying performance psychology beyond sport ✅ Balancing challenge and support in high-performance settings ✅ Why defining success goes beyond just winning ✅ The role of preparation, autonomy, and resilience in elite environments ✅ Ten principles for thriving in high-performance cultures

Chapters:

00:00 – Introduction and Book Overview 03:05 – The Purpose of Writing the Book 05:48 – Building Blocks of Team Performance 09:00 – Understanding Team Identity and Purpose 12:00 – The Importance of Method and Goals 15:03 – Behavioural Codes and Team Dynamics 17:50 – The Role of Pressure Training 21:09 – Defining Success Beyond Winning 23:57 – The Balance of Challenge and Support 26:45 – The Importance of Autonomy in Performance 29:58 – The Pressure of Performance 35:23 – Understanding High Performance 39:32 – Principles of Thriving 41:17 – Creating Thriving Environments 46:11 – Ten Principles for Thriving 49:12 – Psychological Safety and Learning 01:01:06 – Final Thoughts on High Performance

Use code 'SC10' for 10% off all Supporting Champions Courses. https://www.supportingchampions.co.uk/onlinecourse/#courses

🔔 Subscribe for more expert conversations on performance, psychology, and leadership!

#SportsPsychology #HighPerformance #MentalHealth #Leadership #Thriving #TeamSuccess #PsychologicalSafety #SuccessBeyondWinning

🎙️ What training model improves VO2max and time trial performance for recreational and competitive endurance athletes?

In this episode of the Supporting Champions Podcast, Steve Ingham is joined by Michael Rosenblat, an expert in exercise science with a fascinating journey from triathlon coaching to physiotherapy. Michael shares his insights into training intensity distribution models, drawing from his recent network meta-analysis on how different approaches impact endurance athletes.

They discuss the complexities of polarized versus pyramidal training models, the methodological challenges of conducting meta-analyses, and the importance of considering individual variability when designing training programmes. Michael also highlights the significance of VO2 max outcomes, the role of network meta-analysis, and why consistency and recovery are fundamental to athletic performance.

Throughout the conversation, Michael emphasizes the need for rigorous methods in sports science research and how understanding gender differences and training intensity thresholds can shape more individualised training approaches. Whether you're a coach, athlete, or researcher, this episode offers valuable insights into optimising training strategies and understanding the science behind performance improvement.

🔍 Key Takeaways: ✅ Training intensity models impact performance differently, with polarized training often benefiting competitive athletes and pyramidal training suiting recreational athletes. ✅ VO2 max outcomes showed no significant differences between training models, highlighting the importance of individual responses. ✅ Methodological rigor in exercise science research is crucial to producing reliable and applicable findings. ✅ Consistency and recovery are essential components of long-term athletic success. ✅ Future research should focus on individualised approaches to training intensity and performance.

📌 Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction and Background 03:00 - Research Journey and Academic Affiliations 05:52 - Overview of the Meta-Analysis Paper 09:11 - Understanding Network Meta-Analysis 11:55 - Participant Characteristics and Sample Size 14:57 - Training Intensity Distribution Models 17:59 - Decoding Intention to Treat vs. Per Protocol Analysis 27:31 - Understanding Quasi-Experimental Designs 30:02 - Methodological Limitations in Training Studies 32:30 - Analyzing Gender Differences in Athletic Performance 34:08 - Exploring VO2 Max Results 39:14 - Individual Variability in Training Responses 47:01 - Comparing Training Models for Different Athlete Levels 55:44 - Practical Recommendations for Athletes 57:01 - Future Directions in Training Research

📖 Read more on Michael’s paper here: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39888556/

https://sylvanadamsports-tau.org.il/en/

🔔 Subscribe, like, and share to stay updated with more insightful discussions on performance, training, and sports science!

Use code 'SC10' for 10% off all Supporting Champions Courses Supporting Champions Courses

#ExerciseScience #TrainingIntensity #MetaAnalysis #EnduranceAthletes #VO2Max #AthleticPerformance #SportsMedicine #SupportingChampions #MichaelRosenblat

🎙️ Using play to improve performance with Richard Cheetham

In this episode of the Supporting Champions Podcast, Steve Ingham is joined by Richard Cheetham, a senior fellow in sports coaching, to explore the evolving landscape of coaching. From learner empathy and innovative coaching methods to the critical role of play in athlete development, Richard shares his insights on what truly makes coaching effective.

They discuss how early experiences in sport shape long-term engagement, why coaching should balance sports science with emotional connection, and how playfulness fosters creativity and performance. Richard also reflects on cross-sport learning, the challenges posed by AI in coaching, and why the best coaches are those who remain curious and adaptable.

🔍 Key Takeaways: ✅ Coaching is about understanding the struggle of the learner. ✅ Play should be integrated into coaching, not just used as a reward. ✅ Innovative coaching methods create engaging learning environments. ✅ Sports science should support, not dominate, the coaching process. ✅ Authentic engagement and creativity are crucial for athlete development.

📌 Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Richard Cheetham and His Journey 03:11 Innovative Coaching Methods and Learner Empathy 05:45 The Evolution of Coaching: Expectations and Engagement 09:09 Balancing Sports Science and Coaching 11:58 The Role of Play in Coaching 24:04 Defining Play and Its Importance in Sports 28:57 The Influence of Early Experiences in Sports 34:24 Creating a Playful Environment for Learning 38:42 Innovative Approaches to Coaching 44:06 Divergent Thinking and Cross-Sport Learning 49:21 The Future of Coaching in an AI World 54:14 The Power of Playful Engagement

📖Read more on Richard here:

Richard Cheetham - University of Winchester

🔗Connect with Richard here:

(3) Richard Cheetham MBE | LinkedIn

👀 Whether you're a coach, athlete, or simply passionate about performance, this conversation will challenge the way you think about learning, engagement, and the true purpose of sport.

🔔 Subscribe, like, and share to stay updated with more insightful discussions on coaching, performance, and beyond!

Use code 'SC10' for 10% off all Supporting Champions Courses https://www.supportingchampions.co.uk/onlinecourse/

#Coaching #SportsPsychology #LearnerEmpathy #InnovativeCoaching #PlayInSport #AthleteDevelopment #RichardCheetham #SupportingChampions

🎙️ Parenting Talent | Supporting Champions Podcast

In this episode, Dr. Steve Ingham welcomes Valeria Eckardt to explore the vital yet complex role of parents in youth sports. Parents are more than just supporters—they shape a child's sporting experience as role models, interpreters, and motivators. But where’s the line between support and pressure? How can parents communicate effectively with young athletes?

Valeria shares insights into emotional intelligence in sports parenting, the impact of social media on young athletes, and the evolving role of parents as children progress through their sporting journey. From early skill development to elite competition, this discussion highlights the challenges parents face and the strategies they can use to foster a healthy, supportive, and balanced sporting environment for their children

🔍 Key Takeaways: ✅ Parents play a crucial role in shaping a child's sports experience. ✅ The balance between support and pressure is complex and individualized. ✅ Emotional intelligence and adaptability are key to positive parental involvement. ✅ Communication between parents, coaches, and children is essential for reducing stress. ✅ Social media creates additional challenges and expectations for young athletes.

📌 Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Parenting in Sport 01:09 The Role of Parents in Sports 06:29 Understanding Parental Involvement 11:14 The Balance of Support and Pressure 18:16 Navigating Support and Pressure 22:06 Effective Communication Strategies 30:17 The Complexity of Sports Parenting 31:08 Navigating Parental Involvement in Sports 39:24 The Impact of Social Media on Young Athletes 43:43 Supporting Parents in Competitive Sports 51:52 Evolving Parental Roles Through a Child’s Sports Journey

🔍 Find more on Valeria’s work: linktr.ee/valeria.eckardt

Instagram: @eckardt_psychologie

Bluesky: @valeriaeckardt.bsky.social

Linkedin: @valeria-eckardt

Additional resources on parenting in sports:

SportParent EU: http://www.sportparent.eu/en/

Handbook for parents in youth football academies (German Football Association & German Soccer League): https://media.dfl.de/sites/2/2024/01/DFL_Info_Elternbroschuere_EN.pdf (English language!)

Sport Parent Guide (Utah State University): https://youthsportsparenteducation.usu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Youth-Sport-Parent-Guide-v2.pdf

Sport Parents Guide (Canadian Sport for Life): https://sportforlife.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/A-Sport-Parents-Guide.pdf

🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more expert conversations on sports and performance!

Use code 'SC10' for 10% off all Supporting Champions Courses https://www.supportingchampions.co.uk/onlinecourse/

#ParentingInSports #YouthSports #SportsPsychology #AthleteDevelopment #ParentalSupport #SportsParenting #Communication #MentalPerformance #SupportingChampions

In this episode, Steve Ingham sits down with Liam to dive into the cutting-edge science behind athletic performance. From strength training and speed development to the critical role of muscle temperature, this conversation covers everything you need to know about optimising performance for elite athletes.

Discover how post activation potentiation (PAP) can prime athletes for competition, why recovery is often underestimated, and how individualised training programs lead to better results. Liam also shares insights into future trends in sports science, particularly the use of data strategies to drive performance outcomes.

🔍 Key Takeaways:

• Maintaining muscle temperature during competition is crucial.
• Strength training is the foundation for developing speed and power.
• Recovery and hypertrophy phases are essential for maximising results.
• Athletes thrive when they have ownership over their training.
• Collaboration and data strategies are shaping the future of sports science.

📌 Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Performance Science 04:02 Liam's Background in Sports Performance 06:48 The Importance of Applied Research 09:18 Measuring Speed and Power in Athletes 12:12 Developing Strength for Power Training 15:09 The Role of Recovery in Training 17:55 Hypertrophy and Its Impact on Performance 20:32 Recovery Strategies for Elite Athletes 23:18 Power Training Methods and Guidelines 27:22 Understanding Post Activation Potentiation (PAP) 39:34 The Importance of Muscle Temperature in Performance 47:48 Future Directions in Sports Data Science

🎧 Tune in to discover actionable strategies for enhancing athletic performance and get inspired by the future of sports science. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more expert insights!

📖 Read more on Liam here: https://www.swansea.ac.uk/staff/l.kilduff/

🔗Or connect with Liam via LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liam-kilduff-1b920745

Use code 'SC10' for 10% off all Supporting Champions Courses https://www.supportingchampions.co.uk/onlinecourse/

#SportsScience #PerformanceTraining #StrengthTraining #SpeedDevelopment #DataStrategy #PostActivationPotentiation #Recovery #AthleteTraining #SupportingChampions

🎙️ Welcome to the Supporting Champions Podcast!

In this episode, Dr. Steve Ingham is joined by Professor Graeme Close, a leading expert in sports nutrition and human physiology. From his early days as a professional rugby league player to becoming a trusted advisor for England Rugby, Graeme shares his incredible journey and offers valuable insights into the science behind elite performance.

We dive deep into the fundamentals of sports nutrition, the role of mentorship in academic success, and the importance of building relationships with athletes to create tailored nutrition strategies. Graeme discusses key topics such as carbohydrate manipulation, protein intake, and the debate around low-carb high-fat diets, while also exploring the science behind supplements like creatine, beta-alanine, and CBD.

💡 Key Topics Covered:

• The journey from athlete to academic in sports science
• Why mentorship matters in the field of sports nutrition
• Carbohydrate’s critical role in elite performance
• Understanding and addressing athlete behavior for effective nutrition
• The importance of protein intake and timing for strength training Individualized nutrition strategies for optimal results
• Evidence-based insights into supplements like creatine and beta-alanine
• Emerging trends in sports nutrition, including CBD and functional mushrooms

If you're passionate about sports nutrition, athlete performance, or the science behind optimizing elite athletes, this episode is packed with practical tips and expert insights!

🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more in-depth discussions with experts in sports science and performance.

Timestamps:

• 00:00 - Introduction to Graeme Close
• 06:08 - Inspiring the Next Generation of Sports Scientists
• 12:10 - Insights from Working with England Rugby
• 17:56 - Understanding Athlete Behavior and Nutrition
• 23:53 - Carbohydrate Manipulation in Endurance Sports
• 30:08 - Implementing Effective Nutrition Strategies
• 36:06 - Carbohydrate is King: Unpacking the Concept
• 43:00 - The Debate on Low Carb High Fat Diets
• 50:57 - The Importance of Individualization in Nutrition
• 56:54 - Navigating Supplements for Elite Performance
• 01:14:58 - Emerging Trends in Sports Nutrition

Use code 'SC10' for 10% off all Supporting Champions Courses https://www.supportingchampions.co.uk/onlinecourse/

📖 Read more on Graeme here: https://www.ljmu.ac.uk/about-us/staff-profiles/faculty-of-science/sport-and-exercise-sciences/graeme-close

https://www.nutritionx.co.uk/panel/professor-graeme-l-close/

#SportsNutrition #EliteAthletes #GraemeClose #PerformanceNutrition #CarbohydrateManipulation #Supplements #EnglandRugby #Creatine #BetaAlanine #CBD #SportsScience #Mentorship

🎙️ Welcome to the Supporting Champions Podcast!

In this episode, Dr. Steve Ingham sits down with Sue Jackson, a renowned psychologist and expert in the field of flow and optimal performance. Sue shares her incredible journey in sports psychology, including her collaboration with Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, the pioneer behind the flow concept.

Together, we explore the fascinating world of flow—an optimal psychological state where we are fully immersed in a task—and its impact on performance, personal growth, and fulfilment. Sue dives deep into the balance between challenge and skill, mindfulness practices for enhancing flow, and how to create the right environment to unlock your potential.

💡 Key Topics Covered:

• The psychology of flow and its role in peak performance
• How to differentiate between flow and clutch states
• The challenge-skill balance: a foundation for flow
• Practical tips to achieve flow in daily life
• How mindfulness and concentration enhance flow
• Overcoming boredom and distractions to stay engaged
• The mastery mindset and its role in personal growth

Whether you're an athlete, performer, or someone striving for personal excellence, this episode offers practical insights and actionable advice to help you tap into your full potential.

🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring conversations about performance and personal development!

Timestamps:

• 00:00 - Introduction to Flow and Sue Jackson's Background
• 05:04 - Understanding Flow: The Optimal Psychological State
• 10:14 - Flow Across Different Disciplines
• 15:05 - Flow vs. Clutch States: A Comparative Analysis
• 19:58 - Factors Influencing Flow: Preparation and Environment
• 24:45 - Dimensions of Flow: Preconditions and Experiential Aspects
• 34:37 - The Importance of Concentration and Mindfulness
• 42:39 - Boredom and Its Impact on Flow
• 51:11 - Practical Tips for Achieving Flow

Website: www.bodyandmindflow.com.au

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suejackson_flow/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bodyandmindflow

LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/drsuejackson

Use code 'SC10' for 10% off all Supporting Champions Courses https://www.supportingchampions.co.uk/onlinecourse/

#Flow #Psychology #Performance #Mindfulness #SueJackson #SportsPsychology #Mastery #Concentration #ChallengeSkillBalance #supportingchampions