In this special episode of the Experts in Sport podcast, host Martin Foster is joined by Professors Wendy Brown and Stuart Biddle to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Sport and Exercise Sciences at Loughborough University.

Recording from Australia, the guests reflect on their early careers at Loughborough, the evolution of sport and exercise science, and the lasting impact of the “Loughborough family” across research, teaching and practice worldwide. The conversation spans women’s physiology, physical activity and public health, psychology, applied practice, and the changing pathways for students and researchers over the past five decades.

This episode offers a rich, personal perspective on how Loughborough helped shape global sport science-past, present and future-as the university marks 50 years of excellence in sport, exercise and health.

Intros 0:00

At Loughborough 6:47

Wendy in Australia 17:29

Stuart's evolution 31:04

Quickfire 41:19

Setting goals 52:09

Fitness testing children 54:04

Advice 56:44

Join Experts in Sport as Mega Event Advisor Richard Watton (UK Sport) and Dr. Verity Postlethwaite (Loughborough University) talk to host Martin Foster and unpack why cities host major, mega and giga sporting events. From bidding processes and global collaboration to economic impact, social legacy and the future of event delivery, this episode reveals how well‑planned events can shape communities for decades.

In this episode of Experts in Sport, Professors Paul Downward, Larissa Davies and Simon Shibli speak with host Martin Foster, unpacking the real value of sport and physical activity beyond pounds and pence. From wellbeing gains to NHS savings, community cohesion to volunteering, the panel explores how Social Return on Investment (SROI) evidence is reshaping policy, funding, and local decision‑making across the UK.

Measuring SROI 3:55

Negative impacts 21:52

Wider health value 26:18

Examples in communities 35:59

Quantifying data 49:09

The future 57:08

In this episode of Experts in Sport, host Martin Foster sits down with fitness industry innovator and MyZone founder, Dave Wright. From growing up in the Australian bush to building global businesses, Dave shares the extraordinary, winding path that led him to become one of the sector’s most influential entrepreneurs.

He opens up about the origins of MyZone, the challenges and failures behind early prototypes, and the bold decisions that helped the company grow to a valuation of over $100 million

The start 1:26

MyZone 15:53

Failures 36:00

The purpose of MyZone 41:14

Journey as an entrepreneur 53:09

Stepping back 1:01:56

Background reading 1:10:56

For future entrepreneurs 1:16:44

This episode features an in‑depth conversation with Paul Sinton‑Hewitt, founder of parkrun, the world’s largest free physical activity initiative. We trace parkrun’s evolution from a small local time trial to a global public health phenomenon spanning more than 20 countries. Paul discusses community building, volunteer mobilisation, international expansion, social prescribing, and the role of parkrun in driving long‑term health and wellbeing outcomes.

Intro 0:00

The start 3:14

The growth 9:55

The evolution 22:15

Mission 29:03

Going international 30:16

Volunteering 37:14

Most memorable 45:09

Different directions 47:52

Social prescription 54:27

Lessons learnt and the future 59:46

In this episode of the Experts in Sport podcast Dr James Sanders joins host Martin Foster to explore the NHS 10‑Year Plan and the growing role of digital health tools. Together, we unpack how wearables could support prevention, personalise care, and empower individuals to take control of their wellbeing.

Learn more about CLiMB: https://www.lboro.ac.uk/research/climb/

NHS 10 year plan 2:09

Wearables 11:58

Improvements in health 19:01

Weightloss drugs 26:44

Whats next? 30:53

The research 40:26

In this episode of Experts in Sport, we go behind the scenes at Loughborough Sport’s world-class Physiology Lab with Rhona Pearce, Physiology Lead. Discover how cutting-edge testing can transform your marathon preparation, from VO₂ max and lactate thresholds to personalised pacing strategies. Whether you’re chasing a PB or tackling your first 26.2 miles, learn why understanding your physiology is the ultimate game-changer.

Learn more about Loughborough Sport's physiology testing: https://www.lboro.ac.uk/sport/support-services/physiology/physiology-assessments/

Intro 0:00

Marathon training plan 1:47

Training to distance 4:25

Doing better 10:05

Physiological perspective 14:54

Wearables 21:24

Physiology testing 24:18

Understanding the data 30:36

Physiology lab at Loughborough Sport 37:01

In this episode we take a look back at some of our hightlights from 2025 including big milestones and a fantastic summer of women's sport.

Thank you for all your support this year, lets hope next year is even bigger and better! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the Experts in Sport team!

#loughborough #university #loughboroughuniversity #education #student #Expertsinsport #podcast #experts #sport #research #expertsinhealth #fitness

In this episode Martin talks to Professor Stacy Clemes and Dr. Grant Charlesworth-Jones to explore the pressing health challenges facing the UK workforce. From rising rates of long-term illness and sedentary lifestyles to the overlooked health crisis among truck drivers, the conversation dives deep into the systemic issues and potential solutions. Drawing on over a decade of research, the guests share insights into the SHIFT programme—Structured Health Intervention for Transport—and discuss how employers, policymakers, and individuals can take proactive steps to improve wellbeing, productivity, and safety across the nation

Learn more about the SHIFT programme here: https://www.ncsem-em.org.uk/research/optimising-health-wellbeing/impact/the-shift-study/

State of the nation 2:01

GP health 7:18

Driver health 14:48

SHIFT 17:54

The issue with truck driving 33:41

What are we doing about it? 35:52

Driving better health 44:30

Changes 47:35

Future research 54:19

Further information 57:10

#loughborough #university #loughboroughuniversity #education #student #Expertsinsport #podcast #experts #sport #research #expertsinhealth #fitness #history

Lord Sebastian Coe joins the Experts in Sport podcast for a wide-ranging conversation tracing his journey from Loughborough student-athlete to one of the most influential figures in global sport.

In this compelling episode, he reflects on the lessons learned from his legendary athletics career, shares untold stories and the immense pressure behind delivering London 2012, and offers his vision for the future of athletics in an increasingly complex world. With candid advice for the next generation of sports leaders, this is a rare and inspiring insight into the mind of a true sporting icon.

Arriving at Loughborugh 1:06

Chancellor 11:16

Life after athletics 16:10

London 2012 23:33

Spirit of 2012 37:08

Navigating challenges 41:55

Opportunity in athletics 49:13

#loughborough #university #loughborough university #education #student #Expertsinsport #podcast #experts #sport #research #expertsinhealth #fitness #history #sebcoe