Nine Point Day

The Highland Games have been a cornerstone of Scottish culture for centuries — a blend of strength, tradition, and community spirit. But in modern Scotland, these historic events are fading fast. Attendance is down, funding is scarce, and younger generations are drifting away from the Games that once defined Scottish identity.

In this episode of The Nine Point Day Podcast, we dive into the rich history of the Highland Games, from their origins as clan tests of strength and skill to the global phenomenon they became. We also examine how, despite their growing popularity overseas — particularly in North America — the Games in their homeland are on the brink of collapse.

If you care about Scottish heritage, strength sports, or preserving cultural traditions, this episode offers an unfiltered look at what went wrong — and why saving the Highland Games matters now more than ever.

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In this episode, I sit down with Jarrett McPhee, the founder of New England Stone Lifting, an organization dedicated to promoting the ancient art of lifting natural stones. We dive into how Jarrett got into this niche strength sport, the history behind legendary lifting stones, and his travels across the world to test his strength against some of the most iconic stones in existence.

From the moss-covered boulders of Scotland to hidden lifting sites in the U.S., Jarrett shares incredible stories of his journey, the cultural significance of stone lifting, and how he’s working to keep this tradition alive. Whether you're a strength athlete, a history buff, or just love a good story about human resilience, this is an episode you don’t want to miss!

On this episode ofThe Nine Point Day Podcast, we’re joined byprofessional athlete and registered dietitian Amarissa Handy to break down thenutrition strategies that fuel Highland Games performance. With herunique background as both a competitor and a nutrition expert, Amarissa shares how proper fueling canmaximize strength, recovery, and endurance for throwers and strength athletes.

In this shorter, episode of The Point Day Podcast, we dive into the art of showmanship in the Highland Games. Showcasing not just athleticism but personality, flair, and tradition, we explore how performers can engage the crowd and elevate the experience. To bring diverse perspectives, I surveyed previous guests from the show, asking them to share their thoughts on what makes a great showman in this unique sport. From story telling to crowd interaction, this episode provides valuable insights that both competitors and fans will appreciate. Tune in for expert takes on how to stand out, entertain, and embody the spirit of the Highland Games!

Disclaimer: Please note that during this episode, you may notice some intermittent audio issues. We appreciate your understanding as we work through these technical challenges!

In this episode of the Nine Point Day Podcast, we’re thrilled to sit down with Michael McDougal, the creator of Heavy Athlete, an innovative new databasing website designed specifically for the Highland Games community. Michael takes us behind the scenes of this exciting platform that aims to connect athletes, track performance, and bring the rich history of the Highland Games into the digital age.

We discuss the inspiration behind Heavy Athlete, how it works, and its potential impact on the sport, from amateur competitors to seasoned professionals. Whether you’re a Highland Games athlete looking to log your results or simply a fan of the sport, this episode offers insight into how technology is transforming the way we experience and celebrate these ancient athletic traditions.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation about sports innovation, the future of Highland Games, and the power of data in shaping athletic performance.

In this special shortened episode of The Nine Point Day Podcast, we dive into one of the most exciting aspects of the Highland Games – the 10th events! I’ve surveyed previous guests to gather their top picks for the most memorable and thrilling 10th events in the history of the Games. From legendary moments of strength to crowd-pleasing feats, we explore the events that have left lasting impressions on athletes and fans alike. Tune in for a quick yet impactful discussion of what makes these events so special, and hear firsthand insights from some of the Highland Games community’s best.

Don't miss this fun and engaging take on the rich tradition of the Highland Games!