In this episode, CK Yew interviews Raphael Sachetat, the founder of Badminton Photo and Solibad, discussing his journey from a journalist to a leading figure in badminton photography. Raphael shares insights into the evolution of badminton photography, the operational dynamics of his agency, and the importance of copyright in the industry. He also highlights the impact of Solibad in providing opportunities for underprivileged children through badminton, showcasing success stories and the community's positive changes. The conversation concludes with advice for aspiring photographers and the significance of pursuing one's passion.

Chapter Timestamps:

00:38 Introduction to Raphael Sachetat

04:20 The Journey into Badminton Photography

08:48 Establishing BadmintonPhoto as the official BWF Photo Agency

12:03 Understanding Editorial Photography in Badminton

16:54 The Evolution of Badminton Photography

18:56 Operational Insights and Team Dynamics

23:49 The Importance of Image Rights and Copyright

31:58 The Financial Aspects of Professional Photography

37:35 The Importance of Accuracy in Photography

38:52 What it’s Like to Shoot Professional Badminton Tournaments

42:58 Remembering a Dedicated Photographer

44:56 The BadmintonPhoto Team

48:06 The Role of Badzine in Badminton Journalism

51:06 Exploring New Images Photo Agency

55:03 Solibad: Changing Lives Through Badminton

1:05:33 How to Support Solibad and Its Mission

1:11:20 Advice for Aspiring Photographers

Follow us on social media for more content!- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theaveragenotaverage/- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theaveragenotaverage

Keep in touch with CK & Viktor here:- CK's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UCkmY5ThPy3GLINI0m06ffaQ- Viktor's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UCkuVto4oGsgdEisvXlUaHvg- CK's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ckyew_official/- Viktor's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/viktoraxelsen/

You can also find our conversations on:- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0BwlJdllHEuttY24Jbcrz8?si=d5-BYAQkSoG7pMhKdskf4Q- Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-average-not-average-podcast/id1797766159- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQxuJfUZRhZn4s5SDKoS_Vw

In this featured segment from Episode 26 of the Average Not Average Podcast, guest Thinaah Muralitharan asks Viktor Axelsen some insightful questions about managing expectations and everything that goes into competing at the highest level. Viktor breaks down how he manages pressure at the Olympic Games as a two-time Olympic Champion and shares detailed insight into his “No Stones Unturned” mentality.

Chapter Timestamps:

01:30 Why Viktor Wanted to Get Involved in The Podcast

03:15 Navigating Olympic Pressure

08:50 Expectations and Mental Preparations as a Top Athlete

Follow us on social media for more content!- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theaveragenotaverage/- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theaveragenotaverageKeep in touch with CK & Viktor here:- CK's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UCkmY5ThPy3GLINI0m06ffaQ- Viktor's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UCkuVto4oGsgdEisvXlUaHvg- CK's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ckyew_official/- Viktor's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/viktoraxelsen/You can also find our conversations on:- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0BwlJdllHEuttY24Jbcrz8?si=d5-BYAQkSoG7pMhKdskf4Q- Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-average-not-average-podcast/id1797766159- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQxuJfUZRhZn4s5SDKoS_Vw

In this episode of the Average Not Average Podcast, CK Yew and Viktor Axelsen sit down with Malaysian badminton superstar Thinaah Muralitharan. They discuss her journey to becoming a top-ranked player, the pressures of being a role model, and the importance of family support in her career. The conversation highlights the challenges and triumphs of being an elite athlete, the significance of personal branding in sports, and the importance of mental preparation for competitions. They also share insights on navigating the complexities of social media, managing expectations as top athletes, and the unique experiences of competing in the Olympics.

Chapter Timestamps:

00:30 Introduction to Thinaah Muralitharan

03:25 The Journey of a Badminton Star

05:55 Playing Style and Team Dynamics

08:11 Handling Pressure as a Top Player

10:24 The Role of a Role Model

13:19 Family Influence in Sports

15:42 New Rules in Professional Badminton

22:30 Training Schedules and Understanding Recovery

29:59 The Rise of Pickleball

34:33 Growing Up in Malaysia and Family Support

40:15 Navigating Personal Branding and Management

49:41 The Impact of Social Media on Athletes

56:16 How Thinaah Learnt Mandarin

59:11 The Impact of AI on Language and Communication

01:00:47 Why Viktor Wanted to Get Involved in The Podcast

01:02:52 Navigating Olympic Pressure and Expectations

01:08:25 Expectations and Mental Preparations as a Top Athlete

Follow us on social media for more content!

- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theaveragenotaverage/

- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theaveragenotaverage

Keep in touch with CK & Viktor here:

- CK's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UCkmY5ThPy3GLINI0m06ffaQ

- Viktor's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UCkuVto4oGsgdEisvXlUaHvg

- CK's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ckyew_official/

- Viktor's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/viktoraxelsen/

You can also find our conversations on:

- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0BwlJdllHEuttY24Jbcrz8?si=d5-BYAQkSoG7pMhKdskf4Q

- Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-average-not-average-podcast/id1797766159

- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQxuJfUZRhZn4s5SDKoS_Vw

In this episode of the Average Not Average Podcast, CK Yew and Viktor Axelsen chat with YC Lim and his son Yee Wai Lim about the evolution of YC Sports from a small badminton retailer to a major market player. They discuss balancing family dynamics in business, challenges as the official retailer of the Yonex All England, and the importance of personal connections with customers. The episode also covers the evolution of badminton, grassroots support, and personal stories that showcase the camaraderie within the badminton community.

Chapter Timestamps:

00:30 Introduction to the Guests

01:39 Family Dynamics in Business

03:40 The Evolution of YC Sports

09:41 Finding Niche Markets

19:17 Negotiation Strategies in Business

23:00 Sponsorship and Support in Badminton

28:22 The Importance of Grassroots Support

32:37 The Experience of Buying Rackets

40:59 Educating the Next Generation

42:07 Racket Customization and Customer Experience

46:03 Preparing for Major Tournaments

50:59 The All England Experience

56:47 Building Community and Grassroots Support

59:36 Entrepreneurial Mindset in Sports

Follow us on social media for more content!

- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theaveragenotaverage/

- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theaveragenotaverage

Keep in touch with CK & Viktor here:

- CK's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UCkmY5ThPy3GLINI0m06ffaQ

- Viktor's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UCkuVto4oGsgdEisvXlUaHvg

- CK's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ckyew_official/

- Viktor's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/viktoraxelsen/

You can also find our conversations on:

- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0BwlJdllHEuttY24Jbcrz8?si=d5-BYAQkSoG7pMhKdskf4Q

- Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-average-not-average-podcast/id1797766159- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQxuJfUZRhZn4s5SDKoS_Vw

In this episode, CK Yew and Viktor Axelsen host badminton legend Peter Gade. They discuss the pressures and responsibilities of being an icon in the sport, their early experiences in Malaysia, and the transition from player to coach. The conversation delves into the mental challenges faced during competitive matches, the impact of crowd dynamics, and their ventures outside of badminton. They also reflect on the future of the sport, while sharing insights from their personal journeys in badminton and business.

Chapter Timestamps:

00:30 Introduction to Icons of Badminton

01:30 The Weight of Icon Status

05:18 Memories of Malaysia and Early Careers

09:57 Viktor’s Journey from Junior to Senior

13:55 How Peter Became Viktor’s Coach

18:48 Routines in High-Level Performance

20:19 Mental Challenges in Competitive Matches

25:28 The Impact of Crowd and Conditions on Court

37:20 Business Ventures Beyond Badminton

44:11 Reflections on Career Choices

49:07 The Future of Badminton Scoring Systems

51:36 The Gap Between Asian and European Players

1:01:57 The Kings Cup Experience

Follow us on social media for more content!

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theaveragenotaverage/
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theaveragenotaverage

Keep in touch with CK & Viktor here:

• CK's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UCkmY5ThPy3GLINI0m06ffaQ
• Viktor's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UCkuVto4oGsgdEisvXlUaHvg
• CK's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ckyew_official/
• Viktor's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/viktoraxelsen/

You can also find our conversations on:

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0BwlJdllHEuttY24Jbcrz8?si=d5-BYAQkSoG7pMhKdskf4Q
• Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-average-not-average-podcast/id1797766159
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQxuJfUZRhZn4s5SDKoS_Vw

In this episode, CK Yew interviews Rasmus Skousen, CEO of RSL Europe, discussing the evolution of badminton, the impact of market dynamics on shuttlecock production, and the challenges of sustainability in the industry. Rasmus shares insights on Viktor Axelsen's early career, the transition from retail to RSL, and the future of badminton equipment amidst changing consumer expectations and global market trends. RSL is the world's largest badminton shuttlecock manufacturer.

Chapter Timestamps:

00:30 Introduction and Background of Rasmus Skousen

03:28 Viktor Axelsen's Early Career and Contract

07:27 Transition from Store Owner to CEO of RSL

09:19 The Evolution of Badminton in Europe

12:35 Market Dynamics: China vs. Europe

15:18 Shuttlecock Production and Global Market Insights

18:04 Challenges in the Shuttlecock Industry

21:06 The Circular Economy of Shuttlecock Production

22:46 Innovations in Shuttlecock Design

27:49 The Impact of Feather Supply on the Industry

38:06 Sustainability and the Future of Shuttlecocks

44:35 Growth of Badminton Participation in Europe

45:47 The Rise of Badminton in Europe

49:22 Market Dynamics and Consumer Preferences

55:29 Shuttlecock Quality and Durability

59:56 The Future of Badminton and Emerging Trends

Follow in on the conversation and follow on social media for more content.

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0BwlJdllHEuttY24Jbcrz8?si=d5-BYAQkSoG7pMhKdskf4Q

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-average-not-average-podcast/id1797766159

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

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQxuJfUZRhZn4s5SDKoS_Vw

CK's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UCkmY5ThPy3GLINI0m06ffaQ

Viktor's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UCkuVto4oGsgdEisvXlUaHvg

CK's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ckyew_official/

Viktor's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/viktoraxelsen/

This highlights episode brings together the best moments from The Average Not Average Podcast in 2025. Each segment is taken from a different episode, capturing standout conversations, reflections, and lighter moments from throughout the year with CK Yew and Viktor Axelsen.

Watch all previous episodes here: https://open.spotify.com/show/0BwlJdllHEuttY24Jbcrz8?si=d41e211446b44f9b

Our 2025 Guest List includes:

• Henrik Axelsen (EP9)
• Chirag Shetty (EP10)
• Cristian Luque Manjon (EP12)
• Ahmed Shahrazad Sani (EP14)
• Ayush Shetty (EP15)
• Dr David Evans (EP16)
• Ben Beckman (EP17)
• Alex Lanier (EP19)
• Kestutis Navickas (EP20)

Follow in on the conversation and follow on social media for more content.

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0BwlJdllHEuttY24Jbcrz8?si=d5-BYAQkSoG7pMhKdskf4QApple
• Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-average-not-average-podcast/id1797766159
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theaveragenotaverage/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQxuJfUZRhZn4s5SDKoS_Vw
• CK's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UCkmY5ThPy3GLINI0m06ffaQ
• Viktor's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UCkuVto4oGsgdEisvXlUaHvg
• CK's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ckyew_official/
• Viktor's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/viktoraxelsen/

In this episode of The Average Not Average Podcast, CK Yew and Viktor Axelsen talk about Viktor’s current back injury and the difficulties he’s facing as he works through recovery. Viktor shares his thoughts on the rest of his year, and they reflect on the originally scheduled guest, Kestutis Navickas. They also chat about the growth of pickleball and padel, Viktor crossing paths with Stephen Curry while training, and the ongoing issue of poor court quality at some major tournaments.

*This episode was originally scheduled with Kestutis Navickas as a guest, however technical issues cut the conversation short. The episode with Kestutis was rescheduled, and you can watch his full episode here: https://youtu.be/RqvIO4qORY0?si=uqnKymOUJ8jUuY2i

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction

01:53 Viktor's Health and Tournament Plans

08:06 Discussing Kestutis Navickas

16:37 Challenges with New Courts

19:28 Rise of Young Talents

28:26 Staying Positive and Motivated

32:55 Basketball Players

39:48 Pickleball and Padel Sports

45:10 Future of Badminton and Synthetic Shuttles

52:13 Personal Insights and Future Plans

Follow in on the conversation and follow on social media for more content.

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0BwlJdllHEuttY24Jbcrz8?si=d5-BYAQkSoG7pMhKdskf4Q

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-average-not-average-podcast/id1797766159

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

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQxuJfUZRhZn4s5SDKoS_Vw

CK's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UCkmY5ThPy3GLINI0m06ffaQ

Viktor's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UCkuVto4oGsgdEisvXlUaHvg

CK's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ckyew_official/

Viktor's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/viktoraxelsen/

In this podcast episode, Kestutis Navickas, CK Yew and Viktor Axelsen discussed the evolution of badminton, the importance of recovery, and the intersection of fashion and sports, highlighting the need for athletes to present themselves professionally, as fashion can enhance an athlete's public image. Both Viktor and Kestutis emphasise the importance of personal growth, teamwork, and the future of badminton as a competitive sport. Team dynamics and communication are essential for success.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introducing Kestutis Navickas, life at home, Paris and Dubai

09:48 Reflections on Past Matches and Competitors

09:50 Evolution of Elite Badminton Performance

19:22 The Importance of Recovery in Modern Badminton

19:51 Mental Fatigue in Modern Badminton

22:18 The Importance of Recovery

24:13 Coaching and Coordination in Badminton

27:13 Cultural Adaptation in Coaching

30:44 Recognition and Team Dynamics

33:28 Advice and Personal Growth

36:38 The Future of French Badminton

40:31 Fashion in Badminton

48:34 The Role of Image and Branding

Follow in on the conversation and follow on social media for more content. Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0BwlJdllHEuttY24Jbcrz8?si=d5-BYAQkSoG7pMhKdskf4QApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-average-not-average-podcast/id1797766159Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theaveragenotaverage/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQxuJfUZRhZn4s5SDKoS_VwCK's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UCkmY5ThPy3GLINI0m06ffaQ Viktor's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UCkuVto4oGsgdEisvXlUaHvg CK's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ckyew_official/Viktor's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/viktoraxelsen/

In this episode of the Average Not Average podcast, host CK Yew interviews professional badminton player Alex Lanier. They discuss Alex's recent holiday, his passion for golf, and his competitive spirit, especially in relation to his brother Theo. Alex shares insights into his daily routine as a professional badminton athlete, the pressures of being in the top 10 in the world, and the dynamics of his coaching relationship with Kestutis Navickas. The conversation also touches on Alex's love for chess, his preferences in his sports equipment and his badminton rackets, and a humorous anecdote about his aversion to bananas.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background08:51 Golf: A New Passion16:38 Chess: The Strategic Game18:31 Daily Routine and Training23:24 Transition to Top 10 and Pressure30:17 Team France and Support Structure31:20 The Competitive Edge: Pushing Each Other to Greatness36:16 Building a Strong Coach-Player Relationship41:18 Balancing Professionalism and Personal Connection50:46 The Evolution of Equipment: Racket Preferences58:16 Navigating Personal Challenges: The Banana DilemmaFollow in on the conversation and follow on social media for more content. Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0BwlJdllHEuttY24Jbcrz8?si=d5-BYAQkSoG7pMhKdskf4QApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-average-not-average-podcast/id1797766159Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theaveragenotaverage/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQxuJfUZRhZn4s5SDKoS_VwCK's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UCkmY5ThPy3GLINI0m06ffaQ Viktor's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UCkuVto4oGsgdEisvXlUaHvg CK's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ckyew_official/Viktor's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/viktoraxelsen/