The STA Clinician Podcast

By Sports Therapy AssociationHealth & Fitness Education

The STA Clinician Podcast episodes

August 05STA295: 'The New Generation Massage Therapist' with special guest Jamie Johnston
In Ep.295 of the STA Clinician Podcast, host Matt Phillips is joined by special guest Jamie Johnston, a massage therapist, firefighter and educator from British Columbia, Canada. Jamie is best known as founder of the Massage Therapist Development Centre (MTDC) and host of 'The New Generation Massage Therapist' podcast.

Jamie discusses the evolving role of massage therapists — shifting from passive tissue work to evidence-informed biopsychosocial care. He talks about pain science, the therapeutic power of movement, consent and communication, and why mental health must be part of clinical practice.
He shares practical approaches for opening conversations, spotting mental-health concerns, preventing suicide, and building clinician resilience, plus resources and training for therapists seeking to expand their skills.
Practical takeaways: check CPD course accreditation, consider your career goals and context, and consult professional bodies to make an informed choice about the route that best fits your aims.

Chapter Markers
00:00:00 - Welcome to the STA Clinician Podcast
00:02:45 - Massage Therapy Scope in Canada
00:07:36 - Rethinking 'Muscle Release' Language
00:11:20 - Why Informed Consent Requires Better Communication
00:18:09 - Patient Language vs Clinician language
00:21:29 - The New Generation Massage Therapist Podcast: Why The Name?
00:24:51 - Why Mental Health Matters for the Modern Clinician
00:33:39 - Practical Language Shifts
00:39:53 - Boundaries in Mental Health Talks with Patients
00:45:15 - Mental Health Courses with Jamie Johnston
Useful Links
Jamie Johnston Website: TheMTDC.com
Massage Therapist Development Centre on Facebook
Jamie Johnston on Instagram
The New Generation Massage Therapist on Apple Podcasts
Want to join the live recordings?
Episodes of the STA Clinician Podcast are recorded live every TUESDAY at 8pm on the Sports Therapy Association YOUTUBE CHANNEL and FACEBOOK page. Everyone is welcome - you do not have to be an STA member! If you cannot join us live, be sure to subscribe to the 'Sports Therapy Association Podcast' on all popular podcast apps to be notified when new episodes are available.
Interested in joining the STA?
Use the code PODCAST25 to get 3 MONTHS EXTRA when you join for a single year! In other words, £75 will get you 15 months instead of 12! Only valid for NEW members. If you are Level 3 (qualified after 2014) make sure you choose the ‘associate member’ option.
55 min
July 23Ep.294: ‘Sports Therapy: University Degree or Vocational Training?' with Kate Williams and Sarah Catlow
Apologies in advance: Due to technical issues during the live recording, the audio for this episode is sadly lower then normal. Attempts have been made to improve it. If you would like captions, please visit the Sports Therapy Association YouTube channel where an audiogram has been uploaded.

In Ep.294, we explore whether Sports Therapy is best studied via a university degrees or vocational training. Host Matt Phillips is joined by Sarah Catlow, Chair of the Sports Therapy Organisation (STO), Kate Williams, Head of Education for The Society of Sports Therapists (SST), and Gary Benson, Founder of the STA. Together, they discuss strengths and weaknesses of each route, the need for clear standards and accreditation, and how scopes of practice and employability differ across qualifications.
The guests agree the debate is not simply one or the other: qualifications sit on a progression ladder, and standards, external scrutiny, and professional body membership matter. Topics include mature students, apprenticeships, the risk of mis‑selling courses, workforce demand, and practical advice for choosing an educational pathway.
Practical takeaways: check accreditation, consider your career goals and context, and consult professional bodies to make an informed choice about the route that best fits your aims.

Chapter Markers
00:00:00 - Apology for sound quality in this episode
00:02:14 - Degree or Vocational?
00:08:13 - Sports Massage Versus Therapy
00:11:42 - Standards and Regulation
00:14:25 - Unifying the Profession
00:16:44 - University Quality Controls
00:21:00 - Graduate Jobs and Outcomes
00:24:03 - Employment, Membership, and Pay
00:28:25 - Degrees, Diplomas, and Routes
00:32:19 - Fast-Track and Flexible Study
00:35:17 - Hidden Problems in Courses
00:38:46 - Toward One Regulatory Body
00:42:57 - Ladder or Roundabout?
00:45:47 - Scope of Practice Matters
00:47:39 - Certificates and Competence
00:49:08 - Choosing the Right Path
00:51:22 - Final Advice and Wrap-Up
Useful Links
Society of Sports Therapists (SST) website
Sports Therapy Organisation (STO) website
Sports Therapy Association (STA) website
Want to join the live recordings?
Episodes of the STA Clinician Podcast are recorded live every TUESDAY at 8pm on the Sports Therapy Association YOUTUBE CHANNEL and FACEBOOK page. Everyone is welcome - you do not have to be an STA member! If you cannot join us live, be sure to subscribe to the 'Sports Therapy Association Podcast' on all popular podcast apps to be notified when new episodes are available.
Interested in joining the STA?
Use the code PODCAST25 to get 3 MONTHS EXTRA when you join for a single year! In other words, £75 will get you 15 months instead of 12! Only valid for NEW members. If you are Level 3 (qualified after 2014) make sure you choose the ‘associate member’ option.
54 min
July 19Ep.293: 'Examining the Role of the General Council for Manual Therapies' with Ruth Duncan & Susan Findley
Episode 293 of the STA Clinician Podcast explores the history, purpose and current priorities of the General Council for Manual Therapies (GCMT). Host Matt Phillips is joined by GCMT chair Ruth Duncan, vice chair Susan Findlay, and STA founder Gary Benson to discuss regulation, education standards, professional associations, and protecting public safety.
The guests reflect on the GCMT’s origins, challenges with inconsistent training and online courses, relationships with CNHC, and practical steps for improving CPD, governance and public guidance. They also share how the GCMT supports small associations, influences public-facing information, and promotes evidence-informed practice.

Chapter Markers
00:00:00 - Welcome to the STA Clinician Podcast
00:05:04 - Ruth Duncan's Manual Therapy Journey
00:08:39 - Susan Findlay's Path to Oncology
00:11:23 - GCMT History Explained
00:18:41 - Standards Under Pressure
00:28:34 - Guiding Courses, Not Judging
00:32:26 - Reaching the Unregistered Majority
00:38:21 - Support Models Versus Business
00:45:53 - Raising Public Awareness
00:55:11 - Upcoming Work and Events
Useful Links
GCMT Website
STA Website
Want to join the live recordings?
Episodes of the STA Clinician Podcast are recorded live every TUESDAY at 8pm on the Sports Therapy Association YOUTUBE CHANNEL and FACEBOOK page. Everyone is welcome - you do not have to be an STA member! If you cannot join us live, be sure to subscribe to the 'Sports Therapy Association Podcast' on all popular podcast apps to be notified when new episodes are available.
Interested in joining the STA?
Use the code PODCAST25 to get 3 MONTHS EXTRA when you join for a single year! In other words, £75 will get you 15 months instead of 12! Only valid for NEW members. If you are Level 3 (qualified after 2014) make sure you choose the ‘associate member’ option.
1 hr 2 min
July 08Ep.292: 'It's Not the Person: Rethinking Difficult Conversations in MSK Practice' with guest Matt Phillips
In Ep. 292 of the STA Clinician Podcast, host Matt Phillips moves into the guest chair, allowing STA founder Gary Benson to interview him about his specialist focus: thinking and communication in practice. They also discuss why, after a decade as "Runchatlive", Matt has launched his new website, MattPhillips.Education.

The episode explores why labelling a patient as "difficult" often misses the point, and how shifting the focus from changing the person to adjusting the environment, improving communication, and using approaches such as Motivational Interviewing (MI) and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) can better support patients and clients, whether they are neurodivergent or neuromajority.
Also mentioned is Matt's Facebook Group 'Neurodivergent MSK Clinicians', talks at this year's Therapy Show , the new 'Reflective CPD Journal' by Neuroflect UK , and Matt's up & coming collaboration with The Unbound Project on July 14th.

Chapter Markers
00:00:00 - Welcome to the STA Clinician Podcast
00:03:17 - Matt Phillips: From Host to Guest
00:08:59 - Rethinking Difficult Conversations
00:12:42 - Ask Before Assumptions
00:21:33 - Inclusive Design for Everyone
00:32:20 - Therapy Show and Neurodiversity
00:42:08 - Listening Over More Advice
00:46:11 - Communication, Not Fixing
00:58:33 - The Unbound Project
01:01:01 - What Listeners Should Take Away
01:04:42 - A New Identity in Healthcare
01:07:34 - On the show next week

Useful Links
Website: MattPhillips.Education
Communication Skills for Clinicians CPD Course
July 14th: Exploring Workplace Conversations Through a Neurodiversity Lens - with the Unbound Project
Matt Phillips at Therapy Show November 2026
Facebook Group: Neurodivergent MSK Clinicians
The Reflective CPD Journal by Sarah Meharg and Rosi Sexton
Want to join the live recordings?
Episodes of the STA Clinician Podcast are recorded live every TUESDAY at 8pm on the Sports Therapy Association YOUTUBE CHANNEL and FACEBOOK page. Everyone is welcome - you do not have to be an STA member! If you cannot join us live, be sure to subscribe to the 'Sports Therapy Association Podcast' on all popular podcast apps to be notified when new episodes are available.
Interested in joining the STA?
Use the code PODCAST25 to get 3 MONTHS EXTRA when you join for a single year! In other words, £75 will get you 15 months instead of 12! Only valid for NEW members. If you are Level 3 (qualified after 2014) make sure you choose the ‘associate member’ option.
1 hr 11 min
July 01Ep.291: Summiting Mount Everest with special guest Tim Allardyce
In Ep.291 of the STA Clinician Podcast, host Matt Phillips speaks with special guest Tim Allardyce, founder of Rehab My Patient, about his recent ascent of Mount Everest — the physical challenges, medical issues experienced (frostnip, mild frostbite, and a posterior tibial DVT), and the grit it took to reach the summit. Tim shares his preparation and acclimatization strategies, the role of Sherpa teams, and the charity work funded by the expedition to support local schools, an orphanage and Sherpa communities. A truly inspiring episode you do not want to miss!

Chapter Markers
00:00:00 - Welcome to the STA Clinician Podcast
00:03:00 - Introducing our guest Tim Allardyce
00:04:37 - DVT Scare and training for Mount Everest
00:17:45 - Charity Efforts in Nepal
00:23:39 - Summit Day and Oxygen Training
00:29:35 - Sherpa Support and Local Culture
00:33:24 - The Brutal Summit Push
00:42:06 - Mindset Over Mountain Hardship
00:47:38 - Risk, Reflection, and Return
00:51:10 - Would You Recommend Climbing Everest?
00:54:49 - Closing Notes and Next Episode
Useful Links
Donate to Tim's chosen charities
Tim Allardyce on Facebook
Tim Allardyce on Instagram
Tim Allardyce on Tiktok
Rehab My Patient Website
Want to join the live recordings?
Episodes of the STA Clinician Podcast are recorded live every TUESDAY at 8pm on the Sports Therapy Association YOUTUBE CHANNEL and FACEBOOK page. Everyone is welcome - you do not have to be an STA member! If you cannot join us live, be sure to subscribe to the 'Sports Therapy Association Podcast' on all popular podcast apps to be notified when new episodes are available.
Interested in joining the STA?
Use the code PODCAST25 to get 3 MONTHS EXTRA when you join for a single year! In other words, £75 will get you 15 months instead of 12! Only valid for NEW members. If you are Level 3 (qualified after 2014) make sure you choose the ‘associate member’ option.
58 min
June 20Ep.290: Midlands STA Conference Preview – with Mike Grice & Kieran McMahon
In this episode, we take a look ahead at the 𝐌𝐢𝐝𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐩𝐲 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞, happening on Saturday 20th June in Ludlow Assembly Rooms. Joining host Matt Phillips is conference organiser Mike Grice from Movement Therapy Education, and Performance Sports Physio Kieran McMahon.
Together, they give an exclusive preview of what’s in store — including insights from a fantastic speaker line up featuring Mike James, Tristen Attenborough, Carol Seaborne, Rosy Sexton, and more. The episode discusses the event’s focus on movement, soft-tissue therapy, exercise integration, and practical hands-on learning, and covers practical highlights: sessions on ankle assessment and return-to-play, neurodynamics and nerves, MMA injury insight, networking opportunities, CPD accreditation and ticket details for delegates.

Useful Links
Midlands STA Conference
Sports Therapy Association Website
Movement Therapy Education Website
Want to join the live recordings?
Episodes of the STA Clinician Podcast are recorded live every TUESDAY at 8pm on the Sports Therapy Association YOUTUBE CHANNEL and FACEBOOK page. Everyone is welcome - you do not have to be an STA member! If you cannot join us live, be sure to subscribe to the 'Sports Therapy Association Podcast' on all popular podcast apps to be notified when new episodes are available.
Interested in joining the STA?
Use the code PODCAST25 to get 3 MONTHS EXTRA when you join for a single year! In other words, £75 will get you 15 months instead of 12! Only valid for NEW members. If you are Level 3 (qualified after 2014) make sure you choose the ‘associate member’ option.
48 min
June 14Ep.289 ‘Accreditation, Employability and the Future of Sports Therapy’ with PD:Approval
In Ep..289 of the STA Clinician Podcast — 'Accreditation, Employability and the Future of Sports Therapy' — we explore how accreditation is shaping the future of the sports therapy profession and what it really means for employability.

Host Matt Phillips is joined by two expert voices from PD:Approval — an international, independent accrediting organisation specialising in the health and fitness sector:
Tom Bell, Founder & CEO
Yolande Green, Qualifications Developer and Manager
Also present is Gary Benson, founder of the Sports Therapy Association. Together, they unpack the importance of quality assurance, industry standards, and professional recognition, and discuss how education providers and practitioners can better position themselves in an evolving landscape, as well as taking a closer look at PD:Approval’s role in supporting training providers.

Also mentioned is the up & coming Midlands STA Conference which is happening on June 20th in Ludlow, in association with Mike Grice & Movement Therapy Education. Details & Tickets can be found here.

Chapter Markers
00:00:00 - Welcome to the STA Clinician Podcast
00:04:35 - Why PD:Approval was set up
00:11:29 - STA Accreditation Vision
00:16:11 - Yolande’s Industry Journey
00:27:02 - Why Quality Matters
00:28:10 - Course Misinformation Risks
00:36:49 - Funding Shapes Training
00:44:05 - Membership and Standards
00:54:22 - How Listeners Can Help
01:05:40 - Trust Your Instincts
01:06:46 - Midlands STA Conference on June 20th in Ludlow
Useful Links
PD:Approval Website
Sports Therapy Association Website
Midlands STA Conference
Want to join the live recordings?
Episodes of the STA Clinician Podcast are recorded live every TUESDAY at 8pm on the Sports Therapy Association YOUTUBE CHANNEL and FACEBOOK page. Everyone is welcome - you do not have to be an STA member! If you cannot join us live, be sure to subscribe to the 'Sports Therapy Association Podcast' on all popular podcast apps to be notified when new episodes are available.
Interested in joining the STA?
Use the code PODCAST25 to get 3 MONTHS EXTRA when you join for a single year! In other words, £75 will get you 15 months instead of 12! Only valid for NEW members. If you are Level 3 (qualified after 2014) make sure you choose the ‘associate member’ option.
1 hr 8 min
June 04Ep.288 Neurodivergent Inclusion in Health Settings — The Reflective CPD Journal with Sarah Meharg & Rosi Sexton
In this episode, host Matt Phillips is joined by Sarah Meharg and Rosi Sexton to discuss the launch of Neuroflect UK and the recent publication of their 'Reflective CPD Journal'. They explain why neurodivergent‑affirmative practice matters, share practical planning and reflection tools for clinicians, and outline upcoming training and resources to improve accessibility across healthcare and workplaces.
The conversation is aimed at MSK and other health professionals — both neurotypical and neurodivergent — who want simple, actionable ways to reduce barriers, better support patients, and embed reflective learning into everyday practice. Find the journal and more at neuroflect.co.uk.

Chapter Markers
00:00:00 - Welcome to the STA Clinician Podcast
00:03:45 - NeuroFlect UK Launch
00:11:37 - Shared Values, Different Paths
00:16:23 - Building a Neuroaffirmative Team
00:21:08 - Rethinking Clinical Norms
00:31:13 - Average Thinking Explained
00:36:58 - CPD Reflective Journal Structure
00:45:10 - Weekly Prompts and Reflections
00:52:28 - Neurodivergence Benefits Everyone
00:55:25 - Courses and Future Events
01:00:09 - Upcoming Talks and Appearances
Free Online Event
'A guided look inside the Reflective CPD Journal and practical tools for neuroaffirmative practice.'
Friday 12th June 2 PM-2:45 PM GMT+1
Join Sarah Meharg, Occupational Therapist and Director of Neuroflect CIC, for a free online session exploring the Reflective CPD Journal: Neurodivergent Inclusion in Health Settings.
You do not need to have purchased the journal to attend. During the session, Sarah will talk through some of the key tools, reflections, and resources included within the journal, many of which can be used independently of the journal itself.

Useful Links
Neuroflect UK Website
Purchase the Reflective CPD Journal here
Neuroflect Linktr.ee
Free online event with Sarah discussing the book
Glossary Terms - Stimpunks Foundation
Autistic mental health conference

Want to join the live recordings?
Episodes of the STA Clinician Podcast are recorded live every TUESDAY at 8pm on the Sports Therapy Association YOUTUBE CHANNEL and FACEBOOK page. Everyone is welcome - you do not have to be an STA member! If you cannot join us live, be sure to subscribe to the 'Sports Therapy Association Podcast' on all popular podcast apps to be notified when new episodes are available.
Interested in joining the STA?
Use the code PODCAST25 to get 3 MONTHS EXTRA when you join for a single year! In other words, £75 will get you 15 months instead of 12! Only valid for NEW members. If you are Level 3 (qualified after 2014) make sure you choose the ‘associate member’ option.
1 hr 6 min
May 29Ep.287 "Psychological Patterning Process (PPP)'' with special guest Serena Simmons
We arrive at the final part of our focus this month on Communication Skills for MSK Clinicians, in an episode entitled “Psychological Patterning Process (PPP)”. In this episode, host Matt Phillips is joined by special guest Serena Simmons, a Chartered psychologist, educator, and behaviour change specialist with over 25 years experience of working in psychology, behaviour change, teaching, and human complexity, across Healthcare, Higher Education, Coaching, and Forensic settings.
Serena discusses her recently released 'Psychological Patterning Process (PPP)' - a practical, formulation-based lens for understanding the patterns beneath a client’s behaviour. Serena explains how co-mapping and simple psychological profiling help clinicians decide when change is appropriate, which tools to use, and whether to refer — all within scope and with compassion.
The episode looks at real clinic examples, how PPP can support all types of MSK clinician, and the aims of the inaugural training starting September 2026. The conversation focuses on making consultations easier, reducing practitioner self-blame, and improving decision-making about motivation, treatment and referral.

Chapter Markers
00:00:00 - Welcome to the STA Clinician Podcast
00:02:35 - Meet Serena Simmons
00:04:34 - Psychology and Teaching
00:08:10 - Forensic Work and TV
00:13:51 - Introducing PPP
00:22:03 - How PPP Works
00:25:44 - Training and Mapping
00:30:58 - Ethics and Scope
00:35:02 - Vectors of Change
00:43:01 - Practitioner Self-Mapping
00:47:26 - PPP Course Details starting September 2026
Useful Links
The Psychology School Website
Psychological Patterning Process (PPP) Course Information
Serena Simmons on Instagram
Other Episodes In This Series
Part 1 - Motivational Interviewing for MSK Clinicians with guest Orla Adams - Available on YouTube & all popular Podcast Apps.
Part 2 - Awkward Conversations with guest Richard Shorter of Non-perfectdad.co.uk
Part 3 - Explaining Diagnoses with guest Ben Whybrow, host of the Clinical Communication Podcast
Want to join the live recordings?
Episodes of the STA Clinician Podcast are recorded live every TUESDAY at 8pm on the Sports Therapy Association YOUTUBE CHANNEL and FACEBOOK page. Everyone is welcome - you do not have to be an STA member! If you cannot join us live, be sure to subscribe to the 'Sports Therapy Association Podcast' on all popular podcast apps to be notified when new episodes are available.
Interested in joining the STA?
Use the code PODCAST25 to get 3 MONTHS EXTRA when you join for a single year! In other words, £75 will get you 15 months instead of 12! Only valid for NEW members. If you are Level 3 (qualified after 2014) make sure you choose the ‘associate member’ option.
52 min
May 21Ep.286 'Communication Skills For MSK Clinicians Part 3: Explaining Diagnoses' with guest Ben Whybrow
In Part 3 of our focus this month on Communication Skills for MSK Clinicians, entitled 'EXPLAINING DIAGNOSES', host Matt Phillips is joined by special guest Ben Whybrow, Clinical Communication Skills Facilitator at Norwich Medical School, specialist physiotherapist in an NHS Pain Clinic, and host of the Clinical Communication Podcast.

In this episode, Ben explores how MSK clinicians can explain diagnoses clearly, confidently and compassionately. He discusses asking about patients’ expectations, meeting people where they’re at, timing explanations, using simple relatable analogies (like the "cocktail"), and checking understanding.
Practical tips focus on keeping explanations simple, validating feelings over repeating facts, tailoring language to the patient, and prioritizing how patients feel so they leave reassured and able to move forward.
Chapter Markers
00:00:00 - Welcome to the STA Clinician Podcast
00:03:00 - Introducing special guest Ben Whybrow
00:04:30 - Ben Whybrow speaking at Therapy Show 2026
00:06:56 - What Is a Diagnosis?
00:15:21 - Start With What The Patient Knows
00:27:26 - Keep Explanations Simple
00:30:25 - Using Analogies That Fit
00:38:30 - Check Patient Understanding Gently
00:44:14 - What To Do When Patients Are Not Listening
00:49:14 - Teaching and Reassurance
Useful Links
Ben Whybrow on Instagram
Clinical Communication Podcast on Apple Podcasts
Other Episodes In This Series
Part 1 - Motivational Interviewing for MSK Clinicians with guest Orla Adams - Available on YouTube & all popular Podcast Apps.
Part 2 - Awkward Conversations with guest Richard Shorter of Non-perfectdad.co.uk
Part 4 - 8pm (UK time) Tues May 26th - Serena Simmons, founder of the psychologyschool.co, will be introducing the Psychological Patterning Process (PPP) - a structured way of recognising the patterns that sit underneath your client or patient’s behaviour, and understanding what to do next.
Want to join the live recordings?
Episodes of the STA Clinician Podcast are recorded live every TUESDAY at 8pm on the Sports Therapy Association YOUTUBE CHANNEL and FACEBOOK page. Everyone is welcome - you do not have to be an STA member! If you cannot join us live, be sure to subscribe to the 'Sports Therapy Association Podcast' on all popular podcast apps to be notified when new episodes are available.
Interested in joining the STA?
Use the code PODCAST25 to get 3 MONTHS EXTRA when you join for a single year! In other words, £75 will get you 15 months instead of 12! Only valid for NEW members. If you are Level 3 (qualified after 2014) make sure you choose the ‘associate member’ option.
56 min

About The STA Clinician Podcast

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The STA Clinician Podcast - 'Connecting Clinicians Across Healthcare' - is recorded LIVE every Tuesday at 8pm (UK) on the Sports Therapy Association YouTube channel and…