Shows / The Real Science of Sport Podcast
The Real Science of Sport Podcast
World-renowned sports scientist Professor Ross Tucker and veteran sports journalist Mike Finch break down the myths, practices and controversies from the world of sport. From athletics to rugby, soccer, cycling and more, the two delve into the most recent research, unearth lessons from the pros and host exclusive interviews with some of the world's leading sporting experts. For those who love sport.
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Episodes
The Real Science of Sport PodcastJepchirchir Doping Ban and the Marathon's Credibility Crisis / Andreas Almgren’s New York City Marathon Debut / Is the 2027 Tour de France Route Anti-Pogačar?
Become a Supporter for less than the price of a Central Park pretzel each month for ad-free shows, a weekly members-only Applied show, and a seat with us on…
The Real Science of Sport PodcastLactate: Fuel or Fiction? / Kona Lessons on Carbs and Pacing / World Rugby Cracks Down on the Hip Drop Tackle
Become a Supporter for less than the price of one lactate gel a month, and get ad-free shows, a members-only Applied show every week, and Discourse. We promise…
The Real Science of Sport PodcastHow To Raise a Champion in 2026
SHOW NOTES From the evidence on early specialisation to the formula most likely to produce a champion sportsperson, talent specialist Stuart Armstrong breaks…
The Real Science of Sport PodcastWhy Did the Kona Ironman Leaders Collapse? Heat, Fuel and Failure / Chicago Marathon’s Underwhelming Fast Times
Become a Supporter for ad-free shows, a members-only Applied show every week (durability, this week), and Discourse, where Ironman collapses and other topics…
The Real Science of Sport PodcastShould Grand Tours Be Shorter? The UCI's Future of Cycling Report / Can We Believe Tigst Assefa / Are Athletes Asked to Play Too Much?
Become a Supporter for ad-free shows, a members-only Applied episode every week, and Discourse, where Steve Hennings asked one of this week's best questions!…
The Real Science of Sport PodcastDiabetes in Exercise and Sport
Episode guest Dr Ian Gallen is an award-winning Consultant Endocrinologist at Royal Berkshire Hospital, Reading. He is a consultant physician, endocrinologist…
The Real Science of Sport PodcastInside the Mind of Jakob Ingebrigtsen: The Guardian's Sean Ingle on Talent, Obsession and a Record-Breaking Track Season
To hear the Ingebrigtsen conversation in this podcast, and every Applied show, become a Supporter. It costs about the price of a coffee a month (or a gel), and…
The Real Science of Sport PodcastAssefa's Achilles "Rupture" and a Near-Miss Marathon World Record / Vollering and McNulty Win the Road Worlds / UCI Crash Data on Road Cycling
Become a Supporter and you'll get Friday's VIP member exclusive half of our Sean Ingle interview on the training and philosophy of Jakob Ingebrigtsen. Plus…
The Real Science of Sport PodcastHow Jakob Ingebrigtsen Was Beaten on the Roads / Why Sprinters Love Altitude and Milers Don't / Pacing the 800m / A 13-Year-Old Asian Games Champion
Become a Supporter for the price of a gel (or half a sachet of lactate), and get ad-free listening, the weekly Applied show, and Discourse, where plenty of…
The Real Science of Sport PodcastThe Athlete's Heart: Can You Really Exercise Too Much?
In a groundbreaking study - commissioned by the British Heart Foundation and published in July 2025 (see details below) - Dr Peter Swoboda led a team from the…
The Real Science of Sport PodcastWhy We Were Born To Run
More than most other species, humans are perfectly adapted to endurance running. We may not be the fastest or strongest, but our ability to endure meant our…
The Real Science of Sport PodcastUltimate Championship Day 3 Recap / Jefferson-Wooden in 21.47 / Kerr in Control / Dos Santos Delivers / Broadcast Underperformances
Our members are picking this apart on Discourse right now, and not always kindly! Join them for the price of a coffee a month, with ad-free listening and…
The Real Science of Sport PodcastUltimate Championship Day 2 Recap / Kebinatshipi's 43.39 with a New Race Plan / Werro Controls the 800m to Cap a Dominant Season
Join us for the last night! Our members watch live together on Discord and pull it apart on Discourse afterwards, all for the price of a coffee a month Show…
The Real Science of Sport PodcastUltimate Championship Day 1 Recap / Ingebrigtsen Reigns Supreme / Masai Russell's World Record Season
Watch it with us! Our members call the races live on Discord, and a small monthly pledge gets you the community and a bonus Applied show every week. Show notes…
The Real Science of Sport PodcastIncentives, Toxic Cultures and Doping in School Sport / “Cowards” and “Losers” on Track / It’s Too Damn Hot at the Vuelta
Become a Supporter and the Applied show lands in your feed every week, plus Discourse, where two of this week's arguments are already running. Doping in South…
The Real Science of Sport PodcastTwo World Records in Zurich: Alison dos Santos and Masai Russell / Femke Bol's Fascinating 800m Transition / Cycling We Haven’t Seen for Ten Years in The Vuelta
Become a Supporter of the podcast, for the price of a coffee! You'll get ad-free listens, and our exclusive Applied show, including our upcoming dissection of…
The Real Science of Sport PodcastInside The World of Sports Broadcasting
Briton Tony Davies has pretty much seen it all when it comes to television sport broadcasting. With over 20 years' experience in broadcast TV as a director…
The Real Science of Sport PodcastHow can a 10,000m Runner Outsprint an 800m Runner? / Werro tops Hodgkinson, Again / Ansah's Missed Doping Test / Swimming World Record Watch
Not yet a member? Ad-free listening, the Discourse community, and a members' show every week, all for less than you spend on gels. Show notes On the show this…
The Real Science of Sport PodcastThe Science-Backed Truth About Peptides
Everywhere you look people are talking about peptides. But what exactly are they, how do they work and how safe are they for human consumption? Mike and Ross…
The Real Science of Sport PodcastKasia Niewiadoma's Mont Ventoux Masterclass / The Physiology of Losing a Yellow Jersey / A Doping Ban That Fits a Familiar Pattern
Become a Supporter of The Science of Sport for about the price of a coffee, or a gel, and help us keep the lights on, and Gareth's candle burning! Plus, you'll…
The Real Science of Sport PodcastWhat Causes a Stitch When You Run? / Josh Kerr's Mile Dominance / Pogačar's VO2max of 100 / Another SA Schoolboy Doping Ban
Become a Supporter of The Real Science of Sport, and you get ad-free listening, an Applied Science bonus show every week, plus a seat at the best conversation…
The Real Science of Sport PodcastFEATURE: How To Beat the Heat
Ross Hemingway, OBE, is a Sport & Exercise Medicine Practitioner at the Commando Training Centre for the Royal Marines. His clinical expertise centres on…
The Real Science of Sport PodcastWhy Anti-Doping Needs Target Testing and Investigation / Pogačar's Record Tour de France / The Weight-Loss Double Standard
Become a Supporter of The Real Science of Sport, and for the price of a coffee, or a gel, you get a bonus Applied episode every week, ad-free shows, and the…
The Real Science of Sport PodcastThe Art and Science of Perfect Pacing (Members' Exclusive Show, Now Unlocked for All)
Quick heads up before we start: this is not a brand new episode. If you are one of our Members you will have heard it in full about six weeks ago, when we…
The Real Science of Sport PodcastThe Tour de France 2am Drug-Test Controversy: Why Pogačar and Vingegaard Were Woken to Test / Josh Kerr's Mile World Record / A World Cup Final to Forget
Become a Supporter of The Science of Sport, and along with our undying gratitude you get a bonus Applied show every week, ad-free listening, and a seat in the…
The Real Science of Sport PodcastA "Concussion Sensor" Comes to the Tour de France / Spain Dismantle France / Does SA Rugby Have a Doping Problem?
Become a Supporter of the Science of Sport and you'll get the Applied show every week, ad-free listening, and a seat in the best community in sports science…
The Real Science of Sport PodcastThe Science Behind a Pro Cycling Team
Team NSN Cycling is one of the most exciting teams in the World Tour peloton, and Lausanne-based Briton David Bailey is its Head of Sport Science. Amid the…
The Real Science of Sport PodcastStop Watching the Ball: Michael Cox Unlocks the Fascinating Hidden Sides of Football
Love the show? Becoming a Supporter unlocks a weekly bonus Applied episode, ad-free listening, and our Discourse forum where you can engage with us directly…
The Real Science of Sport PodcastEngland Survive Altitude and Mexico / The Doctor's Dilemma in Elite Sport - When Is Enough? / How Women Out "Pace" Men in Marathons
Not a Supporter yet? For the price of a coffee a month you get ad-free shows, a weekly Applied Science show, access to our Discourse and Discord communities…
The Real Science of Sport PodcastInside the World of F1 Racing: An Engineer's Perspective
Love the show? Become a Member and get a weekly bonus episode, ad-free listening, our VIP community, and a real say in what we discuss! Show notes Formula 1 is…
The Real Science of Sport PodcastBONUS SHORT: Altitude and the Mexico Problem. The Science Behind England's Sunday Showdown
Become a member of The Real Science of Sport Podcast, and join our community, get ad-free shows, exclusive episodes, and a world of discussion on topics just…
The Real Science of Sport PodcastDurability - Trialled, Tested and Explained / Werro Edges Closer to the World Record / The World Cup's Extra-Time Problem / TDF and Heat Fears
Become a member of the Real Science of Sport! You get ad-free shows, a member exclusive show every week, access to our communities and post-pod discussions…
The Real Science of Sport PodcastThe Creatine Episode
From muscle growth to a treatment for Alzheimers, creatine has been touted as the 'King of Supplements'. But what does the science say about one of the most…
The Real Science of Sport PodcastRe-Release: The Art and Science of the Perfect Football Penalty
British football journalist Ben Lyttleton literally wrote the book on football penalties. As the author of 'Twelve Yards: The Art and Psychology of the Perfect…
The Real Science of Sport PodcastA Doping Refusal and Four Year Ban That Divided Tennis / Hodgkinson's Hamstring Scare / World Cup Science
Become part of the Science of Sport Community, and take part in our global durability trial, plus get our free show, ad-free listening, and our world class…
The Real Science of Sport PodcastWorld Cup Water Breaks / What Will It Take to Break the 800m WR? / College Sprinting Goes Wild / Does Remco Have the Watts to Match Pogacar?
Become a Supporter, and get ad free podcasts, your exclusive Applied science show every week, and access to our listener community, with all its insights and…
The Real Science of Sport Podcast800m Plot Twists as History Beckons for Werro & Hodgkinson / Should the IOC Pay Olympic Athletes? / "Your computer screen is too big"
Become a supporter of The Real Science of Sport, and get ad free shows, exclusive Applied Science shows, and access to our Forums and chat rooms. Plus, you can…
The Real Science of Sport PodcastSleeping Your Way to More EPO / Grand Slam Chaos / The UCI's Expensive Regulatory Defeat and a Weighing Scandal
Join The Real Science of Sport Supporters club for ad-free listening and our exclusive weekly Applied Science show! A monthly donation is all takes! This…
The Real Science of Sport PodcastRoland Garros' Zombie Heat Apocalypse / The Death of the Diversified Elite Athlete / World Athletics Raises the Performance Bar
Get ad-free listening and exclusive shows by becoming a Supporter of The Real Science of Sport! In our Spotlight this week: The heat wave in Paris is making…
The Real Science of Sport PodcastWelcome to our PED Talk: Sean Ingle Reflects on The Enhanced Games
Become a member of our Enhanced Real Science of Sport community by becoming a member to get access to exclusive shows, ad-free content and our world class…
The Real Science of Sport PodcastCaution for Contact Sport Athletes and CTE / Women's Rugby Six Nations and Smaller Balls / Worst Sport to be Elite at?
Become a Supporter of The Science of Sport, and as mentioned, get a bonus episode of Applied Science every week, access to our world class forums, and (we…
The Real Science of Sport PodcastA Huge Doping Bust in Georgia Rugby / Epic Climbs and Concussions in Cycling / Who is the Greatest Track Athlete of Them All?
Become a Supporter and share your views - a monthly pledge gets you access to the Community, and our endless appreciation! Show notes In the news this week…
The Real Science of Sport PodcastThe Rise of Southern African Sprinting / London Marathon Pacing Blunders / Seixas to the Tour / Your Carb Questions Answered
Join Discourse - our Supporters club is awesome, and it's yours for the price of a coffee every month. Or a gel. Become a supporter and get twice the value…
The Real Science of Sport PodcastCan You Trust AI For Health and Training Advice?
How reliable is Artificial Intelligence (AI) when it comes to health, wellness and training advice? Writer, educator and Fellow of the Committee for Skeptical…
The Real Science of Sport PodcastThe Spotlight On The Sub-2: A Deep Dive Into Sawe's Marathon Masterclass
Support The Real Science of Sport - if you love what we do, and if you want to be part of the community and share views that will add even more insight to…
The Real Science of Sport PodcastThe Sporting Mind: Overcoming Mental Barriers For Better Performance
English sports psychologist Dr Josie Perry delves into the mental challenges that often hold sportspeople back from success. From the role of our own mental…
The Real Science of Sport Podcast1:59:30! The Sub Two Hour Marathon Falls To Sabastian Sawe
Kenya's Sabastian Sawe has absolutely obliterated the two hour marathon barrier, winning the London Marathon in 1:59:30. In this emergency podcast, Mike and…
The Real Science of Sport PodcastBoston Bonanza - Course Record Analysis / Elite Runners Avoiding Carbs? / Acute Stress Anti-Doping Refusal
Become a Science of Sport Supporter and show your appreciation for the pod, while also having your say and correcting Gareth and Ross' errors! A small monthly…
The Real Science of Sport PodcastCobbled Coronations in Roubaix / Benji Naesen vs UCI / Marathon Majors and Sawe's Doping Credibility Campaign
Don't spend millions on a podcast, like AI did recently. Rather spend the price of a coffee and become a Supporter of The Real Science of Sport. Click the…
The Real Science of Sport PodcastThe Norwegian Way: What We Can Learn From Their Success
Norway is one of the most advanced sporting nations in the world, thanks to a unique structure which allows athletes to access the latest science and coaching…
The Real Science of Sport PodcastWhy Cobbles Cost Cyclists / Cheap Carbon Shoes Break Records / Doping Confessions and Cons
Become a Science of Sport Supporter by making a small monthly pledge. You'll show your support, help us stay "athletic-greens-free", and get access to our…
The Real Science of Sport PodcastCycling, Game Theory and Group 2 Syndrome / Kerr's 222 Attempt / Teenage Phenoms Set up to Fail
Support the Science of Sport - become a supporter, show your support, keep us ad free, and you get access to the best sports science community around! Show…
- The Real Science of Sport Podcast
How To Win One of the World's Toughest Mountain Bike Races
The Absa Cape Epic is a 700km, eight-stage, two-man team mountain bike race renowned as one of the toughest and most prestigious in the world. But what does it…
The Real Science of Sport PodcastREPEAT POD: Female-only Women's Sport: The IOC Announces New Policy On the Protection of Women's Sport
THIS IS A REPUBLICATION OF THE SAME PODCAST AS THURSDAY 26 MARCH ON THE IOC FEMALE SPORT POLICY With apologies for confusion, after we published our most…
The Real Science of Sport PodcastFemale-only Women's Sport: The IOC Announces New Policy On the Protection of Women's Sport
The International Olympic Committee, under its new President Kirsty Coventry, has announced new guidelines for eligibility in women's sport. The central…
The Real Science of Sport PodcastBanned But Allowed: Inside the World of Therapeutic Use Exemptions in Sport / Pogacar's Dominance / World Indoor Championships
Become a member, keep us ad free! Plus, you get access to our world-class community chat, and live sport chat groups. Become a supporter for a small monthly…
The Real Science of Sport PodcastHow to Beat van der Poel in San Remo / A 2:10 Women's Marathon (again) / Sprinting to Cardiac Arrest
Join our Science of Sport Supporters Club, and get all the perks mentioned on the show, including access to our listener community and their great questions…
The Real Science of Sport PodcastIs Rugby's Head Injury Process Working? / Hitting the Wall and Carb Depletion / Can Sexias Match Pogacar? / Should Doped World Records Be Reset?
The conversation continues for our Supporters! These Spotlights offer the first word, and then it's your turn. Become a Supporter of the Real Science of Sport…
The Real Science of Sport PodcastWinter Olympics Review: Winners, Losers and Our Ice-Cold Takes
As mentioned, if you want to be a supporter of the podcast, and enjoy the insight that Gareth and I share with listeners on our world-best sports science…
The Real Science of Sport PodcastWinter Olympics: Nutella "Doping" / Malinin's Traumatic Moments / Klaebo and Stolz Dominate / Ski Mo's Flop
Become a Supporter - it's worth it! Enjoying the Real Science of Sport? Show your support with a monthly pledge, become a Member of our Supporters Club, and…