The Better Health Podcast

with Mike James: The Science & Psychology of the Endurance Athlete

In this episode Charlie & Andy cover some serious ground with the fantastic Mike James, aka @the_endurance_physio.

Drifting through the world of an endurance athlete, busting some myths along the way, they talked training plans, nutrition, injuries and discuss the concept of periodisation.

The discussion about the distinctive psychology of the endurance athlete is worth a listen on its own. Mike really is an expert in this field, don't miss it!

with Dr James Noake: Scans and Pain: A Medical Minefield

WE ARE BACK!! After a few weeks off over the summer, we're back with a bang!

Dr James Noake is a Sport & Exercise Medicine Consultant who really knows his scans. But before we got to the business end, we wanted to know what a Sport & Exercise Medicine Consultant does... listen in to find out why they are such a crucial part of the injury recovery journey.

The big question we had for James was this: can you find pain using a scan? The answer to this might not be as straight forward as you think.

We bust some myths, chat some theory and most importantly, we finished the episode smarter than we started.

This is a cracker!

with Bryan McCullough: Tour de Cycling

In this episode, we call on our favourite cycling nerd Bryan to tell us everything we need to know about cycling. Starting with spandex tips, then going deep on cycling snack suggestions, we cover a lot of ground.

Bryan is a physiotherapist and certified bike fitter, and he is perhaps better known by his company name "The Bike The Body". We ask about the health benefits, the injury risk, the best way to get started and even find out an easy way to get faster on the bike (ps. this isn't just about buying an expensive bike).

If you cycle, you should listen. If you don't cycle, you might just want to after hearing this.

with Dr Claire Minshull: Should We All Be Strength Training?

Claire was on our list of speakers we wanted on the show right from the moment we started. She really does live up to expectations in this episode. The main question we ask is: Should We All Be Strength Training? Spoiler alert, if you want to live a longer, healthier life, then you might want to start now... 

If you are already strength training, then make sure you listen to this to find if you're doing the right things.

As always, we explore the evidence and bust myths. We break it down so that you can take away the key nuggets of info to set you up on your journey to a healthy life.

Listen in to find out the best way to integrate strength training in to your life.

with Ian Griffiths: Running Shoes, Orthoses & the Myth of Overpronation

When it comes to Sports Podiatry, Ian is the voice of reason. For those who don't know what Podiatry is, let alone Sports Podiatry, worry not, he explains that too.

He knows the field like no other and casts a skeptical eye at some of the long held beliefs that exist regarding running shoes, orthoses and foot posture.

In some ways aided by a wardrobe filled with running shoes (this is no exaggeration), Ian has lots of tips to share with runners looking to optimise their own running shoe collections. Guided by the science, we delve into a number of topics to discuss comfort, performance and injury risk. 

If you run, this episode is guaranteed to be a winner!

with Alex Quinn: Ready for Running

Welcome to Season 2! In this season we will be exploring Exercise!

In the opening episode of the season invited runner, physiotherapist and running coach Alex Quinn to speak about getting ready for running. Alex gives tips on how you can not just get faster, but also on how to help you stay injury free in the process.

If you're new to running, keen on getting started, wondering why you're not getting faster or picking up injuries every other week, then this is the episode for you!

with Andy & Charlie. Season 1 Summary: Chatting the High's, the Low's & the Lol's

In the final episode of the season, hosts Andy & Charlie close it out by looking back on their first attempts at putting together a podcast. The aim is to challenge myths and educate, this first season was about breaking down the barriers that block your journey to a healthy life.

You'll hear clips of some of the best bits from season 1, plus plenty of epic fails that show them up for the amateurs they really are... but we are learning! But just like they always say: "better never ends".

Enjoy the best bits, and season 2 is just around the corner! 

with Darren Brown: Living With Long COVID and Learning Along The Way

We speak to Darren Brown, a physiotherapist specialising in HIV, oncology and infectious diseases. Darren contracted Corona Virus in March 2020, then after making a full return to work, suffered a major crash 6 months later due to the effects of Long COVID.

Darren speaks about his traumatic life-changing experience, then explains what Long COVID actually is. He reveals some fascinating truths about the condition and the effects of the COVID-19 vaccine on Long COVID, and what shines through is his remarkable optimism and hope for the future.

After an incredibly challenging year, Darren has turned his attention to using his experience and learnings for good by supporting others suffering with the symptoms of Long COVID. For more information on resources he has helped put together, check out his website: https://longcovid.physio/

with Rachel Evans PhD: Eating Disorders: Facts, Myths and the Trouble with Stereotypes

In this episode we talk to Rachel Evans PhD in a quest to better understand eating disorders and debunk the myths and dogma around them. 

Rachel kindly shares her experience with bulimia and her recovery journey. Rachel shares key insights into her role as a chartered psychologist specialising in helping people with eating disorders and how we can better approach discussions around this topic

Check out her Instagram page and listen to her amazing podcast: Just Eat 'Normally'

with Vicki Goodall: It's OK To Not Be OK. Becoming a Mum in COVID Lockdown

In our most personal episode yet we welcomed Vicki Goodall, wife of host Andrew, to speak about her experience of becoming a Mum in the COVID era. 

Inspired by episode 4 with Serena Simmons, where we discussed how COVID lockdowns can affect Mental Health, we wanted to explore what it meant on a more personal level. 3 weeks after we locked down in the UK, April 2020, Vicki became a Mum. We learn about her expectations, her struggles and how, 1 year on, she now feels confident and strong