Podcast
The Physical Performance Show
Hosted by Brad Beer (POGO Physio) · EN
The Physical Performance Show exists to inspire people to achieve their physical best performance through candid interviews with the world's best and most inspiring physical performers. The show's host Physiotherapist, Best selling Author, and accomplished athlete Brad Beer delves into how top physical performers achieve success and the highs and lows of the journey in getting there.
15episodes
Episodes
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Ep 374: Expert Edition: The Balanced Runner - Improve your running with Paul Mackinnon
Nov 1801:08:26Tap to summarizeRunning technique coach Paul Mackinnon (The Balanced Runner) unpacks why most runners "force outcomes" (cadence, foot strike, knee drive) instead of changing the inputs that actually reshape movement. Paul explains his top-down approach—starting at the arms and torso to influence what happens below—so athletes can reduce ground contact time, improve rhythm, and shift along the continuum from rehab to performance. Across an engaging conversation in episode 374 of The Physical Performance Show, with hosts Brad Beer and Huw Darnell, Paul challenges the idea that "technique doesn't matter," arguing that how you move determines how you load. He distinguishes economy from efficiency, shows why arm swing and thoracic control set the timing for the legs, and shares practical cues to build self-awareness, symmetry, and lift—without derailing training volume. Clinicians and athletes alike will gain a clearer roadmap for translating S&C work to the road, coaching more effectively, and making durable technique change. To Follow Paul Mackinnon (The Balanced Runner): Website: TBrunner.com Instagram: @thebalancedrunner Show Sponsor: The Rehab Mechanics offers Simple Tools and Real Results. Easy fixes for your feet with a massive impact. For 20% off all The Rehab Mechanics products. Go to www.therehabmechanics.com.au Enter discount code TPPS20 at checkout. TIMELINE: 00:00 Forcing outcomes: the #1 running mistake 03:19 Inputs over outcomes; changing the whole system without losing training 04:32 Knee drive, ground time, and why top-down coaching works 07:28 Midline crossover: finding the true driver of the pattern 09:35 Physics → biomechanics → the individual: three coaching silos 11:11 Do mechanics matter? Why the debate misses the point 14:11 Lessons from swimming: skill, workload, and injury risk 16:27 Breaking-2 insight: efficiency beating raw physiology 18:09 Economy vs efficiency; cost per step explained 21:07 Two paths to change: full-pattern reset vs detailed top-down 23:05 New-way/old-way contrasts to build self-awareness 26:06 Feel, timing, rhythm: enlarging the athlete's "sweet spot" 32:29 What good running looks like: rhythm, symmetry, flight 36:37 Coaching language, listening, and athlete buy-in 43:22 Mental health: running as a lifeline 44:43 Humerus–femur coupling: why arms and thighs must sync 49:17 Simple buy-in: reduce ground time & ground reaction force 50:18 Paul's top three: Awareness • Symmetry • Lift 52:50 Why S&C often doesn't transfer—and how to fix it 59:35 One piece of advice: self-awareness—know where you are now 1:00:27 Listener Challenge: film your running, build your baseline LISTEN IN AS WE DELVE INTO THE FOLLOWING: The #1 mistake runners make: forcing outcomes vs changing inputs Why technique, capacity, and rehab are independent—but interlinked—puzzle pieces The injury ↔ performance continuum and coaching before athletes break Top-down mechanics: how arms/torso shape leg action and knee drive Midline "tight-rope" running: finding the driver (ribcage, arms, rotation) Physics → biomechanics → individual: the three silos that govern change "You can't outrun physics": mechanics as applied physics, not opinion Efficiency vs economy: cost per step, flight time, ground contact time Why research lags coaching—and what to change (and not change) first Translating S&C and plyos to running: when good gym work fails to show up Coaching language, storytelling, and athlete-led awareness (new vs old way) Rhythm vs being rhythmic: symmetry, timing, and longer flight Mental health, identity, and why running is a lifeline for many athletes Three practical cues: Awareness • Symmetry • Get off the ground The week's challenge: Film your running and build an honest baseline QUOTES: "You can't outrun physics." "How you move determines how you load." "Stop forcing outcomes—change the inputs." "Awareness, symmetry, get off the ground. Every step costs—know what you're paying for." PEOPLE MENTIONED: Ellie Salthouse – Triathlete Enda King – Hip & groin specialist (Aspetar) Rich Willy – Running biomechanics researcher Alec McKenzie, Stephen Doohig – Swimming biomechanics researchers Jenny Alcorn – Triathlon coach (historical reference) THE TEAM: Join the The Physical Performance Show LEARNINGS membership through weekly podcasts here: https://www.patreon.com/TPPShow Our goal is to get you back to your Physical Best. Find out more about Telehealth Consultations and book online. Your Hosts: 🏃 Brad Beer - Instagram & X @Bradbeer and YouTube on @PogophysioAu 💪 Huw Darnell - Exercise Physiologist & Performance Coach : YouTube: @huwdarnell & Instagram @huwdarnell The Physical Performance Show can be found at: Facebook: facebook.com/thephysicalperformanceshowpodcast X: @tppshow1 Instagram: @physicalperforamceshow Please direct any questions, comments, and feedback to the above social media handles.
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Ep 373: Expert Edition: Dr Jay Hertel. Chronic Ankle Instability in Athletes
Oct 2400:59:02Tap to summarizeIn episode 373 of The Physical Performance Show, sports medicine expert Dr Jay Hertel shares an in-depth exploration of chronic ankle instability in athletes. Drawing on his extensive clinical and research experience, Dr Hertel discusses the prevalence, consequences, and complex rehabilitation of ankle sprains. The conversation covers the patho-mechanical, sensory-perceptual, and motor-behavioral impacts of repeated ankle injuries, including early onset osteoarthritis, proprioceptive deficits, and the psychological hurdles faced by patients—such as loss of confidence and fear of re-injury. Dr Hertel explains the evolution of clinical models for assessing and treating chronic ankle instability, emphasising individualised care that considers not just the structural and neuromuscular factors, but also personal and environmental influences on recovery. The episode includes practical wisdom and a holistic approach and leaves athletes, clinicians, and listeners with a greater appreciation for the complexity of ankle injuries and a roadmap for improving outcomes both physically and mentally. Show Sponsor: The Rehab Mechanics offers Simple Tools and Real Results. Easy fixes for your feet with a massive impact. For 20% off all The Rehab Mechanics products. Go to www.therehabmechanics.com.au Enter discount code TPPS20 at checkout. -- POGO Physio Telehealth Consultations believe that everyone deserves access to complete and remarkable physiotherapy services. Our goal is to get you back to your Physical Best. Find out more about Telehealth Consultations and book online. Follow @Brad_Beer Instagram & Twitter Huw Darnell — Exercise Physiologist & Performance Coach Helping athletes move from pain and injury to peak performance. Learn more at huwdarnell.com.au and follow on Instagram @huwdarnell. The Physical Performance Show: Facebook, Instagram, & Twitter (@tppshow1) Please direct any questions, comments, and feedback to the above social media handles.
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Ep 372: Hayden Wilde Live
Oct 1601:56:39Tap to summarizeIn episode 372 of the Physical Performance Show, Brad Beer and Huw Darnell host a live event featuring dual Olympic triathlon medallist Hayden Wilde. Hayden shares his athletic journey, from his early days in multi-sport and the influence of family and personal adversity, through his path to Olympic success. He details the highs and lows of elite sport, including the physical and mental challenges of coming back from a significant injury sustained in a cycling accident, with unique insights into his rehabilitation, mindset, and the role of his multi-disciplinary support team. Hayden discusses his training philosophies, coaching changes, and the importance of maintaining humility amid professional success. The episode explores balancing ambition with self-care, adapting to setbacks, and the power of community in sport. Show Sponsor: The Rehab Mechanics offers Simple Tools and Real Results. Easy fixes for your feet with a massive impact. For 20% off all The Rehab Mechanics products. Go to www.therehabmechanics.com.au Enter discount code TPPS20 at checkout. -- POGO Physio Telehealth Consultations believe that everyone deserves access to complete and remarkable physiotherapy services. Our goal is to get you back to your Physical Best. Find out more about Telehealth Consultations and book online. Follow @Brad_Beer Instagram & Twitter Huw Darnell — Exercise Physiologist & Performance Coach Helping athletes move from pain and injury to peak performance. Learn more at huwdarnell.com.au and follow on Instagram @huwdarnell. The Physical Performance Show: Facebook, Instagram, & Twitter (@tppshow1) Please direct any questions, comments, and feedback to the above social media handles.
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Ep 371: Expert Edition: Charlie Clements Physiotherapist (FCP) 'Athletic Sciatica: navigating your symptoms'
Sep 2500:59:16Tap to summarizeIn episode 371 of the Physical Performance Show, Charlie Clements, a first contact physiotherapist and specialist in musculoskeletal care based in the UK shares his expertise on the topic of sciatica, particularly as it affects athletes, discussing the prevalence, causes, and different types of leg pain associated with the condition. Charlie explains the role of disc injuries, inflammation, and nerve root irritation, and provides practical advice on when imaging and interventions like nerve root blocks may be appropriate. Charlie emphasises the importance of patience, staying active through alternative forms of exercise, and seeking qualified healthcare support when needed. This episode also offers guidance for clinicians on managing sciatica and highlights the value of reassurance and a holistic approach to care. Show Sponsor: POGO Physio Telehealth Consultations believe that everyone deserves access to complete and remarkable physiotherapy services. Our goal is to get you back to your Physical Best. Find out more about Telehealth Consultations and book online. Follow @Brad_Beer Instagram & Twitter Huw Darnell — Exercise Physiologist & Performance Coach Helping athletes move from pain and injury to peak performance. Learn more at huwdarnell.com.au and follow on Instagram @huwdarnell. The Physical Performance Show: Facebook, Instagram, & Twitter (@tppshow1) Please direct any questions, comments, and feedback to the above social media handles.
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329: Expert Edition. Paul Laursen (PhD). CEO & Co-Founder Athletica & HIIT Science
Jun 14, 2022Tap to summarizePaul Laursen (PhD), author, endurance coach and high-performance consultant is an entrepreneur exploring artificial intelligence and its role in the world of sports training, coaching and prescription. Paul served as the former Leader of Physiology for New Zealand Olympic Athletes and the Adjunct Professor of Exercise Physiology at Auckland University of Technology. Paul is a world-renowned specialist in high intensity interval training, low carb diets, ketosis, heart rate variability, thermal physiology, health and artificial intelligence. Paul has published over 150 Scientific manuscripts with his work cited in more than 15,000 publications. He has competed in 17 Ironman triathlons, while relishing the art of coaching both professional and age group athletes. Paul is the co-author of the HIIT science training book "High Intensity Interval Training, The Science and Application" with co-author and colleague Martin Buchheit. The book is widely used and referenced amongst the endurance sporting community by practitioners, coaches and athletes, one of those including Dual Olympic Triathlon champion and former guest of the show, Alistair Brownlee, who became involved with Paul's co-founder training platform Athletica off the back of reading that book. For the past 8 years, Paul and his team have been developing Athletica, a training platform utilising artificial intelligence. In this episode Paul shares how artificial intelligence can be used to leverage coaching decisions and exercise prescription. This is not a paid advertorial for Athletica, this is a conversation exploring how artificial intelligence already is and will continue to play a part in exercise prescription in the coming decades. Show Sponsor: Headline Sponsor: Polar are a sports technology company who build world class heart rate monitors and GPS watches for people who take their health, fitness and sports performance seriously. Coming from the heart of the Nordics, they have the experience, insight, and history of quality, design and innovation which is unparalleled. Worn by some of the best athletes on the planet, we're very excited to have Polar as a partner here so you can also access their heart rate monitors, watches and training platform. Polar are very excited to announce that they are launching two stunning new-generation running watches, the Polar Pacer and Polar Pacer Pro. As a starting bonus, the team at Polar are offering 15% off. If it's time for you to check out a new heart rate monitor or watch to help improve your performance, head across to Polar.com and use the code TPPS on selected products. Join the The Physical Performance Show LEARNINGS membership through weekly podcasts | Patreon If you enjoyed this episode of The Physical Performance Show please hit SUBSCRIBE for to ensure you are one of the first to future episodes. Jump over to The Physical Performance Show - https://physicalperformanceshow.com/ for more details. Follow @Brad_Beer Instagram & Twitter The Physical Performance Show: Facebook, Instagram, & Twitter (@tppshow1) Please direct any questions, comments, and feedback to the above social media handles.
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