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Synapse Performance Podcast

The Synapse Performance Podcast brings you leading expert knowledge in areas of health, nutrition & performance. It a must listen for any athlete or coach looking for pragmatic evidence-based information
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Synapse Performance Podcast
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Now displaying: Page 1
Apr 23, 2021

In this episode, David is joined by sports scientist at Dublin GAA and researcher at Technological University Dublin, Shane Malone.

In this, the second of a two part episode, David & Shane discuss the role of the sports scientist in elite level sport. 

Topics of conversation include:

 

- Using data in physical preparation 

- Managing fatigue 

- Energy system development 

- Increasing player robustness 

- Understanding the physiological target of training

- Integrating conditioning into a team sport training session

Apr 15, 2021

In this episode, David is joined by sports scientist at Dublin GAA and researcher at Technological University Dublin, Shane Malone.

In this, the first of a two part episode, David & Shane discuss the role of the sports scientist in elite level sport. 

Topics of conversation include:

- What is the role of the sport scientist?

- Deciding what metrics are important to collect

- Effective data collection methods

- Effective interpretation of data

- GPS data collection

- External and internal load monitoring

- Effective presentation and communication of data to coaches and players. 

Feb 19, 2021

In this episode, David & Mark answer questions submitted by listeners.

These questions include:

- What are common mistakes people make when interpreting research

- How can you more effectively apply research with your clients and athletes?

- How to deal with science deniers?

- How to argue on social media?

Full show-notes available at: www.synapseperformance.ie/podcasts/episode132

Feb 4, 2021

In this episode, David is joined my Dr. Tommy Lundberg.

Dr. Lundberg is a lecturer and researcher in the Karolinska Institute in the area of clinical physiology measures, in particular muscle physiology. 

In this episode, David & Dr. Lundberg discuss:

- The anthropometric and physiological differences between biological male and females.

- Sporting performance differences between biological males and females

- Testosterone suppression in transgender women and it's influence on physiological variables.

- Transgender athletes in sport.

Full show notes available at: www.synapseperformance.ie/podcasts/episode131 

Jan 22, 2021

In this episode David and Mark have an in-depth discussion on the topic of recovery and provide a wealth of practical advice.

The pair discuss:

- Training Load Management

- Sleep

- Psychological Stress

- Nutrition and Supplements

- Active, Passive and Novel Recovery Methods (Ice baths, heat, compression garments etc.)

- The Role of Beliefs, Placebo & the Biopsychosocial Model in Recovery 

Full show notes available at:

www.synapseperformance.ie/podcasts/episode130

Jan 14, 2021

In this episode, David is joined by Limerick senior football S&C coach Adrian O'Brien, performance nutritionist at Dublin GAA Mark Germaine, and S&C coach with Donegal senior football (2015-2020) Paul Fisher.

The group discuss:

- Designing and structuring a pre-season

- What to focus on during lockdown

- Reducing injury risk in GAA

- Do GAA players really need to be big and strong?

Full show notes available at:

www.synapseperformance.ie/podcasts/episode129

Jan 7, 2021

In this episode of the podcast, David is joined by PhD researcher Tim Smithies. 

Tim is a researcher based at the University of Limerick in the E-sports research lab and is completing a PhD in conjunction with the Irish Research Council and Logitech. 

In this episode, the pair discuss:

 

- What is E-Sports?

- What roles do S&C and sports science play in E-sports?

- What is the future of sports science research in E-Sports?

- What influence does E-Sports have on health and sleep?

 

Full show-notes available at: www.synapseperformance.ie/podcasts/episode128

Jan 2, 2021

In this episode, David is joined by Synapse Head of Nutrition, Mark Germaine. 

David and Mark discuss whether they believe CBD supplementation is worthwhile for athletes and field some listener questions on the future trends in sports science and S&C, and reflect on 2020. 

Full show notes available at:

www.synapseperformance.ie/podcasts/episode127

 

Dec 9, 2020

In this episode, David is joined by founder and owner of The Fight Dietician, Jordan Sullivan. 

Jordi has an Undergraduate Degree in Exercise and Nutrition Science and a Masters of Dietetic Studies. After completing his studies, Jordi moved to Canada, where he was exposed to an MMA scene that far exceeded that of Australia. He realised that it was only a matter of time until this enthusiasm towards the sport was mirrored back home in Australia and his dream of working in Combat Sports Nutrition could become a reality.

Since then, Jordi has established himself as one of the leading Practitioners in Australia and New Zealand and has worked with the regions most successful athletes and teams. He is passionate about raising awareness of safe practices when it comes to making weight and using Nutrition as a tool for Performance, not just for weight loss.

In this episode, David and Jordan discuss his experiences on the UFC Fight Island and where athletes go wrong when using sweating methods to cut weight. 

Dec 2, 2020

In this episode, David is joined by Dr. Aoife Lane

Dr Aoife Lane is Head of Department of Sport and Health Sciences at AIT and Founder of the Women’s Gaelic Players Association. Aoife completed the BSc in Sport and Exercise Science in University of Limerick before undertaking a Masters in Health Promotion in NUI Galway and a PhD in Physical Activity in Irish Women in WIT. Aoife has lectured in Physical Activity and Health, Research Methods, Statistics, Epidemiology, and GAA Coaching. Aoife was a member of the inaugural National GAA Health and Wellbeing group.

In this episode, David and Aoife discuss the establishment on the GAA sports science working group and their goals and objectives.

Nov 26, 2020

Dr. Neil Welch completed his undergraduate degree in Sports Science and Physiology BSc (Hons) at the University of Leeds, specialising in his final year in Biomechanics. He then undertook his MSc in Strength and Conditioning at the University of Bolton alongside Strength and Conditioning roles within Winter sports including national Alpine skiing programmes and then international snowboard cross. Further roles with multiple sports with Locker27 and in gait analysis in London followed before his move to the Sports Surgery Clinic in 2013. He completed his PhD on the role of strength and explosive strength in rehabilitation and performance with Dublin City University in 2019. He has a special interest in this regard in the Biomechanics of cutting.

He is the head of knee services within the SSC overseeing the flagship ACL review service.

In this episode Neil discusses:

- What is agility?

- How do we train to improve agility?

- How do we periodise agility and speed training?

- How important is training deceleration?

- How can we improve deceleration ability?

Neil's researchgate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Neil_Welch

Neil's Instragram: https://www.instagram.com/agilitycoach/

Neil's twitter: https://twitter.com/nwconditioning

Nov 20, 2020

In this episode, David is joined by performance analyst, Brian Fitzpatrick.

Brian Fitzpatrick’s expertise derives from over a decade of working many teams across a variety of sports and levels in Ireland and the United Kingdom.

Brian has always been passionate about sport and whilst studying a Sports Science Degree in University, he completed his dissertation with the Welsh Rugby Union in 2014. This investigated the intervals between high intensity activities in tier 1 rugby internationals which led him to take an internship in Ireland working closely with many of Ireland’s biggest teams, including the Dublin Senior Hurlers.

Brian then accepted a role with the London Irish Rugby Club as the Academy Analyst. During this time, Brian was part of the U18 premiership winning support staff in his first season, before being promoted to Academy Analyst and Administrator.

The pair discuss:

- What is performance analysis and how has it's role changed over the years

- How to effectively integrate performance analysis into coaching and with other streams of sports science

- How organisational structure can massively impact the effectiveness of data flow and efficiency in a team

Nov 5, 2020

In this episode of the Synapse Performance podcast, David is joined by Broderick Chavez.

Bio from Broderick's website:

"Broderick Chavez is the Evil Genius. He’s a renowned trainer based in the US and has trained champions, Olympians and IFBB Pros as well as hundreds of other athletes.  He is a sports performance expert, biologist, chemist, coffee connoisseur and an insomniac.

Not only has Broderick worked in Sports Performance field 30 years, he’s competed at a national level in bodybuilding, powerlifting and strongman.

He’s a critical thinker, lifter, speaker and thought provoker.

Broderick is uncensored and controversial. Rather than trying to prove to you or anyone else that he is the singular outlet for truth, he hopes to stimulate thought, experiment and dialogue that will bring us all closer to the truth."

In this episode, David and Broderick discuss performance enhancing drugs, the thought processes Broderick goes through when designing PED programs for his clients, and the methods used to avoid detection of drugs in tested sports. 

 

Oct 29, 2020

In this episode, David is joined by the current director of the UKSCA, Rich Clarke. 

Rich is an Accredited Strength and Conditioning Coach having previously worked with Gloucester Rugby Club and The Bristol Academy of Sport before transitioning into teaching in higher education in 2013. He has led programmes at both undergraduate and postgraduate level before joining Birmingham City University to lead the Sport and Exercise Science Degree in 2019.

He is currently studying for his PhD part time looking at performance and injury during agility manoeuvres. He continues to actively coach with the girls FA talent pathway and within other private environments.

Full show notes available at: www.synapseperformance.ie/podcasts/episode121

Oct 23, 2020

In this episode, David is joined by strength and conditioning coach Keir Wenham-Flatt. 

Keir has worked with leading professional teams all around the world, predominantly in rugby. 

Keir is an outspoken individual who highlights the reality of working in professional sport and has recently left professional sports coaching to pursue full-time his businesses, Rugby Strength Coach & Strength Coach Network.

In this episode, David & Keir discuss the realities of working in professional sport, Keir's criticisms of the UKSCA, gaps in coach education and how S&C coaches can be more influential.

 

 

Oct 15, 2020

In this episode, David is joined by Dr. Tom Maden-Wilkinson.

Tom is an established researcher in Neuromuscular Physiology. He completed his PhD at Manchester Metropolitan University examining the age related changes in skeletal muscle as part of the EU-funded myoage project.

Upon completion in 2013, Tom moved to Loughborough University as a teaching fellow in Exercise Physiology, contributing to teaching across the undergraduate and postgraduate sports and exercise science programmes.

During his time at Loughborough, Tom conducted research as part of the NCSEM and the Centre for Sport, Exercise and Osteoarthritis as funded by Arthritis Research UK.

He  joined the Academy for Sport and Physical Activity at Sheffield Hallam University in January 2017 as a Lecturer in Sports and Exercise Science, with his teaching focus in Exercise Physiology. In addition, Tom is an associate researcher of the Centre for Sports Engineering Research.

Full show-notes available at:

www.synapseperformance.ie/podcasts/episode119

Oct 7, 2020

Strength coach and PhD researcher, Arthur Lynch joins David on this weeks episode.

This episode follows a slightly different format from the standard interview style show. 

Arthur and David discuss a recent paper reviewing methods of monitoring and regulating resistance training.

Then the pair discuss their respective thought processes they undergo when designing a strength and conditioning program for athletes. 

Full show-notes available at: www.synapseperformance.ie/podcasts/episode118

Sep 25, 2020

In this episode, David is joined by performance nutritionist, Kate McDaid. 

Kate studied Food Science at the University of College Dublin before following her ambition and moving to the UK to complete an MSc in Sports and Exercise Nutrition at Loughborough University. She landed a position in a nutrition consultancy over there quickly progressing to Senior Health and Performance Nutritionist where she started to build an extensive portfolio working with professional sports teams, elite sporting scholars, corporate clients, charity organisations, weight-loss and health seeking individuals. She took this experience back to Ireland with her in 2017 and founded NutriKate, a high performance nutrition consultancy that is based in Dublin.

Link to Kate's website: https://nutrikate.com/

Link to Kate's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nutrikate_com

Sep 18, 2020

In this episode, David and head of nutrition at Synapse Performance Mark Germaine sit down and discuss all elements of how to set up a successful off-season as a GAA athlete.

 

The pair discuss all aspects of the off-season from nutrition, S&C and recovery.

 

 

Sep 11, 2020

In this weeks episode, David is joined by the winner of the first Crossfit Games, and founder of OPEX Fitness, James Fitzgerald.

OPEX Founder and industry-leading educator, James FitzGerald, has dedicated his life to bringing honor to the coaching profession. OPEX Coaching Education and Gyms Licensing Programs provide coaches with the tools needed to professionalize their passion. The OPEX Coaching Certificate Program reflects his 25 plus years of coaching expertise and is set apart by providing comprehensive coaching theory as well as practical application of its principles. OPEX continues to educate thousands of coaches around the world each year through a dynamic digital platform and live courses.

In this episode, David and James discuss:

Differentiating Training For Elite Performance Versus Health
Autonomy In Fitness
Periodization In Crossfit
Functional Fitness As An Olympic Sport

Link to OPEX Fitness: https://opexfit.com/

Sep 3, 2020

In this episode, David is joined by Dr. Jake Reed. 

Jake is an assistant professor in the department of kinesiology at the University of Northern Iowa and a coach at Renaissance Periodisation. 

Jake and David discuss current research in the area of athlete monitoring and how practitioners should construct their athlete monitoring systems. The pair also discuss the increasing prevalence of technology in the area of strength and conditioning and the pros & cons of this trend. 

Aug 28, 2020

In this episode, David is joined by Dave Hembrough. 

Dave is a senior sports science officer at Sheffield Hallam University.

Dave is the university's lead strength and conditioning coach. He has significant applied experience at Olympic and international level having supported teams at the 2012 Olympics and the Commonwealth Games as well as coaching numerous world champions in a variety of sports.

Dave is a well-recognised and respected S&C coach and also a qualified and experienced sports therapist. Dave graduated from Sheffield Hallams Sport Science programme and has also completed post graduate studies in both Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation (MSc) and Advanced Business Practice and Business Engagement (PGDip).

In this episode, Dave discusses his experiences in elite performance and how he uses S&C as a means to create positive changes and development in the community. 

Below are some of the links Dave alluded to in this episode:

 
 
Global Action Plan on Physical Activity 2018-2030: More active people for a healthier world. https://www.who.int/ncds/prevention/physical-activity/global-action-plan-2018-2030/en/ 
 
 
Free Course: Future Learn Sport For Sustainable Development https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/sport-for-sustainable-development 
 
 
International Council of Sport Science and Physical Education: https://www.icsspe.org/ 
 
Sport England Towards An Active Nation: https://www.sportengland.org/why-were-here 
 
Kazan Action Plan for Sustainable Development Goals Through Sport:  https://en.unesco.org/news/united-nations-general-assembly-acknowledges-important-role-kazan-action-plan-advancing-sport 
Aug 21, 2020

In this episode, David is joined by sports psychologist Hugh Gilmore to field questions submitted by the listeners on various topics of sports psychology. 

Aug 13, 2020

In this episode, David is joined by experienced S&C coach and PhD. researcher, Mikey Kiely. 

Mikey discusses his PhD. research which examined the physiological demands of jockeys during horse racing. 

Mikey offer some insights into his findings which may inform the preparation of jockey athletes. 

Aug 6, 2020

In 2020, Synapse Performance surveyed 92 Irish sports scientists and S&C coaches to gauge the current employment landscape.

People were surveyed about education, salary and work conditions. 

In this episode, David discusses the results of this survey. 

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