Best Vald Performance Podcasts (2025)

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Karl Goodman: Building a High-Performance Business — Lessons from Athletes Authority 36:50

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2h ago36:50

36:50

In this episode, Ryan sits down with Karl Goodman, co-founder of Athletes Authority, for a deep dive into how one of Australia’s leading performance facilities was built (and rebuilt) through smart use of technology, clear business principles and hard-earned lessons. Karl explains how Athletes Authority used testing and objective data to differenti…

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Tony Shield: The Turning Point in Hamstring Rehabilitation 33:32

6d ago33:32

33:32

Our host Dylan sat down with co-inventor of the NordBord, Dr. Tony Shield, to unpack the origins of the world’s leading hamstring testing system. In this episode, Tony discusses the evolution of hamstring research, the rise of eccentric training and how a pair of load cells became a global standard for injury prevention and performance. Tony also s…

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Jo Clubb: Rethinking High-Performance Careers — From Pro Teams to Consulting 46:09

10h ago46:09

46:09

In this episode of VALDCast, our host Ryan sits down with Jo Clubb — founder of Global Performance Insights and one of the most respected figures in applied sport science — to unpack her journey from elite team environments to life as a private consultant. Jo reflects on formative experiences across the Premier League, NHL and NFL, including her ti…

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Lachlan James: Strength Science Simplified — Measuring What Actually Matters 26:07

9d ago26:07

26:07

In this episode of the VALDCast, we sit down with Associate Professor at La Trobe University Dr. Lachlan James — sports scientist, consultant, and founder of ForceLab — to decode one of the most misunderstood areas in performance: strength domains. With modern technology offering hundreds of data points from a single jump or lift, practitioners mig…

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Phil Graham-Smith: Testing With Purpose and The Evolution of ForceDecks 39:19

15d ago39:19

39:19

Our guest today is Dr. Phil Graham-Smith, Reader in Biomechanics and Innovation at Manchester Metropolitan University and co-founder of ForceDecks. Ryan and Phil discuss the origins of ForceDecks, how far it's come since Phil and Dan Cohen first joined up to create the product, the concepts of validity and reliability in force plate testing, and th…

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Dr Catherine Logan & Dr Ivan Wong - Redefining Surgical Rehab with Data 29:10

4M ago29:10

29:10

“It’s not just for research anymore — every surgical patient gets tested throughout their recovery.” – Dr Catherine Logan In this episode, orthopedic surgeons Dr Ivan Wong and Dr Catherine Logan join cohosts Mark Opar and Dylan Carmody to discuss how objective measurement is transforming patient care and surgical decision-making. With backgrounds s…

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Dr Roula Kotsifaki - Revolutionizing ACL Recovery 28:36

6M ago28:36

28:36

"We shouldn't treat the MRI, we want to treat our athletes." In this episode, Roula Kotsifaki discusses her recent research on ACL recovery, emphasizing the evolving perspectives in rehabilitation. She highlights the importance of balancing tissue healing with performance metrics, the significance of objective criteria for return to sport, and the …

1
Stephanie Mock Grubbs - Insights from a Major League Strength Coach 49:05

6M ago49:05

49:05

Our guest today is Stephanie Mock Grubbs, Assistant Major League Strength & Conditioning Coach at the Houston Astros. Ryan and Stephanie discuss the transition from collegiate to professional sports, focusing on the role of a strength & conditioning coach in elite athlete performance. Stephanie shares her experience at The University of Pittsburgh …

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Dr Stacie Barber - The future of physical therapy 26:33

6M ago26:33

26:33

In this episode of VALDCAST, host Dylan Carmody chats with Dr. Stacie Barber who shares her journey as a physical therapist and the unique approach she takes in her practice, The Physio Fix. We discuss the evolution of her social media presence, how she amassed nearly 1 million followers (Check out her instagram HERE), her personal experience with …

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Nicol van Dyk - The Role of Normative Data in Injury Prevention 34:29

7M ago34:29

34:29

In this conversation with Dylan, Nicol van Dyk shares his extensive journey in sports medicine, highlighting his experiences at Aspetar and the evolution of technology in the field. He discusses the importance of injury prevention, the role of normative data, and how to build comprehensive player profiles. Nicol emphasizes the need for context in d…

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Shaun Owen - The science of recovery, from Rugby to Red Sox 32:20

7M ago32:20

32:20

In this episode, Shaun Owen shares his journey from South Africa to Boston, discussing his transition from rugby to baseball and the key differences in athlete training and recovery. He emphasizes the importance of individualization in recovery strategies, the role of technology in sports science, and the understanding of fatigue in athletes. Shaun…

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ORKA Performance - Born from a love of training and performance 42:03

7M ago42:03

42:03

The growth journey of ORKA Performance is something special. In today's VALDCAST Ryan covers off the transition from practitioners to business owners and the importance of building a feedback culture. The guys have navigated the complexities of rehab to performance transitions, And focus on the key components of building and maintaining a strong cu…

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Derek Hansen - The evolution of technology & coaching methodologies 33:19

8M ago33:19

33:19

Derek Hansen shares his extensive experience in sports science, where he focusses on timing systems, coaching methodologies, and the differences in athletic training between Canada and the USA. We discusses the evolution of timing technology, the importance of understanding athlete performance metrics, and the challenges faced in professional sport…

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Matt Jordan - Embracing science. From asymmetries and squats to strength & conditioning 48:02

8M ago48:02

48:02

Matt Jordan, a pioneer in the adoption and implementation of force plate technology discusses his journey with force plates, emphasizing their significance in strength and conditioning. He shares insights on how he transitioned from traditional training methods to a more scientific approach, utilizing force metrics to inform training decisions, esp…

1
Mick Hughes 33:44

8M ago33:44

33:44

In this episode of VALDCAST, we chat with Mick Hughes about his extensive experience in ACL rehabilitation, highlighting the evolution of management practices over the years. He emphasizes the importance of data-informed decision-making in clinical practice, particularly in assessing quadricep strength and its impact on rehabilitation outcomes. Mic…

1
Dr Alex Natera 36:12

8M ago36:12

36:12

Creator of Run-Specific Isometrics and Manager of Sports Science at NSWIS, Alexander Natera discusses the evolution of isometrics and overall strength in athletic testing and training. He shares insights on how his techniques originated, their effectiveness across various sports, and the nuances of implementing them for different athletic needs. Na…

1
Dr Duncan French 52:20

8M ago52:20

52:20

Dr Duncan French, Senior VP at the UFC Performance Institute, breaks down the complexities of training the worlds best MMA fighters. He discusses the unique demands of MMA compared to other sports, the critical components of a successful training camp and the need for seamless collaboration between performance staff and coaches. We dive into Duncan…

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Dr Ebonie Rio 35:18

8M ago35:18

35:18

Dr Ebonie Rio, renowned sports physiotherapist and leading tendon researcher, breaks down the complexities of tendon rehabilitation. She discusses the role of muscle activation, neuroplastic training and the central nervous system in recovery, as well as key considerations for load management, dynamic training readiness and tendon capacity. We dive…

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Welcome to VALDCAST 11:08

8M ago11:08

11:08

What is VALDCAST? Join hosts Dylan and Ryan as they introduce VALDCAST—where leading health and performance experts share real-world insights, transformative stories and how technology is shaping their practices. 🎙️ Connect with our hosts Ryan McLaughlin and Dylan Carmody 🌐 Discover VALD's range of solutions on the VALD Performance website…