Best Pgce Podcasts (2025)

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Christmas Special 2025! 1:28:48

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2h ago1:28:48

1:28:48

It's time for our notoriously long and self-indulgent Christmas special, in which we bring in strange, interesting and (sometimes) festive things we've found, to see what others make of them. This year we also welcome Emma's stunt-double, Sian Wickersham, who's standing in for some episodes this season, to join in the fun. We've got everything from…

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Find Your Why and Transform Your Fitness Career 13:48

10d ago13:48

13:48

Summary Jon Bond discusses the importance of understanding one's 'why' in the fitness industry, emphasising that a deeper purpose drives success and client engagement. He references Simon Sinek's TED Talk on the power of 'why' and shares personal insights on how finding one's purpose can transform a fitness career. Jon Bond highlights the significa…

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All about Languages with Kerry Bevan 47:22

13d ago47:22

47:22

For this episode, we’re delighted to welcome back our colleague Kerry Bevan who runs the PGCE Secondary Languages programme here at Cardiff Met. Kerry’s here to contribute to our occasional series of episodes on individual subjects in the curriculum. It’s always fun to geek out about the subject we love, and Kerry’s got plenty for us on the purpose…

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The Iron Age Principles of Old-school Strength 30:05

19d ago30:05

30:05

Summary Jon Bond discusses the principles of strength training from the Iron Age, emphasising simplicity, consistency, and the importance of foundational exercises. He highlights the benefits of training the body as a connected system, the value of progressive overload, and the significance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Jon Bond also reflects…

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Am I Good Enough to Become a Personal Trainer? 21:04

27d ago21:04

21:04

Summary Jon Bond discusses the journey and challenges of becoming a personal trainer, emphasising the importance of self-doubt as a motivator for growth. He shares personal experiences and insights on competence leading to confidence, the value of empathy and relatability in coaching, and the flexibility of the fitness industry. Jon encourages aspi…

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Authentic Contexts for Learning with Katie Berrisford and Elizabeth Berry 37:15

27d ago37:15

37:15

One of the principles underlying the Curriculum for Wales is that we should situate learning within authentic contexts in order to make it more meaningful. We thought it was worth digging a little more into what that might actually look like, so we convened a panel discussion for our PGCE Secondary student teachers, bringing in guests with experien…

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Hypercholesterolaemia and Exercise: A Practical Guide for Personal Trainers 14:35

1M ago14:35

14:35

Summary This episode provides a comprehensive guide for personal trainers on managing hypercholesterolemia through exercise. It covers the role of cholesterol in cardiovascular disease, the importance of balancing LDL and HDL cholesterol, and the impact of lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, and smoking. The episode emphasises the benefits of…

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Hyrox: What Fitness Professionals Need to Know 16:17

1M ago16:17

16:17

Summary In this episode, Jon Bond discusses the growing popularity of Hyrox, a fitness challenge that combines running and functional strength exercises. He highlights its inclusivity and simplicity compared to CrossFit, making it accessible to a wider audience. Jon shares insights on how personal trainers can leverage Hyrox to enhance their busine…

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What Can Reflective Teachers Learn from Sport? with Professor Brendan Cropley 57:40

1M ago57:40

57:40

For this episode, we welcome back Professor Brendan Cropley, and since we’re no longer in the grip of Covid restrictions, we can actually meet face to face this time! Brendan works at the University of South Wales where his background is in sport psychology, and his particular specialism is reflective practice. Digging a little deeper into the spec…

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Hypertension and Exercise: A Practical Guide for PTs 19:24

2M ago19:24

19:24

Summary This recording by Jon Bond provides a comprehensive guide for personal trainers on managing clients with hypertension. It covers the importance of screening for high blood pressure, understanding its causes, and recognising red flags during exercise. The discussion includes lifestyle changes to manage hypertension, the role of aerobic and r…

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October Half Term Special 2025! 1:13:32

2M ago1:13:32

1:13:32

The autumn term is a long one, and to mark half-time in the long march to the Christmas break, we like to kick back with one of our 'light' episodes (though to be fair they're not always entirely light!) in which we bring some randomly-selected pieces of content with which to surprise, delight and horrify one another. Regular listeners may remember…

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Face-to-Face vs Online Personal Training: Which Is Best for You and Your Clients? 17:58

2M ago17:58

17:58

Summary The discussion explores the evolution of personal training, comparing face-to-face and online methods. It highlights the pros and cons of each approach, offering insights for trainers and clients to determine the best fit for their needs. The conversation also touches on the potential for a hybrid model that combines elements of both method…

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How to Build Strong Relationships with Clients and Inspire Long-Term Success 21:22

2M ago21:22

21:22

Summary Jon Bond discusses the importance of building strong relationships with clients in the fitness industry, emphasising trust, communication, and emotional intelligence. He shares personal anecdotes and insights on how to inspire long-term success through genuine connections. Takeaways Build genuine connections to inspire long-term success. Tr…

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All About Art with Daisy Wilson and Jack Siddall 56:40

2M ago56:40

56:40

It’s time to take another dive into what makes a classroom subject tick, and this time around we’re going for art. In a slight twist to the usual format, we’ve paired a discussion with a subject specialist with an excellent example of how professional enquiry coupled with top-notch subject knowledge can lead to meaningful impact on pupils. We’re jo…

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How to Help Clients Overcome Barriers to Exercise and Stay Motivated 24:44

3M ago24:44

24:44

Summary Jon Bond explores the common barriers to exercise and how fitness professionals can help clients overcome them. He emphasises the importance of understanding clients' psychological and social barriers, and the role of motivation and environment in achieving fitness goals. Jon shares strategies for personal trainers to enhance client adheren…

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Carbs, Fats, and Protein: How Your Body Uses Fuel for Aerobic and Anaerobic Energy 12:45

3M ago12:45

12:45

Summary In this episode of the Storm Fitness Academy podcast, Jon Bond delves into the role of macronutrients—carbohydrates, fats, and proteins—in energy production and fitness performance. He explains how different energy systems in the body utilise these macronutrients based on exercise intensity and duration, and offers practical advice for trai…

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Supporting Student Teachers in Planning and Evaluation 37:22

3M ago37:22

37:22

Planning and evaluating lessons is at the core of what teachers do. Deciding what we want our pupils to know or be able to do, how we'll know whether they've managed it, and how we'll be able to tell is the key to selecting a sequence of activities that will get them there and allow us to judge how they're doing. But this is one of the hardest skil…

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How Autumn Fitness Outdoors Boosts Your Health 21:45

3M ago21:45

21:45

Summary In this episode of the Storm Fitness Academy podcast, Jon Bond explores the benefits of outdoor fitness during autumn. He discusses how nature can boost physical and mental well-being, offering practical tips for incorporating outdoor activities into your routine. Takeaways Spending time outdoors lowers cortisol levels, boosting immunity. N…

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NHS Guidelines vs. Blue Zones: Lessons for Health and Longevity 13:04

3M ago13:04

13:04

Summary In this episode of the Storm Fitness Academy podcast, Jon Bond discusses the NHS physical activity guidelines and compares them to the lifestyle practices of the Blue Zones, areas known for their high number of centenarians. He explores the benefits of moderate and vigorous activities, strength training, and the importance of integrating mo…

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What's Going On with Maths in Wales? 1:06:28

3M ago1:06:28

1:06:28

Just as we were shutting up the podcast shop for the end of the academic year, Estyn (the school inspectorate in Wales) published a thematic report on the teaching of maths in Wales's schools. It concluded that there was too much variability in the quality of teaching, and not enough subject-specific support for those teaching maths. This reminded …

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The Science Behind Speed: How Strength and Conditioning Shapes F1 Drivers 18:18

3M ago18:18

18:18

In this episode of the Storm Fitness Academy podcast, Jon Bond delves into the intricacies of athlete profiling using Formula One as a case study. He explores the importance of understanding the specific demands of a sport and how personal trainers can apply these insights to enhance their clients' performance. The discussion covers energy systems,…

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The Rule That Makes or Breaks Client Progress 13:49

4M ago13:49

13:49

In this episode of the Storm Fitness Academy podcast, Jon Bond discusses the critical concept of progressive overload in training. He explains its importance in achieving client results, avoiding burnout, and building resilience. The conversation delves into the psychology behind challenging oneself, the guidelines for effective training, and the n…

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So: You Want to Become a Teacher...! 50:14

4M ago50:14

50:14

Welcome to season 8 of the podcast! So…. You want to become a teacher? You’ve come to the right place. In the third iteration of this popular topic, we’re joined by our colleague Rhian Wyn Griffiths to talk about becoming a teacher. While we’re quite focused on how to come and be a teacher with us in Wales (after all, it’s what we know best), there…

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Looking Back, Looking Forward: Summer Bonus 2025 9:50

4M ago9:50

9:50

One of our podcast traditions is to take a moment to reflect on the season that's just been (season 7) and get ready for the one that's about to land in your feeds (season 8)! After a hasty move across campus to avoid our power-tool wielding enemies, this episode was recorded in a temporary studio at the end of four straight days of recording. We'v…

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Most Popular Episode Ever: The Secret to Boosting Happy Hormones 16:16

5M ago16:16

16:16

Summary Our most popular episode since launching the Storm Fitness Academy Podcast! Discover how exercise and being part of a fitness community can supercharge your “happy hormones” — dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin, and endorphins. We break down the science and share how the right training and social connections can lift your mood, reduce stress, an…

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Heart Rate Training Zones: What Every PT Needs to Know 21:10

5M ago21:10

21:10

Summary In this episode, Jon Bond breaks down the concept of heart rate zones and their significance in fitness training. He simplifies the complexities of heart rate training, explaining the five distinct heart rate zones and their benefits. The discussion includes practical applications for personal trainers and fitness enthusiasts, common mistak…

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Why Storm Fitness Academy Has Been Named One of the Best Personal Trainer Courses in the UK 12:21

5M ago12:21

12:21

Summary In this episode, Jon Bond shares the exciting news that Storm Fitness Academy has been recognised as one of the best personal training course providers in the UK for 2025. He discusses the importance of this recognition, emphasising the quality of education, support, and successful career outcomes for students. Jon highlights the personalis…

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How Does Cardio Training Actually Help Your Clients? 11:57

5M ago11:57

11:57

Summary In this episode of the Storm Fitness Academy podcast, Jon Bond discusses the significant benefits of cardio training for clients, focusing on cardiovascular and respiratory adaptations, practical applications for clients, and the long-term health benefits associated with regular cardio exercise. He emphasises how cardio training enhances he…

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The Side Hustle That Pays: How PT training can boost your income — and your career 28:50

6M ago28:50

28:50

From Side Hustle to Passion Project: The PT Journey Jon and Pete dive into the world of personal training — from early days in the park with just a kettlebell, to building a home gym studio and a waiting list of clients. Pete shares how he kept it lean, stayed in control of his time, and turned a side hustle into something that earns real money. Th…

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Run It Off: ADHD, Dopamine & Doing the Miles 17:52

6M ago17:52

17:52

Running with ADHD: Finding Focus, Community, and Your Pace Today’s chat takes us on a refreshing jog through the benefits of exercise for ADHD and how running can be the perfect channel for both focus and community. Our guest shares their personal journey with ADHD, revealing how hitting the pavement has been more than just a workout—it's their go-…

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Run for Your Life: Why Running Is the Best Drug 24:32

6M ago24:32

24:32

Can Running Be for Everyone? Community, Motivation & Smarter Training with PacePal Jon is joined by Mike from PacePal — a running app that’s changing how people connect, stay motivated, and build a habit around running. From solo joggers to complete beginners, this episode explores how tech, community and psychology can make running accessible to a…

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All About Physics with Richard West 58:56

7M ago58:56

58:56

We’ve reached the end of another year of podcasting, and ready to give you all a summer break from our dulcet tones. To wrap up our seventh year in front of the microphones, we’re delighted to welcome back Richard West from Stanwell School. Richard’s here to contribute to our occasional series of episodes unpacking the nature of different subjects …

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Breathwork for PTs: Tools, Focus, and Recovery in Practice (with Kerry Waters) 23:13

7M ago23:13

23:13

Is Breathwork Safe for Everyone? Cold Exposure, Coaching Caution & the 4-2-8 Method In part two of this deep-dive, Jon is joined again by coach Kerry Waters to unpack the other side of breathwork and cold exposure — the risks, the boundaries, and the practical tools that actually help. From Instagram myths to science-backed techniques, this is the …

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Breathwork – The Superpower of Top Athletes (with Kerry Waters) 31:57

7M ago31:57

31:57

Can breathwork really help top athletes perform better, recover faster and stay mentally sharp? In this powerful chat, Jon sits down with coach Kerry Waters to break down how breathwork supports the body and mind — from muscle oxygenation and HRV to stress regulation and trauma release. Whether you’re an elite athlete or just want to stop feeling p…

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Closing the Disadvantage Gap in Schools with Finola Wilson 1:08:49

7M ago1:08:49

1:08:49

When we heard that Finola Wilson from our friends at Impact Wales had published a book, our first reaction (after congratulations!) was to realise how ridiculously long it’s been since we last spoke to our fellow Welsh education podcasters. Long-time listeners will know that we visited their HQ in Caerphilly (and Tom has particularly fond memories …

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Supercharge Your Cardio 24:44

7M ago24:44

24:44

🏃‍♂️ Want to live longer, feel better and smash your fitness goals? In this episode, Jon breaks down exactly how to take your cardio training to the next level — whether you’re just starting out or looking to improve your VO₂ max, endurance, and overall performance. Based on a recent cardiovascular workshop, this one covers everything from heart ra…

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Part Two: From Martial Arts to Muscle, the training approach of Dan Mack 24:38

7M ago24:38

24:38

🥋 What does martial arts have to do with skipping your kids to school? In this episode, we reconnect with Dan Mack — a father, martial artist, and personal trainer who’s transformed his life through fitness. From losing six stone to qualifying as a PT and now taking on a Level 4 in Strength & Conditioning, Dan shares how martial arts builds deep co…

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Participatory Research with Student Teachers and their Mentors 59:06

8M ago59:06

59:06

It's something of a tradition to haul Emma in for a doctoral progress check, and today she's digging into her chosen research approach: participatory research. If you listened to Emma's last episode, you'll remember that she examined her own research worldview and values, and concluded that she couldn't find out what she needs to know without makin…