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Not by the Playbook

BBC World Service
Olympics
Olympic Games
Cycling
Mental Health
Skateboarding
Tennis
Paralympics
Wimbledon
Women's Sports
Women's Football
Hockey
Climate Change
Cobb County
Donald Trump
NFL
Hurricane Katrina
Triathlon
Horse Racing
Winter Olympics
Tour De Trump

Inspirational stories from around the world. Interviews with people defying the odds. Discover Not by the Playbook - the podcast which seeks out the most incredible stories from sportspeople and athletes. We bring you interviews with the sporting heroes who have achieved success in the face of seemingly impossible challenges.

Hear from some of the most famous names in sport on subjects you've neve... more

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes579Founded13 years ago
Number of ListenersCategory
Sports

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Artwork for Not by the Playbook

Latest Episodes

It's one of the most refined sporting venues in the world. Hydrangeas and petunias, complemented by climbing roses and foxgloves, A glorious display of purple white and green. Welcome to South East London and the All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Clu... more

With around 15 tattoos across her arms neck and throat and a habit of wearing temporary tattoos on her face when playing, it's fair to say Oleksandra Oliynykova has a distinctive look. But she also has a fearsome will to win, and is knocking on the d... more

"Jobs fill your pocket, but adventures fill your soul." So said US actress Jamie Lyn Beatty. So this week we fill your soul with fantastical adventures and adventurers.

Belgium Tom de Dorlodot soars through the air like an eagle, exploring places u... more

"Some people think football is a matter of life and death... I can assure them it is much more serious than that." So said legendary Liverpool manager Bill Shankly. And whilst the World Cup is on, it can certainly feel like that, but whether you're a... more

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Number of Listeners
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Recent Guests

Vitali Klitschko
Former world heavyweight champion, mayor of Kyiv
Episode: So much more than sport
Wladimir Klitschko
Former world heavyweight champion
Episode: So much more than sport
Darijo Srna
Shakhtar Donetsk captain, later sporting director
Shakhtar Donetsk
Episode: So much more than sport
Oleksandra Oliynykova
Professional tennis player
Born in Ukraine; training in Kyiv
Episode: So much more than sport
Stan Horuna
Ukrainian karate medallist
Episode: So much more than sport
Jono Ridler
Ultramarathon swimmer and ocean advocate
New Zealand/World Endurance Records
Episode: A fantastic adventure
Kay Cottee
First woman to sail solo, nonstop around the world
Self, formerly notable yachtswoman
Episode: A fantastic adventure
Luciano Wernicke
Author and sports historian focused on football and Maradona
Independent author and historian
Episode: A fantastic adventure
Tom de Dorlodot
Record-breaking paraglider and adventurer
Paraglider and explorer
Episode: A fantastic adventure

Host

Katie Smith
Host of Not by the Playbook, BBC World Service

Reviews

4.1 out of 5 stars from 25 ratings
  • Cracking listen!

    Really great listen with loads of stories I've not heard covered anywhere else. Thoughtful, goes to the heart of sport. Not just scores, but how sport interacts with culture, society and politics

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Abdoujaparov's bike
    United Kingdom13 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Thoughtful, authentic storytelling that explores sport beyond scores and politics.
High-quality guests and thoughtful conversations keep you coming back.
Stories feel universal and genuinely uplifting, not just about winning.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#237
China/Sports

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

So much more than sport
Q: What does the medal auction symbolize beyond sport for Stan Horuna?
It represents a tangible act of humanitarian aid and a symbol of national solidarity, showing how sport artifacts can carry the weight of a country's struggle and hope.
World Cup: Beyond the pitch
Q: What has stood out to you about the World Cup experiences you've pursued across decades?
Andy Milne explains that the friendships and global connections, rather than just the on-pitch results, have defined his World Cup journeys. He emphasizes the communal, cross-cultural aspects of following the tournament and the way it shapes lifelong memories.
Close knit
Q: What was the most memorable moment of Bannister's career according to the interview?
The moment Bannister recalls most vividly is realizing he had broken the four-minute mile and the subsequent relief that his long, arduous pursuit had paid off, especially after the Helsinki disappointment, marking a vindication of a decade of effort.
'Cold hands, warm heart'
Q: How did you redefine success after a major setback?
Athletes described reframing success as ongoing journey rather than a single podium, emphasizing recovery, learning, and long-term goals rather than one event.
Run for your life
Q: How did Adrienne's autism shape her training and racing approach?
Her coaches and family tailored training to her neurological profile, focusing on structure, desensitization to race environments, and gradual exposure, which allowed her to complete Kona with strong performance.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About Not by the Playbook

What is Not by the Playbook about and what kind of topics does it cover?

This series curates inspirational, often high-velocity stories from sport, spotlighting athletes and related figures who defy odds, reinvent themselves, or push the boundaries of what's possible. Across episodes, listeners hear intimate journeys of dominance, resilience, and second acts—ranging from Olympic podiums and near-misses to career pivots into wine, art, and advocacy. The conversations frequently weave personal adversity, family support, and mindset into practical takeaways, making it appealing for audiences who crave human-centered narratives behind elite performance. A notable strength is the show's willingness to pair veteran champions with under-told voices from diverse sports, creating a broad, globally relevant tapestry of pe... more

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Which podcasts are similar to Not by the Playbook?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Not by the Playbook:

1. The Documentary Podcast
2. Runner's World Podcast
3. Witness History
4. Lives Less Ordinary
5. From Our Own Correspondent

How many episodes of Not by the Playbook are there?

Not by the Playbook launched 13 years ago and published 579 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on Not by the Playbook?

Recent guests on Not by the Playbook include:

1. Vitali Klitschko
2. Wladimir Klitschko
3. Darijo Srna
4. Oleksandra Oliynykova
5. Stan Horuna
6. Jono Ridler
7. Kay Cottee
8. Luciano Wernicke

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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