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The Real Science of Sport Podcast

Professor Ross Tucker and Mike Finch
Cycling
Allergic Reactions
Sleep Quality
VO2 Max
Zwift Academy
House Dust Mites
House Dust Mite Allergy
Pet Allergens
High Intensity Interval Training
Asthma
Running Economy
Training Structure
Endurance Sports
Mental Health
Mold Allergens
Menopause
Sleep
Sports Nutrition
Marathon
Athlete Performance Metrics

World-renowned sports scientist Professor Ross Tucker and veteran sports journalist Mike Finch break down the myths, practices and controversies from the world of sport. From athletics to rugby, soccer, cycling and more, the two delve into the most recent research, unearth lessons from the pros and host exclusive interviews with some of the world's leading sporting experts. For those who love spor... more

PublishesTwice weeklyEpisodes292Founded7 years ago
Number of ListenersCategory
Sports

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Artwork for The Real Science of Sport Podcast

Latest Episodes

Join Mike, Ross and the chief sportswriter at The Guardian, Sean Ingle, as we look ahead to the biggest events in 2026. From the Winter Olympics to the World Cup in football, 2026 will be packed with plenty of drama and, no doubt, controversy. The te... more

There's a lot to catch up on today's Spotlight. Four weeks of Festive season sport means a range of topics from technology failures in the Ashes to the "Battle of the Sexes" debacle, thoughts on cyclo-cross dominance and excitement, Biathlon's appeal... more

As 2025 winds down, Gareth, Mike and Ross reunite to look back on a packed and fascinating year in sport and sports science in a bumper Year-end show!

We pick through the highs and lows, heroes and villains, innovations and failures, revisiting the ... more

YouTube

The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) is the body established to oversee drug testing and other integrity issues within the sport of athletics and road running around the world.. Established in 2017 in response to the deepening credibility crises within... more

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Recent Guests

Brett Clothier
Head of the Athletics Integrity Unit
Athletics Integrity Unit
Episode: AIU's Brett Clothier: Catching Athletics' Doping Cheats
Andrew Feather
Four-time hill climbing champion in the UK, amateur cyclist
Episode: The World's Most Famous Amateur Cyclist on Training and Racing
Drew Ginn
Three-time Olympic gold medalist and five-time world champion rower
Olympics
Episode: Inside the Astonishing World of Elite Rowing
Malcolm Gladwell
Author, journalist, and host of the podcast Revisionist History
Podcaster and journalist
Episode: Malcolm Gladwell Talks Sport
Brendon G. Gurd
Researcher and author of a significant paper on Zone 2 training.
Queen's University, School of Kinesiology and Health Studies
Episode: Why Everything You Know About Zone 2 Training is Probably Wrong
Ashleigh Moolman-Pasio
Professional Cyclist and E-Sports World Champion
Rococorba Cycling
Episode: Inside The World of Women's Professional Cycling
Kelly McNulty
Expert in female exercise physiology and post-doc researcher.
Northumbria University and Bangor University
Episode: Hormones, Hype & High Performance: The Menstrual Cycle in Sport
Sarah Massey
Managing Director for the Women's Rugby World Cup and athletics coach.
Women's Rugby World Cup
Episode: Hormones, Hype & High Performance: The Menstrual Cycle in Sport
Kevin Ullyett
Former professional tennis player from Zimbabwe, winner of 34 doubles titles.
Episode: What It's Really Like to be a Tennis Professional on Tour

Hosts

Ross Tucker
Professor and host specializing in sports science, co-host of the podcast, and a recognized expert in performance-related issues in sports.
Gareth Davies
Veteran sports journalist and co-host, focusing on breaking down complex sports issues substantiated by research.
Mike Finch
Sports editor and co-host, bringing experience in journalism and sports insight to the podcast.

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 1.5k ratings
  • A great sports science podcast

    I’ve listened to a lot RSSP episodes over the years and I have to say, hands down the best sports science podcast, and perhaps the best for any runne, cyclist or triathlete (etc) who wants to learn about sports science. Great mix of knowledge and approachability.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    emf1995oslo
    Norway24 days ago
  • Great podcast!

    Fascinating insights, great hosts. Thanks for your work guys!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Jason6492
    South Africaa month ago
  • Most Outstanding podcast (and I listen to many of similar ilk)

    Listened to most episodes over the last 4 or 5 years. Ross explains complex science so well, Gareth asks great questions that keen amateurs like me are thinking. And Mike is such a good interviewer. Thank you all.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Shunter68
    Australia2 months ago
  • Peak Show

    October 16th 2025 can only go downhill from here. But I will keep listening just in case.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Channer180
    United States3 months ago
  • Good show

    Good show with Ross and Mike but Gareth offers absolutely nothing other than he doesn’t like anything

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    skwdpm
    United States5 months ago

Listeners Say

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

There are mixed opinions regarding the handling of sensitive topics, with some expressing discomfort over perceived biases in discussions about gender identity in sports.
Listeners appreciate the intelligent discussions and expert opinions shared by the hosts, often highlighting the in-depth analysis of sports science topics.
The content is noted for its educational value, attracting audiences who are keen to learn and engage critically with sports-related controversies.

Chart Rankings

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

Apple Podcasts
#203
United Kingdom/Sports
Apple Podcasts
#231
Australia/Sports
Apple Podcasts
#11
South Africa/Sports
Apple Podcasts
#14
Russia/Sports
Apple Podcasts
#37
Poland/Sports
Apple Podcasts
#95
Denmark/Sports

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

AIU's Brett Clothier: Catching Athletics' Doping Cheats
Q: What gets you up in the morning and motivates you to keep doing this job?
Clothier highlighted that the most motivating factor is the desire to see athletics succeed and maintain its integrity, ensuring a level playing field for all athletes.
Mediocre Male Beats Strong Women, But Justice Prevails / Should XC Running Be In The Winter Games? / Concussion Prevention Illusions
Q: What are the implications of the Guardian Caps for NFL players?
There is skepticism about the effectiveness of Guardian Caps in reducing concussions despite claims of their success, raising questions about their real impact.
Mediocre Male Beats Strong Women, But Justice Prevails / Should XC Running Be In The Winter Games? / Concussion Prevention Illusions
Q: What do you make of the situation with the transgender athlete winning the women's title?
The hosts discuss the issue of fairness and gender identity in sports, emphasizing the importance of rules to ensure a level playing field.
World Cycling Champs Review: The Greatest Champs This Century? / Is Remco Close To Beating Pog? / Post Race Interviews
Q: What do you think about the course being almost too hard?
I think it's probably one of the hardest courses.
World Cycling Champs Review: The Greatest Champs This Century? / Is Remco Close To Beating Pog? / Post Race Interviews
Q: What was your impression of the event?
I think it's been an absolutely fantastic World Championships.

Audience Metrics

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

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Real Science of Sport Podcast

What is The Real Science of Sport Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Focusing on the intersection of sports science and athletic performance, episodes feature insightful discussions about prevalent controversies, training practices, and the latest research findings. A range of sports are covered, including athletics, cycling, and rugby, with hosts engaging in dynamic dialogues about topical issues like doping in sports, gender identity controversies in competition, and advancements in training technology. The approach balances informed opinions with empirical data, making the content accessible and fascinating for both enthusiasts and professionals alike. Unique to this offering is the emphasis on critical thinking around sports issues, encouraging listeners to question common beliefs and practices within th... more

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Which podcasts are similar to The Real Science of Sport Podcast?

These podcasts share a similar audience with The Real Science of Sport Podcast:

1. Inside Running Podcast
2. Some Work, All Play
3. COFFEE CLUB: a running podcast about nothing
4. Fast Talk
5. That Triathlon Show

How many episodes of The Real Science of Sport Podcast are there?

The Real Science of Sport Podcast launched 7 years ago and published 292 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 The Real Science of Sport Podcast?

Recent guests on The Real Science of Sport Podcast include:

1. Brett Clothier
2. Andrew Feather
3. Drew Ginn
4. Malcolm Gladwell
5. Brendon G. Gurd
6. Ashleigh Moolman-Pasio
7. Kelly McNulty
8. Sarah Massey

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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