Best 6 Podcasts for 2021 (and Beyond)

Thanks to COVID, we’re restricted more than ever with our movements, which means staying at home more and more.

We all got “Zoomed Out” in 2021, with endless continuous Zoom & Teams meetings, including virtual conferences. I’m not complaining. the Coaches Collab daily series was one of the highlights of 2020.

I’m guilty of the zoom fatigue, as we had our 2021 IFAC & EACA conference in early November. You can watch over 20 hours of recordings, including 8 different Zoom Breakout sessions BY EVENT.

Each Zoom Breakout session was recorded, which means we needed all hands on deck to record them all. I managed to moderate Endurance (with Steve Cram), along with Sprints (with Laurent Meuwly) and Hurdles (with Rita Engelbrecht).

Recording 3 different Zoom Breakout sessions simultaneously

Ironically, my best time to catch up on podcasts and videos was during my 60-80 minute commute to Central London 5 days a week. I’d spend well over 10 hours a week on a train, usually with a seat, and catch up on all movies & podcasts.

On a good note, we are walking barefoot more often, being home all the time, which may alleviate some potential injuries. We now have more time on our hands, with the time savings from pre-covid commuting. What are you doing with that extra time?

But here we are 21 months later. March 23, 2020, still etched in my mind, was the key lockdown date in the UK, and around the world was similar.

So over the past two years, here are 6 fantastic Podcasts you need to follow.

Reasons for Listening – Your Audience

Every one is different.

Your idea of entertainment or learning is much different than mine.

You may want to listen to gossip, or “opinions”. Or a celebrity follower, like Joe Rogan (I admit, who does have interesting guests)

But for me, my needs are usually coaching talks. Some technical, some inspirational, some motivational, and some social.

Modes

Again, every one is different.

From Macs to PCs, from iPhones to Android, from iTunes to Spotify.

I still like to download them as MP3 files, and listen to them on my laptop. I guess I’m old fashioned.

Best 6 Podcasts for 2021 and Beyond

Here is my list. I am referencing Spotify links, because it renders nicely on this Blog page, but you can choose among several different podcast providers.

1. Just Fly Sports by Joel Smith

This guy is Mr. Consistent. Week in, and Week out, he produces a high quality podcast

Joel is also the author of the book Sport Speed. His book is one of the top 5 books I personally recommend for coaches & speed-power-strength athletes. I’m overdue to do a book review… so watch this space!

This Podcast is also available on iTunes, Google Podcast, Spotify, Amazon Music and iHeartRadio

2. Companions of the Compendium by Ryan Banta

This podcast series is relatively new, compared ot the others, but what a lineup of legends!

Ryan is also the author of the book The Sprinter’s Compendium, in which I contributed along with many world class coaches.

You’re probably familiar with Ryan’s content, as this Blog has several of Ryan’s videos, including a free chapter to his book. You can see all of Ryan’s articles here: https://speedendurance.com/tag/ryan-banta/

3. Gill Athletics – The Track and Field Connections Podcast

Mike Cunningham of Gill Athletics was a former college coach. Each week he interviews coaches (and other professions) from every level about their journey in the coaching profession.

If you have competed in North America, you’ve probably seen their equipment somewhere, usually hurdles or landing mats for pole vault, high jump, or even starting blocks!

See my older blog post on the Gill starting blocks: https://speedendurance.com/2017/01/24/gill-fusion-f10-starting-blocks/

This Podcast is also available on Anchor .fm, iTunes, Breaker, Google Podcast, PocketCasts, RadioPublic, Spotify

4. ALTIS World

ALTIS is an elite training environment, and a global leader in sports education. They focus on coaches, sports medicine professionals and athletes (past and current) to share insights into elite performance.

Link here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/altis-world/id1050512142

This one isn’t on Spotify.

If you haven’t heard of Stu, Kevin or Andreas, and new to the Track & Field, check out their past Interviews:

5. Colm Bourke – The Track and Field Performance Podcast

This podcast is dedicated to giving coaches, athletes, and fans of Track & Field expert knowledge and insights from practitioners across the various event disciplines and domains of human performance.

Colm’s podcasts are refreshing and extremely well produced with valuable content.

6. EvelChat with Derek Evely

I think one reason why I like this podcast is because I’m missing the Canadian accent (as I’m now living in the UK).

But seriously, his chats with Stu MacMillian are one of the best, you just need time to listen as if you’re the 3rd chair in the room, having a drink. Better than being a fly on the wall.

Check out an older Interview with Derek here https://speedendurance.com/2013/05/24/interview-with-derek-evely-former-center-director-uk-athletics/