In this episode of Andy Thomas Life Stories, Andy is joinedby Professor Lennard Funk, internationally recognised shoulder surgeon. Lenshares his remarkable journey from South Africa to the UK, his unconventionalpath into medicine, and the experiences that shaped his career in orthopaedicsand sports surgery.
Together they discuss the evolution of shoulder care, MDTworking, private vs NHS practice, building educational platforms, and howclinicians can navigate career transitions, balance, and personal growth. Athoughtful and insightful conversation for anyone in healthcare, sport, orleadership.
Don’t forget to Pre-order my Book “Real Growth”: https://share.hsforms.com/12pR2Pbu-Q2SFlo2N80969g5bpdi
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🎙 From Physio to Nike:The Journey of Dave Burliston
In this episode, Andy Thomas chats with Dave Burliston, aphysiotherapist who’s worked with global brands like Nike, Tiffany & Co.,and Barbour — and supported athletes from grassroots to elite level.
Dave shares his fascinating journey from the NHS to theLondon 2012 Olympics, exploring how physiotherapy, psychology, and wellbeingconnect in both sport and business. He also reveals what it’s like workinginside Nike’s world of performance and innovation, and why human connectionstill matters in a high-tech world.
💡 Topics include:
Life as a physio in sport and corporate wellbeing
Lessons from working with Nike athletes
Communication, mindset, and resilience in healthcare
The future of physiotherapy and AI
An inspiring, down-to-earth conversation for anyonepassionate about health, performance, and purpose.
#Physiotherapy #Nike #Podcast #Wellbeing #SportsScience#Health #Leadership #AndyThomasPodcast #DaveBurliston
From Student Struggles to Clinical Success | Alastair Oxberry on Building a Modern Podiatry Powerhouse🎧 “From Struggles to Success” – The Inspiring Story of Alastair OxberryAt 18, Alastair Oxberry didn’t even know what podiatry was. Today, he leads one of the UK’s most advanced foot and ankle clinics, combining MSK podiatry, ultrasound diagnostics, and clinical innovation under one roof.In this powerful conversation, Andy Thomas dives deep into Alastair’s life story — from missing out on physiotherapy school to building a thriving 22-person clinic driven by clinical excellence, patient care, and passion for education.💡 Watch to discover:How Alastair turned early setbacks into motivation for successThe creation of his “Foot & Gait Bible” – redefining clinical standardsThe rise of ultrasound in podiatry and MSK medicineWhy apprenticeships could save the future of allied health professionsBalancing growth, leadership, and staying hands-on with patients👉 Whether you’re a clinician, healthcare entrepreneur, or simply love hearing real stories of perseverance and purpose — this episode will leave you inspired.🔔 Subscribe to Andy Thomas Life Stories for more raw, honest conversations with the people transforming healthcare and beyond.#AndyThomas #LifeStories #AlastairOxberry #Podiatry #Physiotherapy #HealthcarePodcast #MSK #Ultrasound #ClinicalExcellence #Entrepreneurship #Inspiration #MedicalPodcast #Leadership #FootAndAnkle #Apprenticeships #HealthcareInnovation #BusinessGrowth
In this episode, Andy sits down with Paul Houghoughi, better known as The Climbing Physio — a former sponsored climber turned elite sports physiotherapist who’s worked with Olympic athletes, Team GB, and some of the world’s top climbers.From his humble beginnings in North Wales to the bright lights of the Olympic stage, Paul shares how curiosity, connection, and courage shaped his career. He opens up about the moment that changed everything — hearing the words “Busy is the new stupid” — and how that mantra led him to create a simpler, more meaningful life and business.Expect stories about:🧗♂️ Life behind the scenes at the Olympics💬 Building trust and communication as a clinician💡 The power of slowing down to find focus🔥 Lessons from climbing, leadership, and listeningIf you’ve ever felt stuck on the hamster wheel of “busy,” this conversation will make you stop and think.👉 Subscribe for more inspiring conversations with people redefining success, purpose, and passion.#AndyThomas #LifeStoriesPodcast #ClimbingPhysio #Physiotherapy #Olympics #Performance #Wellbeing
In this episode, Andy talks with Dave Baker, Owner andClinical Director at Complete Physio, about his remarkable journey from accountancy to physiotherapy and how that unique background helped build one of the UK’s leading private physio practices.
Dave shares how his passion for helping people, his love ofnumbers, and his drive for innovation led him to champion ultrasound technology and non-medical prescribing within physiotherapy. He discusses the importance of combining clinical skill with business sense, embracing tech in healthcare, and keeping the patient at the centre of everything.
Whether you’re a physio, healthcare professional, or simplylove stories of career transformation and purpose, this conversation will inspire you to think bigger about what’s possible.
Join us for an insightful conversation with Dr Eddie Craghill, a GP and sports doctor, as he shares his journey from the rugby pitches of the North West to working with elite athletes and Premier League officials. In this episode, Dr Craghill discusses his path into medicine, the challenges and rewards of general practice, and his transition into sports medicine. We explore the importance of culture in GP practices, the concept of biobanding in youth sport, and the evolving landscape of musculoskeletal care in the NHS.Dr Craghill also reflects on the non-clinical skills essential for doctors, the value of diverse experiences, and the growing role of AI in healthcare. Whether you’re interested in medicine, sport, or the future of healthcare, this episode offers practical advice and unique perspectives from both clinical and sporting worlds.Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations with leading experts in health and performance!
In this episode of Life Stories, Jeff Morton reflects on why the best learning often comes from questions, not answers.
Jeff talks about how curiosity and critical thinking shape his approach as a clinician, and why he’s drawn to people who challenge him to think, rather than tell him what to do.
💬 “The people who inspire me most aren’t the ones with the answers, they’re the ones asking the right questions. They make you stop and think about the ‘why’ behind everything you do.”
🎧 In this conversation, Jeff discusses:
The value of uncertainty in professional growth
Why asking better questions leads to deeper understanding
The importance of reasoning over rigid protocols
How to stay reflective in a world that often wants quick solutions
A thoughtful and grounded chat about curiosity, learning, and what it means to stay open-minded in your career and beyond.
Running a private clinic isn’t just about helping patients — it’s also about keeping the business alive. In this episode of Life Stories, Craig Lea talks candidly about the realities of clinic ownership, why so many people avoid talking about the numbers, and how educating staff on business basics can change everything.
Craig shares a powerful exercise he ran with his team: breaking down every £1 of revenue into pennies to see where it really goes. The results? Eye-opening. Not one person put “net profit.”
💡 In this conversation, Craig explains:
Why net profit isn’t a luxury, but a necessity for reinvestment and growth
How to prepare for tough months (like August & December) and unexpected crises (like COVID)
The importance of building reserves, reinvesting in equipment, and paying taxes
Why transparency with your team creates stronger appreciation and alignment
This is a must-listen for clinic owners, physios, and anyone curious about the business side of private practice.
🎧 Listen now and discover why profit is about sustainability, not selfishness.
#LifeStories #CraigLea #PrivatePractice #BusinessOfPhysio #ClinicLeadership #BusinessGrowth #Transparency
In this Life Stories episode, we sit down with Jeroen Peters to explore the realities of life inside football.
Jeroen reflects on the unique culture of the training ground — the laughter, banter, and camaraderie that every player loves — and why it’s often the environment outside that bubble that makes the game challenging.
💬 “I’ve never met someone who said the training ground isn’t their environment. Everyone enjoys that part — the jokes, the connection. What makes people struggle is the stuff around it, the things that take away from that joy.”
We discuss:
⚽ The part of football players never fall out of love with
🧠 The unseen pressures that can make football unhealthy
🌍 Lessons for building culture and environment in any workplace
👉 Subscribe for more Life Stories conversations with athletes, leaders, and professionals who share their journeys, lessons, and reflections.
#LifeStories #JeroenPeters #FootballPodcast #MentalHealthInSport #PlayerWelfare #TeamCulture
Join us for an inspiring conversation with Dominic Moon, lead physiotherapist at Pure Physio Sports in the North.
In this episode, Dom shares his journey from the NHS to private practice, the challenges and rewards of setting up his own clinic, and the rapid growth of Pure Physio.
Discover how Dom’s background as a golfer influenced his career, the importance of professional development, and the unique opportunities within sports physiotherapy.
We also discuss the evolving relationship between private practice and the NHS, the impact of COVID-19, and the value of supportive mentors and colleagues.
Whether you’re a physiotherapist, healthcare professional, or simply interested in personal growth and resilience, this episode offers valuable insights and real-life experiences from the world of physiotherapy.
Join us for an inspiring conversation with Marc Pugh, the former professional footballer affectionately known as the “foodie footballer.” In this episode, Marc shares his remarkable journey from grassroots football to the heights of the Premier League, offering a candid look at the challenges, setbacks, and triumphs that shaped his career.
Discover how Marc’s unwavering mindset, dedication to self-improvement, and passion for nutrition helped him overcome adversity and achieve success on and off the pitch. Hear behind-the-scenes stories about working with renowned managers like Eddie Howe, the realities of life in League One and the Championship, and the importance of surrounding yourself with positive people.
Marc also discusses his transition into coaching and nutrition consultancy, providing valuable insights for aspiring athletes and anyone interested in peak performance and wellbeing.
Don’t miss this engaging and motivational interview—perfect for football fans, sports professionals, and anyone seeking inspiration to pursue their goals.
#MarcPugh #FoodieFootballer #FootballPodcast #Mindset #Nutrition #PremierLeague #Inspiration
Join us for an insightful conversation with Sophie Birnie, a dedicated physiotherapist whose journey has taken her from the quiet streets of Southport to the fast-paced world of professional football. In this candid interview, Sophie shares her experiences growing up in Merseyside, her path through education, and the challenges she faced breaking into the world of physiotherapy—both in the NHS and on the football pitch.Sophie discusses the realities of being a woman in a male-dominated environment, the importance of mutual respect, and how her background in psychology and sport has shaped her approach to patient care. From tales of school days and family life to the pressures and rewards of working with football teams, Sophie’s story is both relatable and inspiring.Whether you’re interested in sports medicine, women in sport, or simply enjoy hearing about real-life journeys, this interview offers plenty of food for thought. Don’t miss Sophie’s honest reflections on career, resilience, and the value of staying true to yourself.If you enjoyed this chat, please like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring stories!#Physiotherapy #WomenInSport #Football #CareerJourney #Inspiration
Join us for an insightful conversation with Gregg Roberts, who shares his unique journey from senior physiotherapist to Finance and Operations Director at The White House Clinic.In this episode, we delve into the challenges and rewards of the private physiotherapy world. Gregg opens up about making the leap from the NHS, the surprising isolation that can come with private practice, and why creating a supportive work environment is crucial for both staff and patients.Discover how his clinical background shapes his business decisions and why he believes honest advice and patient-first care are the keys to a sustainable and successful practice.Tune in to learn:How to navigate the transition from NHS to private practice.The importance of looking after your team to achieve better patient outcomes.Why a focus on clinical integrity is the best business model.The future of physiotherapy and the need to embrace innovation.This is a must-listen for any physio, clinic owner, or healthcare professional looking to balance clinical passion with business acumen.
Join us for a fascinating conversation with Chris Bartlett, a visionary in the world of physiotherapy and healthcare technology. In this insightful episode, Chris delves into the transformative power of AI and how it's reshaping healthcare delivery, from recording meetings to revolutionising patient care. He shares his experiences navigating the accelerated digital landscape post-COVID and discusses the surprising return to face-to-face interactions.
3:45 - The acceleration of AI and its impact on healthcare
15:52 - Making your own luck in the hybrid digital space
18:24 - Building an independent brand (Edicia) to transform an industry
24:30 - The future of physiotherapy: preventative care and holistic health
43:48 - The importance of looking at the whole picture and making consistent improvements
55:35 - Finding optimism in the physiotherapy industry
Tune in to gain unique insights into innovation, entrepreneurship, and the evolving landscape of healthcare from a true industry leader!
#Physiotherapy #HealthcareTechnology #AIinHealthcare #DigitalHealth #Entrepreneurship #ChrisBartlett #Podcast #HealthcareInnovation #PreventativeCare #BritishEnglish
In this episode, we're joined by Nathan Mill, the Head of Medical Services at St. Helens Rugby, for a deep dive into communication, leadership, and the journey of a top-tier physiotherapist.
Nathan shares his unique insights on what it takes to succeed, both in elite sport and in life. From his "80% listening, 20% talking" communication philosophy to the mentors who have shaped his career, this conversation is packed with valuable lessons.
Key Topics & Timestamps:
0:37 - The power of listening and the Pareto principle in communication
3:28 - Why empathy is crucial for building trust in healthcare and elite sport
5:22 - Key mentors and influences, including insights from Chris Voss's book "Never Split the Difference"
9:50 - Navigating the challenge of work-life balance and time management
13:15 - Nathan's career journey from the NHS to St. Helens Rugby
34:40 - The importance of mission, vision, and values in building a championship team
42:57 - The 'Believe' philosophy and the power of consistency
1:05:58 - Highs, lows, and the incredible podcast that has influenced his perspective
Whether you're a professional, a student, or simply interested in personal growth, Nathan's inspiring story and practical wisdom will leave you with a fresh perspective on what it means to truly connect with others.
Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more insights!
Join us for an enlightening conversation with Ian Griffiths, a renowned sports podiatrist who takes us on a fascinating journey through his professional evolution. From humble beginnings as a pharmacy technician to working with elite athletes across football, golf, and the Olympic Games, Ian shares candid insights into his career path.
Discover how a chance encounter in a night school chemistry class sparked his passion for podiatry, and learn about the challenges and triumphs of building a career in sports medicine. Ian offers refreshingly honest advice for aspiring healthcare professionals, discussing the importance of patience, continuous learning, and enjoying the journey.
Highlights include:
Ian's unexpected route into podiatry
Working with professional sports teams
The realities of treating elite athletes
Career development tips
Balancing professional and personal growth
Join us for a cracking chat with Mick Rathbone, former Everton physio and football legend, as he takes us behind the scenes of his incredible journey through football. From his nerve-wracking debut to working with superstars like Wayne Rooney and David Moyes, Mick shares hilarious stories and honest insights into how football has changed over the decades.We dive into:
The wild world of sports medicine
Crazy dressing room stories
His journey from player to top physio
Writing books about football
Unforgettable moments at Everton
Whether you're a football fan, aspiring sports physio, or just love a good laugh, this chat is packed with brilliant stories you won't want to miss. Mick's no-nonsense style and brilliant memories will have you in stitches!
Join Andy as he sits down with Dr Warren Bradley, founder of Hydro, for an inspiring conversation about innovation, sports science, and entrepreneurship.
From his early days as a sports scientist to launching a groundbreaking blood flow restriction technology used by top athletes and even NASA, Warren shares his remarkable journey. In this podcast, you'll discover:
How a chance conversation led to a PhD at Munster Rugby
The challenges of developing a revolutionary sports performance product
Warren's experiences working with professional sports teams
The incredible story of Hydro's collaboration with NASA
Insights into managing a busy international career
Personal reflections on becoming a first-time father
Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, sports science enthusiast, or simply love hearing about cutting-edge innovation, this episode offers fascinating insights into turning academic curiosity into a global business.#SportsTechnology #Entrepreneurship #Innovation #SportsScienceBreakthrough
Join us for an incredible journey with Dr. Kush Joshi, a Sports and Exercise Medicine consultant who's redefined medical career paths!In this fascinating podcast, discover:
His unique career path from London to the Caribbean
Insights into Sports and Exercise Medicine
Behind-the-scenes experiences at Wimbledon
Working with world-class athletes
Balancing professional ambitions and personal life
Key Highlights:✓ Two transformative years in Turks and Caicos✓ Navigating the competitive world of Sports Medicine✓ Mental resilience lessons from top athletes like Novak Djokovic✓ The importance of continuous learning and mentorship✓ Challenges and opportunities in modern healthcareDr. Joshi shares candid stories about:
Transitioning between medical specialties
Building a career with passion and purpose
Managing multiple professional roles
Personal strategies for work-life balance
Perfect for:🔹 Medical professionals🔹 Sports enthusiasts🔹 Career development seekers🔹 Anyone interested in unique career journeysDon't miss this inspiring conversation that blends medicine, sports, and personal growth!#SportsMedicine #CareerJourney #Healthcare #ProfessionalDevelopment
Join us for an insightful conversation with Dr Simon Lack, a leading physiotherapist and Head of Research at Pure Sports Medicine. In this engaging podcast, Simon shares his remarkable journey from a passionate sports enthusiast to a renowned professional in physiotherapy and research.Discover:
Simon's early career inspirations
The fascinating world of sports medicine research
Balancing clinical practice and academic pursuits
Innovative approaches to patient care
The future of physiotherapy and healthcare
Key highlights include:
His experiences working in New Zealand
The importance of shared decision-making
Insights into professional development
Challenges and rewards of a career in physiotherapy
Whether you're a healthcare professional, student, or simply curious about sports medicine, this conversation offers valuable perspectives on passion, learning, and making a difference in people's lives.#Physiotherapy #SportsMedicine #Healthcare #ProfessionalDevelopmen