Best Matt Findlay Podcasts (2025)

1
#72 Bianca Valenti’s Second Act: How She Won Equal Pay, Redefined Her Sport, and Trains Her Body and Nerves for Big Waves — and for Life 1:55:43

6h ago1:55:43

1:55:43

What does it take to paddle into 50-foot waves — and to paddle back out again after life knocks you down? In this wide-ranging conversation, professional big wave surfer Bianca Valenti joins the Ageless Athlete podcast to talk about what it really means to face fear, rebuild after burnout, and commit to something bigger than yourself. Bianca is bes…

1
Policies 34:45

6d ago34:45

34:45

Femi and Matt discuss the concept of school policies and policy documentation, and what makes them more or less effective. We're not on social media but we love to hear your thoughts, feedback, reflections and requests so please send us a message at: [email protected] Matt Findlay and Femi Adeniran

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#71 When the Body Breaks Through: From Cold Oceans to Chemo Miles — Best of Q1 2025 1:38:01

6d ago1:38:01

1:38:01

In this special highlight reel, we revisit the most unforgettable moments from the past few months of Ageless Athlete. These are stories that stuck with me—narratives that challenged how I think about fear, recovery, aging, and what the human body (and spirit) can do when fully committed. You’ll hear: A nurse in her 50s swimming 30 miles through 43…

1
Micro Interactions 42:41

13d ago42:41

42:41

Matt and Femi discuss those brief interactions with students that set the tone for the lesson, or help transform the way students think about themselves.By Matt Findlay and Femi Adeniran

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IRONMAN Insider presented by Maurten - Episode 22 - Paula Findlay 56:50

16d ago56:50

56:50

In this episode of the IRONMAN Insider podcast, host Matt Lieto sits down with professional triathlete Paula Findlay to discuss her recent victory at IRONMAN 70.3 Oceanside and her journey in the sport. Paula shares insights into her training, the challenges of early-season races, and her evolving mindset towards competition. They also delve into h…

1
#70 Dean Karnazes: Fighting Fit in His 60s, Running Ultras on Weekends, and Tracing the Marathon’s Roots in Greece 1:02:53

16d ago1:02:53

1:02:53

Dean Karnazes has been called one of the fittest humans on the planet — and he’s not slowing down. In his 60s, he’s still running ultramarathons on the weekends, living part-time in Greece, and exploring the historical roots of endurance itself. In this episode, Dean takes us through: What running looks like for him today Why Greece has become his …

1
#68 Aging Joints & Grateful Bodies: Elbows, Fingers, Sleep, and the Stories We Tell Ourselves 1:11:22

23d ago1:11:22

1:11:22

Physiotherapist and coach Andy McVittie returns to the podcast for a deeper dive into the aging body — what breaks down, why it happens, and how to keep moving through it all. In this episode, we move from big-picture thinking to the specific joints and patterns that affect everyday athletes most: shoulders, elbows, fingers, and knees. Andy shares …

1
'Holding To Account' & 'Won't, Can't, Forgot' 36:13

27d ago36:13

36:13

Matt and Femi dive into the phrase that you so often hear amongst senior and middle management in schools: "Holding people to account".By Matt Findlay and Femi Adeniran

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#67 Jerry Moffatt’s Revelations: Dangerous Free Soloing Before It Was Cool, The Power of Obsession, Letting Go at Your Peak, and His Surprising Key to Success 1:36:24

1M ago1:36:24

1:36:24

Dangerous Free Soloing Before It Was Cool, The Power of Obsession, and Letting Go at Your Peak In this episode of Ageless Athlete, host Kush Khandelwal sits down with one of climbing’s most iconic and introspective figures—Jerry Moffatt. Long before climbing hit the Olympics or Netflix, before Honnold and El Cap, Jerry was free soloing bold routes …

1
Starting A School From Scratch - Michaela Khatib 49:30

1M ago49:30

49:30

Matt and Femi speak to the executive head teacher and founder of Cobham Free School, Michaela Khatib, about the remarkable journey to plan, start and grow a school from nothing to over a thousand pupils.By Matt Findlay and Femi Adeniran

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#66 Mastering Momentum: How Ned Overend Still Wins at 70, Avoids Injury, and Trains Like a Student of the Sport 1:49:52

1M ago1:49:52

1:49:52

What does it take to stay at the top of your sport for over four decades—and still be competitive at 70? In this episode, we sit down with Ned Overend, the first-ever UCI Mountain Bike World Champion and six-time national champion, who’s still toeing the line with athletes half his age. But this isn’t just a story about biking—it’s about reinventio…

1
IRONMAN Insider presented by Maurten - Episode 21 - Magnus Ditlev 1:01:35

1M ago1:01:35

1:01:35

Matt Lieto sits down with Danish star Magnus Ditlev to talk about his journey to the top of long-distance racing. Coming off a second-place finish at the IRONMAN World Championship in Kailua-Kona, Magnus opens up about his offseason reset, his intense focus on improving his swim, and the tactical decisions that shape his race-day strategy. With a s…

1
Teacher Knowledge 46:21

1M ago46:21

46:21

Matt and Femi discuss the need for teachers to have a basic understanding of how learning happens, as well as barriers and solutions to the problem.By Matt Findlay and Femi Adeniran

1
#65 The Movement Optimist: Knees, Shoulders, Elbows, Hips, Bulletproof Yourself! Never Late to Get Strong! 1:42:22

1M ago1:42:22

1:42:22

Physiotherapist, coach, and lifelong climber Andy McVittie challenge the myths about aging and physical decline. Andy brings decades of hands-on experience, working with outdoor athletes and everyday movers who want to stay active, resilient, and injury-free well into their 40s, 50s, and beyond. We discuss why it’s never too late to get strong, how…

1
Private vs State Schools 39:41

2M ago39:41

39:41

Matt and Femi discuss Femi's experience of working in both state and private schools, what the major differences are for teachers and what each can learn from the other.By Matt Findlay and Femi Adeniran

1
IRONMAN Insider presented by Maurten - Episode 20 - Leon Chevalier 1:10:03

2M ago1:10:03

1:10:03

Join host Matt Lieto as he sits down with 2023 IRONMAN South Africa champion Leon Chevalier. Leon shares his insights on the upcoming IRONMAN Pro Series, his Kona experience, and his unique approach to training and racing. Discover how Leon balances a "normal life" with world-class performance, and what drives his analytical approach to the sport. …

1
#64 The Ultimate Comeback: At 46, Tara Tulley Transformed Her Life, Lost 130 lbs, Overcame Illness, and, Conquered a 140 Mile Ultra Run 1:50:55

2M ago1:50:55

1:50:55

Tara Tulley’s story is an ode to the power of resilience, determination, and self-belief. At 45 years old, she stood at the start line of a grueling 140-mile ultra-marathon—not as a runner, but as a spectator. Weighing over 250 pounds, battling the effects of POTS, and having stepped away from running for years, she made a bold promise: One year fr…

1
Accountability Culture AND Power of Video 47:00

2M ago47:00

47:00

This episode has 2 unrelated topics... In the first half of the episode Femi and Matt discuss what it means to have a culture where you can 'hold colleagues accountable' for the benefit of the whole team. In the second part of episode (starting at 20:30), Femi and Matt turn their attention to the Power of Video - particularly with regards to modell…

1
#63 Beyond Two Guinness Surfing Records: How Shawn Dollar Overcame Traumatic Brain Injury—and Why You Must Advocate for Your Own Health 1:12:31

2M ago1:12:31

1:12:31

“Fear doesn’t have to destroy you—it can become rocket fuel if you learn to harness it. That mindset carried me through big waves and even bigger challenges on land.” In this episode, we dive deep with Shawn Dollar, a big-wave surfer known for paddling into massive 60-foot waves—twice—earning him two Guinness World Records. As awe-inspiring as thos…

1
Improving is Hard! 40:19

2M ago40:19

40:19

Femi and Matt discuss why improving our teaching (or anything) can be so difficult, and how that influences their thinking around coaching and PD.By Matt Findlay and Femi Adeniran

1
#62 One Mile at a Time: The Healing Power of Movement and How Adventure Can Fight Alzheimer’s 1:46:02

2M ago1:46:02

1:46:02

“Get people outside. Let them walk, let them move. And if they can’t, do it in a wheelchair. Fresh air and movement—at any level—still have the power to bring joy, connection, and even a little bit of who they once were.” In this episode of The Ageless Athlete Podcast, I sit down with ultra-endurance athlete, coach, and bestselling author Travis M…

1
IRONMAN Insider presented by Maurten - Episode 19 - Laura Philipp 1:04:01

2M ago1:04:01

1:04:01

In this episode of IRONMAN Insider presented by Maurten, host Matt Lieto sits down with none other than 2024 IRONMAN World Champion Laura Philipp. Laura takes us through her journey from discovering triathlon later in life to standing atop the podium in Nice. She shares the highs and lows of her career, from her breakthrough performances to overcom…

1
#61 Chris Bertish Is All In: Paddling the Atlantic Solo, and Fear, Failure & Finding Strength in the Unknown 1:15:47

2M ago1:15:47

1:15:47

At 50, Chris Bertish has built his life on pushing the boundaries of human endurance. From conquering Mavericks with no sleep and borrowed gear to paddling 4,600 miles across the Atlantic solo, his story is proof that commitment, mindset, and resilience can rewrite what we think is possible. In this storytelling episode, Chris takes us inside his b…

1
My team are not doing what I asked! 30:03

3M ago30:03

30:03

Femi and Matt ponder the all too common phrase "people just aren't doing it"!By Matt Findlay and Femi Adeniran

1
IRONMAN Insider presented by Maurten - Episode 18 - Kat Matthews 1:02:40

3M ago1:02:40

1:02:40

On this episode of IRONMAN Insider, host Matt Lieto sits down with defending IRONMAN Pro Series champion Kat Matthews to talk about the highs, lows, and lessons of her career. From coming back stronger after a devastating injury to setting her sights on Kona, Kat shares what fuels her drive to improve year after year. She reflects on her near-perfe…

1
#60 Lisa Smith-Batchen, The Peaceful Warrior: How to Break Through Self-Imposed Limits, Use Aging to Your Advantage, and How Purpose Will Transform You 1:25:46

3M ago1:25:46

1:25:46

"We can be younger by tomorrow—it’s not about reversing time, but about how we choose to move, think, and approach life with intention. Every day is an opportunity to grow stronger, more resilient, and more connected to what truly matters." 🙌🏾 Lisa Smith-Batchen is a living legend in the world of endurance sports. Lisa’s achievements are awe-inspir…

1
Disagree then Commit 41:39

3M ago41:39

41:39

Femi and Matt discuss the concept of 'disagree then commit' in the context of working in a school team or SLT.By Matt Findlay and Femi Adeniran

1
#59 Best of 2024 Part II 1:55:43

3M ago1:55:43

1:55:43

🎙️ Ageless Athlete Podcast is back with Part 2 of our Best of 2024 series! In this special episode, we revisit some of the most powerful, thought-provoking, and inspiring conversations from the past year. If Part 1 was about pushing limits and redefining aging through adventure, Part 2 dives deeper into the mindset shifts, personal transformations,…

1
Peter Lee - Headteacher at Q3 Academy Langley 1:03:27

3M ago1:03:27

1:03:27

Matt and Femi talk to Peter Lee about how he has managed to found and maintain a school which not only achieves outstanding results, but also has not had any supply bought in for over 8 years! Among many other things they discuss workload, behaviour, timetabling and lesson structures.By Matt Findlay and Femi Adeniran

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#58 Beyond Limits: Steve McClure’s Unorthodox Methods, Peak Performance at 54, What Causes Decline, (and, the Best Fixes for Long-Term Success) 1:46:20

3M ago1:46:20

1:46:20

Steve McClure is one of Britain’s most accomplished rock climbers, and at 54, still continuing to climb at an elite level, defying the notion that performance inevitably drops with age. We dive into his unconventional training philosophy, how he balances pushing his physical limits with enjoying family life (and even the occasional late-night party…

1
Reflections on 6 months of Coaching 46:20

3M ago46:20

46:20

Femi shares his reflections and lessons learnt with Matt on the last 6 months of doing regular coaching - several times per week.By Matt Findlay and Femi Adeniran

1
#57 Best Of 2024 - Part I 1:49:37

3M ago1:49:37

1:49:37

Excited for this special look back at the most inspiring moments of 2024! Host Kush Khandelwal revisits powerful conversations with athletes and adventurers who’ve challenged limits, overcome adversity, and redefined resilience. This episode highlights some of the most moving stories and actionable lessons from climbers, surfers, runners, cyclists,…

1
Drop-in Culture 43:50

3M ago43:50

43:50

Prompted by Pritesh's tweet regarding the number of observations completed and feedback given in the autumn term, Femi and Matt discuss attitudes and culture around drop-ins.By Matt Findlay and Femi Adeniran

1
#56 The $101M Global Race to Redefine Aging: Jamie Justice on the Science of Longevity, and Why Aging Is an Opportunity, Not a Decline 1:34:48

4M ago1:34:48

1:34:48

What if aging didn’t have to mean decline? What if the years ahead could be just as vibrant as your youth—if not more so? In this week’s episode of Ageless Athlete, Jamie Justice, Executive Vice President of Health at XPRIZE, reveals how she’s leading a $101 million global competition to make that vision a reality. This episode is packed with mind-…

1
Refusal 42:34

4M ago42:34

42:34

Femi and Matt wrestle with the concept of students who refuse instructions and what schools can do about it.By Matt Findlay and Femi Adeniran

1
IRONMAN Insider presented by Maurten - Episode 17 - Craig Alexander 1:02:21

4M ago1:02:21

1:02:21

In the 2025 premiere episode of IRONMAN Insider presented by Maurten, host Matt Lieto kicks off the season with none other than triathlon legend Craig Alexander. With five world titles under his belt, Craig dives deep into the evolution of the sport, 2024’s most incredible performances and the challenges and triumphs of his career. From unforgettab…

1
#55 Impossible To Possible: How Ray Zahab’s Adventure Mindset Helped Him Overcome Cancer and Redefine Resilience 1:09:49

4M ago1:09:49

1:09:49

“During chemo, I could have stayed on the couch binge-watching Netflix. Instead, I chose to walk 500 meters, then build from there. Every step reminded me that I could still fight and get stronger.” In this episode of The Ageless Athlete Podcast, I sit down with Ray Zahab—a professional adventurer and ultra-endurance athlete who has crossed some o…

1
The Lost Art of Planning 49:46

4M ago49:46

49:46

Femi and Matt's discussion is prompted by an article of the same name: https://thinkingflexibly.com/2024/10/18/the-lost-art-of-planning/ They discuss the pros and cons of planning lessons, designing lesson sequences and preparing resources from scratch vs having off-the-shelf schemes of work, resources and teaching powerpoints.…

1
#54 Discovering Longevity: How I Applied These 10 Surprising Lessons From Top Athletes 33:50

4M ago33:50

33:50

In this episode, I reflect on 10 surprising and powerful lessons I’ve learned from some of the world’s top adventure athletes. From reframing fear to finding joy, embracing awe to chasing big dreams, these lessons have reshaped my own journey—and they can inspire yours too. Whether you’re an athlete or simply looking to live more fully, this episod…

1
Front-loading Your Explanations 37:09

4M ago37:09

37:09

Matt and Femi discuss explicit teaching (direct instruction), questioning, AfL and much more!By Matt Findlay and Femi Adeniran

1
#53: Caroline Paul Revisited - Why Embracing Small Risks Leads to Big Growth, Finding Awe in the Everyday, And Reframing Fear as a Tool For Growth 1:20:08

4M ago1:20:08

1:20:08

As we step into a new year, there’s no better time to revisit this transformative conversation with Caroline Paul—firefighter, adventurer, and NYT best-selling author. In this episode, Caroline shares practical strategies to reframe fear, build confidence, and find awe in everyday life. Whether you're chasing bold resolutions or just seeking a more…

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#52 Endless Summer: Behind The Scenes from a Surfing Classic, and Wingnut's Proven Formula for Staying Active, Balanced, and Stoked at Any Age 1:39:25

5M ago1:39:25

1:39:25

Robert "Wingnut" Weaver, is the star of Endless Summer II and one of surfing’s most iconic longboarders. Wingnut takes us behind the scenes of the movie that shaped surf culture and shares timeless lessons on living a balanced, joyful, and active life. Whether you’re a surfer or simply someone seeking inspiration, this conversation is packed with p…

1
IRONMAN Insider presented by Maurten - Episode 16 - Gregory Barnaby and Taylor Knibb 1:03:05

5M ago1:03:05

1:03:05

On this episode of the IRONMAN Insider podcast, host Matt Lieto catches up with professional triathletes Gregory Barnaby and Taylor Knibb. Gregory Barnaby shares his incredible journey through the IRONMAN Pro Series, reflecting on his recent victory at IRONMAN 70.3 Western Australia Asia-Pacific Championship and his lead in the IRONMAN Pro Series s…

1
#51 Into The Depths: No Wetsuit, 43 Degree Water, And 17 Hours Non-Stop, To Make History With The First Swim To Shark Island 🦈 1:52:28

5M ago1:52:28

1:52:28

""Swimming in 43-degree water with no wetsuit, knowing sharks could be nearby, pushes every cell in your body to scream for warmth and safety. But that’s where mental toughness comes in. You break it down—30 minutes at a time—pushing past the pain and fear to discover another level of yourself."🌊 Amy Appelhans Gubser has achieved what many consider…

1
#50 Eat Better, Live Longer by EC Synkowski - Debunking Nutrition Myths, The 800 Gram Challenge, Protein For Athletes, Stop Chasing Diet Trends 52:12

5M ago52:12

52:12

"When you understand nutrition isn’t about specific food choices, you stop chasing the trends"🥗💪🏾 n this episode of The Ageless Athlete Podcast, I sit down with EC Synkowski, the founder of OptimizeMe Nutrition and the creator of the groundbreaking 800-Gram Challenge. EC’s no-nonsense, science-backed approach cuts through the noise of trendy diets …

1
Katharine Birbalsingh 1:09:20

5M ago1:09:20

1:09:20

Matt and Femi talk to Katharine Birbalsingh, founding member and head teacher of the Michaela Community School in Wembley Park.By Matt Findlay and Femi Adeniran

1
#49 - Revisited: Wayne Willoughby - From Severe Disability to 26 Summits of El Capitan, a Rock Climber's Transformative Story 1:25:48

5M ago1:25:48

1:25:48

"It's not easy for me just to make it through your average day, like I almost fall over and do fall over just in my kitchen trying to make dinner. But if I'm still able to accomplish these things that are seen as goals... it enriches my life in so many different ways." 🙌🏽 We're thrilled to bring back one of our most inspiring conversations for thos…

1
Barry Smith on Classroom Teaching 1:08:00

5M ago1:08:00

1:08:00

Following on from their video analysis of his lesson, Matt and Femi talk to Barry Smith about some of his principles for classroom teaching. Starting from a lense of MFL teaching, we extract the general pedagogical principles that Barry believes lead to exceptional outcomes in the classroom.By Matt Findlay and Femi Adeniran

1
#48 - Commandments for Longevity and Fulfillment in Sport and Life - Part II 35:47

5M ago35:47

35:47

In this sequel to our popular “5 Commandments” episode, we bring you five more principles for achieving longevity and fulfillment in sport and life. These lessons, drawn from the incredible lives of world-class athletes who have starred in this show, go beyond training techniques to explore mental resilience, community, and balance. Through their i…

1
Metacognition with Nathan Burns 48:41

6M ago48:41

48:41

Matt and Femi chat to metacognition enthusiast Nathan Burns about metacognition, knowledge, knowledge organisers and much much more. Check out Nathan's resources on his website: https://www.mrmetacognition.com/By Matt Findlay and Femi Adeniran

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Matt Findlay Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen